Tough economic times do not mean that you must sacrifice fashion and style, although it may mean that you have to adjust your buying habits in order to “streamline” your budget. I’m a firm believer that its much more important how you PRESENT it, than how much you PAID for it!

Have you ever seen someone wearing something that you KNOW costs big bucks, but on them it looked like just another sale/clearance item from the discount store you happened through last week? I have and, trust me, it’s very disheartening to see. Especially when you know its something that, if you could have afforded it, you would have made sure you had all of the right accessories (and maybe even a trip to the hair salon on an off week) to ensure that you presented the piece as it deserved to be seen.

In these tough times we can not always afford to shop like we have when times were good.  As I mentioned in my last blog post (Clothing: When is enough, enough?), we must learn to “shop” our closets, and look at the things that we already have with a new appreciation. While this is true, it will likely also be true that we will have “staple” items that  need replaced. When this is the case it may call for us to consider new places to shop that won’t bust the budget, but will still allow us to look and feel our best.

Here are some tips for purchasing/replacing staple wardrobe items on a budget:

  • Try places like Target, Kohl’s, New York & Co. when purchasing staple items such as solid-colored turtlenecks, cardigans and twin sets. You can also replenish your tights and trouser socks at these stores as well;
  • Go back to some of the stores that you may have given up on in the past such as The Limited, Express, or Ann Taylor Loft to purchase your “go to” dress slacks, sweaters, blouses and blazers;
  • Want to pick up a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes on a budget? Mr. Choo has now introduced a line at H&M Cloting store, with prices starting at $129 per pair (note to self: we have a H&M store in Tuttle Mall!) www.hm.com;
  • Make it a point to check the clearance racks! My motto: Buy it on sale, but wear it like you paid full price…

Remember that you can pair the cheap with the chic and still look good. Don’t be afraid to mix & match your high-end pencil skirt with the twin set that you purchased from Wal-Mart (yes, I said Wal-Mart!). It is also worth noting that accessories can make all the difference in the look.  Add a belt, or bold necklace, or large bangles to give an outfit more pizzaz; accessories are the most inexpensive way to add drama to an otherwise ordinary ensemble.

Remember, looking good does not have to break the bank. You don’t have to spend a “million dollars” to look like one!

Happy Shopping!

Toni Cunningham, Owner & President

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