|
|
 |
 |
 |
Hello, I'm 16 and currently have went from 175 lbs (size 12) to 140lbs (size 6). I
have alwas been a very fashionable dresser and cant fit into any of my designer clothes anymore. I typically always buy on sale but that sale is still a lot because it's usually from my favs like BCBG, Ralph Lauren, or Valentino. I was wondering where I should stop and how I can get all the essentials for a start of a new wardrobe for less. My budget is about $1500.
-Jamie (April 23, 2009)
|
|
|
 |
Dear Jamie,
First of all, congratulations on the weight lose! When it comes to your wardrobe, we know it can be challenging to start from scratch, especially when you have a budget in mind. That being said, it can be done as long as you plan in advance.
Start off by investing in some classic pieces that every girl needs in her wardrobe. These pieces are staples, not trends, and therefore should be better quality. These staples include: a blazer, a pair of dark jeans, a trench coat, a button down white shirt, knee-high black boots, a pencil skirt and a little black dress. These pieces will act as a base for your wardrobe and will allow you to interwork trendy (i.e. cheaper) pieces within them. Look to stores like Club Monaco and better department stores (Nordstrom if you're from the US, Holt Renfrew and the Bay if you're from Canada) for these staple pieces.
Next hit up fast fashion stores like Zara, H&M and French Connection for both your necessary items (white tees, black shorts) and your trendy pieces (accessories, fun dresses, trends of the moment). Since these items most likely won't be worn for as long (we tend to wear our H&M pieces for only one season), you can spend less on each piece. Intermix these trendy pieces with your staples above and you'll have a brand new wardrobe in no item!
A good rule of thumb is the 70/30 rule: Spend 70% of your budget on timeless classics, i.e. staples and the remaining 30% on trendy fun pieces. That way, every season you'll end up spending less because all you'll need to do is update your trends.
|
|
|
|
Can I wear black hose with white or cream skirt?
-Sandra (April 22, 2009)
|
|
|
|
Dear Sandra,
These days, you can wear black hose with just about anything and get away with it! Just ask Sienna Miller. She was spotted in London recently wearing a white Chloe skirt suit with a pair of black tights and black knee high boots. We say if Sienna's doing it, so should you!
|
|
| |
|
What must I wear with the black PVC latex legging?
-Jelita (April 17, 2009)
|
|
|
|
Dear Jelita,
We have harnessed a secret love for pleather leggings since we noticed them all over the Fall 2008 runways but we have yet to take the plunge and actually buy a pair. Why? We aren't convinced they will look as good on us as they do on the likes of Ashley Olsen, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mischa Barton and Kate Moss. This is one trend that looks best on those thin, leggy types and we're afraid on us, the look might range from cheap prostitute to slutty Halloween costume. For those of you brave enough to try it, we give you props and a few tips on how to ensure you look the best you can in your new second skin.
Both Ashley Olsen and SJP have intermixed contrasting textures on top when wearing pleather leggings. This mix and match attitude adds more dimension to the leggings. As well as using contrast, their use of layers with the volume focused on top helps to bring sophistication to a pair of pants previously reserved for women of the night. Keep this in mind and avoid anything skin tight on top. Lastly, the girls mixed different colors into the mix, most importantly brown. The addition of brown changes the look from washed-out groupie to daytime chic.
Or try an oversized boyfriend blazer for the most up to date look.
|
|
| |
|
I'm what you would call petite (5'4", 115lbs though I look more like 95lbs) and would like to try a maxi dress out. Any tips on how to be a
style do?
-Septembre (April 16, 2009)
|
|
|
|
Dear Septembre,
While logic might dictate that a petite lady should stay away from a maxi
dress, 3 of Hollywood's most stylish AND petite stars Nicole Richie,
Hayden Panettiere and Mary-Kate Olsen (all of whom are no taller than
5'1") have been known to rock the maxi dress and still look amazing,
whether in flat gladiator sandals or platform heels.
TIPS: Ensure you pick a dress that has an empire waist or that cinches the
torso at some point. Otherwise you run the risk of letting the dress drown
your entire body
-Be sure to avoid an overly voluminous skirt by finding a dress with
proportions to fit your frame.
-Look for maxi dresses that have a solid coloured top half and patterned
bottom half. The contrasting fabics will help to elongate your body.
-Some retailers like http://www.ASOS.com even carry maxi dresses in petite
sizes, cut just right for your figure.
-And don't be afraid to add a little height with a chunky platform or wedge.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
