The reason I can afford to have regular nights out, go to festivals and travel to India is simple, I spend as little as I possibly can on clothes, hair and make-up. There's nothing at all wrong in spending a fortune on your appearance (if you can afford it) but with me my social life always comes first.
 |
| The details |
Today's outfit cost less than £5.
I've been thrifty since I was a little girl, realising my pocket money would go further if I bought second-hand toys rather than fritter the whole lot away on something new. There's nothing I loved more than putting my unspent cash in my piggy bank and watching my savings grow.
I haven't changed. If I'm ever tempted with an amazing pair of shoes, an outrageously bright eyeshadow or a massive pair of earrings I'll get my purse out and look at the picture I keep in there of Jon and I on the beach in Goa and ask myself which I want more. I get far more pleasure from saving for something special than I ever do by spending money.
Our favourite guest house in Goa charges £3 a night. Every pound spent on unnecessary fripperies takes me a step away from my idea of heaven. When I fell in love with India I reassessed my life. Every expense was scrutinised to enable us to spend as much time over there as possible.
I used to spend a small fortune on my hair. As a blonde I'd have highlights and a trim every six weeks, which six years ago cost me £70 a time. These days I use Boots' own brand black hair dye (£3.05), mix up a third of the pack and slap it on my roots as and when I need it. I recently found a tutorial on-line and now cut my own hair. My Lush Karma shampoo and Jungle conditioner last for months.
I once thought it was worth splashing out on expensive toiletries, but guess what? After swapping my Demalogica and Clinique products for Johnson's Baby Oil, Poundshop bargains and Superdrug's Vitamin E range my skin (and my bank balance) has never looked healthier. I don't wear foundation and my makeup, if it's not Barry M, is stuff I've found at car boot sales.
 |
| Vintage maxi (the divine Desiree), Indian blouse (50p, Islamic Relief charity), Lycra vest (20 rps, Indian flea market), Vintage beaded bag, Nordiska suede belt and Steve Madden platform sandals (£1, 50p and £2, all car boot sale finds) |
I'm off for a day of charity shopping and a slap-up Wetherspoons' lunch tomorrow, wish me luck!
Wonderful way to live xx
ReplyDeleteI adore that last photo of you with your cheeky little smile ~ it's telling us lots x
Kandi x
And you look just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove from Mum
xx
What a fabulous post and a wonderful way to live, you put a lot into perspective.
ReplyDeleteSadie x
I totally agree with you Vix - you don't need to spend money to look fab!
ReplyDeletewith clothes, however, it's got to be new for me - I rarely spend over £40 on an item of clothing (xception is jeans, which cost £42). and I prefer sales!!
Jules @ A Bit of Jules
Do you ever consider moving over to India?
ReplyDeletePeople always asked me that when I used to be in Egypt all the time, I love the place, I live a totally different life whilst over there, but I would miss the UK too much.
Its funny because I am the total opposite, I horde my money saving on absolutely everything else so I can be seriously materialistic and go blow the lot on shoes! Oh and of course there is always a cocktail fund, no point being all dressed up with nowhere to go ;) x
What a fab post. I love that picture of you and Jon, you both look so happy and carefree.(and freaking hot lady!!) The boots own brand hair colour is fab, When I decided a full head of highlights was to high maintenance on my purse a few years ago I discovered that brand and have recommended it to so many people. I love that you have that picture in your purse, what a brilliant idea to focus minds. x
ReplyDeleteYour outlook on life is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteFive years ago I earnt loads more money than I do now but I spent so much money on *stuff*, I now realised that was just trying to buy some happiness that my life otherwise lacked.
Fast forward to now, I live with my soulmate and I now spend most of my pennies on going to University to one day get the job of my dreams and happy adventures with my boy. I hardly spend anything, comparatively, on clothes and make-up, but I have never been happier.
Amorcito,
ReplyDeleteI love your bad ass lifestyle, wish I could do that. I always use you as an excample ,of how you have your life together. You are so inspirational in everyway my beuatiful amiga.
oh your outfit is delicious, love your Indian top and pattern on skirt. and that bag reminds of the one Sacramento found at charity shop.
beautiful skirt sort of Aubrey Beardsley on speed
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, i like to have an occasional splurge maybe once a year but like you i would rather buy 2nd hand goods and save the pennies for the bigger picture and looking at your gorgeous pic in Goa i think you've got the perfect outlook :o) Just beautiful Scarlett x
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with your post. Second hand means that we can also get better quality for less. It is so amazing how cheaply made good are getting so expensive. Better to buy better by buying second hand!
