BYW: Tip #2: Shop Like a Pro

I haven't blogged on my "Build Your Wardrobe (BYW)" portion of my blog in a while.  I gave Tip #1 at the end of 2009, which was - Know Your Body!  Tip #2 helps you shop like a pro, and that happens by you...Defining and knowing your style.

In my first BYW post I mentioned that I did not have a wardrobe, instead I had individual pieces that did not go well together.  I have avoided this by defining my own personal style.  This allows me to shop efficiently.  There are two parts to this for it to work well - know your style and have a general color scheme in mind.

Defining and knowing your style can be difficult...after all you have SO MANY OPTIONS!  Check out magazines, websites, the Good Will and blogs for style inspiration.  If you like something, circle it, cut it out and check your current wardrobe to see how you can create the look and work from there.  Ask yourself, what image do I want to portray?  Business?  City-shique? Bohemian? Fun and flirty?  You also MUST keep your body in mind when looking for styles.  You need fit for any item to be an integral part of your wardrobe.

You also want to keep colors and patterns in mind when shopping.  For starters, ask yourself, what colors look good on me?  What colors do I love?  How do the colors tie in to my overall look?  If you see a fabulous bright-orange silk blouse, but your wardrobe has lots of earthy grays, blues and blacks, the orange blouse may not give you a lot of "bang for your buck."  You can get it, just recognize that the blouse may not get a lot of wear.  This is something you definitely want to keep in mind if you're shopping on a budget!

Tip #2: Define and know your personal style

6 comments:

  1. Hey there! I just stumbled across your blog, Do you have any suggestions for a large apple shape? I know the basics, trouser pants--leggings are a no-no. Any other advice or sources you can point me to?

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  2. @Kemi, I consider an apple-shape as someone who carries weight in the mid-section. If you're busty as well, tops/dresses that define your waist above your natural waistline can be very flattering. Try cuts that define your waist below the bust.

    You can also try layering. Structured blazers will help give you a shape. Also try blouses that flow, they camouflage the right things!

    To balance the top, I would go with a straight leg. You may also want to try a wide-leg, depending on your bottom frame, it could work for you. I hope this helps!

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  3. I've given you a blog award! Stop by my blog to check it out! (that sounds like some kind of spam-type thing now that I've typed it)

    fourbadapples.blogspot.com

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  4. How do you think someone could achieve an hourglass type of figure without the use of those belts over the waist? In order to give the illusion of a curvier shape (more hip definition).

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  5. @prettydarkthing, I have NO HIPS myself, dresses with natural cuts that highlight hips can help if you don't want to use a belt. It doesn't nec. have to be form-fitting for it to give the illusion of hips either. Try a-line skirts and dresses.

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