Looking Royal: Fabulous Fashion Fixes!

Hello again my lovely ladies. . .To keep or not to keep, that is the question?

See, I've been a tad stressed, and retail therapy is my cure de jour.  When I awoke from last week's shopping coma, I found myself in a very precarious situation.  I had shopped my way into oblivion!  I had spent $199.00 on a white Peter Som Blouse (see pic on right).  Can you blame me?  I mean my fashion idol, Blair Waldorf wore that blouse on GG (Gossip Girl)!  I had spent the same amount of money on two pieces from Zara. . .I was uber-passionate about a paisley mini with a bubble skirt  and a navy double breasted blazer with gold buttons.  The conundrum:  Do I keep two classic pieces that are slightly less fabulous, or do I keep the splurge, the trendy ruffled blouse from Gilt.com.   Alas, the blouse lost out and was sent packing. . .Sigh!  After a brief mourning period, I arose from my fashion coma and felt great about my decision!  I stuck to my  favorite rules of fashion;  Always mix and match!   Pair your less expensive items with fabulous designer pieces and you will always look like a million bucks!  Don't fret about choosing Zara over Som, as I'm pretty sure you have some Valentino Stilettos that would love to be part of either outfit.  And. . .for those trying times when money IS an object, splurge on the classics and save on the trends! 

 There are times in every fashionista's life when she has the money and the pleasure of buying that coveted designer dud.  Most recently, it was my Vera Wang Wedding Dress (My Oscar Gown in disguise. . . or in my delusion).  But what about those trying times when a Chanel Lipstick seems out of reach?  The answer:  Mix and Match.  Put that pretty paisley Zara with a pair of pricey pumps and a priceless piece of jewelry.  Trust me!  No one will ever suspect that you picked up your darling dress at Zara for under 100 bucks.  Women will be far too busy staring at your stunning style, and envying your every effortless step.  If you don't believe me, just look to our favorite royal, who on more than one occasion, has been known to mix and match.  Princess Catherine is proud to pair a simple TopShop frock with an over the top, Phillip Treacy fascinator.  She gets rave reviews and so will you!


Besides...Have you ever seen a women in head to do Chanel or Escada?  They look ridiculous.  If you match from top to bottom, you clearly have too much money and no sense of imagination when it comes to fashion. 

Learn to love the classics. . .No not Shakespeare or Austen (though I am a huge fan of both). . .I mean the fashion classics.  My strategy has always been to spend money on a perfect DVF LBD (Diane Von Furstenberg Little Black Dress for the fashion novice), or a stunning Burberry rain coat (well worth the $450, because it is NEVER out of style).  You can't go wrong with an Autumn Cashmere cable knit or a fabulous pair of J Brand Jeans.  A Brooks Brothers blazer is always in fashion, and when worn with a pair of Tory Burch riding boots; makes a simply divine statement!  How anyone could pass on these timeless works of art is beyond me?




Save money when buying trendier pieces that you will likely despise in two years.  You know that a few months from now you will look at that faux fur vest and wonder how many stuffed animals had to die in the creation of that "timeless" piece.  Or that $500 top with all of the fringe?!  Suddenly you are wondering which of the Walton's had possession over your brain at the time of purchase.  I am not one to buy into trends...I mean the rebirth of harem pants...really?!  Or neon?!  Look back at those high school picks and remind yourself why the past is best left buried!



Occasionally we see a trend like the revival of Pucci Prints or a fabulous beaded pair of Giuseppe Zanotti heals that we can't live with out.  For these pieces. . .sigh. . . I like to step away for a day, and gain clarity.  The impulse buys (i.e. the Peter Som Blouse), can be dangerous to both your pocket book and status as a fashionista!  I then ask myself how desperately I need a pair of six inch sandals with multi-colored gems.  Alas, if after a day away, I find myself still pining for those sparkly stunners, I head directly to the store and purchase them post haste!  After all, the only thing worse than buyer's remorse is the remorse you feel when you leave those babies in the store!  

Until next time my Savvy Shoppers. . . .

Your Mistress of Mixing and Matching,

Boldbroad xoxoxoxo

Picture of Peter Som Blouse courtesy of Gilt.com.  Pictures of Blue Blazer and Paisley Dress both courtesy of Zara.com.  Picture of Kate Middleton in Red Ensemble courtesy of bridefinds.com.  Picture of women in Chanel courtesy of Clothing.China-Direct-Buy.com.  Picture of Kate Middleton in Burberry Trench courtesy of stargazerfashions.com.  Picture of MC Hammer courtesy of ignitesocialmedia.com.  Picture of Giuseppe Zanotti sandal courtesy of the bridalwishlist.blogspot.com.