Hey Yummies!
Lately you’ve been asking me, “How can I update my wardrobe without spending a ton of money?”
My approach to fashion is to take the latest trends and mix a little bit new with a little of what you’ve already got. The result can be a sophisticated-meets-funky-relaxed vibe — and a whole lotta fun!
Here are my Top 10 Affordable Fashion Style Updates!
1. Dress like a lady!
Fun ladylike suiting adds a bit of lux to your look.
- Try the 40’s inspired suit: belted jackets with peplums and shoulder pads over slim pencil skirts with platform pumps or booties
- Choose a darling ruffled blouse that will take you all the way through the season and even on to spring
- Wonderful wool, wool-blend and tweed pencil skirts are all the rage in this season — timeless classics worth snatching up
- The Yummie Tummie Briefie gives you an hour-glass shape, to show off these ladylike styles!
2. High platform heels, boots and booties
If you buy one thing this fall, choose shoes.
- The stylish will be waltzing around in towering heels or booties, or the not-to-be-missed items this season, the over-the-knee or biker boot.
- OTK boots will work with a bevy of looks from super short mini-dresses and last year’s tunics to the slimmest of jeans or cuffed shorts and patterned tights
- If your prefer a shorter boot, try a motorcycle style with loads of buckles
- Designer styles are delicious but work a number on your wallet — take a trek to stores like Aldo or Steve Madden and save enough to stock up on other fall tidbits too!
3. The Secret Chic of Fur Vests
Show your wild side!
- You can make a fur vest work with just about everything – jeans, dresses, even jumpsuits. The secret? Accent the waist, and get the right length.
- The perfect fur vest is either a bolero style or belted, which allows you to show off your figure and avoid looking like a walking fur ball.
- A faux fur vest – or even a jacket! — just reeks of retro chic
- Stop in to your local vintage shop and snag a real one… it’s a good way to support local business while simultaneously recycling!
- Layer over a long sleeved Yummie Tummie Body T for a casually luxurious look!
4. Strong Shoulder Boyfriend Blazer
Simply a great, flattering, versatile, go-to piece for the season.
- Wear your new boyfriend blazer with weighty boots and a chunky chain necklace over a girly top and skirt or dress
- Black leggings in leather, lycra, shiny, matte, even velvet for holiday fun, are great paired with a slinky and long boyfriend — but watch the length if you’re under 5’4”, too long will make your legs appear short!
- Throw over your favorite Yummie Tummie Tank and a tissue soft cotton t-shirt, ruffled blouse and pencil pants, or a high-waisted skirt or cuffed shorts and tights.
- You cannot go wrong with this look even with basic old blue jeans!
5. Patterned Tights
A flirty way to dress up an otherwise sedate outfit!
- Black patterned tights are the hot ticket, and pair best with above the knee skirts, dresses or shorts, especially if you are vertically challenged
- Stick with black on black to lengthen the leg, and add little black booties or shoeties with at least a three-inch heel for a long and lean look
- If you are blessed with height you can definitely rock the flat boot or shoe, but skip the colored or metallic shoes to avoid looking like you just stepped out of an 80’s revival band
- Remember the best rule: One pattern per outfit is enough — play it safe with solid color frocks!
6. The Statement Necklace
One of these sparklers in a can’t-miss-it size is all you need.
- Chunky stone and beaded necklaces look great with almost everything from pencil skirts to fitted dresses and even boyfriend jeans.
- Not into necklaces? A chunky embellished cuff will also add a little flare to any outfit
- I love the pieces by Chanel and YSL this season but check out trendy spots for the best bargains that won’t break the bank!
7. It’s in the “It Bag”!
Carry something big or small — or sometimes both!
- Ladylike satchels and clutches are grabbing attention away from slouchy hobos
- The timeless Chanel with gold chain is so right now
- With the hectic lives we lead, we need to have everything with us at all times, so I still say the bigger the bag, the better!
- Best of both worlds? Grab a big bag and throw your structured purse inside for a quick night out switch!
8. Wrap it up!
Effortlessly classy wrap coats carve your waist and look sexy.
- Invest in this look and you’ll wear it to death over last year’s clothes and jeans
- Go for a classic camel or bright red one as a counterpoint to a basically black wardrobe
- Stick with light-weight wools and knits to avoid a bulky bathrobe look
9. Really Ready for Red
Choose the right shade for you: crimson, ruby, scarlet or rose!
- Red is really hot in dresses, coats and suits
- An eye-catching extra long wool scarf provides that shot of trendy color with anything
- On a budget? Red lipstick is an inexpensive way to change your look in an instant!
10. Dabble in Daring – but Subtle – Makeup Trends
A little makeup switcheroo will make any outfit look fresh and updated!
- When rocking those ruby red lips, go soft elsewhere
- Slicked back hair — whether a tight pony or a messy bun — always look super chic
- A little polish change can do wonders — try a deep gray like YSL’s, or a jade shade like the one used backstage at Chanel’s runway shows
Remember, just because someone says a look is hot, that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. I always encourage people to be brave and branch out. The best way to find a new look is to experiment.
But never buy something in doubt — go home and think it out! If it’s right, you won’t be able to stop thinking about it. And those are the purchases you enjoy for the longest, season after season!
Stay Yummie!
Heather
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