Does anything brighten your face or your mood faster than red lipstick? I have recently re-discovered this easy trick to pick up my spirits and am having all sorts of fun.
Style Tip: Take some time and test a few shades before choosing one that is perfect for you. No need to spend a lot of money, drug stores now have lovely colors and lip liners for a professional look. My personal favorite du jour, Cover Girl, hot passion red with passion lip liner!
Nothing says sweet more than a white dress but you don’t want to look like a bride, right? Add a chunky belt, bag and sandals to create a non-bridal look. You could also add a sweater or jacket in a bright or muted color.
Budget Tip: Look for white dresses in discount stores and accessorize with thrift store finds to keep the look affordable.
Brown and purple, a combination that you may not have thought of wearing together but doesn’t it work well together? This look is so easy to put together with thrift or consignment store finds and notice the skinny belt, layered necklaces and nude sandals that allow the leg to look long and lean? I would also love to see some layered bracelets to complete the look. Great outfit for work or weekend!
Love vintage dresses but don’t want to look like you are wearing a costume? Here is a way to update a vintage outfit and bring it into the present. Pair with new look shoes and bag.
Budget Tip: There are plenty of vintage dresses in thrift and vintage stores. Make sure when you choose yours you check for stains and make sure that all the seams as well as the zipper or buttons are in good repair. This look will last forever.
Is there a cleaner look than navy blue and white? The volume of the filmy polka dot blouse is balanced by the flair of the pant and same color hose and shoes elongate the leg. A wide belt defines the waist making this an ultra feminine look.
Budget Tip: The blouse could be vintage so look for one in thrift, consignment or even discount stores. Belts are abundant in thrift stores so no need to make this an investment piece and can be also worn with dresses and skirts for waist definition on other outfits.
I love this new navy shadow that works for everyone and is a latest look for Spring. You don’t have to spend a lot to get a shadow that is long lasting and the perfect navy shade, L’Oreal makes one that I think is just beautiful.
Budget Tip: L’Oreal and Lancome are made by the same manufacturer!
Yes ladies, the bomber jacket is back. Make sure the one you find fits you and isn’t too blousy so that it doesn’t stand away from the body which would create too much volume.
Budget Tip: Bomber jackets are easy to find, mostly at thrift stores, the more distressed the better.
Remember the Buddhist bead bracelets we all got a few years ago? Here is a way to wear them and make a real statement. If you gave yours all away, look for them at thrift and consignment stores. I also love the contrast of the reptile bag with the turquoise in this jacket. Discount stores have bags like this from time to time so no need to make this an investment accessory.
Barrettes are back! Pairing a red barrette with a red lip really makes a statement and is an easy way to add color to an all one color look.
A good way to add a feminine touch to a men’s wear look is an ultra feminine accessory. I think this clutch is a lovely addition to soften this masculine outfit.
This can be an inexpensive and classic look. Men’s tux shirts can be found in thrift or consignment and add a polished uptown look to plain old jeans. Fun!
This is a great way to integrate those thrift store finds into your wardrobe. Add a fun bag to any outfit and it works. Do not match it to anything because the rule is, if it doesn’t go with anything, it goes with everything!
Budget Tip: If you don’t have a bag like this in your wardrobe already, lucky you, you get to have an adventure! I picked up a bag for $12.50 at a thrift store that everyone thinks is designer so have some fun and find some great deals to wear and enjoy for one year or forever.
What is sexier than mixing a girlie chiffon skirt with a leather jacket? I just love the juxtaposition of playing the styles off of each other and the studded booties complete the look.
Budget Tip: Look for a chiffon skirt at thrift or consignment. These studded booties are expensive but you can get the look with tights and black shoes and add an edge with metallic accessories like bangles or a belt with metallic buckle.
This is an easy, sophisticated twist on a pony tail. Section hair in 3 parts and tie off with bands that either match your hair or use color for a pop.
Everyone has a denim shirt but we usually don’t think of wearing it with a work look. Here is an example of how to use it in a more upscale look, pair with black. Wear a sandal or a pump and throw on a leather jacket. Cool, huh?
Like skinny jeans but not quite skinny? This is a good way to cover up those places that you don’t want to show and avoid the oh so unflattering diamond shape that skinny jeans provide. Stuff jeans into boots, this will give you the foundation bulk to offset the taper. The monochromatic, all black creates a long, lean line. Then, find an oversize men’s cardigan at thrift, consignment or discount store and belt it to give definition to the waist. The cardigan creates another center line that narrows the body and makes you look thinner!
I have always loved the sophistication that a black blazer and white shirt gives to jeans. Notice the piled on silver jewelry and studded belt which really adds an uptown edge. This look can take you anywhere in the City.
Budget Tip: Men’s black tux blazers can be found in thrift stores. Buy one that isn’t too big and push up the sleeves.
This look is so easy. Notice that the skirt and shoes are the same color which creates a long leg. Add a white tee shirt, simple belt, and a fun, breezy scarf and this look works in the City for any day.
Budget Tip: This can work with any color skirt just make sure that the shoes are the same color as the skirt. Scarves are easy to find at thrift stores so have some fun with your choice. Also, keep the bag the same color as the skirt and shoes.
Want to instantly lose ten pounds? Create a monochrome look which will elongate the body. The only problem? Boring! Try adding a print coat and large bag which will make any outfit chic.
Style Tip: This works so well because shoes have picked up a color in the coat. Also, make sure that the top and skirt are the same color otherwise you will not create the long, lean look that you want.
We all like wearing dark colors because it makes us feel thinner, right? But the weather is warmer and color is everywhere! Adding a bright bag instantly brightens up a dark look and can make you feel happier. You can substitute the leather pants with any black pant, wear a black top to create the long, lean look that we all want to achieve. Throw on a trench and pop the look with a bright bag. Voila, it’s Spring in the City!
Budget Tip: This is a very inexpensive look to put together with consignment, thrift or discount store finds.
