Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Life and Your Wardrobe for Less than $150
In case the internet didn’t break your phone last week, there’s a very important announcement it would like to make: It’s fall. There’s a lot of pressure this time of year to reinvent your wardrobe, make home runs at work, and start preparing for the holiday season. I can’t get on social media without a blogger telling me what I “need” in my closet this fall or how great the iPhone 8 is. You don’t need to reinvent your wardrobe and you don’t need to break the bank. I’ve put together a simple list of ways to upgrade your life with less than $150.
A New Bag (cost: $40)
Ya’ll have seen me travel and attend meetings with the same white bucket bag again and again. It was the perfect size–it could fit notebooks and folders for work days as well as Swell water bottles and snacks for adventures. It went with everything because of the great eggshell color. Sometime this summer, the strap began to disintegrate. I had apparently used it too much. I’ve been looking for an affordable replacement for months. I even started to set aside money in case I needed to go a head and invest big bucks in a big girl bag. A trip to Steinmart at Olde Town Shopping Center over the weekend cured this case of the bag blues. The store had rows of fresh new colors and styles. I found several I loved, yet landed on this Tahari tote. The blush color is practically a neutral and will go with everything I wear. It will suit all my work and play needs. I am even considering going back for one in another color. I also love this Tahari backpack.
Fresh Nails (cost: $25)
Nails are the foundation for any well put together outfit. I for one know I feel like I’m on top of my game when my nails are fresh and the color is on point for the new season. A gel manicure can relieve a lot of stress and ensure you feel like at least one thing is right in your life for weeks. I recommend neutral colors for versatility. Grey was big during fashion week. I’m thinking of adding a little white star on my pointer finger. See fashion week nail inspiration here. If you live in Richmond, take a trip to Relax Nails at the Shops at Wellesley. A gel manicure will only put you back $25.
A Long Layer (cost: $30)
The easiest way to transition your wardrobe is to invest in layers. From long vests to cute blazers, you can transform any summer top into a fall friendly staple. I am really loving investing in longer line pieces. They’re especially helpful if you are curvy, short, or both. For example, this long bell sleeve cardigan. It smooths out my curves, and also elongates my legs if I pair it with the write pants and shoes. It is thick enough to warm you up when the air gets a bite, yet not too thick that you start sweating. While it came in several colors, I went with black knowing I’d use it most. I had just cleaned out my closet. See closet cleaning tips here. Steinmart had a plethora of long cardigans. I want a few more in light grey and maybe a forest green.
A Fun Print (cost: $18)
Investing in solid basics is important, but injecting a bit of excitement into you fall wardrobe can make all the difference when you’re getting dressed at 7 a.m. for your daily routine. I found these leopard print knock-off slides at Fabrik in Carytown. They are originally $22 and I happened to stop in during a day everything was on sale in the store for $20% off. They are comfortable and will make my crazy days much more happy as I look down at my feet. The shoe is from Bamboo. I found the exact pair here.
A New Lip Color ($2-$15)
I’ve made two exciting lip color purchases lately. One was from Lidl, a new Swiss grocery store that opened in the Richmond area. I grabbed two colors from the beauty section to see if they were up to snuff. They were! I picked two natural pink colors that are both performing well! They were only $2 each. I also slipped into Rite Aid for a lip color upgrade. I love the Revlon Matte Blams. I hadn’t been able to find them lately. They look like a crayon and are easy to apply. The pigment is rich and they stay all day. If you want a more personal touch, visit Merle Norman. The ladies there are SO helpful and you’ll find a high quality shade you love.
Bonus: Try a New Drink from a Local Coffee Shop ($5)
If I hear one more thing about PSL or about the next “hottest” drink to Instagram, I’ll go insane. Leave the internet out of your coffee decisions. Stop into a great local coffee shop, check out their special drink list and ask the barista what he’d recommend. I always say, “I like xyz, and really need x7z today…” and it’s always fun! I’m carrying a dirty chai from Alchemy Coffee here in Richmond. He added in some special espresso that made it taste like a gingerbread cookie! Take that PSL! You never know what might become your next go-to comfort in a cup.
