I’m so excited to bring you a new Outfit Edit in honor of hitting one month postpartum. It’s been a crazy last few weeks of minimal sleep and trying to figure out how to care for a little newborn, but I’m finally feeling more and more back to my old self. Trev and I are getting into the swing of things with our schedules. Which means I get to inch back to what I love doing most… creating. Today, I’m sharing how I’ve transitioned my two month “no buy” challenge to a consistent “low buy” mentality — highlighting ways to create low spend habits while still being fabulous with the help of Rent the Runway.

use code ‘RTRCORTNEY’ to receive $50 off your first two months of Rent the Runway Unlimited ($100 off total)

SHOP THE EDIT

RAINBOW MAXI | CAT EYE SUNNIES | POCKET TOTE | OPEN TOE MULES

• 

• 

Low Buy Mentality //

Earlier this summer, I decided to embark on a personal challenge where I’d give up spending on myself during June and July. I’m proud to say I successfully went near three months without spending on anything outside the normal food and personal care necessities. It was tough, but it needed to be done as I felt I was spiraling into a space of excessive spending.

During this period, I took notice on the normal patterns I’d fall into while shopping for clothes, shoes and accessories. I’d obsess over having the latest trends. Jump on deals even if I didn’t absolutely love the item. Crave the need to purchase but then would often feel left with remorse post purchasing, All of these actions had led me to a place of feeling like I had too much “stuff”, not to mention poor money management.

Putting the stop on all of this cold turkey was good for me. It allowed me to go through my closets and purge. Take notice on the things I’d only wear once and work to get rid of them. Realize my money and time spent on shopping is better well spent on items that would actually last, that I could wear season to season.

Now as a style blogger, continuing this “no spend” would be very difficult. Thus, I’m entering this fall with a new mentality focused on “low buy”. Truly being thoughtful about the items I’m adding to my wardrobe. Really practicing what I preach and standing behind the formula I’ve created and communicate to curate the ultimate wardrobe — 80% elevated basics and 20% statement pieces. And participating in the sustainable fashion movement by borrowing, renting and selling.

TGE Wardrobe Formula = 80% elevated basics + 20% statement pieces

Cortney Bigelow, BLOGGER BEHIND the grey edit

• 

• 

Breaking Down the Edit // Ba&sh via Rent the Runway

Which brings me to this outfit. Sure I spend most of my days rocking basics in and out of the house, but on the days where I have a reason to dress up or when I have the itch to make a splash — I lean to statement pieces. But this is where being selective and more thoughtful about your spend becomes important.

If you’re buying something that’s bold due to it’s pattern or volume, you likely won’t wear as often. And if you’re anything like me — you might only wear once. Which is why I’ve chosen to make the sustainable choice and leverage Rent the Runway.

Not only does RTR allow you to rent a dress for an upcoming occasion, they provide a monthly unlimited option so you can refresh your wardrobe with fresh statement pieces as you see fit. So over these last three months of no spend, I’ve been able to pulse in dresses like this gorgeous Ba&sh maxi in order to look fresh — at the party or any other day.

I’m so in love with this dress, and quite frankly would love to buy it (which RTR offers at a discounted rate, BTW). But the reality i, I’d only get 1-3 wears out of it. So I’ve chosen to rent it and I’m incredibly glad I did. It’s a dress I see myself wearing to an event to turn heads — like a wedding or a summer soiree. For now, I’ve chosen to twirl in a parking lot to show off the everyday elegance you can achieve using Rent the Runway on a low buy mentality. I’ve paired with accessories recently added to my collection that carry elevated basics qualities of versatility and quality. And with this 80/20 formula… I’ve got to say, I feel 100.

SHOP THE EDIT

RAINBOW MAXI | CAT EYE SUNNIES | POCKET TOTE | OPEN TOE MULES

• 

• 

If you’re interested in joining me in this low buy movement, drop a line in the comments below. And don’t forget to use my code ‘RTRCORTNEY’ to receive $50 off your first two months of Rent the Runway Unlimited!

// cb ✌????