TBF SHOPS: Can't Wait for the End of Season Sale at ZARA

Wishlist: Leopard Maxi Skirt, Black Leather Skirt, Bright Colored ANYTHING, Blue suede pointy flats and SO MUCH MORE.

I have a lot of love for ZARA but the prices for some of the things I am longing for this spring / summer are absolutely out of my budget. Other than the leopard maxi skirt, I can certainly wait to save some money and will continue my tradition of waiting until the END OF SEASON SALE later this year. Like I've said many times before, I am not a huge fan of paying full price for mainstream clothing and looking like everyone else during the season. Anyway, the sale is going to be epic and I for one, cannot wait to buy a bunch of colorful pieces to add to my closet.

(I don't actually have money to shop so) Color me bad,
Justine

Top 10 Closet Must-Haves

If it was up to me, the Top 10 basics would be more like the Top 100 basics as there are just too many things I NEED to have in my closet. Alas, not everyone is as materialistic as I am so I guess I am obliged to list the actual must-haves that a normal person would and should own. Between my own experience and reading books and watching TV shows that have listed their basics, here is my List of the Top 10 Essentials each woman should have (listed in alphabetical order).

Black Dress – Most women are aware of the LBD (Little Black Dress). The more basic your dress is, the better it is to “dress up” with different accessories, allowing you to wear it multiple times and getting a lower CPW (cost per wear). 

Day Dress – Not formal enough to look like you’re dressed up for a New Year’s party in the middle of the day and not casual enough that you look like you’re wearing a pajama dress. If you’re not sure what a day dress looks like, just think about whether a dress would be presentable and can take from the workplace straight to a work party.  

Dress Pants – Black, gray, brown or beige – they come in all sorts of (neutral) colors. You can own all of the previously mentioned colors OR if you’re on a tight budget, black is best as it will go with everything and is most flattering.

Dressy/Classy Shirt/Blouse – A crisp white button-up top should come to mind when looking for one of these. The sleeve length and style can vary, but always keep in mind that it should flatter your figure (it’s not as easy as borrowing your husband’s version), be able to button up without playing peek-a-boo and showing some of your bra or camisole and lastly, have a simple cut and collar – avoid purchasing one like Seinfeld’s pirate top.

Jacket/Coat – Just like the dress pants, your coat or jacket should be purchased in a neutral color so that it goes with most if not everything you own. Some things to consider are the weather conditions it will have to endure, the length of the jacket, the fabric and the smaller details (ex. single or double breasted, size and color of buttons, with or without pockets, size of the collar etc.).

Jeans – The pair you invest in can either be your best friend or arch enemy. Make sure to get these in a size that fits you well (avoid getting the muffin top effect), flatters you (size of pockets on the butt, the wash etc.) and stays that way. Tip: NEVER stick them in the dryer, especially if they have any type of stretch as the heat will destroy the shape and stretch of the fabric.

Skirt – There are several styles to choose from... the best way to know which one suits you best is to try them all on. Make sure you consider its versatility. Buy something that can be worn to both work and Sunday brunch.

Trench Coat – These are sold in almost every store, so there will be one available at all price points. Buy the one that best fits and flatters you as spending some extra few dollars will pay off with this timeless piece.

Versatile Top – This top should be versatile enough to be worn under a blazer to work, alone to a club or with a cardigan during a movie night with friends. 

Workout Wear – I’m sure you’ve all retired your high school joggers but if you haven’t it’s definitely time. There are so many places to buy modern workout wear depending on your budget and type of activity. Just make sure you don’t get in the habit of wearing this out of comfort (like to do groceries or to run other types of errands). 

Now that we have that covered, here is The Broke Fashionista’s extended list for those of you who are looking to fill up extra closet space... yeaaah, that’s it (also in alphabetical order). 

Blazer

Bright-coloured Pants

Denim Jacket

Denim Shorts

Floral Top/Short Dress

Fur Coat

Leather Jacket

Leather Pants

Plaid “Lumberjack” Top

Sheer Button-Up Long-sleeved Blouse

V-neck T-shirts

White Pants

Stay tuned for my Top Accessory Must-Haves.

The Broke Fashionista's Shoe Collection

I’m not really sure what it is that leads women to buy an endless amount of shoes but whatever the disease is called, I’m pretty certain that I have it. 

In my twenty-something years of being on this earth, I’ve purchased, given away, worn out and kept (without exaggeration) hundreds of shoes but at this current moment, I am the proud (yet at the same time, slightly embarrassed) owner of over 250 pairs of shoes. For my readers who own less than a hundred pairs and think I am need of an intervention, I’m sorry to say, I can’t even explain how it got so out of hand. 

What I can explain is how I keep them all in one space without having to store pairs in my kitchen cupboards. I’ve managed to keep all of them in one closet, either stuffed into one of those IKEA shoe storage organizers that hang in a closet or in clear plastic boxes (probably the better choice as they keep the shoes dust free and intact). 

I should also explain a few of the Rules I Live by when Buying Shoes (or any type of accessory or clothing for that matter): 

1)   If the shoe fits, buy it... IN EVERY COLOR, PATTERN and MATERIAL: If it elongates your legs, allows you to walk long distances without resulting in calluses or sore feet or “fits your budget” ever so perfectly, BUY IT IN AT LEAST THE BASIC COLORS/PATTERNS/MATERIAL (including: black, gray, beige, brown, red, blue, leopard, snakeskin, suede, leather etc.). This especially applies to boots due to my “above average” calves.

