WHAT IS A BUDGET FASHIONISTA?

THE
BUDGET
FASHIONISTA
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MELISSA WALKER HORN | SUGERCOATIT.COM
Contents
3
Introduction + Bio
4
Part 1: What is a budget fashionista
8
PART 2: DEFINING YOUR BUDGET FASHIONISTA STYLE
21
PART 3: BUDGET DOESN’T MEAN CHEAP
25
PART 4: RECYCLE, REUSE AND RESTYLE YOUR WARDROBE
28
PART 5: KEEPING FASHION IN BUDGET FASHIONISTA
31
WRAP UP
32
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
33
CONTACT
Introduction
Welcome to the Budget Fashionista
Workbook. This workbook will enable you
to build an amazing wardrobe on a budget
that will show off your personal style, while
encouraging you to make considered fashion
choices. And have fun doing it, of course!
Bio - Melissa
When the Global Financial Crisis hit for a lot
of us it left us feeling like we should make
some changes. I was one of them. I took
charge of my finances and learnt a little more
about what I wanted for myself financially. I
saw a number of families have to hand their
homes back to the bank unable to maintain
their mortgage and the consumer debt they
had accrued.
Credit and consumer debt contributes to so
many household budget issues. if we can
find a way to get out of debt or avoid it all
together then that has to be a good thing.
Right? Hence “Suger’s Guide to being a
Budget Fashionista” was born, followed by
this workbook.
Melissa Walker Horn is the chief blogger at
Suger Coat It, a blog about plus size fashion,
healthy living, recipes and life. In short, it’s
about living the sweet life.
I’ve faced credit card debt and almost lost.
Consumer debt was something that took a
dedicated effort to extract myself from. To
say that glossy pages of things to buy make
me nervous would be an understatement.
I know that preaching responsible money
practices is hardly sexy by comparison, but
essential.
Known as Suger on her blog, Melissa loves her
husband and family, too much butter on fresh
bread and anything with stripes on it. Add to
that old movies, cheap wine, being around
people and talking. A lot. Lover of the gym,
cooking from scratch and broccoli. Her wish?
That people would be more generous with
each other.
It’s not all financial doom and gloom though.
What comes next are some great ideas for
knowing your style, building your wardrobe
and maintaining it. No credit, no drama, and
no waste.
Creator of the Confident You and Budget
Fashionista blog post series, Melissa shares
her love of fashion, the gym and cooking
most days of the week on her blog and via
her weekly newsletter. A social media addict
and consultant, you will find Melissa anywhere
you search for Suger with an e. Enjoy!
BIG LOVE,
Suger
And that ‘e’, well it is a long story all of its own.
3
Part 1
TAKING STOCK
WHAT IS
A BUDGET
FASHIONISTA?
So to kick us off in the right direction it’s time
to clean house. Time to take a closer look
at how much you are spending monthly on
clothes, what you have and what you actually
feel you need.
Open your closet and your purse ladies, it’s
time. This first section is either going to be
really easy for you or really hard. I’m asking
you to add up how much you spent on clothes
this month, and the month before.
W
ith the Budget Fashionista Workbook
I will help you to build and maintain a
stylish wardrobe without breaking the bank.
It’s not about purchasing cheap clothes. It’s
about slowing down your impulse purchases
into your wardrobe, choosing carefully.
There are tips and tricks for keeping up with
current trends and balancing that shopping
budget. Times have changed and being all
“woohoo” and throwing money around is a
thing of the past. For most of us anyway.
I shop online solely from my PayPal account. If
I want to know how much I have spent, I check
there. I keep receipts for other purchases in
my wallet. Adding up the total amount I’ve
spent over the month becomes easy.
There was a time when my wallet was bulging
with receipts at the end of the month and I
had no idea how that had happened. I still
didn’t have anything that I wanted to wear.
Sometimes loitering in the shops or buying
something online can just be a crutch for being
bored or feeling bad. We’ve all done it; picked
up that amazing dress because you couldn’t
live without it, only to find it was the “sads”
talking.
For me, a Budget Fashionista is someone
who lives within their means. She has a
goal of limited or no credit card debt. She
makes the most of what she has and doesn’t
consume for consuming sake. It takes a little
resourcefulness and effort and a healthy
dose of personal style.
