Monday Musings: Budgets For All

This week, I’m musing about budgets in all its forms…yours, mine, and the lady across the room.

**NAVY COTTON SWEATER size S** / **NAVY BELT BAG** / **RESIN HOOP EARRINGS** / **PACKABLE FEDORA**

This was one of the rare moments of my weekend when I wasn’t either getting rained on or freezing my tail off because I’d mistakenly thought it was warm enough to skip a jacket😆. My daughter is in the market to buy her first home, so we hit the open house circuit on Saturday and Sunday, and wow, some people have NO idea how to clean their home for a showing.

We checked out places above and below her budget and have been musing about what matters most for a first home.

Do you remember what it felt like to purchase your first home? What a special time.

Save or Splurge – Floral Edition

I love a nice denim jacket, and I’m always on the lookout for ones with unique details. Since quilted denim jackets have been so popular, I thought it would be fun to style them with a floral blouse.

Floral blouses can be tricky to style for a modern look, so I paired them with a woven bag and shoes, which are trending this spring. Silver earrings, white jeans, and blue-framed sunglasses also keep the look light and fresh. The cost for both outfits is significantly different, proving that great style is available at all price points. Can you tell which is the save or the splurge, just by looking?

My Look For Less

Women all have varying clothing budgets. Some are still working full-time and may spend a significant amount on their clothes. Some have retired on a small fixed income, and others may have retired with a substantial pension, large savings, and love to travel the world. I know that my readers fall into all of these categories.

On that note, I thought I would share a more personal save or splurge because readers often ask for alternatives to what I wear.

I’m wearing a washable silk blouse under a navy blazer with slim jeans. I accessorized with my pre-loved Chanel brooch (that I love but, keeps losing pearls), a navy bag, and casual sneakers. PS, I think the save brooch in this look is a unique workaround and totally doable 🙂

Buying things pre-loved and at resale shops is a great way to get more elevated pieces at a price your wallet loves.

Do you shop for pre-loved items to help you stay within your budget? How has your shopping budget changed over time?