Social Fashionista

Black is Back for fall!

Goth Kids rejoice; Black is back… as the new black! This fall black will be bigger than ever, from girly and sweet, to textured and strong. The most slimming, easy color and shape will be coming back with accessories galore! On the runway it was paired with simple hair and makeup and bold accessories.

I love this style, so simple, sleek and fun! Plus everyone looks good on the dark side every now and then!

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Hollywood Glamour, for Everyday Women

Wouldn’t we all love to have the same old school Hollywood glamour as Greta Garbo, Marylyn Monroe, or Audrey Hepburn? Their timeless elegance is something that women across the globe have been trying to recreate for decades. Here are a few tips from those screen sirens to make our everyday a bit more glamorous.

1) Never look overly done up. Hair was looser and wavier, makeup was fierce but natural, and the old rule was always take off one thing before you leave the house. It’s never good to have your makeup, hair, and accessories fighting for attention. Sometimes simpler is more glamorous.

2) Show off your curves without showing too much skin. Nowadays it seems like less is more on the red carpet, with skirts up to there, and tops cut down to there, it’s amazing that there is any fabric in between. However, one thing that earlier movie stars knew was, there is more sexiness in mystery, that in nudity. Especially in public. So, if you are going to wear something that is more revealing on top, stay covered up on the bottom, and visa versa. If it’s skin tight, then don’t show too much cleavage or leg, and it will all balance out for a sexy and gorgeous look.

3) Look for Hollywood classics, like cardigans, a string of pearls, or an amazing A-line skirt, then modernize it and make it your own.

4) Don’t be afraid of a little cat eye liner, as long as you aren’t wearing red lipstick at the same time.

5) Exude tons of red-carpet confidence. Nothing made those women sexier than the confidence to be themselves, and have their own style.

What are your tips for adding Hollywood Glamour into every day wear?

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Mrs. Degeneres Blogs About Her Wedding

I love hearing about Ellen and Portia’s wedding, and am so proud of California for recognizing everyone’s right to wed and be in love! The newlywed Ellen took to her blog to express how excited she is about the big event, check it out for yourself as the font is important. She says:

“I had a big, big weekend. I got married to Portia de Rossi! Sorry, John Stamos . . . this one’s taken.

You may notice something different about the way I’m writing . . . it’s fancy. This is the font I type in now that I’m MARRIED! I do a lot of things differently now . . . I say “I do” a lot. For example: Who wants to do pilates? I do. Would you like a Mountain Dew? I do. Do you know why I pulled you over? I do. And that was just this morning.

The wedding was everything we hoped it would be. I wish I could’ve invited all of you. But I have some pictures and video I can show you when Season 6 starts on September 8th. I can’t wait to see them too . . . it was all a blur. See you then.

Blissfully yours, the just married Mrs. DeGeneres.”

Source

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Pink Shows You What Not To Wear

Pink Riding A Mower

Pink was seen riding a mower down Sunset Boulevard after filming the new video for her song “so what.” I love Pink, and what I love most about her is her “I don’t give a shit” attitude. I think many people would have a much better life if they took a few life lessons from her.

However, there are times when we should care about people opinions, especially walking out of the house in an outfit like that. Did anyone yell “No, don’t go out in public like that.” or “Hey, Pink - it’s not Halloween yet.” This is where the fashion police come in. The crazy blonde hair, striped leggings and tank top are just NOT recommended for wearing in public, not even on your laundry day.

Anyone have a phone number for a stylist we could pass on - STAT?!

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Career Tip: Let Your Ideas Do The Talking

I remember when I was a kid my Mom brought home a stuffed animal from work, I think it was a fox, and I remember it was holding a sign that said “I’ve got great ideas!” I asked my Mom where she had gotten it from and she said that her company gave it to her because she had submitted an idea, and they ended up using it, and one of the ways they showed appreciation for their employees ideas was giving them stuffed animals (and maybe a raise?)

It always stuck with me that in a company of over 5,000 (just in her branch) my Mom’s company took notice of their employees, of any title, when they had good ideas to improve the company. In the best-selling book “Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas-Survive and Others Die,” the co-author Dan Heath says “Even the most brilliant idea won’t make a difference if a manager can’t sell it, can’t get people to embrace it, remember it, and act on it.”

