Affordable Fashion Finds

Map it out!

gennapearl — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:33:15 +0000

Here is a list of the different thrift stores around San Luis Obispo, and the surrounding cities within the county. This map creates a visual for those interested in shopping for the latest fashion in an affordable way. Each thrift store within the county has a different selection of furniture, clothing, household items and appliances. It is a good idea to travel to these stores frequently, as new merchandise is gathered from different families throughout the area. New items come in to these stores on a weekly basis, depending upon the amount of giveaway items each store carries. When shopping at a thrift store, remember to treat the experience as if it were a garage sale, and what is here today may be gone tomorrow.

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SALE SALE SALE!!

gennapearl — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:28:48 +0000

Ok, so it’s that time of the year again when Coverings, San Luis Obispo’s only known retail store that carries items from BCBG, True Religion, Seven Jeans and L.A.M.B. is having their winter warehouse sale. Items will be 50-90 percent off everything, and the sale is located at the Monterey street garage where doors will open Wednesday November 11 at 11:00 a.m.
This year’s sale will offer customers the opportunity to shop for items on sale before the season is over, giving buyers the opportunity to not brake the bank before winter hits full on. This is the perfect time to pick up jackets, boots and sweaters as the tempertaures start to drop, and the latest fall/winter fashion has arrived.
The last sale I attended was well worth my time (and money) but I suggest you bring a friend because there’s not always mirrors available in the make-shift dressing rooms, and it doesn’t hurt to get a second opinion. This sale ususally brings a large amount of people, especially when it comes to shopping, saving anywhere from 50 to 90 percent off designer brands, so be sure to prepare for the madness! Anyone who arrives to the sale with a large handbag will have to check it, so be sure to bring a light purse and wear comfortable clothing that you’re willing to take on and off numerous times since there will be a lot of trying on clothes.
Also, arrive early to increase your chances of winning a $25.00 gift card to the first 100 people in line!
This is also a perfect opportunity to pick out some early Christmas gifts for your friends and loved ones, as the prices will be right and the items will include the altest must haves for winter.
Last year I was able to find this white wool jacket at the sale, (and found a matching hat at a local thrift store) and will be able to enjoy it for seasons to come!

Jimmy Choo Collaborates With H&M

gennapearl — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:21:28 +0000

The famous shoe brand Jimmy Choo is now offering shoe lovers and handbag collectors an affordable line of shoes and bags through H&M. Jimmy Choo shoe designer Tamara Mellon has been working on the collection for six months, and has debuted the collection in Los Angeles last night. The line of shoes and handbags are all under $300, and will enter all H&M stores November 14. The line offers styles from all different colors shapes and sizes to suit any fashion need. Many of the shoes are stilettos with revealing lines and sharp accents. The material is what is most intriguing to me, as Mellon has mastered a way to use suede and patent leather in obscure colors. From buttery yellow, to stark reds and blues, this collection has a unique way of making a Jimmy Choo fashion statement all your own. The collection also includes men’s styles. Take a closer look at the collection here.
Many celebrities came out for the premier event in Los Angeles sporting all the latest looks from the collection including M.I.A., Paris Hilton, Hayden Panettiere.
Read The Los Angeles Blog here

Image Source

Unemployed, or Working Harder?

gennapearl — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:59:27 +0000

The economic recession brought one of the largest number of unemployment rates in 27 years. A recent study conducted by the American Time Use Survey compared weekday activities of the employed and unemployed. This annual time use survey according to an article in The Los Angeles Times, asked thousands of residents to recall every minute of a single day. The article also founds out that on an average weekday, the unemployed sleep an hour more than the employed and they also clean their house, do yard work and other chores more than the employed. The study found that “the employed also spend an extra hour in the classroom and an additional 70 minutes in front of the television.”
According to the United States Department of Labor, people who are unemployed are not benefiting from their losing a job and their families and country are greatly affected. “Workers and their families lose wages, and the country loses the goods or services that could have been produced.” Unemployment within a particular industry could also affect the jobs of others, according to the Q&A fact sheet on the United States Department of Labor’s website.

This graphic demonstrates the current rates of unemployment by each state.

Image Source*

According to the unemployment rates of last year, found at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state with the highest unemployment rate is Michigan, that increased by 9 percent, 1.0 percent to 10.6 percent Rhode Island is second 10.0 percent, up 0.7 percent, and South Carolina is third with 9.5 percent up 1.1 percent.

The states with unemployment rates at their lowest continue to be Wyoming 3.4 percent, up 0.2 percent, North Dakota (3.5 percent, up 0.2 percent, and South Dakota 3.9 percent, up 0.5 percent.

