bizMe

If you have recently perused the aisles of your local bookstore’s fashion section, you may have noticed a book by Robyn Moreno titled, Practically Posh The Smart Girls Guide to a Glam Life. A Posh and Glam life? How does a savvy businesswoman (fashionista) in today’s economy acquire this ideal lifestyle? With a few changes to your routine and shopping habits, every bizMe gal can have that perfectly posh lifestyle without breaking into her 401K.

To begin your journey to posh living, one must accurately identify their vice. Is it impulse shopping, eating out, or that bimonthly mani-pedi at your favorite nail salon? Whatever your weaknesses are you have many options that do not require you to completely give them up.

Here are a few ways to begin your journey to perfectly posh living on a budget.

Shopping

Consider a clothing swap between you and your close friends. You can set this up at someone’s house for a more personal touch or research local clothing swaps in your area. Clothing swaps can be a wonderful weekend get-together where friends can exchange clothing while having drinks and good conversation – not to mention it is free.

Re-shopping your closet is an exceptional way to save money without sacrificing style. Most of us gals have clothes that we seldom wear. Pull these items out and match them with pieces that you wear often. Re-shopping your closet is a good way to remix outfits that you constantly wear and the cost–free!

“One easy way to save money without sacrificing style is to buy nice accessories in bold colors that will spice up outfits that you’ve had forever. Like jazzing up denim and that comfy white t-shirt with brilliant jade ballet flats and luminous lemon purse, “ says Washington D.C. resident Robbyn Mitchell.

Remember that in economic times like this, stores like Ross and TJMaxx can be your BFF. If you are patient and have time to spend hunting for that one-of-a-kind find, you can nab clothes from Michael Kors, towels and shoes by Ralph Lauren, and unique sculptures to spice up your home’s ambiance.

Eating Out

Constantly eating out depletes your piggy bank and it does nothing for your figure. Kill two birds with one stone and begin trading in your dinner reservations for a night out at the local gym. Make it a girls’ night out (or significant other if you are dating) and get healthy in the process. In the end you will feel much better about your health and you will have money left over.

If you must eat out, think about going to a place where the prices are low and the food is good. In San Francisco, California there is a Sushi restaurant  Sakura Bune on Geary Street that is usually packed to capacity and the pricing will fit most budgets. Olive Garden is a great place to have lunch with an old friend or a new client and offers soup, salad, and breadsticks under $10.00.

Personal Care

With gas prices at an all time high, people losing jobs at record numbers and the struggle to make ends meet ever-so prevalent, personal necessities are taking a backseat. Each bizMe gal should be forewarned that personal care should not be completely cut out of your routine. There are still plenty of ways to be a pampered princess on a budget.

“I’m doing my own pedicures. I hate that I don’t get the full experience of the vibrating chair and the foot rub, but the end result is pretty flawless,” exclaims Rahkia Nance, Journalist from Birmingham, AL.

At first you may miss the special attention a nail tech can give you but if you follow Nance’s lead it could save you over $480 a year.

Look your best at your next interview by diversifying your cosmetics. Splurge on MAC for your eye shadows and lip glosses since the color lasts longer than most other brands. For mascara try Great Lash® Washable Mascara by Mabelline. You can get this at most drugstores for under $5. Visit sephora.com for lip and eye pencils. Prices range from $2-$32.

Posh living is within the reach of every bizMe reader–you just have to be creative and patient on your journey.

–Crystal Marie Mitchell is the CEO/Creative Director of IsrylDesigns in San Francisco, California.