ReplyDeleteCould we see a pic of you blonde please? I too have ditched the blonde as its too expensive and hard to get right as a diy job. I'm a red head now and wish I'd done it 20 years ago!
ReplyDeleteeverything you've written is so true, I've always been a bargain hunter but its only recent I've started buying from charity shops and flea markets. The simple reason is I lived in a tiny village in the middle of nowhere where there are no second hand shops or markets!! So I didn't know this magical world existed haha! Also the fact that I'm a skinty student has a huge part to play. Its such a good outlook though and its one I'm going to live by forever!!I'd much rather scrimp and save and have an eclectic mixture of belongings that have character and meaning rather than crying into a topshop storecard bill and having no fun!
ReplyDeleteRachelle xxx
inspiredbytheretired.blogspot.com
Agree 110%! My mum has always been mega thrifty and so am I. Charity shops, car boots and jumble sales are my meccas, and I do my food shop on the market and Lidl! Great idea about the holiday pic in your purse too :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tip,Vix!
ReplyDeleteI was just 'complaining' about being so broke, and don't know why........
Then i look at my Goodwill receipts and go oopsie! I DO spend way too much! so, i am gonna do what you do, put a photo of what i want most, and maybe that will help me put back that other skirt i don't really need :)
I am averaging around 150 a month on thrifting! Shh......Rod would die!
In just a few months, that would buy us a great trip to the beach!
love,
Reva
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh you have a twin bag. How fabulous is that???
ReplyDeleteXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Love your outfit, Vix. Another great post with a thought provoking message. I truly believe that I can learn a lot from you and really do value these posts that you write :)
ReplyDeleteYou're so right. We were umming and aahing about going to France for a week and then I thought sod it, if I stop frittering money, we can go. Life is for living x
ReplyDeleteGreat post, love the outfit too
ReplyDeleteHave a fab day tomorrow xx
I went one step further and wear hair color au natural! ♥ this post -- probably because I SO agree with your "style"!
ReplyDeleteYou make it all sound so simple - fab lifestyle with little man. It's a talent to find such great clothes for a bargain and more of a talent to look good in them (like the outfit in today's post)!
ReplyDeleteI love this outfit - what an electic mix and the monochrome maxi has such a lovely print.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips as always on how to save money! To be honest now when I think of whether I should buy something new or not I think of you and your blog! I shall try the picture in the purse trick - and my God look at you in that bikini! Your body is amazing!
What a wonderfully inspiring post - I love your attitude to being thrifty and the way you've chosen to live your life. Plus, as always, you look totally fabulous in your outfit.
ReplyDeleteI've just had a smashing day out wearing one of my 50p boot sale bargains - which I love and which makes me feel a million dollars when I've got it on.
Brill post Vix and I am totally with you. I get a huge kick out of being thrifty.
ReplyDeleteI adore that skirt, it's stunning.xxxx
Dearest Vix,
ReplyDeleteHoly guacamole, both you & Jon look like a couple of twenty year olds in that beach shot.
Does Jon work out & if so, how does he achieve that washboard tum? Mark & I are in training for next years magical mystery tour...it's extra specially 'mystery' this year as we don't know where we're going yet but we've been told to book time off (I hope it's not Skegness). We've started jogging in the park and we're one week in, today was the first time I didn't taste blood in my mouth...progress ;).
You are all the proof that is needed to convince even the most hardened sceptic that style & beauty on a shoestring is more than achievable, I look around the blogosphere and see cash rich bloggers, dripping in labels and whipping themselves into a frenzy about the latest £400 youth elixir...none of them look as fantastic as you do!
I bought a 'Boudicca' designer skirt from the car boot sale a few weeks back for 25p...it’s not that I’m like "Huzzah, expensive designer gear, I better wear the skirt inside out so that everyone can see the label" I'm much more like "someone paid in a shed load of cash for this and I've just bought it for 25p...I WIN!".
