Showing posts with label budgeting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label budgeting. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

J. Crew Factory's Summer Dresses

Cotton is a popular summertime fabric that tends to be cool and comfortable. A cotton dress is a good investment because not only is it easy to wear and easy to machine wash and dry, it lasts for years before showing signs of wear and tear.

The following are cute dresses from J. Crew Factory, the same quality as in the J Crew retail stores:

J. Crew Factory is less pricey than J. Crew's retail stores. The factory offers discounts along with special promotions as high as 50% off. It also carries stylish accessories to complete the look. Although the footwear is adorable it tends to lack arch support, which is ok for the suburbs, but not for walking miles on city blocks.

J. Crew Factory is where costly budget-buster dresses at J. Crew morph into budget-friendly ones. I especially love the top👆sleeveless dress. You?


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Sunday, November 6, 2022

I Can't Watch Mel In Melbourne Anymore

Rodeos, starting at $585+, are Hermès bag charms. Mel collects them.
It happened today. Finally, I deleted Mel In Melbourne's link from THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S sidebar.

Her many luxury buys on YouTube are starting to alarm me, and nobody is asking how she's paying for a ton of unboxings worth thousands and thousands of dollars each and every week! Her collection of the most exclusive luxuries easily adds up to 1/2 million dollars+, and yet every single week, she buys another Hermès, Chanel, Dior, or Louis Vuitton bag, outfit, jewelry, or pair of shoes. Then there are her repeated trips abroad to Hawaii, Dubai, South Korea, and Europe to shop while raising two children with a husband, who buys one Rolex watch after another. Something isn't adding up and IMHO it is a total lack of transparency.

Unless an ordinary person is in organized crime with luxury goods falling off the back of a truck, how does one pay for so many high-ticket items? It's a vital, indispensable part of the story that isn't being told. Therefore, the most interesting piece of the puzzle is missing leaving a huge hole in Mel's YouTube channel, and after a period of time, the unboxings get rather boring. I mean, what is the value to followers that Mel In Melbourne is, again and again, excited about acquiring yet another
Birken, Kelly, or Rodeo in a new color? It's insane!

Mel is an engaging influencer and if meeting her, I think I'd like her if she's anything at all like her YouTube persona. Also, I don't have to be a luxury bag collector myself to enjoy an informative browse, or to learn about luxury goods. Likewise, if visiting a mansion, I know I'm not a lord of the manor, and when looking at a Rembrandt, Van Dyke, or Van Gogh, I don't expect to tack the paintings up on my own walls. But more and more I'm becoming a minimalist of material goods for a myriad of reasons. For one, 1% of the world's population uses about 80% of the world's resources, while much of the world lives in abject poverty. In 2022 the number of people entering poverty is rising. The imbalance makes excessive, over-the-top spending not right! Dare I say even a little vulgar.

After watching a year of Mel's videos, her overconsumption is not aligning with my own values of being a more mindful shopper. I might indulge in a once-in-a-while splurge, but then stop buying after my need is met. I can't eat cotton candy every day of the week either!

IMHO, Mel must level with her viewers to stay relevant. I waited long enough for the answer to how she is able to afford her ongoing non-stop shopping sprees, plus I'd like to know why nobody else on social media talks about it? To boot, we only see the you-go-girl type of comments under her videos. Really?


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Thursday, October 6, 2022

Live As An Under Buyer

Today I'm playing a game called all the jewelry I'd buy at Macy's if I wasn't a mindful, Savvy Shopper. Sometimes I play this game at Tiffany, Hermès, Bergdorf Goodman, Chanel, Saks, or any number of retailers with upscale merchandise, but today let's play the game of jewelry web shopping at Macy's. 

Most of us have the good sense not to spend a million dollars for a piece of jewelry since it's much more than many of us could ever pay off. The temptation is greater for things we perceive as stretching our budget -- yes -- that we could somehow, someway reach with effort and a dose of wishful thinking. Nevertheless, if we are not realistic, mindful, savvy shoppers such pricey luxury buys will land us into credit card debt.

