How I Afford Luxury

As you’ve probably realised already I have a bit of a weakness for shopping, particularly luxury shopping!  I would rather have one beautifully designed, perfectly crafted and eyewateringly expensive handbag than a hundred high street ones.

When it comes to spending your hard earned money I’m a firm believer in, each to their own.  I know there are plenty of people who have an opinion on “how much is too much” but as long as you’re working hard, paying your bills and doing your bit to make the world a better place, NO ONE has the right to judge your spending habits!

However, the truth is, if you’re a bit of a spendaholic and like to see your money hanging in your wardrobe then it doesn’t come without a few sacrifices.  Trust me, I know!  Luxury fashion is getting more and more outrageously priced so unless you’re a zillionaire you do have to nip and tuck your expenses somewhere.  I’m sharing a few places I cut back in order to afford (nearly) all the gorgeous clothes and accessories I want!

Socialising

I think this is the area I save the most money.  Dining out, going to bars and partying in clubs is really expensive.  In London, it’s impossible to go out for dinner and have a couple of cocktails for less than £100 each.  If you’re doing this 3 times a week, it adds up very quickly.  After just 2 to 3 months you’d be able to put that money towards a Chanel handbag!

Thankfully the older I’ve got the less interested I am in being seen at the hotspots.  Instead, I’ll go to my friend’s house and we’ll have a pamper session or we’ll meet up in the park for dog walks.  Dinner parties are a great way to see everyone without blowing a heap of cash.  If everyone brings a dish and a bottle of wine, you’re set for an amazing night without a hefty bill at the end.

Not Drinking

This sort of ties in with the above.  I don’t drink which saves a huge amount of money.   Not only do you save on cocktails and glasses of wine but also save on taxis, as I tend to drive.  If you love to go out, I highly recommend doing at least one t-total night a week.  You’ll be surprised just how many pennies you save.

Holidays

Over the years I’ve travelled a lot, particularly with work which has (to some extent) taken the shine off travelling for me.  I have friends that jet off to the South of France or Ibiza for the weekend during the summer and skiing during the winter.  However, I nearly always pass up on these trips.

I’m naturally a homebody but even for me, this is a sacrifice.  However, I have to prioritise what I’d rather do.  Do I want to buy those incredible new boots or do I want to go to Cannes for the weekend?  For me, it’s usually shoes every time!

Waiting for the Sales & Buying Preloved

I love that the big luxury websites, like Net-a-Porter and Matches Fashion, have wish lists and I make full use of them.  Throughout the season, I’ll add everything I’m lusting after into my wishlist and wait patiently for the sales to hit and that’s when I shop.  It can take a lot of will power!

The other way of saving a few pennies is buying preloved.  I’ve written a whole blog post on how to buy preloved luxury HERE and I share all my best tips and tricks.

Don’t forget you can also keep up with me on Instagram @thatnewdress, Twitter @thatnewdress, Bloglovin That New Dress, Snapchat thatnewdress and Depop @dominiquew.