https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 03:31:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget/page/2#post-1837035 Thu, 17 Aug 2017 04:44:51 +0000 Laura G 1837035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use OxyClean on everything--silk, knits, 100-year-old lace. There may be something it's not safe for (check the label) but I haven't come across it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget/page/2#post-1836975 Thu, 17 Aug 2017 01:04:14 +0000 anne 1836975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenni </b>I'm basically pretty happy and content with my wardrobe! I know it is, by and large, flattering to my body shape, in good colours for me, about the size I want it and appropriate to my activities. Maybe that's in fact a&nbsp; quiet sort of "sparking joy".</p> <p><b>Helen11</b> - great to hear from you (done any more parkruns?) Thanks for the birdsnest recommendation. You're right that the silver sneakers are likely not to last (and come to think of it, they were an impulse buy, so maybe they are a "heart singing" purchase). My girls don't like me wearing them though, as they are so conspicious and invite comment. So maybe a matte version would be better than an outright duplication of my shiny ones.</p> <p><b>LauraG</b> - would Oxyclean be ok for knits?</p> <p><b>Lisa&nbsp; </b>thanks. I did think about upgrading jeans this year and then chickened out and replaced mine with a $20 pair from Kmart! I understand the theory behind what you are saying though. I expect those jeans to give me at least 2 years of wearing 1-2 times a week for 6 months though.<br />&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget/page/2#post-1836879 Wed, 16 Aug 2017 17:49:17 +0000 Lisa 1836879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great position to be in! &nbsp;Is there something that you wear all the time and want to upgrade? &nbsp;For me that would be jeans </p> <p>as I'm very centered on how often will I use it affecting how much I will spend. &nbsp;When I first switched over to premium denim it was tough to fork over the higher price tag. &nbsp;But now I see how much cost per wear I get out of them and I don't mind the higher price anymore. If there is something you'd like to upgrade this is an opportunity to do so. &nbsp;Or you can use it to buy say a new bag of other accessory instead of clothes. &nbsp;Or, the final option is to save the money until you really need to buy something (ie a coveted item suddenly gets stained or shrinks and needs immediate replacing). &nbsp;Good luck with your decision!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget/page/2#post-1836836 Wed, 16 Aug 2017 16:03:44 +0000 Laura G 1836836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For your stained blue jumper--if OxyClean is sold where you are, I recommend a several-day soak in it. My sister and I sell vintage textiles, and we've found just about anything will come out if you're willing to soak long enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget/page/2#post-1836833 Wed, 16 Aug 2017 15:34:01 +0000 anne 1836833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank Jenni and Helen. I have more to say, but laptop is not working! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget/page/2#post-1836455 Tue, 15 Aug 2017 12:26:59 +0000 Helen11 1836455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chiming in after months away from YLF...<br />Anne, I like Deborah's suggestions for upgrading leggings and tees. &nbsp;I have found Birdsnest a very handy online shop and they stock Vigorella.</p> <p>My other thoughts for you were to roll the money over for shoes when needed (unless you like the Planet shoes sale right now!)<br />Or think about new togs / swimwear for summer.&nbsp;<br />Or if you've really enjoyed your silver sneakers, get a back up pair now. &nbsp;I've just replaced mine, they were inexpensive so haven't lasted long.</p> <p>Hope you can get that stain out of your favourite jumper. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget/page/2#post-1836417 Tue, 15 Aug 2017 08:52:59 +0000 Jenni NZ 1836417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for replying so thoughtfully to everyone! I'm glad that you haven't got that "Protestant guilt" that seemed to plague me and lost me my joy in life for a while. And I agree there are other committed Christians on YLF, and also that Aussies and Kiwis in general may not show as much enthusiasm culturally as those in the US. It just seems a shame that, since you do like fashion enough to be on a fashion forum, that you can't find clothing items that do give you that joy? Surely there must be some out there? x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget/page/2#post-1836352 Tue, 15 Aug 2017 02:32:05 +0000 anne 1836352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Beth Ann - </b>I used your reasoning to buy the new blue skinnies. Apart from the leggings and tee (and the summer sandals) I 'm not sure I can identify anything else that's in it's last 20% or wear, although that may well be because my standards aren't high enough!</p> <p><b>Jane </b>fashion wise you are probably right - ie - go out of my comfort zone. Right isn't easy though!</p> <p><b>Jenni </p> <p><i></i></b><i>really makes your heart sing? Or do clothes not do that for you? </i><b></p> <p></b>Umm, not that much. Of course I am interested in fashion and style, or I wouldn't be here, but I don't think I am as visual as most people on YLF. A lot of times my response to clothes is way less rapturous than people here, and not just because I'm Australian and we tend to be less effusive.</p> <p>And while I'm a committed Christian and have extensively thought through how it intersects with fashion, and it does affects my budget. I know many other women (including some on YLF) who share my commitment and yet are much more visual and sensitive to beauty and creating it, so I don't think that's in itself a factor.