I had the opportunity to attend a pre-grand opening event at a new Value Village that has opened in the area. Not only was it really fun to attend, they challenged me to see how far I could stretch $50. Challenge accepted!
Rather than buying whatever I fancied without any thought put into it, I thought it would be fun to put together a “capsule wardrobe” for fall. A capsule wardrobe is a very small collection of clothing that you love that changes with each season. This concept appeals to me because I often find myself going for the same pieces over and over again in my closet. And I’m quite fond of (trying) to be minimalistic. Perhaps you feel the same?
I rifled through the racks and pulled out anything I thought would work for me, being sure to pick out a good assortment of tops and bottoms. I didn’t find any shoes because I’ve got pretty small feet and the selection in my size wasn’t very abundant. (Like at most stores!) However, I do have shoes at home that will work. 😉 It was fun filling my basket to the brim!
I’ve been craving colour in my wardrobe lately so I was trying to pick out some good fall colours that I liked. Value Village didn’t disappoint in the colour department. I ended up with a bit of a theme. Cobalt/navy, beige/gold and plum for tops. Bottoms are a neutral denim.
As I mentioned, I was challenged to spend $50. I tried my best to stay within budget, but I went a bit over. Here’s the break down:
Beige H&M sequined top $3.99
Cobalt blue Simons sweater $7.99
Gold Banana Republic sweater $9.99
Navy Hollister ruffle top $7.99
Purple Old Navy tank $5.99
Cobalt button shirt (omitted from the tally because it’s from Amazon.ca)
London skinny jeans $7.99
Banana Republic denim skirt $11.99
Gap jeans (omitted from the tally because I owned them already)
TOTAL: $55.93
Here are some pieces that I already owned that I’m incorporating into my fall capsule wardrobe:
Accessories are generally a big part of capsule wardrobes, (I think, I’m no fashionista) but they’re honestly not really my thing. I wear my wedding rings all the time, but that’s it! However, I do have one accessory that I have been wearing because the baby likes it. It’s the hot pink teething necklace pictured below. I think it can go with all the colours I have in my wardrobe, except for the purple tank.
So now, if I were to add everything together that you see above, I spent under $130 for an entire wardrobe. (I’ve have to purchase other new things recently because I’m losing weight and everything was falling off of me 🙁 ) Not bad! Especially since everything was bought over a span of a few months.
Now, you may be wondering how to create a capsule wardrobe with stuff you own already. Here’s how:
Do a purge. Empty out your closet in it’s entirety and lay everything on your bed.
Sort each item into three piles: Keep (you love and regularly wear the item), Maybe (item may not fit quite right, sentimental…etc. Put it all in a bag then store away. If at the end of the season/year you don’t “rescue” anything from the bag, donate the bag.), Donate (self-explanatory).
Assess what you have left. These are the clothes you love and wear regularly. You should see your “style” pop out at you with what you have left.
Fill in the gaps. Perhaps you need a new pair of jeans. Or a black tank top. Shop for one item at a time and get them on sale. However, I recommend quality over price, within reason, especially since most items in a capsule wardrobe will be getting frequent use.
The amount of clothes you have in a capsule wardrobe depends on your personal needs/desires. I’ve seen some people stick to 50 pieces, others with 37 and others with less than that. Maybe you need two capsule wardrobes. One for work wear and one for weekends. Do what works for you.
Have you considered creating a capsule wardrobe for each season? I bet you already own quite a few pieces you could incorporate!
Disclaimer – This is a sponsored post brought to you by Value Village. All opinions are 100% my own.
In my mind, being frugal, is less about not spending and more about intentional spending. For example, I may have (mostly) stopped my mindless shopping habit thanks to a No Spend Challenge I did several years ago, but I am not afraid to spend money on things that I feel add value to my life.
After all, frugality is not just about a house full of containers waiting to be reused, or having a pile of cheap clothes waiting to be mended. Sometimes, it’s about using your time and money intentionally to do more of what you love.
Here are seven things that I never regret spending money on:
Good food
For me, good food is one of the best things in life. Especially delicious, satisfying meals where I'm gathered around a table with family or friends. It’s about quality. Quality food, quality company and quality conversation. Tasty, well made food and slow eaten dinners whether you’re eating out or cooking at home just can't be beat. Sometimes being frugal means purchasing some grocery items of lesser quality so that you can splurge on the things that really matter to your family's good food philosophy. (Grass fed beef, organic fruits & vegetables, for example.)
Travel or Fun Experiences
Nothing quite brings a smile to my face like the opportunity to travel to new places or enjoy fun experiences. We recently took our daughters to a local annual fair that was quite costly. (Admission, food, rides...it all adds up!) But we save our hard earned money for times like this. I loved seeing the smile on our oldest daughter's face after she experienced her very first fair ride. Or hearing her squeal when she saw the tiny baby pigs. It was worth it!
