Turning Income Into Accessories: The Utilitarian Way
Americans are enjoying more disposable income than ever before. The St. Louis Fed shows that the index continues to rise, and, for many, they’ll be looking to those little luxury items to enhance their quality of life.
For utilitarians, who look to live in a simple and frugal manner, that can often be at odds – especially in smaller homes that need to make the most of every space. Fear not, however, as certain accessory categories take up little space and can fit in with the utilitarian quality.
Sneakers and shoes
Sneakers are always hot property and, with certain brands being dropped by Adidas over the past year, they’re starting to get a little bit cheaper, too. As the New York Times highlights, there’s a lot of personalization to be had and a lot of style choice to be expressed.
For a small item, that’s great value. They don’t need to be a huge time drain, either. Sneakers can be washed in the washing machine, with proper care and comfort, for instance through using a pillowcase and gentle wash settings. They can also be left on display; some sneaker types can be a statement in themselves.
Enjoying jewelry
Jewelry saw a surge in price during the pandemic but, now, according to JCK Online, prices are stabilizing – and even reducing. A slow growth for gold and silver prices means that jewelry is a frugal choice once again. Jewelry is again something that can be easily stored and displayed, and even in small amounts can be an excellent statement piece.
Making it work
Clothes are typically a tougher task when building up accessories and belongings – they do take up more space. To address that, Vogue magazine recommends an interesting option – buying one summer dress and wearing it through all seasons. Adapting with a jumper in winter, or tights, and then cardigans in spring, can make a simple dress suitable for all times of year. That’s frugal, meets small home living, and is utilitarian to the finest point.
Accessorizing is something to be enjoyed when free money is flowing – and that doesn’t mean filling a tidy living space with clutter. Careful purchases, from sneakers, to jewelry, to clothes, can work in a utilitarian space. Buying luxuries doesn’t have to mean spending every last cent – it’s about finding good value items that bring joy.
