Big Style, Small Wallet

What do you do when you have great style, but no way to finance it?

I find myself asking this question more often than I would like to admit. Every other Friday, I like to pretend I have an unlimited amount of funds that I can dedicate to my fashion obsession. However, by Saturday morning, or even Sunday, I am reminded that the last two weeks of working have just gotten me a couple of shirts and maybe some dinner. Every week I tell myself to save, in fact I am really great at being poor and never spending any money (not because I want to, but because I have no money to spend). But by the time I get my paycheck, I spoil myself for good behavior...I buy something nice and I enjoy the next few days of financial security. But like I said, by the beginning of the next week, I find myself trying to figure out how to make my funds stretch until my next paycheck. Every week, I predict how much my paycheck will be and then I set aside a certain amount of money for each of the things I have to pay for. Gas is usually the top priority, $50 aside for gas, and the rest goes towards a variety of future purchases. Each week I tell myself that I should be saving my money, yet every time I seem to fail at saving as much as I had set out to. Someone wants to get coffee, or Chipotle and I find myself unable to resist the temptation of good food or some caffeine.

Do you see any similarities to yourself here?

If so, you should join me in trying to save. Let us save now and be poor while we are young, so we can enjoy financial security and nice clothes in a couple of years.
Look around your school, people don't care if you are wearing the newest designer jeans, or have $300 Frye boots. Now don't get me wrong, if I see someone in the hallway with a pair of Frye boots or a Marc Jacobs watch, I will definitely appreciate their style. But in all reality the percentage of people around you each day who actually appreciate what you're wearing is very minimal. Save your treasures for someone who cares, don't waste your money and time trying to impress people who don't have the background knowledge to appreciate your outfit choice.

This is not Gossip Girl (while I wish it were), and we are in Missouri, not New York City. So dress accordingly. Pin your fashion finds on Pinterest and save up for those amazing pieces that you can't live without. But, don't worry about not being able to keep up with the latest trends from Fashion Week. Dress with confidence and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, Just be you. I guess that's all for today.

Love,

Madison

p.s. nike shorts and sweatshirts aren't always a bad thing...