American and International Info Resources

Should we SPLURGE?

That is the unrequited question for womankind, isn’t it? This is quite possibly the “age old” question for the fashion savior-faire crowd of the world. The answer should come effortlessly; unfortunately we can’t all afford to say yes to every expensive pair of heels that summons us or every pricey piece that catches our eye.

What exactly is it that causes us to lose all common sense and spend more than our bank accounts or maxed out credit cards will allow? Splurging is like a drug that picks you up out of that dark hole on a bad day. It can also serve as a reward system. “I just got a promotion, why can’t I buy those pair of Manolos I’ve been hopelessly drooling over at Neiman for the past 6 months?” Sometimes it’s all about the label, sometimes it’s all about the trend, sometimes it’s just the way it makes you feel. The important thing is that it’s fun and it feels good to splurge…on occasion that is. This is where the savvy splurge comes in. A savvy splurge should be something that could be considered a “good investment.” It is these splurges that will last through the ever changing trends of the fashion world. But who is to say that the great pair of pink Ugg boots with the jewels on them or that super-cute hobo peasant skirt aren’t going to carry us through the 21st century? For all you girls out there who think every trendy piece of jewelry and every must have pair of shoes will in fact make a comeback in the year 2015, we might have a thing coming to us when those credit card companies decide to decrease our spending limits, or worse yet, suspend our cards!

So, the key to splurging is deliberation and occasion. If you’ve really thought it through and honestly, after you leave the store and come back a couple times, believe you absolutely HAVE to have that purse, go ahead and SPLURGE! Just make sure this process doesn’t tend to happen on a weekly or even monthly basis. And for those of you who don’t have the liberty of splurging on an $800 bag, stores like Forever 21, Styles for Less and even the local vintage shop or quick online clothing wholesaler come in handy for those ever-popular trends that might be over with a blink of an eye. So when you decide to take the plunge, make sure you are going to get the miles out of those pricey additions to your already fabulous wardrobe.

Happy shopping!

Maleia Puma is a fashion writer for BlankStyle.com - You can read more of her articles and check our stylish apparel by visiting www.blankstyle.com/shop

Spring Fashion Etiquette

Spring can be a busy time - more events to attend, more outings
to go to. So what’s the right fashion etiquette for the occasion?

Get together in the near future?

A re-union? Try something in a festive jewel tone and be sure to
finish your look with some fabulous shoes and hand bag and don’t
forget the jewelry. Add earrings and a necklace to finish your
look.

A baptism - you’re the godmother? Try a soft flowing skirt and a
cap sleeve blouse. Or how about a nice light shift topped with a
print jacket. You’ll look stylish but you won’t be over done.
Pay attention to the shoes on your feet - classy but comfort is
important because you’ll be standing for a while. Add some light
jewelry, a pair of baguette studs and a chain and you’ll be
ready.

A date for high tea? Although the formality of white gloves is
gone it is still important to dress nicely. Do not wear jeans or
a sloppy shirt. If the high tea is an informal meeting then
pants with a nice light jacket is spring colors is appropriate.
If high tea is to honor someone then step it up a notch with a
nice light skirt and top, or a nice light dress with jacket.
Some funky jewelry for the casual get together or more elegant
jewelry for the more formal get together.

Cocktails? There are plenty of options for cocktails. A light
weight dress in spring colors with short sleeves, dress it up a
little with three quarter sleeves. Go for a fun print, v
necklines are great, and don’t forget the finishing touches with
jewelry. Try some dangle or chandelier earrings. Add a tennis
bracelet or bead necklace, some fun but sexy shoes and your set.

Wedding? Make certain you’re not resembling the bride or taking
away from her day by outdoing her. Contrary to popular belief
black is an acceptable color for a wedding. Decide what you’re
wearing to the wedding based on the type of wedding - is it
formal choose a formal dress. Semi casual - skirt and blazer.
Beach wedding - something soft and flowing. Add appropriate
jewelry, shoes, and handbag.

Office picnic? Relax and wear your casuals. Now don’t show up in
a pair of sweat pants unless it’s going to be a day of baseball
and sports. Don’t show up wearing your anything inappropriate
like shorts that are too short or a clingy top. Capri pants are
great combined with a comfy tank or T. Add some fun jewelry, and
comfy shoes and your good to go. Remember although this is a fun
event it is still a work sponsored event so put your best foot
forward.

Black Tie Gala? This season is filled with soft flowing feminine
looks. So here’s a perfect time to be a girl. Try an ankle
length tiered dress with silky layers in a romantic print. Or
perhaps a long flowing skirt accented with a fitted top and
cashmere sweater. Add a pair of heels and a small matching bag.
Don’t forget to finish your look with your jewelry - soft
colored stone dangle earrings and a teardrop pendant would be
perfect!

Evening Out? Pick your favorite pants, skirt, or dress, add a
bolero or cardigan over a tank or sleeveless blouse you’ll be
ready for your evening out. Make your bolero or cardigan your
focal point. Add some understated jewelry and your ready to go.

Whether it’s a day at the beach, a board room meeting, a
cocktail party, or a formal event. Dress to impress, complete
your look with jewelry and accessories such as shoes, hand bag,
or belt. Make your fashion statement!