Basics on a Budget...

Do you adhere to a budget?
I do, sort of...
it's a bit willy nilly but I do TRY!

My favourite shop for basics that do not break the budget 

they are not "cheap" 

 the CPW (cost per wearing) is what makes them a great buy.

I can ALWAYS find something that will work with my wardrobe here.

When sales are at 50% or better I only browse for the basics...
I am NEVER wooed by rampant patterns of colour...it may sound boring but when I did this in the past they were the buys that were worn once and then they hung sadly passed over forever after in the closet until they were purged by me in disgust!
The basics are neutral and are the workhorses in my wardrobe that I wear over and over again.
They are the backdrop to accessories...
think of them as a blank canvas waiting for a dab of colour or a smattering of sparkle!

I found one new basic today when getting out of the house to ease the cobwebs of inactivity and a release from the domestic chores that have taken most of my morning. In case you think I am complaining I am not...domestics are a big part of my life here in The Humble Bungalow and I truly enjoy pottering about getting things done.

Carilyn Vaile 

(made in the USA)

basic black Tee top in a weight that is flattering 

(especially great for those of us who are not comfortable wearing Spanx!)

This top looks really large but in fact it is not

the sleeves are a bit on the dolman style and 3/4 length which I like to wear at the elbow

it is very sheer and hangs close to the torso

it needs to be worn over a tank top.

This "Splendid" top was not on sale as it is Spring Stock but I liked it so much so I bought it anyway!

I love this lacy "Atmosphere" vest and it is a nice layer over top a white top

not too hot for summer either...

loose weave and it drapes wonderfully

it's

longer in the back than in the front

I think this neutral shade that I would call oatmeal is a great option for a variety of reasons

it's so versatile for starters

can be worn over a dress

pants

capri's or a skirt

it makes total sense when one opts for less rather than more clothes.

Have you been aware of the popularity of dots lately?

I m seeing them every where...

I love the cardigans at J Crew and some of the pretty dresses and scarves in the shops are all dotty.

I might splurge on a dotted scarf too but for now I opted for some cute dotty sox.

In keeping an eye on my expenditures I chose a simple Skimmia posy

which was under $10 and I later divided in two vases

one for the kitchen and one for the powder room.

I got this sweet vase from my BFF as a gift a few years ago

I love the swirly pattern on the matte white background.

Skimmia lasts weeks looking fresh

so it's a great way to stretch the budget.

My orchids are the "go to performers"

 when the Humble Bungalow Roses are not ready for picking.

Orchids are budding out but not in bloom just yet and I do so love having something in a vase to perk me up.

Orchids are budget friendly and re-bloom again and again.

What measures do you take to live within your income?

Are you a budget conscious consumer or do you spend with wild abandon?

Just thinking it might be fun to have you all chime in on this topic 

as it is one that I have been considering quite a lot of late...

what with retirement on the horizon.

I really could use some of your ideas...

Frugality ~ How do you keep your wardrobe looking new and fresh?

I've been very frugal lately...
you may have noticed that I have not been posting lots of "look at what I bought" shots!
It's all the high tech laundry work horses and the renovations that have kept me out of the shops.

There may be a new stove in our future too as ours is misbehaving...
and that is another large purchase.
Better get this all done before my income is reduced when I retire!
We have a new roof scheduled for this spring and the sun deck needs to be rebuilt.
Heritage homes must be maintained or they fall into disrepair so quickly...I suppose that is true of any home.

I bought this Betty Barclay sweater coat on sale

it was $140 off the original price!

In grey and it elongates my stature and skims my wobbly bits in my mid section

what's not to love?

To make my clothing seem newer and fresher I have been changing the way that I wear my pearls...

I've added the JCrew necklace that I got for Christmas to add a modern touch.

Ancient Liz Claiborne shirt

still crisp and serviceable

What about you?

How do you mix up your wardrobe when you crave something new and fresh 

but don't want to spend the money?

Do you sneak off to the thrift or consignment shops with your grocery money?

Do you buy anyways and put it on a credit card?

Have you stashed some money aside  for a rainy day splurge?

How does it make you feel when you know that you shouldn't spend and that you should save?

Are you a compulsive shopper, a recreational shopper or a reluctant shopper?