That is a Budget Fashionista.
This series is aimed at helping you to kick
start your Budget Fashionista wardrobe,
replace and maintain it. How do you without
spending money you don’t have do that?
Staying on trend and stylish without sinking
your financial ship? That’s the question and
this workbook will answer it.
Let’s start the count.
• How much are you spending?
• Can you afford that?
• Did you count everything?
• Was any of this paid for on credit?
The reality is that if you are using credit to pay
for purchases then you probably can’t afford
them.
Handy Links
It also must be said that if you have existing
store or credit card debt today is the day
you start to pay it off. Check out my Fashion
Blogger who doesn’t DO credit post for more
information on how my husband and I kicked
our cards to the curb. Paying off those cards
will take you doing something differently. But
it’s worth it.
10 Free Budgeting Spreadsheets
Managing Your Money
How to Set a Clothing Budget
4
On that note, I am NOT a financial planner, or
an expert in YOUR finances. Please rely on
your own judgement and be guided by experts
that know YOUR situation in this regard. I’m
just a woman who has spent a lot of her life
learning money lessons and wanted to share.
Okay? Moving on.
With all of this in mind, plan your household
monthly spend. I use Excel and create a spread
sheet. Make a list of all your income and your
expenses for a normal month. Use last month’s
bills as a reference and plan for everything.
Include play money, clothes money, take-out
or anything else that realistically you won’t go
a month without.
BUDGET FOR FASHION
Now you have a budget. How does it look?
Consider what you can reasonably afford to
spend building a wardrobe given your current
income and budget. This will depend on how
much you need, what you already have and
if you enjoy the whole shopping thing as a
source of entertainment.
CLEANING OUT YOUR
CLOSET
I advocate putting a portion of money aside
for a rainy {non-clothes related} day. Are you
doing this? Maybe your budget was going to
be $300 a month but you would rather put
aside $50 of that into your rainy day account.
Do that instead. Make it an e-saver, or a similar
account, so you can’t access it easily.
Take a look at EVERYTHING in your closet. Sort
out what you have. I suggest jotting down a
list for future reference. When I went through
my wardrobe I found that I owned 6 pairs of
dark denim jeans. SIX. I barely ever wear jeans
so that seemed a bit ridiculous when added
to the dozen pairs of black or coloured jeans.
Once you’ve made your decision you have to
stick to it. No matter what. There are ways to
get creative with making sure you don’t miss
out on the deal of the century but for the most
part, this is your budget. Remember to review
it if your circumstances change, of course.
I had no idea I had so many pairs of jeans and
to find that I owned five black t-shirts, almost
exactly the same, was a bit of a shock too. The
list goes on; 12 pencil skirts, 10 blazers and 5
black maxi dresses {I was still searching for
the perfect one}. I had a lot of repeats and so
everything I wore felt like the same thing.
So do you audit. Pull everything out, it’s the
only way to do it properly because if you’re
anything like me, leaving it there for any length
of time will drive you bonkers. Get to know
what you have, donate or sell anything that
doesn’t fit you now. Make a pile of items you
have doubles {triples?} of.
There are some great posts out there about
sorting out your wardrobe. I’ve included a
“handy links” lists at the end of this section.
5
WHAT YOU HAVE
CHECKLIST
Special Occasion:
Use this space to make a list of items you
already have in your wardrobe. Be sure to
write down how many of each and the colours.
If it’s staying in your wardrobe, add it to the
list. Print this page as many times as you need
to. For me this is when I saw that maybe the
number of simple black t-shirt’s I had was
toooooo many.
Shoes:
Tops: i.e. t-shirts, button up shirt, blouses etc.
Underwear:
Bottoms:
i.e. Pants, skirts etc include casual and dressy
Accessories:
Dresses:
Bags:
Jackets & Coats:
NOTES:
6
i.e. Necklaces, bangles, scarves and hats
TASK
»» Work out how much you are spending
monthly on clothes. Decide if that’s an
amount you can justify spending or if you’d
like to reduce it.
»» Create a monthly household budget and
include this spending into it. Call it whatever
you like, just make sure it’s included.
»» Conduct a wardrobe audit
»» Make a list of the clothing you already have
that could form the basis for your new
wardrobe.
