Secretly, I desire to be a ROCKSTAR! Actually, I really just want to wear a red-fringed leather jacket and pants outfit, while riding cross-country on a motorcycle. Seriously, those who know me from way back when, will tell you, it’s true. This conservative sista-girl has a spicy edge, just look at my hair and high heels. While journeying this road to fitness, I have had fun playing with fashions that work for me. The easiest way to express my funky fashion is with accessories and shoes. I want to spark something inside of you too; let’s unleash your inner rockstar, top-model, video-vixen or diva!
High fashion doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Look for high quality, timeless pieces of clothing which have been significantly marked down. For example, I found a pair of David Kahn dark denim jeans which were $149, marked to $89, then $43 plus 70% off at Nordstrom Rack ($13)! They fit in all the right places and they’re a size 10 – hooray! I found a Kenneth Cole colorfully feminine blouse that pairs well with those jeans for $7 at Marshalls. I had a $10 free gift card, so I spent nothing extra – and that’s how I roll! I’m a patient shopper; I recommend you take your time and search for the sweet deals too.
You’ve heard me say before, when I come across small nuggets that can be implemented in my life, I do it. One day, I heard the famous designer, Valentino, tell Oprah that your clothing choice should make you “feel alive!” He said to ask yourself when choosing clothes, “Does this make me feel alive?” If it does not, then I don’t buy it nor keep it in my closet. TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack, Banana Republic & GAP Outlets, Macy’s, Ross, Walmart, Target or any other place that has something timeless, of quality and reasonably priced rank among my top choices. I make the item work with accessories and attitude! Here are a few helpful hints that I go by for a great shopping experience:
- Feel satisfied from a good meal, but not stuffed before going shopping. I spend less money and I am not irritable, so my concentration, focus and attitude are good. If I anticipate that I will be out longer, I put a fiber bar or quick snack in my purse to offset the desire to fulfill that with ‘fast’ food. If I didn’t prepare, I get a protein smoothie or make a wiser choice when I’m out. I don’t always make the best choice, but I do more times than not.
- Wear easy on-off clothes like a shift dress and flats, or jeans and easy wear top to minimize frustration while trying on clothes. If I go into the experience feeling good, it usually continues in that direction.
- I shop during less popular times: early morning, when the stores first open or later in the evening. I found that during “peak” hours, the frenzy of shopping seems to rub off on me, making for a less than ideal experience. Instead of shopping with your kids who may feel cranky, trade off some kid-sitting time with a friend and treat yourself to some ‘me’ time!
- Be brave! Step out and try on a new color or style that you normally would not pick. Spring and Summer are great seasons to step out with bold, vibrant colors and patterns. Careful in the combinations, however, it could back-fire. The goal is fresh and fashionable not costume or clown-like. Ask a friend or store associate to help if you are afraid to venture on your own.
- My other rule to good fashion is to wear clothes that fit! I believe that our inner ‘self-portrait’ reflects outwardly in how we dress. When I was ashamed of how my body looked, I tried hiding it with bigger, darker colored clothes – which actually just made me look dumpy and feel depressed. As I began losing weight, I would try smaller sizes just to gauge where I was size wise. Surprisingly, most shirt sizes went from large and extra-large to medium. In some styles, I even got a small. You must retrain your mind to try the smaller sizes because your ‘self-portrait’ still portrays larger. But, at any size, we can be appropriately fitted without sacrificing fashion. Remember my motto, “I Iove myself where I am, on my way to where I’m going!”
Here are a few tips which helped me shop for clothes that fit:
- Know which cuts of clothing work best for your body type. Look at pictures of body types in magazines, books or online. Then compare it with your own and try clothes that are suggested within your body frame.
- Invest in books that can assist you in building your wardrobe. I purchased an InStyle book that gives me ideas of casual, dressy, work, and travel clothes along with accessory ideas that can change my look from day to evening. It is one of my favorite books!
- Using belts, sashes, scarves, fitted-jackets or sweaters can accentuate your positive assets.
- Play up your positive features. I like my neckline, legs and feet. The more you can find that you like about yourself, the better you will feel about you. Confidence is hot!
- Unlock your inner-beauty that’s waiting to be unleashed Rock-out where you are, on your way to where you’re going!
I want to go shopping now! Great advice!