Lot’s of love,
Jennie
xXx
that little blouse looks great
ReplyDeleteAs always, Vix, you have wise words to say about priorities in life, and yours and Jon's evident happiness is proof of the pudding!
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing (of course), that skirt from Desiree is such a fabulous print, and I love those beaded bags (I have one with peacocks on).
And the most beautiful thing about this post, apart from the excellent philosophy? Your gorgeous smile in the final photo! Hope you have a successful day tomorrow, love xxxxx
Bloody hell,I'm fascinated with this amazing outfit today! You've put together something amazing and so unique! Eeeek! I love it!! The skirt is heavenly,yay Desiree!
ReplyDeleteThis post is,like all your others on the subject,beautifully said! I completely concur....and adore you and your amazing bod! (EEEK!)
Love,love LOVE! Helga
xxxXXXxxx
I love the fact that you are living a full life and strive to live it the way you want, while looking truly fabulous. That picture of both of you in Goa, sums up what it means about realising your dreams. It also helps to know that you can truly look fabulous while on a budget as I am trying out some bargain face creams too. xx
ReplyDeleteI love your way of life, I love the fact you buy 99.9% of your clothes second-hand and I admire how passionate you are about India. I really never could understand women who spend hundreds of pounds on hair-do’s. The thrill of finding something second-hand beats the temptation of any new purchase xxx
ReplyDeleteyou look smashingly young in your beach photo....what fab shape you are in & your lifestyle shows it! What a beautiful peek into your life for us newbies to your blog from across the ocean!
ReplyDeleteYou definitely have your priorities right. £3 a night for your guest house is incredible value. Still planning a visit - hopefully next year - so will be coming to you for tips. xx
ReplyDeleteWe Shop Therefore We Are
Great post and I absolutely admire your single minded ability to focus on what you really want and adjust your needs accordingly.
ReplyDeleteThat photo is stunning!
I think I might have to go cold turkey!!!
All the best!!!
Whenever I read one of your fab thrifty posts I go all 'I am going to be thrift', unfortunately it only lasts about 3 minutes damn it! We are such opposites and it is for this reason that I hold you (and Jon) in such high esteem. If I wasn't like me (which I quite like) I would want to be like you!!! lol!
ReplyDeletePS, What a great bod! xx
I'm totally in love with your outfit today Vix ! It's superb x
ReplyDeleteGreat post and wise words. I tend to mix the two ends of the spectrum. Charity shopping for some clothes and buying other second hand goodies so that when I do see something that I'd like that's a little more expensive, I don't feel bad about buying it.
Saving for Disney Florida here so penny pinching is an underestimation at the moment ! haha
Love that pic of you both on the beach, your smiles paint a thousand words :0) xxxx
I admire your thrifyness so much and the will power you have is amazing. Goa always looks out of this world. As do you :)
ReplyDeleteSophie
x
Fab photos. I have always lived a thrifty life - it has allowed me to live in a good area and have a very small mortgage whilst living on a limited income. It's all about choices and I've always believed that you can't buy style -just look at some of the people who spend a fortune on an outfit and still look a mess!
ReplyDeletei love that you are so focused and committed to your way of life and loves. it's very inspiring.
ReplyDeletexo
janet
That's the best outlook you have ... everyday I try and live a little more within my means. I am not as good as you but hope to be one day!!
ReplyDelete♡ from © tanvii.com
there's nothing cheap about you vix! you have a richness and quality of life xx love froogs xxx
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your philosophy. My clothes are 99% second hand/charity shop bought, I dye my own hair, use poundland beauty products and have never looked better! You are an inspiration! When is your next trip? Em xx
ReplyDeletealways love your great attitude and style, but the thing I love the most is your honest way of life and think!, it's wonderful how you explain it in a so positive way!
ReplyDelete(I agree with you about expensive beauty products! and I'm glad trying to save for the true things I like!!)
Also love your oriental vibe outfit, such a pretty printed maxi, make me remember japanese waves designs!
Words of wisdom and fabulous style, as always! I love that gorgeous skirt - don't often see you in black and white - and the layering with that gorgeous Indian top is lovely. I adore your bag!
ReplyDeleteLoveandlove, Sarah xxx
Your thrifty living is so inspiring, especially when you look as stylish and elegant in outfits like this! Well done, and I agree the holiday and festivals would be far nicer than a trip to the supermarket in a designer number.
