Dear Girlfriends ~
Nowadays we are all trying to crunch the numbers and crave our spending! I was sharing with a friend over “leftover” lunch yesterday that spending on “budget” fashion is still ok! Shameless spending is out. Adding hot trends with staying power to your wardrobe is in.
Shameless spending might be so last season, but that’s no excuse to let your wardrobe suffer. It’s time to turn your fashionista eye toward guilt-free trends that will go the distance and earn their keep (in your closet).
For starters, put a powerful finishing touch to any outfit with a cute and structured blazer. In the right fit, these jackets can slim your lines or add curves where you need them. Worn with a concert tee and jeans or over a shift dress with heels, this look is always stylish but in control. Look for trendy bold colors in durable fabrics so that you get the most blazin’ bang for your buck, such as this one Twill Blazer in fresh spring hues like sunny yellow.
Twill Yellow Blazer
There are no gray areas when it comes to this style. The bold blend of black and white is a trend that reinvents itself year after year. Rather than trying to sport this color combo from head to toe, focus on one smart accessory, like these Open Toe Pumps.
Black & White Open Toe Pumps
The sun actually appeared while we were eating. We enjoyed that … anyway I told her that even during these “recession days” women will always need that perfect handbag! Get your fashion miles out of a bold clutch handbag, like this Rhinestone-inspired Clutch. For day or evening, clutches look elegant and expensive, upgrading your look instantly and tying together any date-night or cocktail ensemble.
Rhinestone Orange Clutch
I’ve even tried this style on several occassions! The menswear look can signify high style, and you no longer have to raid your husband’s closet to sport the laidback look of the oversized boyfriend cardigan. This work-to-weekend wardrobe staple is useful year-round, whether as a snuggly cover-up for your spring dresses or as part of a layered look paired with jeans and a skinny belt. Adorable in everything from lightweight cotton to cashmere, and basic black to bold stripes, the boyfriend cardigan is surprisingly feminine.
We love the City-Style Open Cardigan!
City Style Cardigan
When it comes to staying power and guilt-free style, dark denim just might be the most timeless of trends. Versatile enough to get you from office casual Friday to the hottest nightspot and everywhere in between, well-fitting jeans in a dark wash are hip, flattering, and functional. Dressed down or glammed up, you really can’t go wrong. “Dark denim in a woman’s wardrobe is the equivalent to the little black dress”
Dark Denim Jeans
Fashion has taken a feminine turn with ballerina-influenced styles showing up on every runway and in every season. Gorgeous and girly, the ballerina look embraces pretty pastels, lightweight lace, flirty skirts, ribbon detailing, ruffles, dancer-derived leggings and flats. You won’t tire of looking sweet and polished, especially in affordable items like these floral ballet flats.
Floral Ballerina Flats
Its time to come to a close for the day … I hope you’ve learned a little about guilt-free, shameless budget shopping. We all should save when we can …. “take care of the luxuries and the necessities will take care of themselves“.
Until the next style adventure,
Monica