</p> <p>That said, I do give myself permission to buy something that really does "sing" - partly in recognition that it doesn't happen to me very often. I'd say 2 garments in the last 4 years. I need more clothes than that! More clothes than that appeal to me in the abstract though, but they tend to disappoint when I try them on (case in point pleated skirts - I keep trying them on, but I haven't found one that is flattering yet)</p> <p><b>Lucy </b>you are right tha<b></b>t there's a bit of a disconnect with my WIWs and my list, thought I do wear the sneakers, the jeans  and the blue jumper to church (and probably will wear the striped tops in spring) </p> <p>But I haven't shown the rest because I haven't posted gear or lounging pics much.  In explanation, this was a low spending year for me. I was pretty happy with my wardrobe, and had spent a fair bit last year, so I was mostly enjoying what I had, apart from a few necessary replacements, or items  that I had wanted to buy last year and didn't .</p> <p><b>Khards </b>I don't remember that post - I must look it up. Anyway never fear, I bought TWO pairs of running shoes last year - on physio advice. That's the main reason I went over budget last year!</p> <p><b>Unfrumped,</b> I am kind of feeling prints. I am intrigued you called my style "modern classic". In 10 years of YLF I haven't ever found a style descriptor, but I think that would be close actually. </p> <p><b>Fashiontern </b>it isn't hard for me to go to Kmart and pick up a pair of $9 leggings. But I like the idea of high quality and I'm going to follow up Deb's suggestions for them. I had some Brian Rochford ones in the 90's that lasted for ages. You are right that by keeping up with sales I could buy higher quality for a lower cost.</p> <p><b>Suz  (and Vix too) </b>You guys know me! I like your advice.<br />  Picking that one outfit that's fashion forward is difficult for me though. I thought this winter it was going to be cropped jeans and a top to go with it, but I chickened out! I really should examine the trends this northern hemisphere winter and be ready for next Australian winter.</p> <p><b>Barbara Diane </b>Nobody is going hungry I hasten to assure you. And we do end up doing top up shops most weeks. I meal plan and have backups in the pantry. But I don't run to the shops just because I'm short on one ingredient if I can substitute something, we do occasionally use tissues instead of loo paper, and the kids might have to go easy on the milk for one day a week. I've been getting my groceries delivered recently, and while I love the not shopping part, it does lock you into a time frame (you have to order by a certain time, and nominate a 3 hour period when you'll be home)</p> <p><b>Sal </b>I'm not talking exercise leggings here, just ones to wear with tunics etc.  On the sunglasses front, I was so glad the other day that DD found mine after they'd been missing a month. I can only get them once a year because they are prescription, and I've had an appalling track record of losing/ breaking them (maybe they got stolen once) I won't be going high budget for them, but the bag idea is one I've been pondering for the future.</p> <p><b></b><br /> <b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget/page/2#post-1836342 Tue, 15 Aug 2017 01:46:11 +0000 anne 1836342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi everyone! I've taken forever to get back to you as I've been unusually busy but I'm finally here, courtesy of rain postponing my kids cross country and thus some free time!<br />As I said before I really appreciate your responses, which I think I can categorize, broadly, into 3 main options<br />1. Save the money for unexpected expenses<br />2. buy the black tee and leggings<br />3. buy something fun (maybe the dress)</p> <p>These all have their appeal! &nbsp;<br />Option 1 has already SINCE I started the thread, come in play. My blue sweater (jumper) that I bought this year got a foundation stain on it. If I'm not successful getting it out (first, second and third &nbsp;attempt weren't) then I'll consider either buying it again or getting a better quality one in the same colour</p> <p>Option 2 - also very appealing. I haven't refreshed my black tee for nearly 3 years ( I think) and the ones I bought 10 years ago, which did last better than the new ones, are finally wearing out. I was really please <b>Deborah</b> gave some suggestions for these, as I was thinking of starting a thread for that and I might not need to now.</p> <p>Option 3 - has obvious appeal, but much harder to do.</p> <p>I'll respond more to your individual points (if they include other things than the above) in a following reply.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget/page/2#post-1835841 Sun, 13 Aug 2017 16:24:05 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1835841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Stockings is another word for socks, and can include really long ones that go over the knee to attach to a garter belt (or be held up by garters). They are much thinner material than leggings. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget/page/2#post-1835811 Sun, 13 Aug 2017 11:42:00 +0000 rachylou 1835811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. Good question. I'd say leggings that are pants are 'jeggings.' I think leggings aren't pants, more footless stockings. Unless they're gear leggings for working out or something... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835808 Sun, 13 Aug 2017 11:21:07 +0000 Tammyb 1835808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou and Fashiontern- are you talking about the same items? </p> <p>Leggings in my definition are meant to be worn with a skirt or dress. They are your pants.<br /> Stockings are thick pantyhose and must have a dress or skirt worn over. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835802 Sun, 13 Aug 2017 10:42:17 +0000 bridgie 1835802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would get my hair and brows done aside from your clothing budget.</p> <p>Next, I would upgrade the leggings and get a nice quality long sleeve black tee.&nbsp; </p> <p>Relax and enjoy updating your closet so that you feel good with it.&nbsp; Congratulations on being under budget. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835793 Sun, 13 Aug 2017 10:02:35 +0000 Deborah 1835793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne havn't read all the responses but did catch up on your underbuyer manifest.