 | Stephanie Macera
is president and owner of Fashion Cents Consignment Boutique. Stephanie began her business with her sister and grandmother in 1999. She has 15 years experience working in the retail and service industry, formerly with Cessna Aircraft and Havertys Furniture Company. Fashion Cents consigns with individuals, retailers, wholesalers and artists in Wichita and the surrounding area. After the consignment period, unsold merchandise is given to area donation centers such as The Treasure Chest, YWCA Women's Shelter, Operation Holiday and the Children's Home in the consignors name. Stephanie can be reached at (316) 722-8360. |
Clothing, Shoes & Apparel
2003-06-01 10:13:00
Budget-conscious fashion
: I have 5 weddings to attend this summer, all on the same side of the family. I can’t afford an outfit for each occasion, and I sure can’t wear the same outfit to all the weddings. What do I do?
ANSWER: It is possible to create distinctive, wonderful outfits from a few basic separate pieces without spending a fortune. The key is to select a neutral color pallet that compliments your skin tone and your style. Neutral does not mean dull, it means that the color will blend easily with other colors and can be easily accented by unique accessories. Think of your outfit as a canvas and the accessories as the painting on the canvas. By selecting separates, you are able to mix and match pieces to create a variety of looks. This keeps friends and family from remembering THE DRESS you wore to every occasion. Start by evaluating the accessories you already own. Sort them by style - casual, dressy, elegant. Find common colors among the scarves, belts, shoes and purses. These are your "presto - chango" pieces. Once you have a common color pallet, you will know what color your basic outfit should be. Select items that are the same color or hue, the same fabric weight and have little or no pattern. You will need two blouses in different colors of the same hue, a skirt, a pair of trousers and a lightweight jacket. You may have separates in your wardrobe, but if you must buy something new and cost is an issue, consider thrift stores or resale shops. Many women donate or sell items they no longer need, but that are in like new condition. If the basic outfit is something you already own, but are lacking in accessories, visit a discount retailer where you can find affordable and stylish pieces to accent your outfit. For under $100 you can create at least six different looks from one basic outfit by being creative with accessories. One of your blouses should be sleeveless and can be paired with the skirt and casual accessories for an outdoor or casual wedding. Beads, straw hats, strappy shoes and a shawl will perk up a plain outfit. Your next ensemble is a sleeved V-neck shirt with slacks and the jacket dressed up with a neck scarf and leather bag and shoes. Sterling silver jewelry compliments almost any color choice. The skirt, tank and jacket are great for an indoor wedding where air-conditioning is an issue. You are repeating the skirt, but adding the jacket and changing accessories. Trousers, V-neck shirt and jacket dressed up by pearls, black heels and accessories is an elegant choice for an evening occasion. Buttoning the jacket hides the repeat of the shirt, and creates a more finished look. Sarongs or large scarves are inexpensive and look elegant over jackets as well as a tank top. Some ideas to consider when choosing accessories: add a colorful scarf to your waistline rather than wearing a belt. Sarongs can be worn over trousers and capris for a fun look. A silk flower makes a great brooch pinned to a scarf or straw hat. Bolder colors and larger patterns are easy to incorporate with purses, shawls and scarves, so don't feel that your outfit will be dull because it is simple. Accessories are inexpensive - outfits are pricey, put your money in the things that change your look the most effectively for less. HAVE FUN!
