Tip #5 - Remember Poor Decisions:

We’ve all done this, bought something because it was cheap, on sale, or we just “had to have it,” and then regretted it a short time later. The key to using your money wisely is to remember those times. I don’t care how you do it, take a polaroid or print out a picture to post in your closet, keep a list, or just make mental note.  However you choose, keep those mistakes fresh in your memory, so that when the moment of truth comes, you’ll remember, and can then walk away from another mistake and save your wallet some grief.

Here’s a lovely number that will bring you into spring.  The Latico Vyntage Coinkeeper Buckle tote at the very attractive price of $79.  It’s got a timeless look to it with it’s smooth lines and leather.  And roomy enough to carry what you need in the paisley lined cavity.  I especially like how in lieu of using a flap closer, Latico has opted for a deep zipper on both ends to that it’s easy to retrieve things from within.

Get it: Latico Coinkeeper Buckle Tote

Tip #4: Purchase Multi-Use Bags: True, wouldn’t it be lovely to buy a load of different bags for every occasion and not have to worry about how much they cost or how impractical they might be?  Well..in this day and age, I don’t know about you, but I certainly can’t do that.  That’s why I suggest buying bags that you can use for more than one type of occasion.  I’m sure many of you already do this, but I just want to emphasize the point.

Here are all the ways I use my Large Longchamp Le Pliage tote (and the few Baggu’s I always store inside if I run out of space)

• So..when I stroll out from the office around the corner to Safeway I can put groceries both in the Le Pliage and in the reuseable grocery bags inside.
• If I need to carry an extra pair of clothes/shoes I can fit them in there
• Can be used as a lunch bag and book bag and laptop bag (I’ve sewn a soft and slightly cushy fabric sleeve for the laptop to keep it safe and secure though)
• Perfect carry-on bag to double up with a backpack or roll-on.

So, I hope you take the suggestion and do the same. Check out some other bags that are perfect mulit-use bags: Longchamp Le Pliage, Chinese Laundry Embroidered Tote, LeSportsac Travel Tote, Big Buddha Postman,

Saw this Chinese Laundry Embroidered tote bag and fell in love with it at first glance.  First, like I promised my next few posts would be, this bag is under $100 at a lovely price of $59.  The grey with yellow embroidery is a perfect way to end the winter and bring in the spring.  Why, you ask?  Grey goes with tons of bright spring colors like blue, pink, purple and orange.  Plus, if you’re stuck the Pacific Northwest, you’ll also still have your share of rainy cloudy days mixed in with the clear crisp ones…a muted grey toned bag will match the environment nicely.

Get it: Chinese Laundry Embroidered Tote

Example of applying Tip 3 from my previous post: this SR Squared Sondra Roberts Mermaid hobo.  This is a trendy bag, that I like.  It says flapper girl and mermaid at the same time to me.  The dark colors keep it from looking tacky and I think it’s an all around fun bag to spice up a look.  Plus at $45, it’s at the perfect price range.

Get it: SR Squared Sondra Roberts Mermaid Hobo

<-just say no

Tip 3: Don’t slurge on trends. Trends will come and go - that is a proven fact.  All you have to do is look into your closet for all the clothes that you’ve bought, that are still in good condition, but you never seem to bring yourself to wear.  Those are all those trendy things you’ve bought that were good for a season or two..and then faded away into obscurity.

There are some things that will always be in style (more to come about that later), but most things are trends only for the moment.  If you are trying to watch your spending, don’t fork out $$$ for stuff that magazines and the rest of media say are “Hot” for the season or haven’t been proven to be timeless. Instead look for deals on these things.  Most likely, because it’s “in” you’ll find lots of manufacturers selling the same style at varying prices (from the LV $1000 version to the H&M $30 version).

Tip 2: Shop with a credit card that gives you rewards: I use the  Citi PremierPass^® / Expedia^® MasterCard.  Everytime I shop, I get points towards lots of rewards, but most importantly - towards flights (no blackout dates) to use on Expedia. But, just like with any credit card - I only spend if I know I’ll have the cash monies to pay for it at the end of the month.

We’re in a recession, there’s not way to sugar coat it.  And with that, although I still have a good job, I find myself being a bit more conscious of how I spend or save my money.  Over the next several posts I’ll reveal some of my smart shopping tips and hints.  And with that, my first tip:

Tip 1: Just like a diet, I don’t deprive myself totally, otherwise a must more costly ($$$) binge is more likely to occur.  So instead, I look for deals when I go shopping and to make my spending count for more. 

So here’s a deal for ya’ll. The Jessica Simpson Tempest Hobo.  Stylish and well priced.  A great purchase if you’re looking for a bag that will match a lot of things in anyone’s wardrobe, while being different from the usual black or brown.

Get it: Jessica Simpson Tempest Hobo

It in the details with this lovely romantic NOAH Love Birds Clutch.  It reminds me of the Chinese paper-cutting art and silhouettes. This type of design definitely catches my eye, and draws me in to try and figure out the shapes that are being depicted.  The “love birds” are subtle enough but not too obscure with this dark cranberry fabric over the cream background that is also the same color as the lining.  The contrast is perfectly balanced, love it!

Get it: NOAH Love Birds Clutch