Before I took the plunge and purchased my first Louis Vuitton bag I looked all over both Pinterest and Instagram for outfit inspiration. Do you know what I found? Nothing. There was maybe one or two different looks but other than that my search was an overall bust.
Like most I wanted to make sure this was a good purchase for me because let’s be honest, it’s a pretty big purchase.
If I had such a difficult time finding inspiration, I’m sure you have as well so I thought it was a great opportunity to feature the Louis Vuitton Alma bb in a Rule of 5 post (more on that below if you haven’t heard of it).
In full transparency I did purchase my handbag second hand from FashionPhile. While some pieces are less than retail, most exceed retail cost for this style, as you may know there are only a certain number of pieces are made each year which increases the cost on resell sites due to exclusivity.
Because you can’t just walk into a Louis Vuitton store and purchase this handbag due to low/no inventory second hand stores have the upper hand. That’s not to say you can’t get lucky and catch the store when they get a bag in. If you’re a luxury shopper and have an SA of course they’ll get you on file if a bag comes in. But overall it’s a game of luck and persistence when purchasing certain styles directly from the designers stores.
HOW I BUDGETED FOR MY HANDBAG
Prior to making this purchase and creating my 12 step wardrobe planning and budgeting strategy I was one of those people that claimed, they/I “couldn’t afford” a designer handbag.
It’s such a big purchase, an unessacary purchase at that and there’s so much you can do with that money. Then I thought about it, I’m going to spend the money anyways. Whether it’s on 20 dresses and tops, eating out or one too many pairs of shoes, I will spend the money.
This handbag specifically, I purchased second hand from FashionPhile for $950. After a certain age and so many years of proper adulting you know how small of a dollar amount that is in the grand scheme of things.
$1,000 is only $333/month for 3 months. You and I both know (assuming if you’re here, a fashion blog) we spend $333/month easily on shopping and eating out. If you don’t think you do take a look at last months bank and credit card statements.
Once I changed my mindset and looked at it from a place of, you’ll spend it on your wardrobe regardless, the handbag became far more affordable.
Because I had known I wanted this handbag for my F/W 2019 wardrobe since 2018 I decided to plan my wardrobe for F/W in June 2019. By planning my wardrobe out I was able to make smart strategic purchases that allowed me to purchase my handbag, guilt free!
Each time I wanted to make an impulse purchase I asked myself, “do you want “this” item more than your handbag?”. Almost always the answer was, no!
The 12 step strategy I created to plan and budget my wardrobe each season was insanely helpful in holding myself accountable for each purchase I made and saved me so much money from not making those impulse purchases.
You guys asked for help with budgeting for your wardrobes and I thought that was a great opportunity to share with you what has helped me so much. You may not be making a large purchase but I’m willing to bet you could benefit from creating a more curated wardrobe.
I want to help you get the most out of your budget so that you can look and feel your best in your wardrobe.
If you need help making the most of your wardrobe and your budget I’m sharing with you the exact 12 Step Strategy I use to plan and budget for my wardrobe each season.
Let me help you get your wardrobe together and Click HERE to get started!
MY #1 SHOPPING RULE: THE RULE OF 5
A RULE I CREATED TO BE MORE INTENTIONAL WITH MY PURCHASES TO HELP STRETCH MY SHOPPING BUDGET TO IT’S MAXIMUM CAPACITY
WHO ELSE HAS BOUGHT A NEW TOP BECAUSE YOU “LOVED IT SO MUCH” THEN MONTHS LATER IT STILL HASN’T BEEN WORN?
We’ve all been there! There has been a time in our life we’ve walked in our closet looking for something to wear only to be reminded of the items we purchased but still haven’t worn, tags still attached and all.
When we make impulse purchases we end up with a closet of one offs that we only have one other item to wear with it, if even that.
When we make impulse purchases we end up with a closet full of clothes yet still have NOTHING to wear. WHY are we like this?!
In 2013, after losing 20lbs, purging 90% of my closet and only having a clothing budget of $150 a month I was in desperate need of a high functioning wardrobe. That is when, why and how I created my #1 shopping rule, The Rule of 5.
I knew in order to still buy quality pieces I loved I was going to have to get creative (and disciplined) and that’s exactly what I did. Every single purchase I made for the following year was well thought out and 100% intentional. I had no room for impulse purchases, the function of my wardrobe couldn’t afford it.
I bet you don’t like throwing your money away, do you?
We all deserve to hit our financial goals (and best wardrobes) and a great starting point is to become more intentional with what we spend our money on.
I want you to be great in everything you do so I wrote a 24 page book to fully share The Rule of 5 with you. There’s even worksheets for you to brainstorm your goal wardrobe!
Just enter your email below for your FREE Rule of 5 guide to get started on your best wardrobe yet!
If you need more help building your wardrobe my e-book, Build Your Dream Wardrobe on a Budget is a great tool. The 12 steps I take when planning and shopping for my wardrobes each season is covered in detail with examples for you.These are the steps I take to ensure each purchase is intentional, it’s also the strategy I used to budget to purchase my first Louis Vuitton handbag. In fact, The Rule of 5 is one of the 12 steps in the e-book.
