All women want to stand out and look their most alluring when they head out for a night on the town. No matter if it’s girls night out or an evening of dancing with the beau you want to allow your femme fatale alter ego to strut her stuff, if only for one night. All of that is fine, good and appropriate but is it really worth it if it comes at this cost!? This is what you should not do!
Negril, Hanover, Jamaica , W.I.
You can create a luxurious look without cashing in your 401K! Making a strong style statement has less to do with price tags and more to do with creativity and taste. That said one of the best places to find unique clothing can be your local thrift store. So before you head out to scour for your prize winning find, note these seven tips to successful vintage shopping.
#1 SHOP IN GENERAL TERMS.
I find it best to go to the thrift store looking for a general article of clothing as opposed to a specific item. Your heart will be broken and your temper boiling if you go in looking for an orange sheer button down top with cream polka dots and one breast pocket.
#2 THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM!
You should arrive just before the doors open. Think Black Friday! The longer you wait to arrive the more opportunities you give other savvy shoppers to snatch your trophy piece. Additionally, the clothing is freshly organized and the store is in its best shape which can be a time saver.
#3 LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT ALONE…
No, seriously. I say this enough to make it my personal style mantra. If you don’t love an item, don’t buy it. There is a strong possibility you will be distracted by the insanely low prices but stick to your guns! You don’t need anything less than show stopping in your closet.
#4 CREATURE COMFORTS
Athletic wear is en vogue so step into your kicks and shop in comfort. You need to be in the proper attire to stand, walk and bend without restraint. Make sure you eat your Wheaties; it is after all the breakfast of champions.
#5 KNOW WHEN TO SHOP
Some thrift stores offer even more discounts on their merchandise certain days of the week. Don’t be shy, call ahead and inquire about special discount days! Get more bang for the buck.
#6 SEARCH HIGH AND LOW!
A lot of times shoes hide atop racks and purses are tucked away in alcoves. All it might require to score a new broach is a bit of elbow grease. Call it your barre class for the day, plié for those purses!
#7 TRY IT ON!
Take a few extra minutes to find the fitting room and make sure your finds have fantastic fit. If the piece is not perfect but can be made right with a bit of tailoring then go for it! If you are one of those people who swears to have items altered just to have it end up as closet décor, see #3!
Image from cute-wallpaper.com
HAPPY SHOPPING!
Images from funmiogunja.com, luxuo.com and elle.com
Finding the best shade of red for your skin tone may take some trial and error but it is oh so worth it. Experiment with intensity and texture; try matte, gloss or even a subtle tinted balm until you find the rouge for you.
High heeled shoes are an attitude, a state of mind, a physical manifestation of all things womanly. Every time a lady puts on her heels she is asserting her femininity, proclaiming her womanhood and exhibiting the glory of her form. Heels are a girl’s best friend! Ok maybe she has two bffs, diamonds and heels but heels have been there with her from the dawn of her womanhood, walking the path of maturation with her.
All things considered, thou shall not half step when pursuing the shoe! Three fashionistas show us their shoe game! READY? SET! DRESSS!
Pam’s top priorities in her personal aesthetic are comfort and style. This makes these two pairs of heels her favorites choices for casual Saturdays and dancing the night away.
Gray Booties- Target $40
Black Leather Sandals by Nine West- DSW $50
Pamela , 23 years old
Cincinnati, Ohio
LaShaunda’s style is sultry with an edge. Her tan thigh high boots put a little extra pop star oomph in her strut. While her shimmering four inch pumps accentuate her height taking her to nearly six feet (which she adds, the men love).
Tan boots –Charlotte Russe $45.50
Navy Glitter Pumps- Bakers $90
LaShaunda, 29 years old
Atlanta, Georgia
Kerrie exudes chic sophistication in everything she wears. In her shoe closet each pair goes by name. The ladylike leopard pumps, nicknamed “the Eartha Kitts”, are a neo-classic and a must for every woman. The black leather cuff and pointed heel boast both sexy and sassy on the sandals also known as the Matrix.