</p> <p>I can only respond from my own humble opinion, but I think maybe invest in the new legging and long sleeve black tee. &nbsp;I hear you on wanting better quality and ethical. &nbsp;I bought some fab black leggings from Motto. &nbsp;I can wear them to work, or I can wear them with along tunic and sneaks on the weekend. &nbsp;The quality is excellent and I expect them to last a long time. &nbsp;I could even do light exercise in them. &nbsp;</p> <p>Vigorella has some great long sleeve tees in a nicer fabric than your average tee. &nbsp;Or they have a great asymmetric l/s tee that has a lot of versatility. &nbsp;</p> <p>I love these types of items, because I find I feel better wearing them than items of lesser quality. &nbsp; If I'm just chilling at home in them and need to pop out, I throw on a long cardi and a scarf and I'm dressed ok to leave the house.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835787 Sun, 13 Aug 2017 08:46:55 +0000 anne 1835787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm very grateful to everyone who has responded, but am lacking time to get back to you just now - Sunday is a busy day for me. I hope to return soon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835783 Sun, 13 Aug 2017 07:54:51 +0000 Sal 1835783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On my shopping list right now are sunglasses and a black handbag/tote. &nbsp;Both are relatively expensive items - you could look for something like this that will be worn for several years and give pleasure.</p> <p>I think all your other suggestions are good - but I also think holding onto it for those wardrobe emergencies that do happen (rip your favourite shorts or stain a tee).</p> <p>I buy quality leggings for exercise and often cheaper tanks and tees. &nbsp;Most of my sports leggings last four or five years with frequent wear (once a week or more - I have five pairs in total which is perfect for me).</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835635 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 17:33:27 +0000 rachylou 1835635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok. I admit I don't buy leggings at Target. I get them from Walgreens, lol. Walgreens wear like iron. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835632 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 17:30:03 +0000 rachylou 1835632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, I don't think spending more gets you more when it comes to leggings... if you get more, I tend to think they probably aren't leggings anymore... lol. Stockings yes, leggings no. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835631 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 17:27:47 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1835631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, you think all leggings are the same quality? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835628 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 17:26:12 +0000 Jenn 1835628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you need to replace the leggings and, since you have the budget, you should upgrade (I disagree with rachylou on this...my Athleta leggings have lasted years longer than my Target ones). Barring that, you have a long summer ahead of you and may want something other than the couple of things you've budgeted for. Does your budget reset with the new year? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835627 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 17:22:44 +0000 rachylou 1835627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So... I think you should replace your leggings, but don't upgrade. I don't think that's really possible - I think you'll get the same quality, but just have spent more for the same. That should leave enough for something nice, like a long sleeve dress. Or another pair of shoes. I believe in shoes </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835622 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 17:13:50 +0000 Barbara Diane 1835622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First of all, I want to acknowledge what you said about food shopping. I think there is a difference between not shopping and making do by eating something nutritious but not what you would normally eat for that meal, and not eating because you literally don't have anything to eat. If it's the former, fine. If it is the later, I would focus on a plan or system to make sure there is always something nutritious to eat. Whether it's something frozen or canned, bars, etc. Or just resolving to shop before you run out of food.</p> <p>I think I would replace the leggings if they are workhorses, as the holes might get bigger, and because somehow it feels good to have clothing without holes, even if only you know about them. Unless they are supposed to be there. You know, the distressed look. You have many good options already, so I'll stop here.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835621 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 17:13:40 +0000 Suz 1835621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What I'd do -- make a list of needs/ wants for your upcoming summer season, which is longer. Add something new there. Aim for something special. "Special" might mean -- a more luxe essential that will complete several outfits -- to replace one that is getting worn. Or it might mean a statement third piece that works with a number of items already in rotation.&nbsp;</p> <p>Another option -- use that hundred, add it to the fall/ winter budget -- and <b>buy a complete outfit. &nbsp;</b>Either work or casual. But either way -- an outfit that makes you feel fantastic and that fulfills your style aspirations. Something very current. Ensure that one of the pieces (at least) will have closet longevity, but ensure also that it is very current.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, get the hair/ brows done also. Not part of clothing budget.