WELCOME

I have proudly dubbed myself to be a ‘full fledged fashionista’  I must say I am quite taken by the idea! However, I would like to note that I am a fashionista on a very low budget most times and I have designed my Blog/Vlog to show whoever is interested in knowing how to look great on a very small budget as well as how to feel accomplished in doing so. I feel the benefits of this will lead to building self esteem along with the knowledge of how to pass on to others what you know or have learned in the process.

 I can recall countless amount of times here I've heard the comments "your such a ‘fashionista’" or "you always look so well put together" sometimes specifically pointing my accessories or clothing item that they thought was beautiful but, I do think that people have assumed I'm often times in some store shopping and spending a lot of money to acquire such a good look. My goal here is to show people how low often times a budget can truly be from head to toe when it comes to the total cost of an overall wardrobe. If you follow my blog you will be able to see my tips on fashion and great buys. You will be able to view pictures of how I bring clothing items together with accessories and shoes,  I’ll show you how, with the perfect items put together you can bring out that extra spark . I will always list the price along side every featured purchase.  I will also compare a photo from other sources like magazine, articles, and featured fashion in celebrity photo etc. and I will show you compared prices of the same or similar items to items I purchase.

With that being said, I will admit it, shopping does take up a fair share of ones time. To complete the challenge of achieving your goal to look fabulous on a dime you will need to know the art of thrift store shopping.  Thrift store shopping does not have the stigma it had back in the day where the thought that came to most people was that if you were found to be buying clothes from a thrift store you were thought to be about dirt poor. Now-a-days thri ft stores have brand new brand name clothing that have been acquired from name brand stores who hae donate liquidated goods, older fashion or clothing from charity benefits. Consignment stores are another form of thrift shopping, there are clothing exchange sources and plain old popular second hand stores, Do you know that all major designer stores have clearance sales where if you know just when to hit these stores you can get over 75%  or more off regular priced items.  There are more than enough pros than cons for shopping thrift that one should at least try it before knocking it.  I will show you how to shop in thrift stores as well as which thrift store have the best clothing, accessory, shoes and even home goods.

There are many people who have a good sense of fashion However, having a good fashion sense does not necessarily mean that you are following any particular fashion trend and following fashion trends does not mean you have a good sense of fashion.  Having a sense of fashion is something you may not be born with but is an individual accomplishment and something you can acquire with a bit of know how along with imagination, an open mind, and coordination skills you can accomplish a visual concept putting together your own unique style with comfort and ease.

I will feature articles regarding fashion from other websites and you will learn about budgeting, accessorizing, brands that liquidate the most, the ability to identified quality clothes, finding low prices for current trending clothes and jewelry, and much more. I will link my Youtube channel which will feature actual shopping experiences, so please join me on this journey and post your comments, questions or suggestions.

It's been a great summer thus far!

Although I am currently in my second week of recovery from my first of two hips surgeries needed; I now have time to bring my blog up to date with more great ideas on good locations for finding great fashion, previewing great fashion looks, and ways to add new creative pieces to your wardrobe all on the lowest of budgets.  

I have discovered a great new way to save by learning how to make my own jewelry.  There was a time when I would purchase all sorts of great pieces of fashionable items from jewelry to shoes but I have often found it hard to coordinate all items to come together creating an look where each piece could stand out alone.  I have found one way of eliminating this (sometimes) complicated process by making my own jewelry. I can now make jewelry to accommodate an outfit I already have or, vise verse, make jewelry and find fashionable items to compliment the jewelry. This takes time but if you have it to spare, the time it takes is worth it. Remember time(used well) is money (saved). 'Time is Money'

Making jewelry is not as hard as it may sound.  I purchased a jewelry kit for $27 from Micheal's arts/crafts store. The kit called 'bead corner' includes tools: chain nose and rosary pliers, storage case, jewelry measuring work board, flexible and memory wire, elastic cord, vinyl tote and 450 jewelry making fixings.  You can find beads at craft stores or online and lots of inexpensive online shops have free shipping http://www.artbeads.com/?gclid=CO_FkoLp2LECFYOc7QodyEIAMQ  Once you are equipped with what you need to get started there are many teaching tutorials on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-hzsLqsDzk&feature=related for your assistance.

Last but not least, you can refurbish and reconstructed old or broken jewelry you once loved to make new and useable jewelry.  Jewelry makes for a great gift.

Indulge!

What is Style

I read an article in Bazaar magazine,  2011 Fall Fashion Issue featuring editor and fashion arbiter Diane Vreeland,  In the article Vreeland, who as a young girl created a her own striking sense of style as a way to set herself apart from others and also as a way to conceal her so called "flaws"  Vreeland died in 1989 but during her years as editor for Bazaar she stood by her personal Mantra: "style: All who have it share one thing..... Originality."  In thinking about that statement, combined with my feelings about my own sense of style, I began to see that style in many ways is a form of art where you can creatively express yourself in many different ways. No two people will have the exact same look although they may share a common sense of style. What a magnificent way to express a little something about who you are using yourself as a canvas and creating a look that can be vividly fascinating and original. Often times your style may tell a story about who you are. Creating your own style can be an exhilarating experience and the biggest reward can come from doing so on a low budget. Remember you don't have to spend a ton of money to achieve a look that is defining and set apart, all you need is patience and an open mind.  Create a new you starting today!

5 things you should buy now

Boston Chanel 5 News Online
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/slideshow/money/29097222/detail.html