Wed 1/12 - Question - Do you look frugal?

[Deleted]

You know what I mean. Can people tell you don't waste money? Are your clothes dated, all your towels mismatched, your hair not trimmed...

I'd say that I don't look frugal. But no one is going to mistake me for rich either.

[Apple]

At work, I just look blue collar. Probably not frugal since I mostly wear Carhartts and they aren't cheap. I rarely wear make-up there, not as a cost saving measure but because I'm not trying to impress any of the guys and it would be worn off in an hour or so anyway. We have to switch to uniforms soon so I'll be wearing the exact same thing as the guys (and I won't have to buy work clothes anymore).
Many clothes I buy second-hand, but only if they look like something I would buy new. I'm still selective since I don't buy something just because it's cheap. I'm not big on fashion, mostly jeans and t-shirts, sweaters or hoodies so it's easy to not be out-dated. I don't wear "trendy" stuff, but not because of money, just because it's "not me."
I also only own a few pairs of shoes (each one has a different purpose, gym, summer sandles, yardwork, out-and-around, the rare date and older work boots, yeah, I guess I own 5 or 6 pair) but I NEVER buy used since it's bad for your feet (my mom would do hand-me-down anything and everything, except shoes, we always got our own shoes). Since I hate shoe shopping, I try to buy decent quality, on sale, instead of cheap so they last longer.
I have long, naturally curly hair, and once I figured out how to keep it from being frizzy I just let it do it's own thing most days--fortunately, that's how it looks best on me. I've had it professionally cut a few times, but they always screw it up enough that I have to have my mom fix it, so I usually just go to her to begin with. Layers are easy and since it never curls the same way two days in a row, I end up trimming a little after every hair cut anyway.

[NancysSummerSip]

I look neat, clean and ready for work. Not the least bit stylin' and in the latest fashion, but nothing has holes, rips, tears or scuffs. I keep things clean and pressed and taken care of. I do my hair and makeup and the nails get done.

I think when it comes to looking good, self-respect matters more than a bank account. You can look good on a small budget. My coworker does the salon hair color and manicure and shops for clothes all the time. She still looks like she was run over by a bus. Nothing works together, the hair looks like she plugged a wet finger into a socket, and she makes no attempt to take care of her skin. Spending definitely does not always equal looking good.

[BeenThere...DoneThat...]

<<< Do you look frugal? >>>

...to the astute observer, yes... but let's face it, everything's relative...




ETA: for example, my shoes, watch, glasses, and bra cost more combined than I spent on my car... all reliable and good quality... the pants and sweatshirt (except the Steeler's one) could be purchased for pennies for all I care...


ETA: or socks... I buy good socks...

[hawkeyes2001]

It depends. I don't think I look frugal when I go into work. However, on the weekends when I am hanging out in my old faded, stained jeans and tees you might say I look frugal.

If you came to our house you might say we are frugal due to our lack of belongings. But that really doesn't have a whole lot to do with being frugal. We only want stuff in our house that has function. And wall art and knick knacks do not have function. All of our towels match though....at least the ones that we put out for guests.

[suzwantstobefree]

I would say it would be hard for someone outside of my close circle to know that I am frugal. I get my hair and nails done regularily but not at the "in" shop. My house is neat and organized and I have nice stuff. My pantry is full and I have all brand name stuff (thanks to couponing). I dress for work and people are always telling me I look nice but I don't waste any money Everything I buy is on sale and I try not to buy anything spontaneous. But I do have nice things.

[Opti]

Is there a visible difference between people who dress frugally and those
who are the working poor and dress down by necessity?

[Deleted]

In my weekend wear- absolutely. Shorts, sweaters, T-shorts, jeans- I wear 'em till they fall apart. I have to make a conscious effort to look respectable if I need to. No makeup, even at work.

Work clothes- I look "normal". I don't look expensive unless you get up close and/or know what to look for (jewelry, tailored clothing). Since I also wear my good clothes till they fall apart, I never look up-to-the-minute in fashion.

[dancinmama]

Frugal? I'm not sure that you can tell this by looking at someone because it's all relative isn't it? However, I think that most people who look at me would think that I am very middle class.

[Artemis Windsong]

I do look old and dated. My winter coat is 20 y.o. I usually buy 2nd hand clothes. I run around the house in sweats and a turtleneck. I have been trying to "think through" wardrobe choices. Yesterday I did great pairing grays and will probably wear that again.

I am retired so I don't have to dress for success. My hair is cut about every 6 mos. I have friends who wear the same tennis outfit until it's unsightly then I have golf frenemies where everything has to be label.

Where I run into problems with myself is I have friends who dress real classy even though most of their stuff is from when they worked; and I feel and probably look envious.

[bobbysgirl]

I think it depends on the observer. An astute person would know and want to learn from me. I don't advertise my lifestyle nor ever talk about money or bills. I don't tell anyone that I pay off my CC every month or don't have bills. I guess I just let them think what they want to.

