I love Kendal’s great budget friendly fashion finds, and I might have bought one of the Penny Chic dresses while posting this story, for investigative purposes only! =)
Kendal Perez author of Hassle Free Savings shares her picks for Spring and how to add some new pieces without breaking the bank:
I don’t know about you, but I have a bone to pick with Punxsutawney Phil. He predicted an early spring, yet winter-storm warnings abound across the country. Meanwhile, retailers are replacing seasonally-appropriate attire with super-cute spring fashion as if to confirm Phil’s findings. Groundhogs and the retail industry are in cahoots, I swear.
Conspiracy theories aside, I find myself eager to sport this spring’s latest trends. Here’s a list of my favorite trends from Spring 2013 runways and how to wear them for less.
Black and White
My mother always said the most classic look for spring is black and white, so I’m especially pleased to see this dynamic duo on runways. Plus, it gives you an excuse to update your LBD to pair with a trendy striped blazer and white belt. Don’t yet have this staple? Check out these great styles from PennyChic, the fabulous-and-frugal blogger with her very own line of $20 LBDs at Walmart.
Chambray Chic
One man’s work shirt is another woman’s fashion statement. Chambray may have reentered our fashion radar last year, but it’s making its presence known with a resounding ping this spring. Take a cue from Marc Jacobs and BCBG Max Azria and pair this classic with denim. Hit up GiftCardGranny.com to save up to 30-percent instantly on cute styles from The Limited by using a discount gift card.
Bold Blazers
While black, navy and charcoal blazers will never go out of style, you can take it up a notch this year with a brighter hue. My boss recently sported a poppy-colored blazer with jeans and looked totally fab. Pick yours up for less at places like Target or TJMaxx because this bright fad is sure to fade.
Neons and Pastels
In one of the many contradictory style statements crashing runways this spring, you can still flaunt your neons from 2011 and pastels from 2012 for a totally in-style 2013. I’m not usually one for neon, but I am a little obsessed with this Marissa Webb color pairing of acid yellow and dark olive. Peruse your closet for neon-and-neutral pairing opportunities, or combine both trends with last year’s neon denim and a pastel top.
One-tone Color
Color-blocking was the big trend last summer, but this spring Diesel, Rachel Zoe and others provided us with an alternative: one-tone color. Create an outfit using the same or similar tones of one color. Complete a casual look of pants, blouse and blazer with a skinny belt, which you can pick up from Target for $15 or less. Head-to-toe tangerine? Don’t mind if I do.
Short Suits
Short suits are having a moment this spring, with such designers as Donna Karan, Lela Rose and Christian Siriano showing of their signature styles. Structured and matchy-matchy seems to be the trend, but I like dressing down my blazers with jean shorts. Combine this trend with the bold blazer look to frugally kill two fashionable birds with one stone.
Stripes
I used to hate stripes — until I woke up and realized they’re fabulous! Now I’m drawn to anything with stripes and apparently, so are designers. Marc Jacobs and Tommy Hilfiger featured two-piece striped suits in black-and-white and red-and-white. If these looks are too “referee” or “barbershop quartet” for your taste, break up the pattern with a solid piece.
Sheer Blouses
Jason Wu and Nicole Miller proved sheer button-ups are still in style — and still tricky to pull off. Bold patterns or strategically placed pockets will enable you to sport this trend without feeling too exposed. For example, this black polka-dot number from Old Navy is patterned enough for your to pull off without a cami, plus it’s a bargain at less than $15.
Nude
And by “nude” I mean the color, not the state of being. Fabric that closely matches your skin color is both chic and in-style right now. Since light-colored pants invite dirt, coffee stains and the occasional dollop of froyo, I suggest finding a cute top for this trend. This light cotton blouse from Mango fits the bill without stretching your budget.
Kendal Perez is a frugal fashionista and bargain shopper who helps fellow shopaholics find hassle-free ways to save money. As the marketing coordinator for Kinoli Inc., site manager for a family of money-saving websites, Kendal has the resources to be an extreme couponer but prefers a less complicated approach to staying in-budget. Kendal has been quoted in such media outlets as People StyleWatch, CNN Money, FOX, ABC, NPR and Kiplinger Personal Finance. For savings tips and more information, visit HassleFreeSavings.com.
