Don’t look now, I have not been so frugal wench-ish…
Let me tell you a story. On November 3rd, after paying off my credit card balance from France, I declared myself in a month of no-buy.
In the days since – a mere 27 days – I have purchased so many things, my cards are asking to retire.
Here is a list of everything I have purchased so you can either call an intervention on my behalf or deeply understand how I could not resist and then ask to borrow.
I would like it to be known that I didn’t pay full price for any of these items.
Trader Joe’s hair oil – This is a very very important purchase that I cannot recommend enough. Please try it out, it’s such a good deal and really packs a punch.
In 2024 I spent all of my money… no, literally all my money. But don’t worry, it comes back. Let me tell you about the best things I spent it on!
Blundstones : By far my most-worn clothing addition to my wardrobe this year. I bought them in Melbourne because I knew that buying them closer to Tasmania, where they are originally from, coupled with the Australian exchange rate heavily in our favor, was perfect timing. They go with absolutely everything and take me one step closer to my ever-present nature girl goal.
Silver spoon cuff : Found this absolute gem of a bracelet at the Eumundi markets and the artisan resized it to my arm. It quickly became one of my most prized possessions and my favorite piece of jewelry.
Afends polka dots dress : I scored this at a sample sale for the brand in Byron Bay. It fits like a glove, got it for a steal, and I’ve worn it so many times.
Peach linen pants from Captains Helm : Need I say more!
Tulip painted umbrella from a museum gift shop in Switzerland : What’s better than an automatic open umbrella with a quality handle? Truly, it’s the little luxuries of life.
Aesop body balm for a hand cream : Sampled it on the street and my jaw dropped. I couldn’t stop thinking about the smell. I put it on right before bed and it became a sort of Pavlov’s dogs trigger for me.
A box of Crayons : Such an accessible way for me to make art because no set-up or clean-up is required and they are literally 5$ for the big pack, which makes me feel like the coolest kid in class.
Mother of Pearl phone case : I bought on Jan 2nd for a little over $20 and has lasted me until today, making me happy all year long.
Yellow painters jumpsuit : I love a one stop shop when it comes to an outfit, getting ready has never been quicker.
Cappuccino Mug : I found a stall that was selling a man’s handmade pottery collection from his assisted living home after he passed. I’ll give you a moment to wipe your tears. Although I bought multiple pieces, this espresso cup makes me look forward to coffee in the morning.
Silverware organization tray for makeup storage in my room : The biggest hack for me this year, couldn’t recommend enough. This one was $9 from Marshalls.
Little blue purse from poshmark by the same brand that made knock-off coach bags but with genuine leather in the US : I can’t get enough, Dorcelle for the win!
With such limited space for this trip, we were faced with the daunting task of narrowing our wardrobes down into the elite pieces we wanted to bring. Luckily, we were heading into Summer in the Southern Hemisphere, so clothing is tiny! Though it still baffles me how quickly itsy-bitsy bikinis can add up.
The true secret is packing cubes. My coworkers were adamant about how useful a set can be when you are trying to pack light. For me, it wasn’t so much packing light, but more keeping organized. In the end, the rumors were true! The cubes were awesome and the size of each cube offered a helpful suggestion of how much of each category I should bring.
Starting with bottoms: two jeans both light wash; two jean shorts,one black, and of course my perfect pair. Then four soft shorts. Lots of tank tops, some for going out, some for casual. But this trip, unlike when we went to Hawaii and I was always wearing the most colorful thing I could find, I am leaning toward basics.
My favorite thing to wear and pack during summer is a sundress. I brought five. But since it’s one and one, I consider that space saving. Other notable mentions: a large linen shirt from my grandma which serves as the perfect beach cover up, one white light-weight sweater, and a kantha beach blanket. Three types of shoes: running shoes, cute sneakers, and flip flops. Overall, I feel I covered all the bases. I did my best, but in no way was this a light pack. In fact, it was a heavy pack.
