The Budget Fashionista

Dear Budget Fashionista,

Please help me! My sister and I have the worst luck finding jeans that fit. We are both just over 6’ tall and are always searching for jeans. We occasionally wear 3 inch heels, so we need jeans with at least a 36 inseam and in a size 14.

Answer: The best place to find tall jeans on a budget is OldNavy.com. Old Navy, which has a HUGE selection of 36 inseam jeans for under $30 (shown above:… Continue reading "Tall Jeans on a Budget"

Dear Budget Fashionista:

I have hear alot about fashion neutrals. My question is what are the colors considered the neutrals in fashion!

Answer: Technically, a neutral color is a hue without color. According to About.com, neutral colors such as black, gray, and white appear to be without color.  For example, gray can be worn with a larger number of colors than, say, green. Also neutral colors are often composed of… Continue reading "Neutral Colors: Fashion Advice"

Dear Budget Fashionista: I received a cardigan cashmere sweater in size large and I wear a small. Is there a way to permanently shrink it? Answer: You can shrink a cashmere sweater by handwashing it in very warm water and then sticking it in the dryer with the setting on high. HOWEVER, this will damage the integrity of the sweater (i.e. make it look like crap). The sweater will be very thick, pilly, and the shape will be quite distorted. My advice?… Continue reading "Can You Shrink a Cashmere Sweater?"

Dear Budget Fashionista: I’ve never worn body shapers ever. I always thought they were for old women, but as I get older I’m starting to reevaluate that. I don’t know much about them, how to size them, etc. Will you help me? Will you tell me what I need to look for? I can’t wear anything that is going to roll but worse—show a panty line. Answer: What do Tyra Banks, Gwyneth Paltrow and Heidi Klum has in common (besides… Continue reading "How to Buy Shapewear"

Dear Budget Fashionista, What are the classic pieces that are a must have for my closet? Answer: The key to build any wardrobe is to first know your personal style. Why is this important? Well, it will help guide you as to where to focus your shopping dollars as you will only purchase items that you will actually wear, rather than what’s in style. In my book, How to Be a Budget Fashionista: The Ultimate Guide to Being Fabulous For Less, I… Continue reading "The Ten Classic Pieces That Should be in Every Closet"

Dear Budget Fashionista:

I just got a job where I need to wear high heels! My first question: for every day wear, I love my pair of Nine West peep-toes with a 2 3/4” heel. I haven’t had any luck, though, finding a “classic” shoe with that height heel (needed in black and ivory/light tan). Second question: I adore the shoe-trends this fall of menswear detailing, two-toned, and lace-up shoes. But all the… Continue reading "Shoe Shopping By Heel Height"

Dear Budget Fashionista, I just won a trip to an album release party in San Diego, CA. I live in Missouri and have never been to anything like this in my life. I don’t know what would be appropriate to wear to something like this and I doubt I have anything in my closet that is nice enough. I can buy something but I’m on a budget and can’t spend a lot. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks! Answer: Your best bet is to keep it simple… Continue reading "What to Wear to a Trendy Party"