Lots of us love shopping. Whether in-store or online, shopping is fun. As moms, sometimes we get hit with guilt trips when it comes to shopping for ourselves though. I really push myself to buy stuff for me. Working full-time in an office setting means being prepared with a business casual wardrobe. The styles I need handy are important, but also I am plus size. So finding the right clothing at affordable prices can be a challenge.
Finding the Right Wardrobe at the Right Price
I experimented with a clothing rental site. It was great! Got to pick outfits, used them, and sent them back. The monthly fee changed from $60 to $98 which was a little too much for me to not feel guilty. With another child on the way, that would mean more expenses and it just didn’t feel right to spend that much. Then the pandemic meant working from home, so no need for a stylish closet. #leggingsarelife
Building a Wardrobe After the Pandemic and a Baby
In 2021, I had to go back to work in person. Office work meant outfits that are not leggings and tees. I had become a fan of SHEIN for children’s clothes, but now it was time to try it out myself. I was nervous that the sizing and quality were going to be bad, but I placed the the order anyway. After trying SHEIN, I also looked into Walmart, Target, and other sites that have budget-friendly clothes. I started building a small wardrobe with pieces that were as cheap as $5 and with the quality pieces of over $100 that I had tried when I was renting clothes.
Shopping Without Guilt
I created a clothing budget that was manageable. I also discovered Afterpay and ZIP, which are two great ways to purchase with payment plans. With those, the guilt of buying a cute dress or makeup can become less of a burden. I began to budget again and most importantly bring back some confidence into my life.
There’s no shame in wanting to look good because it helps you feel good. Also, there is NOTHING bad about exploring budget-friendly options for clothing. Your attitude and your personality can make a $10 outfit look as good as a $200 look.
Be Confident and Beautiful at Any Price Tag
This dress was a rental. It was perfect for my baby shower. I was glad it was a rental since it used to be around $150 retail price.
This outfit is from SHEIN and cost me $20 after the pants and the blouse had a 20% discount. I was in love, and comfortable.
No matter the price behind the clothes, the way you present yourself is what makes the outfit shine. I am a mom, who loves to budget, and who knows the importance of giving yourself a break from feeling guilty.