Here are some tips from Erin’s bag:
I chose a Marie Kondo style of packing for this trip. I went through my entire wardrobe and said “does this spark joy? Does this say Australia?” All of my yeses went into the first draft pack. From there, I cut options I thought were unnecessary. The method had a varying level of success.
For example, how many white shirts does one person need for a vacation? I haven’t had my color analysis done, but even I know white isn’t my best color. Yet, is it not the perfect simple outfit to wear a white tee, tank, or blouse with a pair of denim shorts? After narrowing it down, I ended up with six items that COULD be considered a white shirt. Recommendation: do what feels right.
I used an Alohas bag that I got for free at a breathwork-in-the-park event as my “packing cube” for my bikinis. Double utility. I used the same method for choosing swimwear, but I think the 12 options will serve me well on this beach-focused adventure…
Toiletries were my hardest pack. Skincare is an absolute must for looking and feeling good on vacation. But even if tiny bottles pass through TSA, they weigh A LOT. I chose to put those in my carryon backpack to save weight in my larger suitcase. Bad for the spine, good for the max pack.
Non-clothing essentials:
Kindle: I must be able to finish my re-read of the Throne of Glass series
Clip on reading light: For when I’m up late and others don’t want to be
Travel carbon monoxide detector: Heard a scary story from a friend at an airbnb and many here don’t include one
Art notebook and supplies: We bought oil pastels for a fun activity. In Hawaii we watercolored, but this seemed like lower maintenance.
The most Frugal Wench thing to do is pack 50 pounds and say a Hail Mary.
Crikey! Bitten by the travel bug once again! Erin and I are off on a new adventure, this time to the land of kangaroos, koalas, and handsome men— all things I’d like to cuddle. We have a general plan of where we would like to visit, swim, surf, and explore. But all this movement presses a larger question– what are we going to wear and how are we going to pack it?! We are in no way, shape, or form, “light packers”. We each brought one of the largest suitcases I’ve ever encountered, a backpack, and a personal item (a Boat Tote and a 2×3 beach bag.. Against my best efforts, my bag is overweight from the get-go. By the grace of fashion gods everywhere, the people checking me in on these flights always let my bag pass on the way there at no charge! Sometimes kindness is enabling… On the return flight….well, we will cross that bridge when we get there. Frugal Wench is locked and loaded for an adventure-filled, summer-chasing 8-weeks mostly consisting of lattes, high step-counts, bikinis, and sunblock. The best part—we’re taking you along!
We know what you’re thinking. How in the word is a Frugal Wench affording a two month trip? Also introducing, Frugal Wench Professional Endeavors—Looking for a new job after traveling full-time.
It’s still January and somehow it feels like I’m running out of time
It was cold for approximately 37 days in a row in San Diego this winter, meaning the temperature stayed below 70 degrees. It’s been six years since our city has been that chilled, but we can count our lucky stars we didn’t come close to the 109-day streak of 1877. Brr.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE San Diego weather. If I could have it be summer all year long, I would. But there is something special about a winter wardrobe that has me longing for temperatures far lower than 69. In this year’s case, it’s to wear my wardrobe’s newest prized possession, a LAMARQUE black leather motorcycle jacket with faux fur lining and trim that I bought on the Anthropologie sale rack last spring for $150 marked down from $700. #FrugalWenchingAtItsFinest
It’s been a long journey to wear this coat since the spring of 2021. Why? Because sub-70 degree weather doesn’t exactly scream fur-lined leather coat to me. So what might my option be other than to go on a vacation to where this jacket might be worn in societal weather-appropriate acceptance? I’m thinking New York would be optimal. Paris? Of course. London? Sign me up. Any single place where it’s cold and I want to look cool? I’m there.
Mark my words. When it’s safer to travel, I earn some PTO, or I win the lottery, I’ll be out in this coat – stunting and basking in the glory of a deal well had.
In all honesty, I did snag an opportunity to wear this bad boy this “winter” at an outdoor symphony show. The cool breeze off the bay did inspire a chill. See me pictured above.
P.S. This is not the first time I’ve longed for colder weather since moving back to San Diego specifically for the sake of a cool coat. I’m telling you, there’s nothing like a pandemic to inspire and torture the mind of a wannnabe globe trotter. See exhibit A.
