FASHION & ACCESSORIES

Shopping can be a pleasure or a chore. However, you look at it, use these five tips to save money, and look your best.

1. Dress well. In order to spend less and buy wisely, dress up in comfortable clothes. It's the same concept as going to the grocery store on a full stomach.

2. Shop with a plan. Know exactly what you need and how much you can spend. Write it down. Create a budget.

3. Keep an ongoing list of needs in your closet. As you dress each morning, note items needed to better complete outfits.

4. Before you make a purchase ask yourself, "Does this match my wardrobe in terms of color, style, and price? Is this on my needs list? How many ways can I wear this item?"

5. Shop first at high-end mass merchants, outlet malls, and off-priced stores for basics such as tees, shirts, and pants. You'll then have more money for seasonal updates like jackets or accessories.

by Barbara Myers

http://www.dotcomwomen.com

Shopping in a thrift store is like going on a treasure hunt.

Follow the rules and thrift store shopping can be very rewarding! It's a different shopping scene than what you'll find in a department store. Thrift stores operate basically like all stores, but since each piece of merchandise is unique, you must be faster, more consistent, and more decisive to make the most of your shopping time.

Thrift store shopping is like a game where you need to be light on your feet. Here are the rules:

Go often.

Merchandise changes, sometimes daily, at most thrift stores, so if you can't find what you need today, it may very well be there tomorrow! A weekly shopping trip is reasonable and will yield many finds and bargains. Train yourself to not buy unless it's really what you want or need, though, or a weekly shopping trip could turn into a weekly binge.

Shop for quality.

Vintage linens, original recordings, collector's items, depression glass, brand name quality clothing... they're all to be found in thrift stores. Know what you're looking at; pay attention to labels and know the signature details of famous designers if that's what you're shopping for.

Take your time

Don't go shopping at a thrift store when you're rushed or not in the mood to pay attention to details. You may have to go through a 20-foot rack, one item at a time before you find that perfect piece - take the challenge and take the time to dig out that treasure.

Pay attention to the size and fit in clothing

Go with a list of sizes, but be aware: Clothing can stretch or shrink and may not be the original size; also, some clothing will be without tags and will have been assigned a size by estimation. Try it on if you can. Although a practiced second-hand shopper will soon be able to "eyeball" a garment and tell if it will fit or not, regardless of size tags, unless you're sure you can do that, try on clothing before you buy.

Most thrift stores do have a return policy, but why put them and yourself to the trouble of returning items because they don't fit once you get them home? The exception is that if you're buying for someone else and they simply cannot get to the store to try them on.

Merchandise is sold "as is"

While most thrift stores sort and discard worn or damaged clothing, it's still up to you to be sure it's in acceptable condition. Check zippers, seams, and buttonholes for damage. If you really like an item but it's damaged, decide if you can repair it. Don't take it to the clerk and expect more of a discount - clerks in thrift stores don't usually have the authority to change prices. Take it or leave it, the choice is yours.

Ask to try out appliances, games, etc., before buying them. Take into consideration the age of an appliance and pay attention to how well it functions and how important that particular function is to you.

For instance, a hot plate that works great but takes 15 minutes to heat may not be worth your while because of the extra electricity it will use in heating up. However, if it heats quickly, but the temperature control doesn't work (it simply gets HOT and that's it), it's your choice as to whether it would be appropriate for your purposes. If all you're going to do is boil water and heat soup, sensitive temperature control isn't necessary.

Shopping for gifts

Shopping for gifts in a thrift store is fun! Finding the perfect gift is actually easier than when you shop at a department store with their narrowly defined fashions and fads. The variety in a thrift store makes it possible to find the perfect gift for almost everyone.

Things like ceramics, dishes, jewelry, and collectibles don't look worn (unless they're damaged) and can be a lot more appropriate than you can find otherwise. You'll sometimes run across clothing with new tags still attached. You can find clothing that is of better quality than what is commonly available. You will find vintage linens, depression glass, classic art, original recordings, and so on for much less than an antique store or collector's sale.

Bottom line:

Go often, take your time, enjoy the hunt, and enjoy the thrill of finding exactly what you really want at a price that makes sense. 

Source From: Pat Veretto, Your Guide to Frugal Living.

http://frugalliving.about.com

Some tips from my experience on when to shop for clothes to help make your shopping trip relaxed and more enjoyable.

