5 Ways to Stretch your Clothing Budget

I am often asked how much money is needed to buy a new wardrobe.  I believe that with a little effort you can look great on any budget.  All you need are the right tips and tricks.

1.   Make the most of what you already have.  Before you head to the mall, start by shopping in your closet.  Take a mental inventory of what you own.  Ask yourself how you can wear what you have more?  Are you breaking up your suit to wear as three different outfits?  Could the dress you bought for a special event look more casual with a simple change of accessories?  Is your closet neat and organized so you know exactly what you have and where it is?  The simple act of being more aware of what you have will help you discover the infinite possibilities your closet holds.

2.   Step out of your shopping box.  With so many retailers dedicated to our shopping pleasure, you can find anything you need at any price point.  Step outside of your usual shopping habits and hit new and different stores.  Try discount stores like TJMaxx or Marshalls.  With a little patience you can find great designer pieces for a lot less.

3.   Change up your accessories.  Accessories can completely change the look of an outfit.  Accessories are a fun way to add color, participate in a trend, or add versatility to your wardrobe.  Try on your favorite outfit and then change a layer, your shoes, or jewelry for a completely different look.

4.   Host a clothing swap party.  Swap clothing with your friends.  A clothing swap is a great way to get new wardrobe pieces and helps you create more room in your own closet.  Not to mention a clothing swap is a great excuse for a party and is an environmentally friendly activity!

5.  What’s old can once again be new.  With the help of a great tailor you can turn your old clothing into something fabulous and new.  Shorten a long frumpy skirt into a knee length wardrobe staple.  Get a great shirt just by taking in the seams for a better fit.  Modernize an old jacket just by adding belt loops and shortening the length.  A great tailor can help you turn your favorite pieces into one of a kind looks.

For more help shopping in your closet contact the Charleston Style Concierge.

This past weekend, I flew to Kentucky for a dear friend’s wedding.  I enjoy traveling and especially like the time it affords me to sit and people watch.  Airports offer some of the best and most diverse people watching.  I saw some interesting style choices and spent some time wondering how some of my fellow passengers would fair running for their gate in their ridiculously high heels.  In my experience I have found that traveling guarantees a few things.  You need some sort of shoe that you can walk in, sometimes run in, and can be removed easily at security, layered clothing that combats the often frigid air temperatures of the plane, and a great outfit that provides comfort and style throughout your journey.  There are three essential wardrobe pieces that can comfortably get you to your destination in style.

Trench Coat  A great structured jacket, like a trench coat will always give you a put together look.  It looks great over anything, covers wrinkles or stains you may have acquired along the way, and can act as a pillow, a blanket, or a layer of warmth.  No matter the climate you live in or plan to visit, there is a trench coat that can be a versatile addition to your wardrobe.

Pashmina/Wrap  Pashminas come in a million colors and fabrics.  They are handy for travel because they can serve as a blanket or a pillow during travel and function as a stylish wrap on a chilly night during your vacation.  You can also use them to wrap breakable souvenirs on your return trip.

Stylish & Comfortable Shoes  Give your feet a break and choose shoes that provide comfort and style for your travel.  Your shoes should be able to be removed and put back on easily at security and shouldn’t hinder an emergency sprint to your gate. 

For more travel tips or help with packing the right wardrobe on your next journey contact the Charleston Style Concierge.

There’s nothing better than a successful day of shopping.  You arrive home proud of your hard work and add your new items to your sea of clothes.  You are confident that the next time you get dressed you will know exactly what to wear.  Clothing with tags still on them is a common problem for many of my clients who struggle with the feeling of having nothing to wear.  After you finish your shopping there are a few things you can do to ensure the things you buy will help you build a versatile wardrobe.

My first tip is to stop feeling guilty about the clothes you have bought and never worn.  The guilt does nothing but eat away at you and at the end of the day, or the beginning as the case may be, won’t help you get dressed any faster.   Put aside your guilt and pull out the clothing in your closet still plagued with tags.  Ask yourself why you haven’t worn them?  Maybe you forgot you had them or maybe they never really fit.   Make a mental note and then find out which items can be returned.  Those that can’t can be sold at consignment stores or ebay, donated to charity, or used in a fun clothing swap with your friends.  Find them a new home and move on.

Next discover how to make sure the purchases you make will help you build a versatile wardrobe with these simple tips.

When you come home from shopping, take a few minutes to try on your purchases again.  Often we need the reality of our own mirror or the reminder of our lifestyle to help us determine how useful an item of clothing will be. 

Next, take the new items into your closet and pair them with the pieces you imagined making outfits with while in the store.  Is the outfit how you pictured?  Will it suit the purpose you intended?

Consider grouping new items together in your closet.  One of the most common challenges for shopaholics is remembering what they have.  Often clothes get stuck in the closet and we forget we even own them.  Review your “new clothing” section every few weeks to make sure you have actually worn the things you bought.

For more tips on creating a versatile wardrobe contact Charleston Style Concierge.

Fall is here so its time to edit your closet and properly care for summer garments leaving your wardrobe rotation.  You can protect your clothing investment just by taking the time to properly care for them as you switch to a new season.  Fabrics are delicate and can change or deteriorate depending on how they are stored.  You have worked hard to create a versatile and fabulous wardrobe, so take the time to read these steps on how to prolong the life of your clothing.

Launder or dry clean items being put away until next season.   You will avoid stains that set into your clothes.  Many stains like perspiration, clear beverages, and perfume are almost invisible but can be a detriment to your clothing because they attract bugs like moths and carpet beetles. 

Store your clothing in cloth garment bags.   Cloth garment bags allow clothing to breathe, contrary to their plastic counter parts.  Remove plastic bags placed on clothing from the dry cleaners.  Gases from decomposing plastic can be absorbed by your clothing causing it to yellow.

Opt for cedar instead of mothballs.  Mothballs are toxic and smell terrible.  The smell is very difficult to get out of clothing.  Opt for cedar which repels moths with its scent.  Replace cedar every year because it loses its scent.

Keep clothing out of humid environments.  Clothes should be stored in a cool and dry environment.   Humidity leads to mildew on fabric which is difficult to fully remove. 

Empty your pockets.  Check your pockets before putting clothing away for a season.  You will remove any potential hazardous items and may even find that key you’ve been looking for.

For more tips on how to edit your closet or to learn more about prolonging the life of your clothes contact the Charleston Style Concierge.

1.  Dark Denim Jean

Why?  Dark Denim can be dressed up for an evening out or dressed down for a casual Saturday.

2.  Black Trouser

Why?  A great black pant can take you from the office to cocktails.

3.   White Button Down Shirt

Why?  This classic staple suits your professional and casual style with a very chic look.

4.  Structured Skirt in Neutral Color

Example:  Black Pencil Skirt

Why? Use this skirt for a power meeting, a hot date, or a casual brunch.

5.  Structured Jacket in Neutral Color

Why?  Structured Jackets make any outfit look more put together. 

6.  Camisoles for Layering

Why?  White, black, and a few colored camisoles can make a revealing shirt office appropriate or add a pop of color for a more interesting outfit.

7.  Tops with Color & Pattern

Why?  Add fun and interest to your wardrobe with color and pattern that suits your personal style.

8.  Wrap Dress

Why?  This universally flattering dress can be dressed up with heels or dressed down with flats.

9.  Neutral Leather Handbag

Why?  Pull together your outfit with a great handbag large enough to carry your daily essentials but chic enough to take your from work to cocktails.

10.  An Unexpected Accessory

Why?  Have a little fun with a pop of color from a red shoe, a patent leather belt, or whatever accessory speaks to your personal style.

Do you put together an outfit for a specific event with ease, but have trouble creating new and different looks for every day?  Your wardrobe may suffer from lack of versatility. 

Your wardrobe lacks versatility if…

1.      You buy similar items to those you already own.  The new black shirt you loved in the store is less exciting at home when you realize the outfit you will create looks the same as the one you always put together with your other black shirts.

2.      You buy an outfit for a specific purpose and then never think about it again.  Break up the pieces and think of other ways to wear them.  Add accessories or layers to change the original look.

3.      Your clothing purchases deviate from your true wardrobe needs.  Buying what you actually need is a key element to feeling stylish and put together all the time.

4.      You are not buying clothing in your correct size.  Fabulous but ill-fitting items will do you no good hanging in the closet.  Buy clothing that fits you as you are right now.

5.      If you don’t have a mental inventory of what you own.  Make an effort to edit your closet at least twice a year.  You will remember what you own and will now be able to determine if a new piece will be a versatile addition to your wardrobe.

It is difficult to get inspired by Fall’s great fashion with temperatures still hitting 90 degrees in the middle of September.  For those of us in warmer climates, fall fashion means thinking outside the box.  There are some easy ways to participate in the excitement of fall fashion while accepting the reality of the climate you live in. 

The easiest way to welcome fall into a scorching climate is to play with color.  Participate in a fall color trend.  This season you will find beautiful fall color palettes with many colors to suit your personal style. Choose from subtle autumn hues and vibrant jewel tones.  Pair these colors with muted neutrals like chocolate brown or shitake gray.

Change the look of your dresses.  Trade in your sundress for a sophisticated wrap dress in a rich color or pattern.  While the weather is still warm wear it with flats, as it gets cooler, add boots and a structured jacket for a new look.  Change the look of your classic summer dress with a sweater or tights.  Wear the dress with tights and heels, or layer with a sweater to turn the dress into a skirt.

Make a statement with bold accessories in rich fall colors.  Give your boring black and brown handbags a rest.  A rich jewel tone bag makes a statement while acting as a go to neutral.  Upgrade your flip flops for sassy flats and comfy heels.  This season the low-heeled shoe is both comfortable and chic. 

