Glamour in your life on a shoestring?

[Itsgettingbetter]

Posting here for traffic.

Attended a wedding recently and really enjoyed the process of treating myself to a great dress, putting a formal outfit together, wearing make up and celebrating in fabulous surroundings.

As an LP and student, there hasn't been much time or cash for this over the years. I have also been causally dating a tight-fisted guy for seven years so haven't been on many sexy dates either (will be ending this very soon).

I do a lot of writing at home and slob around in casual clothes, so it was great catching a glimpse of my best looking self and living more fully. For mothers still doing intensive parenting, how do you bring glamour, light and fun into your life on a regular basis without breaking the bank?

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Just got in from Aldi, complete with one of their Jo Malone knock off reed diffusers (No 1) which was £3.99. It looks and smells the business, they also do matching candles, room sprays, body wash and lotion. Glamour on a shoe string right there.

An expensive perfume, read lipstick, a striped top, black skinny jeans and heeled black boots. Hair up or down, it doesn't matter. I always look and feel put together.

My perfume is expensive at £95 a bottle but since it's so strong (Tom Ford EDP) it lasts most of the year with a daily spritz on the wrist and neck. A long lasting gorgeous perfume always brings a little glamour to the ordinary, in my opinion. It doesn't have to be expensive either. Just something that makes you feel glamorous and lasts well. I have an Aldi perfume that's a dupe for Chanel and is so inexpensive but doesn't last that long on me so I keep going through bottles.

A luxurious bath melt or oil always does it too. Lush have great bath melts but you can go as expensive or as inexpensive as you like.

Also a really great coat like a simple camel trench. Goes with everything, can be dressed up or down and works in Spring and Autumn.

Thanks, but what living a glamorous life on a budget? Any hacks?

what about

Following with interest OP! I just bought a fantastic dress for a wedding and I can't believe how amazing I feel in it.

I want to feel like that every day!

You need to be more specific if the perfectly good replies so far aren’t addressing your question.

Are you a journalist- just let it go.

Following!

I buy my fake eyelashes on eBay for cheap OP.

I've bought myself a gel nails kit. A bit of an investment in me. An LED lamp, base coat, top coat, one basic colour and one glitter.

I like having my nails painted but don't really enjoy going to get them done or how long it takes. I now just soak off one finger as it starts to chip and reapply.

I plan to get new colours every so often to build up a collection. You could even offer to do friends for a small contribution that covers the cost of getting the kit.

This reads like a journo.

But your fake lashes in bulk from China on amazon/eBay for about £3 for five sets.

Perfume Parlour do excellent dupes for high quality scents. Next are good for perfumes under £12 too.

Aldi for Jo Malone inspired reed diffusers, candles and room sprays.

Make your own bath scrubs with sugar and your favourite essential oil.

Make Up Revolution liquid lipsticks last forever and are under £3. Their eyeshadow palettes are duped for Urban Decay, Too Faced and Anastasia Beverly Hills for under £6 each and last forever.

Primary have stylish but affordable clothing.

glam life requires effort. if you don't have cash to outsource this then you will exhaust yourself trying.

I live like a scruff but I have an expensive watch and necklace to remind myself and others I'm worth it.

The make up in Primark is nice. I just got candy floss blusher which I really like. Also h and m is great for glamour on a budget. A nice glass of red is always glamorous.

Flattered that my writing sounds journalistic! Just got back from a beautiful wedding abroad and am just thinking about how I can live more glamorously within my means. Have suggested going to nice cocktail bars to my friends who are up for it. Was wondering if there's something else I haven't thought of.

I wore a gorgeous pink Ted Baker dress and want to get dressed up and go somewhere fabulous more often, transcending the mundane everyday. Just wondering how!

Take turns at throwing fabulous dinner parties at home then going out to a lovely cocktail bar afterwards.
That way you are not spending too much money as won't be going 'out,out' till later in the evening.

I’m still utterly baffled by what you’re asking. Is it how you can have a night out?

1. Set date
2. Pick venue
3. Have a wash, get dressed in outfit of your choice
4. Go out

Bookatable.com is great if you’re near London. I’ve been to some lovely places for not much money as it’s a set price for 3 courses and a drink on most offers so you don’t need to worry about the bill at the end.

Go to really nice restaurants for a fraction of the usual price by eating the set menu at lunchtime ( and staying off the booze!).

Attend free events such a concerts and also gallery events which are sometimes free. Google your city with Free Events in x city.

Attend certain events for free by volunteering to help. Our local book fest is reliant on volunteer ps and hosts some superb writers and speakers.

Get savvy about the best charity shops and also when Waitrose/ M&S mark down their food, buy and freeze.

I buy good quality from eBay.

Paint my nails.

Have lovely Ikea candles.