Staying Stylish on a Budget!
We all want to look like we just stepped off of the runway whether we’re getting ready for work or
getting ready for play, but how feasible is it really? If your discretionary income is less than the
Barney’s price tag (whose isn’t these days!) it does prove to be a difficult
task, but fear not! There are ways to
establish a wardrobe that looks like a million dollars, even when it isn’t.
Shopping Aid 101
My favorite tip to help keep costs down when shopping draws
laughs from my friends, but since I’ve adapted this habit, I rarely find myself
over-spending or bringing home those impulse buys I either never wear or end up
returning. I stopped being an “item”
girl -the type of woman who sees something, likes it, and then buys that exact
thing. Instead, I’ve become a style
girl!
As I am reading magazines, I rip out the pages of the things
I like, either from advertisements or the fashion/accessories segments they’ve
put together and quickly note why I like it - is it the cut, the color, the
pattern, a particular embellishment or ruffle, etc.?
Once I realize what it is that has actually drawn me to
something in particular, I know exactly what it is I’m searching for while
shopping – I’m not shopping for an item, instead, I’m shopping for a
style. An aimless shopping trip becomes
a controlled event and I walk out with exactly what I need (or want).
Ripping out the pages
helps provide a visual. I tried mental
notes – it was kind of the same result as trying to master chemistry in
college, not-happening! Stick the pages
in a skinny little folder you can store anywhere and anytime you get the urge
for some retail therapy, pull it out for a look through.
James Aguiar, best known as the face of the Emmy-nominated
television series “Full Frontal Fashion” as well as a host on “Where D’Ya Get
That?” and “Style Court” agrees that shopping requires an attack plan! He also suggests bringing a friend or
relative “to keep you in check!”
Perhaps one of his best pieces of shopping advice however is
the constant “building of your wardrobe from season to season – transition a
summer dress by throwing a leather jacket, tights and boots with it. Instant Kate Moss style!”
The Simplicity of Not Shopping
When was the last time you cleaned and organized your closet? While we seldom attack it with the same excitement
reserved for a first date, family vacation, or tax refund, believe it or not,
keeping that space neat and tidy is essential for great style. As Aguiar states, “An organized closet saves
you time getting ready every day and saves you money by not overbuying!”
Also make sure to remember to mix-and-match your pieces. Try pairing a knit top you typically reserve
for jeans with shorts and tights or a high waist skirt. Extending your wardrobe provides automatic
new and different looks that many times are just as exciting as new or
different clothes.
A Final Word on Trends…
Aguiar says it best, “Experiment with trends, but don’t be
ruled by them!” After all, many of this
season’s must-haves will be next season’s toss-outs!
