Ok, loves, so I know I've been M.I.A. for a while. For that I sincerely apologize. I've had a lot on my plate lately. But with all the craziness, I've lost sight of what I love most - writing.
This year flew by. It feels like yesterday that I was ringing in 2010 with new hopes, dreams, and wishes for the new year and the new decade. All of the sudden, here I am making resolutions... No, scratch that... making commitments for 2011. It's going to be a huge year, boys and girls. Great things are happening for so many people. The energy buzzing around feels amazing and I am so ready to embrace the changes that are coming.
So with that said, I'd like to make a promise to you all, but mostly to myself. The Bougie Budgetista will be blogging daily in the year 2011. Yes. DAILY! I'm excited about this venture and I most certainly hope you are too. This year I am claiming success and growth as a writer. Happy New Year, my darlings!
♥ - The Bougie Budgetista
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Black Friday - A Shopper's Delight
My favorite time of the year is finally here - Holiday Season! Cool weather, cozy sweaters, pumpkin spiced lattes, cashmere scarves, carolers, family time... You name it, I love it! But the part that truly warms my heart and what is by far the most important thing to me is that this is the time to give, never expecting anything in return, just to share joy. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the face of my loved ones light up when they open my awesome, well thought out, sentimental and unexpected gift. It's delightful! Gift. Yes. I said GIFT. Not a gift card. It's a cop out. To all of you who swear by gift cards, I say to you, "You're a lazy bum. Step your game up!" Okay, I'm off my anti-gift card soap box. Back to our normally scheduled message.
Since we're all penny pinching these days, getting that special someone the greatest gift ever all of the sudden becomes the stress of a lifetime instead of a joyful act of love an appreciation. Shopping becomes torturous. But it doesn't have to be. A little research and planning goes a long way, especially when navigating the plethora of Black Friday deals.
Black Friday can be a shopper's paradise, if well prepared. For one, the most wanted gifts will most likely be at the lowest prices of the year. Secondly, it's a chance to not only get gifts for a great bargain, but also stock your home with the appliances and electronics you've been eying for months. Flat screen television, anyone? But with prices so low, you may get sucked into buying more than you expected just to "take advantage of the deal" and consequently burning a massive hole into your budget. However, if you follow a few of my Budgetista tips, holiday shopping will be a cake walk - and your wallet will thank you for it.
1. Get your friends and family's wish list. Once you know what they want, you can split their lists up in categories, just like you would when you go grocery shopping. Think of each category as an aisle in the grocery store. If you're like me, you shop for dry goods first, then get the cold items last. The same applies to holiday shopping. You want to save the easy filler gifts for last. You know, the things that are going to be at the store regardless of the holiday hooplah, that really haven't been marked down too much, etc. The "cold" items. What you want to get first are the "hot" items, the ones that you know are at a great deal and are going to go fast. DVDs and BluRays are a popular doorbuster deal and a great gift for your movie buff BFF. Even full seasons of television series are going to be listed at next to nothing. So prioritize your day by knowing what's going to be on sale that weekend.
2. Pick up the Sunday Paper... NOW! Aside from being chock full of money saving coupons, stores will be including their Black Friday circulars (FYI, if you can't get the paper most circulars are going to be listed online). From those circulars, you'll learn a few things:
3. Set your budget and stick to it. You may be a pleaser who feels the need to get everything on your loved ones' lists. STOP IT RIGHT NOW! Be honest with yourself. How much can you truly afford to spend this holiday season? Have you been saving up for this? If you're thinking about relying on credit cards to get you through the season, slap yourself. One day of joy is not worth a year of debt. Once you've set your budget, the best way to stick to it is by hitting the bank. Pull out the exact amount of cash you've planned on spending and leave the plastic at home. Trust me, it's a lot harder to part with a stack of twenties than it is to bust out the debit or credit card.
4. Go forth and shop! Enjoy your shopping day. It should not be stressful at all. Don't feel bad if something on your shopping list isn't available anymore. They gave you lists, right? Then pick something else. Or go your own way and pick something completely unexpected, but totally appropriate. It's not about giving the most expensive gift. It's about sharing joy.
Take the rest of the week and not only prepare yourself for the biggest shopping day of they year, but also some wonderful quality time with your friends and family. I know I am! Have a safe and joyful Thanksgiving, lovies!
♥ - The Bougie Budgetista
Since we're all penny pinching these days, getting that special someone the greatest gift ever all of the sudden becomes the stress of a lifetime instead of a joyful act of love an appreciation. Shopping becomes torturous. But it doesn't have to be. A little research and planning goes a long way, especially when navigating the plethora of Black Friday deals.
Black Friday can be a shopper's paradise, if well prepared. For one, the most wanted gifts will most likely be at the lowest prices of the year. Secondly, it's a chance to not only get gifts for a great bargain, but also stock your home with the appliances and electronics you've been eying for months. Flat screen television, anyone? But with prices so low, you may get sucked into buying more than you expected just to "take advantage of the deal" and consequently burning a massive hole into your budget. However, if you follow a few of my Budgetista tips, holiday shopping will be a cake walk - and your wallet will thank you for it.
1. Get your friends and family's wish list. Once you know what they want, you can split their lists up in categories, just like you would when you go grocery shopping. Think of each category as an aisle in the grocery store. If you're like me, you shop for dry goods first, then get the cold items last. The same applies to holiday shopping. You want to save the easy filler gifts for last. You know, the things that are going to be at the store regardless of the holiday hooplah, that really haven't been marked down too much, etc. The "cold" items. What you want to get first are the "hot" items, the ones that you know are at a great deal and are going to go fast. DVDs and BluRays are a popular doorbuster deal and a great gift for your movie buff BFF. Even full seasons of television series are going to be listed at next to nothing. So prioritize your day by knowing what's going to be on sale that weekend.
