Fashion: When to Spend and When to Save

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:00:02 -0500

You just moved into a new apartment. It’s completely empty and you need to purchase all new items in order to furnish it. You have a limited budget, but you want to make it look amazing (naturally). What you won’t do: Browse Craigslist for a used sofa and then head to the most expensive design shop for expensive vintage wall frames. Ok, maybe you will, but you shouldn’t. What you should do is invest in a few key pieces, like a nice sofa and coffee table, and then head to Ikea for the rest.

The same rule applies to dressing. You don’t need to spend exorbitant prices to look amazing. But at the same time, if you go budget on everything, unless you are super shopping savvy (and some people are), you run the risk of looking cheap. It turns out, creating a wardrobe that is fashion forward, smart, appropriately trendy, and doesn't break the bank is a bit of a learned skill developed through careful observation and trial and error. Here are some tips I've picked up over the years:

Things to Invest In:

1) Blazers. A blazer can transform an otherwise simple outfit into a head-turner. In my opinion, it should be the single-most important item in your wardrobe. Because you can freshen up almost anything with the right blazer, you don’t want your blazer to look cheap. Material matters here. Go for wool, not polyester. Wool is going to cost more, but its worth the money. A blazer is an investment piece. You can wear it again and again and it works just as well with black slacks at work as it does with jeans on the weekend or over a mini-skirt on a dinner date.
2) Dresses. Apologies in advance for stating the obvious. Dresses require more fabric than other items of clothing. Again, fabric is often the key to dressing smart. A cotton t-shirt is a cotton t-shirt regardless of whether you spend $95 or $12. Nobody is going to tell the difference. The same is not true for dresses. You can tell. Trust. Invest in quality. It will fit your figure better and will last longer.
3) Handbags. If you are vegan, skip to number 4. For all others, head my advice on this one. Pleather looks tacky. In most cases, so does patent. A handbag is an investment, but consider how many times you will use it. If treated well, it could last several years. I bought my Louis Vuitton five years ago and it still looks brand new. Regrets? Never.
4) Jewelry. Hear me out on this one. You don’t need all expensive jewelry. The key here is to mix inexpensive pieces with one or two expensive ones. If you have on one nice piece of jewelry, it elevates the status of your other jewelry. Invest in a nice ring, a nice necklace, and a nice watch. Mix them in with a few inexpensive rings, earrings, and bracelets. You will look like a million bucks.

Things NOT to invest in:

1) T-shirts. A t-shirt is an over/under piece. It’s usually under something like a leather jacket or cardigan. Occasionally, its over something like a bathing suit, in which case its coming off. Even if its not over or under something, its never the center of attention. And if you are going for a super laid back look, in which case it may be the center of attention, it still doesn’t need to be expensive. Laid back = low maintenance = inexpensive.
2) Shoes. Do me a favor. Go outside. Lick your finger. Touch the ground. Observe. Shoes are the only part of your wardrobe that will make daily contact with the filth that is outdoors. They get dirty. They get wet. They get stepped on. They step in/on unmentionables. They get scratched, scuffed, and stained. I know you are dying for those red-soled Louboutins, but they aren’t going to last you a lifetime. They may not even last a season. You know what will though? That Chloe handbag. Invest wisely.
3) Jeans. Everybody loves a pair of brand name jeans. But you don’t have to spend brand name prices on brand name jeans. There are tons of online sample sale sites that sell brand names jeans for a fraction of the price. Online fashion retailers have caught on, and if you get email notifications from companies like Saks, you can snag brand name jeans for upwards of 70% off during one of their many weekly flash sales.
4) Accessories. Your look is almost complete. You've got your skinny Seven jeans paired with a white v-neck tee and a black Helmut Lang blazer with a satin trim. You've mixed your DANNIJO necklace and Iosselliani ring with hoop earrings from H&M and two silver bangles from Forever 21. On your feet? Not those $800 YSL's you've been dying for, but a brilliant pair of Dolce Vita platforms that cost you $100. That means you had $700 leftover to put towards a Mulberry handbag. You feel something is missing though. A beanie maybe? Or a leopard skinny belt? These are items you can always snag on the cheap. Nobody is going to tell the difference. Besides, accessories like hats are usually trendy items that go in and out of style. They are precisely the kinds of things you don't need to invest in.

Happy Shopping Dolls!

*Written By: Gabrielle, a self-professed fashion junkie, and the blogger behind Resort Rock Sugar, leads a dual life. Quite paradoxically, she spends her days in a downtown highrise office building as a busy civil litigation attorney, but you wouldn't guess it if you peeked inside her closet. There you would find everything from fringe tank tops to short leather mini dresses, essentially nothing she can wear to her 9 to 5, err, 8 to 8 job. On the weekends, when she isn't discovering hot new designers whilst hitting up her favorite shopping haunts in LA, or taking in the brilliant fashion that is LA's scenester crowd, she is documenting it all via her blog, and probably from a prime seat at the Coffee Bean on the corner of Beverly and Robertson, because in LA all you need to do is step outside to get a little fashion inspiration.

Your question

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:24:11 -0400

I've just started college and I'm slowly finding myself trying to reinvent and grow from my high-school look. I dressed in "girly" t-shirts and jeans mostly, but I have some dressier pieces from my old job. Any advice?

