blogger on a budget

'blogger on a budget' - that's me! 

having a fashion blog means clothing, shoes and accessories

are essential. or seemingly essential (which is likely more accurate!).

i often catch myself standing in line at the store, with more than one item

 in hand, attempting to justify why i need that new dress or necklace

or adorable pair of boots: 'oh but i can wear this on my blog,'

or worse,  'i need something new to share on my blog.' 

i sound terrible - like a shopaholic gone mad.

**disclosure: coach graciously sent me the handbag featured in this post.

all opinions are my own!

 

while i greatly enjoy shopping at nordrstrom, 

zara, anthropologie, and other high-end retailers, it isn't 

always practical (or budget-friendly). i simply can't afford to 

spend a great deal on one piece, or even an entire outfit, 

only to wear it a handful of times;

creating a budget, thrift shopping, and 

scavenging the clearance racks at my favorite stores allows

me to purchase clothing and other items i love, which i then 

share here on my blog.

one thing i have learned, however, is that 

some pieces simply cannot be skimped on.

purchasing an item you will use often or 

wear again and again may not be worth buying second hand

or on clearance - it could fall apart, and you will end

up spending more by having to replace it.

for example, a quality rain jacket and rain boots

are imperative for me as i commute downtown on the bus.

i end up walking several blocks to and from work in the rain.

keeping warm and dry (while looking

somewhat fashionable) is important, so i purchased my jacket

and boots at full price. 

another item i like to purchase new? wardrobe

staples such as a black or brown crossbody bag!

for an afternoon spent running errands in the city

and later meeting a girlfriend for coffee, my coach 'dinky' crossbody

was the perfect accessory! it fit my phone, chapstick and

 hand lotion, and a pair of sunglasses. there's an enclosed pocket inside

for my debit card and driver's license.

this particular handbag is part of the

coach spring 2017 collection.

 i'm styling the 'saddle brown' and there is an orange inner lining.

while this bag retails for more than i typically

spend on a handbag, i know it's an investment piece;

the overall style is more classic than trendy, and the beautiful brown

is incredibly versatile. i can pair this bag with almost any outfit,

and it can be used from season to season.

photos by karya schanilec photography

top: swap with my friend, dana! 

bomber jacket: stitch fix (similar here), jeans: american eagle outfitters, 

booties: urban outfitters (old), necklace: charming charlie, 

ring: old navy, crossbody bag: c/o coach (exact here)

are you a fan of the crossbody bag?

do you have wardrobe staples or specific pieces

you're willing to spend more on? 

xoxo.