You have been building your wardrobe and you have a plan and now are trying to figure out where you should be spending your wardrobe budget. While every woman should have the simple things that will give her style you are ready to move up the next level. What should you be looking for next? Here are 7 great items that are a must in your wardrobe. They are not cheap but it you are careful and smart you will be able to spot them at sales and know to snap them up. Put them on your list and keep your eyes open for them.
1.Coat
An amazing coat can hid a multitude of wardrobe sins. It might take you time to find a good one but it is well worth the hunt. Depending on the climate you live in you might need a light, medium and heavy coat.
If you are an a very tight budget then consider buying a vintage coat.In the spring and summer the thrift stores will slash the prices of these so they won't have to store them. You might be able to find a wool coat for less than $20! Check them thoroughly for moth holes and if it does have a rip on the seam remember that is an easy repair. Have it dry cleaned and you will be good to go.
Consignment stores will be a bit more pricey but they tend to have the better quality clothes and they will already be dry cleaned. Consignment stores do have end of the season sales as well because many of their cosigners would rather they be sold at any price then have to return to pick them up.
You can also look for winter coats from outlet stores in the summer and spring coats in the winter. Winter coats will be generally marked down 50% off season but in the heat of the summer you might be lucky and come across a 75% off sale.
2. Leather Dress Shoes
It does not matter if you are a farm worker or a fashion model, every woman needs a good pair of dress shoes with a realistic heel.
Depending on your life style you can get these in a cutting edge style or a plain as plain can be. These are the shoes that you would wear for more serious occasions, funerals, court dates, accepting your Nobel Peace Prize. If these things don't happen very often in your life you might be inclined to just wear a cheap pair of plastic shoes but you will find that if you buy a quality pair of leather shoes you will have more occasion to wear them than you thought.
It is very difficult to buy good dress shoes on sale as they are such a staple in a woman's closet the popular sizes tend to be snatched up very quickly. Your best hope is to look for them in missed sizes, where they are marked a size 11 but fit a size 9 or at the end of season sales.
Keep these shoes in great repair. Make sure that the heels don't get worn down and have new heel tips put one when needed. Buy matching shoe polish when you buy your shoes so you will have it on hand. A quick wipe at the end of the day with a soft cloth will keep them looking fresh in between cleanings.
You should never wear your good leather shoes every day as they need 24 hours to settle. See if you can find shoe trees to place inside of them so they keep their shape and don't spread out.
3. Umbrella
Such a basic item can mean the difference of you showing up looking calm, cool and collected or looking like a drowned rat. Every woman should own a small purse sized umbrella that she faithfully carries with her during inclement weather. Good ones can be expensive so wait until they go on sale. You don't want to pull out a cheap umbrella that falls apart as soon as the first gust of wind hits it.
Large umbrellas can be a fashion statement. Don't stick with boring black, there is a world of color out there and the color of the umbrella as you hold it over your head will reflect back on your face.
4. Dress Jeans
You know what I mean, the type of jeans you would wear as you sip your cafe au lait on the French Riviera and fit right in with those other stylish chic French women. Not skin tight and overly sexy but skimming your legs to show the word that you have style.
Because they have style does not mean they have to be a name brand and expensive. Go try different store brands and you will be pleasantly surprised to find what is out there. Once you have found your perfect pair of jeans treat them well. If at all possible don't dry them in the drying machine as this shortens their life span.
5. Bold Jewelry
There are times when you just need to make a bit more of a statement than usual. Even if you are not the jewelry wearing type you will want to look confident and strong. Women who wear jewelry are perceived to be more stylish and wealthy.
Look for good quality jewelry at auction or at antique malls. Vintage jewelry can be very affordable and if made with real stones or glass beads can be a better quality than what you would be able to buy new now. Silver jewelry goes in and out of style and ends up in garages sales all the time. Keep your eyes out for it. If you do not regularly wear jewelry and find it awkward wear it around the house to get use to having it on.
6. Purse
A bad purse can sabotage a great looking outfit. You want a purse that looks expensive but hasn't cost you an arm and a leg. Steer away from fake designer bags as most people will think it is a knock off anyway and not be impressed.
Good quality leather bags last forever and if you buy one in a classic style it will always look chic. Avoid too much metal on your bag and anything that is very flashy. Black is a very safe color but consider tooled brown leather or black with accent colors.
Unless you are born under a lucky star you are not going to find a fabulous bag for free but you can find them on sale at leather outlet stores during the summer and at end of season sales. You might find a great vintage leather bag at a thrift store but be prepared to change the handles to update it.
7.Dress
You need a dress that you can pull on and walk out the door knowing that you look amazing. While fashion magazines have been droning on and on for years how every woman should have a little black dress in her closet I have been to just too many parties where all the women have played it safe and worn black...boring. If you prefer quiet colors then go for dove gray, a warm brown or a rich dark green.
Look for a dress that has an interesting neckline that will really frame your face. A dress can really show off your personality, are you bold and assertive or quietly conservative. Look for them at outlet stores and keep your eye out when ever you are clothing shopping.
While these items are not cheap to buy they are a good deal as if you get the best quality you can find they will last you for years. You will find that you will be reaching for them again and again as your wardrobe staples and will get more than your moneys worth from them.
For more Articles chose from Crafts, Decorating, Entertaining, Fashion, Food, Gift Giving, Stationery and Cards, Health and Beauty, Kids, Money Matters or Pets.
Photography and Content
Copyright Ingrid Talpak 2010
Morestylethancash
An amazing coat can hid a multitude of wardrobe sins. It might take you time to find a good one but it is well worth the hunt. Depending on the climate you live in you might need a light, medium and heavy coat.