LOOK 1: TANK + TROUSERS
CARRIE NAME NECKLACE
The Carrie Name Necklace is the Best Selling piece from my shop, shopjuliamarie.com
I’ve had mine for 2 years and wear it on a 14″ Chain
All of the pieces from my shop are real 18kt gold over sterling silver so you don’t have to worry about it turning colors or leaving green marks on your skin .
Carrie is available in gold, rose or silver. We also have solid gold options.
Let’s be twins and get yours HERE!!!
Carrie also makes the perfect gift.
I bought my friend one with her father’s name after he passed away because necklaces last longer than flowers and it’s a great way to feel like you have a small piece of your loved one with you.
TANK: One of my favorite purchases this Summer and it’s only $10. When I wrote this it is sold out but it came in black as well and is TTS. If you click any of the photos above it’ll take you to a post I will keep updated with current options of this tank.
PANTS: I’ve been thinking of my Fall wardrobe recently and it consists of tone on tone and upgrading my sweatpants and joggers for proper trousers. As I was brainstorming these popped up in my IG feed. For only $30 I jumped on them.
I will say they run small, especially if you’re going for a loose oversized look. WTBS, I ended up getting 2 sizes up and have a visit to my tailor scheduled on Monday to have the waist taken in an inch or two.
Fun Fact: I pinned them in the back to shoot them for this post.
SANDALS: If you follow UK fashion you have 100% seen these a thousand times. I’m not big on sandals without backs aka slides or flip flops, they make me feel like I’m wearing house shoes outside.
WTBS, I was unsure if I’d wear these and if I did how much. Turns out, I love them and they are my go-to sandals this Summer. They’re so chic and elevate your basics.
I bought my TTS and they fit perfect but if your feet are wider it’s recommended to go up a size.
HANDBAG: This is a mini bag so it doesn’t hold a whole lot. I can fit my card case, phone, keys, sunglasses, a few lip products and loose receipts (haha) comfortably.
I wear all of my handbags cross bodied 99.5% of the time and the strap on this bag is the perfect length for me, I’m 5’4″ for reference.
There is a very slim card pocket inside the handbag that’s too small for me to use. Other than that the handbag just has one large “pocket” where everything goes. I did have to get a very small pouch for this bag for my “drugstore” items (lip balm, tampons, advil packets) so there wasn’t loose items flying around.
HAT: I love this hat for Summer, it instantly pulls a look together giving you a little elevation. Bonus, it helps to cover your face from the sun to prevent pre mature aging.
SUNGLASSES: Mine are from Nordstrom but sold out but I found an almost identical pair on Amazon and tbh, I think I like the Amazon style better has the frames are a touch bigger.
NAME NECKLACE: The Carrie Name Necklace is the Best Selling piece from my shop, shopjuliamarie.com. I’ve had mine for 2 years and wear it on a 14″ Chain
All of the pieces from my shop are real 18kt gold over sterling silver so you don’t have to worry about it turning colors or leaving green marks on your skin .
Carrie is available in gold, rose or silver. We also have solid gold options.
LOOK 2: CROP TOP + LEVI’S
CROP TOP: We can thank Zara for this one. It is cropped right above the belly button (I’m 5’4″) and has the cutest detailing in the back and shoulders. I did go up a size for some extra length.
JEANS: Levi’s had a huge Summer Sale, I was able to score these for $40. These are a straight leg in the Wedgie Fit but my legs are juicy so it is what it is. As always, I went one size as Levi’s jeans are stiff and don’t have as much stretch as we’ve become accustomed to.
SANDALS: I love a jelly and I love a rhinestone sandal. These remind me of a pair of Guiseppe Zanotti sandals so it was an immediate purchase. I did get my TTS.
SUNGLASSES: I really wanted the High Key Aviators from Quay but they were sold out so I went to Amazon and found these. I like them and recommend them as an affordable option.
HANDBAG: This is a mini bag so it doesn’t hold a whole lot. I can fit my card case, phone, keys, sunglasses, a few lip products and loose receipts (haha) comfortably.
I wear all of my handbags cross bodied 99.5% of the time and the strap on this bag is the perfect length for me, I’m 5’4″ for reference.
There is a very slim card pocket inside the handbag that’s too small for me to use. Other than that the handbag just has one large “pocket” where everything goes. I did have to get a very small pouch for this bag for my “drugstore” items (lip balm, tampons, advil packets) so there wasn’t loose items flying around.
LOOK 3: SWEATSHIRT DRESS
SIMILAR DRESS: This is one of my current favorite dresses, I bought it last F/W from H&M and it sold out in 3 days never to restock again. While perusing Amazon I found an almost identical dress for the same price. Reviews say it runs TTS
SANDALS: hands down my favorite most worn sandals, they are a bit of a splurge but so worth it if you wear sandals daily in the Summer. The run a bit small so order a half size up.