Some like to call it Spring but I prefer: Skinny Scarf Season. A skinny scarf is like a jean vest, absolutely no warmth provided, simply vibes. The art of the skinny scarf is making a comeback like most 2000s era trends and yet again, we choose to embrace. I believe a skinny scarf can elevate and set the tone for an entire outfit. I found this particular skinny scarf at a thrift store in Laguna beach about two months ago after avidly searching for quite some time. A skinny scarf should be two things: as skinny as Mariah and make you feel like Lizzie McGuire.
I paired the colorful knit skinny scarf with a simple back cashmere sweater and a new pair of thrifted Levi cutoffs that I cut and distressed myself. Then, my favorite tie-up sandals from Madewell and sunglasses from Captain’s Helm.
If you still aren’t convinced to buy or event knit yourself a skinny scarf, here are some iconic skinny scarf moments for inspiration. For all we know, the scarf Taylor left at Maggie Gyllenhall’s house could have been skinny.
We are two weeks into 2021 and honestly, in my heart of hearts, I can’t say I feel much different. But I am more than ready for something new. Of course Audrey and I have set our new year’s resolutions and goals for the coming 12 months. I look forward to them every year. But time is a funny thing in that tomorrow can just be the next day, or the start of an entirely new year. If you focus on the monumental change of the calendar, it’s easy to use that excuse to change your life. Things feel more real when they have an important start date, they feel more whole. For example, if I add a new skin care product into my routine, it feels right to do it on a Sunday, at the start of the week. And at night when my routine is the longest. It makes sense to start a diet on the first of the month, even if you quit on the 4th. We are bound by subjective time, but it helps, and I love it.
Erin’s Resolutions:
1. Decide Aura: For the past few years, I have started an important ritual to kick off my new year- deciding my aura. I think that personal energy is a super important factor in how my life is going, and it makes complete sense to me that that energy would be exuded in a color. Color is a huge part of who I am, why wouldn’t I exude one? And why shouldn’t I choose what that color is? I have yet to have my aura read by a professional, though I am sure there is a color that encompasses my whole being and is perpetually casting me in an angelic halo of light. But choosing a color I wish to give off is exciting because it sets an intentional attitude I will try to hold for an entire year. How I want to come off to new people and what parts of my personality I will emphasize, etc. The first aura I chose was for 2019 – magenta.2020 was amber. 2021, I have decided, will be sage green, which should help me have a balanced and harmonious year in adventure and peace. Sign me up.
Besides my aura, I came up with a few other resolutions:
2. Be more complimentary: I want to give a lot more compliments. I love receiving compliments, so to give them, I think, will bring more positivity to my life. I want to focus on the good that I notice and vocalizing that will make it more apparent.
3. Do the splits?
4. Procrastinate less… hence this blog post (2 weeks late but we’re trying)
5. Make more money: I’ve thought about it, it’s the only way I can live
5. Read more books: recommendations?
6. Thrift more
Audrey’s Resolutions:
This year I decided to focus my new year’s resolutions on what my heart truly wants. Without even a second of hesitation this list sprang into my head like divine intervention and I can’t help but feel it is destiny for all of these things to come true within these 12 months.
1. Break someone’s heart
2. Get a sugar daddy without even trying
3. Learn to cook but never do it and eat out every meal
4. Join a pyramid scheme
5. Get a really bad haircut
6. Continue not being vegan
7. Make really bad paintings and give them to acquaintances so they can’t throw them away
8. Be the prettiest contestant on a game show
It’s not 202fun for nothing, okay? We will be starting new chapters of our lives in 2021 if all goes correctly, including but not limited to: moving out of our parents house, becoming famous and getting slim thicc. All this and more to come while being frugal wenches.
