How to be a Style Blogger on a Small Budget.

Blogging is great fun, surprisingly sociable, and the perfect way to express your creative side (regardless of what you chose to blog about).
If you have read any of my other posts about blogging (see them all on this page) you will know how much I love it!
Setting up a blog needs very little equipment, and is so easy.

BUT..
Is blogging about style and fashion not a very expensive habit?
Surely you need an enormous budget for new clothes in order to constantly create new outfits?
What about the latest trends and 'hot' new looks?
Fashion and style blogging must require serious amounts of hard cash to succeed, right?

I am happy to tell you that blogging about style, and fashion, can be as cheap as chips (quite literally, sometimes).
You just have to put in a bit more effort, be savvy, and get creative.
Which is great news, especially if you are a bit skint... like me!

Blogging about trends and high fashion.

The cheapest way to blog about fashion is to research the up-and-coming trends and discuss them.
Constructing fantasy outfits, and talking about the designer inspired pieces on the high street.
You could provide outfit inspiration and countless ideas for other people to create their own looks.
These are popular posts, and sound like fun to write.

To be honest, posts involving images of high-end designer looks (and ideas of where to find cheaper versions) are not really my cup of tea.
I much prefer to see a real outfit on a regular (non-model) woman.

However, you can blog about these trends without spending a penny!
You might even make a few pennies, if you use affiliate links.

{Note: Make sure you are using images legally.}

Many people love these kinds of posts, they are fun to research, and you don't even need a camera!
Easy peasy.

Hang on a minute!
What if you want to blog about your personal style and/or your interpretation of the designer trends?
This involves actual clothes.

{Slobbing around in a pair of joggy bottoms, writing about Burberry's latest collection, just won't cut it!}

Now you need a real clothes budget, and it can be tricky.
No one wants to see the same boring outfit used in every post.
Similarly, people like to see items re-worked and restyled (I know I do) as it gives them ideas as to how to get the most out of their own wardrobes.
You need to find a balance.

Blogging on a tight budget is a challenge, but you just have to be a bit smarter with your money.

Of course, being a style blogger is MUCH easier if you are loaded and can pop into Burberry and pick up a couple of pieces from their latest collection.
Or, invest in that classic Chanel bag
Or, treat yourself those Valentino shoes.

Even popping into a high street shop, and buying the latest trends, would be great for your blog.

The reality (for me anyway) is a part-time job with the NHS...hardly the big bucks rolling in!
I also have a house to run, and 4 children to pay for.

{They are much more expensive than the Chanel classic flap bag, I can tell you.}

Despite my minuscule budget, I still love new clothes, hot trends, high fashion, unique style, fabulous shoes, unusual accessories, great shoes...did I mention shoes?!
I'm not willing to compromise.
So, here are my secrets...

3 Ways to blog about fashion and style (or just enjoy your own personal style) on a tight budget:

1. Never settle for full price.

Why pay top dollar when you don't have to?

• ALWAYS search online for a discount code or 'money off' offer.
• Subscribe to the mailing list...you usually get emailed a code to use for your first order. (You can always unsubscribe later).
• Log in to a website (create an account) add to your basket then leave. Many companies will send you a "you left something in your basket" discount code.
• Sign up to one of those sites (like MSE) that tips you off to hot deals, double discounts and sneaky loopholes (these dungarees ended up costing me £9!)
• If you can wait, hold off for the sale. Some items are almost guaranteed to make the sale (you can usually tell). Like these boots that I got for a bargain.
• Shop around. 
• Use a cashback site if you can. Better a few extra pennies in your pocket!
• Check out discount websites for past season items.
• Always check on eBay (or similar) for someone who could be selling the very item you have your eye on. Unwanted gifts, wrong sizes or (my favourite) 'worn once'.

2.  Find the styles you want elsewhere.

Anyone over the age of 15 will have realised that fashion is fickle, and trends return time and time again.
Take this season's 'Hot Looks'.... sound familiar??

• Ruffles.
• Velvet.
• Embroidery.
• Leopard print.
• Tweed/Heritage.
• Embellishment.

Yeah, yeah... We have heard it all before.
In fact, you probably seen this list several times over!

Be super savvy and scour the internet for previous versions of the latest looks.
Or (even more fun) take a shopping trip to the city and search those charity shops.
Make a day of it.
Charity shops (or bargain bucket sale rails) are fantastic places to pick up, not only clothes, but great accessories and jewellery.
I can't walk past a charity shop without popping in "for a minute".
You never know what treasures are waiting to be discovered.

3. Organise your own wardrobe.

If you have a good look through your own clothes, I bet there are a few items that would fit right in to the current "Hot looks".
Dig them out and try combining them with newer pieces.
Mixing up your usual combinations of items (and common mixes of colour) can make old items seem new.
Adding a new, or unexpected, accessory works perfectly to make your look fresh and modern.
Try Pinterest for colour inspiration.
Look online for unique accessories (or nail colours) to lift your look.

Blogging about style (or just dressing with style) does not need to cost a fortune.
Yes, that designer piece would be wonderful, and quality always counts.
But, for many people, designer items are just a fantasy to admire on others.

Luckily, the cost of your outfit does not really matter.
You can find really beautiful quality items, in surprising places, for less than the price of a coffee.

Regardless of budget, if you love clothes and fashion, that will translate through your writing (or your daily dress) and get other people thinking about ways to make the most of their own wardrobes.
Being stylish does not have a "minimum spend".
Have fun with fashion, and your own personal style, whatever your budget may be!

What are your thoughts on this subject?
Do you find it easier to construct and outfit from various sources?
Or, do you prefer the convenience of the high street shops?
Do you ever treat yourself to that designer splurge?

Please share in the comments...
Or, contact me.
I love hearing from you!