NOTES:
Handy Links
THE ONLY 10 PIECES OF
CLOTHING YOU NEED
LET’S CLEAN OUT MY CLOSET
CLOSET SPRING CLEAN
DE-CLUTTER, REFASHION AND
UCYCLE YOUR WARDROBE
7
Part 2
DEFINING
YOUR BUDGET
FASHIONISTA
STYLE
A
fter all the hard work of budgeting and
closet clean outs in part two it’s time to
have some fun! It’s like a choose your own
adventure week with style being the prize.
I’ve put together some looks representing a
few major styles and you’re going to decide
which look is the MOST you.
Just a quick note; It is really easy when
creating a style board to select items for
inclusion that are a reflection of your own
personal style. The boards ended up very
me. Keep this in mind and visit the blogs and
stores listed for a more well-rounded view.
Now it’s time to look at all the pretty that
the interwebs have to offer! I know you’re
ready for this, let’s do it.
8
CLASSIC
STYLE
It’s a little bit vintage, but only the best parts. Women with a
classic style wear well-cut clothes with neutral-heavy colour
choices. A classic style will give a bit of a nod to retro styling,
but only the best bits. It’s subtle but is often teamed with a ruby
red lip or dark eye liner. As far as seasonal trends go the classic
style girls won’t really partake. They would perhaps just add an
updated colour or modern twist on a classic piece like leather
pants instead of the classic black pants. I like to think that the
classic ladies amongst us will always have a striped boat neck
tee and a pair of Ray Bans. This style is best represented by
Ashley Olsen, Adele and Michelle Williams.
Check out these blogs
WHERE TO SHOP
GIRL WITH CURVES
VIRTU
ASHLEY ROSE
DOROTHY PERKINS
THE MAGPIE
CITY CHIC
JAY MIRANDA
MODERN CURVE
10
TRENDY
NEW STYLE
Ahhh the REAL fashionista. These ladies are on the cutting edge
and are probably laughing their studded boots off at my attempt
to capture their style. Fashion forward is an understatement for
this group. They go big or they go home. They live and breathe
fashion and will often be a pro at scouring op-shops, can sew just
enough to personalise their own stuff or are subscribed to fashion
house emails around the world. They are the girls who are wearing
this year what some of us will wear next year. Maybe. If we are brave.
Best represented by the music and fashion inclined amongst
us, think Rhianna, Chloe Sevigny and most fashion bloggers.
Myself excluded.
Check out these blogs
WHERE TO SHOP
Fashion Hayley
Domino Dollhouse
Closet Confessions
17 Sundays
Work it, Own it, Use it!
Harlow
Arched Eyebrow
12
MODERN
GIRLIE STYLE
This feminine style isn’t just about pink hues and lace. It’s a sexy
silhouette sometimes and a full tulle skirt at others. It’s a touch of
pin up and a dash of playfulness. A modern girlie isn’t confined
by ALL the rules of the past, but she gives them a courteous
nod. Think of pencil skirts with modest hemlines, blouses with
delicate buttons and soft pretty colours. It’s dreamy. For new
season trends a modern girlie woman would be admiring items
that will emphasize her feminine shape from bodycon to florals
to peplum. That doesn’t mean she wouldn’t be seen in a pair of
short shorts and brogues, she absolutely would be. When I think
modern girlie I think of Taylor Swift and Emma Stone.
Check out these blogs
WHERE TO SHOP
2 Many Cupcakes
Missmel
Too Many Sequins
eShakti
Wait until the Sunset
Betty Le Bonbon
Frocks and Frou Frou
Modcloth
Scathingly Brilliant
14
CASUALLY
COOL STYLE
15
When it comes to casually cool this look is very on trend, but
has a I didn’t try that hard coolness about it. A casually cool
lass will opt for ready to wear collection pieces from the runway
and up to the minute trends. Their go to style revolves around
life first. You’ll find them in sneakers if it suits or a sky high heel
if the occasion calls for it. Pieces are often classic, because it
takes a shorter time to bring them together. Don’t be fooled by
this. Oh no! This lady is as on trend as the trendster. This look
is best represented by Khloea and Kourtney Kardashian {sorry,
Kim’s too high maintenance in general for this category} and
Elle MacPhearson {I wish I could have found her leather pants,
booties and leopard print loafers look online, I mean THAT Elle}.
