Fashion Advice: What to Do with a Peasant Skirt

May 21, 2006 08:58 AM | Comments (1) | Posted in forever21, shoes, fashion advice, skirts, h&m, belts, espadrilles, marshall's, mandee, deb

Dear Budget Fashionista

Last summer I stocked up on cute peasant skirts.  They’re cute and flattering, but not as in style this season.  Are there any ways I can accessorize or change my skirts to make them more on trend for this year?

A: Try pairing the skirt with a monochromatic top,  one of the seasons’ wide belts (Forever 21, H&M, Deb, Mandees, Marshall’s, etc. all have versions of this belt) and this summer’s must have shoe—the espadrilles.

You can also add a little more color (beaded necklace, embroidered cotton top, chandelier earrings) and flare for more of a Mexican/Chicano influence (think brillant Mexican artist Frida Kahlo) than the boho influence of last summer.

Shoe Care Tip: Cleaning Espadrilles

April 26, 2006 09:49 AM | Comments (0) | Posted in shoes, fashion advice, reader_advice, espadrilles

A reader just emailed regarding tips on cleaning the rope of old espadrilles and since espadrilles are very “in” this spring/summer, I thought some of you might be able to use this tip.

Q: Does anyone know how to clean the rope of “old” espadrilles?

A: Mix a little laundry detergent in a small cup or bowl and use an old toothbrush to clean the rope. The toothbrush will be able to get into the cracks of sole and without unraveling the rope.