Q: I don't have much money to spend on clothes... What are some shopping tips?
Thursday, April 9th, 2009 at 4:12 AM by Ruth Tynes / Online Editor / InTheTimes.com
A: YOU DECIDE HOW FAR YOU WANT YOUR MONEY TO GO : No matter how much money you have, it's all in your perspective around how you shop with it. $100 can buy you 1 pair of designer jeans or 10 tops from a variety of brands at $10 each.
BUY QUALITY PIECES : Just because a piece is by a popular designer / brand does not mean that you should buy it. Examine the quality of the piece and make sure that it is worthy of your purchase. Likewise, just because your budget might be tight and a piece is on sale does not mean that you should buy it. Think long-term and make sure that your purchases will benefit your wardrobe as a whole. Sometimes it's worth the extra money to buy pieces that you'll be able to wear like new next season. Don't be afraid to return a piece to the store / online retailer that ends up being poor quality.
INVEST IN BASIC PIECES APPROPRIATE FOR THE SEASON : Must-have's include a nice pair of jeans that can double up as capris (just roll them up) in warmer months. A nice basic black skirt and slacks that can be dressed up or down and worn in warm or cold months (ie - just wear stockings) Basic tees are a great investment ! Stock up on a variety of colors because you'll be able to wear them all year long! They can be layered during colder months and they can be dressed up or down.
SHOP AROUND : Browse in a variety of stores / shopping centers / malls / web sites / boutiques / etc. before purchasing. Not only is it more fun shopping in a lot of different places, but you'll have a more well-rounded, unique-to-your-style wardrobe.
KEEP UP WITH SALES & SPECIAL PROMOTIONS : Make sure to join the mailing list of your favorite store / brand / designer to keep up-to-date on their latest sales and special promotions.
SHOP EVERY WEEK : Whether online or in person, shopping frequently (no, you don't always have to buy something) keeps your fashionista juices flowing. Keep an eye out for new styles, colors, and style combinations so that when you are ready to purchase, you don't make boring choices. Most stores add new pieces to their collection frequently, which in turn puts other pieces on sale, so keep up-to-date on these changes. Most stores also change their display / web site frequently so this can also give you fresh style ideas.
THINK MIX 'N' MATCH : Before you buy a piece, think about what you have in your closet that it will mix 'n' match with and what basic piece you can buy that will mix 'n' match with it and other pieces.
ACCESSORIZE : Remember that accessories (shoes, purses, hair styles, jewelry, belts, and make-up) add unique personality to each of your basic outfits!
BUY WHAT YOU LIKE : What matters most is if you truly like a piece! Does it fit your unique style? Never get caught up on how much you pay for an item--a little bit of money or a lot of money. Never get caught up on 'everybody's wearing it', 'I better wear this to fit in', 'it's trendy', etc. Never get caught up on 'having' to wear (or not wear) a certain brand of clothing.
Great question! RUTH
* This is an excerpt from the book InTheTimes.com Q&A by Ruth Tynes. Copyright 2008. It may not be reprinted or posted without written permission from the author. Please contact for reprint permission.
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Melissa Greene / Catch the Look / Cropped Jackets
Monday, April 6th, 2009 at 12:00 AM by Ruth Tynes / Online Editor / InTheTimes.com
Hi InTheTimes.com Girls!
No matter what season it is, Cropped Jackets or Blazers are a great fashion piece! Have fun and be unique by choosing different prints, colors, and textures! Go dressy with a coordinating skirt, slacks, or capris. Or take cues from Singer / Songwriter, Melissa Greene, and wear a Cropped Jacket / Blazer casual with hip jeans! Catch the look with the style ideas below!
Happy Shopping! RUTH
>>>Let's go shopping! There are a variety of colors available for each product, so make sure to click the links below to browse style selections and to purchase your favs!
>>>Let's go shopping! Make sure to click the links below to hear free audio samples of Melissa's music and to purchase your favs! You can buy hard copies of Melissa's albums, download individual songs, download the entire album, or buy used copies for a discounted price! More of Melissa's music, is available via her web site!
tags: melissa greene avalon truth christian music, tween pre-teen teen young adult girl magazine web site blog e-zine christian faith-based biblically-based, advice tips ideas, modest modesty, cropped jackets blazers, fashion shopping style wardrobe, celebrity