BEST TIME TO SHOP

Being a seasoned shopper (like many women!), I have found the best time to shop is first thing in the morning when there is more parking available, the shops are less crowded and shop assistants are generally friendlier, more helpful and in better moods.

HAVE A SPECIFIC GOAL

Rather than trying to cram in a whole range of items that can turn a shopping spree into a shopping circus, focus on one or two things only. That way you can remain focussed on the task at hand, find exactly what you are after, and return home feeling positive and happy with your successful purchases.

Be aware that although shopping can be great fun, a whole day of shopping can be quite exhausting. This state of mind is definitely not conducive to clear, rational thought and you will buy things you will later regret if you attempt to shop in this way. Believe me, it is very easy and tempting to continue a shopping trip despite your body (and feet) protesting!

BUDGET

Not a good idea to shop when you are short of money - this will only encourage poor decision-making and create additional stress which is easily avoided. Best to save up for purchases in advance and then go out shopping knowing you can afford to do so without a guilty conscience. Maxing out your credit card soon destroys the shopping high, and everything else if you are not careful.

TIME TO AVOID THE SHOPS

The chaos of the lunch break - avoid it like the plague. Not only will you be fighting for a place amongst every other person who has whipped out during their lunch break, but you also have to contend with stressed out, grumpy, famished, overworked shop assistants who have been on their feet all morning without a break.

Source from: http://www.truecrossing.com

Ok, so the challenge is to pick a store and buy a single outfit. Sounds easy right?? Of course, it does! But after factoring the numerous shops, ever-so-changing fashion trends, long lines, and finding something that fits your personal style (and budget), all of a sudden turns into mission impossible.

Now, before freaking out, let’s try to simplify this process. First off let’s choose a place to shop. Every girl has a few shops that they frequently go to, starting with the least expensive as the easiest. These shops are usually the best in which to find your key pieces.

Key pieces are important because they not only build the outfit but also can be used to create many different looks. For example, denim jeans are a staple in most wardrobes. Jeans can be casual with a sweater or blouse, and casual or flat shoes. Jeans can also be dressed up quite nicely with a decorative blouse and/or jacket with heels. Other recognizable key pieces are tank tops, turtlenecks, khakis/slacks, basic skirts, and the “little black dress.?/font>

Now that we have our key pieces out of the way, shoes and accessories are next on the list. It is a good idea to save the high-end boutiques for these items. You are more likely to find better quality items at those shops. The important factor to keep in mind is to buy accessories as you do not want these things to fall apart. Although, when purchasing trendy items you might not want to spend too much on trends come and go very quickly. You wouldn’t want to waste hundreds of dollars on an item that will retire to the back of your closet in a few weeks!

Let’s start with the shoes! If you have a particular designer in mind, boutiques are the places to look. Large department stores prove to be more helpful if you have a broad idea of what it is you are looking for.

Now that we have shoes done, let’s complete this outfit with accessories! And what is one of the most common accessories that every girl must have? A handbag! Bags are the best ways to express style and creativity with your clothing. Many styles tend to reappear over and over time, so the latter is an inexpensive way to find a fabulous bag. Great places to look are thrift stores and vintage consignment shops for other accessories such as jewelry, hats, scarves, and gloves.

Now the only thing left to do now is to grab your credit card (or your parents? and start shopping! Hopefully, this information will help make your shopping trips a little less stressful, and make it a little easier to build outfits that can be mixed and matched for different looks.

Like people, purses come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. But a purse isn’t a simple accessory: it has to be both functional and flattering. A purse can emphasize a dainty waist…or exaggerate wide hips. How do you choose the right one? Read on for some great questions to ask yourself before buying a purse.

• What is this purse for? Is it going to be your daily purse or a tiny evening accessory? A daily purse should be sturdy, easy to find things in, and easy to open and close, but an evening clutch is more about looks than practicality.

• What do you plan to carry in it? A wallet and keys, or everything but the kitchen sink? That will determine whether you want a small, medium, or large purse. (If you’re an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink type, your back may thank you for downgrading!)

• What’s in your wardrobe? Regardless of fashion trends or body shapes, your purse should always be in keeping with your style, whether elegant, bohemian, or funky. You’ll probably want a purse that complements the clothing and shoes you already own. Neutrals like cream, black, and brown make for very versatile purses that can still have plenty of personalities.

• What is your body shape? A good rule of thumb is to go for a contrasting shape in a purse: a soft, curvy bag for a thin, angular shape, a structured purse for a rounder one. Remember, however, that purse size should be in keeping with your size. Larger purses flatter larger women but overwhelm smaller ones.

• What do you want to emphasize? A purse will emphasize wherever it falls. If you’re pear-shaped, you’ll want to avoid a purse that falls right at hip height. Wide-shouldered women, in contrast, may want that extra emphasis to balance their figures. A mid-torso length is flattering on most women. If in doubt, always check the mirror and consult a friend.

Layout your clothes before putting them on and check the proportions. Juggle jackets, scarves & belts to re-arrange the clothes to get the look you want.

• Thinner fabrics are more slimming.

• Tops and bottoms of one color will make you look thinner.

• Wear clothes that fit.

• Wearing too large clothes will exaggerate your figure not hide it.

• Avoid belts unless you have a slim waist.

• Use accessories carefully.

You can make your wardrobe impressive with mix and match jewelry.

Shoes depend less on your body shape than your height. Do not buy clothes on impulse. Plan before you buy a blouse or pants. Be somewhat scientific about shopping, consider your body type, and colors.

Ask yourself some questions;

• Do you have anything you can mix and match with it? Does it match your lifestyle?

• Will it be comfortable, nonchalant, and easy to wear?

• Is it machine wash or dry clean only?

• Will, it fit your budget? Is it appropriate?

• Is it a fad, can it be worn more than one season?

• Is it of good quality? Quality counts, it is better to have four or five mixes and match outfits of quality, than 8 or 10 'steals.'

Think in terms of outfits when you shop, and be practical. When you buy a new dress, be sure you have shoes and other accessories to go with it. Maybe a jacket or scarf to wear over it to give it a different look.

Clothes Styles and Body Shapes

• High collars shorten necks.

• Tight tops with short sleeves and a breast pocket are detracting from your figure. Shoes with straps shorten your legs. The torso can be shortened or narrowed with seam lines, belts, bows, and collars.

• A short necklace can shorten your neck.

• A scarf or belt that hangs down toward the legs will make the legs appear longer. Knitted texture, lace, floras, prints, and plaids can assist in creating an illusion. Thicker vertical lines in plaids lengthen and slims.

• Wear a larger print where you want people to look and a smaller print where you do not want them to look. An all-over print can camouflage figure problems, but prints here and there can create a fuller you.

• Prints around the neck and over the shoulder can make your shoulders appear wider. Just wear prints near the parts of your figure's assets, because they are usually more eye-catching than a solid color.

• When buying pants be sure they fit well. Defects are emphasized in a pair of pants that may go unnoticed in a skirt.

Petite women.

Petite women need to keep clothes in line, slim narrow belts. A slight contrast in colors and fitted lines will flatter you endlessly. Also, stay with fabrics that are soft and flowing that fit well. Overpowering prints should be avoided.

Tall women.
Tall women can indulge in wide belts, avoid tight clothes and skirts that are too short or too long. Beauty expert Stephanie Faber recommends tall women play down their waist by wearing their blouses over the pants and skirts and avoid tight belts.

Hip heavy triangle woman.
A hip heavy triangle and round full-figured women can use clothes with vertical lines to make an up and down illusion. V-necks and skirts with slits up the sides are also good. Clothes with small padded shoulders should be chosen. Too big of pads will make you look like a football player. Wear long tops that go past your hips. Choose jackets, tailored suits, and shirtwaist dresses with straight, classic cuts. Lighter colors on top can be worn, this brings eyes up. Wear dark stockings and avoid patterns. Select vertical, fluid patterns, and avoid bulky fabrics. Adopt the just below the knee look in dresses and skirts. Choose accessories close to the same color clothes you are wearing including shoes. This gives your body an unbroken slimmer look. Avoid very wide pinafore skirts. Stay with straight or Aline skirts.

Top-heavy woman.
The top-heavy body types need to choose long jackets without shoulder pads. Do not wear blouses with fancy details and ruffles. Do not wear clingy fabrics on top, choose darker colors on top. Do not wear tops that are too light. Tops with dolman or raglan sleeves and ones that fit loose and slims down to hug the hips and waist are good. Wear pants or skirts that are pleated to bring the eye down. Choose thin materials like cotton, or cotton jersey. One color dressing will also be thinning. Flat shoes are best unless you are short, then wear heels. If your legs are in good shape shorter hem lengths will draw attention away from your top.

Rectangular type of woman.
The rectangular type can accentuate curves by wearing jackets or tops that hug the waist, feminine thick sweaters over skirts or pants. Use patterns in your tops or bottoms to add dimension. Round out the neckline with necklaces, scarves, and other accessories, and use shoulder pads.

