Sunday, October 12, 2008

A Shopaholic's Guide to Pinching Pennies

I don't know about you, dear readers, but my wallet has certainly felt the strain of the economic crisis over the past year, and with all the doom-and-gloom talk on the news lately, I just haven't felt willing or able to splurge much on fashion (or at least as much as usual). Despite these limitations, the fact remains that I am a shopaholic -- a savvy shopaholic, I like to think -- and I always devise ways to make myself feel like I'm getting a treat while not breaking the bank. I thought I would share with you a few of the little things I can count on to take my mind off that "sale" dress on net-a-porter or those new Frye boots at Urban Outfitters...because, alas, they will not be mine any time soon. What little things do you treat yourself to when you feel the need to shop, but can't spend a lot?

I've heard that nail polish sales go up during economic crisis -- perhaps because it is a small luxury women can still afford. OPI's new "La Collection de France" has the most rich, romantic colors for Fall:




(left) Parlez-vous OPI? (right) Eiffel for this Color.

A great new hat always makes a tired outfit feel a bit more exciting. Forever21 has some cute accessories for Fall and and winter that are amazingly cute and inexpensive:


Blue felt cloche, $12.80. Pointelle pom beanie, $8.80.

A new lotion or bath product always lifts my spirits, especially if it has a great smell (and it's cheaper than perfume). I want to try everything on the bath product specialty site ebubbles.com -- it even lets you choose your product by favorite scent.


Daub & Bauble Arriba Cacao and Spice Hand Lotion with Shea Butter - 10 fl. oz. $9.00



Alba Hawaiian Coconut Cream Body Wash, $8.95.

I'm no shoe snob -- A cute shoe is a cute shoe, whether it's from Payless or Nordstrom's. These new Payless boots look far pricier than they are, and they would make my old standby jeans and dresses feel new again.


Raven platform lace-up, $39.99


Zoe patent button boot, $37.99

A new lipstick is almost as good as a new haircut when it comes to making you feel revitalized. I'm so glad dark, moody shades are back.


Urban Decay lipstick, $22.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I find when I'm really strapped for cash but still want something new, I reach for the cosmetics and skincare stuff too!

I'm totally loving the F21 hat and the Urban Decay liptsick is gorgeous, I wish UD was stocked in Australia :(

Sharon S said...

Hi there-I'm lucky that I have access to regular boot sales and charity shops that can offer great stuff at silly prices-I scored some great deals this weekend for a total of £12!!

Michelle said...

Ooh, I'm particularly feeling the purple OPI nail varnishes!

ALICE POINT said...

I love hats! I want this yellow one :)

nv said...

those first payless boots are gorgeous. im going to have to look for them next time im at the mall

Angela said...

opi nail polish....

Graça Ventura Medeiros said...

thank you for ur comment! beijos