5 tips to buy clothes that fit right

Things to do in the trial room so that you aren't left with a purchase you'll regret

1. Try out a complete look

If you try on for size a luxe blouse with a pair of washed out jeans that you pulled on for a grocery run, you won't be able to judge its real look. Instead, even if you are lusting after just a jacket, try it on with appropriate shoes and bottoms. Take the key piece you desire to the changing room along with other elements to complete the look, or ask the saleswoman to put together an outfit for you.

2. Do a wrinkle test

The wrinkle test tells you if the fabric will look good all day long. Scrunch the fabric in your hand and hold it for a few seconds. After you release the fabric, if it's wrinkle-free, you can be certain it won't wrinkle by the end of the day. Otherwise, skip buying it.

3. Read care details

Look at the care instructions to see if the garment requires special care, like dry-clean or hand-wash only, washing with cold water or drying away from sunlight. Ask yourself if you are willing to follow these instructions and factor in the cost that additional care will require. If you are willing to go the whole hog and still want to own the outfit, go ahead.

4. Look behind

It might take extra effort to get a rear view in the trial room mirror, but it's worth the extreme neck craning; even better if the dressing room has a three -way mirror. If it doesn't, one trick is to whip out your makeup compact, turn around with your back to the trial room mirror and use the compact's small mirror to see the reflection of your derriere.

5. Move around in it

It's not enough to pose in front of the mirror to get a complete idea of the fit, length and comfort. Sit, bend over and stand on tip-toe — for a heeled appearance if you're wearing flats — to observe the outfit in movement. You will come across surprising factors like buttons that dig into your tummy or a jacket that's tight on the shoulders when you try to raise your arms. Sitting down is essential when you're checking out skirts and trousers.

Get Ready For Spring

January is the month of great, new, fresh starts. Gyms will be joined (and maybe not used!). Diets will be started (and ended) and resolutions will be made (but yes, broken).

But instead of getting rid of that extra 15 pounds by Monday or overhauling your career by Friday, warm up to January by facing your spring wardrobe collection.

One of spring’s hottest styles is a cropped top and, if you dare to sport them, it’s time to start getting ready. The good news is that getting toned abs by March is much easier than losing 15 pounds by Monday!

Louis Vuitton’s spring 2014 runway showcased cropped, fitted jackets with midi skirts, while Vera Wang offered up long-sleeved jersey cropped tops paired with flouncy mid-length skirts

Eating clean will get you ready to embrace this trend by spring. Start by simply ditching sugar, refined carbs and alcohol in favor of protein, vegetables and grains.

Next, a consistent abs routine (essential, sorry!), with weights and varied moves rather than hundreds of boring crunches, will help get that tummy toned for spring’s great crop top reveal.

And, needless to say, any happy trails will need to hit the road with a visit to your favorite salon for a quick waxing appointment.

The Closet

As for your closet, Black and white still continues to be ‘the’ style for spring with a continued focus on contrast. Abstract is having a moment so focus on stripes and patterns.

If resolving to nail style this spring is on your list, you can start by acquiring pieces that fit the bill.

So instead of scooping up that hot-pink leather trench that will no doubt be on sale this month, focus on building a wardrobe of well edited, classic and most importantly, flattering pieces in high-contrast black and white pieces.

For inspiration, look to the spring 2014 runways where you will notice a Black and White trend with even the best designers flaunting their abstract pieces.

Finish your look with beauty

At Marc by Marc Jacobs, eyes were dressed in shimmering layers of electric blue shadow while Francois Nars’ one and only show at New York Fashion Week featured models with teal cat eyes courtesy of Nars Eyeliner Pencil in Kaliste.

Whatever used to embellish eyes, get ready for spring with a renewed focus on your eye care routine. 

Use eye serum and SPF daily (is a must, no matter your age). If morning under-eye puffiness plagues you, get rid of under-eye baggage the natural way. Soak a cotton ball in cold unsweetened soy milk, squeeze out excess and apply the damp cotton ball to puffy eyes

Wear a scent that suits the occasion

Just like you have outfits for every occasion, wearing different fragrances according to the mood and event can also enhance your personality.

Here's looking at scents that suit various events:

At a summer soiree: 

During the hotter days, avoid heavier scents that can be overpowering, especially when they mix with body sweat. Go for invigorating fragrances like citrus.

At work: 

Less is more' should be the thumbrule when you apply perfume for work. Choose floral scents with fresh notes of mandarin or apricot.

 

For a date night: 

Want to seduce your partner? Experiment with oriental, musky scents or sensual florals with deep background notes to add an element of mystery around you.

At family gatherings: 

Choose an easy-to-wear scent that brings out a comfortable vibe, be it soft musks or a fragrance that has a touch of vanilla.