THE SAVVY SHOPPER way requires separating our wants from our needs. Sure we can splurge occasionally, but as a general rule, be an under buyer and seldom, rarely, or never become an impulse buyer. So often impulse buys are emotional purchases triggered when we are bored, stressed, or blue. Don't let regret, waste, clutter, or debt follow a day of retail therapy! Frequently going for a walk or exercising will lift our moods just as much as an impulse buy. Luckily I'm an under buyer because my walks take me to T.J. Maxx!
😊

What's more, the sibling of impulse buying is buying more than what we need. Buy enough (sometimes called creating a capsule of clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc.), not more than enough. It's likely my small New York City apartment keeps me in line by giving me the disciple to not bring home beautiful things I don't really need, but only think I do when standing in front of it.
 
Falling for beautiful, impractical and yet ultimately useless things will clutter up your home before you realize it! Always value your space as much as anything you put into it. To look its best a room needs the right ratio of space to furniture. Every nook and corner need not be filled with stuff whether it's furniture, clothes, handbags, shoes, nick-nacks, or even jewelry.

Moreover, it won't do your bank account any favors. COVID has taught us the importance of having an emergency fund for food and bills. As much as I love jewelry, I browse 99.99% of the time and buy .01% of the time. And the very few pieces I splurge on are well within my budget. Moreover, I know where to compromise: The stones are eye clean and not the biggest, most flawless, or most translucent stones I desire. At Tiffany, I only browse as its colored gemstones are the top of the line (i.e. budget-busters for regular people), and at other retailers, I'm still selective!

Over to the right is a gorgeous 4 7/8 t.w. carat emerald and diamond (1/2 carat diamond) ring I love and visit whenever I go to Macy's Herald Square, but any stone over 2 carats gets very pricey, so it stays at Macy's for me to peer at occasionally. The diamond stud earrings (↑above left) are called martini studs as the setting looks like martini glasses, and in my fantasy, I'd buy 4-carat studs, however, too expensive for me to undertake! [For the look, check out this white sapphire pair instead. Not affiliated with this blog, only a tip.]

Being financially responsible means focusing on the big picture: Your financial security. 
Separating your wants from your needs helps you to spend what you must and save what you should. Staying out of debt gives you more money to cover tomorrow's essentials. Plus freedom. Freedom from worry. Freedom from working just to pay bills. Freedom from losing your home.
All of today's featured pieces are classic and very wearable temptations. Although not buying, I love them all. Planning a splurge every now and then is fine if you are mindful (consider how often you'd wear it) and make the splurge one you can afford. Finally, if considering a purchase, think capsule, not collection. Stop buying after reaching enough! We don't need more than enough.


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Wednesday, August 10, 2022

How Many Bed Sheets and Bath Towels Do You Need?

According to home organizers, a household needs 3 sheet sets and 3 towels for each person in the home. One set in use, one set clean waiting in your closet, and one set dirty waiting to be laundered. Personally, I think we can do with a mere 2 sets per person. Too often we buy more than enough when all we need is enough in home goods.

During the 32 years I've lived in a small Manhattan apartment, I normally only stock 2 sets of bedsheets, as well as, 4 bath towels and that's it. Granted I'm not raising young children; only occasionally have an overnight guest; plus tend to be neat and tidy, which certainly makes a difference. Still, I think with easy access to a washer and dryer, home dwellers who wish could omit the 3rd set of sheets or towels.

Over a period of years, minimalism saves time, space and money. It's helpful to start with your personal quirks and preferences.

Let's discuss: I buy 4 large bath towels that hang on my 2 bathroom racks but skip hand towels, and seldom bother with additional sets of either bath towels or bedsheets which would only hang out in my closets. 

I could function with only 2 bath towels, but since I have 2 bath racks, I do keep 4 bath towels out. One set never gets used, so anyone who stops by has a clean towel to dry his/her hands. Moreover, I own a stack of about 30+ wash clothes which I rotate and wash.

