What I Actually Spend My Money On (And What I Don't)

I think the girlies do a really great job of telling you what you should be buying and what you shouldn’t be buying. But a lot of it? It’s expensive.

So I wanted to show you what I actually spend my money on. Like… my real money. Not curated, not sponsored mine.

Because the truth is, I spend on certain things and other things. I keep it very basic and very simple.

Comfort Is the Real Key to Confidence

One of the biggest keys to confidence is comfort.

And I don’t just mean physically, although yes, your clothes need to fit your body, your shape, and your lifestyle.

I also mean being comfortable with how you spend your money.

Because what’s the point of looking good if you don’t have money left to actually live your life in those clothes?

My Wardrobe Strategy: Keep It Neutral, Keep It Easy

For my wardrobe, I keep a very minimal base built around my neutrals.

My neutrals are black, brown, cream, taupe, khaki, and coffee tones. Sometimes I’ll throw in a dark green or a maroon, but that’s about it.

Gray doesn’t look good on me, so I don’t buy it. Navy isn’t really my thing, so I skip it. I’ll do denim, but not really navy blue.

Once I figured that out, everything got easier.

Where I Don’t Overspend

Pants (Especially for Corporate)

I buy a lot of my pants from Old Navy.

They have tall sizing, they’re affordable, and they last if you take care of them.

A good press or a trip to the cleaners makes them look expensive every single time.

I also don’t really do skirts for work. Too much adjusting, too much thinking about how it’s sitting. I keep it simple with trousers.

Tops

I love Amazon bodysuit packs.

Short sleeve, long sleeve, turtleneck, crew neck I just get multipacks in my neutrals and rotate.

No overthinking.

Where I Do Spend My Money

Shoes

I spend money on shoes but not in a “buy the most expensive pair” way.

I look for quality and comfort:

• Good material (preferably leather)

• Comfortable from the start

• Neutral colors

Sometimes Amazon comes through, sometimes it doesn’t. So I also shop at places like Nordstrom Rack, DSW, and Dillard’s. I like brands like Steve Madden and JW Pei.

There is a quality shoe within your budget; you might just have to take a little time to find it.

The Details (Accessories)

This is where outfits come alive.

Brooches, jewelry, watches, belts, scarves, bags this is the magic.

And one of my favorite places to shop for these is the thrift, resale shops, and consignment boutiques.

You might find a vintage designer scarf or a unique accessory that adds personality to your look.

A scarf alone can be styled so many ways—around your neck, on your bag, in your hair, or even through your belt loops.

You don’t have to go out and buy a luxury handbag right away. Start small. A cardholder, a scarf, a belt.

Build your wardrobe in layers.

Shapewear (Non-Negotiable)

Shapewear can make or break an outfit.

My best shapewear has come from Amazon.

But I’m intentional about my undergarments: bras, underwear, and stockings.

I keep a rotation of good-quality stockings, so I don’t have to worry about them running or adjusting all day.

If I’m wearing a dress, I want to feel secure, smooth, and comfortable.

Because comfort equals confidence.

Outerwear & Work Bags

Living in Chicago, this matters.

I take public transportation, so I invest in coats, hats, gloves, and durable work bags.

I shop at places like Nordstrom Rack, Gap, Uniqlo, JCPenney, Macy’s, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls.

You don’t have to spend thousands; you just have to shop smart.

Makeup (Strategic Spending Only)

I don’t focus on price; I focus on results.

My makeup bag is a mix. Some products are higher-end, some are very affordable.

What matters is:

• Does it work?

• Is it easy to use?

• Does it give me the look I want?

If you’re unsure, go into a store and tell them your budget and the look you want. They’ll help you find a mix that works.

Hair (Because Maintenance = Comfort)

I invest in my hair because I need products that actually work for me.

With short hair and an exposed scalp, I have to be intentional about scalp care, hydration, and maintenance.

When my hair feels good, I feel good.

Skincare (Smart Spending Only)

Skincare is a mix for me.

Some of my favorite products are affordable. But I also recognize that sometimes higher-end skincare really performs well.

So I shop smart:

• I look for travel sizes

• I look for bundle kits

• I shop during holiday sets

If I love something, I’ll save and buy it strategically.

But I’m always looking for a dupe first, especially at places like Walgreens or CVS.

I look for similar active ingredients and comparable results. Don’t sleep on affordable brands or dermatologist-recommended products. Some of them really work.

My current favorite body product is Aquaphor. Simple, effective, and accessible. Same with Vaseline.

Loungewear, Robes & House Shoes

This is something I intentionally spend money on.

Robes, house shoes, and loungewear are directly tied to how I feel. My robe is part of my routine. I wear it while I do my skincare, drink my coffee, do my hair, and get ready.

When I come home, the first thing I do is change into my house shoes.

These small things signal to my body that it’s time to relax. And that matters.

This Is the Part We Don’t Talk About Enough

The life you’re building is yours.

And when you take ownership of that, you have to understand that it’s not always going to look like the next person’s.

Everyone is sharing what works for them.

Those are suggestions not rules.

You are building your own personal blueprint.

Your Glow-Up Requires Your Participation

Your most intentional glow-up is always going to be the one that you actively participate in.

That means:

• Trying things for yourself

• Paying attention to how things make you feel

• Figuring out what actually works for you

Just because something doesn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for you.

Use This as a Starting Point

If you need help figuring out your personal style, you can use AI as a guide.

Here’s a prompt you can use:

“Analyze my personal style based on my height, body type, skin tone, lifestyle, and comfort preferences. Recommend a flattering color palette, clothing styles, hairstyles, accessories, and a simple wardrobe base that aligns with a confident, everyday lifestyle.”

Take what resonates. Leave what doesn’t.

Final Thought

You don’t need to spend the most money.

You don’t need to follow every trend.

You just need to know yourself.

Because confidence doesn’t come from having everything.

It comes from knowing what works for you—and building from there.

Pretty gets you noticed. But the way you build your life? That’s the real power.