There are always
plenty of ways to make your wardrobe up to date without breaking the bank! Though designer clothes are really nice, you don't have to be a millionaire in order to have a runway look.
Don't believe me? Check out the following two outfits and then read the shopping tips below!
Chloe Fall-Winter Fashion Show
Depending on the store, the average cost of this outfit is $4,595!!! Do the python details on the pockets of the gauchos make it worth the money? Does the hand-painted calfskin bag really make it a good investment? I hardly think so... not for us normal people that is! Even if I were fabulously wealthy, I could hardly bring myself to spend almost $5,000 on one outfit.
If you like this outfit, there are plenty of ways to get the basic look for a fraction of the cost. Check out my more affordably priced outfit below.
Bargain Outfit
The grand total of my outfit is $146.24!!! By making smart shopping choices, you can have the look as seen on the Chloe runway
and have versatile pieces you can use with other outfits as well. Here's the breakdown of the prices...
H&M Yellow Sweater $29.95
Travelsmith Denim Gauchos $34.00
Relic Diana Shopper from Kohls $40.80
Worthington Why Knot Wedge Sandals from JC Penney $24.99
Old Navy Womens Classic Belt $16.50
MONEY SAVING TIPS
1) Shop Online! When you shop online, you have more styles, colors, and sizes available than in stores. Even if you go to 10 different stores in person, you may not find exactly what you're looking for and may end up settling for something that isn't perfect. (Apart from the fact that no one can afford to waste money on gasoline!) Many online stores now offer free shipping and hassle free returns/exchanges if the product doesn't meet your expectations. In addition, most chain stores (Old Navy, Target, Walmart, etc) will even let you return items at any of their store locations. Check out the return policy before finalizing your order online and then make sure to keep all receipts or tags.
2) Shop around! Whether shopping online or in stores, don't settle for the first piece you see. When I was searching for denim gauchos, I found a pair very similar to the Chloe gauchos for around $50. But as I kept looking, I found a pair as cheap as $7! The gauchos I chose from Travelsmith were some of my favorites based on color and the long pockets style stitching. Instead of just searching through all your favorite online stores, try using google to find specific pieces like "highwaisted denim gauchos". For some of the gaucho options I found through google, check out these links:
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=8886530020018&cid=57304 and
http://www.nextag.com/denim-gauchos/stores-html.
3) Choose versatile pieces! Denim gauchos can be worn with lots of things and a variety of colors, but denim gauchos with python trim like the ones from Chloe are rather limited. When choosing pieces, go for things without extravagant trims or stitching. It will help keep the clothing more versatile and won't limit you to wearing it with just 1 or 2 outfits. That being said, not ALL your clothing pieces have to be versatile. The general rule of thumb should be:
the more expensive the article of clothing, the more versatile it should be. If you find a great top on sale for $15, it doesn't matter if it's versatile! If you are investing in a expensive winter coat however, choose something than can be worn with various outfits through the season.
4) Be your own modiste! If you just have to have that python trim on your gauchos, don't be discouraged if you don't have the money for the ones by Chloe. After buying a pair of affordable denim gauchos, get creative by adding your own touch! There is no rule that states ready to wear clothing from stores can't be modified. Buy trims or material from your local craft store and sew them onto the article of clothing you want to revamp. If you don't sew, use stitch witchery or fabric glue. When modifying your piece of clothing, try looking for cheap, easy pieces (especially when you first try your hand at revamping something). For example, look for denim gauchos at the thrift store. If you happen to mess up, you won't lament a $5 pair of gauchos as much as a $40 pair of gauchos!
5) Be willing to compromise! If you try to copy a look exactly as seen on the runway, chances are you will never succeed. When looking for an outfit, remember you are looking for runway inspired pieces and not actual copies. If you find something similar and like how it fits and looks, go for it... even if it isn't exactly how it looked on the runway or in a magazine. If you insist on trying to find an exact copy, you will spend the entire season searching and never find the right thing. Don't be afraid to use your own judgement and modify the outfit for your body type or personal style. Choose a different style shoe, make a different color choice, use a sweater instead of a blouse. Make every outfit your own... special and unique!
The Verdict: 99% true! I actually had really visible lashes after applying this mascara- much better than the blonde, non-existant lashes I normally have. With just one coat of mascara, my lashes looked thicker, fuller, longer, and much more visible due to the deep, black color. Were they 300% more visible? I have to admit... they were! Did they look like false lashes? Well, of course not. They can't give me what nature did not intend. But even though I didn't appear to have on impossibly long false eyelashes, I did have a gorgeous pair of natural ones. The brush provided great coverage, the formula was silky and didn't clump, and my lashes looked even bigger and better after a 2nd coat. Go in with realistic expectations however... none of us are likely to come out with lashes like the model in the ad. If you do, please send me a picture so I can grumble and throw darts at it. 
How did these eager-to-make-money shoppers know that within one day they would be able to resale the items online for double the price? Was it well-known that not enough items would be sold? If not, how did this mad rush to Target come about? Will Target answer the call for Missoni by shipping new items?
Guess what??? I'm actually doing it! I've made 4 skirts so far and am working on a shirt! What's more is I'm actually really enjoying it. Whats has brought about this amazing change? My new book Sew Step by Step by Alison Smith. It has over 200 essential techniques for beginners, from threading a needle to sewing ruffles. The reason I love this book is because it is has clear, color photographs to demonstrate every technique and tip. I'm really learning a lot and even though I'm not a professional yet, at least my clothes are not falling apart! :)
I have sensitive eyes and my skin is easily irritated, so this gentle cleanser is perfect for me! Most of the sensitive-skin makeup removers I've tried felt too oily, but the Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover from The Body Shop is perfect! It removes makeup with very little effort (no harsh scrubbing needed!) and leaves skin feeling very soft and clean!
(Just so you know... all of the products I feature on my blog are bought with my own money and feature my honest, personal opinion. I don't receive free products or accept payment for reviews as do many other bloggers.)