With my 2 sets of bedsheets, one goes on the bed and a 2nd unopened set waits on deck in the closet for the day the 1st set in use on the bed wears out. However, I do have a separate clean set of sheets to fit a futon-style couch for an overnight guest to use if visiting (it's a given you'll need a sheet set for every guest bed in your home. I also have an unopened spare set of sheets on deck for it).

Once a week, I strip my own bed of its sheets, grab the 4 big bath towels, machine wash and dry them, then put each one right back in circulation. I buy a color or pattern I like and don't tire of anything until it falls apart. I frequently clean but never rotate my towels or bedding. Perhaps I'm not a typical woman because I simply don't care enough to change the decor in my bathroom or bedroom weekly. Cleanliness, not variety is my focus.

The handtowels I don't buy.
In fact, I like the color of my bedding and bath towels this week just as much as I did last week. Sooo, after pulling them out of a hot dryer, they go right back on the bed and bathroom racks. Hey, do you know how many hours of folding laundry I've avoided over the years by keeping good quality sheets and towels in continuous use?  Time ... I can put to better use elsewhere!

Nonetheless different strokes for different folks. How mininalist are you? Do you buy multiples and often change your bedding and bathroom towels, or wash, dry, and keep them going?


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Wednesday, August 3, 2022

5 Reasons Not To Buy Cartier Love Bracelets

All photos: Courtesy of Cartier unless noted. I like this design because the diamonds hide scratches that show on the smooth bangles. It's also less common than the plain ones, although I approve of common when cheap. :)

The Cartier Love Bracelet was designed in 1969 by Aldo Cipullo and recently popularized by television personality and makeup entrepreneur, Kylie Jenner, who is known to stack her multiple love bracelets up and down both arms while filming her family's scripted Kardashian reality show. 

Back in 1969, the original Cartier Love Bracelet was gold-plated sterling silver selling for $250. It was a plain bangle with the familiar bolt design that came with a vermeil screwdriver to unlock the bracelet to put it on or take it off. 
The inspiration for the bracelet was a medieval chastity belt, and ideally, customers like Kylie Jenner are supposed to wear it (or them:), 24/7. 

Soon after promoting the bracelets, Cartier dropped sterling silver and made the bracelets out of 18-carat gold. In 1979 the retailer added diamonds to the design. Today the Cartier Love Bracelet Collection has grown to about 50 variations selling from $4,450 to $62,000 depending on the width, gold, and gemstones you buy. For unknown reasons, white gold costs more than yellow or rose gold at Cartier. The bracelets weigh between 30 grams and 38 grams. On the resale market, yellow gold retains more of its value due to its greater demand.

I won't lie ... I like the chic solid bracelet ... rose gold and sparkly 3 rows of diamonds would be my choice, yet I will never in a million years buy one. 

Here are 5 reasons why I don't think you should buy it either:

1) It's not good value for the money. You spend a huge markup to own a status bracelet. You're not paying for the value of the gold or diamonds, you pay for the Cartier name, and the concession isn't good value for the money.

2) There's nothing unique or special about the bracelet, which is often the natural criteria along with demand for driving up the price of an item. It's as if the bracelet is mass-produced! Every luxury influencer, wannabe, and Kardashian wears a Cartier Love Bracelet. You are spending a ton of money to join the flock of over consumptionairs.

3) The bangles don't stay pristine, but scratch and break easily, so you will make several trips to Cartier for repairs. After charging double-digit-thousands, why can't Cartier design bracelets that don't scratch up and locks that don't loosen or break?

4) It's a hassle to take the bracelet off and on. You'll always need the help of another person to unscrew it, not to mention, do you want to leave on an expensive piece of fine jewelry 24/7? One that scratches easily?? Really, do 'ya???

5) A slew of Cartier Love Bracelets always end up on the resale market. What does it tell you? 

Photo: Pinterest
1. Too many customers have regrets after parting with a heap of moola: The allure of owning the bracelet sometimes exceeds the love of wearing it. 

2. You need not buy a new bracelet at full price: If you must own a Cartier Love Bracelet save a few thousand bucks by perusing the reputable resale markets. 
 
