Nearly 2 ½ years ago I made a decision.
My job was making me so unhappy that I just couldn’t do it any more. So I didn’t. I quit and started selling vintage and pre-owned clothing on eBay, a few months later I started a blog and now Retro Chick is my full time job.
Suddenly being without 2 regular incomes in the house was a bit of a shock to the system. I was already a bit of a bargain hunter, but suddenly every penny spent took on a whole new meaning. If you’re reading the Simple Blog then you already know that great skin care doesn’t need to cost a fortune, but I thought I’d share a few ways I’ve learnt to live a glamorous life without breaking the bank.
Being on a limited budget doesn’t mean you have to wear poor quality clothing; a little forward planning and organisation can go a long way.
Visit Charity Shops often. You don’t have to spend hours in them, these days most Charity Shops are relatively clean and organised by size. If there is a route you walk regularly then pop in every time you pass to make sure you never miss a bargain. I’ve found pieces from Mulberry, Calvin Klein and Catharine Malandrino as well as top end High Street like Monsoon, but shopping this way involves a bit of a change of attitude. You can’t expect to find something every time you go in, and you have to be ready to snap it up immediately when you do.
If you need something for a particular Special occasion then sites like eBay and Etsy as well as swapping sites like What’s Mine is Yours can be your saviour. You’ll still need to plan ahead to make sure you get what you need in time, but you could save a fortune. Have a bit more money to spend? Designer outlet sites like the Outnet or outlet shopping villages like Bicester Village are worth a visit to get more bang for your buck.
Life on a budget doesn’t mean staying home eating beans on toast, it means making sure you get the most from the resources you have.
Most Supermarkets and many other shops have reward schemes, make sure you sign up. It’s amazing how quickly the boring stuff you buy, even petrol, can turn into enough points for a bottle of Champagne, a trip to the Cinema or a new Dior Lipstick.
Do your research before you go out. If you’re visiting a restaurant search online for discount vouchers and special offers. Sign up to the newsletter of your favourite restaurants for advance notice of special offers, and sometimes even special treats. I got a voucher for a free bottle of Champagne from one chain on my birthday, I certainly wouldn’t have been drinking that had I not signed up!
Be aware of how much you’re spending. That cup of take out coffee every morning could be costing you nearly £50 a month. Buy a reusable cup, make it at home, and use that £50 to treat yourself to dinner out, a facial and manicure, or something that’ll make you feel really spoilt.
Don’t be fooled into thinking just because a product is pricey it must be good. I have fussy skin and I’ve been using Simple skin care products for years, as I know they won’t cause me breakouts or irritation.
I use the Kind to Skin Exfoliating Wipes as an emergency back up for nights when I can’t be bothered with a full cleanse and tone and the Kind to Skin Soothing Toner also makes regular appearances on my bathroom shelf. Everyone’s skin is different and if you’re still struggling to find the right products for your skin it’s worth getting a Simple Skin Health Check. You could ultimately save a fortune in all those costly half empty mistakes sitting on your bathroom shelf.
Remember, those reward schemes? Every time you buy skin care make sure you collect those points. Many of the schemes offer pampering treatments at local salons as part of the rewards and you could treat yourself to a relaxing facial.
I blog about vintage, ethical and affordable fashion, as well as living life on a budget at www.retrochick.co.uk, do stop by for fashion and beauty advice from a retro girl in the modern world as well as more tips on finding those elusive Charity Shop bargains. You can also find me on Retro Chick Presents, my You Tube channel, for make up and hair tutorials and my eBay shop, where you might be able to snap up some fashion bargains for your wardrobe. I’d love to see you there!
28/04/2012 | Posted by Miss Hannah Leech
I need To visit charity shops too
24/04/2012 | Posted by Miss Layla Mathieson
Great advice! Have to admit I'm a bit of a bargain hunter but I do need to start visiting charity shops!
11/04/2012 | Posted by Miss Lorna Patrick
really need to start going to charity shops more often!
03/03/2012 | Posted by Ms Sophia Thomas
Great tips! Living in London has forced me to always make every penny count :)
17/02/2012 | Posted by Mr Josh Devonport
fab tips yet again
09/02/2012 | Posted by Mrs sajida begum
i loved the Skin Health Checker
31/01/2012 | Posted by Miss Emily Gilbert
Wow, fab tips
29/01/2012 | Posted by Miss PANTIRU ioana
these are really great tips... and because i really need them... thank you so much
21/01/2012 | Posted by Miss Hannah Williams
Good tips, thankyou, simple :)
19/11/2011 | Posted by Miss Jessie-May Roberts
Really good tips x
19/11/2011 | Posted by Miss Jessie-May Roberts
Great ways to save money, thanks simple x
16/10/2011 | Posted by Mrs Leanne Brown
Really good tips, I LOVE THIS SITE :)
01/09/2011 | Posted by Miss ashley mcallister
I need this kind of advice
xx
30/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Hannah Parry
great
28/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Molly Gay
awesome
27/08/2011 | Posted by Bethan
Great ideas to save money!
