by Shikha

Created on: June 13, 2008

To follow fashion trends would be like trying to catch running water. Creativity has no limits and every day there could be dozens of new things sprouting in the fashion world. And if we try to get that cute little clutch, that sexy leather jacket and those jade earrings and the powder blue jeans and; is that a burning smell? Could be the hole in our pockets!

Everyone wishes to be stylish and to dress well. But it is not all money but a few smart moves that will make you a head turner.

SALES AND FLEA MARKETS
Make the most out of sales. During the months of August and January you can save a lot with the up to 75%' sales doing the rounds. Build your wardrobe for the season during this time. Soon after spring sets in sweaters and other woolen stuff will be available at throwaway prices. I got a really beautiful scarf for $2.
And flea markets are just the right place for fashion aficionados. You will get all sorts of treasures at great affordable prices.

MIX AND MATCH
I have a plain old white shirt which does not look very exciting. I also have a red and black scarf which I was seduced into buying at an Indian shop. White shirt and faded black jeans looks a little boring. And my scarf just adorns a hanger in my closet. And one day I tied the scarf around my neck. A fashion statement!
There could be loads of unused stuff buried deep in your closet; wrong buys or stuff you are bored with or stuff you forgot existed. Mix and match and you end up with more choices to wear.

OLD STUFF
What goes around comes around. No tasteful fashion trend goes out of style. Dig your parents' closets for old stuff they don't wear anymore. And you could create a new trend.
And if are on the creative side, maybe a few nips and cuts and you can transform your old stuff to new.

ACCESSORIZE
Any drab attire can be livened up in seconds with the right accessories. So plain looking is no longer an excuse to buy new stuff. Buy a few pieces of bold jewelry at flea markets and get nice pairs of shoes.

FIXED BUDGET
This would require a little self discipline but decide on a fixed amount that you would spend on clothes and accessories every year. This will reduce impulsive buying of stuff you will never use and would give you a chance of maturing into a talented shopper. Yes, shopping is an art!

BE YOURSELF
A golden rule; do not imitate. What looks good on others need not look good on you. So do not just blindly go buy everything. Think about the color and the cut and choose only things which flatter your image. Trust me, after a few failed attempts you will find your own unique style.

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