19 Feb Having It All When Your Budget Is Limited

Compensation was provided by Nissan via Mode Media.

Let me start out by saying I don’t believe in the idea of “having it all,” especially not at the same time. But I do firmly believe in having the best you can afford. That mindset is exactly why I started Looking Fly on a Dime® five years ago. From traveling on a budget to looking my best in spite of making little to no money in NYC, I’m a firm believer that your best has nothing to do with your wallet.

Here are a few ways you can have it all, even when your budget is limited.

Some of you already know that when I first moved to NYC I was working at a fashion magazine and making less than $30,000 a year. Yay for the dope job, but yikes for the salary! I mean, I was getting by {I had a roommate!} but I quickly found ways to be
happy in spite of a checking account that was a bit depressing. And one of the ways I
saved was by thrift shopping. I would hit up Housing Works Buy the Bag and score a ton of clothes for less than $30. So while my co-workers were splurging at Nordstrom and
Saks, I was splurging at the thrift store! And more importantly, not once did I ever feel
deprived or like I was “less than.” I probably get it from my grandmother, both grandmothers to be exact. But in particular my father’s mother has the best closet and
loved clothes and jewelry in spite of living on a modest budget. Check out how I raided her closet for some vintage finds.

I always say that it’s not about having absolutely everything and every new trend. Instead,
figure out what you need to look and feel your best for your particular lifestyle. That
never has to require spending loads of money. Like I previously wrote, you only really
need one garment this winter to elevate your style.

That same sentiment applies to all areas of my lifestyle, especially travel. I’m ashamed to
admit that over the past year and a half I’ve been so focused on having it all professionally that I forgot to actually, you know, live and have experiences. But I made a conscious decision to chance that. I already booked a trip to Abu Dhabi in September and I’m actively searching for travel deals for spring. But like everything in my life, that means I do it on a budget. You know I don’t pay full price for anything. That means following deal sites on Twitter so I can hear about mega-sales ASAP and having a designated travel fund. I can’t wait to rock some of my thrift store finds in Abu Dhabi and Dubai this fall!

Living in a major city {i.e. overcrowded, expensive area!} is tough, but Geneva Thomas from “Blood, Sweat and Heels” manages to make her home an oasis with vintage finds
and statement making pieces that show off her sense of style. NYC apartments are cramped but she makes it work. While your budget doesn’t have to limit you, limited square footage doesn’t either!

With its stylish looks and premium interior, the Nissan Altima is just as much as an individual as you are. Not fitting into one mold is what makes the Nissan Altima not only unique, but very exciting!

How do you manage to have it all on a limited budget? Have you learned any savvy shopping tips over the years from family members or friends?