Have you ever wondered how to look trendy and smart without breaking the bank? I have an answer for you. My first advice: I am a big fan of the website style.com. This is the home site of Vogue, and a great resource to women and men worldwide. It connects the public with fashion shows, parties, and trend updates. My favorite spot? The Trends section. This is a review of ALL the fashion shows for the upcoming season, broken down into easy to understand themes, with overviews and short slide show presentations. I love it. It makes it so much easier when I am out shopping to know what to look for so I can stay current. I do have some advice about shopping trends, however. Trends come and go quickly, and unless you are certain a particular trend will have staying power, you don't want to invest in something too expensive. Follow these tips and maybe you will find looking fabulous and keeping a little more money in the bank an easier task;
Tip 1: Before going out shopping, review the Trends section on Style.com to figure out what the upcoming trneds are for the season you are shopping for. If you are a visual person, print off some pictures or styles you like or print off the reviews of the trends to bring with you to stay on track.
Tip 2: Always invest in the staples. A great pair of jeans, fabulous black, brown, and white/metallic pumps, and some good fitting T-shirts are my go-to's. Think about work staples, too. I like to have a great black suit, both pant and skirt, and at least one white button down shirt. With these staples in your closet you are set to begin adding little things in that will make a big impact.
Tip 3: Think of your dream house. What color would you paint the walls? If you could dress head to toe in one color, what would it be? If you had the power to dip your office, like those soft serve ice cream cones you dip into a hard candy coating, what color would your coating be? This color you think of is your focus color. If you have more than one, that's great, but having at least one is a great starting point. You can add these colors into your wardrobe and you will not regret having them around. They are you favorite colors!
Tip 4: Buy small add ons. Is it 50's inspired this season? Grab an inexpensive felt hat to add to your ensemble, and voila!, You are channeling 50's like the best of them! Last season it was biker chic. Yikes! Not my cup of tea. But beleive me I channeled my inner Harley Davidson and donned the trend. How? A pair of jeans, a tee, and a chunky metal chain necklace. Inexpensive, trendy, and fun with out being a train wreck, broke, and ridiculous. Find the trend, boil it down to a single accessory and shop until you find the best deal. Beleive me, it's satisfying when you accomplish it.
Tip 5: Shop Forever 21. If you have never stepped foot in the store, you are doing yourself a disservice, no matter your age. This is a great store to find trendy items for super cheap. I'm not a big fan of the clothes, they are wear-and-toss, but their accessories are great additions and won't even begin to cler out your wallet. Stock up, and don't feel bad when the multi-chain, bright colored plastic heart trend goes out the window, you can toss it and make room for the next new find.
Tip 6: Don't be afraid of second hand. I am a label lover and am not ashamed of it. If you are too, but are like me and don't have the resources to buy them, learn to love second hand. There are some great resources out there where you can find great deals. For me, it's Name Droppers and Uptown Cheapskate. I bring my old stuff in and trade it for "new" things. They may not be new with tags (although it does happen), but it's worth it for only paying $15 for a hot pink coach wallet or $20 pair of Joe's Jeans.
Tips 7: Online and brick and mortar discount shopping is wonderful. If you didn't read it already, you can learn all about my love affair with TJMaxx from yesterday's blog, but I didn't tell you my love for a few other places. Gilt.com and Ideeli.com are favorites on my browser. They are discount online shopping sites that are free to join and fun to browse. They have things on there ranging from Fendi to Steve Madden at unbeleivable prices. Armed with your knowledge of the latest trends, which can be just a tab away on style.com, you can make trendy, cheap purchases without leaving the comfort of your living room.
I hope these suggestions help in your quest for stylish stardom. Don't be afraid- shopping is meant to be fun! Always find your style and it will be. The bottom line- fashion comes and goes, style is eternal. This is a famous qoute from somewhere, but it is always something that resonates with me. Find out what you are most comfortable, invest in great quality staples, and don't be afraid to sprinkle some inexpensive, trendy items in to keep you current. Happy shopping, everyone! If you need help, let me know!
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