The Budget Fashionista

Hello!

We are so glad to have you here.

May I ask what size you are, and we can get right away to recommending budget buys and wardrobe mainstays!

Also, have you had an opportunity to check out Kathryn Finney's book yet? It's a good starting point when you need to build up a wardrobe.

--Meieli

Meieli - 22 July 2009 10:22 PM

Hello!

We are so glad to have you here.

May I ask what size you are, and we can get right away to recommending budget buys and wardrobe mainstays!

Also, have you had an opportunity to check out Kathryn Finney's book yet? It's a good starting point when you need to build up a wardrobe.

--Meieli

I'm between a 12 and 14 right now depending on brands, I do have Kathryn's book and am rereading it to get a refresher. I'm tellin' ya I need a lot of help.I am really starting from scratch here. So, any suggestions are appreciated.
Hugs,
Karen

We're glad to have you here, and we wish you good health.

It sounds like you already have a few great foundation pieces. I wear autumn colors too, and I love them.

My first suggestion is to find some things about yourself that you'd like to play up. I can think of one right here- your face. Try to find clothes that fit you well (again, it sounds like you have a few) that can lead the eye up to your face. Since your chest is an issue, try to avoid patch pockets or anything that draws attention to that area.

You're petite, so try to go for a monochromatic look- one color head to toe. You can cheat a bit by using two or more dark colors head to toe, and autumn colors are wonderful for that. The monochromatic look will also play up your weight loss, another good thing.

You'll probably hear this a lot, but I'll be the first- Accessories are the best. They're inexpensive, they give you a million different outfits, and they can play up your good points. Use jewelry, scarves, and belts to change things up. And your shoes and bags can make such a huge difference.

I hope this helps.

I think the French women do it best: fewer pieces, good cut and quality and they all look FABULOUS on your build.

Don't compromise just to "get 'er done" quickly or you'll A) regret it and B) have to redo it anyway. (The voice of experience here!)

Think in terms of capsule wardrobe pieces, so that every item pretty much goes with (not matches necessarily, but "goes") with a variety of other pieces so you aren't stuck with a bunch of pieces hanging in the closet that don't go with anything.

For instance, if you start with black, then add red, gray and winter white, with a pop of houndstooth, in no short order you have a ton of options to carry you from work to social to church to girls' night out.

For an autumn, you could try brown/mustard/wine/teal/olive/camel and see where it goes. Solids, comfortable natural fibers, and pops of print in silk scarves and purse will pull it together.

Best wishes and so glad you are feeling healthy. Bless you!