Finances & Fashion with Sara B and Jennifer Birzer

Nov 29

On this episode of Financially Naked: Stories from The Financial Gym, our host is Sara Belhouari, Level 2 Certified Financial Trainer and she is joined by one of her long-time friends, Jennifer Birzer. Jennifer is a personal stylist and has worked in the film and television industry, most recently on Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. She is passionate about sustainability in the fashion industry and educating others about the power of style. Jennifer joins Sara today to talk about all things fashion and style. From how to find your personal style, to stay on trend, and how to do it while staying in your budget.

Podcast Notes

The way we dress is the way we present ourselves to the world. It impacts your mood and how others perceive you. Style is a way to change yourself and the way you walk through the world. A great outfit can make you feel like the best version of yourself.
Personal style does not have to be about buying the most expensive clothes. It’s about finding what works for your budget and lifestyle.
The Financial Gym has a shame-free approach, where as long as it’s the budget, what you spend your money on isn’t important to your trainer.

Tips for finding your personal style while on a budget

Think about your lifestyle and what is practical and functional. Living in New York, high heels might not be the best option. If you work from home, your entire professional wardrobe doesn’t need to be pencil skirts. Think about the weather where you live.
Style evolves through our lives. We as humans love newness and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. In the long run, finding what you feel best will help save money, stress, and self-consciousness in the long run.
Rental services are an excellent way to try new things, without having to commit to buying them outright. You can get the newness of a fresh outfit regularly and can purchase things you like, or send it all back. This keeps you out of the store if shopping is a spending trigger for you.
Take some time to shop your closet each season. Try it on and take photos of yourself wearing it. We often forget the stuff we have in our closets or things that don’t fit.
Staying on trend isn’t important for everyone, but for some it is! It’s important to spend money on things that bring you joy.
Trends are cyclical, and you don’t have to be on top of each trend every single season. Pick the ones that speak to you. When you start the research, broad trends will come up and start by weeding out what isn’t speaking to you.
Focusing on accessories is a great way to stay up to date with current trends without necessarily having to buy new clothes. Jewlery, shoes, and a handbag can really change up an outfit.

Where to find quality pieces without going broke and being sad?

While investment pieces can be expensive, they don’t have to be outrageous.
Think about the cost per wear. The $300 shoes or boots might be scary to put down, but if they last a long time, you can wear them for a few seasons, or with many outfits.
You’re not always looking for the best brand names. It’s about the quality of the garment and fabric.
Thrifting and secondhand stores are great places to shop. You never know what treasures you’ll find. If there aren’t great options in your area, there are so many online now with new pieces all the time.
- The Real Real -> Mix of things
- FashionPhile -> For designer items
- Poshmark -> Mix of things
- Vinted -> Regular thrifted items

Emotional Shopping & Spending

One of the reasons Jennifer got into her field is her love of shopping. When it comes to emotional spending, we have all been there. Whether we’re soothing a bad day or celebrating a good one, it’s so easy to go online and buy a bunch of stuff.
In the long run, buying stuff does not solve the problems, and often you end up with buyer's remorse.
Instead of buying things right away, add them to your Pinterest board, wishlist, or even cart! Revisit it in a few days to see if you still like it. Think about how you’re going to wear it and the cost per wear. Your emotions will have passed with time, and you can decide if it’s something worth purchasing.
Shop your friend’s closest. It’s a great opportunity to hang out and try on things that aren’t in your rotation. Especially if it’s for a one-time event, and you don’t want to buy something.
Your personal style can say so much about you but doesn’t have to require a lot of money. It’s about learning yourself, what works for you and being mindful of how you shop along the way.