The Budget Fashionista

I am just diving into fashion. In the past the closest thing I bought to designer items are Ann Taylor t shirts and a Liz Claibourne suit and Liz Claibourne purse. So, where do I start? What items must be designer? What designers are a good bet? Do you have to go designer to be a fashionista?

<!—quoteo(post=214:date=May 6 2007, 05:23 PM:name=Julia_TX)—><div class=“quotetop”>QUOTE(Julia_TX @ May 6 2007, 05:23 PM) [snapback]214[/snapback]</div>

I am just diving into fashion. In the past the closest thing I bought to designer items are Ann Taylor t shirts and a Liz Claibourne suit and Liz Claibourne purse. So, where do I start? What items must be designer? What designers are a good bet? Do you have to go designer to be a fashionista?

1. No, you don't have to go designer to be a fashionista. I live in New York and I can tell you most of the truly fashionable people know how to mix and match. Fashion folks shop at the salvation and Saks and Gap.

2. If you're new to designer labels, I always say start with an accessory- like a purse. Try a mid range designer like- Kooba, Coach, Dooney & Burke, Kenneth Cole, Cole Haan (not Kenneth Cole Reaction- a lower level designer brand). These bags cost from $200-$500 and is a good place to get your feet wet without paying a ridiculous amount of money. Also a great bag, makes your entire outfit look expensive. You could wear a paper bag, but if you're carrying a high end bag, everyone will think you've paid a ton of money for your purse.

3. For clothing- start basic- like a pair of designer jeans. You can get these at places like Marshalls and Filene's Basement for well under the retail price. Expect to pay around $50-$60 for a pair at these stores. Look for the following brands- paper denim cloth, citizens for humanity, seven for all mankind, james jeans

4. Only buy what you like. don't be suckered into purchasing something just because it's designer.. buy WHAT you like…

I think that a good starter would probably be some good accessories like a good quality purse like K said. I think
that you should look at what you think is more stylish and model your style somewhat on that.Someone who likes Jackie O's style should try for a tweed skirtsuit… Someone who likes Twiggy's style should try for a swing style coat and stuff like that. Try to follow what you like.

Then I think you should look for a bigger designer item that can be worn quite often… Like a coat or suit. I would probably try to find a nice wool/cashmere coat from a good designer at a store like TJ Maxx or Filenes. Or try Saks/ Nordstrom at the end of the season…

Try to get some classic good quality well made shoes. These are the kinds I'd suggest:

1) black knee high zip-up boots. Make sure they are leather both upper and sole.
2)good quality black pumps
3)comofortable stylish shoes (flats or kitten heels)
4)pair of sexy and funky shoes
5)Nice sneakers in pretty colors
6)summer/spring Sandals
7)Red pumps and /or Pink pumps
A good black three piece (pant, jacket, skirt)suit - wool with a hint of strectch… some gabardrine.
Tweed/ Leather/Suede blazer
Modest yet stylish black dress (shouldn't reveal everything, should skim curves) good example is the DVF black elbow length and knee length wrapdress

spend on stuff like shoes, bags and coats. If treated well, you can have them for AGES…. this tip I learned from Kathryn I think, was to use masking tape on leather soles to preserve the soles. I think for trends head to your local Payless shoe source but sadly my payless shoes always hurt my feet. And trying on a pair of chanel flats was so COMFY!

Keep in mind everything Kathryn said, because personal style is personal. But these are just my two cents

Thanks everyone. I went to the mall (twice-once to just look around). I had some gift certificates that I had not used yet, so I got a nice handbag (leather sachel by Kors) which was 50% off. I got a pair of jeans that sit on my hips and not on my waist (different, but I like it), a pair of capris, three tops, and a belt. I paid for half this stuff with my gift certificates. I already have a lot of great shoes because my daughter worked in a shoe store last summer and my husband loves to buy watches for gifts.
After my trip, I went home and mixed and matched everything with things I already have. I was even able to liven up some of my boring ol work suits.
I will continue to read all the post here, this is fun.