ASTONROYAL.COM. It's hard to think of a better fix for a glum day than a shopping trip, but sometimes it's hard to find the funds for regular shopping excursions. The trick to indulging in some shopping therapy without needing financial therapy afterward lies in learning where to save and when to splurge.
Follow these five style tips to get your shop on without breaking your bank account.
Economize on Accessories
Remember how much you liked playing with your mom's costume jewelry when you were small? It's just as much fun and almost as inexpensive to play with your accessories today. Pick out semi-precious stones to adorn your fingers and step out with a fistful of aquamarine rings. Costume jewelry can make a big splash without breaking your budget. Wear ropes of pearls and chains together with wild abandon. Loop a favorite strand of crystal beads around your wrist a few times as an accent bracelet. Get armloads of gorgeous scarves in vivid hues. Beware, though, of the one exception to this rule: shoes.
Make Great Shoes Last
Cheap kicks almost invariably look the part. Conversely, quality shoes instantly upgrade everything else you're wearing, so it's worth investing in good footwear. Even the best shoes eventually wear, and that can bring the whole look down again. Keep feet looking sweet with shoe polish in the correct colors to zap scuffs as they happen. Also, find a reliable cobbler in your neighborhood to re-heel a favorite pair is they start to wear down. Pick long-wearing leather or roughened textures like braided and woven styles to reduce signs of visible wear on older shoes.
Embrace Contrast
Everywhere you look, you'll see starlets wearing basic black or white with a pop of color on their shoes or belts. Matching accessories look fussy; instead, go for high-contrast looks that aren't afraid of color. Look at it as a chance to show off your creativity. Once you're no longer constrained to buying a pair of shoes to match a belt and bag, you can shop sale racks and discount bins for bargains and never have to worry about what you could possibly wear with a pair of purple pumps.
Pick a Trend - But Only One
When you want to update your wardrobe in a hurry, nothing does it as quickly as buying a single item that's perfectly on trend for the season. Big, bold prints are the hot thing for spring, so update your look with a pair of leggings with a wild galaxy print or a bouquet of a bright floral skirt. Having a single trendy piece in your outfit relieves you of the duty of following all the other trends, and that saves you cash in the long run. Buy cheaper trendy items and save up to buy high quality classic pieces such as a great pair of black pumps or a well-cut trench coat.
Go Vintage
Vintage fashion will rarely steer you wrong. Whether you haunt secondhand shops for genuine vintage clothing or choose modern styles with vintage inspiration, you'll look smart. Pair vintage styles with updated hair and accessories to keep from looking like an extra in "Mad Men." Style doesn't have to break your bank. All of the above ideas should be taken into account when shopping for others as well, such as with
bridesmaids gifts and
groomsman gifts. Make sure your gift is compatible with the recipient’s personal style! After all, the more individuality you bring to your look, the more likely you are to become a trend-setter instead of a follower, so revel in your own personal taste!