2. Pick up the Sunday Paper... NOW! Aside from being chock full of money saving coupons, stores will be including their Black Friday circulars (FYI, if you can't get the paper most circulars are going to be listed online). From those circulars, you'll learn a few things:
- when the stores will open on Friday morning
- how much the most anticipated items will cost that day
- how long the sale will last (doorbuster deals, weekend deals, etc)
- if items are going to be in limited quantities
3. Set your budget and stick to it. You may be a pleaser who feels the need to get everything on your loved ones' lists. STOP IT RIGHT NOW! Be honest with yourself. How much can you truly afford to spend this holiday season? Have you been saving up for this? If you're thinking about relying on credit cards to get you through the season, slap yourself. One day of joy is not worth a year of debt. Once you've set your budget, the best way to stick to it is by hitting the bank. Pull out the exact amount of cash you've planned on spending and leave the plastic at home. Trust me, it's a lot harder to part with a stack of twenties than it is to bust out the debit or credit card.
4. Go forth and shop! Enjoy your shopping day. It should not be stressful at all. Don't feel bad if something on your shopping list isn't available anymore. They gave you lists, right? Then pick something else. Or go your own way and pick something completely unexpected, but totally appropriate. It's not about giving the most expensive gift. It's about sharing joy.
Take the rest of the week and not only prepare yourself for the biggest shopping day of they year, but also some wonderful quality time with your friends and family. I know I am! Have a safe and joyful Thanksgiving, lovies!
♥ - The Bougie Budgetista
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Fusion Fashion for the Financially Fit Fashionista
It should come of no surprise that I love fashion. One day I WILL own a pair of Christian Louboutins. Preferably in the year 2011. But that's neither here nor there. I know my fellow fashion addicts lust for the looks on the runway, but since few of us are celebutants, A-listers, or a Trump, the prospect of having a closet full of Chanel, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, and the likes any time soon is not yet in the cards. How does a budgetista make due in the meantime while working on on becoming their own CEO?
The fashion dieties have heard our pleas and created affordable lines for the masses, available at our neighborhood H&M, Payless, Target and Kohl's. With price points that fit everyone's budget, the financially savvy fashionista in all of us is finally satiated.
I remember being in elementary school and watching Cindy Crawford report on the latest and greatest fashion trends by designers like Isaac Mizrahi on MTV's House of Style. Yes, I've been in love with fashion since then. By the time I got to high school, I heard about his line at Target and felt like a little kid on Christmas morning! I could finally own something with Isaac Mizrahi's name on it! And so, my love affair with diffusion lines was born.
These days, high-end designers have taken diffusion lines to a whole new level. Today, H&M will have a sneak preview in select stores of it's newest collaboration line and will be available in more stores on November 23rd. The Parisian designer Lanvin has collaborated with the brand to create gorgeous dresses, with hints of vintage flair. Ruffles and bright hues make these looks perfect for any holiday soiree you have on your planner. And you know if it's at H&M, it's going not going to cost an arm and a leg. Lanvin is just the newest addition to H&M's designer collaborations. Over the years, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Madonna and even Jimmy Choo have worked with the brand, and the buzz over Lanvin Heart H&M is proving to be as anticipated as its predecessors.
Target has long been known for teaming up with designers to give us fashion hungry shoppers access to the hottest looks for less. Their latest partnership with handbag designer Mulberry is truly delightful. Together with the retailer, Mulberry has put together a collection of satchels and crossbody pocketbooks that are closely resemble their original handbags for a fraction of a fraction of the cost!
In January of 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama looked stunning in a mint green dress by Cuban-born designer Isabel Toledo. Now we can all partake in her delicate and highly feminine designs for Payless Shoesource. Yes, I said PAYLESS! And it doesn't stop there. Project Runway's Christian Siriano is also contributing his fierce styles to the discount shoe store. With chunky heels and bold accents, we can all make the sidewalk our runway. Can we say "Vicious"?
With that said, if you hunger for high-end fashion, you can finally satiate yourself on a low-end budget. Designers all around the world have heard your plight. Go forth and be fabulous... Budgetista style!
♥ - The Bougie Budgetista
The fashion dieties have heard our pleas and created affordable lines for the masses, available at our neighborhood H&M, Payless, Target and Kohl's. With price points that fit everyone's budget, the financially savvy fashionista in all of us is finally satiated.
I remember being in elementary school and watching Cindy Crawford report on the latest and greatest fashion trends by designers like Isaac Mizrahi on MTV's House of Style. Yes, I've been in love with fashion since then. By the time I got to high school, I heard about his line at Target and felt like a little kid on Christmas morning! I could finally own something with Isaac Mizrahi's name on it! And so, my love affair with diffusion lines was born.
These days, high-end designers have taken diffusion lines to a whole new level. Today, H&M will have a sneak preview in select stores of it's newest collaboration line and will be available in more stores on November 23rd. The Parisian designer Lanvin has collaborated with the brand to create gorgeous dresses, with hints of vintage flair. Ruffles and bright hues make these looks perfect for any holiday soiree you have on your planner. And you know if it's at H&M, it's going not going to cost an arm and a leg. Lanvin is just the newest addition to H&M's designer collaborations. Over the years, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Madonna and even Jimmy Choo have worked with the brand, and the buzz over Lanvin Heart H&M is proving to be as anticipated as its predecessors.
Target has long been known for teaming up with designers to give us fashion hungry shoppers access to the hottest looks for less. Their latest partnership with handbag designer Mulberry is truly delightful. Together with the retailer, Mulberry has put together a collection of satchels and crossbody pocketbooks that are closely resemble their original handbags for a fraction of a fraction of the cost!
 |
| Mulberry Satchel - $1,250 |
 |
| Mulberry for Target Satchel - $49.99 |
In January of 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama looked stunning in a mint green dress by Cuban-born designer Isabel Toledo. Now we can all partake in her delicate and highly feminine designs for Payless Shoesource. Yes, I said PAYLESS! And it doesn't stop there. Project Runway's Christian Siriano is also contributing his fierce styles to the discount shoe store. With chunky heels and bold accents, we can all make the sidewalk our runway. Can we say "Vicious"?
 |
| Isabel Toledo for Payless, Toreador Pump - $44.99 |
 |
| Christian Siriano for Payless, Mena Dress Boot - $59.00 |
With that said, if you hunger for high-end fashion, you can finally satiate yourself on a low-end budget. Designers all around the world have heard your plight. Go forth and be fabulous... Budgetista style!