I've found staying out of the shops has been easier than I thought it would be...

browsing online has been an outlet which satisfies my urge to shop

and with only a minor slip up at the Gap Online Sale I am having a lot of success!

The fact that I want to lose a few more pounds before I buy anything else is a great motivator.

Tell me dear reader how do you do it?

~ ~ ~

Cheap thrills...

Luxe comes with a high price and it always isn't the best bang for the buck.
Take cosmetics for example...
I feel that we might be paying for the name brand or the packaging, not necessarily the product.

I've done my own research by testing certain brands and comparing them with less expensive options.
For example...

Chanel lipstick and gloss

which cost about $32 each

(the shades are brilliant and the formula lasts a long time)

~ vs. ~

Revlon Shea Butter lipsticks

which retail for about $9 each

I found the lip butters to be much more hydrating

than the Chanel lip products

 (available in 20 great shades)

I have used Lancome Definicils mascara and Aveda's Mosscara

over the years and found both to be fabulous products.

My eyes are very sensitive so I need to be careful...

Consumers swear by Maybelline Great Lash mascara which is cheap as chips but it irritates my eyes.

I am looking to replace my mascara

and wondered about the new mascara 

 Tish Jett  at A Femme d'un certain age has recommended...

Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara

apparently it does not contribute to lash loss

and mine are thinning.

($27 available locally at The Bay)

I'll be giving this one a test drive in the next few weeks.

My go to make up is organic Sun Defense by Eminence

it has sunscreen with an SPF of 30

goes on easily

with the built in brush

can be layered for more coverage if desired...

lasts about a year and costs around $60.

French scents 

cheap thrill on the left, luxe is on the right

~ both are lovely ~

(Durance) retails for about $20 (Hermes) $115

My skincare products are Avene from France.

I use their sensitive line and am really pleased with the quality and the results.

They are readily available here and are sold in drug stores.

What brands and products are you loyal to?

Do you splurge or skimp?

Spend or save?

Hostess meets Bumble and Bumble for a razor bob

The tresses have been lopped and chopped...
there were a LOT of curly locks on the floor beneath my chair!

Diane worked her magic
she used her recent New York trek to Bumble and Bumble headquarters
and fashioned the Bumble and Bumble razor bob.

the cut has perked up my curls

it's not too short

and I can straighten it with my flat iron of I want a different look

I could also put in some styling gel and let it air dry for a curlier look

I am pleased with the results.

I am feeling rather like I am a high maintenance woman these days

which leads me right into the recent discussion that 

a bunch of us were having

 discussing age related things like eyes and complexions and pedicures

we have decided that it costs more to keep up our appearances as we age.

How does one factor in these costs into pension planning I wonder...

I went to the eye doctor and found out that I need new lenses

I don't know why they are so very expensive

($900 just for the lenses!)

 I opted for some new frames too

they are rather masculine looking

someone referred to them "geek chic"

we'll see

well that's the whole point

(ha ha)

Gosh that sounds silly but I am not hitting the delete key.

I am not a funny person but I do love a good laugh

I rarely "get "jokes

and am hopeless when it comes to telling them.

I plan to do some entertaining this weekend...

try out some new recipes.

What are you planning to do?

Dressing on a shoestring budget or "Parisian Chic #101"

Living with a little bit of restraint and some planned spending is on the agenda.
Not a self imposed total ban on spending,
just watching the purse strings a little more carefully so that we can embark on a renovation that has long been overdue.

The mantra being "living better, consuming less."

Debt has become such a large scale problem on the global stage and it is affecting all of us worldwide.
If we cannot manage our personal financial houses how can we expect the leaders and politicians to keep fiscally responsible?

Saving money is not easy for me as I am easily tempted by luxe products
and I have a tendency to indulge myself more often than not.
I am going to try very hard to be more mindful of my spending habits,
using cash and the bank debit card for all but online transactions.

Restraint with a "capital" R.
(not a capital H for Hermes)

Starting today...

Back to school shoes...

ballet flats

black leather

simple

(affordable)

Shoes to wear with skirts and dresses

black leather

comfy

(affordable)

These are very pedestrian foot friendly

shoes

perfect for a Humble Hostess.

I am shod for September's school bell which will be ringing in a few days.

My closet is looking lean

in shades of black white and grey

with several LBD's

a few basic classic garments

that will transition together 

making a multiple of looks

and

with scarves, bangles and baubles

I am set.