I like quality items, they last longer and feel sound. I have pride in my home and appearance, but I can be found (right now) in my jammies at the computer. I dress well when I leave the house. Only my family knows my clothes come from thrift stores or bought for under 5.00 in retail. But I will pay 90.00 for boots at LL Bean to keep warm and safe. They will last longer than I will anyway.

Most people don't want to know how they can live frugal. They want what they want, so I leave them to their own devices. Thankfully all of our kids are following my example. It's never too late.

[museumgal]

For Work? I'm pretty good at finding sales/deals on good quality clothes, so maybe a really keen observer might be able to tell that my work clothes are a little dull because they're not trendy or the latest style, because they're last season's discount stuff. Also I just started this job -- maybe next year people might notice I'm wearing the same winter clothes as I did this year/that I don't buy new clothes every year. I like my work clothes to last about 5 years. I guess a real fashionista might notice.

At home? Definitely. Apartment is furnished with mostly garage sale finds. And I wear old yoga clothes. But its okay -- mostly my friends come over and they don't care!

[rumples]

Nope, not a bit.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

Probably!

I buy my shoes from Payless Shoe Source, because I like their prices and ... most importantly ... because I wear a size 12 shoe and that's pretty much impossible to find at 97% of shoe stores. I have short hair that I get trimmed every 2-3 months at the local Supercuts (or equivalent). I don't polish my fingernails. I don't wear a lot of jewelry ... though my pearl stud earrings and my wedding band are my basics. Oh, and I wear a Medic-Alert bracelet when I'm biking alone.

Since I gave up working in 2005, I haven't worn makeup, nylons, heels, or "dress-up" clothes (with very rare exception.) I dress entirely for comfort and coverage, with a decided preference for casual pants and big comfy sweatshirts in the winter, shorts and tees/tanks in the summertime. I'm rough on purses, so tend to purchase inexpensive ones, though sometimes (on vacation) I just use a backpack. My current purse was $14 at the Liz Claiborne Outlet, selected not because of the brand, but because it's green zebra striped! When my wonderful DH isn't in his flight suit, he's wearing jeans or shorts and very casual shirts. We're both very laid back, very casual, and very comfort-focused when it comes to clothes.

I drive a 2006 car, and my wonderful DH drives a 2002 car. They're both Fords. They're not "beaters" ... but neither are they especially expensive or flashy-looking.

There are no marble or granite countertops in our home. Our house is 32-years-old and is in an older, established, moderate neighborhood. My front yard is filled with birds, bird feeders, benches, bird baths, wind chimes, garden flags, garden stakes and yard stakes ~ decidely whimsical and not at all "frugal" ... but definitely fun. (And certainly not proper or stodgy or subdued!)

See? Frugal looking or not? LOL!

[Apple]

Finally a pic of Molly
Ok, so when she posted a link to her "catio" on the old SS I had no clue what to expect. People, Miss Mouser's house looks gorgeous and I envy those cats Frugal does not mean you have to be boring.

[rubyslippers]

This is an interesting question and I guess I've never thought about it before. I don't like trendy clothes and try to buy basics, on sale of course. My basic work pants are black, black, black, brown and khaki. I try to find tops or sweaters that will mix and match. I do have nice jewelry that I sometimes wear to work. I usually always wear my diamond hoops earrings--they're my staple piece. I get my hair done every four weeks because it grows like crazy. I don't buy shoes too often but will spend money on them as I have a hard time getting a comfortable fit. I will give myself pedicures in the spring/summer when I mainly wear sandals. I like wearing good foundation for makeup but the rest of my makeup is free with my coupons and a good sale and I can't tell the difference. My sister touches up my hair color and gives me a "sister discount" and I do buy nice bras. It wouldn't matter if I looked frugal or not, as most people in town know I am frugal and I don't really care. I got a lot of compliments last fall on a top I bought at the Dollar Store. I am not too much of a brand snob as long as my clothes are pretty, comfortable, fit well and last a while. As far as towels go, I will try to take care of what I have but when they start looking tacky, out they go. I have a thing about linens because growing up I hated using threadbare towels and/or sheets.

[bobbysgirl]

I have a thing about linens because growing up I hated using threadbare towels and/or sheets.

RUBY was traumatized. I was traumatized because my mom wouldn't get me good undies and bras. Bras have to be good. How embarrassing was that in the locker room. I forgot about that. And shoes have to be good too. But I have a wide foot, so I couldn't get less expensive shoes because of that.

[bobbysgirl]

MOLLY: You're too cute! I like your sense of humor.

[sccdf]

You did have to mention raggedy towels. Yes my towels are horrible. But it isn't because I'm too cheap to buy new ones. I can't find the right color. My bathroom is hunter green. Now all the towels in the store are olive green or apple green. Until I find the right towels I'm using what I have.

