Luxe living on a budget is tough! Everyone is struggling in this economy, including myself, with reduced working hours and furlough days. To be honest, a smaller budget doesnt make wants and needs go away, but it does hamper your ability to satisfy those luxury cravings. With bills stacking up left and right, I've been forced to come up with some budget friendly options to obtain my luxe living facade. Many have already come in very handy, while others i haven't had the opportunity to try yet, but hopefully you'll find a few helpful tips. Let me know how they work for you!

Shopping Used/Thrift/Handmade: While in the book store the other day I picked up a hardcover book that was around $22. I really wanted the book but i knew i would probably need that money for something more important later. Then i remembered that i could probably find the same book 90% cheaper online. I'd ordered used books before but i'd always preferred to buy brand new, but this way was just smarter. I found the same book on the Barnes and Noble website for $1.99 + shipping.

Another great option is shopping handmade, like my friend Beth's online shop Salvage Life, which offers great restored vintage clothing, accessories, and decor. Etsy is another great online source where crafty people sell their handmade goods for reasonable prices. Jewelry, art, clothes, housewares, accessories, furniture - you name it, Etsy has it. Quite often, these handmade designers showcase their  goods at craft fairs like the Speakeasy Indie Craft Show hosted by the Handmade Brigade of Orange County.

Sample Sales: My Sassy City puts on great Sample Sales in Los Angeles, San Fransisco and San Diego. Made up of several designers and retailers, you get great deals and discounts all in one place. My girlfriends and I once went right before Christmas and got lots of gifts for family and friends for crazy low prices! These sorts of sample sales are better than those hosted by one designer or boutique because you get lots of deals in one place and usually a gift bag (and free cocktail).

DIY: I loathe Do-It-Yourself jobs but I've really been wanting some fashionable art for my apartment, and not only have i had very little luck finding what I'm looking for, but when I do find it it's usually pretty expensive. I've heard several times that I could use my own camera, take the photos that i want, print them and frame them, but i finally decided to give it a try and i must say it turned out better than i expected. I'm actually considering doing some more and selling them on Etsy. If you've got craft that your good at, I recommend doing the same. It's free to join and a really easy way to make a little pocket change.

More tips to come soon (i've got a whole list). In the mean time check out a few of the pic's i took below: