Posts Tagged ‘ fashion tips ’

Protect Your Wallet: Mix High and Low Fashion

Sep 10th, 2008 | By Style Snob | Category: Conscious Fashion
Rating 4.33 out of 5

mixmatch4 Protect Your Wallet: Mix High and Low FashionYou can’t avoid the truth that our economy stinks right now. You feel bad to purchase the new Chanel handbag when there are people losing their homes and unable to find a job.  Retailers are suffering during this downturn, and while we can’t spend the way we used to, we can still find ways to update our wardrobe without breaking the bank.  The key is to mix high fashion with lower priced items to create an individualized look that beats any head-to-toe runway outfit.

Invest in a few long lasting items. By spending a bulk of your cash towards a great coat, an awesome bag, a sexy pair of heels and a signature necklace, you are set.  These items you will wear constantly and use for years to come if you find the right look.  This does not mean you buy a beautiful coat every season, but one coat that will transcend future seasons.  These pieces will cost you, but they will really enhance and define your look.  You can then start mixing lower priced items to your wardrobe.

Be thrifty and accessorize accordingly. Look for basics that are lower priced.  Your leggings, belts, hats, and basic solid color tops can be inexpensive but still elevate the look.  You may have invested in a great skirt and a beautiful blouse, and now you can add some inexpensive scarf, a pair of fun tights, a belt, and even an adorable pair of flats to update that look.  Usually these basics do not have to be high-end designer items, so why break your bank to buy a $250 t-shirt?


Avoid trends. While you can buy every cute little thing at H&M each month, you end up tossing them after a few wears.  That could have added up to a really nice top that you would have kept for years.  Instead of buying into what’s hip and cool right now, look at styles that match your signature style.  If something looks foreign to you or you have to think about scenarios to when you can wear something, don’t get it.  Save that cash to put towards an investment piece.  There will be a few items such as costume jewelry that you can get that are fun and won’t leave you dizzy when you see your credit card bill.

Mixing high and low fashion is the way to go.  It’s fun and guilt free. Be cautious and remember that balance is key.  Learn to budget, and you will be rewarded.  What are your favorite high and low fashion items?

dELiA*s Protect Your Wallet: Mix High and Low Fashion

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What Every Snob Needs In Her Closet

Jul 20th, 2008 | By Style Snob | Category: Conscious Fashion
Rating 3.00 out of 5

Closet Staples

I’m a firm believer in simplicity and controlled actions. While I may get weak in the knees during a Net-a-porter sale, I try my best to avoid whimsical purchases. I never did like trends, since I was never the type to carry them well. Instead, I favor classic, casual and stylish pieces that transcend time to build my own style, regardless of what’s in season. I know that these items are exactly what I want in my closet and that I’ll put good use to them. By investing in my closet I avoid cluttering up my space with arbitrary pieces I’ll wear once and eventually toss. Here are the basics that every snob must have. These are the items you’ll end up wearing again and again, making them a part of your signature style.

Signature Jewelry . I have a strand of pearls that I throw over my outfits for an instant glamour effect, even if I am just wearing jeans. If not pearls, then I usually have a simple pendant on. One of my favorites is the Digger’s Pendant from Brilliant Earth . Sometimes I’ll even wear both of them! I also always have on my Tiffany ring that my boyfriend gave me as well as a simple diamond ring for a nice sparkle. These are my must have, everyday pieces.

Basic Tees . I favor comfort over everything else, and the great thing is comfort can also be stylish. I love my Splendid, James Perse, and C&C tops . They’re great for layering and come in so many vibrant colors and designs. Your basic tees don’t have to be in solid colors. They can have fun prints or interesting details at the neckline or hem. Whatever suits your style.

Favorite Jeans. I am a slave to Rock&Republic and Seven For All Mankind denim. Find a pair that fits you well. You may even want to purchase two pairs and hem one to work with flats and the other to work with heels. Go for fit, cut, color, and comfort. T here are always sales going on, so take your time, try them on, and don’t settle for just any pair. Find the ones you love, and you will wear them for years to come.