♥ - The Bougie Budgetista
Friday, November 19, 2010
Pretty Boy (or Girl) Swag, FancyLo Style
They say "Don't judge a book by it's cover," but let's be real. When you're walking through Barnes & Noble, what makes you stop and browse through a novel you've never heard of before? The cover! The same same applies to people and their appearances. A well dressed person is more likely to spark the interest of those around them than someone who takes no pride in the way they look. "But it's the weekend... Why should I dress up on my day off?" Because you never know you're going to run in to.
Many of us have our normal nine to five, to which we give 110% Monday through Friday. But once it hits 5:01pm, our focus turns to our own pursuit of success. Since the world's down time is our grind time, we are constantly at work, but during those off hours, we get to be the boss. To those of you who morph into Super-CEO the minute you clock out, ask yourself "What does my weekend wardrobe say about me?"
I have a colleague who I love dearly. She has a vibrant spirit and a killer work ethic. But, up until recently, I would see her at the office looking like she had given up on herself. She's so exhausted by the daytime job, her MBA, and her own grind that she opts to hide from the world behind frumpy garb rather than take the time to unleash her inner diva. "I set out something fabulous the night before, but when I wake up in the morning, I just don't feel like making that effort anymore," she told me. With a closet full of Cole Haans, Stuart Weitzmans, and Michael Kors, she defaults to cheap flip flops and oversized sweaters that do nothing for her. She would swear up and down that she was what she likes to call FancyLo - low maintenance, but still put together. But unfortunately, her look was taking "Lo" to a whole new level. Borderline "Sloppy", actually. The more we got into our conversation, the more I realized that I wasn't seeing the half of it. If this is how she presented herself during the work week, then how on earth was she carrying herself on the weekends?
This got me thinking. How do you pull off "low maintenance" without looking like a hot mess? First, we have to start by putting your sweats where they belong - next to your gym bag and/or your cleaning supplies. Next work on your closet and make it easy to navigate. Section it off in three parts - Daytime (work), Evening (play) and Weekend (relax). Each section should make one cohesive statement about who you are, where you're going, and what you're going to do when you get there. Since weekends are normally a time to kick back and relax at your local coffee shop and work on your boss status (assuming you're like the rest of us), stock your closet with über comfortable basic pieces that say "I care about myself and my work and so should you." Skip the tailored shirts and slacks you wear all week and opt for well fitting tees in a natural material (both long and short sleeved), laid back oxford shirts, comfy sweaters, relaxed cargos, breathable leggings (for the ladies, of course), and a great pair of jeans. Stick to neutral colors to you can grab and go without having to put much thought into how things go together. The great thing is that a lot of these essential pieces are not expensive at all and you can stock up without breaking the bank. Ladies, finish off the look with a pair of adorable ballet flats, gladiator sandals or riding boots. Gentlemen, depending on your personal style, go for boat shoes, casual sneakers that show off your personal style (like Pumas or Nike SBs), or just stick with a classic and throw on a pair of Chuck Taylors. Bottom line, your weekend wear should be chic, simple, but always put together. Sometimes, less really is more.
In the great debate about the definition of FancyLo, my colleague argued that I was far to Fancy and I didn't have a Lo bone in my body. I couldn't disagree with her more. Just because I like the finer things in life doesn't mean I won't go grab brunch in a sweater and leggings (à la modern Flashdance) with little, if any, makeup. I just want my exterior to always reflect my interior. And until this conversation, she wasn't letting her amazing personality and talent shine through her wardrobe. The next day, when I saw her at the office, she looked adorably laid back - hair done in a chic pony tail, a simple but well fitting black sweater, and a printed A-line skirt. And now I know her weekend wear was equally as sophisticated. I couldn't have been more proud. She finally understood what I had been fussing with her about for weeks. If you look good on the outside, you'll feel good on the inside.
Everyone has a little FancyLo in them. I do it city style. She's all California girl. Midwesterners add their own flavor to it, etc. The point is that FancyLo should never be just Lo. There should always be some effort put into your effortless look.
So as we kick off the weekend think about what you're about to throw on to run your errands. If you were to meet who could become your best client, would you feel good about the impression you made when you handed him or her your business card? Marinate on it and have an awesome weekend!
♥ - The Bougie Budgetista
Many of us have our normal nine to five, to which we give 110% Monday through Friday. But once it hits 5:01pm, our focus turns to our own pursuit of success. Since the world's down time is our grind time, we are constantly at work, but during those off hours, we get to be the boss. To those of you who morph into Super-CEO the minute you clock out, ask yourself "What does my weekend wardrobe say about me?"
I have a colleague who I love dearly. She has a vibrant spirit and a killer work ethic. But, up until recently, I would see her at the office looking like she had given up on herself. She's so exhausted by the daytime job, her MBA, and her own grind that she opts to hide from the world behind frumpy garb rather than take the time to unleash her inner diva. "I set out something fabulous the night before, but when I wake up in the morning, I just don't feel like making that effort anymore," she told me. With a closet full of Cole Haans, Stuart Weitzmans, and Michael Kors, she defaults to cheap flip flops and oversized sweaters that do nothing for her. She would swear up and down that she was what she likes to call FancyLo - low maintenance, but still put together. But unfortunately, her look was taking "Lo" to a whole new level. Borderline "Sloppy", actually. The more we got into our conversation, the more I realized that I wasn't seeing the half of it. If this is how she presented herself during the work week, then how on earth was she carrying herself on the weekends?