Trends we are excited about for this year:
1. Ballet inspired clothing (audrey’s sweater)
2. Skinny scarves
3. Low waisted baggy men’s jeans (on us and on actual men)
4. Dressing like Ashley from Disturbia (2007)
5. Long sleeves that trumpet at the end and roll because they are unhemmed
There is one very large exception to us being Frugal Wenches: vacation. More specifically, food on vacation. Even though we were both extremely tight on pocket money after spending nearly every cent to our name in the month of September (birthday month babyyy), we decided to go on a week-long Pacific Coast road trip. We have driven the coast many times before, so I’m sure you are wondering why we decided to go again. One word: Twilight. Summer of 2020 rekindled our desire for the angsty, supernatural teen romance we are still in search of for ourselves. It was the Summer of Twilight for us and we just had to go to Forks. The plan was simple, drive all the way up the coast, stopping along the way to hit all the spots and end in Forks, just nearly at the Canadian border. If we could’ve lived the entire trip with the iconic and absolutely necessary blue filter of the first film, we would have.
Let’s talk about the highlights – outfit edition:
Day 1:
Audrey: American Apparel tie dyed t-shirt dress (thrifted).
Erin: Gap green striped 2000’s-esque blouse with denim shorts (also thrifted).
These were the perfect road trip outfits to wear while driving up the Southern California coast. We made a ton of stops, including Santa Barbara, beached seals and Big Sur. All places where we somehow spent money… all charged on Erin’s ~Visa~.
Day 2:
Audrey: Black t-shirt from Brandy Melville and black cigarette jeans from J. Crew (thrifted).
Erin: White cargo capris (thrifted… how else? lol) and a green cut-off tank top by Free People. Giving Keira Knightley in Bend it Like Beckham vibes.
Another LONG day of driving meant balancing comfort and style, while also channeling a Northern California vibe – foreign territory honestly. The weather had started to cool down so opting for pants with a light top was definitely the move.
Day 3:
Audrey: Anthropologie green, flare corduroy pants, black and grey men’s golf sweater (thrifted) with black plaid high-top vans.
Erin: Free People cardigan sweater (thrifted), Ralph Lauren white long underwear top, Loft Jeans (low rise and honestly weird but they just hit different with boots), with my Blundstone green suede boots.
Now that we had finally made it into Oregon, we definitely needed to dress for colder weather. Exciting! We only had a short drive from Eugene to Seattle so these outfits were not as comfort centered as our others (see Audrey’s very tight pants), but they worked well for a sunny fall day checking out campuses and drinking coffee with a cute jack russell terrier named Maddy (spelling assumed).
Day 4:
Audrey: Grey/blue turtleneck sweater (thrifted from grandma), grey men’s Levi’s (thrifted from Captain’s Helm), black low top converse.
Erin: Blue Ralph Lauren flannel shirt (thrifted from grandma), Levi’s 501’s (outlet), Anthropologie puffer coat (purchased after an assault of too-targeted instagram ads left me without a choice… happy for it though), black low top converse.
After picking up Erin’s Best Friend Becca (capitalized as an official title), we did some touristy things around Seattle like Pike’s Place Market and the gum wall. We dressed in “comfortable, Pacific Northwest chic” or at least what we thought that would look like.
Day 5: TWILIGHT
Audrey: Thrifted tan and brown striped t-shirt, brown flannel, and J. Crew jeans. Worn with the same plaid vans and Erin’s baby pink raincoat from Urban Outfitters (paid full price and was then marked down 50% a few weeks later…).
Erin: Black and white striped long sleeve shirt purchased in Florence from Misguided (Italian Brandy Melville) under a Target t-shirt appropriately hand-embroidered with “AS IF YOU COULD OUTRUN ME.” Worn with Levi’s 501s (outlet again, different wash), Blundstone boots, and Pendleton raincoat from good old Costco.
All outfits worn on this day were inspired by Bella Swan and Bella Swan only. Bowling shirt on the first day of school with keds meets vampire heartthrob in the PNW… obviously. I think we got the point across.
Day 6:
Audrey: Brown tie dye top, brown corduroy pants, and vintage men’s Levi’s denim jacket (all thrifted). Paired with platform Dr. Martin’s. She was 6’1″ and had Netflix quaking in their boots.
