Shopping Your Closet

Budget. A word that strikes fear into the hearts of fashionistas and clothes horses everywhere. Okay, that may be a little melodramatic, but you get the point. Even the fiercest of fashion mavens has to deal with cash shortages. But you can still look your best if you learn how to shop your own closet.

Whatever look you are trying to create can probably at least be started with items you own already. First of all, don’t get too caught up in creating the exact duplicate of what you see in a magazine or catalog. Use it as inspiration. For instance, in my color blocking blog, I didn’t match Solange Knowle’s outfit exactly. I used items I already had and borrowed inspiration from her color palette. Figure out what it is you are liking so much about what you are seeing and work with that.

Also, look at your clothing with new eyes and an open mind. Get creative. Sequins are a big trend right now, even for the daytime. You don’t need to have a sequined skirt to pull the look off, though. You can use your sequin party dress with a cozy sweater thrown over the top. This is also a good way to try out a trend before you buy. A sequin strap shows on one shoulder? It will just make the look that much cuter. You don’t have to use your clothes in the exact way they are intended. Work them the way you want to and the way that works for you. You paid for them. They are yours to do with as you please.

If you have some money to spend, take a closet inventory so that you know what you already have and what you REALLY need to complete the look. Chances are you don’t actually need the bag, shoes, pants, shirt, AND coat. You probably have at least some pieces that will pull the look off already. This also helps you keep your head when you are actually at the store and not go into a shopping binge. If you are working with a budget, make sure what you do buy will work with what you already own. For instance, in the outfit shown below, I’ve had that shirt for quite a while now. Only the skirt is new and was purchased AFTER I figured out what look I wanted to accomplish. It helped me fall in love with that shirt all over again, too. 

 INC Shirt, Express Shirt, Bangles, Nordstrom Earrings, Claire's Hairpics

 

Prioritize. You don’t need to get everything on your wish list all at once. Start with the pieces that you are going to be able to work into your current wardrobe first, and then move to the more specialty items afterward. I admit, I’m not very good at this one but I’m working on it. There is a definite satisfaction that comes with saving up and getting the quality item you want at a time where it isn’t going to break the bank.

And finally, if you have a hip, stylish mom like mine and you’ve already shopped your own closet, you can often go to what I like to call the “mommy store.” I am fortunate enough to have a mom who has saved some of her most special pieces over the years. And retro is all the rage right now. Some of my most favorite pieces used to be my mom’s. The bonus to this is they really can’t be found anywhere else and add a totally authentic vibe. I also have some amazing things that were my grandmother’s, including three brass bangles that couldn’t be more chic. I get to be fashionable and honor the women who got me here all at the same time.

Here’s a mommy store example: I loved the urban cowgirl outfits Ralph Lauren sent down the runway this season, but wasn’t positive I could pull them off and didn’t want to throw down the money until I was sure, so I called mom. Sure enough she had some great belts she mailed me and I already had a white blouse and buff leather pants to go with them. No money out of pocket and I get to do my little turn on the catwalk.

So don’t get caught up in creating exact looks -- get creative, take inventory, and keep in mind what you own. Prioritize, and when all else fails, go to the mommy store. The best part: your closet and the mommy store are open 24/7 and have excellent credit terms.

So what’s in your closet or your mommy store? What items in your closet deserve to be given new life? I’d love to hear and be inspired by you! Suggestions, advice, blog ideas, and comments? Bring them on. I’m dying to know what you all think. You can either comment below or email me at princessheathab@gmail.com.

Next on my blogging agenda is:

• Sequins: Not Just For Parties Anymore

• To Buy or Not To Buy, That is the Question

• It’s a Croc, The Ugg Effect

• Holiday Dressing for Dazzling Effect

• How to Dress Appropriately for Any Occasion

And as always,

Be Fierce. Be Fashionable. Be Yourself.

XOXO

H 

The Five Coats Every Woman Needs In Her Closet

The weather has turned chilly here in San Francisco. It’s crisp and beautiful with a razor’s edge to it, and it has me thinking coats. I know I had a whole list of other things to write about, but the cold snap has frozen them clean off for now.  I promise I’ll get to them soon, but first, to keep you cozy AND chic during the winter months and beyond, here is a list of the five coats every woman should have in her closet.

1. Trench Coat. Whether thigh-skimming or ankle-dusting, find the one that works for you. I recommend camel or black in color to really up the versatility. If you splurge on one coat on this list, it should be this one. It will be your go-to. A trench looks great over jeans, stylish over your work suit, and smashing at the club. It’s warm, stylish, and says, “I have it together.” See the two below to get an idea of what I’m talking about.
   
   

www.victoriassecret.com

www.nordstrom.com 

2. Denim Jacket. When spring arrives, the sun dresses come out and a denim jacket is the perfect complement. It keeps things relaxed and breezy. Over any dress, it can take the look from club to a more relaxed, “I’m heading for a hike or to the beach” feel. A denim jacket is for when you don’t want to take yourself or anything you have to do too seriously. It’s sort of the anti-trench coat. There are many styles and shapes out there. Pick the one that flatters your body. Dark washing or light, it’s your call; just avoid anything that smacks of acid wash, unless you’re attending an 80’s party.

