Listen-I know the feeling. You want to stay looking like your normal baddie self, but your wallet is saying something else. Not looking good to keep up with the ‘gram’ but, looking good to feel great about yourself! One quick scroll through your Instagram feed and you’re bombarded with the baddie lifestyles of the rich and famous. Or at least that’s how they make it seem!
I know that when I take the extra step to practice self care, make sure I’m eating right, looking and feeling good–you can’t tell me nothing! I also know that being a woman, and wanting to look good isn’t cheap. If you’re on a tight budget or just trying to cut back on spending, check out my basic tips on how to live a boujee lifestyle without breaking your budget. From home decor, self care/beauty products, to where you should shop for clothes — it is possible to live a baddie lifestyle no matter what budget you have.
Home Decor
Flowers
Keep fresh flowers in your home. They look amazing and are an inexpensive way to give your space a new look. Also, it feels nice to buy flowers for yourself! Flowers are aesthetically pleasing and will brighten up any room. I find that Trader Joe’s and local farmers’ markets have the best variety at really good prices. If fresh flowers aren’t your thing, add some fake greenery in your home for a polished look.
Vintage Magazines
A few months ago, I noticed that a local thrift store near me had Elle, Vogue, and other fashion magazines for .25 cents a piece. I don’t know about you, but spending almost $10 on a magazine seems absurd! However, I love the look of a stack of magazines on my bookshelf or on a coffee table. Add magazines or books, that inspire you around your home for a personal touch. If you aren’t having luck finding what you want at local thrift stores, sometimes there are inexpensive coffee table books at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross.
Candles
If you follow me on my Instagram, you know that my obessesion with candles is real! I love lighting a candle pretty much any time throughout the day. If you want an aesthectically pleasing candle, but can’t afford some of the cult favorites like Diptyque, check out your local Dollar Tree, Target, Marshalls, and Ross. I know that Target has these really pretty all white non-scented candles for $2. Also, don’t forget to check out Bath and Body Works during their semi-annual sale to stock up. I’ve also purchased cool, inexepensive candles from small businesses in my area at pop-up shops or the farmer’s market.
Minimalist Vibes
You need to declutter sis. I like to write down each area in our home that I want to declutter and organize. Then, I tackle each project over a few weeks. Honestly, now is the perfect time to do this since we’re tranisitioning from summer to the fall season. I think when your home is clean and with less clutter, it looks more inviting and luxurious. Plus, keeping a minimalist vibe in your home will save you some coins too! You won’t feel the need to buy a bunch of decor that you really don’t need.
Fashion Finds
Boohoo
I mentioned Boohoo in my Brands for Tall, Curvy Women blog post last year. Since then I’ve noticed their quality has definitely improved. I love the variety they offer especially for curvy women. Plus, there are plenty of baddie options, whether you are looking for work, casual, or going out pieces. They are always having a sale on top of their inexpensive clothing items already. I would definitely take a look around their site for current deals.
Amazon
This one kind of speaks for itself! From clothes, accessories, to fashion dupes-Amazon has it all for your baddie lifestyle. Plus, if you’re a Prime member it will be in your hands within 2 days.
Nordstrom Rack
If you’re on the hunt for designer items on a budget, check here first. Plus, they have lots of online sales as well. If you’re into pre-loved designer finds, try The Real Real. They have tons of luxury items at various prices.
Sale Sections
No matter where you like to shop, most stores have a sale section. Stalk their online and in-person sales if you’re yearning to make a purchase from your favorite store. I think the best time to do this is when shopping out of season.
Beauty Products
To me, nothing screams baddie more than a woman that takes care of herself. There are sooo many things you can do at home to save money and feel beautiful at the same time! Here are a few inexpensive faves that are low cost, but make a huge difference.
- Korean towels or exfoliating body gloves are a must have.
- Oils are the perfect way to smell good and moisturize at home. Try using your favorite oil for an at-home spa night or just to feel luxurious before heading out in the morning. I also love lathering coconut oil on before getting in the shower. It kind acts as a pre-conditioner for the body.
- Twinkle razors are so useful if you shape your brows yourself or need an easy way to get rid of peach fuzz on your face. A true life saver!
- Sheet masks are my obsession and there are lots of low cost options. The Sephora Collection, Target, and drugstores, offer a lot of inexpensive options.
Another tip is to take advantage of beauty samples. There’s no sense in buying the full product if you can try a sample first! Sephora allows customers 3 samples at a time. Ulta gives samples only on select items.
Beauty Treatments
Become a DIY Queen
My dad used to always tell me, “If you know how to do something, then, do it yourself. Don’t pay anyone!”. Thanks dad! But, that’s easier said than done. Yes, I know how to semi do my makeup and hair but, I can’t stand doing it. So if I can, I definitely prefer having someone else do it. However, if I don’t feel like sitting in a salon or paying for it, I’ll try different beauty services on myself. My go-to source is usually YouTube. I’ve learned how to tint my eyebrows, apply false lashes, press on nails, at-home mask treatments, and the list goes on! If there is something you want done and can’t afford it, try researching how to do it yourself.
Barter System
This may not apply to everyone, but it’s a great tool to receive something in exchange for services. So say you’re a blogger or social media consultant, you can offer your marketing services in exchange for a treatment. For instance, maybe there’s an up and coming hair salon in your area. Have a formal meeting with the owner and offer your services to promote their salon via your social media channels in exchange for beauty treatments. I would set a timeframe for any barter system that you set up. I’m a firm believer in paying for quality services, but using the barter system can be mutually beneficial.
Try a local beauty school
Thankfully, most beauty schools only allow students that are close to graduating to perform treatments. If you’re in a money crunch, try a service at a local school. I’ve had a blow out done and a facial at beauty schools in the past. As long as you’re comfortable, I say give it a try!
There you have it Ms. Baddie! Comment below if you’ve tried any of these tips or have some to add. Until next time!
