Why you shouldn't go cheap with clothing

You want to look good but you're on a budget. Many people (myself included) at some point and time make the mistake of buying cheap clothes when all they have to do is go a bit higher in price. 

Why go higher in price?

Before I explain that, let me explain why you should try to avoid buying clothes from cheap stores like Walmart (sorry Walmart but we have an image to maintain). People judge you by your looks. I myself am not immune to this phenomenon. I am learning more and more everyday about the importance of aesthetics.

When purchasing poorly-made clothes made from cheap materials, people put themselves into boxes (they're cheap, they have poor taste, etc.). Unfortunately, people DO judge books by their covers, so to the best of our ability, we must avoid purchasing clothes from "big box stores".

I am in no way implying that everyone is afforded the luxury of buying expensive clothes. I understand the need to "do what you have to do". At the end of the day, you have to go with what your pockets can afford. I have purchased clothes from stores like Walmart in the past and I understand that we sometimes have to settle. BUT..humor me for a minute and let me explain why sometimes cheaper isn't always better.

If I purchase a pair of ten-dollar pants from Walmart that only lasts me three months, am I really saving? What if I purchased a better pair of pants at sixty-dollars that lasts me three years or more? In the long run, I am saving a whole lot more by purchasing something of higher quality as opposed to constantly having to buy more pants. As for other clothes..rinse and repeat. Try this model with all facets in life and more often than not, you will see that the more expensive choice is sometimes the best.

Ask yourself these questions; Is it better to have a wardrobe full of cheap pieces that will only last for a small amount of time OR; is it better to have a smaller wardrobe with high-quality pieces?

You may be thinking "I have more variety with more pieces.". The reality is, you do not. This is an illusion because you can obtain the same variety with a few items that are of better quality without sacrificing your image.

Well, let's get on to the Mix N' Match. Let me give you some examples of higher quality items where you can pair the items to create a more impressive look without having to buy as much.

Wardrobe idea:

These are the items pictured:

Women's Cindy Jean in Stanton

Lock and Love Women's Kimono Boxy Tee

Luxury Divas Sensational Black Wide Brim Diva Style Floppy Hat

Rebecca Minkoff Women's Alex Boot

Silvancé - Women's Pendant Necklaces 925 Sterling Silver Genuine Blue Sapphire,.925 

Sterling Silver Classic Thin Hammered Finish Open End Womens Cuff Bangle Bracelet .

This is a great ensemble and it is versatile. You can pair these items with different shirts, pants, hats, etc.

These ideas will help you style it up a bit more without looking cheap. I mixed up some higher and lower-priced items to give you an example. It also shows how you can mix higher-priced with lower-priced items if budget is a serious issue for you. While they are slightly more expensive then what you might find at stores like Walmart and Burlington, they won't break the bank and you'll still look fab!

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Cool bags for dudes!

Father’s day may have just passed but that does not mean you can’t buy that special guy in your life a great gift. We have all done the watches and ties, but have you ever thought of giving a great bag? 
Or perhaps you find yourself in need of an excellent way to protect your things and look great while doing it; men have things to carry from point A to point B and there’s no need to juggle keys, wallet, mobile phone and tablet. The right bag can really help, so it might be time to buy a convenient bag to accent your wardrobe. 

Modern bags for 2013 include options for the office, the great outdoors, the commute and even for travel. Best of all, many of them do double duty. 

Best Bags for Work

In the past, a stuffy leather briefcase was the perfect complement to a conservative suit and tie. But, with office environments changing, we are now seeing much more casual looks going into office buildings and professional workplaces. Bags to complement this style include excellent sporty options in fabrics like canvas, tweed and wool. Choose a dispatch-style shoulder bag to hold your laptop, tablet and important papers. 

If you need a luxury bag to take to the office or have a very professional image to uphold, you will find modern leather options with updates such as softer shapes. Instead of a standard briefcase you can go for a fine leather satchel or folio bag. 
Traveling in Style

When you’re out on the road your bag should reflect your unique style and taste, and it’s an incredible relief to have a great piece you can turn to time and again. For shorter trips, a holdall is extra stylish and convenient. It can often be used as a carry-on as well, helping you save precious time waiting in lines or retrieving your luggage after landing. 

Great holdalls for 2013 range from small versatile options for week-end getaways to larger bags with shoulder straps. Look for details like exterior pockets for holding airline or train tickets and secure interior pockets to protect a laptop, camera or other equipment. A versatile holdall can also be used for the gym. If you need a larger travel bag or one to use for business, go for a stylish suit carrier or canvas flight suitcase. 

Outdoor Bags


If you are heading out into the country, you will need a bag that’s extra durable and of course comfortable to carry. What’s great is that many modern men’s bags have been inspired by fishing and shooting, meaning they already have very convenient features for rugged use. You’ll find bags in 2013 with rubberized linings, extremely hardwearing straps and leather reinforcements. Choose canvas for simple maintenance with just a bit of soap and water. For hands-free carrying of all your gear, a fine rucksack is usually your best bet. 

Sonia Moran is a fashion enthusiast and design consultant. She enjoys blogging on a number of style-related subjects and has been featured on various well-known sites such as www.chapmanbags.com where you can find the above-mentioned bags and much more.

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Summer 2013 Fashion Trends As Spring Comes To A Close

It’s hard to believe that there are only a few weeks left until spring is finally over, quite possibly due to half of spring still feeling like winter. Regardless, summer is just around the corner so it’s time to gear up for the warm weather with the hottest fashion trends this year. Whether you’re heading for a beach vacation on the coast or casually walking down the street, here are a few fashion styles you should keep your eye out for so you look the best all summer long:

Coral is the new pink: Okay, nothing will replace pink but this year coral, the warm mix of orange and pink, is making its way onto the market this summer. Whether you add it to your dresses, tops, pants, shoes, or bags, adding a little coral flare will give your entire look a summer glow, perfect for this year’s fashion trend.

Bright is the new back: While coral may stand out as the color you see most often this summer, consider adding a pop to your fashion with a bright punch of neon pink, orange, or yellow. Don’t go overboard, though; this summer will be all about highlight softer tones with small touches of bright color.

Patterns are back: While the spring flowers are well past being in bloom, the summer is bringing plenty of floral patterns to the main stage this year. Not just for your grandmother’s wallpaper anymore, exciting patterns (such as flowers, fruits, and wild shapes) are making a stand this year. Mixing large patterns so it looks intentional instead of an accidental mistake is the key to pulling off mismatched patterns.

Goodbye cocktail, hello peplum: Peplum dresses are very fitted across the entire body except for a small flair around the waist; celebrities have been bringing this cut to the red carpet for a few weeks now and fashion designers are loving the accented but subtle cut, so be prepared to see it taking up a lot of shelf space. Peplum dresses are great for a night out but using a peplum top with a chic pair of leggings can be a classy-casual look for any evening.

Overalls: While they may not be for everyone, overalls are definitely not reserved for just children anymore as they become the latest fashion trend. If you want to keep things extremely easy this summer, toss on a shirt and throw on a pair of overalls and you will be good to go.

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