Think laid back, stylish, on trend but without trying too hard.
Check out these blogs
WHERE TO SHOP
Margie Plus
ASOS CURVE
Gabi Fresh
Just jeans
Miss Amanda B
the iconic
16
POLISHED
BOHEMIAN STYLE
Not a style I know a lot bout personally, but I’ve always loved the
look. Long whimsical skirts and maxi dresses, wide leg pants,
earthy tones and soft flowing fabrics. Bohemian looks are best
represented, in my opinion, by the likes of Nicole Richie and
Asher Keddie (in character and out!). So op-shop ladies while
the hippy festival side of things may not appeal to you, this is
your spot. The quirky mix of fashion and comfy cool is very you.
If you mix prints, layer floaty fabrics or have holes in your jeans,
you’re a Boho Girl. The Suger version anyway.
Check out these blogs
WHERE TO SHOP
Falala Mele
Your local op-shop!
He called her Siki-Lou
Sportsgirl
Sophie&Trey
The Iconic – Check out the
festival section!
18
OR MAYBE YOU’RE
SOMEWHERE IN THE
MIDDLE...
This is where most of us, even the celebs
featured fall. Somewhere in the middle is a
combination of two, maybe three boards.
If this happens try to work out if there is a
single item on boards that you like or if it’s
the whole look. If it is single item, that board
probably doesn’t represent your style.
Look for multiple items, cuts and styles
that appeal to you. If this is the case, you’re
somewhere in the middle and that’s more
than ok.
TAKING YOUR STYLE AND
RUNNING WITH IT
If there was a board that just called out
your name then this is your base style. It
doesn’t mean you can’t try something new
or look outside your style, however your style
decisions will start here. For example, in my
wardrobe I will never need more than one
girlie blouse or frilly skirt. Neither are very me
at all. I like clean lines, low fuss and frill and
classic colour combinations.
TASK
I feel that I identify most with the casually
cool mood boards. But it doesn’t mean that
I won’t grab studs or graphic prints from the
trendy board and work them in. It’s important
to identify your key style so that you can build
a list of basics that you’ll need to pull that look
off without being dragged here and there by
fashion retails whims. Whims and budgets do
not mix well!
»» Choose a style that you love!
»» Check out the list of things in your
wardrobe and see how much of it works
with this style. I find, a lot! If not, maybe
it’s time to reconsider removing more
items…
Take a look at the blogs and fashion stores
in your style area {or all of them until you
decide!}. I highly recommend starting a style
Pinterest board. It’s cheaper than magazine
tear outs and you can do it anytime thanks
to the apps. Pin outfits from blogs and shops
you like. Pin photos, celebrities and colours
you love.
»» Start a mood or Pinterest board.
NOTES:
Once you’ve done the above and really got
to know what you like; it’s time to make up
your mind what’s REALLY missing from your
wardrobe. What you want to invest in and
what you could pick up from a cheaper shop.
Add items to your list or maybe take some
off it. When you know what you like it’s easier
to spot when you’re shopping and just like
grocery shopping on a full tummy, you’ll cut
down your spend.
19
YOUR STYLE
CHECKLIST
Shoes:
Depending on your style you are going to
have different items to add to your list. Being a
pretty casual girl I’m never going to add a lace
formal dress to my list. But for a modern girlie
lady, this would practically be an essential.
Get my drift?
Accessories:
Use the style guide and add items you MUST
have. Fill up the space with items missing from
your current wardrobe that you would like to
add to really flesh out your style.
Bags:
There’s a section below for items to replace
and upgrade. These may be a longer term
goal. Then there is a section for trends so you
can add a few short term items to your list.
The best bit? You can reprint this page any
time you like! WIN!
Special Occasion:
Tops:
To Replace:
Bottoms:
To Upgrade:
Dresses:
Trend items:
20
Part 3
BUDGET
DOESN’T
MEAN CHEAP!
I
n part three we are talking about the
difference between budget and cheap.
There’s a big difference between buying
investment pieces for your wardrobe and
buying poorly made clothes. Just because
you are restricting your budget to a level
you can afford, it doesn’t mean that you
can’t enjoy the finer things in life. In fact,
sometimes it is essential that you do.
not about finding a way to buy more through
sales and other payment plans. It’s about being
mindful of the items you buy and buying less of
them, to end up with a more useable, concise
and unique wardrobe.
