Middle Aged Mama

Blogging about my Midlife Adventures

Designer-Free Zone

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designer free zoneI’m not a super model, a celebrity, a member of the aristocracy, or from a wealthy family.

I’m not a young woman at the threshold of adulthood, and I’m not thin.

I’ll never be “papped” and you won’t see my pic in the pages of a glossy magazine. I don’t have bucket loads of cash to drop on the latest designer handbag, shoes, or fashion straight off the runway.

BUT – I still love fashion – trying out different looks, bringing fresh colour into my wardrobe, having a bit of fun with it. And I want to look good, especially when I’m out and about.

Like 90% or more of our population (yes I just made the statistic up, but I’m sure it’s pretty accurate!), I have an ordinary figure AND an ordinary income. I gravitate to the sale racks – at the chain and discount stores (think Kmart, Target, Crossroads, Just Jeans, Katies) and op shops! The only big name brands in my wardrobe, in fact, have come from the op shop.

And so I’ve decided to declare Redland City Living a “designer free zone”.

I can tell you right now I am not the sort of person to buy a shirt or pair of shoes over $50 without some serious concerns (not least of all, what my hubster would have to say about it!). Hey, maybe even $30 if I’m really honest!

Financially, I have experienced ups and downs and I know that even if I *could* afford to drop $150 on a new handbag – I wouldn’t.

You see, as I’m blogging about fashion more and more, I can sense the lure of labels, big names, designers – and I think it could be easy to be seduced by their siren song. Just imagine – new and expensive clothing items to trial and review for free! Welcoming new advertisers with open arms! Writing sponsored posts!

I want to keep my integrity as a blogger and as a person.

I thought long and hard about sharing this post. After all, I’m probably shooting myself in the foot – a fashion blogger NOT welcoming the higher end advertisers?! (Have I lost my mind?!)

But it feels right for me and this little corner of the blogosphere. I am about real world fashion for real people with real budgets. And I’d like to keep it that way.

They say when you’re in any business – including blogging – to find your USP (Unique Selling Point). So I’m taking the risk, that this is mine. Controversial perhaps. But something I think a lot of people will relate to.

I’ve made my mind up – but am still interested in hearing your thoughts! Do you think I’m crazy? Or do you look forward to seeing more about dressing well – on a budget?

It’s Thursday, so I’m joining up with:

  • Thankful Thursday – because I’m thankful for living in a country where we can afford to play with fashion at all! – with Francesca Writes Here
  • Thriving on Thursday – looking after our clothing budgets – with Domesblissity

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I love this idea and really look forward to seeing more about dressing on a budget.
    I have always believed and you have shown, that you can look good and not have to spend a fortune.
    There are lots of people who cant afford the designer brands and you will really be helping them.
    You always look great with your choices you show on here.
    Wishing you much happiness with your fashion on a budget adventure.x

    • Thanks Deb! I’m looking forward to sharing my fashion adventures with such lovely people!

  2. This is a great idea. I don’t think you’re shooting yourself in the foot at all – if anything, you’re welcoming those more affordable brands with open arms! I look forward to seeing more of your fashion posts – although I like to look good, I’m pretty useless with my fashion choices!

    Thanks for linking up 🙂

  4. So well said….totally with you – and WHY do we need the big designer brands to makes us feel better anyway…… Just saying……

  5. I am definitely not a brand person – K despairs of me sometimes. She drops brand names and I just look blankly at her having no idea what she is talking about !!!!! And then she rolls her eyes and explains and I go “Really – that’s how much they charge for XYZ. And who actually buys them for that price ?” and she tends to walk away !!! She is a part time student, part time life guard at Wet n Wild so she isn’t dropping too much money on any of the brands anyway !!!!
    Good for you for being honest to who you are and who you will promote !
    Have the best day !
    Me

    • I’ve trained Miss 16 well too, she is an amazing bargain shopper – she loves clothes but is not all hung up on brand names etc (which is great for our budget)!

  7. This is great – I too shudder to pay more than $40 for a single item, unless it is seriously good quality and going to stand the test of time. I can say it: I buy clothes from Big W and I reckon thats OK.

  8. I agree I am not into designer clothes unless they are way way marked down. I love to hear about fashionable bargain price gear.

  12. Well done on your decision, Janet. I think what you’ll be portraying is a realistic outlook at that’s what readers want to see and come back to your blog. Look forward to reading more!

  13. I think it suits you Janet, you are down to earth, honest and while I’m sure you love gorgeous brands and fashion, the truth is the majority of the population can’t afford them! Em 🙂

  14. I think knowing your USP is important, I think doing what works for you and your family is even more important. Especially when it can be a lure to spend money you don’t have, this fashion thing.

    • Yes, spending lots of $ on fashion is very tempting but I try to remember that there is more to life!