Life's cheap thrills and the choices we make

Life is colorful, isn’t it? Watching the city grow, with widening skylines, fresh roads and new spots to explore, it seems like things can’t help but become interestingly better. However, I’m also noticing that these changes come at a price. To keep up with the new scene and social networking sites, there’s a subtle compulsion to augment one’s lifestyle, often self-imposed and peer-driven than anything else. 

News of a recently developed mall, an invite to sample a beauty counter of some imported makeup brand, or perhaps the mere mention of a shopping haul would seem like messages from the universe promising milk and honey from the Elysian fields. You dissect the idea of a lifestyle as if it’s something that can be set up -- putting your project management skills and credit resources to good use -- and the act of broadcasting each step brings a sense of fulfillment, thinking that Instagram-ing your way to upper-class is, well, possible. 

“I’m living so far beyond my income that we may almost be said to be living apart.” 

  -- E. E. Cummings

Amazing that you have a six-digit salary and own (yes, owned not financed) your own house and car. Brilliant that you’ve managed to invest in proper insurance, life and nonlife, plus a few more financial investments and maintain a substantial savings account. It’s no wonder you’re rolling with a six-digit credit limit but never worry about surcharges. 

You’re financially well-cushioned and fundamentally debt-free. This status deserves a like and a “good on ‘ya! <3” comment.

If you can’t relate to any of that, it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. You’re better off with decisions to economize and to practice moderation. Life offers cheap thrills and making that rational choice to scrimp and save than to splurge on some designer bag will leave no room for regret or gratuitous debt in your future.

Street markets and outlet shopping

If you’ve been abroad and visited outlet malls, you’ll understand how much of a bargain it is to shop there. We’ve got a few spots, street markets included, in the country worth checking out.

Shop drugstore

Why cause duress on your wallet by pushing to buy the expensive set when you might be equally gratified with results from a cheaper alternative? It won’t be like you’re short-changing yourself, it’s a matter of knowing and accepting everything about yourself and your circumstance.

Mixing and layering

New pieces with old, designer and obscure fashion brand, high and low fashion, and layer upon fabulous layer- your not-so-wide wardrobe selection would seem that you have a stylist and a personal shopper on your payroll.

Accessories

So you own basics and ho-hum set of clothes, bags and shoes, it’s not the end of the world. Jazzing up out?ts with earrings, bangles, necklaces or rings will make dressing up a whole lot more fun. It doesn’t hurt that you can get them for cheap to boot!

Preworn is here to stay.

Vintage or, simply, pre-owned clothes that you picked up from your favourite ukay-ukay store or your mother’s closet can evolve into real style treasures. Good bit is, they’re cheap as cheap can get or, better yet, free.

You’re invited to a swap party!

If you don’t have time to set up a garage sale or box your stuff up for donation, consider the option to invite friends over to trade clothes, shoes or accessories, and make a party out of it. You might find something new to add to your wardrobe without spending a dime.

Comfort in your own skin and what truly makes you happy.

The essence of style isn’t tangible. A pair of stilettos isn’t synonymous to poise neither does a label, to elegance. You sparkle best in candor and authenticity especially when you engage yourself in happy hurry. Compounding serenity and bliss helps curb that monkey on your back. 

Lifestyle is the manifestation of who you choose to be and what you would consider wealth. Affluence isn’t about who can spend more. The real scheme of the matter is, to spend less. You’d want to keep the money and employ a more prudent approach to spending if you truly consider living on easy street is far better than the mere illusion of it.

You can also find me writing more about fashion and beauty at Style Manila or engaging in real-time virtual conversations on Twitter, @angelisophia. I’m inviting you to join me. Let’s talk about how our smart style and shopping choices seemingly show we’re en route to a sensational affair in our lives.