SUNGLASSES: Quay has become one of my favorite sunglasses, this is my second pair. These are a shield style, if you haven’t noticed shield styles are my favorite!
NECKLACE: I first saw this style necklace on Emily Ann Gemma and click the link she shared … it was on ETSY and is/was just a basic chain put onto a Louis Vuitton padlock so I DIY’d it myself. If you don’t have an LV lock this is a good option.
JUST THE CHAIN TO DIY YOURSELF: This is the chain I bought to DIY my necklace. I also use these for a chain on my handbag and a basic necklace.
HANDBAG: This is a mini bag so it doesn’t hold a whole lot. I can fit my card case, phone, keys, sunglasses, a few lip products and loose receipts (haha) comfortably.
I wear all of my handbags cross bodied 99.5% of the time and the strap on this bag is the perfect length for me, I’m 5’4″ for reference.
There is a very slim card pocket inside the handbag that’s too small for me to use. Other than that the handbag just has one large “pocket” where everything goes. I did have to get a very small pouch for this bag for my “drugstore” items (lip balm, tampons, advil packets) so there wasn’t loose items flying around.
LOOK 4: BAND TEE + JEANS
GRAPHIC TEE: With quarantine in full effect I wanted a graphic tee or two but wasn’t ready to commit to a pricey one. I found this one in the Men’s section at Target for $12. I did size up to an XL so I can wear it oversized with biker shorts while lounging in the house.
JEANS: I bought these Levi’s Ribcage jeans back in January during their Winter Sale. I intended for them to be Summer jeans and so far they’ve been doing their job. I love them with white tube or tank tops and a basic sandal. I buy one size up in Levi’s. While this style came with a raw hem I had to shorten them a few inches and raw hemmed them myself with a good pair of cutting shears.
SANDALS: I bought these two years ago but they’re a pretty classic style so I was able to link the updated version for you. They run TTS and are very easy to walk in.
SUNGLASSES: Quay has become one of my favorite sunglasses, this is my second pair. These are a shield style, if you haven’t noticed shield styles are my favorite!
HANDBAG: This is a mini bag so it doesn’t hold a whole lot. I can fit my card case, phone, keys, sunglasses, a few lip products and loose receipts (haha) comfortably.
I wear all of my handbags cross bodied 99.5% of the time and the strap on this bag is the perfect length for me, I’m 5’4″ for reference.
There is a very slim card pocket inside the handbag that’s too small for me to use. Other than that the handbag just has one large “pocket” where everything goes. I did have to get a very small pouch for this bag for my “drugstore” items (lip balm, tampons, advil packets) so there wasn’t loose items flying around.
LOOK 5: BODYSUIT + SLOUCHY JEANS
If you look, I’m actually wearing the Chunky Name Necklace from my shop. Shown above. It was so popular and so out within a couple of weeks. We are hoping and planning for a restock in July, I’ll share to my Instagram stories as soon as it goes live.
This style is available in 18kt Gold or Sterling Silver.
When the Chunky Name Necklace sold out I updated this look with the Script Name Necklace
Feminine, light and airy; the Script Name Necklace is the opposite of the Chunky Name Necklace. Both serve different styles and purposes.
The Script Name Necklace comes in 18kt gold or 18kt rose gold. Shown above on a 16″ Chain
BODYSUIT: My bodysuit is the infamous Zara style you’ve probably seen a thousand times. I bought my TTS but wish I went up one size for length, the arm holes will show side boob if you don’t pull it up high enough but when you pull it up it may show hip if your pants aren’t high waisted enough. I do have a longer torso so keep that in mind. I have both the nude and white, the nude gets the most wear for sure.
JEANS: these are my favorite go-to Summer jeans and I’m pretty sure I’m going to keep that same energy into Fall. The run TTS but because they’re oversized you can go up or down a size.
SANDALS: hands down my favorite most worn sandals, they are a bit of a splurge but so worth it if you wear sandals daily in the Summer. The run a bit small so order a half size up.
HANDBAG: This is a mini bag so it doesn’t hold a whole lot. I can fit my card case, phone, keys, sunglasses, a few lip products and loose receipts (haha) comfortably.
I wear all of my handbags cross bodied 99.5% of the time and the strap on this bag is the perfect length for me, I’m 5’4″ for reference.
There is a very slim card pocket inside the handbag that’s too small for me to use. Other than that the handbag just has one large “pocket” where everything goes. I did have to get a very small pouch for this bag for my “drugstore” items (lip balm, tampons, advil packets) so there wasn’t loose items flying around.
Finally purchased your 12 step guide after reading about the Rule of 5? Found you on Pinterest and I’ve been hooked ever since. Great post!
Hi Alyssa!
Thank you so much for your support. I’m happy to be a resource to you, I hope you find Build Your Dream Wardrobe on a Budget guide as helpful as I do.
-Julia
I love your content so much! Your style is so simple yet fun and Your tips are so helpful. I bought the slouchy jeans, the Levi wedgie jeans and the white basic vest top and can’t wait to style them with everything else I have. Thanks for the recommendations babe!