According to an article written by Bloomberg news California and Nevada have reached record high unemployment rates, where California’s rates were at 12 percent and Nevada is at 13.2 percent.

Image Source

Strap Your Boots On!

gennapearl — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:42:04 +0000

The weather is changing here on the Central Coast and that means fall fashion is back, along with unique and alternative styles to add to your wardrobe. The latest trends this fall include a variety of boots to fit every stylish need. Boots offer a stylish accent to any waredrobe and can be re-worn for seasons to come!

Ankle boots are a perfect alternative to wearing high heels for evening and can add the perfect accent and style to an outfit. They look best when paired with dark colored tights or leggings and add great dimension to pencil skirts or even some simple dresses. These stylish ankle boots can even be worn in the winter, and will most likely be a fashion staple for many seasons to come.

Target offers these styles for only $29.99

As the rainy weather approaches creating damper to any outfit, rain boots are a neccessity. These styles are a fun way to add style to an outfit and Target has a wide variety of colors to choose from. These boots are safe for any outfit, and are resonably priced at $19.99.

Another style of boot that is making it’s debut inspired by fashion from the runway and high end brands is the buckled mid-calf boot seen here for only $34.99.

One of my favorite looks for fall is this lace up peek-toe boot, when paired black tights, a pencil skirt a colored top and blazer, this look is perfect for work. It is also a nice alternative to the basic heel, and at only $20.00 anyone can enjoy it!

For a more exensive look on all the latest trends watch this year’s episode of Oprah here and get inspired by the helpful advice from professional fashion editors and experts in the business.

3 Looks Worth A Try

gennapearl — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:36:02 +0000

The latest trend in jewelry are large jeweled necklaces adding a different element and statement to any ordinary outfit. Trendsetters throughout Hollywood are adding these large necklaces that add sparkle to their style, and the look can be found throughout the popular site shop4sparkles.com

Another great place to shop for jewelry is Forever 21 with prices so low, you could afford a bracelet, necklace and a ring!

image source* http://socialitelife.celebuzz.com/archive/2009/11/02/precious_premieres_in_hollywood_with_a_splash.php

Another fashion trend on the rise are leggings, adding comfort versus the typical jean. Leggings also offer a diverse selection depending upon the mood your in whether your going out, or wearing them for a casual weekend, this trend is one to hold to.

The hottest look throughout Hollywood and on the runway are the “wet-look” leggings seen here.

Forever 21 has a wide variety of leggings seen here, and all most of them are priced starting at $8.80.

The leather jacket is a staple throughout any cold season, and trying to find the right one that fits your budge could be tricky. First, look at swap meets and garage sales especially estate sales because you never know when you might find a random item that was barely worn and a reasonable price. This past weekend while browsing through the clothing isle at Wal-Mart, I came across a faux leather jacket that was surprisingly stylish. Also try other retailers such as Marshall’s and Ross to achieve this year’s jacket trend. Here are some styles worn by some famous celebrities that pair well with items in anyone’s closet, and can be found at Urban Outfitters.

A Hair For Fashion

gennapearl — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:24:18 +0000

I had the pleasure of being involved in a hair show in Irvine, Calif. over the past weekend and noticed that many of the representatives from salons all over California were inspired by fashion. L’Oreal professional colorist and hair connesuir for decades, Steven Cristobal and New York City-based stylist and L’Oreal expert Amit Abraham both decided this year’s inspiration came from Rock and Roll, and Folk music. The textures in the hair and movement that shaped three very different looks “were all inspired from the way fabric moves against the body, mimicking the way the hair falls,” Abraham said. Three professional models demonstrated the different looks Cristobal and Abraham created on stage in three different segments. First, the stylists introduced the professional models, and then had two individuals where the color and cut would take place on stage for he crowd of over 100 stylists could see demonstrated.

This year, L’Oreal turned 100 years old making a pivotal point in the hair industry and gave the perfect opportunity to introduce a new innovative technology in hair care. California’s director to L’Oreal Maya Webb held a presentation on the revolution L’Oreal products had taken over the past century and how their new development in hair dye is paving the way for new and improved hair. The technology enables hair dye to be odorless and is packaged in a condensed bottle in order to prevent wasting the product and getting more for your value, Webb described.
When each transformation was made, each hair cut executed a perfect demonstration of the way we see fashion in textures and movement compared to the way the hair fell, shaped the face and moved along the bias.