In an environment of economic and job uncertainty, one of the best ways to make sure you are remembered within your company is by your ideas. Your ideas show that you are passionate about what you do, are interested in the company’s success, and that you have promotion possibility. Here are six tips to let you know if your idea is a good one:

Keep it simple. Strip your idea down to the basics, without making it sound like a sales pitch. Make sure that a 5-year old could understand it.
Make it unexpected and exciting so that you keep your audiences attention.
Make sure it’s easy to remember and concrete.
Make it believable.
Make it emotional, more people will be persuaded to care about your idea if it tugs at their heartstrings.
Tell it in a story, and make sure it has a call to action. You want people to act immediately on your idea.

Your ideas make you invaluable to your company. For more tips on career and how to improve your job, if you have questions and need advice, or if you are looking to switch careers all together; click here to Ask The Career Coach.

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Weight Winners and Losers

That was the title of a magazine that caught my eye the other day while I was at the convenience store. Since when have we started looking at weight as this ongoing battle? Well, I suppose I know the answer to that. When we were young we were taught about this war that women undergo as they get older. “If I eat that, it will go straight to my hips,” my mother used to say. I’ve seen her get up at 4am and do kickboxing, or Pilates, or yoga for years. I myself started my own war a few years ago when I gained weight after a semi-horrible break up with my own (why the hell was I ever with him) ex.

I started my own exercise routine, and didn’t drop a pound. In fact after I started seeing my current partner, I gained MORE weight. Despite all this new found joy; I was apparently losing my “battle” with weight. Weight was beating me, and I was lying on the ground out of breath, beaten and bruised surrounded by cake, ice cream and jelly-donuts.

Suddenly, one day out of despair of my increasing waist line I had an epiphany. Why do I continually struggle with my weight? Why does this have to be a battle? Constantly punishing myself, or making myself feel guilty when I just can’t resist that last cookie (I really don’t have much for willpower). Why can’t I just enjoy my body for what it is and do my best to keep it as healthy as possible?

Lo-and-behold as I start to practice this self-loving, anti-weight-war lifestyle… the weight started to drop. I know; I was as shocked as I’m sure you are! It seems that our bodies respond better when we stop fighting with it, and start loving it. I now try to eat better, without depriving myself or beating myself up (I still don’t have much on the willpower end) and add in activities I enjoy (window shopping anyone?) to get enough exercise. Apparently, laying down the sword also boosted my self esteem (and definitely didn’t hurt in the love department either).

Perhaps we women need to lay this “weight battle” to rest (we have enough battles going on in our lives already) and start appreciating our bodies for the beautiful, curvy and enjoyable things they are! What do you say?

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Economic Analysis

According to economic analysts it appears that we have a longer road to recovery than originally planned, in fact we may be waiting until well into 2010 until we see any significant improvements.

With several stores announcing closings, including Starbucks and Dillard’s, and several more announcing bankruptcies, it isn’t surprising that most retailers are bracing for the worst. There have been whispers through the employees of several retail companies of possible layoffs; hour’s being cut, and benefits and inventory cut backs. Corporations are striving to save wherever and however possible.

While several markets (including oil and gas) are showing skyrocketing profits, how is the average American coping with the economic hardship that we are all now facing. Typically, they are shopping less, and spending thriftier. It is a terrifying downwards spiral, as the consumer shops less; the retailers make less, and have more cut-backs… which leads to less money for employees.

Yet, despite the droop most retail has seen, the accessories online business has boomed. It is one of the few highlights in the otherwise dark economy. Most jewelry sales, specifically costume jewelry has been announcing record profits more that before the economy started to fall.

I’m guessing this is because most people know the best way to re-use clothes, is to change up the accessories. It is the easiest way to keep your wardrobe fresh and new, without spending a fortune. Click here for some really great Sale Accessories.

To see some really unique sale accessories, at a great price, check out the unique products at Free People: Free People Accessories

How has the economy affected you?

