[Ask April Masini]

Okay — he didn’t do what you wanted, so instead of crying, [i]decide what your next move is.[/i] 😉 You have a couple of choices that I can think of — so remember that you’re not a victim. 🙂 You can continue to accompany your boyfriend of over a year and a half on these lavish trips and make the most of your wardrobe from Target because it is what you can afford and that’s who you are right now. If you enjoy these trips and enjoy being with him, maybe being underdressed isn’t so bad. 🙂 Remember why you fell in love with him, and know that relationships take work and sacrifice. This may be one of those times.

You can also try to make the best of a budget wardrobe: thrift shops, consignment stores in upscale neighborhoods and online auctions are great resources for pre-owned couture and cocktail attire. You may be able to look like a princess on a pauper’s budget! Classic black dresses with good costume jewelry are wonderful ways to stretch a dollar in your closet. Then again, borrowing from a friend or relative is a great way to suddenly gain a great dress (just dry clean it when you return it). There are also companies that will rent you an exclusively made handbag or even a dress.

If you simply decide not to accompany him because you are ashamed of the way you are dressed — you’re not going to feel better — and you run the risk of him finding someone to keep him company while he’s away or realizing you’re more interested in your wardrobe than in being with him. 😕

Your start up company in the red in this economy would be a tough strain on anyone. See if this relationship can make it through these tough times.

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