Erin: Orange velvet wrap shirt (thrifted), same Levi’s with torn knee, same Anthro puffer. (not photographed)
For our last day in Seattle, we kept the same vibes going for a morning of brunch and fancy croissants before we started our return journey south. Highlights of this day include the food mentioned above, spending time with good friends ❤ and getting our ears pierced (holes 2 and 3).
Day 7:
Audrey: Striped vintage (haha) Victoria’s Secret lounge pants with blue Madewell t-shirt.
Erin: Blue sweater and embroidered pants (both thrifted) with converse.
A LONG day of driving after spending a quick morning in Portland eating donuts and fried chicken sandwiches. With stops along the Oregon coast and in the redwoods, our outfits were comfortable and warm.
Day 8:
Audrey: Vintage rugby shirt from Depop, blue Ralph Lauren baseball tee, also from Depop with same gray jeans.
Erin: Navy t-shirt under a thrifted hand-made rainbow poncho (I’ve been waiting for this one) with men’s 501’s and converse.
The morning of Day 8, we took a stroll through Fort Bragg’s glass beach and saw some gorgeous coastline. The outfits were planned for this outing, but were comfortable enough to wear for the very long drive home to San Diego.
With so many stops and different climates to consider, packing for this roadtrip was sort of tricky. Luckily, our little prius doesn’t have baggage limits and we brought everything we wanted! Within reason of course… As you can tell from our outfit lists, we ended up rewearing a lot of pieces, especially bottoms, which made our packing a little lighter. Head to our instagram stories for a more in depth documentation of our days on the road.
Should we make the Tik Tok? Should we? Anyway, even if we don’t, we have a Tik Tok. Follow us @Frugalwench.
Audrey and I draw a lot of style inspiration from our favorite characters in books, movies, and TV shows, but there are a few we have actually been able to emulate. Here is a list of our favorite things and how we bought things to match.
1. Confessions of a Shopaholic
This is my favorite book. First of all, it’s all about shopping (relatable). Secondly, it is one of the only books that throughout the entire series, has made me laugh OUT LOUD while reading it. And I’ve read it a few times through. In the first book, when confronted with the option to make more money or spend less, Becky chooses the former and gets a job at an Ally Smith retail store. On her first day she spies the last pair of zebra print jeans in her size on the reduced rack, marked 50 percent off. In the dressing room, she lies to a customer trying them on and hides them for herself. Here’s the quote of when the customer and Becky’s new and serious boss Danielle catch her in the act.
“‘Wait a minute!’ says the girl sharply. ‘What’s that?’ I follow her gaze and freeze. The zebra print jeans have rolled out from under the curtain. For a moment we all stare at them.”
She’s fired that day.
I literally will never forget this scene or her hilarious desperation for a pair of pants she really really wants. So when I was in Nordstrom Rack and came across a pair of zebra print jeans this is immediately what came to mind. So naturally, I bought them. On clearance too.
1a. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan
In the second book of the series, Shopaholic Takes Manhattan, Becky buys a pair of lilac sandals with a tiny little blackberry by the toe. She justifies the purchase as a NEED and the high price acceptable because “everyone knows you should never skimp on shoes, because you’ll hurt your feet.” At the register the clerk tells her about the new pair that just came in. The same sandal but it in creamy orange with a clementine instead of a blackberry. She buys both.
I recently bought a pair of Katy Perry jelly sandals with a watermelon on the toe and of course I thought of my fellow Shopaholic again. I know that the shoes aren’t remotely similar, color, fruit and heel wise (hers were strappy stilettos) but a fruity toed sandal only has one reference.
I’ve paired my watermelon sandals with denim shorts, a pink floral mesh top and a loose knit sweater. With my zebra print jeans, I’m wearing a light citrus colored tank top from Urban outfitters and yellow sandals with floral accents for two outfits inspired by the girl in the green scarf herself, Rebecca Brandon nee Bloomwood. Love you, girl.
