I tend to spend leisure hours reading health magazines but periodically find myself immersed in fashion magazines. Browsing the endless pages of current trends—textures, colors, lines, etc., is mesmerizing. I’m reminded how much I (Litsa) love to shop at local retailers. However, when I look at the magazine’s price tags and reflect back to retail price tags, I’m reminded that I must parallel shopping to savings. I like a good bargain almost as much as I like a great outfit and/or accessory piece.
Recently, I came across a one page Lucky magazine snapshot in my piles of magazine pullouts: “Make Anything Look More Expensive”! The ‘Stylist Confidential’ all had worthy notes for any one of us:
“Elevate your basics like a white shirt, structured blazer and wide-leg trousers–with splurge-worthy accents. I always invest in shoes, outerwear and a great pair of sunglasses.” -Karen Kaiser
“A good tailor can be a game changer. Hemming pants or cuffs to fit you perfectly costs less than $20 and adds polish.” -Kathryn Neale
“Be careful with prints, as they can look inexpensive more easily. Instead, opt for items in bright solid colors or black, which is always a safe bet.” -Kate Young
“Go timeless, not trendy. Too much distressing and whiskering on denim, for example, can look dated. Instead, choose straight-leg cuts in a classic wash.” -Jessica De Ruiter
I must agree with all of these fashion designer’s tidbits. Investing in great shoes is a MUST for protecting your feet now & later. Sunglasses—designer glasses with UV protection—are an added expense but are part of my fashion repertoire too! Now, getting items hemmed have never been an issue for me at 5’7” but I must agree that tailored pieces are classic. I’ve always been a fan of these pieces—and one of my favorite stores is Ann Taylor that creates perfect fitted pants/blouses! Timeless—a word worth repeating in these last two pieces of fashion advice—solids and classic washes are two items you’ll always find in my closet. These make my closet versatile throughout the seasons and years too!
So whether I’m shopping at Ann Taylor or my favorite thrift stores, I try to always keep in mind fashion advice that adds expensive looks to what I love to wear. Words on my rear, big emblems on my shirts/purses, trendy patterns, etc. are not for everyone. I much prefer comfort—timeless, classic comfort wear that fits the bill each and every time.
What fashion advice parallels to your budget and closet?
Credit: Lucky Magazine February 2015
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