There’s a concept called “slow fashion” that
encourages you to buy less, buy quality and to
make considered choices. This fits perfectly with
the Budget Fashionista ideals and is something
I encourage you to take a deeper look into.
Whaaaat?
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
CREDIT. ICK.
For me, it really is about buying a quality
garment that will become a cornerstone in your
wardrobe. A beautiful pair of tailored pants, a
quality handcrafted handbag or a classic wool
coat. These are investment pieces that should
be treated like an investment rather than an
impulse purchase.
Please don’t use store or credit cards. It’s not
worth it. Read my post about being a fashion
blogger without using credit for more information
on why. But just don’t. There are alternatives to
using credit to finance your wardrobe and I have
discussed a few of them below.
You could go for the good old fashioned savings
account, piggy bank or change jar. You’ll be
surprised how quickly those things can add up
and you’ll be picking up that new leather tote in
no time... Oh wait, that’s me.
I have no problem spending up on quality
boots and I picked up my suit jacket and pants
almost four years ago, I paid almost $300 for
the two pieces. You just can’t argue though
when the item lasts.
So, you may be thinking, which items should
I be spending my money on, and which can I
get away with buying cheap? It’s easy. By now
with however many years of buying experience
you have, you’ll know that there are things like
layering tanks, jumpers or basic t-shirts that you
have purchased on the cheap before and loved.
Stick with those.
That’s great, but how do you go about
adding these items to your wardrobe without
breaking the bank? Most, if not all, stores have
some type of layby system. Keep an eye on
the time frames involved and see if this works
with your budget. You may need to save up
a larger deposit to ensure you can pay it off
within the time frame.
For me, nothing beats the simple tanks I can
pick up at ethically made chain stores. Find
your favourites and stick to them. If you find
that a brand’s quality suffers quickly and you
often have to replace an item it may be time to
The other side quality over quantity is that
you really don’t need a wardrobe bursting
at the seams to have a great wardrobe. It’s
21
SPEND-UP ITEMS
invest a little more into your next purchase. There
really is nothing worse than pilling or colour fade
on basic items. Stores like Virtu, 17 Sunday {gah, I
LOVE BASIC} and others have basic ranges that
will stock your wardrobe with reliable, affordable
but better quality pieces for when you want to
step up a level.
Now, what are the big gun items I consider to
be worthy spending a few months budget on?
Or spending more in general on? Well I’ve put
together a collage above {Spend Up Items}
There are some things that just aren’t worth
spending a lot of money on, in my opinion of
course! Mostly it comes down to trend based
items. Trendy styles and colours will come and
go. Avoid the impulse buy, avoid the hype and
save yourself a load of money.
Avoiding the hype doesn’t mean that you have
to miss out on trends all together. This is the
area where you rely on chain stores and discount
outlets especially if your budget is a little restricted.
Places like ASOS are a one-stop shop for great
disposable, trendy items. But remember, they are
that. Don’t expect these items to be around for
too long.
BUYING RESPONSIBLY
I’m the daughter of a farmer and have always
prided myself on not buying generic brands who
require farmers to turn over crops or deliver a
product at such a low margin they are basically
22
farming for the love of it. I’ve heard the
arguments about tight budgets and continue
to stress that it matters more to care about
people, about families and about securing
the supply chain for years to come. It matters
more to do what’s right.
Apparently I had blinkers on. This is not
something that only happens in the food
and milk industries. It happens everywhere. It
especially happens with clothing. But WORSE.
Image now that dairy farmer not only has to
accept a teeny tiny amount for his product
but he has to halve that price, work under
duress in unsafe situations with a hard ass
boss hanging over his head to make sure he
delivers on time. That’s the clothing industry.
Sometimes.
I’ve been talking to a few ladies recently
about the manufacturing practices of some
Australian brands as discussed during the
Four Corners story shown on ABC. It’s well
worth a watch if you want to change the way
you think about fashion. Educate yourself to
slow down your consumption and know a little
more about where your clothes come from
and under what conditions they are made.
My key questions are how do I find reliable
information to purchase responsibly. How
do we know that the information we as
consumers are provided is accurate and can
be easily verified. I’m still struggling to find all
the information I want to know. I look for facts
and figures, places, times and dates. There’s just
not that much out there that’s not passed from
source to source. Sometimes without verification.
