7 smart shopping tips

Shopping Tips can cover a range of topics, from planning and budgeting to the clothes you should wear on your shopping trip. Shopping for your wardrobe can be a daunting task at the best of times, so making it an enjoyable and fuss-free experience is important. No matter if you’re an avid shopper or someone who detests the pastime, having knowledge of a few key shopping tips will hopefully streamline your shopping experience. These are a few shopping tips to take into consideration next time you hit the shops.

1. Plan And Prepare

One of the most important shopping tips is planning your purchases. Before you head off on your shopping adventure, plan what it is you actually want to achieve. Write a list of things that you need and set a budget. Sometimes spontaneous buys can be the worst, so stick to specific things that you need and want.

2. Wear The Right Stuff

When going clothes shopping, make sure your outfit for the day is comfortable and convenient. Wear fuss-free separates that are easy to get changed in and out of. Another shopping tip is to wear nude coloured underwear as this will work best with most types of clothing. Also make sure your makeup isn’t too heavy either as you don’t want to be leaving marks on clothes.

3. Try on Lots of Sizes

Take in more than one size into the change rooms with you. This is an important shopping tip when buying clothes as sizing between stores and brands can be quite inconsistent. As such, your usual size may not always be the best option. Go up or down either way in sizes and try each on to see which fits the best and is the most flattering.

4. Get a Feel for The Fabric

See how the fabric feels against your skin prior to buying. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin. Check to make sure that the fabric isn’t irritating or abrasive in any way. There’s no point forking out money to buy something only to not be able to wear it later.

5. Shop Alone

Sometimes when we shop in groups we can get sidetracked or swayed by the opinions of others. If you shop alone you can stay focused and it’s easier to go with your gut instinct when it comes to those tough ‘do I or don’t I’ decisions. Another component of this shopping tip is, if you initially choose not to buy an item, to sleep on it and make the decision after a bit of thought.

6. Shop for Your Reality

Sometimes what we want to wear doesn’t match our day to day realities. It’s all well and good dreaming of designer heels and avant garde jackets, but the reality is that they may not always be functional for our everyday lives. No matter if you’re a student, corporate type, or mother, you need a wardrobe that is first and foremost practical.

7. Don’t Compromise

This shopping tip is one of the most important. Sometimes the biggest mistake when it comes to shopping for clothes is settling on something that we aren’t 100% comfortable in. If you’re after the perfect jeans/heels/LBD then it’s important to be persistent. If an item is going to be a staple piece of your wardrobe, you want it to be something that is truly flattering.
These shopping tips should act as guidelines for the next time you hit the shops. Depending on what you’re shopping for and your specific situation, these shopping tips may vary. What are your best shopping tips?

6 animal print must haves

Animal Prints are one of those things that always come back, regardless of your or anybody else’s opinion about them! I, for example used to hate animal prints when I was a teen and it took me a good couple of years to understand that they aren’t a bold, yet often tacky fashion statement but something that’s worth investing in! And here are a few animal prints that could save the day and glam up just any outfit:

1. Leopard Leather Belt

Use this belt on your cardigan, favorite pair of jeans or a day/evening dress this season and you’ll be the hottest little kitty that walked down the street! Hairy classic-leopard accent and gold-tone buckle certainly have enough sass to glam up and dominate the outfit without being inappropriate, tacky or in any way too much for your delicate taste.

2. Sequined Animal Print Bag

Animal prints are totally trendy this year and that goes for sequins as well! So, why not update a classic black tie look with something as flashy and as trendy as this fab evening bag? It’s not a piece you’ll get to wear very often, I’ll give you that, but a couple of bold accents are always a nice, not to mention extremely useful thing to have in your wardrobe!

3. Michael by Michael Kors Cheetah Dress

Speaking about interesting, glamorous animal prints – here’s one super-feminine dress a girl could wear in like million occasions! Eye-catching cheetah print in red will look great on black and you can even glitz it up with some silver jewelry.

