Ballin’ On A Budget: How To Look Like You’re A One Percenter Without Going Broke
Find your ALBA ©2022 Seiko Australia
Who doesn’t like getting dressed to the nines (whatever that actually means, idk). The power of a colour coordinated outfit with finely tuned accessories dripping in detail can be impressive enough to convince the public you’re on your way to your private jet for a week in The Alps…even if you’re catching the 5:30pm bus home for a weekend in front of the telly.
To celebrate ALBA Watches launching in Australia and NZ, serving young Oceanians quality timepieces to set any outfit to stunning, here are our tips to look like a one percenter without going broke.
Fashion Collection, AH7Z76X1, @fassionfruitgirl
Invest In Accessories… Especially A Sleek Watch
Pay close attention to your jewellery, bag and belt combinations. Matching gold with gold and silver with silver ties an outfit together better than the story of how you saw these earrings on la Ponte Vecchio and just couldn’t let them go unpurchased.
Importantly, quality accessories do not have to come with ongoing loan repayments. ALBA watches are made of reliable stainless steel and come in a sparkling variety of elegant styles to turn an outfit of the day into the outfit of the year. Perhaps most amazingly, ALBA Watches have an almost appallingly affordable price point starting from just $130.
Freestocks via Unsplash
Go Op-Shopping In An Affluent Suburb
Shopping second hand is a great way to pick up well known brands at ridiculously affordable prices. Unfortunately, this sometimes involves hours of combing through the racks in the hopes that the rare designer garment will appear in a) your size and b) your colour.
Increase your chances of scoring hot labels at cool prices by taking your thrifty shopping trip to a well-to-do neighbourhood. True one-percenters will never be photographed in the same outfit twice (and are probably able to claim clothes donations as a tax write off) meaning op-shops in affluent suburbs are bursting with precious pieces that will fit your budget like a pair of very expensive gloves.
Neutrals Are Your Friend
Ever notice how the everyday wear of the ultra-wealthy can actually be quite simple? That’s because a lot of them are wearing neutral colours. In a subtle way, neutral colours send a strong message of true elegance. They say “At no point today am I getting this outfit dirty.”
Think of neutrals like your ‘universal donor’ when it comes to outfits; they pair well with each other and match well with bold accessories. ALBA has a wide range of watches from silver to gold but also watches that have a pop of colour to elevate the look.
Prestige Collection, AS9M48X1, @ericboesten
Take Care Of Your Stuff
If you had megabucks how often do you think you’d wear new clothing? If you answered anything other than ‘every day’ you are a certified liar. Just like produce, fresh is best and not only because a recent purchase is bound to be in season. Washing our clothes ages them over time meaning correct garment care is essential for keeping our outfits looking good as new. Thankfully, this does not need to cost the Earth!
Separate your colours on laundry day and wash smalls separately to avoid pesky lint build ups. Always always always always air dry and use a steamer (they’re like $19) to extend the garment’s life. Iron according to your apparel instructions because creases will get you booted out of the one percent faster than a tweet about worker’s rights.
And if you’ve got a dope accessory (hint hint, an ALBA watch maybe?), make sure you keep it nice and shiny.
Shoes + Sunnies = Statement
Although neutrals are the foundation outfits the one percent are built on, when it comes to accessories it’s a case of the weirder the wealthier. Especially when it comes to shoes and sunglasses.
Shoes are a great way to dictate your statement colour which can be reinforced in your earring/necklace/ring selection meaning your attention to detail goes literally from head-to-toe.
When shopping for sunglasses remember, it is an extremely fast moving segment. Go as bold as you dare because unusual eyewear sends a message you are at the fashion forefront. Even if they only cost you $14, no one is questioning the price tag when you’ve paired your sunnies with your shoes.
And lastly…
William Bout via Unsplash
Don’t Just Look Rich, Smell Rich
Let people know you mean big business with all the senses at your disposal. Fragrances add that extra dimension to your outfit. No longer will people simply see you coming; they’ll smell you coming as well.
Our budget tip: wishlist a high end fragrance for your next birthday. Perfumes age much slower than fashion meaning fragrances have good mileage over their lifetime. And really, being known for a ‘signature scent’ is a top tier Millennial Millionaires Club level goal.
–
Ready to find your ALBA style? Explore ALBA’s range of watches and designs here.
Lead image Fashion Collection, AH7AB6X1 by @fassionfruitgirl