ReplyDeleteHi Vix, you do think outside the box when you put an outfit together! I am a spender, but trying very hard to cut down, i do not spend a fortune on beauty stuff. I discoverd essential oils and it is a lot cheaper and works better for my fair skin but i am a spender...but i will find a cure!
ReplyDeleteLove from Montreal - Ariane xxxxx
You have all your priorities right. I love adding up my outfit total (including underwear) it rarely exceeds £15. A lot of unhappy people could learn from your attitude Vix, never a dull moment.
ReplyDeleteI try to never let envy creep in, but your flat stomach has got me positively green right now.
Just proves you don't have to spend a fortune! Looking lovely as usual! (You a blonde????? I can't imagine it!)
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you've said. That's not even a question for me - I'd always choose travelling, a road trip or a consert of my favorite band over overpriced clothes. For me the only thing that matters is memories and living your life to it's fullest. I love clothes, but having great time with my friends, family and visiting new cities is so much important for me)
ReplyDeleteYOu're so sensible with money, so many in the world could benefit from your advice! I LOVED your print maxi (catsuit?) the other day and the pic of you and your 2 friends at the pub all in loud 70s prints is awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteyou look fabulous and i'm so jealous of all your finds. I love the thrill of finding a one of a kind item in an op shop rather than seeing every second person wearing the same thing from the local department store.
ReplyDeleteThat skirt is an amazing print!!
ReplyDeleteLots of love from Sydney,
x Kel
talking about the other woman
I admire your thrift. With a good eye, we can stretch a dollar far -- further even than people spending more money. The key is to use judgment.
ReplyDeleteyou're one smart and thrifty woman Vix. Saving for a special holiday is always fun. It's always worth while in the end. You're so lucky you don't need to wear foundation, you have beautiful skin. x
ReplyDeletelove the embroidery on the sleeves!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and AMEN to not spending a fortune on clothes and make up. I totally agree!!!
ReplyDeleteThis post has come at a good time. I was wondering how I could save enough to pay for next year's holiday and you have given me the incentive and the ideas.
ReplyDeleteI can be a bit of a spendthrift but that photo of you in Goa and the fab tips and daily pics has me convinced I can do it.
Apart from the hair. However, I have just sold £200 worth of uni course books on Amazon and that should be enough for the next six months.
JX
Me too! I was different from the other teenagers.. they would spend SO much money on a pair of LEVi 501s and I'd just about die hearing what they were spending! I worked out that op shopping and garage sales were brilliant for buying whatever the hell I wanted, and in those days EVERYTHINg was an absolute bargain!! And lots of it too! Ahh the Glory Days!!
ReplyDeleteLove the photos by the way!
x
Yes, you can spend less... but you also have to be driven to consume less too. I realised recently that I still buy loads of stuff I don't NEED, just because it costs little. It's great to say you have seen the marketing games of big brands for the lies they are. But I still don't like the feeling that I am weak for vintage 'stuff' and make meaning in my life by going shopping for it..
ReplyDeleteVix you have a great view and out look on life you really know what is important and its great ;-)) I am the same as you with regards to buying and saving as you know. And i always use superdrugs Vitamin E range infact its all on offer at the moment there is £1 off it all. Have a lovely day today and enjoy your lunch, i have to say you look amazing with Jon in your bikini ;-)), dee xx
ReplyDeleteThat's a great way to live Vix. I spend most of my money on my social life too but, though I've always been fairly frugal, I can't help but spend money I don't have on clothes as well. I think it's about getting into good spending habits - with no car I find it difficult to get to the best charity shops and car boot sales so resort to paying high street prices even though I can' afford them x
ReplyDeleteYou always look lovely and the fact that you don't break the bank on outfits is all credit to you, you are like the charity shop ambassidor(prob spelt wrong!) Your hair looks amazing in your photos too. I think I'll copy your photo in the purse idea, brilliant!It will stop me buying trivial things. I hope Gilbert likes his rainbow maker too :)
ReplyDeletewow hot beach bod!! cute outfit too
ReplyDeleteVix, I wish I could be more like you when it comes to saying no. Sadly sometimes shoes and pretty things are too much. :)
ReplyDeleteI am always on the lookout for a voucher or code for savings, and ebay is fast becoming my friend.
