School bring it on!
So long summer! Hello Fall! We want it all…to do our best, be our best, and look our best doing it, but it can be a little overwhelming. These are my real-life-tested, back-to-school readiness tips that could help make being “school ready,” a little less painful and every day less stressful.
Back-to-school shopping is fun. It’s almost a cultural ritual in our society. The reality is, these are tough economic times and not everyone can afford a brand new wardrobe. But with a little time, effort, and an adventurous spirit you can look amazing this fall.
Hit the thrift stores. Yes, one girl’s trash is another girl’s treasure! Start with blazers and jackets and take your time (you may need to make more than one trip). Then move on to coats, pants/jeans and dresses. Think about trends while you shop. Look for designer labels, and timeless, classic shapes and whether or not an item can be washed. Steer clear of t-shirts and shoes, save your money for new ones. My favorite find for fall was a vintage brown leather blazer!
Have a few smart, key pieces. I call these, “the money pieces.” The items in your wardrobe you are willing to pay a little more for: shoes of course! Boots, oxfords, wedges, pretty flats. A great pair of shoes or two can really spice up your new seasonal looks. If you want a few, don’t be afraid to shop the discount stores. Nearly everything is on sale these days.
Be brave with accessories. There is nothing that spices up an outfit like a few accessories. The right accessory adds a pop of color and can even update your outfit. For me this fall, it’s socks. I’ve stocked up on funky colors, textures and lengths. If you’re not in to socks, don’t be afraid to venture out in to hair accessories, and jewelry. Make it fun and it will really translate in to your level of confidence and overall attitude.
Once you’re done with the majority of your shopping, or if you’re like me, hit the max of your budget, it’s time to “clean it and sort it.” A rule in our family is, “every time you bring something new in, you have to get rid of something.” Clean out your closet and drawers. Reorganizing will start your creative fashion juices flowing with new ideas and combinations for new outfits. You will find things you forgot about, or didn’t even know you had!
Once you have your nice donation pile in a heap, it’s time for a personal fashion show. Put those creative ideas in to action and start putting together new outfits. Accessorize. Combine your new stuff with the old. This is also a time where you may discover you’re missing a couple things in your look(s). Write it down for future shopping, then Snap it and catalog it. I created a photo journal. Take pictures of your look with a camera or even your phone, save in a separate file on your computer for easy access. This will come in handy when you want to sleep that extra 15 minutes or when you have last minute plans, and no idea what to wear. If the pictures are too much trouble, then simply make a list in a notebook and keep it in your closet. That way your notes are handy whenever you have a fashion inspired moment, and you can quickly write another outfit down.
Stay inspired. Look for ways to keep things fresh and creative by combing through magazines and of course, UnleashedBeauty.com. Make-up and creative hairstyles are no cost opportunities to keep things fashionable and fabulous. Keeping inspired, combined with a healthy perspective will give you the opportunity to be your best and feel confident each and every day.
