Who are you wearing?

So for me, the fashion whore, "who are you wearing?" is a reasonable question. I want to know! But, is it really THAT important? Although I've always known that a lot of products charge you to wear their name, I didn't realize just how much. I mean I grew up in the days of the TH and RL Polo shirt and shirt dress. Target made the very same product! But, when you covet a pair of red soled Louboutins or a Birkin could you really be set up to pay a 500% or 1000% mark up? Wowza!

That's devestating, and I really just want to ignore it! I would like to think that I'm paying for expertise and creativity. But, how true can that be "off-the-rack?" I'm in a big named department store paying for the mass produced item. Revelation: I'm wasting my damn money!

I don't make a lot of big ticket item purchases. I'm a single mother to a young son. I have to manage money with some sense and sensibility. I know the beauty of the Gap and Target, Kohls, and TJMaxx. I do have random moments of falling in love with a label though. Don't we all?!

Haircut???

I was watching HGTV the other day and there was a girl with the best haircut ever. She was just a supporting character, but her hair stole the show. Her friend was buying a condo, a house, a garden, or something. Who cares?! Whatever she was buying kept taking the camera away from the best haircut ever!

So, it's looking like I'm getting a haircut. I'm tired of growing it out. I'm tired of dealing with the length. I'm ready for a change! The change is looking to be a replica of the best haircut ever! This hair cut was a little longer than a pixie cut. It was a boyish style with long bangs and cut just at the hairline.

Something like this beautiful picture of Michelle Williams. I'll be making this the black girl version though.

Design

So I've recently become obsessed with HGTV. I watch shows multiple times. I develop amazing design ideas. I mourn my own space.

I feel that design is design. It doesn't matter if it's apparel, accessories, or rooms. I'm in love with it. There's just something wonderful about the marriage of color, ideas, and interests. It is so motivating to watch concepts take shape.

Yellow

I have a new love, and it's mustard yellow or, more professionally speaking, golden rod. I crowned it the best color for fall, in my life. It speaks to me! But, it speaks to me in reasonable doses. Doses like a clutch bag, blouse, or dress with a print. Maybe even in a scarf, piece of resin jewelry, or a shoe accent. Just remember it's bold and could easily be overwhelming if over done. That's really just the general rule of color.

Gone are the days of matching all your colors and outrageous color pairing. Today understated is best with pattern and texture. Fashion should be quirky, a tad risky, and crazy creative. When it's true it has incredible character.

Moral of this story is... golden rod.

Ideas for fashion on a dime

So as I've said many times in many ways, I am a fashionista on a budget. My budget is small, limited, and restricted. Thank God for unlimited creativity!

I shop in the past. Meaning, I hit the sales racks hard when the retail floor changes seasons. Remember retail changes seasons far before Mother Nature. I get at least 30 extra days out of my new items and a barely worn new wardrobe next season.

I am a laundry queen. I hang, or lay flat, about 80% of my clothes when drying. Over time the dryer can fade and distort clothing. And hanging typically makes ironing easier and cuts the use of electricity. So hang all those favorite cotton items, dry clean optional, and beautiful undies. You'll quickly notice a difference in your clothes. And, you'll spend less replacing ruined items.

Along those laundry lines, purchase and use a spot lifter. Adults make messes too, and why would you trash something a couple quick sprays of Spray-n-Wash could have fixed?

The key is, don't forget about your accessories! The best way to alter pieces in your wardrobe is by changing your shoes and accessories. You can go day to evening by switching out ONLY your jewels to bold pieces with bold colors and bold statements. Then add a shoe with a wild design, sky high platform, nail heads, 6000 straps, or other kooky statement to change even the most plain pencil skirt and blouse to a hot outfit. And, a clutch bag with pattern, in a metallic, or some over-the-top "something" will ice the cake.

Do NOT buy a new ensemble on your lunch break or waste gas rushing home to change. Instead pack your fashion modifications in an over sized handbag or one of the many bags you're sure to have hanging in your closet, change in the car, and voila!

I challenge you all to explore your own creativity. Tell me how you make fashion work when your resources may be short. Or for those sailing through these rough economic times, how could you cut a corner or a cost?

Weight Loss v. Fashion

It's true that you should dress the body you're in, unless you actively involved in a weight changing regimen.
So what do you do?
First, save up at least 80% of your shopping money to invest in a new wardrobe once you've hit your goal. This way you can reward yourself, and your fans, by stepping out in a new body adorned with new clothes.
Second, do an inventory of your current most comfortable pieces. The pieces that you wear to work, out with friends, and to casual activities. What are those pieces? Instead of looking at an item as your favorite designer dress, look at it as a light weight cotton blend dress. Make note of all the details that make it your favorite piece. Then shop for those specific items discounted as your weight changes. The important part of this is you remain nicely dressed and comfortable as your body changes, but you aren't breaking the bank on clothing you won't be in for too long. I spend extra time in Old Navy and Target during this time. You can find beautiful pieces for super cheap!
Third, go accessories insane! The only thing that won't change sizes are accessories.
I have invested in belts of every type and color, because they are adjustable and can create a waist even on an item a little too large. Belt a top outside of your pants, blouse your top just a smidge, and look how tiny you waist instantly is.
Invest in scarves, because they can be paired with anything during the spring and fall and pull attention up towards your face. You can tie some scouts knot or just wear them hanging long and open. It's a great way to jazz up a cheap tee or tank too.
I BELIEVE in jewelry for the same reason. Jewelry demands attention. You can dress in denim and a white t-shirt, but with jewels you will immediately look more pulled together and expensive. Jewels will draw the eye where ever they are. It's a well known fact! Ask anyone.
Fourth, and my fav, get creative.
I have a friend who added 1000, elaborating, colorful safety pins to the neck line of a v-neck tee from Target. Wowza! It is adorable and cost her less than $5. Plus when her size changes again, and she has lots of time on her hands, she can just switch the pins to another tee. I don't recommend you go crafty on your entire wardrobe if it's not in your blood though. Just look for different ways to cut cost and sizes with your changing body.
Buy every color of slinky t-shirt at your favorite store. As long as it doesn't have a pocket you can pull it off even in the office. Just go back to step 3.
Purchase dresses. Dresses can last longer than pants with body changes. They don't show change as quickly and obviously as pants tend to.
In general, be creative.
Play up your favorite features, and play down your imperfections.

Evolution

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