Leopard Pumps – Mossimo $29.99
Black Leather Sandals – Gianni Bini $89.00
Kerrie 37 years old
Cincinnati, Ohio
Julia is a high school senior and a young fashion stunner! Julia’s top is on trend as sheer is the “it” fabric for spring. She keeps it mom approved by layering a dark cami underneath. The girly sweetness of the top is off set with straight leg jeans and chocolate suede boots for a great Sunday afternoon casual look. My favorite of her accessories are her oversized tortoise shell glasses, they are a part of her every day chic.
Keep up the good werk Julia!
Images from mydamnblog.com
Solange in her photo shoot for Time Out New York Magazine wears a beautiful shade of tangerine on her lips!
Will you try this bold statement lip color?
Images from dress911.com
Dress shopping season is right on the fringe of your hobo bag! Soon you will be on the hunt for the perfect dresses for your sister’s graduation, your best friend’s baby shower, and your cousin’s wedding. Undoubtedly, these events will fill your dance card for June!
Fear not! While perusing other blogs here on WordPress I happened to run across a website that I am currently gushing over. It’s dress911.com! The Canadian based company offers dresses and accessories that shout ladylike and unique. The prices range from $25-$60 but be on the look out for sale items at even more pocket friendly prices!
A great lip color is arguably one of the best accessories one can rock. Cristen is sporting a powerful pink pout in Bare Escentuals Pretty Amazing and Birthday Cake!
Keep up with @crrristen on twitter, instagram and pinterest.
Images from mydamnblog.com, giueseppezanottidesign.com, shopgoldie.com
You can elevate and personalize any look with the proper placement of a few complimentary accessories! Let’s start with a simple white t shirt and straight leg blue jeans, essentially a blank canvas ready to be transformed into a Jacob Lawrence master-piece!
Now, take a chic scarf tied in a loose knot below the collar bone for a sophisticated and polished look. Add a nicely tailored boxy blazer for a nod to the classic 50s silhouette.
That white t shirt has nine lives, so top it with a huge, colorful statement necklace that whispers globe trotter chic; think a midriff sweeping layer of necklaces in gold or an exaggerated collar boasting beads feathers or carved or wood! Temper this look with an athletic anorak in navy or army green and studded gym shoes (i.e. Giuseppe Zanotti – to die for!).
There are two important factors to shop by when searching for accessories. Always pick items that speak to your own personal style. If you don’t love it don’t buy it! You won’t wear it! Also remember not to go too “Ga-Ga” and over accessorize, you want to make a statement, not be pronounced insane. You must maintain balance! Sure, go ahead, pile on the bangles in various shades and textures but let them be Diana Ross and all the other accessories act as The Supremes.
Images from http://www.maxmara.com, http://www.valentino.com and http://th08.deviantart.net
Spring trends call up beautiful pastels; cool blues, oceanic greens and rosy pinks. How do you wear and pair these beauties for everyday fashion fabulousness? Take inspiration from the color wheel, nature and from the color in question itself!
The Color Wheel
The color wheel can be your best friend for finding interesting color combinations without reinventing the wheel, pun intended. Colors directly opposite each other play well together as well as colors directly next to each other. The possibilities are endless with the vast pairs and quads of colors mixed and matched on the wheel. Consider using two sets of colors opposite each other on the wheel for expert-like blend. The result, an unlimited wheel of fashion fortune!
Mother Nature
Ahhh, Mother Nature! The end all and be all when it comes to color. Envision the landscapes of fall, pale yellows dance next to deep orange and gold tones. The Wild West desert where icy blue burst from taupe under and hints of yellow shimmer down onto the scope of things. Need I mention the boundless muse of the Caribbean islands with it’s under water world posing in steely purples and minty greens? So come on! Don’t be afraid wear some of Mother Nature’s colorful palate, it’s only natural.
Keep It in the Family
The color family that is… I love spring’s fresh periwinkle blue complemented with navy and silver. Take any color and make a head to toe ombre effect going from a light shade to a rich shade of the same color. Or make it a family affair with a look full of neutrals. And if all the spring color has you overwhelmed tans and nudes are uber chic when combined.
All in all the newness and excitement of spring fashion and the emerging of color should spur your fashion creativity and sensibilities. You should be running from the cave of your comfort zone to the warmth of the season’s bright and ladylike colors and shapes!
READY…SET…DRESSS!
Edited by Cheryl Y. Hunt
READY SET DRESSS 