80/20 Rule = Great Accessories and a Well Dressed Woman

Accessories are the quickest way to update your look.  Many moons ago I read the 80/20 rule when it comes to updating your wardrobe and appearance each season.  Eighty percent of your clothing budget should be spent towards accessories while the remaining twenty percent should be used to purchase classic garments that will never go out of style.

Let's do a quick elementary math towards a shopping budget for Spring/Summer.  Pretend (every woman knows how to pretend) that you have allocated $500 for your Spring/Summer shopping spree.  Apply the 80/20 rule and your budget should be itemized as follows:

•  $400 for Accessories and $100 for Clothing

 

Are you shocked?  Okay, Okay...there is one exception to this rule. 

Pretend as if you already have your core classic wardrobe in place.  Therefore the 80/20 rule really does sound realistic.  Right?

Pretend Core Wardrobe (Looks Good, Huh?)

Accessories are made up of shoes, purses, jewelry, scarves, hats, sunglasses, hosiery...these are the areas where you may incorporate trends into your fashionable life.  If you invest in classic timeless clothing and spend most of your money on accessories, you will always look CURRENT and never forget your signature style.

Spend eighty percent of  your budget on accessories to keep your look CURRENT

Invest in Classic Timeless Pieces and You will Never be out of Style

The $100 of your $500 budget may be spent on a great new jacket to create many outfits with your current core wardrobe.  Or you may want two new skirts.  A pair of great new pants and blouse.  Perhaps you need a wonderful trench?   This is when you really need to shop your closet and see what is missing from your wardrobe.  The remaining $400 may be used towards trendy shoes, jewelry and a summer handbag. 

Maybe Mr. Someone Handsome will give you a few more dollars to add to your clothing portion of your budget! 

Every Woman Deserves a Mr. Someone Handsome

Disclaimer:  This budget is not designed for the weak....when your knees buckle and you almost fall to the ground over this season's Hot new designer; well you may have to rob Peter to pay Paul.  I feel confident in our abilities to help out today's economy.  But work with me ladies...I do offer valid tips.

 I love costume jewelry.  Especially Brighton.  The offerings of Brighton are truly beautiful and never disappoints.    My love affair for costume jewelry does not discriminate.  Talbots, Banana Republic, Chicos, Ann Taylor, Dillards and private boutiques offers an abundance of great baubles and beads to add to your collection.

Brighton Boutique is the Grown Arse Woman's Candy Store

Shoes, Shoes and More Shoes.  Nothing changes an outfit faster than a fabulous new pair of shoes.  Take last years' dress with this years' new shoes and you are magically transformed into a sensational woman.

In the next few days I plan on perusing many fashion magazines, catalogs, online shopping sites and style blogs to determine my Spring and Summer wishes and desires.  Please stay tuned as I showcase my most wanted to infuse a fresh new look into my existing wardrobe.

Keep a Smile on Your Face and a Strut in Your Walk,
Tonya Denise