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Wednesday 13 March 2013

Looking Expensive Without Breaking the Bank

We are addressed the way we are dressed. You must have heard or read that a million times over. The interesting thing about that common saying is that it is the truth. Have you ever walked into a bank and get better than regular treatment? Well, that's probably because you have the look of a wealthy customer. We actually react to people according to how they dress. I for one, love to look expensive because I get a lot of preferential treatment when I do, plus it makes me feel like I own the world. Hey, not all of us can rock those dazzling Manolo Blahniks straight off the runway or that sizzling hot Chanel dress from the latest fall/winter Collection, and you know why (You know that I know that you know). Come on, don't lose that hope just yet, you can still look expensive and fabulous without incurring account-draining expenses. Below are some tips to help you do just that: 

  • Stick with simple silhouette and pieces with minimal detail: 'Simple' is the new 'Classy'! Go for clean finished, simple and understated pieces.
Our very own fashionista, Ngozi Ogbo
 in a simple sleeveless black and white dress,
 accessorized with a white double-layered faux-pearl necklace
 and a multi-layered faux-pearl bracelet.
 Indeed, simple can be classy!





  • Pay attention to fabrics: Go with natural fabrics with the exception of Linen of course (Linen wrinkles easily, makes you look untidy and evokes cheapness). You don't want to be caught on those tacky, shiny satin dresses too. Always make sure you are comfortable in the fabric you choose.
  • Black and White is just alright: Black does not finish off as the colour of mourning attire, it's a colour that elicits class, goes with just about any colour and provides you with multiple options from its different shades. With black, there is no line separating formal from casual (the LBD is a living testimony). Black combined with white speaks luxury, there can't be a more perfect combo!
  • Undo and redo: Make that tailor down the street your buddie. Make that dress more exciting by adding some colourful buttons or applying a few sequins. Rip that jeans yourself, dye it, add some patches. Unstitch that brand design on that jacket, remove the sleeves on that jacket! Edit your old and new dresses, make them more modern, stylish, chic, and classy.
  • Rock those statement accessories: Multi-layered bracelets, sunglasses, over-sized rings, hoop earrings, wrist watches, scarves, hats, layered necklaces, skinny belts, brooches, purses and bags are must-have statement accessories. And guess what? They are relatively inexpensive! These accessories help you maintain a fresh and classy look each time you step out. They'll leave friends and colleagues wondering whether you go shopping everyday. And hey, you don't need to buy new ones to keep up with trend because they are timeless.

       
Multi-layered Jewelry

Clutch purse
Over-sized ring
Skinny belt




Multi-layered bracelet

Brooch
    Statement Sunglasses
  • Patronize the Thrift store: Yeah, I knew you would say that! "I can't wear second-hand clothes", " I can't even imagine myself in one" ....blah blah blaaaah! News Flash >>> I wear them too (I hope I didn't say that loud?). Okay tell me, how else can you rock 625$ Louboutin pumps without breaking the bank? Ah! I thought so!! Hey, I even prefer this option to the other more embraced but less noble option of buying counterfeit/look-alike designer pieces (ewww! That's so cheap!!). Feel free to visit a thrift/second-hand clothing store, quality pieces are waiting to be yours at give away prices.
  • Wear your size: Too tight might just mean too cheap, too loose is a synonym for hand-me-downs. So, if you don't wanna look cheap or like your granny willed that dress to you, buy pieces that fit you perfectly (not too tight, not too loose). Make sure they flatter your body shape for that stylistic elegance.
  • Mix Cheap with Pricey: Cheap dress + cheap accessories = disaster! Pair that cheap jeans, tee & jacket with a pricey designer bag or shoe and you'll be oozing CLASS! This means that you have to invest in a couple of pricey items. Not to worry, you don't need to buy hundreds of them or buy new ones every season. One or two timeless statement bags or shoes will do the trick.
  • Temper Colour with Mercy: Mixing too many colours will definitely land you a ridiculously cheap look. Stick with colours that accentuate your features.
  • Confidence is Key: No matter how expensive that dress you are donning is, If you don't have that I'm-sexy-and-I-know-it air, you are gonna look a lot less than the worth of your dress. So wear that dress proudly knowing you look fabulous and are worth a million bucks. And hey!!! Don't you forget to smile.
That's the magic fashionistas! cheap and chic is very possible!!

1 comment:

  1. i like the Clutch purse...
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