December 19, 2014

Wardrobes, Budgets, and Savings Accounts

Friends.

I've been gone for a while, I know. I promise you I am planning a return. In fact, I've had a draft post sitting around for almost a month on where I've been and what I've been doing. Kind of like the essay your teacher assigned you on the first day back in school - "How I Spent My Summer Vacation." The topic always seemed so easy and as soon as you tried to think of what you were doing the past three (or four...) months, you drew a blank.

While that post is coming, I wanted you guys to see my closet.



Yes, that is it, in all it's glory. While I am a shopping consultant to the stars (you guys ARE celebrities in my life!), my closet itself is unglamourous. I wish I could boast of shimmering gowns and perfectly color coordinated pieces, that is not me. I don't even have all my clothing on all the same colored hanger yet (a work in progress...I progress when I remember to buy white hangers at Target).

Thing is, to have new clothes all the time, you have to have an additional or extraordinarily large source of discretionary income. I am not that kind of girl. As a woman of the world and hell, someone with a good head on her shoulders who knows how costly the world and all the things in it are, I know my cash is constrained simply to what I earn. Ain't no sugar daddy or glittering inheritance in my life that I can live off. I have student loans, rent payments, gas, car insurance, grocery bills, family obligations, and a goal to invest and save at least 10% of what I make on a monthly basis. I also have to account for birthday presents for others, daily coffee, and other expenditures that sometimes creep up on me.

A few months ago, I realized I was steadily spending more than I was making - dipping into my savings a few times - and that was not wise. The wise thing to do - the one that I'm exercising - was to take a break and re-evaluate my needs versus wants, even when the urge to purchase struck. It's not easy - try resisting this skirt.



But, I know I can't, and for now, I won't. I am the one who takes care of myself. That said, I've been steering clear of shopping altogether and living on what I have, while prioritize where my money should go.

Why tell you all this? I find myself constantly salivating over all the pretty fashion blogs out there and wanting what they want. I also find myself asking how they afford it? How do everyday fashion bloggers have a new Michael Kors bag or new leather booties or such gorgeous outfits ALL. THE. TIME? If I had an answer to that, I may not have to worry about budgeting as much. Until I figure it out, I'm going to be human and admit that I can't keep up with them as a fashion blogger.

But, that won't stop me from posting. I will begin posting again and more frequently once again and am excited to do so. However, don't feel the pressure to buy. Click and look all you want, but do what's best for you.