Finding the Balance

I have said before that no matter how many financial struggles you may have, find a way to have a good hair cut even if it is every 3-4 months. Try to keep a classic hair style which doesn't need regular colouring and styling.
You can still dress well on a budget and it may mean buying a top every month to build up your wardrobe or buying a couple of items in the summer sale for next year. Or putting aside a couple of pounds a month so you can buy that classic winter coat or boots in September. It can make you feel down what with money worries so don't let yourself go just because you can't afford it.
As a woman it is important to make the best of yourself and this will in turn boost self confidence. This doesn't necessarily mean spending hundreds of pounds each month.
Here are a few tips. Some are from 'The Thrift Book' by India Knight (AMAZING BOOK if you do not own...go out and buy) and some are my own.

1. STEER CLEAR OF CHEAP CLOTHES - Avoid Primark like the plague. Whilst an £8 dress might be really cheap at the time, an £8 bobbly, thread bear, shrunken dress a month later might not seem so cheap. Unfortunately, the clothes in Primark are not made to last and when you could put that £8 towards a dress from Topshop, Dorothy Perkins or GAP which generally do last, it doesn't make sense.
2. FIND THE BALANCE - When I was working in Finance before I had Benjamin I was on quite a hefty salary. I'm not saying that to brag but I'm saying it to explain that the only places I shopped at were Reiss or Karen Millen. It didn't make sense because I didn't appreciate what I was buying. At the end of the day a grey slouchy t-shirt would be just as nice from H&M that would cost half of that from French Connection. A grey t-shirt is a grey t-shirt. Don't pay more if you don't have to.
3. BUY KEY PIECES - If you bought a couple of key pieces, which were classy and would stand the test of time such as a pair of Levi jeans or a little black dress or a pair of leather boots, then they will pull your outfit together. For example, I can just wear a pair of jeans, pumps and plain t-shirt but if I wear my Modalu Pippa England brown handbag - The whole outfit looks a lot more expensive than it is.
4. LESS IS MORE - Following all the fashions may seem good at the time but fashion is just that, it will go as soon as it came. Aztec prints, neons, florals are all great but remember being classy in muted colours and prints will be timeless.
5. LOOK AFTER YOUR CLOTHES - Dry clean your favourite coat every year, remember to sew that button back on that cardigan, debobble your cosy winter jumper or replace that zip. Ironing well and hanging them up will ensure they look their best and will extend their life. Use an unscented deodorant instead of those aggressive fragranced ones that literally stain and eat away at the underarm of your tops.
6. INVEST IN YOUR LINGERIE - A well fitting bra will do wonders. Not only will it aid your posture but it will make every top look even better on you. And you can't go wrong with M&S knickers. 3 for £10. They feel silky smooth against the skin unlike those nasty synthetic, scratchy pants you get elsewhere.
7. CHARITY SHOPS/CAR BOOTS - I have found some of my favourite items at car boots and in charity shops. Even if you don't like buying clothes from them you can always find scarves and accessories. You can find some designer gems!

No matter how many children you have, how many jobs you have or how busy your weeks are, remember you are still you and you still need to invest in yourself. Obviously I'm not promoting extensive materialism and consumerism but its all about FINDING THE BALANCE.
As said by COCO CHANEL - A girl should be two things. Classy and Fabulous!

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