I feel more like a French girl than ever before!

Parisian Chic did inspire me to make a fresh start

culling the unloved and unworn sad sacks that hung in wait to haunt me

whispering ever so subtly

 "ha ha told you so"

The bulk of which were patterned garments of flimsy fabrics

purchased on a whim

as a tonic

to appease a low ebb.

Just to be upfront and clear

I am not giving up 

scrunchies

leggings 

or 

scarf rings

no apologies to Ines

I did enjoy this book.

It was a very quick read and I think would be very helpful as a guide to shopping in Paris.

 The iconic double breasted/belted French trench is something I have lusted after

yet it does not suit my frame.

A figure skimming shape with a row of single buttons with a built in half back belt detail work much better.

and I sourced a very affordable example at Land's End.

(as I type it is in transit)

There is not much left on my back-to-school list.

I'm feeling pretty content with the pieces that I have acquired and I have not blown the budget.

I'm ready to meet and greet the staff and students.

Apple anyone?

Thrift shopping and frugal finds.

The current economic crisis is making people nervous and the stock market is experiencing a major dip with many investors selling in a panicked frenzy.
The uncertainty has people running scared.

While I do not spend willy nilly, I do balance big ticket purchases with frugal ones.

I am more than happy that we have thrift shops in our town. I patronize them on a regular basis and have fun looking at the wares. You might be familiar with that saying "one man's junk is another man's treasure".

Shopping in thrift shops offers opportunities to acquire things at reasonable prices. It is an adventure and one must shop with an open mind, keeping your eyes open. Go slowly and peruse carefully, move things around, and you might be surprised what you'll find. Thrift shops are not just for the needy and impoverished. Well shod, bejeweled, ladies - who - lunch have been spied gathering goods and conversations are shared in the aisles over themed table settings for their upcoming dinner parties!

I have seen more Mercedes parked outside and think that thrifting has been elevated to include the upper middle classes.

I would encourage you to venture forth and seek out your local charity shops...

Here are my latest finds...

Leather wallet

Very similar to the Hobo wallet

I paid $100 for the Hobo

and $10 for this one... 

the lining is bright and cheery

in perfect condition.

A book for Grammy's Home Library

$2.00

Isla loves books!

A new release which I nearly bought at the book shop for $30.00

I found this mint one for $4.00

He who does not economize will have to agonize.  ~Confucius

Has the current economic news changed the way that you think about money 

or have you decided to stop shopping for anything that is a non essential?

Floral fever...weekend bliss!

When it comes to garden centers and all things floral I have a serious problem...
Trouble Not Spending Money!

I am frugal in many other areas...
but this area is a major weakness
it's really not a bad thing

I could be a compulsive gambler...
and have nothing to show for my money.

Flowers woo and charm me
and it's easy to see why...
when I look at these cheery blooms
I see Mother Nature smiling.

pretty and drought tolerant 

Osteospermums

White Begonias

white alyssum

 violet lobelia

osteospermums 

in yellow and fuchsia

 a planter of all white flowers

geraniums

silvery dusty miller

petunias and bacopa

all from the Garden Center.

I also attended a hardy plant sale

put on by a group of master gardener's.

It was a cash only sale 

and 

I went without checking the money that I had in my wallet

I'd forgotten that I had spent some already

so

what did I do?

I spent all of the cash on hand right down to a few red cents...

can you imagine just how annoying it was for the people in line up behind me?

Surprisingly they seemed to take it in their stride and made comments about how we gardener's are a frugal lot

and wasn't I clever to limit my spending

one $20 bill and the rest in...

loonies, toonies and small coins!

succulents

which I will plant together

Cerinthe 

major purpurascens

a lovely and interesting bloomer.

I have been planting and potting these up

my hands are filthy even with garden gloves

they have a few holes

(I'll be adding them to my list of things to buy)

but it has been a fabulous sunny weekend to play in the dirt!

Pictures will be shared in a future post

stay tuned...

It's time to make dinner 

and I am feeling fatigued

so

I am simply opening a jar 

Stonewall Kitchen's Traditional Marinara sauce and serving it with pasta.

I know to listen to my body

and it's OK not to make everything from scratch!

Next on the agenda...

my nails!

Hope that you had a fun weekend!