Fantasia Salon / Spa and Wig Specialists

Everyone lives on a budget, some people’s budgets just might have more zeros(at the end) than yours! If you are smart, you can work within your budget and get the look you want.

There are those with meager salaries who manage to make the best of whatever budget they have and always look like a million bucks. All it takes is some effort on your part.

Is your “looking good” really a budget challenge or a time challenge? Do you wake up 15 minutes before time to leave the house and have to head out with no makeup and wet hair? Or, do you plan ahead and wake up 15 minutes earlier to allow time to blow dry your hair and apply a minimal amount of makeup such as blush, powder and lipstick? You can look good for less but it will require some planning on your part.

Let’s say you like an outfit in a particular magazine. Now think of yourself as a hunter. Scour the stores in search of cheaper alternatives. There’s always TJ Maxx and Marshalls not to mention some mighty fine second hand stores. If you absolutely can’t find what you are looking for, and you know someone who sews, strike up a deal with them. Perhaps you have something to offer for their time and you can barter with them. Go to the fabric store and see if you can capture the look you want with the use of a pattern and some fabric.

Hunting for deals is time consuming but can be fun and, you can make it a family affair if need be. The key to looking good for little money is being willing to invest some time. A lot of women feel it’s too expensive or too hard to look great. Not so! With some effort and some patience, you can be the best dressed woman at the office.

Here are some simple things that can have a dramatic impact on your looking good.

• Never leave home with wrinkled clothes or dirty shoes.
• If you can’t afford or maintain a weekly manicure/pedicure, cut your nails short and leave them polish free by just buffing until shiny.
• Create an everyday “uniform” for yourself. If you prefer slacks, fine. Match them with a few different tops and that’s what you wear to work every day. That way, you don’t stress out in the morning about what you are going to wear. And, think about getting your clothes ready the night before. For me, that eliminates a LOT of morning stress!
• Do your last minute checks before leaving the house so there are no surprises when you get to your destination. Look at yourself in the full length mirror to make sure you look neat from top to toe.

Perhaps fashion is not a priority in your life. That’s okay. Just remember to make sure you look neat, clean, and well groomed and people will forgive your bad taste in clothes.