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Trendy Doesn't Have To Mean Spendy

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Accessories are a great way to update last year's look for less.

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By CLOE CABRERA

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 9, 2008

Like many fashionable women across the country, Lynda Lozano's shopping habits have undergone a major change. No more department stores; only discount retailers, clearance racks and sales, sales, sales.

"I won't even go to the mall," says Lozano, 45, a West Tampa resident. "Because of the state of the economy, I've put off clothes and shoe shopping for a while. Years ago, I would just buy whatever I liked and not wait for it to be on sale or clearance. But never again."

Spending less doesn't have to mean settling for less. Lozano's penny-pinching got her a Michael Kors blouse for $11.94. It was originally priced at $99.50.

"I'm gone for hours, sometimes, digging through all the racks and comparison shopping," Lozano says. "I enjoy it when I get a great deal. It becomes a sport."

Bright colors and flower power aren't the only trends we're seeing this season. Rising gas prices, a gloomy job market and crestfallen economy are influencing where and how we shop.

Slapdash shoppers, those who've bought one-hit wonders or the trend piece of the season, will be beside themselves now that purse strings have tightened.

But smart fashionistas who buy classic clothes will find they have a closet full of old friends rather than old trends.

"I tell people to do a closet audit," says Laura McDowell, spokesperson for T.J. Maxx and Marshall's clothing chains. "Analyze what's in your wardrobe, what needs to be thrown away, what you need to update and what you have left. You may find things you didn't know you had. That will help you figure out what trends are missing that you do want to take advantage of this season."

Last spring, colors were neutral and black and white. This season, it's all about bright hues, like yellow and red and floral patterns, says McDowell, who recommends pairing a bright top with a neutral bottom for an easy look.

All-season fabrics such as synthetics and jersey knits are wise buys because they can be worn year-round, she adds.

Accessories are a great way to update last year's look for less, says Nancy Alderman, fashion director for Stein Mart.

A new turquoise belt will jazz up last season's shift dress. A chunky necklace and earrings will add pizzazz to a blouse. And you'll get extra mileage from last season's black suit by teaming it with a new red patent leather handbag.

Put the focus on your top instead of your bottom, Alderman says.

"Spend your money on a new jacket, blouse or a sweater," she says. "Chances are, you already have a pair of black, navy or khaki pants in your closet. And think about it: When you go out to dinner or you're in a meeting, people are looking at the top half of you, not the bottom."

Quality is the key, says Bobbi Schwartz, founder of The Bobbi Schwartz Group, a Dallas-based personal styling company.

"Invest in quality pieces that you're going to wear all the time and that will last," she says. "Find the best pieces on sale, which at this time of year means the discount prices. While your shoes and bag are the giveaway the biggest indicators of how much money you spent, for longevity of style and to make a great impression, quality all around is the only way to go."

Be canny. Find out about private sales and visit discount stores.

"The major retailers are doing some creative sale pricing right now so they don't have to call it "sale," so there is a lot to take advantage of when shopping," Schwartz added. "Call the retailer of choice and ask when events and sales are coming. I would encourage people to take advantage of discount shopping."

For those who get caught up in trends and like to play with different looks, pick those with a little staying power, Alderman says. Metallics in bronze, silver and gold, and animal prints like zebra and leopard, will still be big this summer.

The bottom line: When you shop, have a plan. With a little information and a tightwad's heart, you can look stylish this season without breaking the bank.

Want to save 40 or 50 percent, or even more, on cosmetics and purchases from Ann Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Kohl's, and about 1,800 other online stores? I'll show you how to crack the secret code on my new blog. Go to TBO.com, keyword: Hot Pursuits. Feel free to share your own money-saving secrets while you're there.

Have you spotted a fashion or beauty trend worth hot pursuit? Call Cloe Cabrera at (813) 259-7656 or email ccabrera@tampatrib.com.

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