21/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Sanchia Rebello
that's great!
19/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Sophie May
Great tips!
11/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Scarlet-Holly Broker
I loved the Skin Health Checker
08/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Emily Boulton
great tips
06/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Laura Macdonald
so many good ideas, I'm on a limited budget too
14/07/2011 | Posted by Mr jo jo godfrey
Really great ideas!!!
27/06/2011 | Posted by Mrs Rebecca Marta
All for it
26/06/2011 | Posted by Miss Rhianna Shah
good idea
25/06/2011 | Posted by Mrs Eva Vanhaesebroeck
Really good ideas!
25/06/2011 | Posted by Miss Saskia Moss
nice ideas
25/06/2011 | Posted by Miss Saskia Moss
WOW! I love this blog so so much!
07/06/2011 | Posted by Miss Leanne Amor
nice ideas! x
09/05/2011 | Posted by Miss Molly Roberts
good ideas!!!
25/04/2011 | Posted by Miss Emma Downie
Nice ideas :) x
22/04/2011 | Posted by Miss Lucy Howard
x
16/04/2011 | Posted by Miss Penn
Thanks :)
06/04/2011 | Posted by Miss Kerri Heaney
great, my banks already broke x
30/03/2011 | Posted by Miss Rebekah Rixon
love ittt
23/03/2011 | Posted by Miss Aamina Mahmood
greatt
22/03/2011 | Posted by Miss jocelyn colaco
cooll :)
20/03/2011 | Posted by Miss Abi Bourne
this is really really good advice! love it!
20/03/2011 | Posted by Ms Jenny Hamilton
nice
20/03/2011 | Posted by Miss Chelsea Launder
:)
19/03/2011 | Posted by Ms Jenny Hamilton
love it
13/03/2011 | Posted by Miss Sam Rawlins
this is amazing advice thank you!
12/03/2011 | Posted by Ms Jenny Hamilton
:)
12/03/2011 | Posted by Ms Jenny Hamilton
:)
12/03/2011 | Posted by Miss S A
AWSOME :) XX
02/03/2011 | Posted by Miss stephanie worsfold
great advise thanks guys!
02/03/2011 | Posted by Miss Jessica worsfold
wow!xx
21/02/2011 | Posted by Miss Sophie Atkin
this has been so helpful thankyou so much! xx
30/01/2011 | Posted by Miss Charlotte Winterbourne
:D
21/01/2011 | Posted by Miss Maria Arribas
great
21/01/2011 | Posted by Miss L
ilove a good bagin great tips! x
18/01/2011 | Posted by Miss r
:)
10/01/2011 | Posted by Hannalie
Thanks!
27/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Charlotte Winterbourne
Great tips....thanks.
20/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Kirsten Cunningham
Congratulations and thank yoou for the tips they are so great. xx
03/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Victoria Howkins
great tips! :D
20/09/2010 | Posted by Miss sarah norris
i love using the clubcard reward vouchers. treated my boyfriend and myself to a night in a spa hotel and a meal at brasserie gerard for our 5year anniversary last year using the poits we'd saved up
10/09/2010 | Posted by Mrs Sherrie Yabsley
great tips and good for you! :)
29/08/2010 | Posted by Miss
conghratulions and thankyou the tips are great !!
26/08/2010 | Posted by Miss katie melling
good advice
26/08/2010 | Posted by RS
Thanks for the ideas
24/08/2010 | Posted by Miss yim cho
fanx great tips
24/08/2010 | Posted by Miss Sam
great ideas
22/08/2010 | Posted by Miss Erin Roberts
hear hear! Thank the lord for tips like these !
22/08/2010 | Posted by Miss Kat Bodenhamer
Wow!!!!!
16/08/2010 | Posted by Miss Ayesha
Great tipssssss!
13/08/2010 | Posted by Ms quynh hoang
Really Useful
13/08/2010 | Posted by Ms quynh hoang
great advice!
12/08/2010 | Posted by Miss charys wilson
good advice (:
11/08/2010 | Posted by Miss x
Very useful x
11/08/2010 | Posted by Miss beth naughton
love it :)
08/08/2010 | Posted by Miss Laura Swan
Great advice!