2. Nancy Drew
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and remind everyone of our fabulous #PLFM (penny loafer fashion moment). We have always been influenced by traditional preppy style in some way or another, but penny loafers are the iconic statement piece of the preppy fashion movement. One of our favorite movies, Nancy Drew (and also book series, duh) features a revival of the classic shoe, not only sported by our favorite girl detective, but also her new Hollywood friends.
Here’s an entire outfit inspired by the series including our favorite shoes in our own version of The Hidden Staircase. I’m wearing a pair of dark Levi’s 501s, a brown silk top purchased from a thrift store, my G.H. Bass loafers, a headband, and of course a pearl necklace. It just seemed right.
3. Wild Child
If you know Audrey well, you know that she has dubbed three legendary movies as the Holy Trinity of adolescent girl dreams. At the top of the pyramid, in the throne of honor, is Wild Child. In Wild Child, the delinquent main character Poppy, played by Emma Roberts, is sent to boarding school in England as punishment (?) and finds herself, a group of best friends and a super hot new boyfriend (Alex Pettyfer). On their first date, Poppy wears a white blouse with bow straps paired with jeans and flats for their picture perfect jaunt across the English countryside. Audrey found a similar shirt, complete with big bow ties, and is now just looking for the perfect hot date. Respond with takers please.
Like Poppy, she paired the shirt with a pair of men’s Levi’s 501s and ballet flats. Talk about a perfect match.
Audrey goes to Abbey Mount
As another, albeit less fashionable, nod to our favorite movie, Audrey created these shirts with Alex Pettyfer’s face on it. Please enjoy one of our favorite looks.
4. Sex and The City
After rewatching Sex and the City for who knows what time, I realized a couple new things about the show. One, that I actually love Miranda. Two, if I don’t copy most of their outfits, what am I doing? This second realization isn’t new, just something that resurfaces after each binge of this iconic series. In Season 1 Episode 6, “Secret Sex,” Carrie walks down the street arm in arm with Big wearing pinstripe pants, a sweater, coat, and new balance tennis shoes. I recently found the perfect pair of Theory pinstripe trousers at a thrift store and I am psyched about replicating this look. Because it’s still summer weather, I won’t be styling my pair the same way, but the tennis shoes and casual top were a must for my inspired vision.
Here, I’ve styled the pants with a pink thrifted t-shirt and my high-top white vans to emulate Carrie and her iconic style with my own flare. But I’ll remember her version of this outfit to wear later this fall.
5. Aquamarine
First of all, amazing movie and also in Audrey’s Holy Trinity. There are a ton of iconic looks in this masterpiece that deserve recognition but the one we have that fits the bill is what Aqua wears after their fun trip to the mall. Say “HELLOOOOOO” to the gradient blue tank top Audrey found on Depop. Paired with a white skirt and espadrilles, the outfit isn’t an exact replica but a reminiscence. Audrey also wears a pair of handmade clay star earrings I found in Capri that are our own version of Aqua’s suck-up star fish accessories. BRB, wearing this outfit until I find my own Raymond.
Without a doubt, color is one of the biggest staples of our wardrobes. We like it bright, we like it loud, and we like it all over. With that in mind, we’ve decided to start a new segment: Monochrome Monday.
There’s something special about layering pieces of the same color, on one top of another. And with some luck, we’ll find some cool new looks.
Please scroll for our first installment of Monochrome Monday.
Green on Green 8/31:
Audrey kicked off Monochrome Monday with a verdant ensemble fit to rival our favorite green goddess, a bottle of Aloe. Her outfit consists of:
Green Free People muscle tank
Green thrifted, corduroy, and pleated BCBG mini skirt purchased from Depop. A perfect nod to Audrey’s favorite fashion era, the early 2000’s.
Tory Burch sneakers with kelly green accents, purchased on Poshmark. Audrey had the same pair without the green, and wore them all throughout Europe. When they started to look too worn, she was able to find a secondhand pair on Poshmark! Don’t forget to check online thrift stores for pieces you think are no longer available. Sometimes google doesn’t catch it all.
Styled with a honeydew boba tea, turned green to match (tasted like a melona bar, worth the try)
Frugal Wench 