Prada Taste on a Wal-Mart Budgetby Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger 09 Mar 2009 10:55 AM
Get the expensive basics for less It makes sense to invest in some high quality basics for your wardrobe that you can then use as a foundation for trendier looks. But, you still want to be able to get them for that Wal-mart budget. Go ahead and shop the higher-end stores, but head straight to the clearance section. Choose pieces that will stand the test of time, such as basic lined dress pants, that little black dress, a great trench coat or a great pair of jeans. You can get some great bargains if you are patient and check back often. Imagine getting $260 pants for only $15. I've done this myself. Get the trendy but inexpensive shoes Basic retailers, such as Payless Shoes often put out good quality shoes that look similar to the hottest trends but cost a lot less. If you want to go trendy, pay $25 instead of $500 for the latest look. The new style will give you a boost without breaking the bank. Update with accessories Accessories can often be had for very little, and yet they can transform your basics into the latest look. Shop for accessories only at the trendy stores. See how the store displays them on the mannequins and take your cues from that or from fashion magazines and shows. If you are really handy, you can remake old accessories into new unique ones, such as taking apart a necklace and transforming it into earrings or using it as a belt. How do you express your clothing style? Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right. Favorite Deal Websites: Related Articles: Fashion Frugalista Alert: Oxford Heels LilyandMarshallSellTheirStuff.com Warning to Kitchen Sink Fashion Victims Learn more about Mary Ann Romans  Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat. Relevantfrugal tags User Comments  thequeenofthecastle (413) 09 Mar 2009 01:20 PMI'm definitely learning the accessory trick. I love it also, because if we spontaneously decide to go out during the day, I can throw on a few accessories and my mom uniform actually looks pretty cool. I have even seen photos of celebs with the jeans/tshirt dressed up with a great necklace and cool shoes look.  Mary Ann Romans (26876) 09 Mar 2009 02:53 PMDo you have any special tips that you can share with the rest of us moms? Tashi (1013) 10 Mar 2009 01:43 PMGreat piece. My big thing has always been the accessorizing idea. I have umpteen necklaces and other things to work with. I'm a HUGE clearance rack shopper, and am almost always able to find something I like, AND that could work for me, on any clearance rack I find. I also like to modify or repair accessories. I find that if something doesn't look entirely how I'd wear it, or if it just needs some tlc to make it wearable/usable again, and I know I can fix it up, then I'm good to go! I've turned belts into hip, chunky necklaces, chopped off parts of earrings that made them look too long or unattractive (to ME), switched around pieces on the jewelry, and played Frankenstein by different things together. Be creative, but realistic. A pair of needle-nose pliers, a pair of small wire cutters, and assorted leftover or extra supplies/findings work great, and are good to have on hand, for just such an occasion when you want to make something all your own! I've bought things simply to chop them apart and re-use them for other items. I have fun with this, and feel proud that I can save money by fixing or repairing things myself. thequeenofthecastle (413) 14 Apr 2009 09:49 AMWhen it comes to jewelry my advice is to chose one really WOW piece that's maybe a bit chunky, fun, trendy and then make sure the rest is more understated. For example.. if I'm wearing a pair of jeans and a black tank top I can pair is with a cute pair of inexpensive flats with a little bit of pattern in black and maybe a big black chunky necklace and a pair of fake diamond stud earings. thequeenofthecastle (413) 14 Apr 2009 09:49 AMWhen it comes to jewelry my advice is to chose one really WOW piece that's maybe a bit chunky, fun, trendy and then make sure the rest is more understated. For example.. if I'm wearing a pair of jeans and a black tank top I can pair is with a cute pair of inexpensive flats with a little bit of pattern in black and maybe a big black chunky necklace and a pair of fake diamond stud earings. thequeenofthecastle (413) 14 Apr 2009 09:51 AMSorry.. adjusting to a tiny keyboard on a tiny laptop... hehhe I was going to say... then with my black and white outfit I like to throw in one colored item.. like a pair of pink shoes or a bright red zebra purse.. Community Tags budget, fashion, Prada, Wal-Mart, walmart Discuss this article
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