05/08/2010 | Posted by Miss Tashin Rahman
Wow! I love how you try to help us girls!!
03/08/2010 | Posted by Miss Beth Porter
i loved it and so does my mum
02/08/2010 | Posted by Natalie Middleton
great advice
02/08/2010 | Posted by Miss Claire W
very good article!!! :)
30/07/2010 | Posted by Ruby Rees
great tips i like to find a great bargain!!! xx
23/07/2010 | Posted by Miss Emma Hosking
best advice i've had in a long time, really, simple is really the only thing keeping up my spirits at the moment/
16/07/2010 | Posted by Miss Melanie Smith
good advice
11/07/2010 | Posted by Miss Meeka Mckenzie
very helpful
06/07/2010 | Posted by Miss Laura Holehouse
You are right about bargain hunting, I always make sure that anything I buy is never full price and is in the sale- like at places such as TK Maxx, which has a great clearance section, sometimes with Moschino and Valentino pieces at 90% less! I manage to keep my spending under control this way.
05/07/2010 | Posted by Miss Zohra Farooq
once again very helpful thanks
04/07/2010 | Posted by Miss Louise Wilton
These are some excellent tips and I shall be taking them into account! x
28/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Laura
This sounds great, i love making the most of what i already have, always getting new looks!
27/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Sophie Higgins
good advice:)
26/06/2010 | Posted by Miss zindzi harley
I live a glamorous life by buy cute things from stores like TJ Max and Marshalls they buy clothing from designers so you get designer clothes for less. Also I keep my skin Care and body in shape by eating healthy foods and dinking lots of water!
26/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Hira Aslam
yeh you shouldnt do something you dont like
26/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Kayla Wellstood
these tip were so useful and very helpful(:
21/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Beth Stockham
Good on you for quitting and doing something you enjoy (:
20/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Charlie Marshall
Thanks For The Advice.
It has really helped.
I used to spend ALOT while I went shopping,
but now, the bill has reduced!
19/06/2010 | Posted by Miss hollie allen
really good advice.
the key is definitely to make the most of everything!
13/06/2010 | Posted by Rachael
Really good advice :) I can relate to this as i'm a student and can hardly afford anything x
13/06/2010 | Posted by Mrs marilyn law
Having just finished uni, I had an unexpected baby in my first year, decided to keep on and now waing after 4 years on my final results.
So i had very little money, but simple baby collection kept my wee girl clean and smelling sweet without spending a fortune.
12/06/2010 | Posted by Miss jennifer wheeler
i must try this thank you
12/06/2010 | Posted by Miss laura saunders
I love this and I love charity shops and my sewing machine, I can really update items or refresh a look!
x
12/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Zoe Charnock
great tips
09/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Charlotte Potts
This is such a good idea especially knowing that im a student and most nice things i want i cant really afford!!..i must try this for myself!! x
08/06/2010 | Posted by SC
Nice tips, you do have to be brave to implement some of these changes though
07/06/2010 | Posted by Mr john smalley
good idea
06/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Tara Coleman
good advice especially on the clothes! :) xx
05/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Sarah Leslie
One tip that I like is instead of going to the cinema, buy a DVD. If two people go to the cinema, it'll be at least £12, and you can easily get a dvd plus popcorn for that - and you'll always have the dvd.
04/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Deena Patel
some very useful tips!!!
04/06/2010 | Posted by Nadia Lino
this is what my mum tells me lolx
thanx for reminders anywayz:)
04/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Tahmina Uddin
This is top notch advice, especially for those on a budget (like moi, being a student and all). Muchas Gracias ^_^
04/06/2010 | Posted by Miss S J
Re. the cup of coffee thing - making your own really is cheaper! Try it for a month - you may find out you can treat yourself to shopping trip by the end of the month!
04/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Laura Bexson
I really do believe that simple skincare is better than any other expensive brand, the products arent heavy and over loaded with unecssary chemicals. As a poor student its great not having to spend a fortune on skincare and still get great results. You're other tips are really good, Ill bare them in mind :-) xx
02/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Nicole Allen
I have tried most skin care products due to having bad skin since the start of high school, i started using simple moisturiser and i noticed a change rapidly and haven't stopped using it since. and my skin is also very fussy, and can easily get irritated.
02/06/2010 | Posted by Miss lucy young
wow you got really good tips on skin care and clothes thanks helps alot
02/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Sophie Harris
great tips :) thanks x
02/06/2010 | Posted by Miss promise kindipan
Great
especially for people on a tight budget
02/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Micosha Soares
lol i like using ebay but i hear people say all sorts of thing anout how bad it is and you have to be cheap to use it and all that crap but ebay is a really good way to fine really good items for cheap
02/06/2010 | Posted by Miss charlotte atkins
i have bad allergys so i have to be careful of what i use!