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The Price of a Bargain

Have you ever noticed that in magazines or on fashion websites there are typically price point categories that items are put in, and are worded something like: $Bargain$, $$Budget-Friendly$$ and $$$Bank Buster$$$

I usually get excited about the first two categories, trying to pay off my school loans and living in a NYC apartment puts me on a fairly tight spending budget. However, being the shop-a-holic I am I still try to get my fix every once in a while. Today, while looking at the new have-to-have them shoes, the $Bargain$ category got my attention.

I quickly clicked on the adorable black flats (perfect for walking around the city) only to find that their $Bargain$ price was $225! Dismayed (and thinking they put the shoes in the wrong category) I clicked on the next pair of $Bargain$ shoes, and they were a whopping $175! I went on through out the list and the “cheapest” pair of shoes I could find were $85 (I’m sure by their terms was a REALLY BIG bargain).

Sadly, I don’t think those $Bargain$ prices fall into my budget. I am always surprised when I read magazines, or visit these sites to find how steep their prices are. Then I wonder, what type of salary they expect that their readership makes in order to pay for these $Bargains$ It is nice to run across actually discount and bargain sites and find a great pair of (fill in the blank) for a price that actually still allows me to pay rent, and buy groceries.

For A Real bargain, check out the newest addition to Kohls (one of my favorite places to bargain shop - and no one ever knows that the clothes I'm wearing were so inexpensive)

Are you ever surprised when you run across the $Bargain$ prices in magazines and online?

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Fur Trouble

Stella McCartney is FURious about a bra from her lingerie collection showing up in an advertisement for Hockley, a London Fur Company, underneath one of Hockley’s fur coats. McCartney has been strongly against the use of fur and leather in her collections, even her shoes and bags. Apparently the stylist for the Hockley add didn’t foresee her also being strongly against the use of her collection in a fur ad. The ad ran in the September issue of U.K. Vogue.

The Fur industry has been under fire for years for its inhumane tactics for extracting fur from animals. Many of the animals are skinned alive and left to die. PETA has been striving for years to change the use of animal fur in clothing and Stella McCartney is to be commended for her strong stance on the issue.

What do you feel about the use of fur in clothing?

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Wear Lingerie Like A Pro!

We all know how important sexy lingerie is, have you ever been on a date, getting ready to invite them in (or get invited in) and realize you are wearing granny panties, or a shaper?! As Bridget Jones says, you need the shapers to get in the door, but the sexy lingerie once inside! So what's a girl to do when lingerie can be every woman’s friend or her worst nightmare. Ideally what’s underneath will make you feel beautiful, sexy, and be invisible under you clothing. Here are some great tips for making the most out of what's underneath.

Update your bras every year, as they can become misshapen, and we have a tendency to change sizes in less than a year.

Make sure you size is correct, get re-fitted every year.

Make sure the band of your bra stays in the middle of your back, if it is riding up you need a new size, and it will make you droop.

When looking for strapless bras look for these things:

- Buy 1 cup size bigger, and 1 band size smaller. This will give you a better fit and more support

- Look for a wide band which will also be more supportive

- Go for support and shape over frills and decorations. It may look pretty, but it isn’t guaranteed to last through the night (and that's important)!

Don’t throw a molded cup bra in the dryer. It will misshape it.

Hand washing bras are best, as they will last longer. If you must wash it, be sure to get an intimates bag for your washer to protect the hooks and the shape of the bra.

When looking for a lace bra, look for a cross seam to keep the cup intact

If you are a larger cup size, look for nylon/lycra blends rather than cotton/lycra blends. They will last longer and retain their shape.

If you have one breast that is larger than the other (1 in 4 women do) be sure to fit the larger breast.

When looking for panties, make sure they are comfortable, not too tight around the waist or thighs. Also be sure to try them on with dress pants to make sure you don’t have any visible panty lines.

Whatever you are buying, be sure that it’s something you are comfortable in and that it makes you feel beautiful and sexy!

What are your favorite lingerie tips?

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Fit Your Booty!

No more asking if your butt looks big in this or that, here are some great tips to give your backside a boost, and look great in all your bottoms!

1) Buy clothes to fit the biggest part of your booty, and if needed get the rest brought in. Jeans that fit the butt may be too big in the waist, but can be taken to most department stores that have specialty jean tailors.

2) Bigger pockets for bigger bottoms, smaller pockets for less endowed back ends.

3) Find dresses that fit the waist, flow over the back. They will help balance out curves.

4) When trying to divert attention away from your backside look for dark bottoms, with sleek, unembellished pockets.

5) To accentuate your backend, or make it look curvier than it is, opt for pockets with flaps, embellishment, or buttons.

6) Find a blazer or jacket that stops just below the hips in order to make your bottom appear smaller.

For More Information Click Here Lee Jeans are some of my favorite pairs of jeans. They are a classic that always look good on any figure: Lee Jeans

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Dressing For A Relationship?

We've all seen it happen, the happy couple - been together for years (or in some case just a few months) and all of the sudden it's all sweatpants and dirty T's. What is it about getting comfortable with someone that makes us totally lose our sense of style, not to mention our sense of self, sense of individuality, sense of normalcy...

I am what most would call a serial monogamist, and have currently been in a 2 1/2 year great relationship, but I find on weekends I tend to immediately go to my workout pants and T-shirt. After dressing up for work all week (I do work in a fashion environment here) sometimes I just don't have the energy to spend an hour getting ready on Saturday and Sunday. However, how does that make my honey feel? Knowing that I spend all this time getting dressed for work, but don't feel like I should take the same amount of care and effort at home?

So, here's what I decided to do. Instead of immediately stripping off my work clothes when I get home for the preferable "lounge-wear" I have decided to leave it on, so that I'm not all "bum" at home. I've been trying to spend at least 1 of the 2 weekend days getting myself presentable, even if it's just for a stroll around central park... and can I say it made quite a difference! Spiced up the love life, and the intimacy, and believe it or not has helped improve our relationship. It seems when you show you care (even just in trying to look nice for each other) it speaks volumes about how you feel....

Do you ever fall into the comfortable "bum" faze of a relationship? What do you do to change it?

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Dress Like Paris?

Paris Hilton has been seen walking around in T-shirts with her face on it, from her new line. While, I find that EXTREMELY tacky, I do have to admit that for the most part, she has great style. I checked out her new line, and some of the items are very cute. The line is pretty playful and fun with a few sophisticated pieces mixed in. There are several T-shirt designs, but also a great blazer and cute bermuda shorts that you could wear to the office. I love the going out-outfits as well. There are some fantastic shirts that I would like to wear when I go out dancing, and test the reactions I get! I particularly like the Deco Draped Back Dress and Punk Rocker Tee. If you want to see her line for yourself Click Here To Shop Paris Hilton at Dollhouse.com or just Shop Dollhouse.com

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Deal Alert - Yves Rochet

All I can say about this brand is that I LOVE IT! They are almost all organic or natural products and the prices are amazing! Right now they have over 60 products at 50% Off now through 8/11/08! Their products have made a huge difference in my skin, and I've gotten tons of compliments on my makeup and hair. I started using their stuff a couple of years ago, and because they have such amazing prices I can usually stock up, or give makeup and skincare products to my girlfriends for birthdays and holidays. In Fact they have The products I love the most are: NEW Bronze Nature Lift Effects Sunless Tanning Creme because I am very fair, and I refuse to tan (No Cancer Risk Here!) this is a great way to LOOK like I've been tanning without fearing any of the consequences! I also love Spa Energie Botanical Mud Body Polish and Phytum Nutrition Hair Mask both of which keep my skin and hair looking amazing, despite the harsh NY chemicals and pollutants that I'm surrounded with every day. And to show you some love here is a fantastic coupon (on top of the already low prices):15% off + Free shipping with coupon code 15OFFNOW through 9/16/08! Try them out and tell me what you think!

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Katie's New Haircut!

: Katie Walks Around NYC With A New Pixie Cut

What a great look for summer, and age appropriate! It's funky and cute, a little messy and still sophisticated. Short hair may be the new hollywood waves. What do you think of her new look?

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Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour Costume Previews!

I'm not sure how I feel about the robe, what do you think?

Click Here to read the accompanying article.

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Attention Attention This Is How A Man's Butt Should Look!

