Quick Fix: Stretch Your Wardrobe

Here are a few great tips for making the most out of your wardrobe and future shopping trips while on a budget:

1. Buy Basics: you cannot go wrong when you purchase basics. Search for basic silhouettes and shapes. Stay away from certain prints because they may be indicative of a particular fad, trend, or season.

2. Go neutral, splurge on color: keeping your color palette neutral ensures a wardrobe that will easily mix and match. Try black, grey, brown, white, and navy blue; these are fabulous, classic colors and are all neutrals. Splurge on brighter, more exotic colors for standout pieces (apparel or accessories).

3. Invest in staple items: if you are hesitant to break out of your fashion shell right now then search for staple garments, like a trench coat. By investing in something that has made its lasting mark in the fashion industry, you can be sure that you are getting the most bang for your buck season after season.

4. Keep it simple: I have seen this advice everywhere and it makes a lot of sense. While our economy is struggling and people are frustrated with too many bills (and not enough jobs), it is very appropriate to keep your wardrobe simple. Being too flashy right now may catch others off-guard in a "I'm better than you" kind of way (especially if it is a pricey wardrobe). Simplicity can be very chic and effortless when done correctly.

What are some of your tips for shopping on a budget? Post a comment and who knows, it may end up on my list!

*Image: http://www.fullystoked.com/images/wsale/back_2_basics.jpg

Body Type vs Trend

Have you ever wanted to participate in the current clothing trend but you have been too hesitant because you felt your body type would be wrong? I know too many men and women that have felt this way and I am here to clear the air. Do not be afraid of being a trendsetter or being a part of the latest trend because you do not know how it will look on your body. We all look good in something, you just need to know how to work it.

When I was approached to write about this topic, I was very intrigued. We live in a world where teeny, tiny supermodels are the “ideal” body type for all the latest trends in the fashion industry. Although many of us do not look like these models and/or do not want to look like these models, we are dieing to get our hands on who and what they are wearing. Dressing in the latest trend can be difficult, but when done correctly, you can look more fabulous than these ladies on the runway.

In order to wear a trend successfully you have to be willing to ignore that scary little tag that advertises what size the garment is. Do not be afraid to try on a different size than what you are used to in order to find a flowy top that fits you without making you look preggers (Hint: a skinny belt can create the illusion o the perfect hourglass figure when paired with one of those trendy boyfriend style tops). Skinny jeans are a great example of when to forget what size you think you are. Skinny jeans have proved their longevity, and they are here to stay, but how can we all be comfortable and confident wearing these revealing pants at any size? Try everything on! When searching for the perfect pair, prepare yourself mentally for a day of trying things on in multiple sizes and styles. Grab the size you normally wear, one size larger, one size smaller and take your time in the fitting room. Regardless of the size, buy the pair that makes you and your body type look fabulous (Hint: if you are hesitant about skinny pants, try a more relaxed fit, a dark wash/color, or a slim boot-cut leg as an alternative).

Shoes are a little tricky (but fun) this season. We have an interesting square toe and tons of booties. Be bold and try a few pairs on. Although a square toe seems unflattering by creating an abrupt stop at the end of you leg, it can be forgiving if the shoe is a heel or platform. Booties on the other hand are very hot. Everyone should own a pair whether they are closed-toe, open-toe, suede, patent leather, or printed. This must-have trend is much more flattering to legs than those dreaded ankle boots, especially for shorter and/or athletic builds (Hint: Try either of these trends in a skin tone similar to your own. The closer the match, the more successful you will be by creating the illusion of a longer line from your leg to the tip of your toes).

When in doubt, go with your gut feeling about how you look and feel in particular trends. If you are not comfortable in leggings, then do not wear them. If you cannot stand wearing a plaid, flannel shirt reminiscent of a lumberjack, then do not buy one. When all is said and done, you are your best critic because you know what you like and what gives you the most confidence (trend or not). Have fun with up-to-date trends and know that you can work with nearly any body type… when worn the right way.

*Images: Nordstrom.com

Nail It!

