Look Great on a Budget

By Rae Saeed, Editor

Brand name fashion and vintage can cost the name if found at the right place. Who says that a beautiful dress has to cost more than your rent? A gorgeous pair of leather boots does not have to fuse person’s toes together. Flat or two-inch high heels can still count as fashionable.

Fashion can also help the environment. Etsy shop owner Caroline Darkey sells up-cycled cardigans.
“For less than $30, my customers receive a rescued thrift sweater that has been given a second chance at charm. I embellish the sweaters with special details, including vintage and handmade trims,” said Darkey.

According to Darkey, The sweaters are very similar to the classic styles being sold by J Crew, Ann Taylor and other major clothing chains. Readers can see the attached a link to her Etsy shop to get an idea of how women keep in with current styles, all while maintaining budget and being green: www.carolinejoyhome.etsy.com.

Of course there is the occasional awkward moment where someone notices something on your outfit that shouldn’t be showing. Creator and owner of Tuk-its “ The cure for the hanger loop hang” Adrianne Denise created an accessory to correct this issue.

According to Denise, this transforming accessory prevents garment loops from slipping out of your clothes causing an unsightly appearance.

“My goal is for tweens to seniors everywhere to maintain the neat look they envisioned while wearing their favorite blouse, gown, evening wear, etc. Tuk-its are available online with free shipping for only $6.99,” said Denise.
Interested buyers can arrange for their free sample of Tuk-its by emailing Denise at Tuk-its@clearwire.net and read more about this product on her web page at www.Tuk-its.com.

First Date Jitters? Make him eat his heart out!
It’s always fun to get all dressed up but not so fun when sending the wrong message. Showing too much skin portrays an invitation to an “open house”, not enough skin illustrates someone who is too shy. Image experts give their opinions and advice on the matter.

“First and foremost, you want to wear something you feel comfortable in”.
Tugging at a too short skirt or self-consciously dealing with a top that shows too much cleavage is not what you should be dealing with on a first date,” said Mary Kincaid, Chief Vintage Crusader at Zuburbia.com (an eco-friendly web-based vintage clothing boutique)

Casual Suggestions:
Tugging at a too short skirt or self-consciously dealing with a top that shows too much cleavage is not what you should be dealing with on a first date.

Dressier Options:
Vintage wrap dresses

Certified Image consultant Margaret Batting suggests that women need to think about how they want to be perceived and dress accordingly.

“If you want to come across as confident, smart and fun, then your clothes need reflect these messages. Wear colors that compliment your natural coloring and bring out your eyes. You’ll be talking a lot on a first date and you want the person focused on your face and what you are saying.” Banning insists on making sure you are comfortable in an outfit that is not frumpy or too loose, meaning that you feel good in clothes that fit well and flatter your shape.

To portray a sexier side of you is a little tricky. Skin should be shown in moderation.

For example, Batting suggest that any woman with great legs should show them off but keep the top half of the body conservative and vise versa.

“If you have great legs, then rock a mini on the bottom half and wear a less revealing top. If you have great arms, wear a top that shows off your arms with a pair it of hot jeans or skinny pants and heals.”
Interested shoppers can refer to Batting’s website for more tips at www.eleve-style.com.

Stella & Dot stylist Tracy Bennett suggests a nice light merino sweater, complimented with a simple blouse and nice jeans or cuffed jeans for a first date. Not too dressy, not too casual.
“If you are going to a nicer place, I would suggest trousers or slacks.”

For the slightly heavier woman:
Bennett insists on not wearing items that are too fitting. Nice jeans with a boot cut or flare would be a good choice. As for the top, it should show little to no pattern and dark in colour, flows in style but not too big.

For the thinner woman:
According to Bennett, a thinner, not so curvy lady looks best with a tunic, slimming jeans and boots. Bennett feels that is look is quite classy, assists in creating height and doesn’t play too much on the thin look, very voluptuous.

As for accessories, readers can check out www.fiveaccessories.com. Founded by Christine Hutchison, Five Accessories has everything from eco-friendly handbags to jewelry that will compliment any outfit at reasonable prices.

Meeting the parents:
It’s definitely not essential to look sexy when meeting the parents. Look and be classy all the way. Look confident, smart, sweet and as innocent as possible.

Depending on the venue, casual or dressy outfits could both come into play. Stylists and image consultants give their tips on this scenario.

Maragaret Batting: “For a casual meeting with the parents you can wear pants, a ruffled or feminine blouse topped with a stylish cardigan and maybe add a belt for interest. If it is a dressier occasion, a dress may be more appropriate. Either way, you want to come across as confident, approachable and friendly. This is not the time to wear revealing clothing. Again you want to come across as comfortable and authentic.”

Mary Kincaid: “When in doubt, it’s probably a good idea to border on the conservative side when it comes to meeting the parents, so stay away from trends. A tailored pair of trousers might make a nicer impression than jeans. A khaki skirt with a crisp white blouse looks pulled together. It still allows you express a bit of personality when you pair the outfit with a vintage scarf, necklace or beaded sweater.”

For additional tops and advice, please refer to the websites listed throughout the article. The experts mentioned can also be contacted through their web pages.

Sources:
Caroline Darkey (www.carolinejoyhome.etsy.com)
Adrianne Denise (www.Tuk-its.com)
Mary Kincaid (www. Zuburbia.com)
Margaret Batting (www.eleve-style.com)
Tracy Bennett (www.stelladot.com/sites/tracybennett)
Christine Hutchison (www.fiveaccessories.com)

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