‘Hi Tosyn, my question is about money. Well about fashion. I earn enough, I would say I am comfortable, but I still want to look good, at work or when I go out. Got any tips for looking fabulous on a budget?’
This question came in as a direct message on twitter, but the author chooses to remain anonymous. Shall I call her ‘A’?
So hello A, thanks for writing in and you know, that is a very interesting question. Now usually, I am just a Jeans and t-shirt girl but when I am in CON.tra.diction mode or SPEECHgirl/abisona mode, I have to change my looks. Plus there are events to cover and shows to go so there is always a need to have an interesting wardrobe. I asked a few of my Unruly friends as well though, so here are some tips we all have for you.
Clean Out Your Closet
The truth is the more we buy, the less we see what we actually have. Ever spent a Sunday or Saturday just bringing all your clothes out to check which ones need to be washed, fixed or given away? You should.
It is great exercise (you are burning calories), you would end up giving some out (you are doing something good), and you will always discover some top or jeans that you had forgotten about and had not worn in a long time! (you are revamping your wardrobe). And who knows, maybe you would even find a forgotten N500 note somewhere!
Invest In Classics/Key Pieces
Some things you scrimp on, others you invest in! There are some classics that should be invested in and these vary from person to person. Your job for example would determine a big part of your wardrobe, and also, what activities you engage in your spare time/for fun. You should have a good pair of jeans, solid black shoes, a good skirt suit, a dress and a solid bag!
Try Naija ‘High Street’
The clothes and accessories are affordable and are usually factory rejects. Basically what happens is when clothes are mass-made, if one has some little mistakes (incorrect zip, button hole not opened), it won’t be sold, or at least not at the same price. If you don’t mind, you can still wear some really good items.
Save Then Splurge
Give yourself a reward for saving. Sometimes I will set some money aside daily and when I have made a nice pile, I would then spend on something I really, really like. It is usually accessories for me, but you can save to buy the clothes in vogue, as we say. The thing about ‘vogue’ fashion is, it never lasts for long. If you spend a lot of money on something that will no longer be fashionable in two months, you will feel pretty bad. But, you can treat yourself once in a while. So forget that extra piece of chicken when you are eating, cut down on recharge cards, save on petrol and follow your friend to work for a week. Then splurge! (If you would like to save then splurge for both of us, I am a size 8. Thank you!)
Wear One Item Different Ways
You can sometimes change your whole look, or make an item look completely different and new by changing the way you wear it. Items like waist-coats and jackets, and accessories like belts, brooches, badges, and so on, can help change an outfit completely. Plain items are easier to play with, but anything you have can be worn in different ways.
Usually, I can change a look in three different ways, but I finally found an item I can wear five ways, one for each persona.
But that is an article for another day!
Hope I have been able to help A!
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1 comment
yes,u are right u dont just over buy and store colth at d end of d day u will nt knw wht to wear.also try to tel me our u change look. cos as at today am just thinking of our to change my look.thanks much love.