Thinking back to the beginning of 2020, my shopping habits were considerably different. I used to spend money on the most random things that honestly barely made sense back then so they sure as hell don't make much sense now. Today, in specific, I'm talking about those random cheap items you buy without thinking twice just because you like having something new in your closet or because you felt like you "needed" a new top to wear that random event. However, just because we are all experiencing a major lifestyle shift this year doesn't mean our retail therapy cravings have diminished—at least mine haven't.
With that being said, I have come to the realization that the cheap thrills I used to stock up on when I needed a quick shopping fix have drastically shifted. Ahead, I am walking you through the 5 affordable items I used to be obsessed with and the 5 I officially replaced them with this year. Featuring nothing over $50, the wallet-friendly shopping guide ahead is perfect for when you need that little pick-me-up be it sometime before the end of 2020 or beyond.
Used to Buy: Trendy Tops
Replaced Them With: Sweatshirts
It used to be a regular occurrence that I would pop into an affordable store to pick up a couple of cute and trendy tops just because it felt good to have something new and exciting hanging in my closet. Now, however, I have found that I rarely put on "cute" clothes so instead of throwing my money at things like trendy tops, I have decided that simple crewneck sweatshirts make more sense. I enjoy wearing them with jeans and printed pants, but more importantly, they go with a majority of the sweatpants I wear on a regular basis.
Used to Buy: Statement Bags
Replaced Them With: Tonal Shoulder Bags
Prior to this year, I was a sucker for funky loud bags, but considering I am not going nearly as many places this year, I have found that instead of those statement bags I used to literally hoard, I have been getting much more use out of neutral-toned shoulder bags. They go with most of my loungewear allowing me to very rarely stress about which bag to grab when I'm heading out the door to run an errand.
Used to Buy: Rings
Replaced Them With: Necklaces
Prior to this new working from home lifestyle, I used to wear rings on nearly every single finger. It was sort of my thing. Sadly now, I rarely wear any rings. I can't quite put my finger on why, but I have found myself getting more excited by trendy necklaces rather than a handful of rings.
Used to Buy: Funky Heels
Replaced Them With: Versatile House Shoes
Any affordable shoe that was a bright color and slightly polarizing I used to never be able to resist, but now that I don't wear heels and honestly rarely ever wear shoes, I had to stop that frivolous buying habit. Instead, I have dove full-force into the house shoe lifestyle. Including shearling slides, Birkenstocks, and even rubbery clogs, I have fully leaned into these cozy shoes that I can wear both in and out of the house.
Used to Buy: Dresses
Replaced Them With: Lounge Sets
Last but not least, let's talk about lounge sets. My life used to be filled with random but cute printed dresses that I would style the crap out of, but my dressy life feels pretty over at this point. Now when I want to feel pulled-together but still comfortable, I reach for a loungewear set. Matching sets are really where it's at and luckily, you don't have to spend a lot to get what you want.
