Style on a Budget No. 1

22^nd October 2017

Style on a Budget No. 1

So here it is, my first mini rant. Although I’m not a big fan of excessively spreading frustration and discontent about certain topics, because I feel like it will neither help me, nor the situation in general or anyone who has to listen to my bad mood, sometimes it’s important to get certain things off one’s heart.

In this case, certain things is a conversation I’ve heard while sitting at a Café the other day. A bunch of girls were sitting at a table behind me, and I could hear them talk about me. (note to everyone out there: First of all, don’t talk behind other peoples’ back. Secondly, don’t assume people can’t hear you just because they can’t see you.) Long story short, the essence of the conversation of said girls was “She only looks that good because she has so much money.” and “If I had that money to spend, I could also be a fashion blogger.” BOOM.

I’m way past giving a damn (excuse my language) about what other people think about me. Being bullied at school taught me to handle these situations very well… I also know that most of such sentences derive from envy and jealousy, and I also know not to take it too personally. But still, this conversation somehow stuck with me. Mostly not because I felt offended, but mainly because it made me very sad.

In a world where girls wear t-shirts with slogans like “The Future Is Female”, “Girlpower”, or “Girls Unite” and everyone is raving about how we as girls have to help each other and lift each other up, we are still talking behind our backs and begrudge each other? Doesn’t seem very smart and long-term oriented to me.

To some degree I think there may always be a form of tension between everybody, women and men. No matter if it’s about beauty, wealth, intelligence, or anything else desirable in this world. But I think we can all agree that the world would still be a much better place, if women were nicer to each other. I also know my little blogpost won’t make a big change, but if it would only encourage one girl out there to take a deep breath and re-think her thoughts next time she feels the urge to talk bad behind another girls back, it already made a big impact.

As women, we need to stop fighting with each other. In a world in which we have so many choices, we shouldn’t choose to be mean and jealous. Yes, the future is female, but the future is also in our hands. If we don’t actively and positively contribute to this future, nothing will ever change.

Now, enough pep talk. Back to the things I do over here… namely, running a life & style blog. As much as I love fashion, and as thankful I am that I was able to turn my passion for fashion and beauty into a job – to me, all these things are not at all what life is really about. Having a loving family and friends, people you care for and who care for you, making memories with these people, learning about yourself and what you want to do with your life, and enjoying every day to the fullest – those are snippets of the things I think life is really about.

Although I know most of my readers are female and between 25 – 35 years old (at least that’s what Google Analytics tells me), I also know there might be a few younger girls reading my blog. The last thing I want to do is to give anyone the idea that all those “things” I’m showing you on my blog are what it takes to be happy. Because that’s totally not the case. Those things might be nice to have, but they are by no means responsible for a happy and fulfilled life.

Especially when it comes to fashion, I know this is a great and enjoyable hobby to have, but it can be very disheartening if you’re a student and can barely afford a Venti Starbucks, much less a Valentino bag. (Trust me, I’ve been there.) I know that most fashion blogs seem to be full of designer accessories and expensive clothes… But those things don’t have anything to do with personal style. Over the years I’ve come to the conclusion that I prefer quality over quantity, which means for example: I rather buy one bag I really love instead of ten. I love combining high street pieces with cool bags and shoes, and I’ve found my favorite jeans brand by now, which is a bit pricey, but the pants just fit and last for ages. Nevertheless, that’s just my approach, and it’s something that is always up to everyone’s taste and decision.

Which ever way you find for yourself, no matter if you think the price for a month’s rent is worth a bag, or a fabulous holiday, or a sofa, or even a mobile phone. Style is style. Regardless of the price tag or brand, and whether you spend 5€ or 500€ on sunglasses, fashion is for all of us.

All of this being said, here’s one of my favorite outfits lately, styled on a budget at a fraction of the “original’s” price, but as great and stylish as the other.