by Meghann

Created on: June 13, 2008

Prioritizing and budgetting have always sounded like "old folk" talk until had my kids. When you hear people say, "After I had kids I was lucky to get a shower everyday!" They aren't kidding. Before you know it you have more earmarks for your money than you know what to do with and your expendable income is nowhere to be found. So how does one prioritize fashion on a budget? Well, there are a couple different ways.

When you think "Fashion" usually dollar signs are the first things to come to mind. Dollar signs with the minus sign (-) infront of them are not too far behind. Now, we live in the 21st century and that, my friends, could not be a better time for fashion. Why? Because nothing is more "In" than styles from seasons past. They are called "Throw back" or "Vintage," and you can find them in a number of places.

Second hand stores are a huge asset to have. Particularly the stores in the upscale parts of town. Generally you will find that the higher class populations will donate rather than discard for the tax write off benefit, and they are the people who buy the new items retail and then routinely change out their wardrobe. Focus on the general color schemes and shapes of what's hot right now, then match as closely as possible with what you come across in these stores. You will be surprised at how many items you will find that may have minor problems but could be fixed by simply removing a stain, sewing on a missing button, or repairing a hem. Perfectly usable pieces at bargin basement prices!

The ability to think outside the box will come in handy. For instance, long skirts can be altered into mini dresses or bubble hem dresses depending on the structure. Long or short sleeve shirts with the right lines can be transformed into sleeveless tops. Button up shirts can double as mini jackets or shrugs if paired with the right under shirt and jeans. The possibilities are endless.

Keep an eye out for your accessories,too. No ensamble is complete without the right bag, jewelry, and shoes. Study the trends that are popular now and do a little research on where the inspiration came from. Pay attention to pocketbooks: long straps, handles, baggett, hobo styles, etc. How many accents were necessary? Where the jewelry pieces big in scale or small? Bold colors or patterns? Were the shoes flats, boots, or heels? Were the heels kitten heels, standard heels, or stillhetto heels? Every part of an outfit is an expression. It just depends on what you want to say.

Remember, even though it may not be fair, we live in a judgemental society and people are looking at you whether they know you or not. In order to have your look make sense it needs to send a message. The most important accessory you can own is free of charge but oh so essential. Confidence is key. You can have the perfect outfit paired with the perfect shoes, but if you lack confidence then the message you are sending says, "I don't know what I'm doing!" But if you have the same outfit on with a couple kids trailing you, a baby on your hip, and walking with a little attitude and confidence you're saying, "I've got my act together." First impressions are lasting and to make it fabulous while not breaking the bank is just that much sweeter!

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