My husband and I also have dreams to travel abroad one day. I have done some traveling in Australia and Africa before I was married, but my husband hasn't done much. I can't wait to see the day when we can make his dream of travelling to Europe and other countries a reality.
A hobby that makes you happy
I consider Simply Frugal a money making business, but it's also my hobby. I spend time researching, writing and even spend a decent amount of money to keep it running. But it's fun! I enjoy learning all aspects of running an online business and I love seeing what I do help others. As with any hobby, (sewing, jewelry making, or even a tropical fish hobbyist) you have to spend money to do your thing. And if it brings you joy, then by all means go with it and make room in your budget.
Learning new things
I love learning new things. I’ve done online courses (where I learned a lot about various aspects of blogging) and in-person conferences. I’ve also spent money on books and travel; all experiences that have helped expand my mind. Learning makes me feel more confident and proud of myself.
Quality items
Comfortable, sturdy shoes that I wear season after season. A high quality set of cooking pots made to last. A brand name backpack that I have been using for every trip I have taken since I went to Australia 15 years ago.
I’m talking about well made, quality items that serve a specific purpose in your life. It's incredibly satisfying to actually wear something out and then replace them with something just as good. In today’s disposable society, there is something so satisfying about knowing you’ve made a good, quality purchase!
Services that improve your quality of life
There is no rule in the frugal lifestyle that says you must DIY everything. If you really hate housework, hire a cleaner. If you desperately need some time to yourself, hire a babysitter. Or even if you think you can fix the toilet, sometimes hiring a professional can save you money in the long run if something goes wrong if you try to DIY.
I know that services are sometimes expensive, but it’s about looking at your values and prioritizing your spending. You might be surprised at what you can afford!
A cause you believe in
Lastly, I never regret being generous. I believe that giving to charity is important. Whether that be a local charity or a charity in a third world country. Imagine what would happen if everyone gave, even in a small way? Money donated to charity always feels like money well spent if you're donating to what speaks to you.
I also love to surprise friends and family with little meaningful gifts, especially when they are not expecting anything. I believe in cheering up those that are "in the trenches" of daily life.
What are your thoughts? What do you never regret spending money on? Let me know in the comments!
Here’s a question that a reader of Simply Frugal would love some help with:
I am a single person, trying to live frugally. I have it down in every other area of my life, but when it comes to meal planning and buying food, I seem to waste a lot. How do you eat healthy and frugally when you are single?
Can you help her out with some awesome suggestions?
Does it ever feel like your groceries just don't last? There are probably even times when you look in the pantry only to find it bare, even though you just went shopping. Groceries just don't seem to last long enough, but there are ways to make them last much longer!
How to Make Groceries Last Longer
Only Buy What You Need
Buying only what you need will ensure you are not wasting food. Knowing what you need (by making a menu plan) and what your family will use will help to ensure you only have fresh groceries in the house that everyone will enjoy. Buying food items that your family doesn't use will only waste money and leave you with wasted food.
Freeze What You Don't Use
We don't always need all the food we buy and that can mean wasting food. Make sure to freeze any food you are not going to use before the expiration date. Freezing food that you are not going to use by the expiration date will keep the food from going bad and will help you keep a stocked freezer.
Freeze Herbs
Herbs typically come in large bunches and we don't always need all the herbs at once. People tend to throw away herbs because they only use a few and the rest of the bunch goes bad. Next time you bring herbs home from the store chop them up, put them in ice-cube trays, pour in some olive oil and then freeze. Your herbs will stay fresh and you will end up with infused olive oil next time you go to cook.
Store Produce Properly
Produce is one of the number one wasted food items. Produce can last longer than you might think but you need to store it properly. Do not cut up produce until you are ready to use it! If you need to cut it up in advance, these Produce Saver containers are great. Keep in mind that each fruit and vegetable has a different way it needs to be stored. Knowing how to store your produce properly will keep it from going bad to quick. There is a complete guide on storage techniques here.
Stock Up
When you come across a good deal make sure to stock up! Having a fully stocked pantry at rock bottom prices is always a great way to ensure you have plenty of food. Watch the store flyers closely to look for sale prices on your family's favorite items. Remember to store all food properly!
Create Snack Baskets
Sometime it doesn't matter how well you store your food, it still goes quickly! This isn't due to waste or improper storage but more so to hungry little kids. Children love looking through the pantry to find all of the yummy snacks! Before you know it that box of cookies you just bought yesterday is already gone.
Start creating snack baskets for each child in your family. Everyday put items in the snack basket that the child can have. If he or she eats all the snacks at one sitting that is it for the day, they will have to wait till breakfast, lunch or dinner to eat again. Creating snack baskets allows you to set out what the kids can and can't eat that day and help your groceries last a little bit longer.
How do you make your groceries last longer? Let us know in the comments below!
Are you easily enticed by sales? A "good" deal can actually turn out to be a bad deal, especially if you go overboard or don't have a financial plan in place. Here's how you can avoid a bad financial deal.
