We all have that friend who shows up at a party looking like a million bucks. When we pull her aside to ask where she got her outfit, it turns out it came from everywhere?a shirt from Target,? a designer skirt and shoes she got on sale at the mall, a bangle bracelet she picked up on vacation, all pulled together with an amazing belt she scored for a dollar at Goodwill. How does she do it? If I tried to pull all those elements together it would look like Goodwill threw up on me.
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Fortunately, that fabulous friend came to The Motherhood yesterday to share her secrets, in the person of our talk host Melissa of?All Things Chic and her guests Michelle of Everything?s Abuzz, Jodi of Blush Mamas, Kerri of Raising Three Savvy Ladies, Jyoti of Style Delights, April of Chictopia, and Alissa of Fun Finds for Families.
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Fashion Find #1: Don?t Ignore the Fundamentals.
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April stated, ?I think the most important thing that women can do for themselves before shopping is to be very familiar with their body type?knowing what styles best flatter their features.? Just because something is in fashion doesn?t mean it will look good on you?Michelle says she tried the maxi dress look, but it just doesn?t work on her petite frame. And as Melissa noted, ?If it doesn?t fit, you won?t wear it.?
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Just as important as your body type is your undergarments. Deborah said, ?I think that expensive and low-cost clothing can both look awful if your underthings aren?t appropriate. Get a professional fitting. ? Our panelists agreed wholeheartedly. After all, no painter tries to create a work of art without preparing the canvas first, right?
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Fashion Find #2: Know When to Save, Know When to Splurge
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Obviously, it?s easy to look great if you have unlimited funds. For the rest of us, we have to pick and choose our fashion investments. The consensus: spend more on classic items you?ll wear all the time like denim, coats, handbags and shoes, save on trendy items that will last only a season and on accessories you pick up to accent those classics. Jyoti says, ?Clothing for the most part is my save item as the trends change season wise. A good carry all bag, riding boots and skincare/makeup is my splurge as these are timeless items and you use them most of the time.?
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Fashion Find #3: Find Your Source for Deals
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Everyone has a favorite place to look for their fashion bargains. Jodi notes, ?Target and Kohl?s are a GREAT place to find trendy things to update your wardrobe staples! I also love shopping for jewelry at Old Navy and Forever 21!? Alissa, Melissa and Michelle also like TJ Maxx and Marshalls.
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April says she?s found great stuff at thrift stores. Kerri says, ?If I am lucky to get free time without children, I love to go to the mall and hit the sale racks. Right now, summer items are heavily discounted. I also find that sometimes the higher end stores have better items that are so deeply discounted that you make out better.?Jyoti also takes advantage of off-season sales and makes use of coupons and online codes. Many of the panelists have scored great deal at consignment stores, too, particularly ones that specialize in high-end merchandise.
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Fashion Find #4: Use the power of the Internet (judiciously).
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The Internet can be a great way to find deals on wardrobe staples and unique pieces alike.? Jyoti finds that that e-stores and small boutiques sometimes have great trendy pieces for affordable prices and that many offer free shipping. Kerri pointed out that some of the sites charge outrageously high shipping, though, and April likes to actually be able to see and handle items before she buys them.? Nearly everyone was enthusiastic about Etsy, though, as a way to find statement jewelry pieces and other trendy items, support small businesses, and get great prices. And eBay can be a great way, as Jodi notes, to find that ?have to have? item you missed out on at the store. Often it will be discounted on eBay, even if it?s still new with tags. However, Melissa points out that you should be very sure of your size since returns may not be possible on an eBay purchase.
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Fashion Find #5: Shop creatively.
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Many stores offer deals in which you spend a certain amount and then receive a certain discount. You don?t have to load up your shopping bag with things you don?t need (and won?t wear) just to reach the target number. Deborah says she and a good friend pool their purchases to receive the discount. Bonus: shopping is more fun and you have a fashion consultant with you who will be more honest than any salesperson. And sometimes shopping doesn?t even mean spending: Michelle says a friend of hers hosts a ?fashion swap? in which everybody brings five items to swap with others? stuff. If you and your friends are different sizes, you could still do this with handbags, belts, jewelry and other accessories.
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And the best accessory of all? The cash you?ll have left over after shopping with the experts? tips?use it to enjoy a night out on the town in your fabulous new outfit.
July 17, 2012 at 2:47 pm
Source: http://www.themotherhood.com/blog/how-to-be-fashionable-on-a-budget/
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