But I need to know more.
This section isn’t intended to make you feel bad
about the clothing in your wardrobe. But maybe
it should have been. When I took a long hard look
at the items I had purchased there were a number
of brands who have been reported to have unsafe,
unfair and just plain shit work environments. I felt
sick. I wanted to purge them from my wardrobe
and feel better.
I’m doing my best to make better choices within
the budget constraints I have. I think hard before I
purchase an item considering what my wardrobe
needs and whether I’m okay with buying
from stores that have been reported to have
questionable practices. I continue to research and
look for information and request it of brands. I look
towards local brands who I know are playing fair
to supplement my wardrobe. I take my purchases
a little more slowly and with a little less volume.
My point is, I’d love for you to do the same.
After all as they say, caveat emptor. Let the buyer
beware.
And maybe, just maybe let the buyer be AWARE,
right?
23
WARDROBE ESSENTIALS
TASK
»» Select your big ticket wardrobe items.
Take the time to figure out their order of
importance to you.
»» Continue to reduce your consumer debt
{credit and store cards} and review your
budget. Are you on track there?
»» Commit to not buying garbage items that
you have to replace over and over again;
that you will spend a little more once and
get some real value for your money.
»» Read more online about ‘slow fashion’.
NOTES:
Handy Links
SLOW FASHION DEFINITION
SLOW FASHION BLOG POST
SLOW FASHION BOOK LIST
BUYING ETHICALLY
24
Part 4
RECYCLE,
REUSE AND
RESTYLE YOUR
WARDROBE
N
ow let’s talk about making the most of
what you have, adding unique pieces
to your wardrobe and turning over old
clothes for new ones. One of the Suger Coat
It reader’s asked “sometimes you just have
ZERO budget for new clothes, what do you
do then?” For me, there’s just nothing more
depressing that staring into a wardrobe and
not being excited by getting dressed.
REUSE
Reusing what you have in your wardrobe is
something that most of us do on a regular
basis. An endless wardrobe of non-stop new
clothes is something most of us only dream
of. But how do you continue to wear the same
items over again without them getting stale?
I thought about this one for a while. The
answer is that you continue to wear those
items in different ways. I hate to refer you all
back to Pinterest again, but I will, hop on and
search for the item of clothing you have and
the word outfit.
What do you do when the budget is super
tight and you’re just not feeling it, wardrobe
wise, anymore? Well it’s time to get a little
creative. It is time to use a bit of your
resourcefulness and ingenuity. I know you’ve
got it. Dig deep. Here are a few hot tips to
get you moving again.
For example, “white shirt outfit”. You’ll be met
with hundreds and hundreds of ways that
fashion types all around the interwebs have
worn that white shirt. Take these ideas, and
adapt them using items you own. Hey presto;
new outfit!
Get inspired and try something new. I’d been
wearing a simple black maxi skirt a lot. I’d
picked it up for $15 dollars. Bargain. But I
needed a new look for this skirt so I searched
for it. I ended up with a denim shirt knotted
at the waist with handmade badges on it.
Then I added some ankle boots which was
another idea that found online. It was great
and sparked an interest for me to go digging
through what I already owned for something
that I could treat as brand new.
25
RESTYLE
This little tip requires a bit of special knowhow
but there are some great tutorials online for
restyling your clothes. Like turning T-shirts
into skirts, dresses into pants and all sorts of
things like that. Your aim here is to make those
same pieces of clothing look different through
crafty business.
RECYCLE
If your budget is low, shopping at op-shops
and thrift stores are a perfect opportunity to
not only expand your wardrobe but to add
something unique. Some of the most popular
items in my wardrobe are 5 to 10 years old and I
find that they add a little punch of individuality
to my wardrobe.
There was one night that I literally spent hours
going through websites to teach myself to
sew. I wanted to learn to make something.
Frustrated at never being able to find the
items I needed or wanted, I was determined to
make them. It turns out that I probably need
to take some lessons.
There are plenty of blogs out there showing
you the way to thrift and op-shop like a pro. I’ve
included a couple of links because apparently
the best I can do is a vintage tiki style men’s
shirt that never did fit me. I’m not your girl. I
wish I was your girl, but I’m not. Sigh.
