If you’re anything like me, you LOVE the aesthetics you see in your favorite TV shows, movies, song videos, or books — and would love for that to be your reality. But let’s be real. You may not have the money to spend like Blair Waldorf. 

Here’s the good news: You don’t necessarily need to have a lot of money to live your dream life. You can create the vibe you are looking for on a budget. 

It’s all in your mindset, so if you’re set on a happy life with what fulfills you, you are doing it right. 

If you’re a fan of Gossip Girl, you know that Blair and Serena are very fond of their luxurious ways of living. But unlike them, for most people, going out and buying $10,000 designer dresses every weekend isn’t practical — even though we want it to be. Don’t be discouraged, and remember, it’s all made for TV and entertainment value. We should implement realistic ways of living. I feel like sometimes people forget that. 

So today I am going to be sharing some budget friendly activities and product recommendations so that you can live that lifestyle, realistically!! 

My aesthetic is very Parisian, classic, NYC Gossip Girl fashion, 2000s. If that’s not your vibe, don’t worry, just adapt these ideas to suit your own style.

Activities

Let’s call it Blair Waldorf on a Budget.

1. Enjoy a Gossip Girl inspired breakfast. 

Grab some chocolate croissants, mimosas or freshly squeezed orange juice, play a french playlist and envision yourself as the IT girl of NYC!

2. Go window shopping.

Window shopping is such a fun thing to do because you get to look at all the fun clothes and envision yourself wearing them, without making a commitment. 

3. Dress the part.

I don’t always want to support the fast fashion world but Zara’s tweed sets and midi dresses are amazing dupes for luxury Chanel. If all else fails, a black midi dress, gold hoops and a red lip can make you feel like a boss. 

4. Work on your dream.

I always wanted to have some sort of place where I can talk and share my thoughts on my favorite things. That for me is this blog. By starting this blog, creating this community of readers and engaging with all of you, I have felt the happiest and most inspired. When you find your passion, strive and work for it. I am so grateful for that one afternoon when I felt the calling to start taking this blog seriously and moving forward towards my dream life. 

5.Buy Chanel makeup.

This one is super fun. The first Chanel product I got was a red liquid lipstick. I was soooo excited and grateful. I went to Shoppers Drug Mart (a Canadian drugstore that offers high end and affordable makeup) and I used my Optimum rewards points I had saved up to buy myself a Chanel lipstick! The lipstick came beautifully wrapped with the Chanel bag and I felt so Blair. Chanel makeup products aren’t that expensive so it’s so fun to see what’s available– especially if you have rewards points. You know that iconic picture of Blair and Serena holding Chanel bags in Paris? That could be you, but on a budget. 

6.Listen to French and classic 50’s music.

Everytime I hear 50’s music or French pop it makes me think of that opening scene of Season 4 when Blair is shopping and reading in Paris. My favorite French 50’s song is “Ces bottes sont faites pour marcher” (These Boots Were Made for Walking) . You might have heard it on TikTok.  

7.Go to your local shop and buy fashion magazines.

I have a full stack and LOVE reading the articles and looking at the spreads of the high end stores. 

8.Visit an art gallery. 

Art gallery admissions are normally very cheap, and smaller galleries are usually free. Go visit one in your chicest outfit and feel like the main character. 

9.Go to a department store and ask for free samples of designer makeup products.

You can go to the Chanel or Sephora counter and ask for designer perfume samples! 

Products

Books

These fashion designer coffee table books are perfect for anyone who loves fashion and art, but they aren’t too expensive — perfect for on a budget:

• The little book of Chanel, by Emma Baxter Wright
• Little book of Dior, by Karen Homer
• All the books in the Little book of _____ or the Vogee Essentials book series

Stationery, Decor, Fashion, Beauty and Organization 

• Marble gold trays: these are so cute on your vanity or on display for your skincare, jewelry or makeup!

• Fashion folders : Perfect for organization and for holding your business ideas!

• Chic black makeup bags: Not just perfect for your products but also nice room decor. Black is always chic and brings a room together. 

• Faux fur white pillow covers: I have these on my pillows and they look so nice on my bed.

• Chunky Gold Hoops: as I mentioned before, these with a red lip are SO chic and effortless. 

• Red lipstick: You can find a bold shade from Elf or Maybelline, or splurge a little and get one from Chanel, as I mentioned before. 

• Cake stand with clear glass cover: This is so perfect for your Gossip Girl brunch. Put all your pastries in this tray and snap a picture. Total Gossip Girl vibes!

• Cat eye sunglasses : Everyone needs a nice pair of sunglasses.

• Headbands: Let’s bring headbands back!

These are my favorite fun ways to implement the luxury Gossip Girl NYC aesthetic into your life without breaking the bank! It’s all in your mindset. (And remember, you don’t need materialistic things to be fulfilled in life.) 

Have some tips of your own? Comment below.

Have fun! XO

Sincerely, 

Sadie