2)   Shop at the end of the season and wear items 2 seasons later: I usually wait until the end of fashion week to see what’s in store for the next season. Once I choose what trends or classics I’d like to incorporate into my wardrobe, I head to the back of the stores to sift through the SALE/CLEARANCE section to find shoes from last season that match the choices I’ve made. For example, I’ll purchase winter boots that are on sale at the beginning of spring/summer and bring them back out as soon as fall/winter returns.

3)      Buy SALE or CLEARANCE: Most shoes are NOT worth buying at regular prices, especially those that are following a trend. As per rule #2, shoes WILL eventually lose its appropriateness for a specific season so the shoes you are lusting for will most likely go on sale. Buying shoes at regular price or as soon as they hit the shelves will also inevitably lead you to look like someone’s twin as consumers only have so many stores to choose from. I’m not guaranteeing that you won’t have shoe doppelgangers, but if you do end up owning the same pair, at least you didn’t pay full price for it.

4)     Stock up on the classics: Trends will come and go, but classics are here to stay. Just like relationships, you’ve got the trendy shoes that are like acquaintances: you go out a few times but there’s no real commitment involved. You may or may not see them again but either way works. You then have the favorite shoes that are like your BFF’s: they can go with you anywhere, anytime and you’d probably die if you ever lost them. Lastly, you’ve got the shoes that are like bad dates: they look good upon first glance but after a short while, you’re ready to call it a night and never see them again. 

So you’re probably wondering ‘what’s with this sudden talk about shoes?’ Well, I thought it would be nice to share my collection of shoes with my readers through a new segment called “TBF Shoes of the Day”. I hope you enjoy each post and are inspired to shop, down-size or be more daring with your footwear. 

So I guess the question is: can this disease be treated? Sure it can. All you need to do is cut off our feet.  

Wishing I was Imelda Marcos,

Justine

TBF SHOPS: Leopard Peep-toe Booties

Forever21 Leopard Suedette Booties

I passed up on these booties when they first came out but since then I've just been seeing them over and over again. Last week, I saw them on the feet of several girls in Japan (via my ViVi magazine) and if it's good enough for Japanese fashionistas, it's good enough for me. They're too "kawaii" to pass up. I've also got a credit for Forever21 soooo that's just the cherry on top, isn't it? So come on, Forever21 Canada, sell them in our country already!

SHOPPING: Le Ninja T-shirts

What I love most about Twitter is the chance to discover and connect with other bloggers and companies - whether they're related to fashion or not. But this entry isn't about Twitter. It's about one of the gems that I found, which is this fresh t-shirt company called Le Ninja.

I have nothing against products that are made in foreign countries but there is just something reassuring about the quality produced here in Canada or in the case of Le Ninja products, made in (our next door neighbor) the US of A. For now, their online store is selling wonderful t-shirts with (duh) a silhouette of a cute little ninja but soon enough they'll also be selling knits, polo shirts, woven shirts, shorts, and trousers. 

I ordered one of their special Swarovski V-neck shirts which promises to be as soft and comfy as it is luxurious (who knew you could even weave crystals into fabric?!). I can't wait to receive it! Stay tuned for an update :)

Anxiously waiting,

Justine

TBF SHOPS: Boots Wishlist for 2011 from F/W 2010

Top left to bottom: ALDO GROUPE Black Leather Boots, ASOS AMES Black and Taupe Suede Boots

While most fashionistas are focusing on what's in stores for this coming spring and summer, I am focusing on what's on the runways for Fall/Winter 2011 and shopping in the clearance "bin" for styles that are on repeat. Suede, sleek yet rugged, metal hardware, black, taupe and block heels seem to be trending for fall so I've got my eyes on these 3 pairs of boots which are (thankfully for my tight budget) versatile enough to wear through this spring/summer too.

TBF SHOPS: Hole-y Jeggings

Really?

I was able to save my $14.99 because they didn't have my size. Would you have laughed at me if you saw me wearing these?

TBF SHOPS: H&M, Granville Street

Green and orange look to be a couple of the colors for this coming spring/summer 2011

Heels don't seem to be getting any shorter... but that just means our legs will continue to look sky high.

I tried these on (you can't beat that price!) but my feet were too wide so I had to pass :(

These were also on my wish list as jewel tones are always in style during the holiday season, but alas, there was only 1 pair left in a size that was too big for me. unfortunately, my superpower of magically fitting into sales items didn't work this time.

I loved this color block dress and it's simplicity. This is one of those power dresses that not only gets you undivided attention but also a lot of respect (maybe because it's something the First Lady would wear?)

Looks like the tough leather pants are going to take a back seat this spring. Make sure to get something suede to update your wardrobe - whether it be these pants, a skirt or a light jacket

I loved this sweater ($59 is a little out of my budget though) because of it's metal-like make. It looks like the whole thing was made out of wire (kind of like a school fence) but the sweater was super soft and easy to wear.

 

Another great light top for spring. Perfect for the office or to pair up with jeans. Make sure to cover up your tummy though. Just because it's a crop top it doesn't mean we need to see your belly button :/

 

I saw this worn over a plain white shirt and it looked fabulous. Of course it was on a model who could make a paper bag look chic. Oh to be a 34A.

The swallow trend is back for another season. This icon was seen everywhere at H&M. I can't blame them... they're cute, peaceful and represent the freedom to fly.

I wish all my longsleeve tops had these patches. They add this extra bit of sophistication and toughness at the same time.

Leather dresses. Need I say more? Please tell me you own something leather or pleather, OTHER than a jacket?

Socks and pumps = something I'm going to wear more often this spring before it gets too hot in the summer