Saturday, March 07, 2009

Budgeted Fashionista

Being fashionable doesn't mean that you have to spend lots of money in order to get the latest style. Budgeting is important and this is how it goes. According to Samantha Brett being financially challenged doesn't mean you have to skimp on style. In fact, if you've got a few dollars to spare, use them wisely and only spend big on those items that are going to give you the biggest return for your buck. Think of them as "investment" pieces in your fashionable future because these top ten must-have wardrobe essentials will be sure to span the test of time.

1. Gladiator Heels - Whether you're tall, short, heading to the office or heading out after dark, a pair of killer gladiator heels are in order. Heidi Klum and Gwyneth Paltrow are expertly teaming them up with little black frocks and heavy eyeliner while Aussie gals are going ga-ga over Wittner's "vixen" heels, while Zu Shoes, Nine West and Shoe Box Shoes are doing great versions too. If you're able to get your hands on brands like Sergio Rossi, Jimmy Choo, Balenciaga or Givenchy gladiators, you won't be disappointed.

2. The Bejeweled Clutch - Spice up any outfit by teaming up a pair of skinny jeans or a little black dress with the bejeweled clutch. Splurge on one in neutral or dark colours to ensure it can be mixed and matched from day to night. We're loving Mimco, Mango and Witchery, while you can never go wrong with a black classical Prada or Chanel purse - staples in any wardrobe for decades to come.

3. The LBD - Audrey Hepburn knew it, as did Coco Chanel. The little black dress is one item that will give you the biggest return on your buck because you can wear it day, night, cocktail or casual. You can't go wrong with local brands like Camilla and Marc, Nicola Finetti and Rachel Gilbert, while for super-glam LBDs that will stay in your wardrobe for a lifetime, source one of those super hot Herve Leger bandage dress, a Diane Von Furstenberg wrap or a Paul and Joe shift. They're so comfortable, versatile and easy to wear, you won't ever want to take them off!

4. Ballet Flats - The good news is that comfort is making a fashionable come back, especially in the form of those oh-so-soft ballet flats. For pure indulgent can't-live-without ballet slippers, you can't go past the uber luxe brand Lanvin, while Chanel's pair with their signature CC's attached on the toes are every stylista's fashionable dream. For a local version, Samvara's cute silver pair with buttons on the toe are sure to impress.

5. Gold Bracelets - Ooh la la! Channel your inner Liz Taylor and chunk it up with a bunch of super chunky gold bracelets. Whether big and bulky or small and slim is your thing, Samantha Wills, Jan Logan, Dinosaur Designs, Diva and Equip will help you find the right ones to fit your style.


6. Printed Scarf - Notice how every fashionista worth her aviators is sporting an oversized scarf, despite the weather or event? That's because the latest offerings are too good to pass up. For summer style, keep them light and oversized with cute prints such as Gucci and Missoni, while Sportsgirl, Easton Pearson and Karen Walker versions will spice up every outfit.

7. Classic Trench Coat - Everyone from Victoria Beckham to Angelina Jolie know the power of a classic trench. Classic Burberry do it best, while you can't go wrong with Giorgio Armani or Hugo Boss. Saba, Marcs and Camilla and Marc versions are light and versatile - great for any season.

8. Gold-rimmed Aviators - Move over Nicole Richie because bug-eye sunnies are out and aviators are in. Tom Ford is a mastermind at the perfect pair of aviators, while you can't go wrong with the classical Ray Bans. Morrissey and Le Specs do great local versions that won't break the budget.

9. Designer Watch - Rachael Zoe swears by her favourite Cartier watch (designed for men!) while Marc Jacobs' and Michael Kors' funky versions look more like glam accessories than functional time pieces. Juicy Couture are putting clocks into everything from rings to necklaces while every gal needs a Guess watch in her wardrobe. How else are you going to be fashionably late for all those engagements?

10. Distressed denims - Rip, tear and wear out your favourite jeans because the distressed look is back in Vogue. Our favourite picks include Ksubi, J-Brand and Sass and Bide and while the prices are big for a pair of denims you could have slashed yourself, consider these worth splurging on for now because they return every season, and are so comfortable that you won't want to take yours off for years to come.

No comments: