8 Tips to Look Elegant on a Budget

We all desire to look elegant and classy. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to spend a hefty amount to look and feel like a million dollars. You can follow certain tips and tricks to present yourself in the most elegant way.

Not only can you make your wardrobe look fancy, but also your bank account!

TIP #1: INVEST IN STAPLE PIECES

Key fashion pieces consist of the most valuable clothing items in your closet, which can provide a foundation for every great outfit. Choose quality over quantity to look expensive while on a tight budget. You can purchase fewer high-quality pieces rather than purchasing more fast-fashion items every month. This will save you money in the long run.

For instance, you can spend S$45 on a premium white shirt instead of purchasing a S$5 poorly made white shirt every month. Staples include basic tees, classic black dresses, pairs of jeans, and flats.

TIP #2: GO FOR THE NUDES

Choose neutral or nude shades to achieve a classy, minimal look. While bold colors are fun to add into your outfits every once in a while, you can make a chic entrance with neutrals.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Neutral shades include black, white, grey, olive green, brown, and taupe. Neutral shades never go out of style, so you can keep these pieces in your wardrobe for years. These shades are extremely versatile too, which can result in an effortlessly expensive-looking outfit.

TIP #3: LESS IS MORE

Wearing minimalist outfits with sharp tailoring in neutral shades and paired with timeless accessories will elevate your style. Keep things simple. For instance, you can match a black dress with a gold necklace or bracelet.

TIP #4: WEAR FLATTERING CLOTHES

Elegant people know that focusing on their assets and drawing attention to the body parts they love can help them look more stylish. Clothes that fit you like a glove and flatter your body can help you look classy.

Not everyone has the same body type, so select clothes that flatter your body. For instance, petite women can find a tailor to achieve the best hemlines.

TIP #5: MATCH BAGS WITH SHOES

The importance of a good shoe can never be underestimated. A good pair of shoes can either be durable black high-heeled shoes or a pair of nude flats. Learning to match these shoes with your back does not necessarily mean you have to match the colors. Rather, you need to match the materials used in the shoes and bag.

You can go for a leather bag and pair it with leather mules. You could still match colors as it is your choice. Invest in quality shoes and bags that are long-lasting and timeless.

TIP #6: WEAR MODERATE MAKEUP

Avoid heavy makeup and false eyelashes. These are not bad ideas, but you can elevate your style by keeping things simple and fresh.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Do not forget about proper grooming too! Wash your hair properly, brush the edges well, and put it together.

TIP #7: KEEP YOUR ACCESSORIES TO A MINIMUM

Those who are trying to stay within a budget will be happy to apply the “less is more” method when accessorizing. Tasteful accessories have the potential to elevate your style from looking basic to fancy. Stick to dainty, sleek accessories such as simple gold chain bracelet and pearl drop necklace.

TIP #8: FIND THE RIGHT FABRICS

Expensive-looking style is complemented by luxurious materials. Some fabrics you can consider include linen, cotton, silk, cashmere, and wool. Stay on budget by finding quality fabrics at end of season sale or shop on pre-loved sites such as Facebook Marketplace and Carousell.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Creative Ways to Celebrate Your Birthday While Overseas

Year-end travel bookings are fast approaching! How can you celebrate your birthday without disappointing your guests? Fret not! It is possible to embrace the strangeness of celebrating while overseas.

Take a moment to plan your virtual party. From virtual party games to virtual potlucks, here are some fun and budget-friendly ways to honor your big day while you are overseas!

#1: ENJOY A MOVIE NIGHT

The Netflix Party app allows you to watch a movie simultaneously with multiple viewers. It lets one person start and stop whatever you are watching for the whole group to stay on track. What’s more? It gives you a chat room to discuss what you are watching.

#2: HAVE A VIRTUAL POTLUCK

Nothing beats a party filled with food. If you and your relatives or friends love cooking, pick a cuisine or a theme for your potluck. Allow everyone to showcase their dishes while you are at a virtual party. Everyone can eat together and describe their creations in entertaining ways. The most creative entry will win!

#3: OPEN THE VIRTUAL VISITING HOURS

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Who can decline to a party when the visiting hours are forgiving? Post a message that they can come any time from “0:00am to 0:00pm”. You can set the Zoom meeting to a recurring one to allow visitors to drop by any time. Just send them the link to your party and be ready to say: I am so glad that you could make it! This is especially helpful when you are separated by different time zones.