Source from: http://www.be.young.dsl.pipex.com/fashion/

Don't cover up your figure with tent dresses! Just follow a few rules of proportion and accent your best features.

Here's How:

1. Choose darker colors as the basis of your wardrobe: navy, black, charcoal gray.

2. Use undergarment foundations: from all-in-one shapers to control top pantyhose.

3. Focus on playing up your best features, for example showing off shapely legs with a knee-length skirt.

4. Choose fabrics that don't cling, avoiding stiff or bulky textures.

5. Use accessories to draw attention to your face: scarves, earrings, etc.

6. Avoid anything too tight or clingy.

7. Make sure you scale your accessories -- from your handbag to your earrings -- to your size.

8. Add small shoulder pads to sweaters and other knit tops to make them hang better.

9. Choose clean-lined clothing without big embellishment or buttons.

Tips:

Prints should be scaled for your body -- no ditzy prints if you are large. In general, it's the space between prints that makes them unflattering, so look for prints that have overlapping images.
Don't shy away from sleeveless garments, especially eveningwear that you can cover up with a shawl, sheer top, or bolero jacket.
Don't think that baggy clothes make you look slimmer. Body-conscious clothes that hint at your curves, without being clingy or tight, are the most flattering.

Source from: http://fashion.about.com

Almost all fashion experts agree, when we walk in a room, we’re judged within the first few seconds -- not by our shining personalities or bright minds --but by what we’re wearing.

“It’s our appearance and mannerisms that people look at, even before we open our mouths, says Charlene Parsons, academic chair of the Fashion Department at the Miami International University of Art & Design, one of The Art Institutes. Though your style of clothes may vary depending on your profession, presenting yourself in the best way possible is important, even if your company is strictly “casual Fridays? all week long, she says.

According to Parsons “whether you wear jeans or a suit to work, the best fashion rule of thumb is to buy the best you can afford.? Well-made clothes fit better, look better, and last for years. Take a cue from Europeans. Parsons says they buy fewer pieces, but buy better and become expert at mixing and matching.

Finding variety, a great fit and an acceptable price is not as difficult as it used to be. “It’s no longer necessary to trot off to the mall to find a great look. Many conventional brick and mortar retailers have gone ‘click and mortar.? With the advent of mass-customization in sizing, everyone can find a style that fits his or her figure, wallet, and career,?says Kathleen Colussy, fashion design faculty member at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.

Once you’ve found clothes you like that fit well, consider how you approach to fashion. Is it sporty, classic, feminine or artistic, or a combination? Alease M. McClenningham, academic director of Fashion Marketing at The Art Institute of Charlotte says that the common denominator among these styles is a few wardrobe basics that can be worked into any of these looks such as a great jacket (loose-fitting or slim) white shirt, flat front pants, flattering sweaters, and good-fitting T-shirts in several different colors.

“No matter what style you are -- and many of us are more than one -- these basics can work with lots of different looks and body types, and the sources for finding them are endless,?says McClenningham. She recommends stores such as Ann Taylor or J.Jill for both tailored and casual looks, as well as Eddie Bauer for good quality outdoorsy looks.

Whether you’re at the mall or perusing Web sites or catalogs, Colussy recommends being on the lookout for a great pantsuit. “Pantsuits have become a lifesaver for those in corporate and non-corporate work environments, she says. “When buying a suit, always go for wool -- always! There is a reason why most men’s suits are made from wool, it outperforms any other fiber. For those in warmer climates, try tropical weight wool. It’s a natural fiber that breathes and easily adapts to air conditioning or the heat of city streets,?she says.

But how to express who you are by adding those individual touches that help personalize your wardrobe, no matter what your style? Gwendolyn Lewis Huddleston of The Art Institute of California -- San Francisco says it’s not hard to do. “Find the element that works with your 9 to 5 needs and still allows you to create a look that is about you,?says Huddleston.

For example, a signature look for some women is their sweaters, for another, it may be a grandmother’s charm bracelet or a set of vintage bangle bracelets. For another, it’s all about color, or fun eyeglasses, or unique scarves or handbags. “Pick one feature and go for it,?says Huddleston. “You will have continued pleasure in collecting for yourself and others will enjoy seeing what you wear next,?she adds.

For more information visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz

1. Try on all of your favorite clothes. Take notes on how they fit and flatter you. Then shop for similar colors, fabrics, shapes, and lengths.