But, most people don't know about my towels. When they see me they see coordinated high quality clothes that fit and are well accessorized. Today's outfit (we have snow on the ground and it was our first day back at work) was a black cotton t-shirt ($8 Lands End) a $6 brown wool cardigan, a $2 almost ankle length wool skirt in brown and black Harris tweed. My boots were a splurge ($40 new at Talbots) for spectator boots in brown with black accents. I topped my outfit with a $60 Ann Taylor coat and wore a $14 Coach purse.

[pepperdoo]

Now and again someone will comment on my clothes, and the last time someone did, I replied " If you pay for new trendy clothes, I'll wear them." Needless to say, I haven't heard a word since.

My kitchen towels are basic bar towels, and I don't care if they are so gray you can't tell they were white.

Of course I look frugal, everyone here knows that because of the motorcycle sitting in my garage! LOL Sheesh!

[pepperdoo]

It's too big for me to even ride it! I can't touch the ground!

[Deleted]

Jan 12, 2011 14:43:37 GMT -5 Opti said:

Is there a visible difference between people who dress frugally and those
who are the working poor and dress down by necessity?

Not really. If they are spending about the same amount of money both can do it smartly or not so smartly.

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

Well, frugal to me doesn't necessarily mean frumpy or out-of-date (although, that said, I'm not a big follower of trends). Rather, frugal is using your money carefully and wisely. So, while at home, I might wear sweats and a t-shirt to cook and do housework in, when I'm out I tend to wear classics that last for years and never really go out of style. Most of my clothes are bought on sale or were received as gifts. I do have my hair cut and highlighted every 6-8 weeks. But I don't get manicures, pedicures, or facials. I wear very simple makeup and lip gloss. I tend to wear sneakers, clogs, loafers, or boots that last me for years. My purses are TJ Maxx deals or nylon back packs. I rarely wear jewelry, and if I do, it's costume stuff and my engagement and wedding rings. My watch is a 4 year old running watch. I'm not vain, and I'm not a fashionista, but I do like to look presentable. Could I wear cheaper clothes? Maybe, but if the quality and the classic styling aren't there, then cheaper clothes don't necessarily mean I'm frugal. Does that make sense?

[Sharon]

Somehow I knew that Molly would have a pink bike. #smiley#

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

Oh, and I have 2 sets of towels, LOL. One for us, and one to pull out when there's company visiting. If you surprised us for a visit, you would think, based on our towels, that we need new ones, LOL. But, heck, they're clean and they still dry us off!

[TrixAre4Kids]

Great pix Molly. Love the Schwinn. I have a Trek Hybrid with suspension, definately built for comfort, not for speed (just like me!).
I have a Terry road bike sitting the garage I need to sell on, as my wrists can't take the pressure any longer. Sucks to get old.

I'm sure I do look frugal to outsiders. I can wear jeans/tees to work and do so. I shop at thrift stores for clothing whenever possible, however I draw the line at shoes and undies. I buy good shoes and undies. I prefer to stay more classic in my clothing styles and buy simple items that fit well. I was very happy the day I scored the nearly new Hilfiger jeans for a fraction of retail price! I do wear makeup, but don't get my nails done. I do get pedicures in the summer for my cute sandals. I have a fair amount of nice jewelry and wear it when I think about it!

ETA: Hair, oh yeah! Highlighted by nature. I have gone from brunette to silver and don't have to pay a dime for it! ;D

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

NON-FRUGAL CONFESSION .... That's my pink Electra Hawaii Beach Cruiser bike. I also have a purple-and-lime green Electra Hawaii Beach Cruiser. (Yes, the pink one is my "travel" bike, lol!)

[Deleted]

Nice pic Molly. You are taller than I pictured. Must be the mouse referance in you nic lol

I have career asperations so I am looking to class up my image. Shopping is becoming much more strategic. Now that I have a couple of good quality pairs of pants I can't go back to poor quality no matter how much money it saves. Suddenly I can see the differance. I couldn't before.

[Deleted]

Jan 12, 2011 14:43:37 GMT -5 Opti said:

Is there a visible difference between people who dress frugally and those
who are the working poor and dress down by necessity?

I think so. No matter how scruffy my clothes, my body shows the signs of having gotten good nutrition and good medical and dental care for the 58 years (almost) since I was born. I also get plenty of exercise and mostly enough sleep, and I don't have a job that drags me down mentally or physically. Being poor is pretty rough on your body.

[Deleted]

Jan 13, 2011 14:06:13 GMT -5 @athena53 said:

Jan 12, 2011 14:43:37 GMT -5 Opti said:

Is there a visible difference between people who dress frugally and those
who are the working poor and dress down by necessity?

I think so. No matter how scruffy my clothes, my body shows the signs of having gotten good nutrition and good medical and dental care for the 58 years (almost) since I was born. I also get plenty of exercise and mostly enough sleep, and I don't have a job that drags me down mentally or physically. Being poor is pretty rough on your body.

That is a great point and so well said! I'm going to exalt you as soon as I'm energized again!