Like most of us, my thoughts have recently shifted towards budget-friendly ways to do what I love to do… shop! A quick, easy, and inexpensive way to give your style a boost is to do your nails. Yes ladies, do your own nails. I used to get my nails done every two weeks at a professional nail salon, but since my job does not allow us to spruce up our fingernails, I have been deprived of this luxury. However, I have grown accustomed to treating myself to salon-quality nail polishes without the high price tag of the professional doing my nails.

A great way to keep your hands and feet looking great all year long is to splurge on high quality nail polish and give yourself a personal mani/pedi. If you miss the massage, then ask a friend or companion to help you out. The greatest thing about building your nail polish collection is that they have a long shelf life and you can change the hue as often as you would like. By divulging in polishes like O.P.I. and Essie, you can paint your nails to match your outfit, mood, or the latest color trend. O.P.I. is a great brand because of the wide variety of colors (and fun names) they offer. Not only do they manufacturer a large selection of colors but the quality of the polish is superb.
The fact of the matter is that you do not need to spend $30.00 plus on a great looking set of nails, you can spend around $8.00 for a quick, convenient, and inexpensive alternative to the pricey nail salon service. So the next time that you are feeling a little “blah”, splash on a bright new nail color and let your nails shine.

*Image: OPI.com

"Schmatta" an HBO Documentary

Sunday October 19th my brother-in-law asked me if I had heard about the garment district being dramatically down sized in New York City. I was shocked. How could this be happening? There is no way this is actually happening. Sure enough I googled the famous garment district and all the negative news popped up on my browser. Wow...

On Monday, I searched for credible news articles and stumbled across information about the HBO documentary ("Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags") about the garment district in New York. This was fate. Not only had I found this documentary but I was searching the Internet only hours before it was to air.

In short this documentary was very bittersweet, cataloging the history of this particular garment district through the present. The most amazing thing I took away from this documentary was that 90% of apparel was made in the U.S. in 1965. Now we are accountable for 5%... only 5%! Buying dirt cheap clothing will be the demise of your wardrobe and the concept of American made apparel.

If you have studied fashion, simply love the apparel industry, or are interested in America's history, I strongly suggest taking the time to watch this documentary. It is intriguing and very informative in a very straight-forward manner.

*Image: thehaystackneedleonline.com

First Impressions

Fashion Bloggers and apparel lovers, this is your ultimate destination for "Fashion Friendly and Frugal" advice, ideas, and my view on making your wardrobe work flawlessly during these tough economic times. Just because the economy is down and out doesn't mean your closet should follow in its footsteps.

I am a recent graduate of California State University, Northridge. I received my Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design and Merchandising with a minor in Marketing. Through my department (and an amazing professor) I was introduced to "The Betty", the Family and Consumer Sciences department newsletter. I fell in love with writing for the newsletter, which eventually turned into me creating this blog. My inspiration... my second published article titled "Fashion Friendly and Frugal". Thanks to my brother's advice, I am now blogging about my passion for fashion (especially when it comes to living on a budget while still looking fabulous).

I invite you to follow my blog and ENJOY!

*Images: christinamultimedia.com

Check out my published articles:

- "Why Apparel Design and Merchandising?"

http://www.csun.edu/~matthews/Betty%203%20Revised.pdf

- "Fashion Friendly and Frugal"

http://www.csun.edu/~matthews/26.pdf

- "Why Intern?" (published twice!)

http://www.csun.edu/~matthews/27.pdf

http://www.aafcs-ca.org/docs/contempo/2009/Contempo_OctNovDec2009.pdf

- "Graduation Dress Nightmare"

http://www.csun.edu/~matthews/The%20Betty%2029.pdf

- "Nine-2-Five"

http://www.csun.edu/~matthews/The%20Betty%2030.pdf

- "Fall Into Fashion"

http://www.csun.edu/~matthews/betty_31final.pdf

- "Now I know my ABCs"

http://www.csun.edu/~matthews/betty_32FINAL.pdf

- "Turkey Day Apparel: Comfy Versus Dressy"

http://www.csun.edu/~matthews/The%20Betty%20Issue%2034.pdf

*Keep an eye out for updates, I try to contribute to "The Betty" as much as possible! ("The Betty" is the department newsletter for Family and Consumer Sciences at California State University, Northridge)