July 8/9 Super Stylish Shopping on a Super Tight Budget: Buying Basics

In today's economy, we can all lust after the IT bag, brand new Balenciaga sequin and soft- draped shoes, and other desirables, but unfortunately most of us can only drool at those items. So I have made it my mission to do some online shopping (in a time when I can barely make rent, it will be more like online "window shopping”) vicariously through you. I will on occasion put together an "outfit" while perusing the web for great fashionable deals. Maybe I will even give a few DIY tips for the (seriously) budget conscious. After all, anyone with money can buy expensive clothes and look good. It takes real talent and creativity to be able to put together a really cute, modern outfit on a tight, almost nonexistent budget.
So here goes!

Stylistas and Fashionistas have always triumphed the idea of buying basics and accessorizing with trends, and this is the time to definitely take advantage of that. Look for versatile pieces. Solid colors, especially neutrals, will give you the most bang for your buck. I prefer black, white, and grays, however, look for colors that go well with your skin tone and hair color. It’s true that all skin tones look pretty good in neutrals, and some look better than others. If you have dark skin, go for lighter colors like white, cream, and eggshell (all variations of white, yes, however they will give a different effect depending on your skin hue). Lighter skin looks great in black, charcoal, and smoky grey. Those of you with medium skin tones are blessed to look good in almost any shade from black to white. For everyone, take care to watch for the hint of color that may not be as apparent. Hold it up to your face and see if the white brightens your face or washes you out. This is very important. When it comes to shades of brown, avoiding those closest to your skin tone is the best safety net to keep you from looking washed out or worse, naked from a distance ( not a good impression on your first day of work!).

Now that we have covered the basics of choosing neutral colors, I will move on to our little shopping spree!
Let’s start with something fun. For the rocker chic girl in you:

http://www.ardenb.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=140&subCategoryId=165&productId=21508&ref=ab_aff_pf_k108283&source=pf&CustomerMemberID=82434947

Now I admit, a latex skirt is not very reasonable for work attire, but everyone needs something simple and fun in their wardrobe and this certainly fulfills that. A pencil skirt is the most basic skirt in existence: every woman should own at least one pencil skirt and one circle skirt. If you choose to wear fishnets- a classic paring for pencil skirts, try a skin colored one which will be stylishly modern and modestly fresh. Because of the innate quirkiness of this skirt’s fabric I suggest pairing it with tamer classics like a tucked in sleeveless blouse and beret (such as those below), unless it’s Halloween or you want to be mistaken for a hooker.

For the more work- ready woman (as opposed to the working woman), try a nice pair of flat front (NOT ELASTIC) creased pants:
A nice pair of flat front creased pants is an excellent way to add a slimming effect and help lengthen you visually. Pinstripes also elongate.

http://www.metrostyle.com/clothing/Pinstripe-Straight-Leg-Pants.aspx?PfId=111439&DeptId=8752&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0

These pinstriped flat front pants in black or gray are slimming, stylish, and affordable at about $40 bucks, and they come in every size from 4-20 in Misses, Petite, and Tall!
Pants with a stitched crease make pressing a breeze, but they are very hard to find!
If you have a pair that you’d like to press a crease into, check out: http://www.ehow.com/how_4181_iron-pants.html Make sure the crease is centered between the front crotch seam and the side seam. Then match the back crease so it lies as flat as possible (this is easier to do with straight leg pants, and is hard to do with anything that bells out, so beware!).

It is important in buying basics that you choose items that are versatile. So go for pieces that can easily be dressed up or down.
Take this jacket, for instance at $34.99:
http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3676462&EDID=JD0RUQ-04ID-VHYBA-8W6XH-18VUZ-v1

The sharp clean lines of this Charlotte Russe jacket echo men’s-wear tailoring characteristics with a notched lapel and two faux front pockets. The peek-a-boo striped lining and ruching on the sleeves lend a feminine touch that makes this jacket easily transition from day to night, work to weekend. Yes, you can always push your sleeves up like that, but this keeps them that way and you don't have to deal with them falling down all day.
Wear it with a button up shirt and big bauble necklace to work then change into a gold sequined low cut v-neck and dangle drop earrings for a night on the town.
Or pair it with this top:
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/saleevents/0707/womens/2adaisyfuentesabstuidocollections/adaisy/PRD~442094/daisy+fuentes+Scoopneck+Top.jsp#

This Daisy Fuentes scoop neck top sold at kohl’s is made of soft cotton so it’s easy to wear and doesn’t require dry cleaning- saving you money in the long run if you wear a lot of suits. The shirred sleeves dress it up a bit and give it a nice feminine touch.
It can be worn with the Charlotte Russe jacket or layer it over a sleeveless collared button up shirt and a nice thin leather belt for a classic look without too much weight in this summer hear. While this won’t work for lawyers and high street business women, this look will certainly be professional enough for those with internships as well as those in clerical positions, creative jobs, and the like.
On sale from $26 down to 12.99 you could even afford to buy it in every color!

I found this to go with it:
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/182-5317895-4523706?asin=B000NNZQSU&AFID=shopzilla_df&LNM=Clothing_+_Accessories|Women%27s_Clothing|B000NNZQSU&CPNG=women&ref=tgt_adv_XSB10001

Please don't button it up all the way like this! Take a relaxed approach and give yourself some room: Your neck will thank you. This Merona sleeveless pleated tuxedo shirt tops my list of clothing deals at only $8.99. I originally found it sold out and out of stock at the Target website but I managed to get my hands on another link which offered it for the same low price:
http://www.prontostyle.com/product/merona-sleeveless-tuxedo-shirt-ebony-p_1215064605

While searching I found this unbelievably cute shirt in a surprising place:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10899713&sourceid=10861373473839003825
And http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10899717&findingMethod=rr

For a whopping $9 you can get your hands on this cute Norma Kamali top in black or white! Pair it with a little beret and you are “tres Parisienne!”
This brings me to my final two suggestions:
http://www.amazon.com/E4hats-Wool-Beret-Black/dp/B00063W4WI

A black beret for $3.75 on Amazon.com
and
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27554542&ref=sr_list_3&&ga_search_query=bauble+necklace&ga_search_type=category&category=jewelry&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Etsy.com offers amazing mini-stores of personal accounts selling a plethora of hand-made or vintage items and you can almost always find a great steal there!

This brings my blog to a close. Look for more tips from me at Fashion Indie:
http://www.cultindie.com/profile/selenamariedraco

Happy Shopping!

<3
Selena Marie