Your question

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 20:30:18 -0400

How do girls have that finished look? Their makeup is crisp an clean and matches their there skin tone perfectly. And their clothes look neat and well put together. Even their hair - every piece is in place and their color suits them. They look like they stepped out of a magazine. What tips can I use to get this "put together" look?

Your question

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 01:46:43 -0500

What type of top do you wear with floral shorts? What about shoes?

Your question

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 22:39:57 -0500

What's the best thing to wear on a first date?

Your question

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 20:05:22 -0500

My friend is having a huge new years eve party at a bar in Cape May, NJ this new years... what's in for this season to be wearing on New Years??? Suggestions??

Your question

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:57:22 -0500

I have two wedding to attend this upcoming year and the only wedding I've ever been to was when I was about 6. I'm hoping someone can give me tips on what to wear to a wedding. I'm not sure if you're supposed to try to dress with the theme or what. Help please

Your question

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:23:08 -0500

I need help on what to wear to my work holiday party? This is my first real job and I want to look great but I want to look appropriate. What are some do's and don'ts? Or just some suggestions on what I should wear?

Winter Fashion Trends 2010

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:13:13 -0500

Just like many of you, we always want to look our best so we were so excited to chat with Jennifer Margolin, one of our favorite fashion stylists, about what's in this season. Check out what she had to say...

Every season we see amazing runway shows from talented designers and wonder how to translate the looks into our own wardrobes. In this article we will address how to incorporate Winter 2010 runway trends into your wardrobes and make them work for your lifestyle.

1. Red
Red….it is one of my favorite trends this season. It’s such a power color that just commands attention. The color was seen on the runways in every form, from the clothes to outerwear, accessories and makeup. Everyone from Marc Jacobs, Bottega Veneta, and Tory Burch highlighted this color in their collections.

A sheath dress in this bold-hue is a great addition to your work wardrobe this season. It’s a perfect work wear choice; just opt for a classic finish and pair with simple accessories. The little red dress is the new LBD for the fall. The great thing about a red dress is that it is easy to go from work to cocktails just by changing your shoes and accessories. If a red dress is too bold for you, play around with accessories in the vivid tone to add a pop of color to your outfit. Of course red is perfect for the upcoming holidays, adding a bit of festive flair to your look.

2. Leopard Print
Another big trend to incorporate into your wardrobe this season is leopard print. Animal prints always seem to be around each season, but leopard dominated this time around. It was seen in every piece of the outfit including shoes, handbags and accessories. Dolce & Gabbana featured the print in abundance in various chic looks. Mulberry showed the print in lady-like outfits and in various colors.
There are so many options in this animal print that there is something for everyone. If you are someone who is looking to make a statement, opt for a simple cut dress or pencil skirt in the bold print. If wearing leopard as a major part of your outfit is too much for you, add accessories in the print. There are so many great shoe, handbag and scarf options. The key to wearing this print without being overpowered is to keep the rest of your outfit simple and let the leopard print be the star of your ensemble.

3. Military
The military influence continues to be a strong trend that has carried over from spring to fall. A polished uniform look is a must for the upcoming season. Balmain (one of my favorites) showed the trend in edgy, sexy ensembles while Marc Jacobs opted for soft, feminine looks. There are so many ways to wear this trend, making it work for many people.
You can opt for a military inspired jacket or cardigan complete with the brass buttons to make a bold statement. To make the look more feminine, pair it with a ruffled skirt or dress. It’s something that can be dressed up or down. If you are looking for a more subtle way to wear this trend, look towards accessories. Add a utility belt or handbag to your outfit for an understated look.

4. Leather
Leather was seen in many forms coming down the runways for the fall season. It’s not just the classic outer jacket anymore. We saw skirts, dresses, fitted blazers and vests, as well as accessories in this material for the fall from such designers as Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta.
Update your work look with a classic pencil skirt in thin leather. Pair with a chambray denim shirt and black patent pumps and you have a modern, work appropriate ensemble. If you’re looking for a new spin on the little black dress, try one in leather. Opt for a classic silhouette dress (sheath or capped sleeved) so your outfit looks classy and not rock n’ roll gone bad!

5. Fur
Fur always seems to be a hot topic--and it was-- coming down the runways in various forms. We’re used to seeing it on outerwear and jackets, but we saw everything from skirts, vests, handbags and shoes, to name a few.
There are amazing faux fur options so everyone can wear this trend if they desire. Add a tailored faux fur vest over a fitted lace dress and belt at the waist, and you are all set for the upcoming holiday parties. Pair faux fur with fitted cargo pants and a feminine blouse, and you are casual chic for the office. This trend truly is luxe inspired.
The one thing to remember for seasonal trends is that less is more. Don’t try to wear a trend from head to toe, rather incorporate pieces into your wardrobe.

Jennifer Margolin is a fashion stylist specializing in editorials and creating modern looks for her private clients. She spends her time between Los Angeles and San Francisco. For more information visit her website at http://jennifermargolin.com and follow her on Twitter @RedSoleDiary.

Your question

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:21:47 -0500

I have so many clothes, but I don't want to get rid of them, but my closet is full. What should I do?