This got me thinking. How do you pull off "low maintenance" without looking like a hot mess? First, we have to start by putting your sweats where they belong - next to your gym bag and/or your cleaning supplies. Next work on your closet and make it easy to navigate. Section it off in three parts - Daytime (work), Evening (play) and Weekend (relax). Each section should make one cohesive statement about who you are, where you're going, and what you're going to do when you get there. Since weekends are normally a time to kick back and relax at your local coffee shop and work on your boss status (assuming you're like the rest of us), stock your closet with über comfortable basic pieces that say "I care about myself and my work and so should you." Skip the tailored shirts and slacks you wear all week and opt for well fitting tees in a natural material (both long and short sleeved), laid back oxford shirts, comfy sweaters, relaxed cargos, breathable leggings (for the ladies, of course), and a great pair of jeans. Stick to neutral colors to you can grab and go without having to put much thought into how things go together. The great thing is that a lot of these essential pieces are not expensive at all and you can stock up without breaking the bank. Ladies, finish off the look with a pair of adorable ballet flats, gladiator sandals or riding boots. Gentlemen, depending on your personal style, go for boat shoes, casual sneakers that show off your personal style (like Pumas or Nike SBs), or just stick with a classic and throw on a pair of Chuck Taylors. Bottom line, your weekend wear should be chic, simple, but always put together. Sometimes, less really is more.
In the great debate about the definition of FancyLo, my colleague argued that I was far to Fancy and I didn't have a Lo bone in my body. I couldn't disagree with her more. Just because I like the finer things in life doesn't mean I won't go grab brunch in a sweater and leggings (à la modern Flashdance) with little, if any, makeup. I just want my exterior to always reflect my interior. And until this conversation, she wasn't letting her amazing personality and talent shine through her wardrobe. The next day, when I saw her at the office, she looked adorably laid back - hair done in a chic pony tail, a simple but well fitting black sweater, and a printed A-line skirt. And now I know her weekend wear was equally as sophisticated. I couldn't have been more proud. She finally understood what I had been fussing with her about for weeks. If you look good on the outside, you'll feel good on the inside.
Everyone has a little FancyLo in them. I do it city style. She's all California girl. Midwesterners add their own flavor to it, etc. The point is that FancyLo should never be just Lo. There should always be some effort put into your effortless look.
So as we kick off the weekend think about what you're about to throw on to run your errands. If you were to meet who could become your best client, would you feel good about the impression you made when you handed him or her your business card? Marinate on it and have an awesome weekend!
♥ - The Bougie Budgetista
Monday, November 1, 2010
Portrait of a Hustler: Shawntel O. Asemota of SOA Event Concepts, LLC
T.G.I.M.! Thank God it’s Monday! Most folks dread this day, as it marks the start of another torturous work week at the office. But there are few individuals in this world who smile at the mere mention of Monday. To them Monday indicates not just the beginning of the work week, but the chance to create new opportunities for success. It’s grind time!
As many of you know, I’m quite the late bloomer. Though I have a job that provides me a comfortable living, I’m not in love with it. It’s not what I want to do for the rest of my life. And to be 100% honest, I’m still not sure what I want to do with my life. But now, I at least have an idea, all thanks to my best friend and entrepreneurial mentor, Shawntel O. Asemota.
I met Shawntel in the summer of 2007 at the University of Georgia in a step aerobics class. She has a certain je ne sais quoi about her that instantly drew me to her and made us fast friends. Shawntel initially starter her college career thinking she was going to become a lawyer, then retire as an event planner. She soon realized that law just wasn’t for her and switched to advertising that helped her creative juices flow freely. With her advertising degree she got a job right out of college with a direct marketing firm. Realizing that corporate America wasn’t for her she quite to pursue her passion, and reach success as an event planner. And so, SOA Event Concepts, LLC was born.
Let’s face it. Being an entrepreneur takes hard work, determination, discipline and faith. I’ve always admired Shawntel’s drive and work ethic. She is a master time manager and multi-tasker, juggling building her brand, blogging about her experiences as the Unemployed [but Empowered] Entrepreneur, freelancing as a relationship columnist, working as an event coordinator at her new job with Event Design Group, rubbing elbows with fellow grinders in her industry, and still finding time to balance and build on a successful relationship with an equally ambitious “boyfriancé”. There is nothing this woman can’t do, and yet she still finds time to be an amazing friend to me.
So in the spirit of Mondays, I encourage all of you to stop looking at today like the plague, take a page right out of Shawntel’s proverbial book, and start seeing the world through SOA colored glasses – it’s a new beginning full of networking opportunities, business ventures, and the chance to build your own personal empire. Now, as my lovie/BFF always says, "go forth and conquer your dreams" even when everyone else is having a bad case of the Mondays.
♥ - The Bougie Budgetista
Monday, October 11, 2010
"Fabulosity" Just Fits
The simple fact of the matter is that fit is everything. If something doesn’t fit correctly, not only will you feel absolutely uncomfortable in what you’re wearing, but you most certainly won’t look your best. And folks, it’s time to face the truth – your outward appearance makes a huge impact on how the people you come in contact with perceive you. Some of you may be thinking to yourselves, “Oh, but I don’t care what people think about me. My clothes has nothing to do with the quality of my work. “ I can’t help by shake my head and laugh at these poor souls. Of course, honey, we all know that your clothes don’t make you more talented, but no one in your industry will ever take you seriously if you don’t place some importance on your appearance. For this very reason, it is imperative to put your best foot forward at all times. In order to do so successfully there are a few habits you should break and others you really must pick up straight away.
1. Drop the size denial. As we get older, our bodies change. Whether you had a baby, stopped playing football, got an office job, had a bad break up or whatever, more likely than not, you’re not the same size as you were when you were 18. Whether you’ve gotten bigger or smaller, you need to come to grips with what your body looks like right now and dress for that body.
Go to the store and stop looking at size tags. Besides, once you get home, you can rip that tag out and never look at the number again. Ignore the number and go with what fits you best. Remember, not all designers cut their clothes on the same scale. Some brands run small, others are a little larger. Bottom line, you will not be the same size in every single brand under the sun.
Also, just because it zips doesn’t mean it fits. Really look at how the article of clothing drapes your body. If you see parts of you protruding where it should look smooth, then go up a size. If the fabric is dropping where it should be fitted, then go down a size. Always fit your largest part and work down from there (we’ll get to this in a minute, so hang tight!). No one wants to look like a sausage or a tent, so really focus on wearing clothes that actually fit you and you’ll instantly look slimmer.