02/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Precious Kindipan
Im so glad i found this blog, it has given me so much inspiration! thanx and keep up the gd work :)
01/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Abi Bourne
Good advice, ebay is a great place to sell things, a lot of money can be made from it :)
01/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Lucy Smith
This sounds really good and some great tips, thanks.
01/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Claire Simpson
This is such great inspiration for girls everywhere who share this dream!! Great advice!!
31/05/2010 | Posted by Laura
Some great tips and i completely agree about skincare :)
31/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Laura
Some great tips and advice....thanks for this :)
30/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Qur Tayub
yay for ebay =D!
29/05/2010 | Posted by Miss mahriya saleem
nice advice
29/05/2010 | Posted by Miss sarah brown
great advise, too right about skin care
27/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Lauren Ford
it just proofs to show, you dont need to be rich to be beautiful (:
27/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Lauren Ford
i'd prefer to just buy cheap clothes from shops such as primark, although not everythings the same make, you can always find a good few outfits for atleast 15 pounds
26/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Becky Simpson
you can't beat the feeling of rummaging through a vintage shop and unearthing an absolute gem!
25/05/2010 | Posted by Anna
I work in a charity shop and to be honest I would not buy anything from there apart from CDs, DVDs etc. The clothes are REALLY cheap but they are just not of great quality, but some come in that have never been worn so those are alright.
25/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Jane Edmundson
Great tips. Especially agree about the skincare, I have really sensitive skin and have spent a fortune in the past on all sorts of products that just irritate my skin. I only ever use simple products now because I know they wont cause irritation and my skin looks healthy.
24/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Jade.D
Some really good tips there! I'll certainly be writing a list of what I spend on a day to day basis and see how I can cut it down/save myself some money by doing things a little differently. Especially the coffee a day tip - but in my case, it's a cake from Greggs a day haha. Online surveys are pretty awesome at earning you some extra cash, once you get so many points (say 1000) they send you a £10.00 cheque! It takes a while but it slowly adds up :)
Thanks!
23/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Amy Mitchell
Tanks for the advice, it's really helped me.....
22/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Maliha Tariq
LOVE the tips! Especially the one about coffee. Thanks!
21/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Fiona Woollard
thi sis great advice as i spend too much money on that sort of stuff
21/05/2010 | Posted by Mrs Pratibha Gavurla
Very interesting and good tips
20/05/2010 | Posted by Mrs Lyana Anand
"Live a glamourous life without breaking the bank" I like the heading of this article as it have inspired me to reveal some secrets of such a life. Me being a housewife and my husband being the only person bringing income, to live a glamourous life would be very challenging but God have shown many ways how to and this how i did.
I believe we and all around us judge a person's life with the way a person presents themselves in looks,accessories,clothing etc. If we want to walk in the glamourous lifestyle,we have learn to carry whatever we have in our reach. Our confidence in using our little is the main key that makes a difference.We walk out with a low budget clothing,bag,shoes..etc would not matter when we have taught our mind to think the same way as we would when we walk out in branded clothing and accessories.
Many times,many have asked me "Where did you get this from?" and have suprised them revealing its not branded.our skin looks and feels the best when we are the most happiest the rest just falls into place.
Socializing is all upto us to use the thing God have gifted all of us "Our Voice".
Be strong and confident and then walk out in the glamourous lifestyle with the secret locked in your heart that you didnt have to break your bank balance to enjoy the life you are.
19/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Gemma Kettle
Great advice! I love charity shops and theyre not just great for clothes but you can also pick up quite a few retro items to decorate your house and some charity shops even have furniture departments which ive used quite a few times before!
19/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Becki Warran
gotta love the tips, really great advice! Totally agree about expensive moisturizers, they really are just not worth it!
18/05/2010 | Posted by Miss jade thorne
Loved the tips, gotta check out charity shops more often! Who knows, i may find a bargain!
18/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Emily Hall
Thankyou for the tips- helped alot! =] Simple have done it once again :)
17/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Silvia Sanchez-Blackman
Great ideas! I love scouting the charity shops for bargains.
16/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Helena Wiltshire
wow, that was really good advice and i will now be trying all those ideas they sound great
16/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Sarah Thomas
Great advice. It is certainly true that good products don't have to cost a bomb. Which is why I use simple :) x
16/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Joanna Bennsion
some really good advice x
16/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Polly Wort
I have to say im really inspired by this post.
