Flashback Friday’s

This week’s Flashback Friday post again comes from Barbie’s Dream House. One thing that I have been able to master is the art of looking great on a budget. A lot of times I would get requests about how to change a person’s look or upgrade their personal style for a reasonable amount of money. Personally, I think that no matter how much money we have it doesn’t take a million bucks to look like it!

Today’s flashback is a q&a session that addresses three reader questions about style. No matter how old we get or how far along we are in our style journey, these lessons will always remain valuable. I hope you enjoy today’s flashback!

Your Chic is Showing,

Hey kids! It’s been a while since we’ve had some Q&A time. But, alas, I think we should. I’ve been stocking up/saving questions that I’ve been asked about clothing, accessories, dating and even working out. So here’s another batch of goodies for you!

Signed,
Country Club Barbie

Question: Hey! I’m on a tight budget but I want to change up my look. What are some easy and cheap ways to do it?

CCB: In my opinion, the easiest way to change up your look is with your hair. And luckily there are some inexpensive ways to do it. If you’re looking for a few free options then try to:

• Change your part. This is a quick, fast, easy (and not permanent) way to change your look. It’s subtle, but people will definitely notice something a little bit different about you.
• Change your hair texture. If your hair is usually curly, wear it straight. Straight? Try a curl. It may take some time and patience to get it right, but the results will be well worth it. Experiment with big girls, little curls, loose curls, waves and bone straight hair. That is a look for every day of the work week! You’re welcome.

A couple more (not free options) include:

• Cut a bang. There are so many shapes and styles to choose from that anybody can find the right look for them. And, you can get a bang cut more cheaply than an entire head of hair (most salons and spas won’t charge you a haircut fee if you skip the wash, conditioner and blow dry and just ask someone to do a dry cut and give you bangs). First, define your face shape (round, square, oval, heart shaped) and then look at hairstyles on celebrities with your same shaped face. For example, heart shaped faces can pull off a side swept bang or full bangs cut straight across – both short and long. If you’re nervous, start with a longer side swept style or feathered style that will grow into layers. You can work your way to a more dramatic bang later.
• Cut it off. It’s hair, it will grow back. And, if you’re nervous. Start with 2 to 4 inches to see how you like it. Or cut your hair into layers. Nobody is saying you have to get a Cassie. But doing something as simple as angling or layering your hair can do wonders for your look.

Question: I’m not a sneaker kind of girl, but I need some flat shoes for the weekends and to get to and from work. Suggestions?

CCB:I’m generally not a sneaker girl so I can totally relate! Although, they do make some very cute sneakers now days, so you may want to reconsider your stance. If you just can’t bring yourself to give sneaks a try, give these options a try:

• Ballet flats with a sturdy bottom
• Gladiator sandals
• Flat boots
• Loafers or boat shoes

Question: I can’t afford designer gear – where can I get stuff by designers for less?

CCB: We’re so lucky. Lots of designers have more inexpensive collections found at chain stores. Think Isaac Mizrahi, Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gaultier for Target, Vera Wang for Kohls and Max Azria at Wal-Mart. You can also find more affordable clothes from high end designers in the lines they design for department stores or outlet and factory stores. Here I’m talking Michael by Michael Kors, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, BCBG/BCBG Girls by Max Azria and Rachel by Rachel Roy. Same designer, same quality, same design 1/100 of the price. You do the math. For shoes – check out DSW, Macys, BlueFly and even Marshalls (I’m dying to have a boyfriend so I can cop this fab pair of D&G – yes THAT D&G – shoes that I saw at Marshalls the other day). These stores keep a bevy of designer footwear on their shelves. Now, none of us have any excuse not to look fab all the time – regardless of how much money we can pour into our wardrobes.