Five Easy Ways to Save Money for Your Next Big Purchase

  We're all victims of the frivolous shopping. There's always a new trend we "must try", a vacation we "totally deserve" and that trashy magazine we can't put down while waiting in line. I know...I know, I have the same urges. However, I've learned to cut back a few place where I can pick up the latest trend from Zara without any guilt. Instead of giving five places to spend your money, I wanted to share with you five easy ways to save your money for your next big purchase. That can be a big shopping spree, vacation or just a cush savings accounts. I'm currently saving up for a MacBook, LULULEMON workout clothes and a set of BOBBI BROWN makeup brushes.

1. Goodbye Manis/Pedis -  try and calculate how much money you spend on mani and pedis a month, now a year...try three years. Let's say you spend $30 (not including tip) every two weeks. We're spending $720 a year on getting our nails done!?! I'd rather do my own nails and buy a pair of DESIGNER heels.

2.  The Envelop System - some of you probably know this method. The envelope system is one of the easiest ways to save money. My best friend, Sara, taught me this method. She's one of the biggest savers I know! You dedicate one envelope for everything; from vacations, clothing, gifts, etc. To give you an example, I have three envelopes I'm using right now. One for my MacBook, one for my clothes and one for workout clothes.

3. No more Starbucks - there's a reason Starbucks is a multimillion dollar company. They're taking our milk money! How often do we go by Starbucks and get a cappuccino or a double frappuccino mocha? A lot. These little trips to Starbucks or any coffee shop can eventually add up to hundreds and thousands of dollars.

4. Save your $5 Bills - it's as easy as it sounds. The next time you come across a $5 bill in your wallet, set it aside. When you get home either put it in an envelop or find a cute PIGGY BANK to collect this cash. We've all saved the change from our pockets, to later on in the year go to count the money and be disappointed to only have saved $35 in quarters. With $5 bills, you'll exceed that $35 in just a few weeks.

5. Sell Clothes, Shoes & Handbags - if you haven't worn something in a year, it's probably time for you two to go your separate ways. Look in your closet. How many trendy tops and dresses do you have hanging up just collecting dust? More than we'd like to admit. Sell those things! Let someone else enjoy that Michael Kors purse you never wear or those Zara heels that barely fit. Find a local consignment shop or check out online consignment shops, like POSHMARK and THREADFLIP, to sell those unused items in your closet.

How to Wear Accessories to Work

I'll be the first to admit that getting ready for work can be monotonous and boring. Looking through my closet, I see the same black pants and same blouse I  always wear to work. Those days happen often and when they do, I throw on accessories. Necklaces, earrings, heels (can be considered an accessory), handbags, gloves, scarfs, rings, bracelets, and/or a blingy watch. Okay, not all of them, but I pick a few of my favorite.

If leopard dresses are frowned upon at the office, then buy a leopard scarf or a cute pair of leopard heels. For example, I love colorful leather pieces in my closet, but I could only dream of wearing tops or skirts to the office, instead I buy purple and red leather gloves to satisfy my leather love. So when I get to the office, I take off my cute gloves and put them in my bag. It's like no one ever saw them...except the ladies in the office. Later on they'll tell me how much they loved my red leather gloves.

One of my favorite accessories to wear to work is fur. This faux fur scarf is from Banana Republic and it always makes me feel glamorous. For those of you who follow me on Instagram, I always wear my FUR HEADBAND and yes...that includes wearing it to work and business meetings. So don't let the daily grind of work outfits get to you. Dress up your outfit with a few accessories and get excited about about showing off your style from 9-5!

Wanted to share that one of my beloved followers, Annette from Lady of Style featured me on her blog. Check out the blog post HERE!

Dress :: Banana Republic 

Heels :: Zara old (similar here)

Bag :: Michael Kors

Coat :: Zara old (similar here & here)

Faux Fur Scarf :: Banana Republic old (love this one & similar here)

Gloves :: Banana Republic sold out (similar here & here)

Women's Suit Alternative to the Office

With so many retailers catering to women in the corporate world, wearing a suit to the office is not your only option. I wear a classic suit to the office once a month…at the most. My curves and my height do not compliment a suit or should I say a suit does not compliment my curves and height. However, I do mix and match pieces from my suit collection. For example, I love my suit jacket with a peplum top or pencil skirt with a belted sweater. My exception to the rule is when I’m doing a presentation to C-level Executives. In those meetings, I wear a suit. When presenting, you want to focus on the content of the meeting, not your cutest outfit. At times, your outfit can be distracting to your audience during a presentation.

Today’s outfit I’ve worn to several meetings over the last couple weeks. This is the closest you’ll get to wearing a suit to the office and not sacrifice comfort and style. You still look profession and put together. Try and stay away from cotton button up shirts. Polyester blouses are better suited for women, especially if you have curves. Throw on your favorite cardigan and fitted pair of trousers and you're ready to dominate the office. Make sure your pants don’t drag when wearing heels or flats. It’s okay if you roll up your pants on the way to the office, but when you show up to the office switch to your heels, unroll your pants and make sure they are a half inch off the ground. If they are too long take them to a tailor or try and learn to hem pants yourself (it’s super easy).  Since I’m a “shorty” I purchase cropped pants and I never have to worry about having to hem my pants.

I really think you can lose your own style when you wearing a suit to the office on a daily basis. All the men I work with wear suits and ties to the office and they look sharp and professional. But isn't it great that we have the luxury of wearing other alternatives to the classic suits…so take advantage of this at the office!

Blouse :: Express

Cardigan :: TJ Maxx (similar LOFT Jacket) 

Trousers :: Zara old (similar here) 

Heels :: Kurt Geiger

Bag :: Fendi

Watch :: Michael Kors