Last night, I met up with the beautiful Lee Ann from Life in ATX to have some coffee and chat. First of all, what a sweet heart she is! 
We were chatting about all things blogging, obviously, and one topic came up that I have been thinking a lot about lately- how to keep up with the blogging world. Everywhere you look in the blogging community you see $700 handbags, $300 flats, and everything is designer. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my Kate Spade planner and I do have a few (really tiny) designer bags (MK, Kate Spade, and Rebecca Minkoff), but these were purchased either on sale or at Nordstrom Rack. There is a point where I have to draw the line. I feel like a big thing that comes along with blogging is figuring out how NOT to give in to the pressure to buy anything and everything! I take pride in the fact that most of my outfits come from affordable and highly available retailers. I want to show my readers how to style items that they have in their closet or can at least afford to buy! It’s nice to look at that $500 dress with those $1000 heels, but it’s just not realistic to me. Even with all the money in the world I don’t think I could justify those kind of purchases. I would rather have 10 $50 dresses than 1 $500 dress, I like a little variety.
Get The Look:
Target Sweater (Similar) // Target Leggings // Chinese Laundry Boots via Zulily // Michael Kors Crossbody // Scarf via China Town NYC (Similar) // Charming Charlie Sunglasses (Similar) // Accessory Jane Earrings // Kendra Scott Necklace // Vintage Ring from my Grandmother
Shop Leggings:
The handbag in this outfit is probably my biggest splurge ever, I used two $50 gift cards I won at work and paid $48 for. I had anxiety even buying that, lol. That being said, if you see anything designer on here, it was debated upon in my head for over a month and it’s GOT to be good! 😉 I just have to keep telling myself that I would rather have money saved for the days when we decide to start a family than have those Tory Burch flats. (I think…haha!) Stay strong budgeting ladies, you’re not alone!
cute little pink bag!
LOVE this post! I agree, even if I make money in the world, I couldn’t justify those kind of purchases! Sure a pair of 1,000 shoes sounds lovely but having 100 pairs of them?! There are so many other things you could do with that money! I’m the kind of persons who just likes stuff because it’s mic not because of the brand <3
I have a MK wallet that I bought at the outlets last year and it’s held up SO well. Still looks brand new. I love your purse, and the colour of it is gorgeous.
I’m with you on that although I have a few expensive designer bags in my closet. I used to splurge when I had a super awesome job living in NYC. Now I have kids and live in a small suburbia I don’t splurge as much as I used to.
You are so right — it is nice to afford $1000 shoes but most of us can’t. Adore the scarf!
Girl, this blog post is perfect after our conversation last night! Keeping Up With The Joneses haha! So glad we got to meet up and am already looking forward to the next time!
xoxo
Lee Anne
What a great post, I agree with you! I don’t spend lots of money on clothes and things, it’s just not my money needs to go.
Cute boots!
xo Courtney
http://www.byobeauty.com
You look great and I agree there is pressure in the blogging but I dont give him because i do not want to live in debt just to match up.
100% Agree! Who are these Jones people anyway and why should we feel the need to keep up with them? I love this post. Fashion is about expression of one’s self and I for one love pretty things but like you I have to think in the real world. I have a beautiful family that is worth a million lifetimes worth of designer things. I just love how you are reminding women that it’s not about what the tag says it’s about how you wear the tag. Will be following your blog.
I am waiting for the day that I can afford to buy designer handbags! I had an amazing collaboration recently that was bigger than I could ever imagine, but that was a one off. I’d love to be in the big league having a walk in wardrobe and designers at my beck and call – DREAM!!
Katie <3
A great thought in a great post. Thanks for sharing.
I absolutely LOVE the pops of pink! AND the animal print. So cute! <3
I’m a huge fan of white on black… Love it.
Pretty!! I love the whole outfit
Good points about balancing fashion love (and price point) with budgeting! I admit to liking to invest in slightly more expensive items, but mostly because I just really love the fit and fabric feel of certain brands (so luxurious and comfortable feeling). If they’re staples, I think they can be worth splurging on (e.g. a great pair of jeans). But, I totally mix high and low to balance things out and have fun with them.
Love the outfit, it looks super-comfy and cute!
xo,
lauriel
EyeForElegance.com
I’m at a point in my life where I don’t feel I have to keep up with anyone anymore, and am comfortable living within my means… it’s so refreshing!
I agree. I remember noticing that I was buying a lot more stuff because I’d seen it on a blog somewhere. I had to calm down quickly! I wasn’t doing anything crazy – a graphic tee here and there – but still.
Love the color of your bag. The perfect little pop.