Affordable Beauty and Fashion Tips For Moms on A Budget
When I became a mother I underestimated the toll it would take on my life. My income and time always went to me. All of a sudden, I was a single mother, and I had to split these things with another person, and it was hard!
There were many days between rushing to get ready, rushing my son to get ready, and getting to work on time, that I would leave the house without even looking in the mirror. Gone were the days of six inch heels, salons, and shopping sprees. I did not have the time, the money, or even a baby sitter!
My body had changed, I felt like the hot mess express train that had been chugging through a pile of soot, snow, and dirt. I pledged that I was going to make a change, one that fit into my lifestyle and my budget. This is what I did.
My Body
The first thing I did was lose 15 pounds. Before my son I paid for a gym membership. After, I had Pin Interest. It showed me exercise routines that could be done from the comfort of my own home, without me having to buy anything. Never underestimate the power of a jumping jack. For those women whose husbands love video games? Use this to your advantage. I was gifted a Kinect for my Xbox, Zumba and Dance Central on Xbox became my new BFF. It was also something me and my son could do together.
My Clothes/ Shoes
Two words, thrift store. The secret is to go to a thrift that is in a very well to do area or one that is known for having name brand clothing. I once went in a thrift store and saw a Cold Water Creek skirt with the original tags that read ($175). The thrift store price $6. I have gotten Ann Taylor, Vera Wang, and Black House White Market. Never underestimate the power of the thrift; it is one of the best kept secrets. (All Clothing in the Pictures are From the Thrift).
Make-up/ Jewelry
I know everyone likes diamonds and Mac, but this is simply not in my budget. However, eBay and Amazon is. There are real life stores selling on both these sites and they need to make room for new stock. So they are willing to sell these items to you in BULK for dirt cheap. Take advantage. (All Jewelry in pictures were obtain through Amazon or EBay and bought in bulk).
Beauty
The internet can be an amazing thing. Search what type of nails, hairstyle, or make-up look you want, and poof just like magic someone on YouTube is there to tell you how to do, step by step. It takes practice, but after a few epics fails I can I can do a roller set on practically with my eyes closed and do make up that can put some make-up artists to shame.
Sometimes you just do not have the money nor do you have the time for beauty. Do not even think about carrying your child on a salon trip, this can be a headache all on its own. Sometimes it’s just better to do it yourself, saving you both time and money.
Thanks to Sophia Reed of Therapy Counseling for this great guest post.
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Hi Jenn
I so identify with being a single mum with a two year old, trying to get to work via dropping baby of at daycare. I also have a 14 year old and have just been recently retrenched with no severance package. Instead of pitying myself I am trying to build an online business via virtual assistance, blogging and marketing. All of this is a learning curve and having no income it kind of makes me question myself sometimes, that am I being silly wasting time online or should are go out and look for work which is very hard to come by.
I really need to make a come back, to look good like I used to years ago, I have long since stopped buying myself anything, sacrificing everything I have for my kids. I will have to start somewhere in spite of my current circumstances.
So thanks for sharing, its very enlightening and encouraging, makes me feel that I will get through this somehow.
I can relate alot to what you are saying. When I had my son, I always wanted to get him everything first and allow myself to go without. I think it has to be a fine balance. Make sure your children have all they need, but also remember yourself. I know when going to the thrift store $20 carries me a long way. And just being able to have a outfit that you like, can make all the difference in feeling good about yourself, and give you more motivation to do the things you need to.
I agree, thrift stores and Salvation armies are the way to go. I will buy clothes at these places and especially accessories which are super cheap!
This is so true. The thrift store I go to, has a special section for vintage jewelry and clothing as well.
I tend to look at vintage stores to find unique accessories. You can often find many that are very affordable.
Great tips. I could never give up my fashion
It’s great to see a mom that hasn’t lost her style because of her motherhood. It can be hard to balance finances and still take time to make you feel like you, these are great tips.
Thanks . After I first had my son I lost my fashion. When people would first see me they would have this look on their face like “What happened to you!??”lol. This is what motivated me to change.
The thrift store point is so true. Sometimes I buy things for my friends that I find there. Once found a Lily Pulitzer dress with tags for $1, it didn’t fit me but was perfect for a friend. She loved it!
At my thrift store you cannot try on clothes so I bought things that haven’t fit before. But then you do not feel so bad because you only paid like $1 for it instead of going to the store and paying $70.
I can attest to the thrift store tip. I went shopping in one last year and found brand new items – tags on! – for next to nothing. It’s amazing what you can find if you take the time to look.
So true, you really have to search through the racks at the thrift store to find things. I know I try to go on a day when everyone is at work. If you go when it is crowded you have to fight your way to the racks (literally) and you may not find anything.
I LOVE shopping at thrift stores! I recently got back into the habit and there are so many great fashion finds. I’m also a fan of Amazon for beauty!
I wish someone had told me about these sooner. I only stumbled across these things by accident because I was on a strict budget.
The hot mess train comment made me LOL. Good for you, and on the weight loss too!
Thank you very much. It took awhile to lose the weight, but made world of difference.