If you are an a very tight budget then consider buying a vintage coat.In the spring and summer the thrift stores will slash the prices of these so they won't have to store them. You might be able to find a wool coat for less than $20! Check them thoroughly for moth holes and if it does have a rip on the seam remember that is an easy repair. Have it dry cleaned and you will be good to go.
Consignment stores will be a bit more pricey but they tend to have the better quality clothes and they will already be dry cleaned. Consignment stores do have end of the season sales as well because many of their cosigners would rather they be sold at any price then have to return to pick them up.
You can also look for winter coats from outlet stores in the summer and spring coats in the winter. Winter coats will be generally marked down 50% off season but in the heat of the summer you might be lucky and come across a 75% off sale.
2. Leather Dress Shoes
It does not matter if you are a farm worker or a fashion model, every woman needs a good pair of dress shoes with a realistic heel.
Depending on your life style you can get these in a cutting edge style or a plain as plain can be. These are the shoes that you would wear for more serious occasions, funerals, court dates, accepting your Nobel Peace Prize. If these things don't happen very often in your life you might be inclined to just wear a cheap pair of plastic shoes but you will find that if you buy a quality pair of leather shoes you will have more occasion to wear them than you thought.
It is very difficult to buy good dress shoes on sale as they are such a staple in a woman's closet the popular sizes tend to be snatched up very quickly. Your best hope is to look for them in missed sizes, where they are marked a size 11 but fit a size 9 or at the end of season sales.
Keep these shoes in great repair. Make sure that the heels don't get worn down and have new heel tips put one when needed. Buy matching shoe polish when you buy your shoes so you will have it on hand. A quick wipe at the end of the day with a soft cloth will keep them looking fresh in between cleanings.
You should never wear your good leather shoes every day as they need 24 hours to settle. See if you can find shoe trees to place inside of them so they keep their shape and don't spread out.
3. Umbrella
Such a basic item can mean the difference of you showing up looking calm, cool and collected or looking like a drowned rat. Every woman should own a small purse sized umbrella that she faithfully carries with her during inclement weather. Good ones can be expensive so wait until they go on sale. You don't want to pull out a cheap umbrella that falls apart as soon as the first gust of wind hits it.
Large umbrellas can be a fashion statement. Don't stick with boring black, there is a world of color out there and the color of the umbrella as you hold it over your head will reflect back on your face.
4. Dress Jeans
You know what I mean, the type of jeans you would wear as you sip your cafe au lait on the French Riviera and fit right in with those other stylish chic French women. Not skin tight and overly sexy but skimming your legs to show the word that you have style.
Because they have style does not mean they have to be a name brand and expensive. Go try different store brands and you will be pleasantly surprised to find what is out there. Once you have found your perfect pair of jeans treat them well. If at all possible don't dry them in the drying machine as this shortens their life span.
5. Bold Jewelry
There are times when you just need to make a bit more of a statement than usual. Even if you are not the jewelry wearing type you will want to look confident and strong. Women who wear jewelry are perceived to be more stylish and wealthy.
Look for good quality jewelry at auction or at antique malls. Vintage jewelry can be very affordable and if made with real stones or glass beads can be a better quality than what you would be able to buy new now. Silver jewelry goes in and out of style and ends up in garages sales all the time. Keep your eyes out for it. If you do not regularly wear jewelry and find it awkward wear it around the house to get use to having it on.
6. Purse
A bad purse can sabotage a great looking outfit. You want a purse that looks expensive but hasn't cost you an arm and a leg. Steer away from fake designer bags as most people will think it is a knock off anyway and not be impressed.
Good quality leather bags last forever and if you buy one in a classic style it will always look chic. Avoid too much metal on your bag and anything that is very flashy. Black is a very safe color but consider tooled brown leather or black with accent colors.
Unless you are born under a lucky star you are not going to find a fabulous bag for free but you can find them on sale at leather outlet stores during the summer and at end of season sales. You might find a great vintage leather bag at a thrift store but be prepared to change the handles to update it.
7.Dress
You need a dress that you can pull on and walk out the door knowing that you look amazing. While fashion magazines have been droning on and on for years how every woman should have a little black dress in her closet I have been to just too many parties where all the women have played it safe and worn black...boring. If you prefer quiet colors then go for dove gray, a warm brown or a rich dark green.
Look for a dress that has an interesting neckline that will really frame your face. A dress can really show off your personality, are you bold and assertive or quietly conservative. Look for them at outlet stores and keep your eye out when ever you are clothing shopping.
While these items are not cheap to buy they are a good deal as if you get the best quality you can find they will last you for years. You will find that you will be reaching for them again and again as your wardrobe staples and will get more than your moneys worth from them.
Related Articles
For more Articles chose from Crafts, Decorating, Entertaining, Fashion, Food, Gift Giving, Stationery and Cards, Health and Beauty, Kids, Money Matters or Pets.
Photography and Content
Copyright Ingrid Talpak 2010
Morestylethancash
I'm not a woman but the list isn't too much different for a man (obviously no dress or jewelry unless you are like that!).
I actually lack some of the items I need right now so do need to face the hell of shopping soon (I hate it!).
Looks like an all-guy response! :)
I can tell you that I'll immediately take notice of a woman with "bold jewelry". Sometimes, it even comes to the forefront beyond whatever it is they're wearing.
drowned rat...hilarious
Super site - I love it and keep finding more great things to do...I'm bookmarking you...thank you so much - you are a talent I'm thrilled to have stumbled on.
Keep up the excellent work, please...
Hello,
I am new to your blog and wanted to introduce myself. Hello, I am Rowan and this is a wonderful blog.
Cheers