At formal parties: 

Formal work parties or ballroom events mean sophistication, elegance and glamour. Try out woody, musk scents like spices, green pepper and blend it with floral notes of jasmine, amber and mirth. 

 

Tips when buying and using a perfume:

• - Before buying, apply the perfume on your wrist to know the exact smell.
• - Don't smell the perfume immediately after trying it out. Wait for five minutes and let it settle on your skin.
• - If you are trying perfumes, limit yourself to three scents. In between, smell coffee beans to be able differentiate between scents.
• - Do not expose your perfume bottle to extreme temperature and sunlight.
• - According to experts, using shower gel, body lotions and body sprays of the same fragrance as your perfume will help it to last longer.
• - Use your perfume as a highlight on your pulse points.

Fashion Shopping Tips

The Biggest Fashion Shopping Mistakes

-Don't talk yourself into an outfit that isn't flattering to your frame. There are only two kinds of clothes in this world. Clothes that flatter you and clothes that don't and avoid the latter regardless of how popular and trendy they are.

-It is one thing to go shopping with your girlfriends because that can be very social and enjoyable but keep in mind don't shop with a competitive friend because she will cajole you into buying more and possibly unflattering items weather or not you need it.

-If you are shopping for a cocktail (event) dress remember to bring your shoes. That way if you need to have in-store alterations you will be all set

-If you need to power shop remember to bring a list. This can help focus your attention and keep you on task.

-Nothing good will come from buying uncomfortable shoes regardless of how fabulous they are.

-Don't buy something you don't need because it is a fantastic sale price. I know we have all done this but it is a waste of money and closet space.

-Don't buy on impulse. Ask yourself the following questions when deciding if to buy. Do I need this? Does it fit with my lifestyle or wardrobe? Where am I going to wear this? If you are still undecided then put it on hold and if you are still thinking about it at the end of the day -buy it.

          

                                                                                 

Fashion Shopping tips for you

-Spend money on great shoes because they can make or break an outfit. You can even wear them with jeans and look fabulous!

-Buy items that fit your lifestyle. If you know you are going to live in your jeans then it is ok to spend $150 a pair especially if you had to try on dozens to find the right fit. Buy clothes to suit your lifestyle.

-Spend money on staples on shoes, bags, a cashmere sweater, a black pair of pants and skimp on belts, socks, trendy tops, scarves, hats and sunglasses.

-Before you shop know what you own. Make a point to go through your closet at the beginning of every season.

-Invest in undergarments because the right foundation garments can make everything you own look better.

Fashion Tips On How to Improve Your Style

You're going to discover how to make simple adjustments in your wardrobe and shopping habits, which can make a huge positive difference in how you look and improve the "health" of your wardrobe.

So let's put the current fashion trends to the side for a moment and start with the very basic fashion tips - the 5 key elements of looking your best: 

Step 1: Your Body Figure

By knowing the shape, scale and proportions of your body, you'll be able to select the best clothes and accessories that create a balanced silhouette that help disguise the parts you're self-conscious about to you pave the way for your confidence. This gives you the curves on all the right places, and leaves plenty of room to play up your best assets. 

It also helps you know what adjustments you need to make to make any outfit will work for you. This greatly breaks down the barrier between you and the classic "no-no"-s that you are supposed to avoid - so that you can wear almost anything you want! 

Step 2: Your Coloring

The right colors make your skin glow and you'll look fresh and alert. The wrong colors, on the other hand can make you look pale (not in a good way for those you like the pale look!), tired and bring out discolorations and skin imperfections. 

Another important aspect of colors is knowing how to use and coordinate colors to your advantage - such as bringing attention to your best assets as well as how to look taller. You can also use colors to create the mood of your outfit. 

  

Step 3: Develop Personal Style

Defining your personal style is a must to set yourself apart form the rest, as well as help you connect with your personality and create a trademark that people will remember you for. This results in a confident and comfortable gal behind the clothes :-) 

Step 4: Wardrobe Audit

It's time to build the contents of your wardrobe! If you want to make it easier to put on clothes in the morning - you need to make sure you have the important essentials that build the foundation of your closet.

These are the building blocks to creating a solid wardrobe that keeps you covered on all occasions all-year-around. 

Step 5: Putting it Together

After having some of the basic fashion tips and assessed various aspects of your current style, from analyzing yourself from inside and out - it's time to put it all together!

This is where you swamp us much inspiration as possible and get your creative juices flowing. Playing it safe by relying on the basics won't get your image and style anywhere. Now it's the time for you to be creative and bold. Experiment with fashion, and not least have fun!

 

After reviewing the steps from 1 to 4, you've probably have a propped notebook with notes on your current style and ideas on how and what to improve. Now, use the style and fashion tips to gather inspiration that suits your taste and handpick the trends that resonate with you.