Tuesday, July 13, 2010

so...now what?

you've cleaned out your closet and it's in need of some work....where should you go & what should you do next?

what BASICS do you need?
  • jeans
  • favorite tees
  • dress pants (if work required)
  • basic skirts
  • little black (or red?) dress
once you have the basics for a wardrobe, then you can fill in with the fun, unique items and the accessories!


Try not to get too caught up in the trends....make sure you have the basics first. And if you are into a new trend, make sure you know you will wear it at least 3 times before you buy!

Keep this idea from Estella Warren in mind: "It’s hard to go with a trend. As soon as it’s out, everyone picks it up. It’s important to stay true to yourself. Have fun with fashion instead of letting it dictate."

Nina Garcia's books are a great investment if you have no clue as to where to begin or what to shop for. They are just a guide and not a rule book or something you must follow exactly. Her NEW fourth book comes out August 2010: Nina Garcia's Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion. Consider them a fun tool to use as you start looking at what you have and what things you need to complete your wardrobe. Find Nina's books here!

Always remember, you need to find YOUR STYLE (or your "brand") and stick with it. Keep in mind the words of Coco Chanel, "A girl should be two things, classy and fabulous."


Once you have an idea of what basics you need....it's time to FIND THEM!

....for some of us, that can be the problem: WHERE to go?
Where you shop is usually determined by your budget....is it tight or do you have some freedom?

Tight Budget recommendations:
  • Nordstrom Rack
  • Ann Taylor LOFT (sale section)
  • H&M
  • Forever 21 & For Love 21 (great for accessories!)
  • Target (great basics, like the pocket v-neck tee *personal favorite -we live in these!)
  • consignment stores or discount stores such as Off 5th (Sax outlet), Opitz outlet, MODE, Marshalls, & TJ Maxx--these places require patience and a lot of digging, but you can often come out with some steals!
  • Outlet Malls--North Branch or Albertville
**As it's the end of July, there are MANY sales going on, and extra sales on top of sales, as stores & boutiques are making room for their fall merchandise....it's a great time to shop!
This past weekend, both of us just bought fabulous boot cut jeans, in a nice medium-dark wash at Banana Republic for only $11.99!! They still had a good size selection at the Southdale store and some but not as many sizes at the MOA. They are perfect for Friday casual days at work or Saturday date night with a tank top & heels!!

Not-so-Tight Budget recommendations:
  • Nordstrom (get a Visa card and earn points towards store gift certificates & shop the huge sales they have--the Half Yearly -usually May & Nov. and Anniversary -usually July)
  • JCrew
  • Anthropologie
  • Banana Republic
  • Hot Mama
  • smaller unique boutiques: Picky Girl, Karma, Stephanie's, Cliche, & Parc Boutique















Our personal favorite is NORDSTROM...they have everything a girl needs!
This year's ANNIVERSARY SALE starts Friday, July 16th! (shop early before things sell out!!)
*I would recommend a bra fitting, up on the 3rd floor (@ MOA)....everything looks and feels better with a good bra underneath. And you don't have to buy it all there--find out your size and then head to Nordstrom Rack for some fabulous deals!
JCrew & Anthropologie are two close seconds--I usually watch them both for sales before I splurge...but sometimes a girl just can't resist!

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2 comments:

  1. Does Target sell your favorite tees right now? I could use a couple! And do they have them in orange?!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. YES--they DO have the v-neck pocket tees right now!! I don't think they have orange though??!! But they have many other colors--and only $8!! :)

    ReplyDelete

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