4. Michael by Michael Kors Zebra Top

Not really into mainstream animal prints such as tiger or leopard? No worries -This silk georgette zebra print top will keep you looking elegant and stylish anytime! Now what could be a more important must-have than a super-classy tunic top?!

5. YSL Silk-Chiffon Leopard Scarf

Oh, speaking about animal prints – have I mentioned how much I love scarves? I have a very similar one and, believe me, it’s one of the most versatile accessories I’ve ever had! So, browse Mango, Zara or any of your favorite shops for a similar, unbelievably glamorous piece and wear it every time you feel like your outfit could use an extra sass.

6. DKNY Cashmere-Blend Sweater

My busy corporate ladies – this one is for you! And I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s absolutely perfect to wear in just any occasion! You can pair it up with a pencil skirt and white shirt for a classy yet interesting, office appropriate look or wear it with a pair of shiny, leather effect leggings and super awesome heels when you want to look fabulous off work. You see? Some animal prints are THAT versatile! Have you bought some animal prints lately and which item from this list would you love to have? And, remember, lades, animal prints come and go only to return after a season or two so a smartly chosen animal print is never a waste of money.

10 fabulous DIY fashion ideas

 DIY Fashion Ideas are something that I really like to keep up with. The idea of being able to create amazing on-trend looks at a fraction of the cost is something that I’m sure would appeal to most of us. There are some DIY fashion ideas that are just too good not to share. Some of my personal favourites include glitter shoes and neon jewellery. Below are a few DIY fashion ideas that will hopefully pique your interest.

1. Glitter Shoes

Glitter shoes are all the rage right now. Revamp an old or cheap pair of shoes by covering them in glitter. All that you need is glue, patience, and lots and lots of glitter.

2. Friendship Bracelets

The humble friendship bracelet is making a comeback. As far as DIY fashion ideas go, this is one of the simplest and most versatile. Plait together some colourful twine or fabric, and add charms and beads as you go.

3. Neon Necklace

Neon is a big trend right now and creating your own neon necklace is one of the more ingenious DIY fashion ideas out there. All you need is a suitable necklace and some neon spray paint. Ideally, paint the necklace white first to create a solid base. Spray on multiple light layers of neon paint and allow to dry between coats.

4. Raw Crystal Rings

Pick up some small raw crystals of your fancy from various gem stores or market stalls. Pick up some ring bases at a craft store and then use a heavy duty glue to glue the crystals into place. Wrap some metal wire around the crystal for added interest.

5. Feather Earrings

Feathers are an on-trend embellishment right now. Make your own pair of feather earrings by picking up some hook attachments at a craft store. Decorate them with feathers of your choice.

6. Lace Shorts

Some DIY fashion ideas, such as this one, requires basic sewing knowledge. Grab a pair of shorts and update them by sewing on a lace trim around the leg openings. Practice on a pair of old shorts to make sure you get it right on your ‘good’ pair.

7. Bolt Jewellery

I bet you never thought you’d need to hit the hardware store for DIY fashion ideas! Create cool bolt jewellery by threading thick cord through the centre of some shiny silver bolts. This works especially well with necklaces featuring a few bolts at the drop.

8. Studded Denim Shorts

Update your denim shorts by adding a studded patch pocket. The studded denim look was made popular by fashion house Balmain and is a continuing trend. Mark out where you want to place the studs and then pin them on to the denim.

9. Dip Dye T-Shirt

Creating a dip dye shirt may take some time and practice. Most dye packages will come with thorough instructions on proper dying procedures and care. Creating the dip dye effect involves submerging only one part of the shirt in the dye and then gradually fading the colour out.

