Nina Garcia's Rule 3 - How to Buy with Drama

In previous blogs I have been talking about Nina Garcia's book   The Little Black Book of Style.  

In The Little Black Book of Style she shares the  the 6 basic rules that every style icon already knows: 

1.  How to edit

2.  Invest in the bones


3. How to buy with drama

Drama?  I know what you are saying, "I have spent a lifetime avoiding drama - now you want me to bring drama into my wardrobe?"  Okay, maybe a little poetic license is required here.  There is a difference between "drama" and "dramatic".  What Ms. Garcia means is to buy pieces dramatically gorgeous, one of a kind, "OMG where did you get that?" kind of pieces.  

Ms. Garcia says, you will know it when you see it, and when you see it don't be afraid to splurge.  But a few words of caution before you set out to splurge, make sure that dramatic pieces matches your personal style.  If you are going to splurge, make sure it is a timeless piece, and not something too trendy.  Something that you will wear for years to come.  That amazing signature piece that everybody talks about. 

And where, you ask, can I possible find this amazing piece?  Boutiques, thrift stores, one-of-a-kind shops, be adventurous.  Who doesn't browse local boutiques when they travel?  Forget the tacky t-shirts and look for something amazing.  I have to admit, some of my favorite pieces I found while travelling.  

What kind of pieces you ask?  

Jewelry - cocktail rings, bracelets

Purses, Evening Bags

Little Black Dress

and my personal favorite:
SHOES!

We have 3 more stylist tips to go!  Please check back, or click a link to follow this blog, so you will not miss a thing!

Frugalista

A new trend for frugal fashionistas can proudly label themselves frugalistas.  In fact, investopedia.com even saw fit to define a frugalista as “people who keep up with fashion trends without spending a lot of money.”

 

Here are some ideas for every frugalista:

Audrey Hepburn
Classic never go out of style.

1.  Find a good shoe repair shop.  Shoes are expensive, so why replace when you can repair? 

2.  Shop at second-hand stores and consignment shops.  You never know what sort of treasure you will find. 

3.  Rent a knock-out outfit for your next big event.  Pay a fraction of the cost for gowns and dresses you may only wear once. 

4. Clothes and purse swap with your friends!  Just make sure you return them clean and in good condition, if you want to keep your friends!

5.  Find a good inexpensive seamstress.  You may find something that is a bargain, but not the right size.  A good seamstress can alter it to make it the perfect fit. 

6.  Accessorize!  Creative use of accessories can change the look of an outfit.  Bright scarves can add a pop of color to an all-black ensemble.  Belts, jewelry, shoes can also change the look of an outfit.

7.  Go for quality over quantity.  Good quality classic pieces will last many many seasons.  Don’t try to follow every trend that will be out of style next year. 

Saving money does not mean sacrificing style, with a little creativity you can save money and still be a fashionista.  Therefore I say viva la frugalista!

Photo source:  http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/trends/articles/fashion-designer-quiz

Happy Thanksgiving!

Who is ready for the Superbowl of Shopping?   Macy, Neiman Marcus, Saks – oh my!

I don’t know about the rest of you fashionistas, but this one will be at home snoozing, dreams of after-Christmas sales dancing in my head.    I have no need to wake up at 3 in the morning and fighting the crowds to hopefully catch a deal on some gadget for somebody else.  I don’t want to deal with the masses who are yipped up on coffee while fighting their turkey hangover. 

For the past few years I have been eternally grateful that my children are past the “toy of the year” stage.  I don’t spend sleepless night worrying about the perfect gifts and the perfect Christmas.  In fact I am grateful now that I can truly enjoy the season with my family and friends without having to play Santa.  I no longer have to participate in the feeding frenzy of consumerism. 

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday!