Tuesday, March 31, 2009

My take on Tim Gunn's 10 wardrobe essentials


We can (and should) all have a good foundation wardrobe. By that, I mean we should all have a set of basic pieces that work well in every season, no matter the trends (and can be worked in with trends), and they don't have to be expensive. They should, however, be of good quality, so consider them investment pieces, and shop with that in mind. With so many people unfortunately back in the job market, it seems like a good time to remind everybody how to build a wardrobe of essentials and make sure you have everything you need for job interviews. The good thing is, you probably have a lot of what you need already.

So, before you go shopping, you must do the one thing we all dread: clean out your closet. Or, as Uncle Tim (that would be style expert Tim Gunn, my pretend adopted uncle) says: "edit" your closet. If you'll look to the left on this page, I have a link to his style guide; it's a worthwhile addition to your bookshelf.

Take everything out of your closet. Yes, everything. Go through piece by piece, and try on everything (yes, everything). Whatever doesn't fit, is faded or worn, or so hilariously out of fashion that you can't remember why you ever bought it in the first place, fold neatly and put in a box to take to Goodwill (don't forget to ask for a receipt for your taxes). A good rule is that if you haven't worn it in 6-9 months, out it goes; you probably won't ever wear it again. Once you've gone through everything and purged, take an inventory of what's there. Set aside anything that needs to go to the dry cleaner (and then remember to take it).

Now you're ready to take inventory of what you've got on hand. I'm a devout believer in Tim Gunn's "10 Essential Items Every Woman Needs." It's a great basic list, and a good foundation on which to build a wardrobe, especially a career wardrobe. In a moment, I'll tell you some places where you can pick up those items, but first--his list, with my comments added:

1. Basic black dress. Don't necessarily think little black dress here, especially if it's critical that you put together a good career or interview wardrobe; what works well as a good wardrobe essential is a basic black shell dress that can be worn with a cardigan or blazer, dressed up with a scarf, or just worn by itself with a simple strand of pearls.

2. Trench Coat. This is a wildly popular piece right now, with budget-minded places such as Target and Old Navy selling them in a range of bright colors and patterns; those are certainly fun, but make sure you have a good basic trench in a neutral color before you go nuts with all the colorful options. Look for one that's lined, includes a belt, and has a good, classic fit (single- or double-breasted is up to you and should be whichever looks best on you).

3. Classic dress pants. This is one piece where fit is critical. You need to know which styles look best on you, but a good mid-rise with a slightly wide, flared leg is flattering on just about everyone. Look for quality construction, because you'll want these to last, and you should also go for a good fabric like a lightweight worsted wool or poly blend. Darks or neutrals are best for color, because they'll be the most versatile with other pieces.

4. Classic white shirt. This may be a recommended "piece" for your wardrobe, but I'd recommend having 2 or 3 of these, perhaps in a color or two in addition to white (off white or blue work well). Places like the Gap have these as a year-round staple, so they're easy to find. On days where you're running late and can't decide what to wear, grab this, a cardigan and your dress pants, and you're set.

5. Skirt. Think knee-length or slightly (but not too much) above the knee. A-line, straight or pencil skirt are all flattering on almost everyone, and can be paired endlessly with other items. As with the pants, you're best served to go with a dark or neutral for greater versatility.

6. Blazer. Nipped-in profiles with 3/4 sleevess are all the rage now, but don't think that means you have to overlook a classically tailored blazer. Those never go out of style, and will probably have greater wardrobe longevity than the shrunken variety that dominates right now. That said, the more fitted, smaller silhouette can be extremely flattering, and is a knockout combo with a pencil skirt (or paired with jeans). Again, know what looks best on you.

7. Day Dress. This can be something as simple and basic as a shirtdress, or something trendier, like a kimono-style dress. Try to choose something that works well with the rest of your wardrobe, especially if you're on the interview trail. A blazer over a shirtdress, for example, is a workable alternative to the more traditional business suit uniform.

8. Cashmere sweater. Gunn has this on the list because it's a classic, and because they wear well with good care. You can throw this together with a skirt or pants for an easy, elegant work outfit, and feel good about yourself with the luxurious touch of that soft knit against the skin. Feeling good about ourselves is as important as looking good, and having a piece like this in your wardrobe is a functional indulgence.

9. Jeans. Good jeans, specifically--not ratty, torn or acid-washed jeans. Not faded jeans. Look for a good dark jean that fits you as a good pair of dress pants would--in other words, do not buy jeans so tight they look like they're painted on. The same rule for fit with dress pants applies here, too--a mid-rise with a slightly wide, flared leg (or bootcut, in jeans) is a great look. They're most flattering paired with heels, but if you're just not in the mood to wear heels with your jeans, at least go for a modest heel--my go-to is a good pair of cowboy boots with a 2-inch heel. It gives a longer, slimmer look.

10. A comfortable alternative to a sweatsuit. This is the only item on which I differ from Uncle Tim; I've just never liked sweatsuits, even the "dressier" French velour sets that are so popular now, but that's me. There are some darling matched sweatsuits out there, so if that's what you feel comfy in on weekends, go for it. I'll make no. 10 "jeans, part 2," and keep a spare pair around.

So, you've purged your closet, inventoried the good stuff that's left, and you need to add a few pieces to fill out your basic wardrobe. Where to go without spending too much? Well, for basic white shirts, the Gap is always a good choice; even better is a Gap outlet if you have one nearby. They have almost everything the retail stores do, but they're discounted and they run great sales.

For pants, skirts and blazers, the Gap is good, as is Express. If you add yourself to Express' mailing list, you'll start receiving discount cards in the mail--good ones, too. If you prefer catalog or online shopping, Newport News and Chadwicks offer great career pieces at low prices, and you can always find coupon codes online for both stores to improve the already good deals. For department store shopping, J.C. Penney has great career pieces and good prices. And don't forget to check out the racks at Target, because they're adding more and more career separates with really up-to-the-moment styling.

And, as I recommended in an earlier post, don't forget to shop eBay. I picked up a nicely tailored trench coat for $60, and a Ralph Lauren pink cashmere cardigan for $60; both were brand new with tags still on them--and both are key items on Gunn's list.

Now would be a great chance to use the comments section here--I'd love to know where you find your bargains, so please feel free to share!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Sunless tanning lotion--it's easy if you know how to use it.


Most of us like a little color on us--on our legs, at the very least--as we come into spring and summer. Ghastly white legs emerging in skirts and shorts after a long, cold winter doesn't attract the kind of attention we're hoping for, after all. A nice tan (real or not-so-real) gives you a healthy look, and has the added bonus of giving a slimming appearance--and who doesn't want that?

Surely we all know by now to wear lots of sunblock and avoid the shoe leather look, but should we really expect to shell out $35 or more for a professional spray tan session? Surely not. This is a budget blog, after all!

Fortunately for us palefaces, the quality of self-tanners has improved dramatically over the last several years. No more scary orange faux tans, if you know a few secrets for good application. My biggest recommendation is going with one of the self-tanning daily moisturizers instead of the slightly more potent sunless tanning lotions. I like these better for a couple of reasons; one, the funky chemical smell that plagues self-tanners is much, much less noticeable with these, and two, they build a tan gradually, making much of the process goof-proof for you. My personal favorite, Loreal's Sublime Glow, is pictured here--I like this one because it also has a very subtle luminizer, so, true to its name, you get a nice glow to go with your (gradual) tan. And I like the scent. Olay's is also quite good, as is Ulta's private brand. There are countless others available, and prices run the gamut. I've had marvelous results with the drugstore varieties, so don't feel as if you have to go for a spendy department store brand. Also, whether you go for the light/medium or medium/dark in any of those is up to you and how courageous you feel. After several applications, it all looks pretty much the same, but the medium/dark moisturizers will build up a little more quickly.