2. A great fit can make an outfit, just as a poor fit can break it!

3. A well-cut suit is one of the most flattering outfits you can own. Remember: dark tones create a long line.

4. Choose a fingertip length jacket or one that falls mid-hip. Pants should be straight leg or boot cut and the hem should be worn slightly long.

5. Select flat knit, fine rib, and jersey tops; Choose pants with flapless pockets, flat fronts with just enough stretch for added comfort.

6. Know thyself - Know your proportions!
   - Skinny bottom half? Wear a full top over narrow pants
   - Short waisted? Wear a long top and short skirt
   - Petite torso? Wear a fitted top with full pants
   - Long waisted? Pair a short top with long bottoms

7. Show off the trimmest parts of your body by combining a tight-fitting piece with a loose-fitting one.

8. Any color worn head to toe in a clean, unbroken line will produce a dynamically slimming effect.

9. Don't worry if separates don't match exactly. Tonal variations are a creative alternative.

10. Taller bodies can take larger prints and more contrast.

11. The darker the print's background, the slimmer the look.

12. Blouses: a collared shirt always gives a torso a few good inches and frames the face handsomely.

13. A slim v-neck makes the neck appear longer and is usually very flattering.

14. Boatnecks are great for minimizing waists and hips while maximizing sexy shoulders.

15. If your legs are fuller inside, try a side slit. If your legs are fuller outside, a mid-front or back slit is a better choice.

16. There is never an excuse for panty lines! A thong is a girl's best friend - they even come with tummy control.

17. Bright colors bring attention to an area - make sure you wear them wisely and only on your most flattering body parts.

18. Dark hosiery is in this fall. While brightly colored turquoise and scarlet hose may look great in the store window, muted hues like teal and wine are much more flattering. Match the shoe and the hose color to tighten the look even more.

19. A shoulder bag tucked quietly under the arm is most flattering.

20. Stilettos are back and in spite of the discomfort at times - they make your legs look like a million dollars!

Source from: http://www.fashion-411.com

So you’re ready for a night out on the town. You have your hair ready and your make up applied, all nice and neat. Only one thing can ruin it all for you and that is…YOUR CLOTHES! We all have are own fashion flaws. Some not too noticeable, some too obvious that it should be against the law!

Have no fear; here are some tips that’ll keep you flawless?
Dress or skirt is too short

Keep in mind that being comfortable is one of the most important factors when trying to find clothing that is most right for you. When wearing a skirt or a dress, make sure that you don’t have to worry about exposing certain areas while sitting down.

Your underwear is showing!

Please! Try to avoid this fashion flaw! Bra straps should be properly adjusted and tucked away. If you are wearing low-rise pants, you should be wearing low-rise panties as well.

Your underwear is showing…Again!

Only this time, they’re underneath your clothing. This fashion flaw is a common mistake we make on a daily basis. It’s the mistake where your bra/panty line is too evident. Wear the proper fitting undergarments; if you are, and still have lines, then you are wearing clothes that are too tight.

Too many prints

Mixing and matching prints can lead to a very busy look. If you are one of those people who look well in just about anything, wear patterns on the top or the bottom, not both.

Using the wrong accessories

Remember whenever you adding accessories to your wardrobe, add accessories that match your style. When wearing a necklace, try to wear the appropriate length. Short chains and chokers tend to make the neck seem larger.

If you wear an outfit or a shirt that feels great and 3-5 people say to you, "You look great in that outfit," or "Wow, that color looks great on you! BUY MORE OF THAT COLOR OR THAT SHAPE OUTFIT!"

It truly is as simple as that. Just absorb the good compliments and you can start to create YOUR own uniform that will work for you. You will start to know the shapes that work on your body or the color that brightens up your eyes and face. You can take that color and those shapes and they can be applied throughout your entire wardrobe - from T-shirts, bathing suits, etc. to formal and casual wear.

Many do not know this, but the shoe has magical powers. Did you know that the right shoe can elongate the leg? To fake a longer leg, continue the line down from the leg to the foot with a slightly narrow toe. It doesn't have to be a point, but a slimmer shoe creates the illusion of a longer leg. A thick toe on a shoe, says thick ankle, and a heavy thick heel moans FRANKENSTEIN foot.

Avoid the Frankenfoot at all costs, because a thick heel adds too much weight at the bottom. Although unintentional, a heavy thick shoe says a lot of the wrong things regarding shape.