Frankly, I wouldn't pay the still-inflated prices for a pre-loved Cartier Love Bracelet. But I'm a value shopper, and it's a hard habit to break. 

If a buyer were to choose a non-staus, fine jewelry bracelet, she could get an equivalent bangle (sometimes with more gold and diamonds) for less money that fewer people own, for example, the Roberto Coin Love in Verona bracelets - plain or with flower diamonds or pave diamonds. Moreover, you don't need a key to take it on and off! That said, whatever brings you happiness is not to be judged. Logic doesn't always win. Personally, I like the Cartier Love Bracelets, but think consumers can find beautiful similar pieces for significantly less. Same joy + a car ... or some retirement money.
Roberto Coin Love In Verona


Monday, August 1, 2022

Eat Chocolate Chips To Beat Inflation

A practice of mine started off as a way to eat dark chocolate in moderation, but now that inflation is upon us, it's also a good way to save money on chocolate. I don't understand why chocolate bars in the candy aisle are $3.59+ for 5 - 6 ounces depending on the brand (how much smaller will a chocolate bar shrink?) while a 12-ounce bag of dark; semi-sweet; or milk chocolate chips in the baking aisle costs only $1.95 - $1.99 depending on the store. 

Rarely will I buy a chocolate bar, instead I stock a bag of dark chocolate chips, that I open and try to pour out a one-ounce serving as a treat. I don't always succeed, but I have a better chance of stopping with one or two pours of chocolate chips that I pop into my mouth than stopping after eating a strip of chocolate. I mean, once you unwrap a candy bar, you eat nearly the entire bar, right? We rarely stop at a square or strip of chocolate.

The brands of chocolate chips that taste as good as chocolate bars come from Aldi (dark) or Target (semi-sweet). Walmart's semi-sweet chips are good too, but just a tad below in flavor compared to Target's and Aldi's house brands.

What started off as annoyance directed at the forever shrinking chocolate bar (too costly for the puny size), as well as, portion control is also a money saver that adds up over time. And it's easy to toss a few chocolate chips (rich in flavanols like epicatechin and catechin) into plain Greek yogurt or a bowl of oatmeal for healthy eats that are low in sugar.

When economizing keep tabs on your repetitive, small purchases. Use your stash of cash😉 to pay for bigger expenses! Chocolate chips are a good deal and with inflation, let's hope they remain so.


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Monday, February 8, 2021

How To Be A Successful Saver

Photo: SmallBusiness.co.uk

I'm a member of the United States Senate Federal Credit Union because years ago I was a Congressional intern and I thought it wise to keep the account. A credit union is a good place to seek loans for big purchases such as a car or house, etc. Often the rates charged to payback the loan are lower than at a bank. So monthly I receive a newsletter with helpful investment tips from the credit union. I will sum up one of the stories for you, my lovely readers: 

The Habits of A Successful Saver We Can Adopt

Photo: Anthony
1) They pay themselves first - Along with your bills, commit to your future and set a monthly sum aside in a savings account as if it is a bill. Pay yourself first before any discretionary spending.

2) They automate their savings - Make your savings automatic so it comes out of your paycheck before you have spent it.

3) They know the difference between their wants and needs - Figure out what's important to you ... both for now and in the future. Don't live paycheck to paycheck. Match your lifestyle to your future goals.

Photo: K. G.
Well now ... it's what the THE SAVVY SHOPPER preaches, isn't it? As much as I love designer goods and jewelry, I browse far more often than I buy ... and I never buy merchandise overpriced for the name. For these reasons, I'll never own a Birkin or Chanel double flap bag, and I never buy the huge diamonds, sapphires, rubies, or emeralds I covet. That's not to say we can't save up for quality leather handbags or gems of more modest sizes to bring a bit of sparkle into our lives. Material things should always fit our budgets and lifestyles. 