Now for the really important tips. If you're going to apply and maintain a sunless tan, and want it to look real (and really good), invest in a good body scrub and a box of latex gloves. Trust me on the gloves--they keep your hands from turning dark orange-y brown after application. No matter how thoroughly I wash and exfoliate my hands after applying tanner, I still end up with brown places--not an attractive look, unless you want to look like you have dirty hands. One box will easily last you all spring and summer (and well into the fall). I get mine on eBay for around $5 a box, but you can also get them at any medical supply store.

You'll want to use the body scrub right before applying the tanner (an hour or two before bedtime is good) to slough off as much dead skin as possible. Think of it as starting with a clean, fresh canvas. Then apply moisturizer (not the tanning kind) to your knees, elbows, feet and ankles. Those areas have thicker, drier skin that tends to pick up concentrated amounts of self-tanner, and you'll have noticeably darker (and, yes, orange/brown) spots there if you don't take this precaution. The moisturizer acts to both dilute the self-tanner a little, and prevent the thicker skin from soaking up too much of the color. Once the color begins to show--usually in 8 to 12 hours--take a good look in the mirror and check for uneven places or overly brown knees and elbows. If you have dark spots, use some of the body scrub to exfoliate away; you should be able to even up most of the mishap, though it might take a day or two to competely even out.

If you're using the daily moisturizer (more dilute) self-tanner, it'll take 3-4 consecutive days of application to build a good tan. This is where it becomes goof-proof, because you can easily touch up uneven areas and build a nice even tan with few noticeable boo-boos along the way. Once you've got a good base tan established, maintenance is easy at just a couple of applications a week. Enjoy that (completely fake and wonderfully healthy) sun-kissed look!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Do-it-yourself spa treatments: Really, just do it!


The pleasure of do-it-yourself spa treatments cannot be overstated or overrated, especially on a Sunday evening after a long, tiring weekend (like tonight, for example).

As soon as I finish this blog post, I'll be taking my own advice and making use of, among other things, the product pictured at right--Trader Joe's Grapefruit & Chamomile Sea Salt Scrub. It'll run you all of $6.99, an unquestionable bargain. If you don't have a Trader Joe's near you, check eBay or have a friend who does have a Trader Joe's in their town send you some. They also have a lavender sea salt scrub and a tangerine sugar scrub, all priced at $6.99, and all three are great quality.

If none of the above are options for you, you can pick up similar items in the same general price range at stores like Target, Rite-Aid and Ulta. There are many spa-quality products out there at drugstore prices, so treat yourself and keep some on hand. They're nice to have around when you can't afford a $75 spa treatment, or when it's just too late in the evening to go to the spa (say, late on a Sunday night). In addition to scrubs, you'll find various moisturizing body masques, home microdermabrasion kits, all manner of sponges and loofahs, and on and on. Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't pamper yourself, and doing so is a wonderful stress reliever--and who couldn't use a little stress relief these days?

Saturday, March 28, 2009

You have an enormous, inexpensive international bazaar at your fingertips.


It's eBay.

While eBay is best known for being a gigantic virtual flea market, what a lot of people don't realize is that there are thousands of sellers who run virtual stores specializing in every product under the sun, and a great many of those happen to be stores featuring new clothes, shoes, jewelry and accessories. It's like having access to an enormous import/export mall that's open 24 hours a day.

It'll take some searching to find the stores you like, but once you do--assuming you have an eBay account (hint: GET ONE if you don't have one)--you can save the stores to your favorite seller list, which allows you to find them again easily whenever you want to shop with them again. Over the years, I've become a regular customer to several sellers who carry consistently high-quality, reasonably priced items. One of my favorites, pictured above, specializes in handmade silver and gemstone jewelry imported from India, for sale at a fraction of what you'll find similar items priced at in catalogs or department stores.

I also have favorite stores that I go to often for handbags, shoes, and scarves & wraps. One of the regular features of this blog will be frequent features on some of my favorite eBay sellers (or your favorites, if you'll be kind enough to pass along your suggestions). You can easily find designer wear at deep discounts off retail; one of my best buys last summer was a pair of brand-new-in-the-box Carlos Santana strappy sandals that sold for almost $100 at Macy's, but I picked up on eBay for $30.

