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 Editor's Picks: Clothing & ShoesFashion Under $100Savvy shoppers want all the vibrant colors, flattering designs and quality the season has to offer, minus the steep outlay of cash. Getting more for less is truly a beautiful thing. Style Editor Shannon McCarthy reveals what's both cheap and chic. Dresses & SkirtsFlirty and feminine dressing is enjoying quite a renaissance of late, and this season we'll see stores stocked with all manner of super-pretty frocks. The key to buying quality without spending outrageous prices is to find a mass-market retailer with a high-end designer or two in their stable. It's a trend that's growing, and it can only mean better choices for everyone. Jaclyn Smith was a pioneer for Kmart, Nicole Miller designs a line especially for JC Penney, and lately Target has made a big splash with couture darling Isaac Mizrahi. I'd suggest sticking with these and other big guns when it comes to dresses and skirts as careful construction and better-than-average materials make a bigger difference here than in say, a basic knit top or flowy chiffon tunic. Simple cotton shifts, sleek sheaths, pencil or a-line skirts, all brightly embellished with florals or color-blocking, can be done brilliantly on a budget. Avoid anything with lots of pleating, lace embellishment or other complex tailoring, as these techniques typically add cost if they're made well. Shirts & BlousesIf you want to choose one investment piece in this category, make it the crisp white high-quality cotton button-down blouse (although you can still find one of these career essentials for under $100 if you keep an eye out for online sales and coupons). Many other top types can be had for a song — especially the trendiest of the bunch. That's a good thing, since I can't see spending scads on something that will be "out" faster than my favorite contestant on Project Runway. Flirty camisoles that only look expensive, safari-styled shirts for your urban jungle, mod mesh tunics, classic v-neck tops in citrus bright hues — all of these serve to spice up our basic wardrobe. For a hit of shine, buy polyester charmeuse instead of real silk, as you'll save even more when you don't have to dry clean. (Don't skimp on sweaters, though — as cheaper fibers fray, pill and lose shape easily.) Also keep an eye out for limited-time designer collections at Target for upscale looks at downscale prices. Pants & JeansLike dresses and skirts, pants are an essential item that you won't want to scrimp on. You'll find the best combination of fit and value if you don't venture too far into fad territory. Unlike those fun and funky tops (especially easy-wear tunics and tees that just skim the body), what you wear below can be a more difficult proposition and can literally impact your bottom line. I've spent hundreds on pairs that did nothing for me, and found bargains that worked perfectly with my figure. The trick is to look for classic silhouettes — a black gabardine pant for the office, kick-back khakis or a casual-fit wide-leg jean. Skip hard to wear ultra low or high-rises, keep to neutral colors (newly hot this season when matched with vibrant tops) and try to avoid back pockets on dress trousers — they usually don't lie smoothly in lower-priced pairs. I love Bisou Bisou's denim pants at JC Penney, and Inc International Concepts at Macy's offers a great line of sensational plus-size pants at sensible prices. Look to Target's Liz Lange for famously fabulous maternity wear. Handbags & ShoesHere's a big tip right up front — when shopping for value-priced handbags and shoes, spend more on the shoes. You can have fun with a faux leather bag that may not last past a couple of seasons, but really inexpensive footwear is usually uncomfortable and hard to wear for any length of time. Fortunately, the Web offers irresistible emporiums like Shoebuy, Shoemall and FootSmart that sell quality shoes at reduced prices. (They also typically run clearance sales year-round, so you may never need to pay full retail again.) eBags carries current designer handbags (and yet more shoe finds) with non-designer price tags, and all manner of mid-range, lower-priced options. These bargains tend to disappear quickly, so pounce fast when you see your prey. One of my favorite all-around discount emporiums is Bluefly. They not only offer primo shoe and handbag brands, but scads of clothing and household items as well. Warning — all of these sites are understandably addictive to the casual shopper and fashion obsessed alike, so expect to clock some substantial browsing time. JewelryTalk about your precious metals — now that gold has hit $1000 an ounce (with silver and platinum arcing toward the stratosphere, too), can we really justify draping ourselves with baubles, bangles and beads? Well, yes and no. Of course this is not an ideal buyer's market if you're in the mood for hefty Italian 18k gold in double digit grams. But you also don't have to give up on gilding yourself altogether. Plenty of reputable online jewelers like Blue Nile, Ice.com, and My Jewelry Box continue to offer reasonably priced pieces that project some serious wattage. Sterling silver is a lovely substitute for white gold, and "vermeil" (gold plating over silver) provides the yellow hue for substantially less than something solid. If you love pearls, try freshwater or rice varieties, and semi-precious gems like citrine, amethyst and peridot sparkle as beautifully as pricier rubies, sapphires and diamonds. Happily, the hottest trend in jewelry is the big bold "costume" look, and this is just a polite way of saying "fake," which translates to lots more bling for your buck. Related LinksDid you find this page helpful? Please let us know. |
