Last updated : Tuesday, March 16, 2010

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Facebook Fashionista: Spring Shopping

iMag's style expert, Noelle Watters recently received and responded to the following e-mail....

Dear Style Guide,
I'm dying for some new spring clothes, but when I go shopping there is too much to choose from and it seems everything I love is full price. I end up leaving without buying anything! How can I add some spring to my style without going broke? 
Best, Overwhelmed and Empty Handed

Cool your Manolas, style trooper. Take a deep breath and make a plan! Here's what I do!

1- Analyze your closet
Make a list of the basic items you wear and separate them into five categories - pants, skirts, dresses, tops and tees. Then further separate these items into three colors - black, white and beige. Check off what you have, what you want and what you would NEVER wear. For example...

Pants
Beige      Black          White
Have       Need           Would never wear

This will give you an idea of what you need when you're shopping so you don't end up with ten black tee shirts and no basic white tank. This will also allow you to coordinate your outfits in the future.

Quick tip: An excel spread sheet is a terrific tool to help organize your closet!

2-Add Color and Trends

Here's where people get ca- RAZY! They want what they see in magazines, but usually trendy items are the priciest. You must analyze what's hot and whether it's worth it. For example, this season's military inspired jackets are totally trendy but also a classic - you'll get your money's worth. However, if you're looking for this season's lingerie looks, you're better off spending little and hitting H+M or Target. This trend will come and go! As far as adding color, don't worry so much about what works with your hair and skin tone Instead, choose one or two colors that speak to you and seek them out!

3- Be Comfortable, but Stylish

To be a strategic shopper you have to be willing to put in your time, so comfort is key. At the same time, fair or not, sales people do tend to be more helpful to you if you look stylish, not scrubby. So don't go shopping in your p.j.'s. 

4- Shop Online

Online shopping saves time and is hassle free, BUT remember there are shipping fees. Some of my favorite sites are Bluefly and the Gilt Groupe. These are great places to find designer brands for great prices. Make sure however, if you are shopping online, the site's return policy is good as you will not have had the opportunity to try on prior to your purchase.

5- Shop Off Season

Good things DO come to those who wait. So for trendy items you are in love with, wait until the season is in full force. That's when stores start selling their fall merchandise. Your size options will be limited, but the prices WILL be right!

For more great style tips, click here.

 

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