Top Ten Tips - Look Luxe For Less
By Guest Tipster | Jun 28, 2008
Categories: Beauty, Budget, Cheap, Clothes, Clothing, Coupons, Creativity, Fashion, Feet, Money, Savings, Shopping, Stores, Tips, Websites, Women
Today’s Guest Tipster is Alicia Edwards of Fashiona. She is a born designer; growing up, she sewed clothes for her dolls and became an image consultant for her friends and family. She went to Florida A&M University for undergrad and graduate school, and then went to Parsons School of Design for fashion. She has designed for several well-known companies.
We all want to look like a million bucks without really spending it, even celebrities are often gifted their amazing threads. So embrace the motto: save where you can, splurge where you must.
- Denim Should Be A Splurge - With sites like Bluefly, you can pick up several designer jeans for less than retail and get amazing quality.
- Spend On Functional Shoes, Buy Fashion On Sale - Functional shoes, like shoes you actually wear working out - spend on those. But for fashion hounds - shop the sales. Unless you really love, love those gladiator sandals that are so in right now, those can be a budget item. Try Strawberry or Victoria’s Secret - surprising shoe finds.
- Watch For Predictable Annual Sales - Every year, major department stores have annual sales that are predictable - White Sales, Bras Sales, Watch Sales, etc. Sign up for the stores’ loyalty programs and they will send you previews and dates.
- Embrace Costume Jewelry - This is an easy way to extend your accessory wardrobe. Mix in your fine pieces, wedding ring or Tiffany bracelet with that great chunky bead number you found at the street fair.
- Find A Good Tailor - Find a good tailor. Check out your dry cleaners, for one. Bring them a trial piece before you drop off the whole lot. If you happen to live near fashion colleges, post an ad for help. They can provide good work and they surely need the practice and the cash.
- Splurge On One Or Two Handbags - Handbags - my tip are splurge on one or two. Use these for that big interview or hot date or your promotion. If you are chasing a trend, go to the discounters. Most likely, by the time the bag gives out, the trend will be over.
- Be One With Your Shoe Repair Guy Or Gal - Nothing can cheapen even the most posh outfit than shoes that are in ill repair. Have them cleaned, polished and weatherproofed regularly. Check the soles, lifts and taps. Ladies, save the platforms for cobblestone streets - they are murder on stilettos.
- Know What Looks Good On You - Skinny jeans are not for everyone - actually to be honest, they really aren’t for most people. If bootcuts or wideleg are more flattering, then by all means, buy them. If A-line skirts flatter your curves more, then get them in bulk.
- Spend Cash On Designer Eyewear - Glasses can be a fashion statement that you wear all the time. Spend the cash on designer frames and take care of them. You can keep the same frames for years and get your money’s worth.
- Spend On Your Clothing Staples - Little black dresses, slacks, sweater sets and blouses. Fillers - like cute baby tees and club gear - get thee to Forever 21 and check the threads before leaving the store.
Other Tips To Check Out:
You couldn’t be more on point with your comments about tailors and shoemakers. I’ve had old cashmere pullovers turned into v-necked cardigans, pants turned into shorts or capris, sleeves shortened. I have a pair of boots that still looks almost brand new because I have them repaired when they need it.
They really are lifesavers. Spread the word.