THEY'RE NOTHING LIKE BILLY AND ME

A few weeks ago, I was walking with a friend of mine and we passed a mid-priced high street shop. I mentioned that I'd bought my shoes from there. She stopped dead and was like, what? YOU shop there? I thought all your clothes were from really expensive designer shops. I laughed and said... um no, most of my clothes are free, from charity shops, or from sample sales.


Then I thought of my blog... I know I write about going to fashion shows, and hilight lots of expensive designers, but I don't want to give off the impression that you have to spend loads of money on what you wear -  I'd rather spend on good food, my health, cool experiences or somehow improving myself. I'm not dumb!


Consider the nature of the fashion industry: To constantly supply us with beautiful things, and make us feel that we need them, whether by constantly changing the trends, or by making us feel inadequate through marketing campaigns. It's a business, and when you consider that the whole point is to supply, then you don't have to feel pressured to spend. You can step back and wait for the deals. And, if you have a basic understanding of proportion, texture, colour, what looks good on you, and what you like, then you can pretty much shop anywhere. 


Here's a practical list of the wellbeing stuff I spend on:


1. Food
If you want to look good, the most important thing to do is eat well. That's pretty basic. Try and buy the best food you can afford, and it will show in your skin, hair, body, everything - that includes drinking enough water, of course.

2. Skincare
Another really important thing. Makeup lasts 8 hours but you only get one face... So, take the best care of your skin that your budget allows. Get a good makeup remover and cleanser, wear sunscreen, moisturise, and go to the dermatologist or an aesthetician if you need to.

3. Foundation
I have sensitive skin, and I'm a woman of colour, which means I make sure to get a good formulation that matches my skin exactly.

3. Bras
Wearing the proper support underneath your clothes will ensure that you look your best inside them. Get some bras that fit you perfectly and can be worn under a variety of silhouettes. Same thing with underwear.

4. Shoes
Don't let me catch you walking gimpy to save a few dollars. Shoes affect your posture, and the health of your ankles, knees, hips and back (I dance a lot).

5. Coat
Same idea as shoes. You're wearing it every day, so make sure it's of good quality.

6. Bag
You don't have to spend $400, but since you have to look at it every day, budget a little more and get one you like that will last.

7. Hair

This might be the African American in me!! But make sure your hair frames your face well and complements your features.

8. Work Stuff
Work is a special case. You've got to present yourself well, so it makes sense to spend a little more on clothing you'll be working in. They say "dress for the job you want, instead of the one you have."


A good rule to go by: don't buy anything that you don't like as much as your favourite item of clothing. Think of it like a game: they're trying to get you to buy and you're trying to get them to give you a good deal. 


I hope that gives you a good idea of my basic buying strategy. I know I am really dreamy and breezy on lots of my posts, but you have to have a practical strategy in the real world, too! Keep these things in mind, and it doesn't matter if your dress only cost £5 and your scarf was free. You'll still look good. (You win.)





[This post's title comes from a song by Sheryl Crow called "All I Wanna Do" (ie: "All I wanna do is have a little fun before I die." So, today's music is one of my favourite Sheryl Crow songs, "Home." Such a cool video, reminds me of going to the rodeo with my cousin.]