2. Embrace your age. There are certain styles of clothing (and fabrics, for that matter) that were perfectly acceptable with you were 21. But as we reach our mid- to late-twenties and thirties, and as we begin to blossom in our professional lives, we have to start letting go of wardrobes past. Baby tees with silly sayings or cartoons, skin-tight spandex sparkly tube dressed and halters, and super low rise hip-huggers on a thirty-something screams “has-been cougar.” I’m not saying you have to dress like a Golden Girl. But what I AM saying is that you should be taking your cues from the leading ladies of Hollywood, both past and present.
Notice they almost always grace the pages of magazines in a fusion of timeless, truly classic pieces and silhouettes with trendy accents. Also note that they almost never look like they’re trying to keep up with the young bucks, but instead, carry themselves with an air of refinement and poise. Again, you’re probably thinking, “Well, I’m no millionaire. I can’t afford to have the likes of Rachel Zoe dress me.” Honey, you don’t need her or anyone! Some things never change. A-line dresses, pencil skirts, oxford shirts and tailored suits have been in style since our grandmothers were our age. And have you ever looked at a picture of your grandma in her prime? I don’t know about yours, but mine was quite the hottie. Her dresses skimmed her curves, but always left something to the imagination. Use that same principle in your wardrobe.
Look for classic pieces in quality fabrics that can go from one season to the next. Pair these essentials with trendy accessories and you’ve got a classic yet relevant look! There will be times where you come across a piece that is so amazing it makes you want to die. The key is purchase it in a classic color (black, white, gray, camel) to get more wear out of it. Looking to get hip with a particular print or color scheme? The most sage thing you can do to indulge in the trend, but still have an item that will last you a while is to get it in a classic silhouette (cardigan, a-line skirt, trouser, etc). Get the picture? Now go rid yourself of anything you’ve ever purchased in the junior’s section! Welcome to the future!
3. Make it fit and make it last. So, I know this goes against the whole Louboutin deal I was talking about earlier, but stay with me, because it may very well be the most important piece of information to help you look like a million bucks without spending a million bucks. You need two new BFFs – a tailor and the cobbler. No, not a peach cobbler! A cobbler is the guy (or lady) who fixes your shoes. Anyway, you must find both and they must come recommended. Check out a site like Yelp or ask your coworkers who they use.
It’s worth taking the time to find a good tailor because this is the person responsible for making your off-the-rack amazing finds you got on sale (you DID shop the sale right? If not, I’ll surely show you how) look like they were made for you and only you. As I mentioned before, each designer is different. They don’t all use the same scale, but they DO use the same proportions. They’re not taking into account your short torso or your best friend’s onion booty or your beau’s extra broad shoulders compared to his narrow waist. According to them, one proportion fits all. Since we all know this isn’t the case, your tailor will nip and tuck and doctor your clothes into your second skin.
Along with these fabulous duds, you’ll need some equally gorgeous shoes. If you’re anything like me, when you find a pair of pumps that are tall, sexy AND comfortable, nothing can get those bad boys off your feet. So after a while, the stoles start wearing out, the tips of the heels come off, there starts to be some wear and tear at the toes, etc. Your first thought may be to chuck the shoes and try to find another pair just like them. Why waste money when you don’t have to? Take your fab footwear to the cobbler. He’ll wave his magic wand and POOF! They’re like new again! Ok, so it’s not magic. And yes it’s going to cost you $10 or $15 to fix, but it’s so much more cost effective than hunting for the exact same pair and paying full price for them, I’ll tell you that. And THAT is being a budgetista, honey!
I once heard that the way you dress is very indicative of the type of person you are and how you want people to see you. People DO judge a book by its cover. If the cover isn’t appealing, no one is going to buy the book. So now that you have the tools, make your cover as interesting as possible. There is no excuse for you not to shine like the brilliant talented star that you are!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Big Ballin' (On A Budget) Is My Hobby
Over the past few weeks, I've shared with you my personal path to enlightenment. We've also discovered what it truly means to be bougie. Now all that's left is to answer the one question everyone's been asking me: "What on earth is a budgetista?"
I'll admit, I made this word up (don't judge me), but no other word in the English (or Urban) language could embody who I am and what I'm trying to convey. I live a lifestyle. I love to travel, I love fine dining, I have a passion for fashion, and I need to be able to do it all on an entry-level employee's salary. And I'm sure all of you know how dismal the dollar figure on one of those checks can be. But what we all must internalize from this moment on is this thought that a wise woman once shared with me - It's not how much money you make, it's what you do with it.
What are you doing with your money? Have you actually taken a look at the items listed on your bank statement online (or for the less green, on your paper statement) or do you just check to see how much money is left? I'm not going to lie, I would do it too. And then I'd wonder why I was living paycheck to paycheck. Quite frankly, that never felt like living. I'd feel a rush when I saw that my direct deposit had cleared. I'd excitedly pay my (read: past due) bills, treat myself to a little retail therapy, eat out everyday for a week, then after a while, I'd take a peek at my account. Suddenly, I was drowning in a wave of panic. How was I going to to pay the rest of my bills? What was I going to eat? Is what I have left in my gas tank going to last me until the next paycheck? Then, once the next deposit cleared, I was back on Cloud 9. I lived for payday and nothing else. One day, it hit me. I realized that the vicious cycle had to stop if I ever wanted to do more than "just get by." So little by little I began making changes. Now I challenge all of you who can relate to my plight to do the same by following a few easy, albeit a little time consuming, steps.
First, really take a look at your spending. Every day for a whole month, collect all the receipts for the day and write down the business name and the amount spent in a notebook. If you paid a bill or rent, write that down too, but highlight it since it's probably a fixed amount you must spend on a monthly basis. Make a few notes about the day's transactions (what you bought, why you bought it, how you feel about the purchase, etc.), staple the receipts to the page, date it and move on to the next day. At the end of the month, categorize your spending. Did you eat out a lot? How much did you spend on clothing? How much of your income went to essentials versus non-essentials? Believe you me, I won't judge you if you felt those nude patent leather Jessica Simpson pumps were essential to your wardrobe. Just be honest enough with yourself to differentiate between your needs and your wants.
