Sometimes, I’ll get emails from people about this site, complaining about the prices of the garments I feature on the blog. It’s not “broke” enough for a lot of people and, honestly, I’m okay with that. There are tons of blogs that’ll show you designer knockoffs (recognizing that they’re knockoffs), $5 shirts, PVC/plastic shoes, etc… Unfortunately, Broke & Beautiful is not one of them.
When I feature pieces that are $100 or $100+ – there’s a reason. It’s because they’re worth a helluva lot more than that, usually. As you may notice, I rarely feature big, designer label stuff here unless it’s at least 70% off – and even then, it’s only from a designer who has high standards of quality, and stuff that you CAN’T find anywhere else.
Why the diatribe-esque intro? Well, my darling FB (Fabulously Broke in the City) made a comment on the difference between being “frugal” (she hates that word, and so do I) and “cheap” that hit the nail so on-the-head that I had to mention it here.
For the record, being frugal (a word I hate), means:
- being a conscious consumer
- spending your money only on what makes you (and only you) happy
- making choices with limited impulse buying
- searching for the best deal for the money and quality you are getting
- buying quality for what you deem is important
- having priorities about what’s important in life (a cute new bag or food on the table?)
- things you buy in the long run cost you LESS
In contrast, being cheap, means:
- refusing to pay tips or treat others when you go out to eat for various reasons
- hunting for sales and buying useless items just because they’re cheap
- spending time, money and gas to chase a buck (no optimization)
- choosing the cheapest option, ALL THE TIME
- compromising your sanity by counting toilet paper squares, stepping on different tiles each day, etc
- being afraid to spend anything and sacrificing yourself
- things in the long run cost you MORE
Now, I’ve never heard of the tile-stepping bit, but if I heard someone was doing it, I’d definitely make fun of them.
View Comments (8)
That is a little guide that many people have to follow!
And honestly, quality even on sale will cost more than a cheap something that will only last a season.
Linda Katherine´s last blog post was I read this once!
AGREES! I can't stand cheap but I'm definitely conscious about buying.
Thank you for offering designer pieces at affordable prices instead of cheap sweatshop knockoffs. *applauds*
Birdie´s last blog post was Combatting Casual Wear!
Yes! I completely agree. Well-made, slightly more expensive items will wear ten times longer than cheap pieces...and, therefore, save you money. I'd rather get a more expensive piece that I can wear for five years than something cheap and poorly made.
Jen´s last blog post was The Next Big Thing: Revival Ink!
Its true - the real cheap items won't last as long, and means that you'll have to buy again soon, whereas spending a bit more saves money in the long run. I avoid really cheap clothes because I know the quality isn't that good and it won't last as long.
Also cheap clothes mean that I'm buying more junk that I'm unlikely to wear.
Sherin´s last blog post was I love high-waisted skirts!
Your blog is titled "BROKE & beautiful," not "CHEAP & beautiful" for a reason. Going broke & buying quality when you can afford is is much better than feeding shopping addictions with cheap crap.
Ashe Mischief´s last blog post was Generation Y in the Work Place!
The tile stepping bit comes from a story about an old woman who kept stepping on different tiles in her home each day just so that they'd wear EVENLY
I had never heard of such crazy, ass up the monkey nonsense in my life.
She had a problem.
*HUGS* thanks for the link love :) You know I adore the blog and it's quality, cheap finds. Honestly, my budget is around $100 too because when you see REALLY cheap things for $5... they look like they cost $5.
Fabulously Broke´s last blog post was 10 Tips to save money on Groceries each month!
So true, so true.
Sal´s last blog post was Who Are You in Five Words or Less!
Amen, Sister!!! That's the beauty of your blog is that you show good deals on great, quality stuff!!! Your site rocks!Don't let the haters bring you down! Good post and great pic!
Katie´s last blog post was Was Mariah Carey on Drugs on Rachel Ray?!