10. Embellished Canvas Bag

Create a canvas bag of your own design. Using a plain canvas tote as a blank canvas, sew, pin, or glue on a range of embellishments of your choosing. Add beads for a tribal inspired look, pom-poms for something quirky, or bows for something more feminine.

denim classifications

Premium Brands

Premium denim jeans are high-ticket items ranging in price from about $165.00 – 225.00. They are most often made in the USA so manufacturers can closely monitor consistency in fit, one of their hallmarks. These factors, along with hidden start-up costs for smaller and more individualized brands, are directly passed onto the consumer in the form of high retail prices but also unique and exceptional styles.
Advantages – specialized fit, quality that doesn’t sag or stretch, versatility and updated styling compatible with high fashion looks and evening wear.
Disadvantages – high cost, limited size ranges (many brands offer nothing larger than a 31” waist), special care (some require dry cleaning).
Where to buy – boutiques, specialized Internet retailers, the denim department of upscale department stores

Mega Brands

Mega brands are name brands manufactured and sold in bulk quantities under well-known names like Calvin Klein, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren along with a few emerging labels like Lucky Brand. These lines feature comfortable styles with some specialized options that emulate and keep pace with premium brands. Most are manufactured in China, however, the quality is still high and the fit is generally consistent.
Advantages – availability, quality, additional sizes,, access to department store promotional savings.
Disadvantages – some consumers may find the styling to be like last year’s news, with fewer color and wash techniques or special features to choose from.
Where to buy – major department stores or licensed boutiques under the brand’s name.

Private Label Brands

Private label brands are generally featured under a specialty stores own name or under a proprietary trademarked brand name that a department or discount store has developed. Private label brands have become increasingly popular in the last 5-10 years due to their higher profit margins and the value they offer the consumer. The defining characteristics are usually unique to the brand or department store demographic. Some popular private label brands with extended denim assortments are the Gap and Banana Republic, Mossimo for Target, and Macy’s Style and Co. and Inc. brands. Check out your favorite places to shop to shop and inquire about their private label brands.
Advantages – value, fit and quality consistent with other product lines that the brand offers.
Disadvantages – may not offer the diversity in styling that well-known core denim brands offer
Where to shop – your favorite specialty, discount, or department store.

5 easy ways to hide your problem areas

If you are anything like me, you have your skinny days, and then you have your “fat” days. Your skinny days you look in the mirror and are happy how your clothes fit, and you bounce out the door happy and confident. But on your fat days your closet turns into a tornado when you try to find something that looks decent. You look in the mirror and find your jeans a little too tight, making anything else you put on draw attention to the fact you have a little bit bigger bulge over the top of your waistband.

Don’t worry, while working towards your goal weight, there are ways to make your body appear smaller because we all know working out doesn’t make you a super model overnight. Here are some helpful tips to get you through these hard times.

• Low-rise is for High School. When you shuffle through your closet, pick jeans and pants with a higher rise. This will help make the dreaded “Muffin Top” disappear. This trick took me a long time to figure out, because I thought the “cute” jeans were all in low rise, which is false! You can find just as cute and stylish jeans in a medium rise, you just need an open eye in finding them
• Patterns are your best friend. Stripes, florals, and abstract prints are a great way to camouflage problem areas around your mid-section. This is perfect with the current trends! Patterns are in stores now and they are begging to be bought – they hope to give you a confidence boost!
• Clingy Fabrics = Bad. Look for tops that sit on top of the skin, rather than cling to it. A top that is flows away from your body is much better than cotton or a spandex-mix. The flowing fabrics will move away from the body rather than drawing attention to the areas you don’t want people to see.
• Details camouflage. If you are not a fan of prints, try a top with ruffles running down the front of it. This also will help camouflage the areas you don’t want to show off. Ruffles are still a trend for this spring and summer and they add detail to any outfit.
• Dresses are your new best friend. Dresses don’t have waist bands, so you don’t have to worry about anything cutting into your mid section. Dresses make you look lean and stylish. There are many options of casual and work appropriate styles. My favorite style is anything with a cinched high waist, it gives your body a hour glass shape emphasizing on your smallest part.