Maybe you already have the skills set and can
use the YouTube tutorials and how-to posts
to your advantage. I certainly hope so. Knock
me up a couple of circle skirts that will cover
my butt, would you please!
One day I’m going to master the tricks of the
op-shopping trade. One day. Maybe after I
finish those sewing lessons perhaps. But the
primary tips seem to be try as much stuff on
as you can, ignore the size tags and to keep
your eyes open for quality or handmade items.
For the less sew savvy amongst us, you can
restyle too. I often wear a bodycon dress as
a top with a skirt over the top {or tucked into
wide legged pants}. I knot blouses and shirts
and maxi skirts, belt up midi dresses to make
them shorter and roll up cuffs and sleeves to
give a different look. Try it. You’ll be amazed
how many different ways you can restyle a
garment without ever sticking a needle in it.
BUY, SWAP & SELL
The last tip is the buy, swap and sell. Now this
one will see you still spending money but it
won’t be money you have to find. You’ll be
selling old clothes for new clothes money. Win!
Selling your old clothes can be done in all
sorts of ways. On Facebook there are more
and more buy, swap and sell pages and
groups. Ask people in your local area for
recommendations on this one. List your items
on eBay or Gumtree, join in a local clothes
market, have a garage sale or set up a stall at
a weekend market.
Just do what it takes, because when you’re
done, it’s shopping time! Score.
26
TASK
MORE...?
Other ideas to extend your wardrobe are
clothes swap parties, trading or borrowing
from a friend. If you have a friend or two that
are a similar size to you take the time to check
out each other’s wardrobes. I’ve been very
lucky in the past to have been welcomed into
some pretty awesome wardrobes. You may
not swap the items forever; maybe it’ll just be
a loan. Sometimes you might have a chance to
buy something second hand at a great price.
Keep your friends close ladies.
»» Host a wardrobe swap party with friends.
You don’t have to be all the same size or
shape for this to work, but DO get everyone
to bring lots of items so everyone will find
something they love. Have a system for
more expensive items.
»» Wear something in your wardrobe in a way
you never have before.
»» Sell an item of clothing on eBay or
Facebook. You may need to open an eBay
and Paypal account to do this.
Handy Links
NOTES:
HOW TO RUN A CLOTHES SWAP
LINK 1
LINK 2
HOW TO OP-SHOP
LINK 1
LINK 2
LINK 3
LINK 4
LINK 5
HOW TO RUN A MARKET STALL
LINK 1
27
Part 5
KEEPING
FASHION IN
BUDGET
FASHIONISTA
T
his section discusses how to keep up with
latest trends, colours and style when
you are a Budget Fashionista. How do you
continue to maintain the wardrobe you’ve
created and style it season after season so
you don’t end up that lady still wearing blue
eye shadow? Though I hear blue shadow is
back in... So, awkward.
DEALING IN TRENDS
your fashion consumption a beautiful knit in
a fashion colour that looks great on you and
will still serve you in years to come. Invest in
trends wisely. It IS possible.
I’m still learning this myself. For years I’ve
either skipped trends or just laid low on them.
Adding a dash of colour here and there to get
me through. This is a pretty good strategy if
you aren’t too worried about it all. If classic is
your style, then rock it and keep on moving.
However, if you want to stay on trend and upto-the-minute I’d start by choosing a trend or
two per season tops!
If the trend you’ve selected requires a
commitment in style {multiple pieces of
clothing, some shoes and accessories too}
then sort out what you absolutely want and
what can be left behind. Stay within your
budget by using the tips I’ve discussed earlier
about budgeting. Don’t think that everything
has to be new. Sometimes the basics are still
the basics.
Choose your key trends and look at affordable
ways you can work them into your wardrobe.
Peplum was easy for me, a top or two and I
was done. I would have loved to have dipped
my toe in the digital print trend but it took
me a really long time to find anything I liked
that wasn’t going to cost me the earth. So I
let it go. I’m sure you get the point. Pick and
choose what is going to work, let go quickly if
something doesn’t work out.
Something else to keep in mind is sometimes
it’s possible to work with items you have in
your wardrobe. Trends being what they are
they come and go and come around again.
This spring there was LOTS of black and white
on the catwalks. Easy. All of us have items we
can fit into that. How very modern of you.
