Cheap isn’t always a BAD thing!! The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve come to realize that the price of something does not determine the value of it. (In terms of being Fab) Now don’t get me wrong, some things you do have to spend a higher amount of money to get a better quality on or for that specific brand that you can’t live without but for most, you can find similar items for the price that fits your pocket. I am a strong believer in LIVING WITHIN YOUR MEANS, meaning if you can not afford to buy expensive clothing, makeup, etc., DON’T! There is no need to keep up with the Jones’s. The reality of it all is that no one knows exactly how much you pay for your personal belongings, quite frankly I’m sure no one really cares lol The point of this is to share ways to be FAB on a BUDGET and no one will ever know your little secret!

 TIPS:

• Two words: THRIFT STORE

Since my recent move to Texas, I have come across some wonderful thrift stores! Thrifting is a fun and exciting way to shop and let’s not forget to mention CHEAP! You never know what you are going to find when you go into a thrift store. With the evolving changes in fashion, vintage pieces you may find at a thrift store will go along with today’s trendy wear. So what the clothes are used!!! That’s why we have washer and dryers lol I went thrifting and found tons of name brand items: Levi’s, Gap, Hollister, etc. Like I said before, you never know what you are going to find and I’m sure your pocket would enjoy a trip to the thrift store as well.

Pictured below is one of my favorite pieces I found while thrifting: $2 shirt!

• Reinvent your closet.

Summer will be here soon and that means HOT weather. Save money by reinventing old jeans into new, cool shorts for the summer! If you don’t have any old jeans, you can pick up a cheap pair from Wal-Mart, etc and turn those jeans into shorts! Bleach them, dye them, add jewels, whatever you like! There are so many video tutorials on YouTube that will help guide you to making fab designs. All you need is a few supplies and TIME. You can also cut and reinvent shirts into tanks, off the shoulder tops, etc. Be creative and think of ideas that you would like to wear.

• Spend LESS money on things you rarely use.

You know your lifestyle so this will vary person to person. One of the items for me is lipstick!! I love lipstick, but I DON’T spend a lot of money on it because for one, I don’t wear it everyday. Seems pretty pointless to spend $30 on a tube of lipstick that I’ll only wear maybe once a month. Now for those of you who do wear makeup/cosmetics everyday: It makes sense to put more into your products because you are actually putting them to use! Even so, there is no harm in trying cheaper products with good quality. I purchased some lip colors from Dollar General, Wet & Wild brand, and for those who like lipstick but don’t want to pay a lot, I think it’s a good one to start with. Only $2! Also, places such as Wal-Mart have a nice selection of lipsticks from all different brands that you can find for under $10. (See Below)

• Coupons.

Self explanatory! Coupons are made to help you save and every penny counts. Look for them in your local newspaper or find them online.

•  Use your Receipts wisely.

I’m sure most of us don’t think twice about our receipts after making a purchase. Well, I think I can change your mind on that!! Most food places offer some kind of FREE food whenever you take a short, simple survey for them. On the back of the receipt, you can find the number for the survey as well as all of the information you need. Below are a few I’ve run across. I personally LOVE to eat out so even if it is just free order of fries or just a free drink, I’LL GLADLY TAKE IT! lol

Some other ideas can be to:

• Shop heavy during the holiday to catch items on sale
• Host a “Swap Party” in which you and a group of friends bring all  the lightly worn clothing that she no longer wants and everyone find “new” items to take home. Similar to thrifting except you know exactly who the used clothing is coming from.
• Sample makeup items before buying them

Ok that’s all I have for now! Have any tips for “Living Good and Being Fab on a Budget”? Comment below.   Thanks for reading!!!!!!!   -JJ ❤