Killer Heels. We all need a pair. They don’t need to be Christian Louboutins or Manolo Blahniks (although I must say I am growing fond of MB), they can be any designer as long as you love them. The key is they must MUST fit well and are comfortable from the start. The basic pair of heels that should be a part of every wardrobe are black, closed-toe leather heels, either pointed or slightly rounded. Then I suggest you invest in the “wow” heels — the ones that make people take in a breath as they look at your feet. My fave “wow” heels include patent graffiti Clichy Louboutins as well as my silver Sedarabys from Manolo Blahnik.

Great Flats. If I am not running across town in heels, I find relief wearing flats. I swear by my leather flats from Miss Sixty, which I have had for two years and still look like new. Great flats stand the test of time and do not wear out after only a few months.

Handbag. Okay, I saved the best for last. Despite my frantic obsession with handbags , I only own 6 handbags total. One evening bag, two workhorses (the ones you throw around, stuff to its seams, etc.), and three fab day bags (think Hermes). The handbag is an accessory that tells others who you are and how you carry yourself. A small clutch means you are minimalist, while a giant Balenciaga Work means you have your entire life with you. Some occasions call for specific bags. I suggest one evening bag, one nice and roomy day bag, and one work bag that you can drag to a picnic or beach without worrying about it keeping it clean.

And those are the essentials that I definitely make sure I have in my closet. What pieces must you have in your closet?

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Have Style A to Zoe

Jun 19th, 2008 | By Style Snob | Category: Conscious Fashion
Rating 3.00 out of 5

chairsRachel Zoe has become a household name in the fashion industry. Having created fashion trends and beautiful red carpet appearances for A-list stars such as Keira Knightly and Nicole Richie using her distinct eye for what works for each individual client, Zoe decided to publish a book all about how to master the art of fashion and glamour.

Style A to Zoe is a colorful and vibrant book that gives great tips and ideas about how to be stylish every day. It encourages you to create glamour wherever you go, and how to establish an individual style for yourself based on what you love about yourself and not by what media tells you. She tells you how to look fabulous after a long flight, how to pack for a vacation, how to decorate your home, essentials for everyday wear, how to get the best hair, and a ton of her favorite pieces and accessories.

I found the book very entertaining, and I loved all the photos and suggestions given by Zoe. I also enjoyed the articles contributed by various fashionable people, such as Donatella Versace, Diane von Furstenberg, and Valentino. While I may not have the budget or the excitement about fashion that Zoe has, I definitely am inspired by a lot of the tips she provided. Here are some things I took away.

Have the essentials. Red lipstick or gloss, black eyeliner with mascara, great heels, and a metallic clutch are a must for every fashionable female. Zoe also mentions having a fur shrug, even if it’s faux, but I’m not much of a “wear an animal on your back” type of snob, so I’m skipping that.

Own classics, not trends. I’m very much over having the latest graffiti-inspired “it” bag. Now it’s all about my Hermes and Chanel handbags that will complement every outfit and will last for decades. Classics are simple and chic, and lack the bells and whistles that hot new items have. It’s better to have a quality classic than something that is splattered with bling and logos.

Must-have jewelry pieces include dazzling diamond studs, hoop earrings, a cocktail ring, amazing statement earrings, a strand of pearls, a watch (my Movado with a pale pink face and Swarovski crystals rock), a signature charm on a simple chain, a bangle or cuff, and a dressy necklace. And remember, quality matters. These are pieces to invest in and love.

Be comfortable. This is the most important thing I got from her book. No matter where you are going and what you are wearing, the key is to feel free in everything you have. If you are worried about having to tuck in your tummy, adjust your top, straighten your jewels, or can’t walk in those shoes, then leave them at home. Or heck, don’t even buy them in the first place. Your style is about what makes you feel fabulous and not having to think constantly about it. It should leave you feeling wonderful, and the most beautiful woman in the room is always the one who is the most confident, regardless of her size, clothes, or appearance.


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