I generally am a believer in buying fewer, better things. I love the very expensive combat boots I bought a few years ago, made by a women-owned label that uses family-owned factories in Spain, and leather that is (probably) from cows that are lulled to sleep by binaural beats. They were a splurge for me, and I treat them as such!
However, the world feels very expensive at the moment, and I’m currently on a bit of a shopping hiatus. Sometimes I really just want a little treat that won’t impact my bank account, and I think about the lipstick effect. Do you know it? Consumers tend to invest in small indulgences during economic downturns, and often lipstick sales go up. It makes sense! We’re still human, and if a small purchase will raise your spirits I consider it a win.
If you too are feeling the pinch of inflation, high interest rates, and concern for Hailey Bieber (run, girl), I would like to introduce a few cheap things I’ve been enjoying lately.
Fisherman sandals that look designer.
I first read about these in this newsletter- she discovered them and deserves sole (get it? sorry) credit! I went from finding fisherman sandals hideous about 16 months ago to… wanting them. Ah, the insidious fashion trend cycle. In a dream world I would buy these from Jenni Kayne or these from Me+Em. However, those range from $350-$500. Meanwhile, the dupes? They range from $40-$55 depending on the site and coupon codes. I mean!! Girl math means if I didn’t buy them I’d be losing money.
Here are a few caveats re this kind of dupe— DSW initially sent me what I thought was taupe instead of ivory, and I had to order ivory from Walmart (the horrors!) because DSW was having issues. I don’t love supporting Walmart, but also I buy from Amazon and honestly nobody’s perfect.
I can’t vouch for the quality of the material or the labor practices involved. The pros? They are incredibly comfortable, very stylish, cost $40 aka only a few Sweetgreen salads. Sometimes you just need a pair of cheap and trendy shoes to punch up your summer wardrobe. Mari Andrew (I read 10,000 newsletters so you don’t have to) talks a bit about the morality around cheap things here. You can find these sandals at DSW, Target, Walmart etc, but I think some colors are selling out.
I impulsively bought this travel sized version in the Whole Foods checkout line and I’ve been shocked at how useful it is. I’ve been putting it on my new tattoo instead of Aquaphor. FYI, Aquaphor is petrolatum based— which is a petroleum derivative. This is more emollient, but generally does what Aquaphor is supposed to do which much better ingredients. What are the ingredients? “Olive Oil, Bees Wax, Honey, Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly, Bee Propolis & Divine Love.” Can you beat that! Also yes, you read that right, my first tattoo. I’m wild! Do you want to know more about it?
You can also use it as a moisturizer to really glow, or on any patch of dry skin. I bought it as a lip balm, but it’s a bit of a cure all, really— put some inside your nose before a flight! On dry cuticles! To tame down flyaways! It’s small but lasts forever, and you might be able to find it cheaper on other corners of the internet.
There is cheaper mascara at the drugstore, but is it ‘clean?’ Does it hardly ever smudge, even if you have both allergies and chronically dry eyes and use eye drops and rub your eyes compulsively? If you find a cheaper mascara that does all of these things LET ME KNOW. If not, I’m a fan of this one.
Sweetgreen is my preferred work day lunch. I try very hard to make breakfast and dinner and when lunch comes around— I find it so hard to pack a suitable lunch for my co-working space that will keep me full and be healthy and tasty! I feel guilty buying Sweetgreen often, but less guilty when I use Sweetpass- a monthly membership costs $10, but it gives you a coupon to take $3 off a salad every single day! It is extremely worth it if you eat Sweetgreen at least 4 times a month.
(a happy person with their salad)
Wisp - easy to access women’s healthcare prescriptions (priceless)
I haven’t used this service, but I’ve heard good things and wanted to share because these medications SHOULD be easy to get.
Colin from Accounts: (free-ish)
This Australian comedy/dramedy is one of the funniest series I’ve watched this year. “Two singles are brought together by a car accident and an injured dog” — I can’t describe it better than the logline because I don’t want to give anything away! But there is a ton of natural chemistry thanks to the married in real life leads who created the show! It is laugh so hard you’re crying funny and also heartwarming. It’s on Paramount +. If you don’t already it have you can do a free trial subscription - just remember to cancel it!
stay cheap, stay happy,
alex
I order Sweetgreen quite a lot, especially bc they have a post in my office so delivery is always free and I hadn't heard about Sweetpass. Myccrispy rice salad is about to get cheaper!! Thank you :)