#4: PLAY CHARADES

Virtual parties can have a variety of games such as Bingo and Charades. When attempting to host a party via video meeting, embrace the technical glitches that can happen. No activity is better suited to this platform than charades. Pick a topic that the majority enjoys such as the famous singers or iconic Singaporean food.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Under S$30 Secret Santa Gift Ideas That Don’t Look Cheap

Secret Santa is a Yuletide tradition that many offices and families honor every year. What is meant to be a fun gift-exchange activity can be stressful because of the tiresome shopping involved. Whether you have to purchase presents for co-workers you do not know very well or you struggle with finding gender-neutral gifts within your budget, this list can give you Secret Santa gift ideas.

It is never too early to start thinking about Christmas gifts and how much budget you would need to allocate for them. Grab a chair as we have put together a list of gifts with a S$2 to S$28 budget.

#1: SUSTAINABLE WOODEN KITCHENWARE

Working alongside artisans that use sustainable materials, Monkey Loot is a Singapore store supporting the development and continuation of cultural legacy in Southeast Asian countries. Their items are handcrafted by artisans using zero chemicals and 100% natural ingredients. Moreover, these items are polished with Beeswax.

Image Credits: monkeyloot.com

Due to its authenticity, items will not be exactly the same. Who does not want to be gifted with a unique piece? You can choose to buy the Sapa Teakwood Cutting Board / Platter / Tray for S$28 or the Seda Sapodilla Wood Coaster Set for S$16.50.

#2: CALMING TEA SET

Give the gift of tranquility amidst the busy holiday season with a DIY tea set. Your loved ones or co-workers will appreciate the organic range of Pukka teas which offer soothing flavors like Chamomile, Vanilla & Manuka Honey, or Turmeric Gold. These teas retail for about S$9.20 at FairPrice.

Complete your tea set by purchasing teacups for a little over S$2 at Daiso. There are a lot of assorted patterned teacups to choose from at Daiso.

#3: FIVE-PIECE COOKWARE SET

If you are looking for a gift that is perfectly suited for foodies and cooking enthusiasts, you can never go wrong with a cookware set. IKEA’s ANNONS five-piece cookware set (S$18.90) includes three different sized pots and two glass lids. It is made from stainless steel, which makes it durable and easy to clean.

Image Credits: ikea.com/sg

#4: HOLIDAY SKINCARE GIFT SET

Looking good on the outside radiates on the inside. If you are looking for a skincare gift set that can complete your recipient’s skincare routine, search no further than Sephora’s Holiday Vibes Mini Mania Skincare Gift Set (S$22.40). This set includes six essentials for a complete skincare routine. This set completes your routine from cleansing, makeup removal, moisturizing, and radiance.

The set includes the triple action cleansing water, all day hydrator, overnight glow mask, ultra-glow serum, brightening eye cream, and clean skin gel. What’s more? It comes with a pouch made with 30% recycled plastic.

#5: SOOTHING SLEEP ESSENTIAL PACKSET

Thanks to the Cath Kidston Magical Woodland Sleep Essential Packset, you can give others the gift of a good night’s sleep. Featuring its two products – the lavender-infused sleep spray and calming lavender rollerball gel. These products help create the perfect aroma for a peaceful slumber. This gift set retails for S$23.90 at Watsons.

#6: JEWELERY DISH

Bored of normal-looking jewelry dishes? Artists from eatandsip.co created jewelry and dishes that feature one-of-a-kind designs. Its ring dish (S$24) is made from speckled clay and fired to 1250 degree Celsius. Expect curvy forms, bright eye-catching colors, and good artisanship.

Image Credits: eatandsip.co

The watercolor jewelry dish (S$24), on the other hand, is slip-casted by Louise Martiensen in Sydney. This plate is made from white porcelain with a wash of ceramic paint applied to its surface. It mimics a water-color paint effect, with a clear glaze on the surface.

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How to Score Major Savings When Shopping Online

Online retailers are becoming increasingly creative these days with their flash sales and discount vouchers.

Thus, hunting for the best price online can seem like a chore. However, if you are a savvy deal hunter, you can use these clever shopping tips to earn discounts with minimum effort!

#1: CREATE A SHOPPING LIST

Have a clear idea of what you desire before shopping online. Create a list to stay focused and to steer away from unnecessary items. By listing down your potential purchases and prioritizing your needs, you can achieve your financial goal.

Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best. You need to consider quality and sustainability. For instance, purchase a laptop because of its specifications and not its price tag. There is no harm in shopping around to get the best price!

#2: COMPARE THE PRICES

Speaking of shopping around, you can get great deals by comparing prices online. Check different websites when shopping or use price comparison websites.

There are lots of price comparison websites, which consist of search functions to help you quickly uncover the lowest price. A website you can visit is iprice.sg.

#3: FOLLOW YOUR FAVORITE BRANDS

Similar to reading newsletters, companies often use social media to provide exclusive promotions and deals to their followers. You will be the first to hear about these deals, which is a key factor when deals are available in limited quantities.

You can also join giveaways and contests when you follow your favorite brands on social media. Who knows? You might just get your favorite products for free!

#4: TIME YOUR SHOPPING ACTIVITIES

Do not check out your items on a tempting, lazy Sunday. Most stores roll out their discounts and deals on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Be vigilant these days.

It is a different story for airline tickets. Tickets are most expensive on Mondays and cheapest on Sundays. According to Airlines Reporting Corporation, Sundays offer the cheapest round-trip tickets.

#5: PUT A WAITING PERIOD FOR YOUR ITEMS

To increase awareness about shopping, consider putting an item in your cart and letting it stay there for a day. The waiting period will allow you to contemplate whether you want to purchase the item or not. Moreover, some brands will email you regarding your abandoned cart and provide you with better options or discount coupons.

Not all brands do this. Just be sure to enter your email address to stay updated.

#6: ESTABLISH AN ONLINE SHOPPING BUDGET

If you are building up your savings or having trouble with money now, you need to create a shopping budget. Having a plan in place will help you avoid temptations such as “buy one take one” or “free shipping with no minimum amount spent”.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Remember that your budget is closely tied to your shopping list. The essential items needed to be bought online should be prioritized. Create categories for your shopping list and prioritize items that are necessary for your household goals. Then, set aside cash for your wants or nice to haves. See how things fit into your overall budget.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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6 Tips to Attract Luck during Ghost Month

What is Ghost Month?

Ghost Month is the seventh month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Because the Lunar New Year falls on a different day each year, the start of Ghost Month also varies. For 2022, Ghost Month started last July 29 and will end on August 26.

The Ghost Month, according to Chinese tradition, is the period when souls are given a “one-month pass” to roam among the living. This festival also pays respect to the homeless spirits, or those without families. China, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and Cambodia are just some of the countries that observe Ghost Month.

Many people take precautions during Ghost Month to avoid running out of luck. After all, there is no harm in being extra careful. On that note, here are 6 Tips to Attract Luck during Ghost Month.

#1: POSTPONE YOUR MAJOR PURCHASES

Ghost Month typically brings uncertainty. Use this time to plan your purchases, especially on major items that you do not urgently need. If you are thinking of purchasing a new camera or gadget, postpone your purchase to the following month when you are more certain about your funds. Plan your budget and allocation ahead of time.

#2: STAY AWAY FROM UNNECESSARY DEBT

Apart from impulsively spending significant amounts of money, borrowing money during Ghost Month may not be the best idea. If you are planning to use the money on unnecessary purposes, you have to slow down. Prioritize your needs and pause any huge spending until things start picking up.

#3: EVALUATE YOUR BUSINESS PLAN

Starting a business during Ghost Month is often ill-advised as many investors take a break during this time, which can influence the economy. Use this period as an opportunity to recalibrate your business plan. Ensure that you have everything ready before you finally launch your business.

#4: DO BURN PAPER MONEY, INCENSE, AND CANDLES

The candles and incense will help light the spirits’ way. While paper money will give them wealth in the afterlife. If you have budget to spare, you can treat them to other creature comforts like paper car.

#5: LIGHT UP YOUR HOME

It is said that spirits tend to lie in wait in dark and rarely used corners of a home. Bring positive energy to the space by adding lights. Put lights in hallways and corners. If the space does not have a lighting fixture installed, here is your chance to put a decorative floor or desk lamp. You can opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs. Apart from being earth-friendly, this option is also economical.

#6: WEAR BRIGHT COLORS

Hungry Ghosts are attracted to muted or dark colors such as black, gray, and dark blue. Bright colors may keep them at bay. Pick cheerful colors for your sheets, curtains, pillowcases, and more. Shades of yellow, orange, pink, green, red, and pastel encourage positive energy and uplift the mood.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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