4) They live below their means - To reach your goals, pay attention to what's going on with your money so you keep your priorities in line. With an eye on both your present and future, be practical like THE SAVVY SHOPPER.😉

5) They don't waste money -- ever - Wasteful spending includes paying for convenience like ATM fees; eating packaged sliced and diced fruit; or buying merchandise without comparing prices and/or deals.

6) They find deals everywhere - Cheaper car insurance, low-cost cell phone plans, lower rate credit cards, cheaper prescription drug prices and groceries.

7) They keep track of things - Know how much money is coming in and exactly where it goes out. Track your spending and hold yourself accountable, Sister! Mister!!

Photo: K. G.
8) They know when to say noAsking yourself one simple question every day can have a huge impact on your money — both now and down the road: Is it worth it? For me personally, on Chanel or Hermès handbags, or a 10+ carat gemstone, the answer is no. But how I love playing with them!

9) They don't care what other people think or do - Live a life that involves the right people, habits and behaviors. Don't worry about the trends that other people spend their money on. 

Let me add the wisdom of Eleanor Roosevelt, who once said: "You wouldn't worry so much what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do."🙂

I hope you find my summary of the article worthwhile. It puts us in the right mindset to become better savers and responsible with our money. Simple, understandable, not as dry as the original ... and doable. You're welcome, my lovelies!💋xoxo

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020

THE SAVVY SHOPPER CREED And 5 Skip/Buy Rules

Photo of Macy's by B. P. - Tons of sales and choice of price points.

THE SAVVY SHOPPER CREED

I'm an under buyer and a value shopper. More and more I'm a mindful buyer and a minimalist. Everything I need, I buy! And yet, I try not to buy more than what I need. In other words, I only need enough, not more than enough. (A tip on how you become a minimalist is: Organize your closets.) 

If an item makes my life happier, easier, or simpler, I buy it. But I don't buy pretty or beautiful yet impractical things, which don't fit my lifestyle. All of us do so younger until we realize if we can't wear or use merchandise, it's wasteful and a poor use of our resources. Not to mention the earth's resources and a slap in the face to 80% of the world's people who don't have enough!

What's more, an item must be worth the money. There are times we buy the top of the line because the article will last longer to save money over time. You won't have to rebuy it as often. There are other times, we buy cheap because it serves our immediate purpose, and we don't need it to last. You still come out ahead if you had to rebuy it. 

5 Skip & Buy Rules To Get Your Money's worth:

1) Skip fashion jewelry with luxury names like Chanel, Prada, or Burberry. You will pay top dollar for the name but get crystals, silver, and gold-plated steel metal when you could have spent the same money on fine jewelry that is real gold with precious stones. Instead ...

Buy 14k/18k gold and get the 4 precious gems: diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Usually, it's wasteful to get statement jewelry that is so fancy or big, it only gets taken out of its box once or twice a year. If you buy the right style, all your jewelry can be worn daily, as well as, to galas, rarely staying in a box. Buying jewelry that stays in a box is not worth the money. Wear it or don't buy it!

2) Skip designer shoes not made to fit a real foot. Avoid foot pain and surgery down the line. Instead ...

Buy shoes you can comfortably walk in because they support your arches and stabilize your heels. Let Alexander McQueen's 4-inch stilettos with an unstable footbed and narrow toe box rot in the shop.

3) Skip $500 luxury skincare. Instead ...

For severe acne or skin issues, see a dermatologist. And for every day...

Buy creams with scientifically proven anti-aging ingredients that work. They contain retinoid and retinol, antioxidants, glycolic aid, or peptides. Furthermore, try drugstore brands. L'Oreal, Neutrogena, Olay, Boots No 7, Cerave, Palmor's, and others have stepped up their game by hiring scientists working in skin labs to develop their formulas. These brands offer an array of products to address all skin types and needs for less.

Photo of Uniqlo: Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times

4) Skip designer leggings, t-shirts, shorts, pajamas, and socks. With Old Navy, Uniqlo, American Eagle and T.J. Maxx you're covered in made-well casual clothing for less. There's not one sensible reason to pay more for Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, DKNY, or Lacoste. In fact, you'll find them at T.J. Maxx and get smart casual wear at Old Navy, Uniqlo and American Eagle cheap! Instead ...

