Quote- - Within each new challenge there are always hidden gifts, for these are the times that strengthen our resolve and allow us to build new dreams.
- Flavia Weedn@www.MeadWeb.com
If the economy has attacked your pocketbook and made you think twice before plopping down your credit card, then you are not alone. Now is the perfect time to stop and think about the way you buy clothing, shoes, accessories, food, luxuries and everything else.
Before you go shopping for clothes again, take a look at what you already have in your closet. Whenever a new season is underway, instead of heading for the mall and making an impulse purchase for a new outfit you will only wear once, do something different.
Take everything out of your closet, try them on and see what items may work together in a different way. Be creative. Get rid of garments that no longer look well on you. Donate any items you have outgrown, or cannot be coordinated with anything else. What colors are more prominent then others? Can your bold or bright colors work with your neutrals, browns, blacks, grays?
You can work with neutral colors by giving them a modern look by pairing them with textured fabrics or fabrics with lots of detailing in their design. Wear a bold print scarf with a navy blue suit. Try wearing a colorful or metallic print tank top with a brown, or black skirt, or pants. Adding one hot neon colored accessory, like a bright pink necklace to a plain black dress makes your neckline come to life.
Show your bold side by wearing a classic jewelry piece that glitters and shines in gold tones or sterling silvers with your plain dress or pant suit. Some jewelry pieces can be layered, like an armful of shiny bangles or bracelets, to create your own different fashionable style. However, keep in mind, the clinking noises may not work in many professional office settings, and may be best saved for after work events.
Sometimes the latest handbag can update your look. Handbags come in all styles, sizes, colors, and textures. Choose one that goes with several outfits, or one that can be used for your dressy events as well as casual everyday wear. A bold red bag makes a black dress stand out in an attention getting way.
A new belt and a new pair of shoes can make an outfit look different and up-to-date. Pull out your classic black or navy blazer and wear it over a sleeveless pink or yellow dress. If you own a suede or leather jacket, either one goes nicely with jeans and skirts. It is even better if your jacket coordinates with other outfits already in your closet.
The way you dress and coordinate certain pieces determines your fashion statement. Be inspired to create fresh new ideas with your individual taste, personality and clothing budget. When a simple dress can be made to look expensive with your choice of accessories, there is no need to spend a small fortune on the latest designer outfits, Learn to know what works with what you already have. Get ideas from your favorite fashion magazines, fashion websites, your favorite celebs. Work those ideas into your own style.
Your style determines your image. Your image is the most powerful possession you can own. And your power comes from feeling good inside. Inner beauty is more important than looking good on the outside. Eating nutritious foods, exercising daily, and getting plenty of restful sleep contributes to a beautiful image.
What positive impressions are you giving out? Are you creative in coordinating different outfits? What is your individual clothing style? Can you budget wisely; eat healthy, dress well, and maintain a sense of confidence in the midst of the risky economy today ? Now is the perfect time to do it!
About the Author
Gerri D Smith, business entrepreneur, fashion designer and creative writer successfully combines designing apparel for women, with her love of writing creative fashion articles. Her online business, Distinctive Elegance, is about improving the style, beauty, and well-being of women by showcasing her designs, publishing articles full of tips, self-improvement ideas, and more. Go to, http://www.distinctive-elegance.com and get your Free Special Report titled, “Making Fashion Memories.”
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