Next, once you've categorized the month's expenses, plug the numbers into a budget calculator. Take a look at the results. Are you over or under for the month? How do you feel about the total? Now take a look at all of your entries for the month. Where can you cut back? Restaurants? Shopping? Drinks at the bar? Really think about where you can tighten your purse strings without feeling like you're sacrificing too much. Do you like to cook? Make your favorite meals in advance, pack them in containers and put them in the fridge. You'll have lunch AND dinner for a few nights. Don't know how to cook, but want to look like you know how? Invest in a slow cooker and check out All Recipes for some amazingly delicious meal ideas (and yes, iPhone users, there's an app for that!). Don't know where the kitchen is and quite frankly don't care to find out? Find a friend who likes to cook, provide them with containers, and chip in to their grocery bill!
There are so many ways to cut back without sacrificing too much. Take your cable package, for example. I'm a HUGE United States of Tara fan. Amazing show on Showtime. Get the premium channel for the season, then cancel afterward. Let's face it, the premium channels play the same eight movies over and over and over again. If I wanted to watch Twilight seven times in a 24-hour period, I'd hit up a Redbox, and get it for $1.00. Are you good friends with your next door neighbor? Split the cost of a super-duper router, password protect the network, and go half on the internet bill every month.
Once you have your spending in check and you're making cuts here and there, you're going to see the results of your budget calculation go up. Now, the final step is to learn what you're going to do with your new-found expendable income. If you're coasting through life, getting up in the morning, fighting traffic, clocking in to work, busting your tail for the duration of your shift, clocking out, then fighting traffic to get back home, do you give yourself the opportunity to enjoy the the fruits of your labor? Now's the time to create your lifestyle. You may be a little nervous about splurging a little too much on yourself, but fear not! Here are a few of my Budgetista secrets to help you "live the champagne lifestyle on a kool-aid budget."
For my fellow foodies, culture lovers, and pampered princes and princesses, bookmark Groupon, LivingSocial, and ODealsDaily (for those in Central Florida). You'll find ridiculously wonderful deals for at least half-off gift certificates to some of the best restaurants, the symphony, and even the spa. I highly recommend signing up for their email lists so you'll never miss a chance to treat yourself to the finer things in life. Jet-setters, Priceline and Travelocity should be your best friends. Stay tuned to find out how to become negotiating professional! What? You didn't think I was going to give away all my secrets, did you? *wink*
♥ - The Bougie Budgetista
I'll admit, I made this word up (don't judge me), but no other word in the English (or Urban) language could embody who I am and what I'm trying to convey. I live a lifestyle. I love to travel, I love fine dining, I have a passion for fashion, and I need to be able to do it all on an entry-level employee's salary. And I'm sure all of you know how dismal the dollar figure on one of those checks can be. But what we all must internalize from this moment on is this thought that a wise woman once shared with me - It's not how much money you make, it's what you do with it.
What are you doing with your money? Have you actually taken a look at the items listed on your bank statement online (or for the less green, on your paper statement) or do you just check to see how much money is left? I'm not going to lie, I would do it too. And then I'd wonder why I was living paycheck to paycheck. Quite frankly, that never felt like living. I'd feel a rush when I saw that my direct deposit had cleared. I'd excitedly pay my (read: past due) bills, treat myself to a little retail therapy, eat out everyday for a week, then after a while, I'd take a peek at my account. Suddenly, I was drowning in a wave of panic. How was I going to to pay the rest of my bills? What was I going to eat? Is what I have left in my gas tank going to last me until the next paycheck? Then, once the next deposit cleared, I was back on Cloud 9. I lived for payday and nothing else. One day, it hit me. I realized that the vicious cycle had to stop if I ever wanted to do more than "just get by." So little by little I began making changes. Now I challenge all of you who can relate to my plight to do the same by following a few easy, albeit a little time consuming, steps.
First, really take a look at your spending. Every day for a whole month, collect all the receipts for the day and write down the business name and the amount spent in a notebook. If you paid a bill or rent, write that down too, but highlight it since it's probably a fixed amount you must spend on a monthly basis. Make a few notes about the day's transactions (what you bought, why you bought it, how you feel about the purchase, etc.), staple the receipts to the page, date it and move on to the next day. At the end of the month, categorize your spending. Did you eat out a lot? How much did you spend on clothing? How much of your income went to essentials versus non-essentials? Believe you me, I won't judge you if you felt those nude patent leather Jessica Simpson pumps were essential to your wardrobe. Just be honest enough with yourself to differentiate between your needs and your wants.
Next, once you've categorized the month's expenses, plug the numbers into a budget calculator. Take a look at the results. Are you over or under for the month? How do you feel about the total? Now take a look at all of your entries for the month. Where can you cut back? Restaurants? Shopping? Drinks at the bar? Really think about where you can tighten your purse strings without feeling like you're sacrificing too much. Do you like to cook? Make your favorite meals in advance, pack them in containers and put them in the fridge. You'll have lunch AND dinner for a few nights. Don't know how to cook, but want to look like you know how? Invest in a slow cooker and check out All Recipes for some amazingly delicious meal ideas (and yes, iPhone users, there's an app for that!). Don't know where the kitchen is and quite frankly don't care to find out? Find a friend who likes to cook, provide them with containers, and chip in to their grocery bill!
There are so many ways to cut back without sacrificing too much. Take your cable package, for example. I'm a HUGE United States of Tara fan. Amazing show on Showtime. Get the premium channel for the season, then cancel afterward. Let's face it, the premium channels play the same eight movies over and over and over again. If I wanted to watch Twilight seven times in a 24-hour period, I'd hit up a Redbox, and get it for $1.00. Are you good friends with your next door neighbor? Split the cost of a super-duper router, password protect the network, and go half on the internet bill every month.
Once you have your spending in check and you're making cuts here and there, you're going to see the results of your budget calculation go up. Now, the final step is to learn what you're going to do with your new-found expendable income. If you're coasting through life, getting up in the morning, fighting traffic, clocking in to work, busting your tail for the duration of your shift, clocking out, then fighting traffic to get back home, do you give yourself the opportunity to enjoy the the fruits of your labor? Now's the time to create your lifestyle. You may be a little nervous about splurging a little too much on yourself, but fear not! Here are a few of my Budgetista secrets to help you "live the champagne lifestyle on a kool-aid budget."
For my fellow foodies, culture lovers, and pampered princes and princesses, bookmark Groupon, LivingSocial, and ODealsDaily (for those in Central Florida). You'll find ridiculously wonderful deals for at least half-off gift certificates to some of the best restaurants, the symphony, and even the spa. I highly recommend signing up for their email lists so you'll never miss a chance to treat yourself to the finer things in life. Jet-setters, Priceline and Travelocity should be your best friends. Stay tuned to find out how to become negotiating professional! What? You didn't think I was going to give away all my secrets, did you? *wink*
♥ - The Bougie Budgetista
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Oh You Fancy, Huh?
bou·gie [bü-zhē]
-adjective
1. Aspiring to be a higher class than one is.
2. Extravagant, often to the point of snobbery.
3. Anything that is perceived as "upscale" from a blue-collar point of view.
2. Extravagant, often to the point of snobbery.
3. Anything that is perceived as "upscale" from a blue-collar point of view.
It seems so simple to tack on a negative connotation to such a simple word. To most, when they hear the word "bougie," all they really hear is "stuck up," "arrogant," "cocky," "siditty," "fancy" even. But when you take a moment and really delve into the origins of the word, we find a much simpler and respected meaning. To be bougie is to be a hustler.
Let's look back to the late middle ages. Western Europe was in turmoil. Britain and France had both suffered multiple famines and the black death. Fields were left with no one to work them. Landlords were so desperate for employees that they raised wages to entice workers. And those workers took heed. In fact, some expected more. Much more. In the 14th and 15th centuries, artisans and tradesmen arose and became an economic powerhouse. They branched out and conducted business in favor of their own interests. These early entrepreneurs had their eyes on the prize and through their hard work, made it to the top of the social ladder - rubbing elbows with nobility. The bourgeoisie was born.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the bourgeoisie established themselves as the prominent middle class. They rallied for changes in property laws, expanded trade and commerce and established a capitalist economy. By the late 19th century, this social class had was retiring and living comfortably off their own investments. Now, correct me if i'm wrong, but last time i checked, this is what we all strive for - success and comfort. Today's entrepreneurs share the same mentality as the bourgeois did in the 1700s. With hard work, dedication, and innovation, this social class moved up from being commoners in a feudal economy to being recognized as nobility. By encouraging thinking outside of the box and even gender equality, and by being disciplined enough to focus in perfecting the skills necessary to be the best at what their trade, the bourgeois created the blueprint for today's hustlers to follow.
I've caught so much hell for calling myself "The Bougie Budgetista." I mean, I’ve actually been told "I would never want to be considered bougie." All I can do is laugh at those poor souls. Why wouldn't you want to be successful? If you don't want success as desperately as you want to take your next breath, then please, do the rest of us bougie folks a favor and step aside. We're on a mission to get to the top and you run the risk of getting trampled over.
Now, once you're safely on the sidelines, take a moment and look around you. See if you can spot the hustlers grinding right under your nose. You see that young woman sipping a latté in Barnes & Nobel? She's actually thumbing through event planning magazines getting ideas for her next project while simultaneously typing her column for an online publication. You see that well dressed young man at the sushi restaurant at 2:00pm having lunch with some older gentlemen? Did you notice his 9 to 5 work badge on his hip? He's actually holding a business meeting with the owners of the newest night club in the city, negotiating a contract for his promotions company to host events on Thursday nights. Mind you, the young man is on his lunch break at work. It's 6:00am and you're going for your morning jog and you notice a man leaving the studio with a red bull in his hand. He's actually been up all night, working with his artists while checking the progress of this t-shirt company and confirming his next three MCing gigs for major greek events. And did you notice the young woman at the fabric store debating between two couture designers' patterns? She's actually an aspiring designer, making beautiful renditions of Europe’s hottest looks for little if any money, just to get her name out there. And the next time you're at your city's hottest night spot, take a look in the VIP section. You may just see these fabulous individuals there after months of hard work and sleepless nights poppin' bottles. After all, we are bougie.
♥ - The Bougie Budgetista
Saturday, August 28, 2010
The Late Bloomer
Once upon a time, there was a little girl. She loved sitting in her pretty pink princess room playing pretend. One day, her mother watched as the little girl diligently covered one of her dolls in gauze. Her mother laughed quietly, amused by the determination on the child's face.
"Sweetie, what do you want to be when you grow up?" the mother asked. And without giving it a second thought, the girl replied, "A doctor."
The next day, her mother watched as the child neatly lined up her teddy bears in several rows, then took her place opposite them by her easel. She took a red crayon, drew a big letter 'A' on the paper, and proceeded to give her toys a lecture on all the words she knew that started with the letter 'A'. Her mother patiently waited until her little one's lesson was over to ask, "Honey, now what do you want to be when you grow up?" And again, without hesitation, the little girl matter-of-factly responded, "A teacher."
Every day that passed, that little lady explored new adventures and new possibilities. She wanted to be a chef, a lawyer, an astronaut, a police officer, an artist, a garbage collector, a circus performer, and a ballerina.
Twenty years later, the little girl became a woman - a fabulous woman, if I do say so myself - who still didn't have a clue what she wanted to do with her life. However, of one thing, she was certain: she wanted to live the good life.
That woman, ladies and gentlemen, is me. I am a twenty-something year-old who, until recently, was just floating through life. I left college only to find that the grown-up life wasn't as glamorous as they make it out to be. Jobs were scarce so, I interviewed for and accepted dead-end gigs out of desperation for a paycheck. Though it was tough to truly become stable on an income of peanuts, I found that there was something truly pleasant about being an adult. Okay, so, no, paying bills isn't fun. Neither are student loans, balancing a checkbook, rent or car notes, for that matter. But at the end of the day, I walk into my apartment and smile because I'm surviving on my the grown-up life on my own. The only problem is that I wasn't happy. The daily grind wasn't leaving me fulfilled. I craved more.
Lately, I've been cruising through life on auto-pilot. One day to took a moment to compare my life to the lives of those around me - friends, acquaintances, co-workers - and I noticed something remarkable. They were making their life happen while I was just letting my life happen. From quitting their stable, well paying full time job to be an adjunct professor of theater at a community college to waiting in the scorching Florida sun for a bus in a town not known for its public transportation just to get their vocal lessons to agreeing to walk down a runway half naked for free in order to gain, these people had goals and dreams and would stop at nothing to reach them.