Some general caveats for those who aren't regular eBay shoppers:

1. Make sure you're aware of the seller's return policy; most sellers won't allow returns unless there's a defect or damage of some kind. Once you buy it, you're probably stuck with it.

2. Always check the shipping charges before bidding. Most sellers charge reasonable shipping and handling fees, but some are outrageous and out of proportion with what you're buying. You may think you're getting a great deal on the item, but when you see a $20 or $30 shipping charge, it's not such a great deal after all.

3. If you have any questions at all about an item, ask the seller before you bid. Most are happy to answer questions, and it helps you be sure you're bidding on something you actually want.

4. Always, always check a seller's feedback. The eBay community is its own better business bureau, and buyer feedback is very dependable. If a high-volume seller only has 98% positive feedback with a lot of recent negative marks, you might want to think twice before bidding on anything from their store. As a rule, I look for 99% or better feedback if I'm buying from a high-volume seller.

And one tip unique to anybody shopping for clothes on eBay: there are many sellers who carry clothes marketed directly from Asia (usually Hong Kong). I've never been disappointed in the quality of the garments I've bought from those sellers, but be aware that sizes on clothes coming from those countries tend to run small compared to U.S. sizes (sometimes much smaller). The better sellers include the measurements on garments they sell, so that leaves it up to you to know what your own measurements are, and whether that gorgeous blouse you're lusting after is actually going to fit when it arrives in the mail.

eBay is one of the best resources for somebody shopping on a budget. You can find absolute steals on designer clothes and shoes if you're a diligent shopper, and you'll also find really unique and beautiful items--especially from the international sellers--at great prices.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Loyalty programs-if you're going to shop, then make sure you're rewarded for it.


This week, I found $10 in my mailbox.

Okay, not exactly--but close. I'd earned another reward certificate from DSW Shoes, good for $10 off any purchase, no minimum purchase required. I shop their sales--which are good--and try to shop only on double- or triple-point days. It doesn't take long to rack up the 1,500 points needed for a reward certificate; you get 10 points for every dollar spent, and if you're getting double or triple points, the points add up in no time.

In addition to the reward certificates, I routinely get email offers for discounts or free shipping, and postcards in the mail for percentages or dollar discounts (the best was a $20 off a $50 minimum purchase back in November). Needless to say, I'm going to do most of my shoe shopping at DSW with payoffs like that. The price range is broad--budget lines as well as designer lines--and their clearance racks are always good for a bargain find or two.

There's no cost to sign up--you get those deals in exchange for your address and the data they keep on your shopping habits (which helps them market what moves, what their customers want--so this helps you in the long run, too).

More and more retailers, both online and in real life, are offering loyalty programs like this. It allows them to build valuable demographic data to improve their marketing and sales, and builds a regular--loyal--customer base. Most of the loyalty programs are free, and you should sign up for every one of them you can find. Even if it takes you a long time to accumulate rewards, you'll still get valuable offers and discounts along the way, which all add up to saving you money. A few loyalty programs have a small fee, and I'll write more about those in a few days. Some of them are worth it, some aren't. But with the free programs, it's a total win for you. You may have a few more wallet cards or key fobs to carry around with you, but that's a small inconvenience when you consider the money those programs will save you.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Quickie deal alert: 25% off EVERYTHING at the Container Store


The Container Store has a great email list you might want to sign up for (and they're not terribly annoying--just the occasional email to notify about good sales). The one I just got has a link to their site where you can get 25% off the entire store-including sale items. The checkout code is CLUTTERCREW, or you can go to their website here and print out a coupon to use in-store. The offer is good through April 13.
Happy organizing!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Like free music? Me, too!


I love a good freebie, especially when the freebie can be uploaded to my beloved iPod. There are two ways to get new (free) downloads every week. One is to go to the iTunes store, and check the "Free on iTunes" section every week, where you'll be able to download 3-4 free songs of iTune's choosing. Hey, don't look a gift iTune in the mouth; it's free, after all. Download them, give them a listen, and you might discover artists you weren't aware of before. I created a "Freebie Mix" playlist on my iPod, so I have an easy way to navigate to the downloads and try them out.