: This is how a man's butt should look in his jeans

Spotted in NYC, down by Union Square, this handsome gentleman is showing all those men out their how they should be wearing their jeans. Still a little baggy, but tight enough to show off the goods. This is so much more attractive than the half falling off, no butt, so baggy we wonder where YOU are boy jeans that are ever popular these days. Take a look at this picture and tell me what you think

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The Power of the LBD

Britney is back and she is looking better than ever thanks to a gorgeous LBD. Congrats to her and her great recovery! I would like to point out a few fabulous features of her LBD that we could take to the streets and use to re-create the same wow-factor in our own night out.

1) Notice the playful V-neck halter top. It shows just enough cleavage without showing too much. It elegantly covers her girls, the halter adds support, and most importantly it is not pulling.

2) The dress is fitted right under the bust, through to the bottom of the dress, but isn't too tight. It accentuates her waist and her curves.

3) The vertical seams along the front of the dress create the illusion of length and have a fantastic slimming effect.

4) The satin fabric takes a basic black dress and adds something special. It looks great on the red carpet, out to dinner, or with the right accessories- out to a club.

What are your favorite LBD tips?

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Clean Out Your Closet!

Whenever seasons change we all know with a mix of dread and excitement that closet cleaning season is also upon us. Dreading it because it’s a lot of work, but excited because we know after we clean out the old we have room for the new! With the recession and tight budgeting I haven’t been able to be as generous this year with the clothing donations, and have hung on to clothes that I would have normally dispensed of. Clothes that are in good repair that are not as well fitting as they were last year, I have in a pile to send to the tailors. Pants that have gotten a bit “rugged” on the bottom are being hemmed, and shirts with small holes are being repaired to wear longer.

Here are some tips I try to follow while cleaning out my closet, and staying within my budget:

Toss It:

- If you haven’t worn it in a year

- If you don’t like it, or don’t like the way it looks on you

- If it’s falling apart, or worn out

- If you don’t have anything to go with it, and can’t imagine what could possibly have matched it in the first place

Repair It:

- If it’s slightly faded and could be dyed back to it’s original color

- If it’s a minor repair job (small holes, a minor rip in the seam, etc.)

- If it could be tailored

Keep It:

- If it would look brand new with some different accessories

- If it’s a basic

- If you could put it with another outfit

- If it fits well

- If it makes you feel good wearing it

Here are some other sites with great tips for cleaning out your closet:

Cleaning Your Closet Tips

14 Great Ideas from Professional Organizers

Tips from Oprah

What are your favorite clean-out-your-closet tips that you can follow on a budget?

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Dangers of a Rising Hemline

I have seen an increasing number of mini skirt and mini shorts this season. Some of which I find quite shocking. Call me old fashioned but, when I can see your cheeks, and I’m not talking about the ones on your face, your skirt may be just a bit too short.

I saw a woman walking to work this morning, and she had on a beautiful top, great heels, and the shortest pair of shorts I had seen yet. Honestly, it looked like she was walking around in a pair of boy-shorts and had forgotten her pants.

I don’t mind showing a bit of skin, and summer is absolutely the time to do it, but come on! Some things are just not appropriate. My rule of thumb, if you are afraid to sneeze or bend over, and the thought of a gust of wind suddenly sweeping by terrifies you, then your skirt is just TOO SHORT.

What do you think? Have you seen any major fashion faux-pas this season?

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OSP-TV: Shopping on A Budget

Four women (including me!) talk about how their shopping habits have changed with the economy. What do you do when you have to choose between putting gas in your car, paying rent, or buying that adorable dress? Here's how we stay in style while still stretching our dollar.

OSPtv

What are your tips for shopping while sticking to your budget?

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Recycling Instead of Donating or Tossing Clothing

There is this remarkable trendy woman that I tend to run into at social outings time and again. I noticed that she was carrying a new purse. I thought it was adorable and when I asked her where she got it I was shocked to find out she had made it herself. She had a pair of brown leather boots, that were just worn out and no longer wearable. She cut off the top, added an old earring for embellishment, and an old necklace as the handle.

Doesn't her new purse look great?