Love this skirt, and that pic of you & Jon is lovely. Swit swoo on the bikini bod!! Hot stuff. ;)
xx
I love this post. I am slowly learning the error of my ways and I adore charity shop shopping but I cannot completely say no to the high street just yet, I would definitely like to though. The one thing I have given up is expensive make up and skin care, I use olay and I am good to go. A classic.
ReplyDeleteCaz x
Of course, it helps if you look that fab in second hand clothes! It's a great message. Love to see you from your blonde days!
ReplyDeleteI love these posts of yours Vix. The photo in the wallet is a great idea - everything in this life is geared toward getting us to spend money, so we have to really fight our impulses to resist. I don't buy a huge amount of clothes for myself anymore because I know that I can always 'borrow' from the shop. But having size 7 feet I do tend to find pretty vintage shoes in my size hard to resist, as they are so much rarer than the teensy sizes! I have to admit I have much more than I need, but every time I try to do a clear out I can never let them go xx
ReplyDeleteVix, you look absolutely phenomenal - so elegant and chic! I love your philosophy too: spend as little as possible on certain things so you can afford the stuff you really want!
ReplyDeleteI've just been to Bangalore and back and it was lovely. Went to Koshys and thought of you. xxx
I think it's all about priorities - we can all make our own (instead of going for the (yawn) obvious ones hoiked on us as must-haves by marketeers worldwide). It's all about what is important to you personally - I like the idea of your photo - it's great to concentrate on visualising what you want/what is important to you (and you alone).
ReplyDeleteInspiring stuff.
I think it's all about priorities - we can all make our own (instead of going for the (yawn) obvious ones hoiked on us as must-haves by marketeers worldwide). It's all about what is important to you personally - I like the idea of your photo - it's great to concentrate on visualising what you want/what is important to you (and you alone).
ReplyDeleteInspiring stuff.
You are a wise woman, Vix. I am currently paying my way out of credit card debt for the third time. Much better to live frugally.
ReplyDeleteYou have the best mind-set about money, it's inspiring. And it's true that you don't have to spend lots of money to get nice things, like you've said. You can enjoy Goa without spending over a thousand on a package holiday, it's amazing. And you're right, the mindset and happy memories make summers gone seem much nicer. Not to say I haven't enjoyed this summer either :) Another brilliant post! xxx
ReplyDeleteVix, I always like reading your stand on how to spend the money :) Although you're right that it's a choice, and I don't think it's for everyone, you are definitely so amazing for being able to stick with it (I always try but then I end up buying that pair of those boots:( ).. But I do try and save elsewhere- it's all about priorities I think :)
ReplyDeleteBloody hell, I'm away from the pc 2 minutes and I miss another great post from you and am the 900th commenter!
ReplyDeleteHow does that happen??
Gorgeous outfit once again. I'm determined to find your vice though (aside from air travel) - there must be one somewhere!
We all need a reminder of why it's a good idea not to be such retail suckers and you are the perfect person to do so. You live your philosophy so you can have a better life and it's so reassuring to see that we don't all need new, badly made, over-priced shite from greedy retailers and get stalked around the shop by shop assistants. I love the idea of keeping a pic of you and Jon (in all your gorgeousness) in your waller - happy days indeed!! Thanks for the reminder xoxoxo
ReplyDeletePS: So glad you're enjoying the skirt - it looks fabulous! xo
ReplyDeletethis is one of my favourite outfits!!! i love the fabulous pattern of your maxi-skirt and the beautiful indian blouse you almost look like a statue of a godess and not human. but what i like even more is your way of life, and that with all your great sense of style and fashion you would never be a victim.
ReplyDeletelove and kiss,mary
I love this outfit and that purse is my favorite!!!! I am really taking this advice to heart and I think I'll put a picture of Chris and I in Peru to remind me of what really matters. I love the picture of you and Jon, that's what life is about!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this outfit. It is so creative and chique. My parents grew up during the US depression and I learned not to waste money or goods. I am always shopping where ever I go. I don't always purchase, but I do find great bargains this way.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to have an incentive photo in your purse! And how are you such a skinny minnie with all the curry and beer you consume?! :D x
ReplyDelete