The other way to get iTunes swag is to step inside your local Starbucks each week and pick up one of the cards pictured here. They put a new one out each Tuesday, and there's a download code on the back of the card. Just click "Redeem" on the main page of the iTunes store, and follow the directions for entering the code. The Starbucks choices are usually pretty good; I've gotten freebies from Dido, Brandi Carlile, Amy McDonald and Paul Weller, for example. The code is good for a few weeks, so if you forget one in your wallet for a few days, you don't necessarily have to toss it.

You don't have to buy anything--the card rack will be in plain view on one of the counters. Just grab and go (if you can resist the lure of the latte, that is).

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Get that outfit for under $100--here's how we do it.


Here's a quick example of what I talked about in my welcome post: it's really not that hard to put together designer looks with new, off-the-rack pieces, for under $100. I'll post more examples in the coming days based on specific comparisons to ensembles featured in current magazines, but to get started, here's one I put together in late December based on a look I saw in a Neiman Marcus catalog. The outfit in the catalog would've cost more than $900; I put mine together for $62, counting what I paid for one existing piece in my closet.

Here's what I was able to buy: pink tailored dress slacks--fully lined, mind you--from the now-defunct (and much lamented by me) Steve & Barry's, $9; black ballet-neck top with 3/4 sleeves (this is the piece I already owned), from Chadwicks for $8, purchased in a pack of three in black, white and pink for $24; nova plaid scarf in pink, from an eBay seller, $10 including shipping; pink and black flats from Newport News, $12.99 on clearance; a pink/neutral handbag from an import/export clothing store here in Los Angeles (more on those in a future post!), $10; and a silver-finish bracelet watch from a local costume jewelry store, $12 (click on the pic to see a bigger version). For both the online retailers, I had coupon codes that gave me an even better deal--free shipping from Newport News and 2o percent off my total purchase from Chadwicks.

This is how I shop. In general, I've built a basic wardrobe of classics (like a good trench coat, black shell dress, etc.) and essentials like the ballet neck tops. When I see a current look that I like in a catalog or a fashion magazine, I set out to assemble as close an imitation as possible, and using pieces I already own wherever I can. It's fun, it saves me a significant amount of money while allowing me to look great for work, and because I've learned where to find the best pieces at the lowest prices, it's easy to do. And you can do the same.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Monday Night Quickie - a great deal on wineglasses

I was sorting through the Sunday sale ads, and saw this bargain at Cost Plus World Market. This one's great for a couple of reasons--one, you get a dozen 13 oz. wineglasses, suitable for red or white, for about $1.75 each, and two, they come in a sturdy cardboard storage box. Most of us don't have tons of kitchen cabinet space, so having this storage-ready to stow away in a closet until you're ready to entertain is a nice bonus. And at that price, nobody's going to be terribly upset if one gets broken (as you would be if one of your $4o Riedel glasses ended up broken).

Cost Plus is always a fun place to search out bargains--they have fantastic sales--and you're as likely to find a unique scarf or necklace as you are something for the house. It's one of my favorite places to browse.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Let's get started.

First things first: the easiest and most effective thing you can do to start tracking great deals—for both brick & mortar stores and online retailers—is sign up for email lists, request catalogs and enroll in every loyalty program you come across. You may think you won’t ever use it if, say, you seldom shop at Kohl’s, but trust me: once in awhile, you’ll get an offer for a discount or other deal exactly when you need it that ONE time you will go to Kohl’s for a pencil skirt, or a cardigan, or some candles for the living room.

Yes, you’ll get a lot of emails from retailers, and you’ll get a lot of catalogs in the mail. Sort through the emails, and keep track of the better deals and how long you have to use them before they expire. You’ll delete a lot you’ll never use, but you’ll also develop a feel for how often they run sales, and how good the deal you’re offered is. As for the catalogs you receive via snail mail, use them for ideas to put together outfits you like—for less money than those outfits in the catalogs would cost you—or decorating tips for your home. When you’re done, just remember—recycle, recycle, recycle. An example: I recently saw an open-shelf china cabinet in a Pottery Barn catalog that I loved, but the shelf cost around $600. Out of my budget. However, with a little searching, I found an almost identical shelf unit at IKEA (in a lighter finish wood that I like better) for $129. That’s why I always flip through those catalogs before tossing them in the recycle bin. It’s a minor annoyance, but those emails and catalogs have been instrumental in saving me a substantial amount of money over the years.