It never even occured to me that coffee could cost so much! Im definitley cutting back on the Starbucks :P
16/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Tina Ford
I really struggle to keep to a budget but this is great advice! Hopefully it will help!
13/05/2010 | Posted by Mrs as ty
i got real good points to note from this discussion!
12/05/2010 | Posted by IL
This post was really inspiring and very true, too many people these days think it is all about money and that glamour will follow, but thats how people fall into money issues and credit card problems!
11/05/2010 | Posted by H
wow, great advice!
09/05/2010 | Posted by G
After a bad week at work, reading your blog made me realize I'm not alone in being unhappy with my job and I can start doing something I enjoy. Thanks for the post!
G
07/05/2010 | Posted by Mrs SUE JONES
beauty on a buget, thanks for the advice.
07/05/2010 | Posted by Miss l
coudnt agree more
06/05/2010 | Posted by Missy
All you need for great skin is a healthy diet, exercise, a skin care routine, a smile and Simple products. It shouldnt cost the earth.
05/05/2010 | Posted by Miss natalie scott
great tips :)
04/05/2010 | Posted by Mrs LUCY JOHNSON
great tips, thank you.
03/05/2010 | Posted by Miss leah pickston
thanks for all the advice
03/05/2010 | Posted by R
We are looking to cut our spending, so some great advice here, thanks, Simple!
03/05/2010 | Posted by Miss arletka wien
Thank you for these great tips. Good links.
02/05/2010 | Posted by Mrs Jackson
I completely agree about expensive moisturisers not necessarily being better. I've tried lots of other ones but they're usually full of perfume and react badly with my sensitive skin. I've found Simple products to be much better. Thanks for the other money saving tips!
01/05/2010 | Posted by Mrs gemma lewis
I agree, i feel that people can get lost in the cost of things, wether that bethe cost of products or social activitie. Ultimately if it makes you happy its usually a good sign, and generally speaking those trhings that tend to make you happy are usually free so go with them and enjoy life.
01/05/2010 | Posted by ha
I'm always luing for bargains!
u shud always luk online , the clothes are much cheaper than in shops
30/04/2010 | Posted by Mrs CLAIRE LAIDLAW
Thanks for the great advice, i practically live in my local charity shop! The salvation army charity shop also has a great way to save money if you buy one of their bags, and fill it up and take it back they will give you a £2 voucher to spend in the shop. i bought a brand new Jack Wolfskin jacket for £5 saving over a £100 - Bargain!
30/04/2010 | Posted by Miss Zoe Hewlett
Thank you for the advice! being a full time student, it is so difficult to save money, but recently I have saved so much money just by choosing a cheaper option.
30/04/2010 | Posted by Miss L
I have reward cards for just about every shop! Its always nice to see how easy points add up, and treat yourself
29/04/2010 | Posted by Miss Shuni Williams-Filby
I just brought a house and have a new kitchen and bathroom to save for! I am always de cluttering and taking stuff to charity shops, next time I'll take time to stop and take a look!
29/04/2010 | Posted by Mrs jane Griffiths
Good links
28/04/2010 | Posted by Miss Lorraine
Really enjoyed reading this refreshing blog on spending money wisely and ethically without losing out on style or lifestyle. For the past 2 years I have been a charity shop convert. i hate the disposal culture of fashion and consumerism, and its repercussions for workers in the third world who get a poor deal. Style is unique, shouldnt cost a fortune, especially at the expense of other people's lives.
28/04/2010 | Posted by Miss S H
Thanks for the tips, I'm living on a budget at the moment so any new ideas are of interest to me
27/04/2010 | Posted by Miss Valerie Benson
I always love a bargain! A good way of finding out about bargains is by visiting http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/.
26/04/2010 | Posted by Miss fiona rushton
i always look after my skin!
26/04/2010 | Posted by Miss Kaleigh~Marie Lloyd
I Agree with the skin section, i have been using this product since i was young, as i was prone to reactions, but since i have been using simple products, i have not had one reaction, i would have also thought that because it moisterizes the skin it would case break outs but i was proved wrong. This range can be picked up virtually anywhere on the high street at reasonable prices which is good at these times due to the economic state. Keep up the good work :)
26/04/2010 | Posted by T M
Great entry! I love finding gorgeous pieces in charity shops
26/04/2010 | Posted by Miss Lucy Hirst
Thanks! I'm 17 and in Sixth Form, so I live on quite a liited budget. I totally agree that Simple is an amazing range at an even more amazing price. Your comment has helped me to change my opinion of charity shops too!
26/04/2010 | Posted by Miss fiona rushton
i will look at theese links x