Crochet and Macrome

These two fabric finishes are a great match to beachwear. 

Trend 2011: TASSELS

In Spring 2011 one of the most popular trimmings/details is tassels. Tassels are seen adorning everything from handbags to shoes to dresses to hats. They symbolize luxury, off shooting from the historical and military influences we’ve seen in past seasons. 

TREND 2011: STRIPES

Stripes are a dominant part of any Spring/Summer season, however, year after year, there is always a different play on classic (usually nautical inspired) stripes. The key to this trend this year is that stripes be bold and dominate the outfit by drawing attention to the stripes beyond all else in the look. 

TREND 2011: LACE

Although lace is not a new trend, like all trends that carry over to multiple seasons, it has evolved. It is more about how to wear the trend now in 2011, and how to set yourself apart from the masses. For Spring/Summer 11, lace is trending to the more classic side with antique-style fabrics and looks, with less of the allover stretch lace and more toward a unique look. What sets lace apart in this year from previous seasons is that lace is no longer just an added detail to a garment, it has become the garment, so we are seeing more and more lace skirts and dresses, which can be carried into autumn/fall 2011. 

Hair Obesessed: 2011 trends

OBSESSED: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Smart Shopping and How to Make the Most of a Limited Wardrobe

Dressing fashionably does not necessarily mean spending a fortune. By learning a few fashion tips, you’ll be able to come up with a terrific wardrobe and still save money while doing it. By taking advantage of what you already have in your closet, knowing when clothing fits properly and when it doesn’t, and determining what pieces you need to enhance your current wardrobe, you can come up with incredible outfits without spending a lot of money.

 CLOSET MAINTENANCE

Knowing what you have in your closet is extremely helpful when building a wardrobe. A nice thorough cleaning of your closet may produce items you didn’t know you already had.  Here are a few steps for you to consider when checking out your closet inventory:

1- TRY EVERYTHING ON

Take everything out closet and try it on. Look at it in the mirror and give yourself an honest, unbiased opinion. Carefully analyze every piece, and if it doesn’t fit or you think it doesn’t look good, get rid of it.

 2- IF YOU HAVEN’T WORN IT FOR A YEAR, GET RID OF IT!

If you come across a piece in your wardrobe that you haven’t worn in over a year, ask yourself “Do I see myself wearing this within the next few months?”….be honest….and if the answer is no, then donate it or give it to a friend that might get more use out of it.

 3- MAKE A DETAILED LIST OF “REPLACEMENTS”

After you have completed going through everything, it is time to make a list of items you need. When making this list, the first pieces you need to think about are your basics/classic items: white blouse, black pants, black skirt, perfect fitting jeans, so on and so forth. You can find a detailed list of what classic items every woman should have in her wardrobe online. And if you already have a sustainable collection of basics and classic pieces, sometimes all you need are a few fashionable accessories like jewelry, scarves, handbags, and shoes to enhance a classic look, which you can find at all of the local discount retailers like TJMax and Marshalls.

 SMART SHOPPING

Here are some helpful tips when shopping on a budget and going out to find those key items you need in your wardrobe:

 1- SALES PEOPLE

Become friendly with sales associates at stores you like to shop, or would potentially like to shop. They can be a wonderful source of information. They can help you with figuring out what styles fit your shape and which ones you need to stay away from. They can also tell when sales will be held and when final markdowns will be taken on merchandise. You may even be able to get someone to hold a special item for you until the sale happens.

 2- ONLNE

If you have the time and the resources, take advantage of online shopping. Consider online auction sites for all your clothing needs. Hundreds of bargains are available everyday and look for sellers with a solid record of positive feedback. Online is also a great source in comparison shopping for online bargains, finding out major sales that are happening, and you can even get online and in-store coupons for certain stores.

3- CONSIGNMENT SHOPS and DISCOUNT RETAILERS

Take advantage of the incredible finds at consignment shops. There has been such an increase in the amount and success of consignments shops in the past few years and these stores are full of nearly new items that women have turned over to the store to sell, giving the sellers a percentage of the profit. These stores are particularly good source for dressy clothes or investing in accessories to complete a look. And you might also want to consider bringing in some of your own clothing or accessories to be put up for consignment, in this case you might be given a discount or trade in for an item you would like to purchase.

4- BUY AT THE END OF THE SEASON

Look for sales, especially at larger retailers, where the season’s merchandise is hugely discounted. In addition to the huge percentage discount they usually offer, stores may also run coupons for additional savings so you can walk away with huge savings.

As we all know, there are a lot of other things to spend your money on other than clothes. By taking advantage of what you already have in your closet, learning what fits and what doesn’t fit for your body type and your personal style, and knowing what you need to update your current wardrobe, where to find these items and by utilizing the steps I have previously gone over, you too can be a smart shopper and make the most out of a limited wardrobe.