Once you’ve done that, your number one rule should be that you never buy something—online or in person—without some kind of discount or gift with purchase. Before you purchase anything online, go to one of the many online coupon sites such as Ultimate Coupons or Coupon Cabin, and search for coupon codes for the online retailer you’re shopping. You’ll almost always find either a free shipping code or some other discount (usually 10-15 percent). If you’re shopping in person, check the stores’ websites before you go to see if they have any printable coupons for use in the store, and also check the first section of your local newspaper for coupons (Sundays are when you’ll likely find them), or offers for gifts-with-purchase (GWP) for cosmetics and fragrance. Clinique makes a night cream I can’t live without, but I don’t buy a new jar until I know they’ve got a GWP promotion in effect at one of my local department stores. The freebies I get are good for my travel kit, and I can usually find some use for the free cosmetics bag that inevitably comes with it.

Always make sure you get something in return for your business, whether it’s a discount or a gift. And if you’re savvy—and this is what I’ll show you in future posts—you’ll learn how to use those discounts in combination with sales so that you maximize your spending dollar. I’ll post more about loyalty programs in a day or two, but in the meantime get busy signing up for those emails and catalogs!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Welcome!

Hi! You found my new blog. I thought I’d better set out a quick summary of what I intend to do here, so everyone knows what to expect, and, hopefully, what to look forward to.

In my eternal attempt to keep up with trends and present a sharp professional image at work (not to mention my affection for all things sparkly and pretty), I’ve developed keen bargain-hunting skills with an eye towards style. Thanks in part to career choices that allowed me to follow my heart, but left me with a tiny bank account—newspaper reporter, college instructor, litigation assistant—I’ve never found myself with a big budget for clothes, accessories, and other fun things like spa treatments and various spendy accoutrements for entertaining. Did I let that stop me? Of course not. I knew there had to be a way to get the things I desired without bankrupting myself. And so there is! And that’s what I’m here to share.

I’ve learned that it’s surprisingly easy to replicate designer outfits, pamper yourself, furnish your home, and entertain if you know where to look, as well as when and how to find the best bargains. The emphasis here will not be on one-of-a-kind things you can find at thrift shops or garage sales, because they don’t really help you. You can look, and go “gee, that’s neat,” but where can you get the same thing? Vintage shops are great, and useful for some things, but I’m going to show you where to shop and find brand new, modestly priced things that almost anybody can find no matter where they are. My favorite places are discount stores like Target and Kohl’s, online retailers and eBay. You may be astonished, in fact, at what you can find on eBay.

See an outfit in that latest issue of Vogue that’s to die for, but that you just don’t have an extra $800 to rush out and buy? I’ll show you how to seek out near-identical pieces so you can have that ensemble for a song; my usual goal is to replicate any look for under $100, including shoes and accessories when possible. I’ll include photos and links and all other relevant information so that you can replicate these, too, if you so desire.

Do you love pedicures and the occasional massage? I’ll keep tabs on spa specials and bargains out there, because we all deserve to pamper ourselves once in awhile. Do you love quality cosmetics for a polished look at work or a night out, but don’t have $250 to drop at the MAC counter? I’ll show you some outstanding bargains you’ll love.

I’ll be on the lookout for sales and specials from both brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers, and pass those along weekly. I’ll spotlight ensembles—both work and casual—from current fashion magazines, and track down the pieces to show you how to assemble that look for a fraction of the price. And I won’t just show you the pieces and say “go get ‘em,” I’ll show you the hunting techniques so you’ll learn how to find these bargains on your own, too. And if any of you have any feedback, suggestions or requests—I want to hear from you! Drop me an email at chickonabudget@gmail.com, and we’ll go hunting together.

Welcome, and enjoy!