Going broke for fashion

When the economy dips, designers dig deep within their pockets, using creativity to make their fashions work… and make it affordable for us. It’s no different for fashionistas, who make it work everyday even on a shoestring budget.

 

History has shown that in tough economic times, designers play it safe. Maybe it’s time for us fashionistas to play it safe as well. Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz was quoted in October saying women are “going to buy emotional pieces that they cannot resist. They may skip dinner or lunch, but they will get the dress.”  

But how do you know when you’ve gone too far? It’s exciting to think our lives are dripping in luxury like pages of the magazines. In reality, there are lights that get cut off and cars that get repo’d! So how can you meet the fashion code without going into severe debt? Here are five rules to live by when it comes to shopping:

 

1. Inventory your wardrobe before shopping so that you have an idea of what you need. I have always been guilty of buying items that I know I have nothing to along with it. This cardinal rule has saved many skirts, sweaters and shoes from the “drop-off to Goodwill” pile.
2. Strategize! Buy classic pieces. A classic trench, a lightweight grey pant… who couldn’t use these pieces? The best part is they last all year round!
3. When it comes to trends, find your favorite on and stick to it. You don’t need to wear every style of everything that comes out, besides your closet might begin to look a little schizo.
4. Speaking of trends, keep in mind that fashion is cyclical. I’ve been saying this for years! The trends you see in the magazines may be the ones tucked deep in the back of your closet…or in the middle of a consignment shop.
5. Accessorize! Enough said.

What did we learn today? A dismal economy doesn’t always equal dismal fashion!Happy shopping!

 

The shapes of women.

An anthropologist from University of Utah hypothesized that the best body shape for women may not be the hourglass shape, according to an article on Yahoo News. Elizabeth Cashdan said that the hormones that typically help to deal with stress and increase strength “also tend to redistribute fat from the hips to the waist.”

In the article, Cashdan said, “in societies and situations where women are under pressure to procure resources and otherwise bring home the bacon, they may be less likely to have the classic hourglass figure.”

Now I’m a fan of diversity in all shapes and sizes! When I worked at Barbizon Modeling School, we helped our potential models find their best shape and how to work with it using clothing. Check out this handy website to determine your shape. It is generally unhealthy to carry around a lot of weight in your midsection. Whether you’re a man or woman, extra pounds on your belly put you at risk for heart disease, not to mention tons of other issues. Don’t put yourself at risk just because it’s attractive to the other sex. You don’t have to be a stick, but keep it fit.

How to get a haute holiday look

The holidays are here and what better reason do you have than to play dress up? We put a lot of focus on fashion, but don’t forget that the base starts with beauty. Here’s a few helpful tips to get the Haute holiday look you want.

1. Add golden touches to your look. I love a bronzer (not blush), especially with a soft metal look to the eye makeup.

2. Try on a smoky eye. There’s nothing more sensual that this bad girl look.

3. Don’t forget your nails! With all that fabulousity going on with your holiday-wear, don’t distract with crazy colors on your tips. Go for a short, nude nail if your wearing anything sparkly or colorful. It’s sheer and sexy. But if you’re rocking an all-black ensemble, be bold. Try out fire engine red!

Need help with the look? Mary Kay vendors will demonstrate holiday looks from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the 2nd Annual Holiday and Train Show at the Whitaker Center. Try the look, buy the look! Avon representatives will be on site as well.

Black Friday sales in the city!

What craziness! Amid economic concerns, retailers have opened their doors to bargain hunters again this Black Friday, hoping to make a financial come-back. There are sales galore, but don’t forget about the small Mom and Pop shops in downtown Harrisburg. Here are a few sales in our city:

Plum Bottom: 31% off (to celebrate 31 years of business) through Sunday.

Pampered Peacock: 50% off today!

When you’re finished, relax at Lola’s Day Spa on 3rd, then head to Zephyr Express on Front for a BBQ Flatbread Pizza! After all that turkey, who couldn’t use a break!

Happy Shoppings!