For more ways to find great fall style contact Charleston Style Concierge.  Let us help you with all of your style needs.

Jewel Tone Color Palette:

Ever feel guilty about buying another pair of shoes?  Not anymore!  Owning a lot of shoes in differing styles and heel heights is good for your health and style.  Marlene Reid, a podiatrist in Westmont, Illinois, and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, justifies your shoe fetish in an article from Real Simple magazine.

The Podiatrist Says:

·        Size yourself up. Have your feet measured every few years — especially after a pregnancy or if your weight has changed. “Don’t just routinely buy the size you’ve always worn,” says Reid, because wearing shoes that are too small can exacerbate foot problems, like bunions, corns, and hammertoes.

·        Change your shoes. You shouldn’t wear the same heel height every day. “Even half an inch of difference changes the pressure on the foot and stretches out the Achilles,” says Reid. Take that as a good excuse to buy those cute flats or kitten heels.

·        Banish bare feet. When you go barefoot or wear shoes that have no arch support or motion control (like flip-flops), the plantar fasciae, the connective tissue that runs under the feet to the heels, can get overworked. The result is often heel pain.

Get more great tips from medical specialists from Real Simple.  For more information on great shoes for your personal style contact Charleston Style Concierge.

No, a closet edit is the foundation to great style and serves as an educational tool.  The fact that your closet is neat and tidy when you finish is an extra bonus.  Editing your closet regularly is the key component to making your clothing function for you and your lifestyle.  You should edit your closet on a seasonal basis.  By working seasonally, you will find items you forgot you had, think of new ways to wear what you already own, and keep your closet neat and organized.
 

A closet edit can be done on your own, or with a professional.  A professional stylist will help you learn the best way to dress your body and is instrumental in making you feel put together and confident every time you walk out the door.  No matter if you are doing an edit on your own or with a stylist here are a few tips to get the greatest benefit out of your closet.

FACT:  We wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time.

That fact makes it clear why so many of us stand in their closet staring at a sea of clothes wondering why they have nothing to wear.  You do not have to be part of that fact.  Set a goal to develop a wardrobe that meets your style goals and functions for you. 

Ask yourself a few questions about your lifestyle.  On a typical day, where are you going?  What are you doing?  What percentage of time is spent doing those things?  Which of those activities cause you the most stress while getting dressed?  Your answers will uncover your wardrobe needs and challenges.  For instance, if the largest percentage of your time is spent in a jean-free workplace, do you really need 50 pairs of jeans?

Begin by focusing on one category within your wardrobe.  I typically recommend pants or bottoms to my clients because most people have fewer bottoms than tops.  Bottoms are important basics that will be used over and over to make different outfits.  Start wherever you like and examine each piece of clothing.  Does it fit?  Don’t know?  Try it on.  Have you worn it recently?  Does it fit with the categories you determined for your lifestyle?  Does it meet your style goals?  I realize this is a lot of questions to ask about one little piece of clothing, but it is necessary to create a fashionable wardrobe that functions for you.

As you work through your wardrobe create three piles; give-away, throw-away, and to be repaired.  Make notes as you edit your closet to help you determine where you may have wardrobe holes, and what pieces you may be missing to complete your style goals.  Continue working through your entire closet until you have given each piece proper attention and put it back into the closet in an orderly fashion. 

Now sit back and reap the rewards of a job well done.  Getting dressed is now easier because you know what you have, where it is, and how it fits.  Take your closet edit notes with you on your next shopping trip.  Use those notes to make smart shopping choices that can be incorporated into your existing wardrobe and lifestyle.

Find a time to edit your closet.  Be honest, be creative with new outfits, and have fun!  For more information about editing your closet, or to learn more about hiring a professional to assist you, contact the Charleston Style Concierge.

Fall is right around the corner and all of the fashion mags are full of great fall styles and trends.  This weekend as I flipped through one of my favorite fashion mags I was struck by an article called “Fall Trends to Try.”  I turned the pages with excitement and anticipation of all the great new things in store for fall.  My excitement dwindled as I turned to a page that said “Try Pleated Pants.”  For the record I will say that pleated pants have their place in the fashion world, but for most of us everyday fashionistas pleated pants are a trend we don’t need to try.

At least once a week during a closet edit I explain to clients why the pleated pant does not work for their body shape.  Most pleated pants are accompanied by a tapered leg, which is even worse, but I digress.  Pleats add fullness and volume to the front of a pant, therefore adding fullness and volume to you!  Don’t be fooled by the pleated pant as a cover up for a mid-section you want to hide.  Remember that pleats will just draw attention to the spot you want to camouflage. 

This season stand strong against the allure of the pleated pant trend.  Pick trends that compliment your personal style and can be incorporated into the wardrobe you already own.

For more information on how to incorporate seasonal trends into your wardrobe contact the Charleston Style Concierge or sign up for our free monthly ezine for more style tips and tricks.