We’ll admit it. We’re slaves to fashion and all the trappings that come with the lifestyle. New season ‘it’ bag, we want it. Designs just off the runway, we’re doing the math in our head to see if we can afford it during the show. And our online shopping cart is ALWAYS full. But we are trying to live a Talulah lifestyle on a Target budget, and sometimes that means that our budget just can’t stretch to those new embellished flats we saw.
Here at BN HQ we’re all short on time and funds, caviar on a cruskit budget if you will. So what do you do when you need to feel put together but can’t afford that new dress? Just follow our simple guide and you’ll be looking fancy AF in no time.
Stock up on accessories
First, some good news: The key to looking put-together (and therefore more expensive) is all about the accessories. Especially in the form of bags, sunglasses, scarves and shoes. Luckily for you, these items are significantly less expensive than clothes and you don’t even need to grab brand name items. Updating your bag from your favourite high-street store or a well made pair of shoes will do wonders for your fast fashion wardrobe, AND you’ll get a million wears out of them. Alternatively, update your work bag to a less expensive clutch and revel in the minimalist lifestyle or purchase a bag that will fit your laptop and claim that bad boy off your tax!
Some of our favourite places to shop: The Iconic, Asos, Mimco, DJ’s and Myer. Plus consignment stores, vintage shops and eBay. While these options are a little more time consuming, know that this writer scored a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps for just US$32!
L-R: Kate Spade, Karl Lagerfeld, Nine West
Appearance is everything
While wash-and-go hair is the ultimate time saver, you will always look more together with a good blow dry. The Blow Dry Bar has salons across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and will have you looking fly in no time, or do it yourself at home with the help of some YouTube tutorials. Next time you’re at the salon, ask your stylist for their tips for extending a blow dry, you can get it to last for 3 days sometimes!
Looking like a hot mess, despite what Mindy Lahiri says, is not luxurious. Ensuring that your makeup is on point is a simple way to take your outfit to the next level. It’s better to have a freshly scrubbed face with a classic lip rather than have an overly made-up face, although if you’re the queen of contouring you will obviously feel different. Skincare plays a big part in maintaining a fresh faced look. Investing time and money in your face does pay off, so be sure to follow the cardinal rules of skincare (taking off your makeup nightly, moisturising, using SPF 50+) closely.
Some of our favourites: GoTo Skincare, Aesop, Chanel lipsticks, Moroccan Oil and Jeffree Star. Priceline is also a great store to get stuck into. They have good basics and you can find new products for a fraction of the department store price. Plus, their loyalty program is pretty boss.
L-R: GoTo Skincare, Chanel, Aesop Skincare
Paint your nails
The ultimate #luxelife goal is having the time and/or bank to commit to weekly manicures or bi-weekly shellac. It’s the one thing you can do to look put together even if every other part of your life/looks feels like a mess. When it comes to colour, stick to the originals – fire engine red, pinky-nudes and pastels. If you don’t have time to go to the salon, at least remove chipped polish. CND has a great remover that can get rid of shellac as well as regular polish, so you have no excuse!
Top picks this season: Bright reds, moody greys and preppy pastels. Try OPI, Essie or Vinylux for do it yourself options.
L-R: OPI, CND
Wear jewellery all the time
Rather than buying trendy costume jewellery, invest in delicate pieces you can wear all the time and never, ever take off. Covering yourself in dainty gold earrings, necklaces and rings is a simple way to look like you have your shit together. Or do a quick google search for cubic zirconia studs. Go for a round cut, no bigger than 1.5 carats (you want them to be believable) and live out your Park Avenue princess dreams.
Go to designers: Karen Walker Jewellery, Sarah and Sebastian , Samantha Wills, By Charlotte and Prouds.
L-R: Karen Walker, Sarah and Sebastian, Prouds
Embrace a uniform
It may sound silly, but just look at Matilda Kahl, Mark Zuckerberg and Emmanuelle Alt. They are proof that wearing the same thing every day is not laziness, it’s simply good strategy. Less time is spent on deciding what to wear, so you can spend more time on other parts of your appearance (see: point two). Once you work out what looks good on your body shape, buy it in the highest quality fabric you can afford.
Capsule wardrobe must haves: cropped pants, a crisp white shirt, a blazer, classic sunglasses, at least one good coat and quality loafers. Added bonus for one element that is all yours à la Matilda Kahl’s neck tie.
L-R: Living Doll, Atmos & Here, Oasis
Grab something green
When all else fails: buy a crazy expensive juice, smoothie or mylk and carry it around all damn day.
