Posts Tagged ‘style consulting’
9 Tips To Developing a Solid Professional Wardrobe on a Budget
Friday, January 14th, 2011
Budget may not be a fashionable word, but with the state of the economy, it’s certainly a trend. Trend or not, your apparel should never scream sale. Professional women, particularly those working in the financial and legal industries, need clothes that articulate success. Wearing well-fitted, quality attire speaks volumes to current, and more importantly, future clients about your ability to handle their affairs. Unfortunately, quality clothes and alteration costs are not cheap. So what’s a girl to do when she’s working with limited funds? We’ve furnished nine excellent tips certain to give your wardrobe a million dollar look without breaking the bank.
1. Browse Boutiques. Shop Major Stores
Boutiques carry cute, unique and cutting edge pieces. Just the same, there’s a reason most conceal their price tags. Turn to boutiques to launch ideas, but shop the look at the bigger retail chains. Department stores experience high merchandise turnovers. In most cases, merchandise remaining after six weeks get marked down, allowing you to find great deals that can be worn right away. Boutique sale items usually include out of season or out of vogue pieces.
2. Sign up for eBates and Receive Cash Back
Although eBates began doing business in 1998, it’s still not widely used. eBates, the pioneer and leader of online cash back shopping, rewards “big fat checks” or direct deposits to your PayPal account, quarterly for clicking to a website through theirs. By signing up – membership is always free – and clicking through to any of the 1200 plus eBates links to shop, you receive up to 25% cash back. Additionally, the website offers hundred of cut-rate coupons which can be layered, meaning huge savings and cash back.
3. Sign up for eBay Cash Back
Like eBates, four time a year, eBay Bucks Rewards Program members receive 2% back in eBay Bucks for eBay purchases. Members have 30 days to redeem their Bucks on eBay and must buy from Sellers who accept PayPal.
4. Combine eBates and eBay to Save Big
Shop eBay through eBates and get paid twice!
5. Shop Online Sample Sales
If you truly have champagne taste but a wine budget, online sample sales are the way to go. Websites like Gilt Groupe, Beyond the Rack, and Rue La La, provide “invitation-only” access to highly coveted products at up to 70% off retail. Sales last for a limited time and feature many of the world’s most sought-after designers.
6. Break Out Those Old Gift Cards
You know those unwanted gift cards stashed in your dresser drawer? Why not turn that stash into cold, hard cash? Sites like PlasticJungle.com and Swapagift.com make it possible. Take the money you receive and treat yourself a new LBD; compliments of Home Depot. Return rates vary, but depend on getting at least 60% of the original card value.
7. Keep Your Receipt
You’re happy with your recent clothing purchase and 100% certain it’s a keeper. Great! But don’t get rid of that receipt yet. Holding on to the receipt could bring you a price adjustment if your purchase goes on sale. Check the store’s website or call the store a week or two after making your purchase to inquire about possible markdowns. Most stores are willing to make the adjustment within 14 days, provided you have your receipt.
8. Cultivate a Relationship with a Salesperson
Most sales reps work on commission and work hard to build a client book. Agree to add your name to her book if she agrees to set aside a high-ticket item the moment it gets marked down.
9. Hire an Image Consultant
There’s no savings in buying clothing that you never wear. Not only can a certified image consultant instruct you how to view clothing differently, but she will teach you how to compliment your physical attributes, improve your dressing skills, and enhance your skin with the right color shades of clothing based on your shape, age, height and lifestyle. Think of all the money you can save by purchasing apparel that you will love and more importantly, wear.
Tags: Choosing the right colors, corporate image consulting, How to Dress Your Body Type, Personal Image Consulting, petite fashion tips, Style, style consulting
Posted in Body Analysis, Color / Colour Analysis, Corporate, Personal, Petite | 1 Comment »
Video – Tips on Mixing Similar Shirt and Tie Patterns
Friday, July 16th, 2010
Mixing similar shirt and tie patterns is a great way to show off your sartorial muscle. Get it wrong, and your style looks weak and in need of a personal fashion trainer. In this first of a two-part series on pattern mixing, learn how to mix two similar patterns to achieve a smooth and natural transition. Stick with these guidelines and your style will always be in top shape.
Subscribe the YouTube Channel or, if you have an account, the VIMEO channel for a chance to win a designer shirt and tie valued at $150.
