If you’ve ever stared at a wardrobe full of clothes, convinced you have nothing to wear, or hit ‘add to cart’ knowing your bank account won’t approve, you’re definitely not alone.
We’ve all been there, chasing the next outfit, the next trend, or standing in a changing room rationalising with yourself why that white tank is different from the other three you have at home (but it’s got a new logo??!).
But here’s the truth: looking chic doesn’t have to mean draining your savings.
That’s where Al and Sal, the hilarious and savvy duo behind Two Broke Chicks step in.
They’re all about sharing the hacks, life lessons and money-saving tips that prove you can look boujee whilst still keeping your budget in check.
Scroll on for some of the duo’s top tips to hacking the system (and spending as little as possible).
With backgrounds in finance, shopping and journalism, Sal and Al know a thing or two about the world of money and style.
The best friends-turned-podcast hosts chatted with WHO about all things money, from how to look luxe on a budget to the biggest lessons they’ve learned along the way.
What’s the biggest money-saving lesson?
The tip we should all be living by is “If no one was going to see me in this, would I still buy it?”
“Your self worth, confidence and happiness aren’t something you’ll find online, in a cart or hanging on a rack. The idea you’ll be able to buy self worth is something that will keep you broke forever.”
One piece of advice to give your younger self on style
“No one cares as much as you do. Seriously. No one cares if you rewear the same dress that you wore to a wedding two years ago.
“No one cares if you wore the same jeans to work this week. No one cares that you’re not wearing a matching activewear set at the gym.
“Your clothes are made to be reworn! You don’t need a new outfit for every event. Restyling, outfit repeating & playing with the clothes you already own is an act of creativity that your wallet and wardrobe will thank you for. “
And yes, you may be thinking “But I care”, but this is when you can look to balancing this lifestyle demand with cheaper alternatives.
What’s your favourite money-saving hack that no one talks about?
“Stop paying the loyalty tax!” It might not sound glamorous, but it can save you a surprising amount of cash.
If you’ve been with the same utility or service provider for years, you could be overpaying without even realising it. The trick is to “regularly compare your ongoing expenses such as utilities, insurance covers and phone plans” to see if switching could get you a better deal.
And if you really like your current provider, just pick up the phone: “give them a call and say that you’re reviewing your bills and enquiring if there are any discounts that you’re eligible for.”
After all, “if you don’t ask, unfortunately, it’s unlikely that they’ll come knocking to offer you a discount.”
How can you make Kmart or Target pieces look boujee?
The secret is to “focus on styles that feel timeless and go for quality where you can.”
Go for a classic white cotton t-shirt from Target for $9 or a pair of jeans from Kmart for $25, as these “more classic styles can look a little more luxe” than trendy, viral pieces.
And when it comes to materials like faux leather or suedette, it’s smart to “go into the store to feel and try on the products if possible,” since it can be tricky to judge quality online.
Taking a quick trip to your local Kmart or Target lets you check the “feel, structure and fit” before you buy, saving both time and money while still scoring a chic look.
At its core, Two Broke Chicks reminds us that looking and feeling your best doesn’t have to cost a fortune; it’s all about making intentional choices with your spending.