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835613 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 16:49:40 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1835613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the answer. Definitely replace things that have holes in them. The hair/eyebrow things sound like they'd require ongoing refreshments, and thus go over budget, all told. </p> <p>As for 'bargains"--I think we define the word differently. When I use it, I don't mean "inexpensive". I use it for something of higher quality than is usually available at a certain price point. Why buy basics at Kmart if you know you're going to have to endure shopping, which you don't enjoy, more frequently? I don't know how pricing works where you are, but you might be able to get good quality, long-lasting items for low prices in season-end sales. I tend to shop too much, so I know for a fact (from last night's browsing) that I could get the blouse, black l/s T and two pairs of leggings for under $100 US at Sundance, which I think (not sure) is good quality clothing, right now. </p> <p>Once all the worn out items (leggings) are replaced, and you have the pieces you need to make the rest work (blouse for work), then I'd go with Joy's advice--set it aside for when something expensive needs to be replaced. Unless Kkards is right and you are running in worn-out shoes. In that case, replacement shoots to the top of the list, because you're risking injury. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835611 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 16:41:46 +0000 Vix 1835611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Anne --</p> <p>With your summer season coming up I'd start forcing yourself to look for items that fit into your current wardrobe for all the reasons mentioned upthread.</p> <p>No, you don't have to spend all you have budgeted but you don't have to not-spend it either!</p> <p>If you find something super-practical for work or personal time, buy it. If you&nbsp;find something that you think you'd really enjoy wearing, buy it.</p> <p>A small wardrobe does wear out faster than a larger one. Having a few new pieces in rotation is rarely a bad idea, especially for work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835560 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 12:52:34 +0000 unfrumped 1835560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is totally no specific help, but I can see you rocking the "minimalist" wardrobe but have each piece be great( not " super- expensive" great, but a brand that fits you well). You have a great figure and wear modern classic styles so well. Use your retail research to see if say, there's a pencil skirt or classic work dress that you would budget for, or try on and use as a guide to finding similar at lower price points( you are already a savvy shopper). A top that has your favorite proportions and add some when you find your fave colors. With a small wardrobe, as Beth Ann says, you do have to keep tabs on replacing the " essentials" but in ways that make you feel like you're having fun, too. A " love" item might be a " statement essential"- like finding a pencil skirt in red or cobalt, or comfortable " basic" shoes in a pop of color that still works with your wardrobe. Classic minimalist advice is to stay very neutral and only add color via accessories. That can be true so that outfits are less " memorable " to others but has to work for you. Or, have basic neutrals in place FIRST and add something more zingy when looking for a refresher. Prints I do think are harder but if someone loves prints then go for it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835557 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 12:44:27 +0000 Anonymous 1835557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As always, I second <b>Joy</b>. &nbsp;Save your money for when you need to replace or upgrade. &nbsp;No. &nbsp;It is not always the fun way to live life, but it is smart and responsible. &nbsp;So many people in life could learn from your example (<u>myself included</u>). &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>I want to commend you for having a budget, thinking about that budget, and adhering to that budget. &nbsp;You are a ROCKSTAR when it comes to responsibility. &nbsp;</p> <p>And to <b>Jenni</b> -- I grew up with Catholic guilt. &nbsp;A lot of it. &nbsp;So I know exactly from where you are coming from. &nbsp;</p> <p>Best wishes. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835553 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 12:32:23 +0000 kkards 1835553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne--i'm remembering that some time ago you posted on a similar topic, and i think running shoes where on your list of potental spends....did you ever get a new pair? not seeing them on this list, if you haven't bought a new pair in the last year, that's what i'd spend on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835547 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 12:06:11 +0000 Traci 1835547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you really, truly &nbsp;have everything you need, I'd hold off on spending the money just to get it spent. &nbsp;If you can find, anywhere in your mind, an item that you've longed for but thought "eh, I can wait longer..." go ahead and get it and see how that feels after some time passes.</p> <p>I like the idea of upgrading your essentials, but I also like Angie's wildcard idea for you. &nbsp;Maybe you could even do both! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-spending-my-budget#post-1835545 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 11:55:30 +0000 Lucy 1835545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmmm, I suspect we are not being of much help as we all have such different ideas !<br /> My thought would be that so far you have bought really practical and functional items . This is something we should all aspire to, so well done there ! But maybe it would be worth spending a couple of hours at the shops to see if anything strikes your fancy. You often post on dressing for work or church' activities - but none of this years purchases talk much to these . Why not try find something lovely for one or the other or both. And if nothing makes you happy, I'd roll that money over to the next season </p>