3. Leather / Pleather Jacket. I’m sort of a sucker for leather. I have way too many leather coats for any one person, but that’s because they give any outfit an instant edge. They are the coats I grab when I want to let people know not to mess with me, give off a bad girl vibe, or up the cool factor. Biker chic, cropped, ruffled, quilted, or simple and sleek, there are a lot of options. Find the one that makes you feel like a badass and rock it for all it’s worth. Again, I wouldn’t skimp price-wise. Leather lasts a long time and actually looks better the more worn it gets, so as long as you don’t pick anything too trendy, a leather jacket will be with you a long time. Throw this jacket on over a party dress or over jeans and a white tee shirt and you are the coolest girl in the room. Lately I’ve seen them over maxi-dresses for a super cute way to extend them into winter/fall. These are my current favorites.
   

www.bebe.com

www.victoriassecret.com

4. Something Practical.  This is something you won’t hear out of my mouth very often. Depending on the climate in which you live, this may be a rain coat or a parka. This is the coat you throw on when you walk the dog, go for a hike, or go skiing or sledding. Practical doesn’t have to mean shapeless, though, so make sure it flatters your figure AND makes you feel warm and snuggly. The coat pictured below is similar to the one in my closet.
   

www.neimanmarcus.com

5. Something Outrageous, Sumptuous, and a Little Over the Top.  Mine are faux-fur. I can hardly keep my hands off myself when I wear them. They make me want to purr at their softness. I instantly feel more glamorous the second I throw one on. However, I just saw a lace trench coat at Bebe that would do the same thing. Maybe yours is velvet. Whatever it is, this is your formal coat. This is the coat you put on with your nicest dress and your red lipstick. This is the coat that lets people know you didn’t just show up -- you arrived. This is the coat that makes you smile just to wear it and a little sad when you have to take it off. Below is my newest faux-fur crush. It looks even better in person and is twice as soft as you think it is. Meeeeoooow!
   

www.express.com

Whatever coat you choose to wear, remember your outerwear is the icing on your fashion-cake. It can make or a break an outfit. Sometimes it pulls an entire look together into a cohesive whole, so choose wisely and stay warm out there.

Need help finding a coat?  Shoot me an email at princessheathab@gmail.com with your size, shape, and budget, and I’ll do my best to assist you. I’d love to hear your suggestions, advice, blog ideas, and comments as well. You can either comment below or email me at the above address.

Next on my blogging agenda is:

• Shopping Your Closet

• Sequins: Not Just For Parties Anymore

• To Buy or Not To Buy, That is the Question

• It’s a Croc, The Ugg Effect

• Holiday Dressing for Dazzling Effect

I hope you’ll come back and read them all. Until then…

Be Fierce. Be Fashionable. Be Yourself.

XOXO

H

Color-Blocking for Beginners

I’ve never been one to just jump into the water. I’ve always wanted to be the kind of person that does the graceful swan dive into the deep end, but that just isn’t me.  I often find that you can reach the same destination by taking baby steps.  I dip my toes in, and after they acclimate, I go full legs, then up to the waist, and so on and so forth until I’m comfortable.  Before you know it, I’m in the water and I can jump over and over again into the cold depths with the best of them. Mission accomplished.

And so it is with fashion sometimes. I’ll see a trend and want to try it and then quickly realize I have no idea how to go about doing so. This is how I felt when I first saw color-blocking. It started with a picture much like this one:

This is Solange Knowles. My first thought when I saw it was, “CUTE!”, closely followed by, “How in the heck did she look in her closet one day and decide all that would work together?” I mean, yellow pants, red, black and tan shirt, purple purse, leopard heels, and somehow it’s all popping. It’s at least part attitude, but what’s the other part?

I wanted to try it, but after looking in my closet, I was flummoxed. So I did what I usually do: I took baby steps. I found this dress at Express: 

It was perfect for dipping my toes into the color-blocking shallow end.  It did all the color-blocking for me. I just added the black cardigan and heels and I was done. After wearing it all day, I picked up a few pointers along with the all the compliments I received. First, when color-blocking, black provides a good base and gives all the other colors an anchor. Second, like tones go best with like tones. For instance, on this dress, all the colors are fairly bright. The purple is the only exception, but it’s in the same color family as the berry pink.

In order to slide a little further into the deep end, I decided to use Heatha’s Ninth Tenet of Fashion Fabulousness: I stole Solange’s idea. I wore my red skinny jeans with a black and tan striped top, leopard heels, and a yellow cuff bracelet.

Jeans, blazer, striped tee – Express.  Yellow cuff, sunglasses - Steve Madden. 

Handbag - Jessica Simpson.  Owl cuff – Lucky Brand.   Shoes - Betsey Johnson. 

Necklace, ring – BCBGeneration.

I think it worked out really well, but you can all judge for yourself.  I did notice that when going this bright and utilizing this many colors, keeping most of the jewelry simple is key. I went with gold jewelry to compliment the color palette.

I must say, after wearing this outfit, I feel like I’m really starting to understand the whole trend and I’m really enjoying it. As with any trend, if it isn’t your cup of tea, don’t do it. No need to try every new thing that comes along, but if you do want to try it and are unsure, use my method and just go in increments. My next step is trying to wear something as eye-popping as Sarah Jessica Parker:

Wowza!

If you want to try it, here are a few color palettes to use as inspiration: 

              

So get out there and jump in the deep end….or wade in little by little. If you like color-blocking, give it a try. And send me the pictures of your results -- I’d love to see them.

Need a quick cheat sheet? Remember these four things: 1. Use black as a base or an anchor. 2. Like colors go with like colors. 3. Steal a star’s style!  4. Keep the jewelry simple.  And if you are intrigued, but still a little wary, I suggest starting with some great color-blocked pumps. Then you can, quite literally, just dip your toes in.

Alright, next up for Heatha Be:

• Shopping Your Closet
• Sequins: Not Just For Parties Anymore
• To Buy or Not to Buy, That is the Question
• It’s a Croc, The Ugg Effect

Stay tuned. And as always, if you have any questions, suggestions, or advice, you can contact me at PrincessHeathaB@gmail.com. And remember….

Be Fierce. Be Fashionable. Be Yourself.

XOXO

H