How To Get That Look for Less

Finding the perfect fashion for less can be tricky, but it is possible. And once you get the hang of it, you'll never be at a loss for chic fashion. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Know Where To Shop:
Consider this the first battle in the war. Depending on the look you are trying to go for, it might be hit and miss in the beginning. If you like vintage, start looking at thrift stores and maybe even garage sales. You'd be surprised what you will come across with your vigilant efforts. For most styles you can shop wholesale and find exactly what you are looking for--and save tons of money, of course.

Do Your Research:
Simple online fashion searches can help you find the best stores to buy what you are looking for. There are even magazines that show what the stars wear, how much it costs, and where we can all find the same outfit for a lot less. Those are great resources to start with.

Make It Yourself:
When all else fails, find a pattern. I did this last year. I was looking for a 50s style skirt, and just couldn't find one that worked well. So, I decided to make one myself. The great thing about sewing it yourself is that you can custom make it to fit your body perfectly. A great place to find old patterns is on eBay. You can actually get authentic patterns from almost every modern era.

1920s:
Louise Brooks was a major fashion icon from the 1920s. She was a movie star in the silent, black and white movie era. Her trademark is her black, sleek bob--which is still popular, modern, and chic today. She was the epitome of what a flapper should look like. She was perfect for her time period.

1930s:
Vivien Leigh (pictured to the right), most commonly known as Scarlet O'Hara, had a strong presence in the 1930s fashion world. She was charming and beautiful, but had a reputation for being hard to work with. But she still was looked to as a fashionista of her time.

1940s:
Katharine Hepburn is one of the most famous fashion icons. Her fashion sense was new and revolutionary. She was hardly ever seen wearing skirts or gowns--usually just slacks. Women across the world looked up to her bravery in overcoming social pressures.

1950s:
Of course I couldn't leave out Audrey Hepburn. Everything she wore was chic and fit her perfectly. Because many other movie stars had curves, she was the underdog. With her boyish figure, Audrey Hepburn found ways to accentuate her natural beauty. Her classic styles are still in fashion today.

1960s:
Jackie O. still is idolized today for her exquisite fashion sense.Her fashion consisted of clean, classic lines and she was America's sweetheart.

1970s:
Farrah Fawcett was one of the many fashion icons in the disco era. Her hairstyle alone was seen across the country--on old and young alike. She was idolized after her appearance in "Charlie's Angels". And still is in the public eye very much today.

1980s:
Princess Diana left a fashion legacy as strong as any others. Throughout her life, she presented herself with class, elegance, and grace. In the beginning of her reign, she took advice from fashion designers. But soon after, she began to find her own fashion niche--what worked best with her. This is when her fashion fame skyrocketed.

1990s:
Again, Princess Diana was the major fashion icon of the 1990s. With every passing year, Princess Diana grew more graceful and elegant.

As mentioned earlier, shopping wholesale is a great way to get that great look you want (whether that is Audrey Hepburn or Farrah Fawcett)for a lot less. But other than that little fact (which is a big one, I must say), here are some other benefits of shopping wholesale:

It's Safer: Not what you expected, right? But studies show that it is actually safer--in regards to identity theft--than shopping in a store. Only 9% of identity thefts are from online shopping while 30% are in a public places.

Buy in Bulk: This is mainly for those that will sell them or if you plan to give that fabulous shirt as presents to everyone in your family. Wholesale clothing is great to buy in bulk--especially classic items like a white t-shirt. That way, if it happens to get ruined or worn out, you have more just waiting. And the next step? Accessories!

Just like shoes, handbags are an addiction to many women--including myself. But when talking to friends and family members, I have recently found that they are unsure on what type of handbag they should buy because there are so many sizes, shapes, and designs. So here are a few rules if you find yourself having an anxiety attack because you can't decide which gorgeous purse to buy:

Price: Let's start here. As much as we would all love authentic designer handbags, most of us can't afford that. And there is no need to think that the only cute handbags our there are designer. The great thing about "normal" stores is that they tend to copy the current celebrity trends. So you can look great for a cheaper price. Another great resource for finding fantastic, quality handbags for a fraction of the price is looking online for wholesale handbags. You can even get designer handbags and reasonable prices.

Size: This section is sometimes the most confusing; it depends on how you want your body to be perceived. Just like dressing your body in flattering clothes, you want to have a flattering handbag as well. The general rule (and this isn't the case 100% of the time) is to get a bag size that matches your body size. If you are petite, go for a smaller bag because you might look like a little child with a huge bag that covers half your body. If you are plus-sized, go with a longer, larger bag so that it complements your body well. If you have smaller hips, go with a messenger bag to give you some more volume. There are so many options with the size of handbags; you just have to find which works the best for you.

Color: First of all, don't be afraid of it. A great colored/patterned handbag can really add some "oomph" to your outfit. Just like jewelry, handbags are an accessory to your outfit. Make a statement, make it stand out, and feel confident. If you find yourself shying away from bright handbags, just buy one and you will fall in love with it. Just give it a little try.

When In Doubt: If you are still having issues finding the right handbag for you,go with a clutch. This handbag looks great with every body type. And whichever type of handbag you decide to use, be confident because you look great.

Whether you are shopping for yourself or having to buy some clothing for your children who are about to go back to school, there are certain necessities that will need to be purchased. And, of course, we will want them to be cute and fashionable. So here is a small list of necessities that all those going back to school should consider:

Shoes: Depending on where you are going to school, try to get shoes that are not only fashionable, but that you can walk comfortably in. Never buy shoes that are incredibly painful just because you like the way they look. The truth is, they are not worth it. You will hardly wear them because your feet will remember the excruciating pain that you put them in last time. Make sure you buy shoes for every season; you'll want to be prepared.

Jeans: Every person should have at least a few pairs of amazing jeans. And by amazing ones that are incredibly comfortable and look great on. Some people find that they have the most confidence in themselves while they are wearing their favorite jeans. It is just like a security blanket.

Backpack: It doesn't necessarily have to be a classic backpack, but at least something to carry your books and binders in. It all depends on what your style and what you're comfortable with (i.e.: side bags, shoulder bags, or the traditional two strap backpack).

Accessories: Jewelry, purses, and sunglasses are great accessories to have when going back to school. Because accessories can add up quickly, try finding an alternative to buying the full price. Look into wholesale jewelry companies and get great deals while you broaden your collection.