The stylists who helped create each look were able to use all of the necessary product that was necessary to create each finished product. The event started at 6:00 a.m. and ended at nearly 5:30 p.m. making this one of the longest days I had been a part of and something that I will never forget.

The make-up artists created a look that was edgy and fierce where eyes were painted smokey with false eyelashes elongating and dramatizing each person’s features.

Texture was applied to the hair in order to mimic the idea that hair can be transformed into the same way we see textures in clothing.

This event was a learning experience and that of which I will be forever grateful to have participated in. It taught me the importance of wearing your beauty with pride, and it never hurts to try something new all while having a great time. If anyone has the opportunity to be involved in something such as this, I would recommend it, after all it was free and not to mention the new hair cut and color along with all the free product you receive!

Halloween On A Budget

gennapearl — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:20:45 +0000

Not everyone can afford a brand new costume for Halloween, and many custom made costumes are overpriced and never last more than one season. Why not be creative this year and find items that you already have in your closet, or re-use your costume from last year and turn it into something different. Local thrift stores such as The Goodwill always offer an extensive collection to suit all of your Halloween needs and are often priced to afford. Here are some affordable and manageable ideas:

Cheerleader-some girls are lucky enough to have this already in their closet from high school, if not ask your friends.
Tennis Player-this could work with a pleated skirt, and any athletic top with tennis shoes and a racket.
Hippie-draw a peace sign on your face where long hair with braids and jeans with any fun flowy top and this outfit is done!
Movie Star-a fun one this year would be Lady GaGa since she is so up and coming, or just pick your favorite one and imitate their best look.
Teacher-wear fake glasses, a bun with a pencil in your hair and a nice outfit and this costume is ready.
Cowgirl-wear anything western with cowboy boots and pigtails.

Halloween is all about having fun and being comfortable throughout the night, most of these costumes should work well with any person’s closet and they don’t take too much time or fuss to create.

This year for Halloween I managed to find this dress for $5.99 at Forever21, and it made for the perfect Katy Perry costume!

The Site Worth Looking At

gennapearl — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:54:55 +0000

The internet has a great way of providing affordable fashion at our finger tips, and it allows us to explore different websites that offer the best deal, or web sites that offer alternative ways to find a particular item desired. Websites are able to pin down a specific interest the shopper is looking for whether it be shoes, bags, accessories or clothing all based on a particular price. These websites offer shoppers the most for their money, and variety to their closets during the fall season.

DailyCandy.com

This website is based on the content and area shoppers live in. It’s aimed to the individual who has a passion for fashion and current events in their area based on lifestyle and activities that suit the needs and appeal to many. This website offers more than just a go-to guide for the latest fashion, there’s also a certain category for all items on sale in a particular area. The website is also available to offer daily emails and updates on what new restaurants are opening, which designers are having trunk shows, and what to do for the weekend.

Celebrity Fashion Meets Affordable Fashion

gennapearl — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:39:22 +0000

Celebrities have recently made the transformation to owning and creating their own fashion lines, but are they affordable? When Sarah Jessica Parker first came out with her clothing line called Bitten she sold the line at a retailer named Steve and Barry’s. Since then the company has gone bankrupt and now her pieces can be found as “leftovers” throughout eBay and other discount stores. Many of the pieces from Bitten are priced to reach the affordable buyer, yet provide up to date styles for women of all ages. Many of these pieces are in a decent price range considering the current state of the economy, SJP hopes to return her clothing line to a different retailer, according to a recent article by Paula Darnell.

Other celebrities jumping on the fashion clothing line bandwagon include Hilary Duff, Lauren Conrad, Whitney Port, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Sean P Diddy Combs, just to name a few. A list of celebrity fashion lines can be found here at a glance, and many have their own websites and information marketing their name to the brand.

This year’s recession had undoubtedly hit many of these celebrity fashion lines as the economy continues to plummet, so will the future of these fashion lines. Many of these labels have had to downgrade to certain retailers as Wal Mart, where you can find clothing from Taylor Swift, and clothing aiming towards tweens from Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.

The competition within the fashion industry has become “over saturated with celebrity brands” Victoria Beckham said in a recent interview.

Certain online shopping sites have made their products recession friendly such as Bluefly
ChicStar an online site dedicated to affordable fashion where users can bid on particular items.
Classic Closeouts is another web friendly site that has a wide variety of clothing for men, women and children where prices are so affordable it would be hard not to buy anything.

A recent shoe purchase I made was inspired by from Jessica Simpson’s shoe collection, and at half the value. The original shoe costs $95.00 plus tax and this same replica of the shoe was $18.99 at a retail shop downtown L.A.

* source high.heels.com