It turned out really well, and so I started think about the 5 garbage bags that are sitting in my living room full of donations. Is there a way that I could take those old items that no longer work well for me and use them for something new and fun? Besides, this way I can get a whole new set of clothing without putting too much strain on my wallet, and I’m always looking for new clothes without breaking my bank (or my budget).

Here’s what I came up with.

- I could turn my old jeans and pants into a brand new skirt: How To

- My old tank tops can become halter tops: How To

- Old Bags can become flower pots or wall art

- I can make items that still fit new again with a simple dye job or embellishment

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to take an entire wardrobe of things that you don’t want, and re-vamp it into an amazing and fun new wardrobe! We could take this whole “green” recycling movement into the closet! Here are more great websites with ideas of how to recycle clothes:

Wikihow

Great for kids (or us "big kids")

My Personal Favorite

What are your favorite ways to recycle clothing or household items?

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Can the Perfect Handbag Impact My Social Goals?

The perfect handbag is as elusive as the perfect partner. You try them on, take them out, see how your friends feel about them, and then take them home. You want to break them in, but you know that they aren’t going to change too much from the initial meeting. You want to be able to take them anywhere; out to dinner, to the movies, or to a fancy dinner, and know that they will fit in. When you’ve finally found that perfect handbag, or date for that matter, you never want to let them go, and can’t even imagine a replacement!

I am still on the hunt for the perfect bag, but I can envision it in my head. I have the entire wish list, yes, the same kind I had for “the perfect spouse” once upon a time.

Here are my requirements (for the bag, I'm not sharing that other list):

1) Black with silver hardware, preferably leather

2) Medium size- not too big or too small, so that it is ready for any occasion

3) Lots of pockets so that I can stay organized and don’t become one of those “bag ladies” who is constantly digging for her keys, phone, makeup, or whatever.

4) Adjustable shoulder strap so it can be worn on one shoulder, or across the chest

5) Matches anything

Just as I quest for this infamous bag, it seems I also have my social goals to match.

1) A government who cares for its people more than it cares about power and money

2) A country that is more concerned with community that TV

3) Health and wellness for all, regardless of social status or circumstance

4) A minimum wage above the poverty line

5) Affordable housing, so that good and hardworking families are not living on the street

It seems at times that the search for the perfect fashion statement seems trivial when we have all these other concerns on our plate. However, one thing this ongoing quest has taught me is this, no matter how “dreamy” our wish list may seem at times we can never stop looking. When we stop looking for the perfect bag, man, woman, or government then we will lose all hope of ever finding it. Perhaps when I do find that perfect bag it will just be more confirmation that my other goals can also be achieved. We just need to roll up our sleeves, tighten our Prada belts, and continue searching for those things that we deem “perfect.”

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Money’s Tight; How a Shopaholic Survives the Recession

Updated Basic Gap Dress, with Simple Great-Looking Accessories

I admit it, I am a shopaholic. I love new things, I love buying things, looking online, and watching trends. However, like most people, with rising gas, food, and housing prices I have become more of a window shopper. So, how do I still shop responsibly, while paying for bills and growing my savings account?

Lately, I spend more time thinking over my purchases, buying clothing that will last longer, and go through multiple seasons, and avoiding expensive fads. For example, a pair of black pants; great staple, they last a long time, and you can wear them out or to work, layered with multiple tops for multiple outfits! I stick more to basics and accessorize more. Accessories are always less expensive than clothing items and can update any item. I love Etsy for their amazing selection of homemade accessories. If you don't find what you are looking for there you can even ask someone to create what you have in mind.

However my biggest money saver is bargain shopping; I race to bargain sites like CCO or it's plus size sister site; BCO. When I am in the stores I immediately go to clearance racks, and sales before I go anywhere else. If I need something I try to find it at its lowest discount, and then use a coupon! I subscribe to a "Dollar Stretcher Tips Newsletter" and regularly check my bank accounts. One great tip that I learned is to pay yourself first. Whenever your paycheck comes in, put money into your savings account, then after you have paid yourself worry about your bills and then the extra money is yours to spend!

Money is tight, and I’m budgeting more than ever, but a shopaholic will always find a way!

What are your money saving tips?

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