Similarly floral is always in for Spring and jewel
tones almost always make a comeback when
it comes to Autumn/Winter.
By limiting the number of trends you are
trying to incorporate you allow yourself a bit
of room to move within your budget. If it’s a
colour you’re chasing find an item of clothing,
a pair of shoes or a bag. Accessories are a great
way to incorporate on trend colours without
spending a fortune. If you are slowing down
28
MAINTAINING YOUR
WARDROBE OF AWESOME
That’s trends done now what about
maintaining your wardrobe? Maintaining an
up to date wardrobe requires regular clean
outs and edits. Take out things you don’t wear
anymore and sell the ones in good condition
to reinvest the proceeds. Over time you’ll
accumulate style and items that don’t work
for you. Don’t be afraid to get rid of them.
TASK
Continue to add the items on your essentials
list to your wardrobe over time. Shop with your
style list and try not to stray from it. Chances
are if it wasn’t important enough to include
on your list, then you don’t want or need it in
your wardrobe. Invest in quality pieces where
you can.
»» Identify what your choice of key trends for
the upcoming season; take some time to
figure out how you can incorporate them
into your existing wardrobe or style.
»» If some time has now passed, review how
you’ve gone since setting your week one
budget. Do a tally; it’s time to face facts
and review where need be.
»» Consider a system to keep your wardrobe
maintained. Go back to section one, the
clean out and decide what’s going to work
for you moving forward.
NOTES:
29
WARDROBE ESSENTIALS
Here is my list of wardrobe “must haves”, essentials and everything you’ll need to look stylish
all year round. This is a simple basics checklist and I’ve given you space to add your own “must
haves” to the list. These basics will keep you out of trouble if you are starting out on your own
style adventure.
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
Tee
Stripe Tee
Collared Shirt
Layering Tank
Blouse
Skirt
Slim Fit Pant
Maxi Dress
Little Black Dress
Casual Dress
Wrap Dress
Shirt Dress
Blue Jeans
Denim Jacket
Blazer
Trench Coat
Statement Necklace
Tote Bag
Clutch
[
[
[
[
[
[
]
]
]
]
]
]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
30
Heels
Booties
Boots
Flats/Ballet Flats
Scarf/Pashmina WRAP UP
And that my friends is the end. When we
wrapped up the post series online there were
some questions about where to go from there
and I tried to answer them in this workbook.
If you have questions you want answered my
inbox is always open.
When this idea first formed in my head I wanted
to make sure that people knew that it wasn’t
essential to use credit, continually purchasing
items or living outside of your means to have
style.
Personal style is something to be developed,
not bought. Remember that.
Keep in mind these key points moving forward;
»» Know your style first then begin
»» Consider your wardrobe choices, decide
slowly
»» Try new trends without investing too
heavily into them
»» Start with key wardrobe basics and add
over time
»» Get creative with buying, selling, swapping
and trading
This is me signing off. I’ll see you around the
blog sometime soon.
31
AKNOWLEDGEMENTS
For my husband who read the draft under
duress and declared it great. Thank you. Thank
you especially for the time to write, the photos
and for the support. You are so loved. So very
loved.
To the team that made this eBook possible.
Amanda of Amanda Fuller Designs for the
AWESOME layout and design work. She got
me long before I did. Managed to take a vague
idea and a font and turn it into something
magic. If this was eBay I’d give her an A+++++.
Laura of Smarter Admins for the killer proof
read, the late night emails and the what the
hell lady, isn’t that eBook ready to go YET?
Big love Rah. And finally to Desiree who with
four kids on school holidays and at the last
minute dropped everything to come and
make me presentable for the cover images a
big fat thank you. I’m so glad to have a friend,
a blogging allay and all round cool chick in my
town.
To the team of proof readers, my little army,
thank you. My A team went above and beyond.
I took your feedback on board and I know that
it made this book better, I wanted you to know
that. I listened and I appreciate you taking the
time.
Last but not least, to the readers of Suger Coat
It who cheer me on every single day. Thank
you for that. The way we get to grow together,
talk style and life, I love that. Living this life is
made possible because you read and click and
share and are just plain old awesome. Don’t
go changing. You know, unless you’re getting
cooler. Which would be damn near impossible!
Thanks team.
32
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