Buy designer duds where it counts ... on needed fitted pieces: A good business suit, a trench or winter coat, a leather jacket, supportive leather shoes, etc. Of course, when you find them at end-of-season sales or T.J. Maxx, grab them!

Ralph Lauren's flagship store

5) Skip $4,000+ designer handbags and luggage. Ok, you can buy one purse only if it fulfills a dream, but in general, the brands are taking you to the cleaners. Don't pay the huge markup for a luxe name. Instead ...

Find similar quality bags and luggage elsewhere at fair market prices. Buy value! With use, handbags and luggage scratch. Luggage especially gets banged up.

Buy bags and luggage from retailers who have been making them forever, yet are not marketed as a luxury: Coach, Samsonite, and American Tourister are examples of manufacturers of stellar goods. Making bags or suitcases is what they do! Plus, they put them on sale, unlike those $7,000 or $40,000 luxury bags!!

A Savvy Shopper knows prices are never synonymous with quality. Sometimes you pay less for goods simply because the business model of the company is built around a lower, affordable price point. These retailers are your friends! Skip the high rollers. Instead! Buy from and support your friends!!
Pandemic wear: Crocs from T.J. Maxx paired with Express leggings and H&M socks🙂


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Thursday, August 2, 2018

Who To Buy From ... On A Budget

If I decide not to pay an arm and a leg for a thing, but desire one that performs, here is my numero uno shopping rule:

Only buy goods from retailers whose expertise is in the area of the goods being sold.

Examples include: 
  • Buy hair products, such as blow dryers and flat irons from companies like Conair or Revlon, who specialize in hair products. Conair or Revlon will offer a superb hair dryer for about $25 if you don't wish to fork over $100+ for a Chi brand; because that's what Conair and Revlon do, make hair gadgets. They are in the business and know what they're doing! And because they are established in the hair industry, they have a reputation to uphold.
  • Buy your mattress from Beautyrest for $800 when you don't wish to pay $2,000+ for a much more expensive Sterns and Foster mattress. Beautyrest (established in 1931) makes an excellent mattress despite its lower ticket price.
  • Buy a Hoover vacuum cleaner (selling since the 1930s) when you can't afford a Miele (a used Miele vacuum is $700; new ones are $1,400+). In the year 1990, I bought a Hoover vacuum cleaner at Woolworth's (the famous, now defunct variety store) for $60, which is still running strong today. In furnishing my apartment, I had to buy so many things, I was happy to find my Hoover for less. It is a brand well known for making vacuums. I think I'm getting my money's worth!😍
  • I never buy shoes from retailers whose primary business is not shoes. I trust Merrell and Sorel for proper arch and heel support over Calvin Klein or Kenneth Cole. In footwear, I need more than style! I get the best shoes for my feet cheaper than what these chic, yet unskilled high fashion designers charge. Shoes aren't either seller's main focus.
  • If you don't have $400 - $700 to invest in a William-Sonoma blender, you can get a durable and powerful Oysterizer blender, a prime maker of blenders. About $24, it has 10+ speeds to do everything from mixing, blending and crushing ice. Mine lasts for decades. 
  • If NARS or Charlotte Tilbury luxe cosmetics are too costly, you will find beautiful colors and uncompromising quality from the likes of Maybelline (began in 1915), L'Oreal (started in 1909) and Revlon (launched in 1932), all brands with 80+ years of beauty experience, yet sold at your local drugstore. You can bet your budget, they get it right!
When on a budget, I stick with the tried and true -- businesses who have made a certain thing forever.

Established industry pros don't operate like flushes in a pan. I notice they tend to offer stellar quality items at affordable price points. You can forgo a few bells and whistles without sacrificing overall product expertise. All the essentials that make the goods worth buying tend to be there. Every purchase need not be top of the line, but articles should serve their purpose and last. Expect a brand whose name is synonymous with a specific product to deliver. Quite often for less! When having to budget, you are rarely disappointed. 
Photo: 123RF


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