APPAREL

• Dress for Success! Focus on tailoring your look to portray your own sense of style. Invest in a basic black and navy suit. You can mix and match with various shells. Dressing the outfit up with accessories is another way to keep the look fresh. Many websites will offer you a discount shopping pass when you sign up for their newsletter or advertisements. Click here for some of my favorites. Remember; know your audience…and your dress code. A mix of trendy pieces and classics always looks classier and more elegant than an entire wardrobe of fashion-magazine items.
• Visit your local consignment stores for gently used pieces that will complete your wardrobe.
• Don't get hung up on labels. It is more important to wear clothing that fits, flatters and is easy to maintain. Even low-priced bargain stores (Target and Wal-Mart) can have pieces that look good, so always have an eye out.
• Shop end of the season clearance sales. New Years Day is the start of placing spring and summer clothing. Know ahead of time how much you intend to spend on something and try to stick with it.
• Make sure your new clothes are machine washable. Trips to the dry-cleaners can be costly (gas and service)
• Go to a discount chain for your trendy shoes - you can get cheap, fun stuff there, because you don't need it to last more than a season or two. But for basics you'll wear every season buy good shoes that are comfortable. Purchasing real leather rather is a investment. Just be sure to maintain the shoes with oils and polishes to keep them in good condition. Try remnant department stores like DSW or TJ Maxx for good-quality shoes at discount prices.