It happens to the best of us. Getting into a financial pickle that is hard to get out of. Before you even get into a bad financial deal, it’s important that you know how to avoid it.
Here's How to Avoid a Bad Financial Deal:
Stay Out of Debt
Although most people consider some debt okay, it can really be debilitating. Debt has a way of overshadowing your family and making you feel broken. If you want to avoid a bad financial deal, then try and stay out of debt altogether.
Plan Out Your Spending
If we are being honest, it can be hard to avoid a bad financial deal if you’re not prepared. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to plan out your spending. This is also known as budgeting. When you get paid, make sure your money is going to specific destinations like a your checking account and a savings/emergency funds account.
Learn from the Mistakes of Others
Want to really avoid a bad financial deal? Listen to what others have to say on this topic. It’s easy to join a budgeting group on Facebook. You’ll never believe the financial issues people have due to the lack of knowledge of being able to handle their money correctly. Learn from other people’s mistakes so you don’t make the same mistakes. It’s much more expensive to learn from your own mistakes than from someone else.
Live within Your Means
Trying to buy the newest vehicle or the fanciest house, when you can’t afford it, will lead you down a bad financial path in no time flat. You can avoid a bad financial deal by living within your means. Know what you make and know what you have to spend. If you want something, pay cash and avoid credit cards (like the plague).
Talk to a Financial Advisor
Let’s say you come across a large sum of money. You are used to living on x amount of dollars, you don’t know what to do with all of this money. Instead of blowing through the cash, talk to an advisor about how you can invest it. If you don’t want to talk to a financial advisor, read up on what some of the top financial experts have to say. Dave Ramsey is a popular one with good advice! He has tons of good information for those who are seeking it.
Think About It
Finances are tough because there are so many emotions involved. When it comes to avoiding a bad financial deal, always think about things first. You don’t have to jump into anything without thinking about it first. Settle down, think through your emotions, and then make your decision. You’ll save yourself from financial heart ache again and again when you actually take the time to think things through.
Know How to Manage Your Money
Last, but not least, learn how to manage your money. Don’t just throw it all away on McDonald's and designer shoes. Instead, know how to spend your money accordingly. Instead of looking at your money like it’s the enemy, learn how to manage it. Managing your money can be one of the best tools in helping you avoid a bad financial deal.
What if you have already gotten into a bad financial deal?
You may be reading this because you already got yourself into a bad financial deal. It’s not too late to think things through. Sit down and create a plan to help you work things out. What tips do you have for someone trying to avoid a bad financial deal?
Money. It’s one thing that makes the world go ‘round, even if no one wants to admit it. Unfortunately, the fast majority of people in the world are terrible at saving money. Have no fear because even if you are terrible at saving money, there are small ways you can get creative in order to save. Maybe you have plenty of money to save, you just don’t know how to get it done. I’m going to show you how!
Are You Terrible at Saving Money? Get Creative!
Put your money in separate savings account.
Basically, I’m telling you to trick yourself. Whether you have direct deposit or a check, you can easily trick yourself into saving. Have part of your check direct deposited into a specific account OR take $20 each week and put it into the “secret” account (it’s not really secret, but you're terrible at saving money, so you have to tell yourself that :)).
Save that spare change.
No one likes change (coins), but there is one truth behind all those nickels and dimes, they really do add up. If you can save your change, you are saving money. Just the other day, I took a handful of change rolls into the bank and I exchanged it for a $20 bill! It actually paid for our lunch. So, even if you think you’re not saving money when you save that change, you are!
Sell old items and put back the money.
If we can all agree with something, no one is leaving earth with their possessions in hand. In the meantime, put a hold on buying things and sell the extra items that you do have. When you sell an item, don’t put the cash in your pocket, put it in your savings account. This is great for many people because they don’t have to try and save money out of their paycheck (yes, this is a struggle for many people).
Use what you have around the house.
So many people are terrible at saving money. They just do not have a money saving bone in their body. With that being said, you don’t have to go to great lengths to save money all of the time. Something simple that you can do around your house is to use what you have. I bet if you were to look in your cabinets, you’d be surprised as to what you may find. You may find things that you currently need and because of that, you won’t need to go to the store to buy that item. While this may be a small way to save money, it really does help.
Have someone else control your savings.
If you are that person that can’t save a nickel to save their life, you need help. This is the route to go only if you have tried saving money in every other way. It may be time to put your spouse in charge of saving money. If your spouse isn’t great at it, you may need to seek help from a financial advisor or a trusted friend. There are people out there who can help you save money; you just have to give it a chance.
Ask for a raise.
If all else fails and you can’t possibly save any money, it may be time to ask for a raise from work. Only do this is you’re serious about saving this money. Most workplaces are more than happy to accommodate their hardworking employees.
What are some creative ways in which you have been able to save money? Sometimes increasing your income is the only way to start saving. Put it away, so you have the cash you need for the things you want later in life.
