Whether your New Year’s goals include being more fashionably fabulous or to spend less of your hard-earned cash doing so, now is the time to snag those versatile pieces that add extra oomph to your wardrobe. The best sales of the year are going on right now, and everything is marked down deliciously – like these five pieces that will bring you into spring fashionably clad:
While they may look like Grandpa’s old trousers, don’t be fooled: the latest plaids for women are updated with feminine color combinations, smaller tartans, and metallic threads woven throughout. As part of the strong, ongoing menswear-gone-ladylike trend, this pattern has been hot all season, and now that it’s on sale, it’s the perfect time to stock up. Add a pair of skinny suspenders if you want to go all-out on the menswear theme, or go uber-chic with a pointy-toe heel…however, stay away from flip-flops unless you want to be mistaken for someone from That 70’s Show. At $10, you can get 5 pairs and still have enough left over to buy Grandpa something. Cuffed Plaid Trousers $10 (sale) – Walmart.com
WIDE-SLEEVE SWEATER
For every fashionista in the know, hot pink is the “it” color for Spring/Summer 2008. Get ahead of the trend with this kimono sleeve sweater. For now, layer over a long-sleeved top, and when it warms up, pair with a fluttery skirt or jeans and a strand of vintage beads. For a rocker-chic look, go for the hot pink & black stripe. Want a mod London street vibe? Go for black-and-white. Either way, it’s right on the on the money…for an incomparable $13! Striped Kabuki Sweater $13 (sale) – FashionBug.com
JUMPER DRESS
With fashion-forward pleating and a sexier shape from the ones you might remember from yesteryear, this adorable piece from Gap is stellar over a wintery turtleneck or under a fuzzy sweater. The 6-button detail and the gray denim give it a sailor vibe but the slight tulip-shaped skirt and pleated details keep it feminine without being overly frilly. The bonus? It can be worn on its own as a lightweight Spring dress come warmer months. Pleated Denim Shift $30 (sale) – Gap.com
CHARM HAIR ELASTICS
From high-end accessories designer Colette Malouf – who sells in Bergdorf Goodman – come these darling ponytail elastics in earthy, nature-inspired tones. The tiny, almost rebellious charms just peek out from under your coif, and dangle with your every move. With dragonflies, guns, and a lucky horseshoe in the mix, there’s something that will please anyone looking to glam up that tired old ponytail. Colette Malouf Charm Cluster Ponytail holder $16 (sale), Fengjunk.com
SWEET LITTLE SWEATER
What’s not to love about this romantic look from Victoria’s Secret? Puff sleeves, scoop neck with side-tie bow, sexy little shape – this sweater is both naughty and nice in an array of colors with delectable-sounding names like Sugar Pink, Chocolate, and Plum Passion. Layer it in a contrasting hue over a long-sleeved turtleneck for a January look, and then dust a little Urban Decay Marshmallow body glitter on your the decolletage come Valentine’s Day. Tie-neck Sweater $19 – VistoriasSecret.com
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: SNEAKERS THAT MAKE YOU SKINNY
According to the clinical trials and an absurd amount of testing, these actually live up to promise: slimming your legs, tightening your thighs, tush-toning…all by just walking in them. They work by causing you to change your stride, and many people report that it feels like walking in sand. (Of course you can add them in to your workout routine routine if you want, but the fact is that after just doing some errands in them you will feel a marked difference in your lower body.) Since the results you’ll be seeing are fantastic, and better yet, amazingly effortless, these are worth every penny. What better way to start off the New Year than by dealing with that “lose 10 lbs” Resolution once and for all? mbt m.walk Anti-Cellulite Sn
eakers $245 – Blissworld.com
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at *carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com*. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