And still, there I was with no dream, no mission. I toyed with several ideas, but, just as when I was a child, nothing stuck for too long. In high school I was Editor-in-Chief of my school paper and loved every minute of it, especially writing. But by the time I got to college, I realized that most journalists, except maybe Katie Couric, lived below the poverty line. So I opted to pursue Advertising instead. And since it was still in the Journalism and Mass Communication school, I could at least feel like a journalist by association. The day came for us upperclassmen to declare our major. Much to my chagrin, there was a waiting list for the Advertising program. So I went on to Plan C: Telecommunication Arts, the most misunderstood major on the planet. Don't bother asking me what that is because even I couldn't tell you.
To employers, "Telecommunication Arts" meant "Telemarketing and Sales" which to me meant "Torture." But hey, it was a job, right? After three years, I was burnt out Corporate America. My best friend and entrepreneur (an early bloomer) suggested I try different things until I find what fits. So here I was, feeling like a little girl playing pretend. One day, I was a baker, making mountains of homemade cookies, muffins and cupcakes. It was fun, but it just wasn't me. Too messy, I think. Next I tried on modeling for size, and let me tell you, it is NOT as easy as it looks! Can you "smeyes" without looking like you wanna punch someone in the face? No? Didn't think so. I entered a model search and that didn't fare well. Nor did being a make-up artist, a "romance enhancement expert" or a party planner. But one day it hit me - I was always myself when I wrote.
Years ago, I turned my back on being a journalist in hopes of getting a bigger paycheck. But sometimes you come to the realization that the smile on your face and they joy in your heart is worth far more than any amount of money in the world. So my suggestion to all my fellow late bloomers out there, it's okay to not know what you want to do with your life just yet. But what's not okay is giving up on your search for your passion. Go back to being a kid playing pretend. Try on every career "hat" under the sun. Eventually, you'll find the one that you'll never want to take off.
♥ - The Bougie Budgetista
"Sweetie, what do you want to be when you grow up?" the mother asked. And without giving it a second thought, the girl replied, "A doctor."
The next day, her mother watched as the child neatly lined up her teddy bears in several rows, then took her place opposite them by her easel. She took a red crayon, drew a big letter 'A' on the paper, and proceeded to give her toys a lecture on all the words she knew that started with the letter 'A'. Her mother patiently waited until her little one's lesson was over to ask, "Honey, now what do you want to be when you grow up?" And again, without hesitation, the little girl matter-of-factly responded, "A teacher."
Every day that passed, that little lady explored new adventures and new possibilities. She wanted to be a chef, a lawyer, an astronaut, a police officer, an artist, a garbage collector, a circus performer, and a ballerina.
Twenty years later, the little girl became a woman - a fabulous woman, if I do say so myself - who still didn't have a clue what she wanted to do with her life. However, of one thing, she was certain: she wanted to live the good life.
That woman, ladies and gentlemen, is me. I am a twenty-something year-old who, until recently, was just floating through life. I left college only to find that the grown-up life wasn't as glamorous as they make it out to be. Jobs were scarce so, I interviewed for and accepted dead-end gigs out of desperation for a paycheck. Though it was tough to truly become stable on an income of peanuts, I found that there was something truly pleasant about being an adult. Okay, so, no, paying bills isn't fun. Neither are student loans, balancing a checkbook, rent or car notes, for that matter. But at the end of the day, I walk into my apartment and smile because I'm surviving on my the grown-up life on my own. The only problem is that I wasn't happy. The daily grind wasn't leaving me fulfilled. I craved more.
Lately, I've been cruising through life on auto-pilot. One day to took a moment to compare my life to the lives of those around me - friends, acquaintances, co-workers - and I noticed something remarkable. They were making their life happen while I was just letting my life happen. From quitting their stable, well paying full time job to be an adjunct professor of theater at a community college to waiting in the scorching Florida sun for a bus in a town not known for its public transportation just to get their vocal lessons to agreeing to walk down a runway half naked for free in order to gain, these people had goals and dreams and would stop at nothing to reach them.
And still, there I was with no dream, no mission. I toyed with several ideas, but, just as when I was a child, nothing stuck for too long. In high school I was Editor-in-Chief of my school paper and loved every minute of it, especially writing. But by the time I got to college, I realized that most journalists, except maybe Katie Couric, lived below the poverty line. So I opted to pursue Advertising instead. And since it was still in the Journalism and Mass Communication school, I could at least feel like a journalist by association. The day came for us upperclassmen to declare our major. Much to my chagrin, there was a waiting list for the Advertising program. So I went on to Plan C: Telecommunication Arts, the most misunderstood major on the planet. Don't bother asking me what that is because even I couldn't tell you.
To employers, "Telecommunication Arts" meant "Telemarketing and Sales" which to me meant "Torture." But hey, it was a job, right? After three years, I was burnt out Corporate America. My best friend and entrepreneur (an early bloomer) suggested I try different things until I find what fits. So here I was, feeling like a little girl playing pretend. One day, I was a baker, making mountains of homemade cookies, muffins and cupcakes. It was fun, but it just wasn't me. Too messy, I think. Next I tried on modeling for size, and let me tell you, it is NOT as easy as it looks! Can you "smeyes" without looking like you wanna punch someone in the face? No? Didn't think so. I entered a model search and that didn't fare well. Nor did being a make-up artist, a "romance enhancement expert" or a party planner. But one day it hit me - I was always myself when I wrote.
Years ago, I turned my back on being a journalist in hopes of getting a bigger paycheck. But sometimes you come to the realization that the smile on your face and they joy in your heart is worth far more than any amount of money in the world. So my suggestion to all my fellow late bloomers out there, it's okay to not know what you want to do with your life just yet. But what's not okay is giving up on your search for your passion. Go back to being a kid playing pretend. Try on every career "hat" under the sun. Eventually, you'll find the one that you'll never want to take off.
♥ - The Bougie Budgetista
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