Tags: giveaways, How to Accessorize an Outfit, men style, style consulting, Video
Posted in Color / Colour Analysis, Corporate, Personal | 1 Comment »
Cheap Chic – Tee Shirt Styling Tips
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
Fergie's Tee Shirt Style
Unquestionably a quintessential wardrobe staple, the classic tee, in its varying colors, patterns and prints, triumphs as one of the most versatile clothing articles of modern times.
Follow these seven style tips and you will be certain to stay on top of your tee-shirt game:
- Invest in a seamless bra or T-shirt bra for a smooth silhouette. Maidenform® offers
The Smooth Bra® Push-Upfeatured recently in “People Style Watch” magazine.
- A tee-shirt’s shoulder seam should sit properly at the widest part of your shoulders.
- A fitted crewneck tee is a classic for all ages.
- Scoopneck and V-neck types are great for those with fuller busts; be sure to avoid loose-fitting ones that can be unflattering.
- Cap-sleeve tees show off those toned biceps well.
- Want to give the illusion of a more elongated silhouette? Push up long sleeves.
- Wear an open-neck fitted tee under a smart jacket for boardroom chic.
Tags: bras, petite fashion tips, style consulting
Posted in Color / Colour Analysis, Personal, Petite | 2 Comments »
Fashion Proportion – Reveal
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
Thanks to all who responded with comments to Monday’s post. Congratulations to Lanette aka Amadi, winner of the T.J. Maxx gift certificate.
So here are my opinions of the three looks.
Elise Neal. Love the color and the style works well on her figure. The length, however, falls flat. It too short to be long and too long to be short. Also, I totally agree with reader Christina’s comment regarding Elise’s display of the girls. It’s one thing to show decolletage; it’s quite another to offer a peep show. Finally, Elise’s earrings, ring and shoes lack cohesiveness. My Rating: 7
Elise Neal 2010 Silver Rose Gala
Taraji P. Henson. This outfit works perfectly for the office, but not for a Beverly Hills gala. The blouse’s red hue flatters the actress’ skin tone, but, once again, Taraji gets the skirt length wrong. Her necklace, however, correctly stops at her second balance point*. My Rating: 8
Taraji P Henson 2010 Silver Rose Gala
Alicia Keys: Yes! Tightly fitted, as should be the case when wearing leather. Still, it’s not too tight, as we see no fabric pulling across the hips. As for the length. Dead on!. Love Alicia’s shoes and the toe cleavage. Sexy. Christina again nails it in her comment about Alicia’s hair. Updos instantly bring elegance to a look. Had she put her hair up to display a fabulous pair of earrings to play off her shoes, I probably would have given Alicia a ten. My Rating: 9:5
Alicia Keys 2010 Silver Rose Gala
* Second Balance Point: To find your second balance point, measure the distance between the widest part of your face to your chin. Measure the same distance from your shoulder line to your chest.
Tags: Celebrity Fashion, How to Dress Your Body Type, style consulting, What to wear to
Posted in Body Analysis, Color / Colour Analysis, Personal | No Comments »
Andy Thê-Anh Fall 2010 Collection
Sunday, April 18th, 2010
May I share a secret with you? I know color; I know fit; I know proportion. But when it comes to knowing the names of hot fashion designers, I’m usually tardy for the party. Fortunately, master fashion journalists like Arise, Obsessionista, SheBreathes, Stylemom and The Midwestern Front, keep their well-manicured fingers on the pulse of what’s fresh and modern so I don’t have to.
Last night, however, while researching information for a new blog post, I came across the name of an unfamiliar designer; Andy Thê-Anh. Andy actually entered the Canadian fashion scene in 1981 (talk about being tardy) and quickly earned recognition as one of Canada’s most brilliant designers. See his work and you’ll clearly understand why. He designs with the modern career oriented woman in mind, creating masterfully tailored trendy and ultra-feminine threads that exude refinement and glamor. Well known for his impeccable suits, ladylike blouses and to-die-for frocks, Andy Thê-Anh’s collections include something for every size 0 to 14 silhouette. Images of his recent showing in Toronto left me in complete awe and longing to share. I mean, I know I’m late getting wind on this designer, but surely there’s someone else out there who’s late too . . . Right?
Here’s a glimpse of his Fall 2010 Collection. I’d love to hear what you think.
Tags: Celebrity Fashion, How to Dress Your Body Type, petite fashion tips, style consulting
Posted in Body Analysis, Color / Colour Analysis, Personal | No Comments »
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