|
|
Ladies: Look Like a Million On Any Budget
By Peggy Butler
www.Psbwrite.com
Imagine! You've been invited to a glitzy fund raiser where all the women
will be clad in jewelry by Cartier and wearing gowns by such designers as
Vera Wang and Donatella Versace. Searching aimlessly through your closet,
you discover that the only item resembling a designer ensemble is the
beaded sweater you purchased last winter.
Panic sets in, as you realize that the gala is only a week away. Certainly
not enough time to ask the boss for a raise, so you can purchase a dress
with the Versace insignia on the label. So you think of someone who has
clothes in the $600-$1,000 range, but no one comes to mind.
Time to panic? No, not if you're a designer bargain shopper. For less than
$50 you can purchase a silk chiffon blouse adorned with a shimmering
pencil skirt and accessories to die for, all at basement prices. It all
depends on knowing where to shop and what to look for.
Consignment Shops
Like any business, there are good consignment shops and bad consignment
shops. The good ones offer name brands for 1/3 of their original price.
The clothes are in mint condition with that barely worn look. Moreover,
consignment shops offer unique accessories by past and current designers,
including scarves, earrings and handbags. For women who enjoy wearing
unusual earrings, clip on styles are available in everything from pearls
to rhinestones. Imagine the looks you'll get when you enter the room
wearing a silver pendant and matching earrings that was fashionable in the
Roaring 20s. How Magnificent!
Thrift Stores
The merchandise found in these stores are traditionally cheaper than those
found in consignment shops. They offer quality merchandise, but with less
variety. Finding a silk suit by Ralph Lauren might be difficult, but if
you're fortunate to arrive at the store before 10 a.m., you might find a
silk Baracini dress or denim jeans by Dolce & Gabbana.
Your Local Goodwill
While many scoff at the idea of Goodwill as a place to purchase designer
clothing, they're often surprised to discover that such stores offer a
diverse selection of slacks, suits, shoes, jewelry, and lingerie. Granted,
a few items maybe dated, but there's still a lot to choose from. The
geographic location also
plays a key role in relation to quantity. For example, a Goodwill in
Seattle generally has a larger variety of merchandise than stores in
smaller regions.
Estate Sales
Differ from garage sales in the quality of available merchandise. At
estate sales, you can find one of a kind clothes and jewelry at reasonable
prices.
Reasonable, if your cash flow is accessible, but extravagant for money
conscious realists, busy counting their pennies. At estate sales, expect
to shell out a few
dollars; so don't forget your check book.
Garage Sales
Merchandise found at garage sales range from gaudy to elegant. Here, you
can find anything from a silk Ann Klein blouse to a 50 cent plastic
bracelet, it all depends on what you're looking for.
Old Clothes Are Making A Comeback
Remember the wrap dress, that clinging garment with ties at the side made
famous in the 70s by Diane Von Furstenberg? Not surprisingly they are
making a comeback. If you purchase a wrap dress from a ritzy boutique,
expect to pay anywhere from $125-$300. But if you're one of those people
who don't throw anything away,
and you still have your original wrap, you can dress it up with
accessories and it will look as good as the expensive ones. Of course, you
may have to make a few alterations, in the event you've put on a few
pounds.
Use Your Imagination
Searching for an outfit that no one has a duplicate of? Impossible you
say. No, not if you're the designer. Adding buttons, letting down a
hemline, or tucking in an inseam can turn an ordinary outfit into a
stunning ensemble. A well-known clothing connoisseur said she created a
one of kind gown that was the envy of all her friends. As expected,
everyone asked where she brought the dress, and she just smiled and said
"Oh! This is the creation of a new designer. In fact, he's so new, no
one's even heard of him yet," the woman said grinning.
The gown that was being compared with the likes of a Sergio Valente
design, cost a mere $5. The woman went to a vintage clothing store and
purchased a gown that the saleswoman said was created in the 1940s. The
gown was gold lame with puffed sleeves, a sweetheart neckline and fitted
bodice. However, one of the sleeves was partially torn. She then asked the
saleslady the cost of the dress. The woman replied $2, and noted that she
would deduct $1, based on the condition of the sleeves. The woman took the
gown home and redesigned it to her satisfaction.
She began the transformation by removing the torn sleeve, and adding
rhinestone appliqués to the bodice, which she purchased for $4. And voila,
when she finished, the gown could only be described as stunningly unique.
We've all heard of those expensive department stores
Macy's, Neiman-Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue that cater to the rich and
famous. Now you too can have a designer wardrobe that would make any
affluent woman green with envy. Caviar anyone?
Peggy
Butler is a freelance writer based in North Central Florida and author of
the
book "My Head is Bloody, But Unbowed". Visit her website at www.Psbwrite.com
|