What are some of the ways you hide your problem areas that you could share with the community?

spring trends to watch

Who is ready for the warmth and sun? And of course, the new wardrobe! Spring has sprung and it’s time to hit the mall to update your look. The spring trends are already in stores and personally, the arrival of the spring is making me cheerful. This year, the runways were filled with bright color, bold stripes, wild prints, and much more. Let’s explore these trends in detail. 

Trend 1: Florals
Dresses, tops, and shorts will be seen with beautiful and colorful floral designs. Big or small prints, in any style, and all colors are seen in almost every store you walk into right now. These florals will give you a soft, feminine look to play up your girly side.
Trend 2: Stripes
Ahoy sailor! Stripes are another pattern that has taken over the stores. Stripes are a dominant part of any spring / summer season, though usually, year on year, featuring a variation on the theme. Red and Blue sailor stripes are the favorite and are a fun style to try. The myth about stripes making you look wider is false! Designers have become very sneaky about placing strips in the right spots on your body to give you a smaller shape. TIP: Vertical strips will give you a lean look!
Trend 3: Mixing prints
Why not mix the first two trends together? Mixing prints is a fun way to play up your look and that is very hot this spring. Try wearing a flirty floral skirt with a sailor stripe top for a fun look! Pair it with some cute sandals and a fun handbag, and you’ll be the talk of the town.
Trend 4 Lace
NEWS FLASH: Lace is not only for undergarments, anymore! (This just might be my favorite trend for this season.) Lace is an excellent way to add detail and splendor to your outfit. Lace can be used as an accent piece with a vest, or a statement piece- being the focal point of your outfit. Lace is not a clingy fabric, and is great for layering, so it hides areas that you are not ready to show off quite yet!
Trend 5: Honeysuckle and Teal
The colors of the season are sure to get you into stores. Honeysuckle is a delicious shade of sherbet-pink and coral. It is bright and compliments every skin tone. Teal is the trend for jewelry this season and goes with every other color you can imagine. If you are on a budget this season, try adding some bright teal jewelry to your current wardrobe for a new twist on some of your old favorites.

the 6 wardrobe essentials for every woman

You might not have a love for clothing as I do, or maybe you do. Lucky for you I have compiled a list of clothing essentials every woman should have in her closet. These items will give you a balanced wardrobe of basic items so that you’ll always be well dressed no matter where you go. Get your checklist ready, open your closet doors, and let’s get to work.

1. Little black dress | This is a staple to have for special occasions, or when you just want to look classic and sexy. You can always dress up or down a dress. Pair it with sandals for a stroll on the beach, or your favorite pair of heels for a night out.
2. A blazer or jacket | You can pair any light jacket or blazer with a cute top or dress to add a layer and more dimension to any outfit. They are also great to add a little warmth in the fall and spring.
3. An AWESOME pair of jeans | Every person should have a pair of jeans that fits them perfectly. A good fitting pair of jeans can alter your entire look, and make you look thinner if they fit properly. It may take some searching but they are out there. To stay classic find a pair that is a darker wash with a boot-cut leg.
4. Basics | Basics are something that you should have plenty of, and make sure that you ‘save’ on these items as you will probably be buying them more often. You should have at least one black and one white plain tank top (also recommended- cream and navy). I wear a tank under everything. My favorites are extra long ones I can tuck in, or use as a slip. A couple of plain V-neck t-shirts are also a necessity. You can layer them with scarves, or jackets.
5. Multi- purpose accessories | It doesn’t matter if your taste is gold, silver, or colorful; some great jewelry, bags, and belts that can go with anything can pull together your look. And completely revamp an old outfit!
6. Comfortable heels | A comfortable pair of heels is required for every woman, and yes, they are out there. There will be those times when you have an event, or just want to dress up a look, having those go-to heels will help. My current favorites are from Target, and were only $24.99! So, you can find them on a budget too. No excuses!

Guess what? The fun part has arrived, go shop! Use this handy list to form your perfect wardrobe. When you want a fun new color or trendy pattern, go for the accessories (which are generally cheaper)! Have fun.