So if you’ve been following along on Instagram you might have heard me talk about an “August Shopping Challenge.” Well that’s something I made up for myself to limit my spending on shoes and clothes! I figured I would try to set a budget (that is pretty low) and see what happens. So today I wanted to share my current wishlist – everything is under $50! – and my budget shopping tips!
I love wearing dresses to work – they’re so easy to throw on and so comfy! – and I think this drop hem dress would be a fun addition to my closet. It has some detailing but isn’t too trendy. Plus I think I could wear it with tights into the winter! I’m also loving this t-shirt dress from ASOS – I talked about it in this post and might finally have to buy it.
Peplum has to be one of my favorite details (see this post, this one, this one…..) and I love stripes too! Aka this top is PERFECTION. I don’t have any peplum t-shirts – they’re all heavier fabric – so this would be a great option.
How cute is this tie-front sweater? I think it looks so cozy and would be fun for fall! (In case you haven’t noticed, I’m ready for fall over here)
Ok these mules – I tried them on in store and they are super comfy! I think they would be a great fall shoe option. Honestly, I’m hoping Target puts a deal on shoes up on Cartwheel and then I will buy them! They are serious dupes for this Gucci pair!
What about a blazer for fall? Thoughts?
Shop all my picks in the carousel below and keep reading for my budget tips!
wait!
My favorite trick is to WAIT before checking out online. This is a bit harder in stores, but honestly most things will be there if you visit a store again. I will put an item in my cart and leave it there for at least 24 hours. If I forget it, I forget it! If I still remember and love it as much as when I first saw it, I buy it. Just imposing a waiting period will help you weed out the truly impulse purchases.
think of ways to wear something
So you’ve waited 24 hours and you still love this new top – how will you wear it? Can you wear it to work? Weekends? Is it even something you would actually wear? Oftentimes I find myself looking at pieces that are so cute/fun/exciting, but then I realize I won’t actually wear them. Try to picture yourself actually wearing the item with clothing you already own – if you can’t do that, maybe you shouldn’t get it.
do I already own this?
I gravitate towards the same things over and over again. Granted, sometimes I do need a new black top or a new pair of jeans – but if they’re all still in good condition and I wear them, do I really need a top that’s exactly the same? This is probably the last question I ask (the first two questions will usually get me!) but it’s definitely something to consider.
Also be sure to hop over to my Instagram to hear about all the shopping I did yesterday and how I used my budget tricks – find me by searching “helenlovesblog”!
Hope you have a great Monday!
