LOOK LIKE YOU JUST SPENT £10K

Yesterday I discussed (ranted) about Gina Rio and her £10k monthly allowance.

Gina is a stylist and understands how important it is to look presentable. Unfortunately we don’t all have a budget like hers. But that doesn't mean we can't look great too. So here is my picky pick of the items that you should be spending your cash on to achieve an expensive look.

Suit – Don’t get one tailor-made. Buy a decent looking one off the rack, and then pay a fraction of the cost to get it altered. The suit will be a fantastic fit and look like it was made just for you. Pair it with a crisp white shirt and a block black or navy blue tie and nobody will mistake you for the new intern.

Shoes - I don’t understand why anyone need 300 pairs of shoes. Pick shoes that can be worn with a few different outfits, that way you get more wear out of them. You can also buy little bits and pieces to revive tired looking shoes. If you must splash out on shoes, make sure they are a killer pair that you only wear on special occasions. You will appreciate them, and the comments you get on them even more. My killer shoes are a deep purple pair by Kurt Geiger

Bag – I really think a good bag is important. I don’t mind spending a little more on one. But again, I don’t think anyone needs 70. Pick a few that are adequate for different occasions. One for work, another for the gym. One for daytime use and another to match that sharp evening look. Zara have some great bags for men that come in at £50-£100. And they last for ages. I also love the Cambridge Satchel Company, who also have discounted items. They're on my Birthday gift list.

Zara also have great  bags for women. But I suspect women want to spend a little more on their arm candy. Mulberry is a gorgeous brand but with a weighty price tag.  But keep an eye out and you’ll find that they regularly have discounted items and special sales. And if you know the right people, you can even track down the wholesale outlet and save a lot of money. Do your research and save a bundle.

Jewellery – Let’s be honest, I can go and on about cheap jewellery, but nothing really compares to the real stuff. But whilst you pile on the bling, you are making yourself look cheap. Less is more so pick a few items to wear and keep them demure. Lots of big chunky items will only make you look like you just got your cash, or you have dodgy dealings with associates. And don’t turn your nose up at costume jewellery, such as Sultanesque. Some pieces look really elegant and it means you can change up your look more cost effectively.

Taxi – Gina gets driven around in a town car. Really? In London? I know the rail prices have gone up, but surely she can afford to work some of those 300 pairs of heels. Walk around showing off that new look, and if you must, get a cab for half the journey. Besides, a taxi driver’s banter is probably better than the chauffeurs.

Hair – Keep it clean. Gents, a slick look at the barbers cost £10. And ladies, I won’t put a price tag on your tresses. But make sure that you can keep it looking salon standard at home, so you don’t have to keep going back for a touch up. And play with your own style. Check out Youtube tutorials on how to create really striking hairstyles with minimum effort and no expensive visits to the salon.

Keep It Timeless - Purchase items that won’t go out of fashion. If you pick this year’s must have, it will soon become  so last year. Opt for something in a style that suits you, something you know you can wear comfortably time and again.

And the most important thing to remember in looking good is wearing it with of confidence. If you feel you look good, then other’s will notice. Don’t seek people’s justification. Be safe in the knowledge that you look fantastic and other people will soon notice it too.

Here’s hoping that if Gina Rio’s allowance gets cut off, this will help her survive and still look great.

HONESTLY, I'M NOT THAT SPOILT

I’m often told that, on the odd occasion, I can act a little spoilt. Yes I can stamp my feet and throw my toys out of the pram. But I know the value of money and I certainly don’t expect the world to stop for me.

I may, on the very rare occasion, ACT spoilt, but I assure you I am not. And my attitude is nothing compared to Miss Gina Rio, recently labelled by the media as the most spoiled girl in Britain. Let’s forget for a moment that this 23 year old has an obsession with designer labels and doesn't have to save up for them, because mummy and daddy will pick up the bill. And let’s overlook that Miss Rio is living in a luxury London hotel whilst her house, is being renovated.

Gina claims that she would never date somebody who is poor. This is despite her living on a £10,000 allowance from her mother, only half the allowance her father used to provide for her. It is a shame that Miss Rio seems to revel in living of such excessive hand-outs, choosing to lie on her bed with shoes as opposed to snuggling up with, an albeit poor, partner. Maybe, if she asked really nicely, her parents would set up an allowance for him too. Would the seemingly poor man then be a more attractive prospect?

Gina earns an annual salary of £24,000 as a personal stylist. I wonder if a man who earns the same would stand a chance at scoring a date with her. Surely, coming from a family that has experienced divorce, this young woman would understand that a relationship cannot be built on material things.

I think a large proportion of the blame has to lie with Gina’s parents who are happy to meet her every demand. Gina explains that her father will buy her anything to “to show how much he cares.” So that would be her 71^st designer handbag, or is it the 301^st pair of high heels?

I don’t claim to understand the complex dynamic of a family that has gone through a divorce. But surely Miss Rio would be a more rounded individual if, instead of throwing money at her, both parents spent more time educating her in the ways of the world. All the money they spend could actually help Gina to set up her own thriving company. Then she could earn more of her own money and understand that ambition and drive is more important than how many zeros there are on a cheque.

Gina’s father bought her a luxury pad in King’s Cross, a very generous gift for a 23 year old to receive. But whilst it is being renovated, I have to wonder why both Gina’s parents decided to put her up at The Savoy rather than have her stay with them.  

So yes I’m spoilt, and on occasion expect nice gifts. But I know how much they cost and also appreciate other values in individuals beyond the size of their wallet. Miss Rio might be an extreme example, but I suspect there are many like her who prefer designer handbags to quality time and the occasional hug.