A condo, a dress, and spending less - YouLookFab Forum

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A condo, a dress, and spending less

Keturah

Veteran

So I got a shock earlier this month. I got notice that I need to leave the rental condo I've been in for nearly 2 years. With roommates, the rent was unbelievably affordable ($275/month).

Still this makes me realize, no giant spring and summer clothing purchases. Honestly, my head was buzzing with, "Oh, I can purchase this, and this, and that one, and maybe new this!" My spending probably outweighed my budget by a lot. (Am I woman who loves clothes or what?)

And now I need to save my pennies.

But I realized something really good about it all:

- Focus on my personal style more and less on following trends.
- I can start, really start, wearing what I have
- be creative, maybe start thrifting again, alter or sew a few things
- Wear and love the clothes I have until they just fall apart.
- Make more careful purchases,
- Be content with what I do have
- Differentiate between needs and wants
- Reading and asking more questions of YLF'ers!

It doesn't mean I can't ever buy another piece of clothing again. And when the time comes that I can afford to do some larger shopping, I can do a nice overhaul.

Unless they make me wanna spend like the dickens, I can still read fashion blogs and experiment with my clothes. No need to go into the depths of despair and wear only sweats and old underwear. (Hey, ya know, I get dramatic when these things happen and think the worst. Woe is me. Not even!)

I have a fashionable silky kimono waiting to be sewn up. And I did order this orange dress from Sheinside. Got a good prices on it (pre-release sale, so only $23!) If it fits and is a good length (not too short for this tall girl), I'll keep it. It will be my new summer dress. And why not have one new dress once or twice a year? Will post photos of it if it works!

PS I really love "A Common Wardrobe" from The Vivienne Files. It's rather eye opening to see how accessories make the outfit... http://www.theviviennefiles.co.....drobe.html

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Shopping

15 replies

Latest reply was from Keturah

Staysfit

Veteran

I just reviewed the Vivienne files A Common Wardrobe posts and was struck by how much personality is conveyed by the accessories. The clothing items are simple and I have equivalent pieces of everything, although I don't have any black.

So sorry for your lost home. I really feel for you. moving is never fun, especially an unexpected/unwanted move. It sounds like you already have some great ideas for managing the budget crunch. It's nice that you can find some great accessories for low cost and they make the biggest impact. One of my favorite necklaces was purchased at a consignment store for $4. The biggest cost of accessories may be the time to look for them!

rute

Veteran

I loved your optimism, you have turned a bay new into an oportunity! Good luck

trekkiegirl

Veteran

Once you get the swing of it, that sort of efficiency is rather freeing. Makes you really appreciate what you have

Lauraaf

The kimono sounds amazing and on trend. Good luck!

Windchime

Veteran

I am extremely impressed by your positive attitude and creative problem solving! Best wishes finding a great new place to live. Could you and your roommates look for a place together?

Keturah

Veteran

Staysfit, thank you <3 Moving is not fun. When I moved into the condo, I had already moved 6 times in less than 2 years :O So it was nice to settle down a bit. I

m also floored by how much the accessories changed the whole outfit? I still think the common basics have to fit the person. For instance, if someone is more romantic, I probably wouldn't purchase the plainest pair of pleated khakis from LL Bean. But the formula is really helpful and good. And as for accessory buying... it's definitely in the time and not the money! I've found some beautiful items just doing some time in the thrift stores, garage sales, etc.

rute. I am definitely looking at this as an opportunity!

tr3kkie, that is exactly what I am anticipating: appreciation for what I have

Lauraaf, thanks!! I'll post photos of the kimono once I get moved and can start sewing it up.

Windchime, Well, I just don't want to sit there feeling miserable and go around having a pity party, wearing sad clothes. Ya know?

It is a good idea. But alas, roommates... that's really why the condo came to an end. Our landlord was tired of the "revolving roommate" situation. We've had 4 roommates cycle through in the last 6-9 months. The latest girl, I found out, hasn't payed rent since mid-January. So I think it was a major decision to just rent to a single family. I can't blame her to some extent, even though initially it caused a lot of anxiety, shock, and dismay. But life will go on and I won't have to live in my jeep or on the streets. The right thing will come along at the right time.

xo

rabbit

Veteran

Sounds like you have found the silver lining!

This one: I can start, really start, wearing what I have made a huge difference for me and also helped me 'tighten up' my style so that when I did purchase something it was definitely more carefully considered and instantly worked with what I already had.

Your orange dress looks lovely and the kimono sounds promising.

Best of luck with the housing hunt!

Carla

Veteran

I'm another big fan of the Vivienne Files. Her inspired by art are so...inspiring! The packing ensembles just send me round the bend. (My fave accessory is my suitcase!). Not fun when the move is not of your own volition, though. Good luck with your home hunting.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Yes it is lemonade out of lemons for you! I think you will have a fantastic time rediscovering your clothes and good luck!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Great attitude about this forced change in your situation! I look forward to seeing your kimono, too! It will be fun to see your discoveries as you embark on the shop-your-closet adventure.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm going to go back and read the Vivienne files link but first had to say you have the best attitude. Life hands us curve balls and it's how we handle them that build our character - at least IMHO.

And I've found those times when I'm not buying and learning to re-work my current wardrobe pieces have really sparked my creativity. You go girl!

lyn67

Veteran

Great attitude, wonderful plans! Go on girl and have luck!:-)

crutcher

Veteran

Watch out..these unexpected changes have sometimes a way of opening new windows for us...Just when you felt safe and enjoyed your nitch, Divine Intervention comes along and you are off and on another trek..I will be definitely interested in where this change takes you...Its exciting and gratifying and wonderful at the same time..Hugs and great hopes for you...

ElleH

Veteran

I'm sorry you have to move. It is such an upheaval. Hopefully you find something that is better in some way, that makes it all worth it. What part of the world do you live in? I need to find a cheaper place than Los Angeles & your old rent, which I know is changing, is dramatically less & I'm always wondering where I could move to. I love that dress! Where did you get it?

Keturah

Veteran

You girls are so sweet and kind -- thank you for comforting words, encouragement, and lotsa "you go girl"! It's still not easy at times, but I'm dong okay. A living situation or house will come at the right time. Patience, prayer, and gratitude! I march on and keep looking and listening for a place!

And guess what happened this morning? A newly made friend texted me. She just cleaned out her closet and has tons of clothes. Would I want to go through them and have anything I like? She is tall like me, but recently lost weight and these clothes are not only my size (she's an 8, I'm a 12/14), but most of them are gorgeous boutique and designer clothes and have only been worn once after purchase I actually almost cried... such a lovely gift when I was preparing myself to wear only what I had. <3 <3 <3

rabbit, oh that is lovely to hear, and just what I am hoping happens for me!! I realize I can do a lot of shopping just to buy new and fun and exciting things and end up spending a lot of money for clothes don't get much wear.

Runcarla, If I remember from your forum posts, you do a lot of traveling? I love her travel series too! I don't do a lot of traveling, but I tend to overpack when I do. Seeing someone pare things down, and also explain the process, the whys, the activities, etc. -- it's so helpful! I do a lot of day trips and just seeing how she reasons out her outfits for traveling helps me know what to wear for a day out.

shevia, Me too! I'm actually rather excited about it! I won't have this giant "buy buy buy!" going on in the back of my head. Well, maybe at first I will. But I can take that energy and use it or something else. Like shopping my closet. Or baking bread. Or knitting.

firecracker, excited about my first sewing project! The material is a silky polyester. I hope it goes well and I do okay; it's my first real sewing project. And now I get to shop my closet and be adventurous in a new way!

Shannon, so true <3 we get seasons where we can grow in new ways--and shop our closets Here's to a creative spring and summer together. And let me know what you think of The Vivienne Files!

lyn67, mwah!

crutcher, Indeed! I'll let you know where it goes! thanks for hugs and hopes <3 Taking them and holding them close.

ElleH, I live in Colorado. My rent was abnormally low for the area I live in. Going rate in my area is anywhere from $500-$1000+ per month. The Front Range and Denver are even more expensive. You can find a deal but you have to ask, seek, and knock. Other parts of the state are less expensive, but usually located in less populated areas, usually in the plains or more desert areas. Less people want to live there, less to do, etc., and thus it's cheaper. I really liked LA when I visited last year. Beautiful but definitely expensive!

The dress is from Sheinside... http://us.sheinside.com/Orange.....-1727.html
Originally I thought the fabric was rayon/linen blend. Now lists polyester. SO... either they changed fabrics or I misread it.