Life & Leopard : clothing

Showing posts with label clothing. Show all posts

Guest Post: Comparative Shopping

Aug 21, 2014

Boy, do I have a treat for you all today! My friend, Nikki, from Dollar Store Diva has been so gracious to write a guest post for your enjoyment today. She's talking about one of my favorite things: shopping! If you like this article, please feel free to share it with your friends.

Hello Life & Leopard readers! My name's Nikki Vergakes from dsdstyle.blogspot.com. Over there I write about fitness, health, DIY, being a crazy college kid, and finding the best deals out there! I'm a 19-year old PR student from Massachusetts. My first order of business is to thank Sara for letting me guest post, my second order of business is to teach you how to utilize comparative shopping!

picture from thewearist.blogspot.com

When I was younger and for lack of a better work, not "well-shopped", I would buy things without thinking about how well they would go with pieces in my closet, without trying it on, and without thinking about other options. That left me with too many crop tops, not enough high waisted things to go along with them, too many patterns that don't mix, and not enough basics! I was NOT a smart shopper. However once I got a job and started buying things with money I earned, that's when I started shopping smarter.

picture from http://amas.ie/online-research/state-of-the-net/issue-15/comparative-shopping-online/

However I'm not alone. Not many consumers aren't using this, but that doesn't mean they're not smart. They're just not shopping to their full potential.

Comparative shopping isn't a new idea. It's pretty much finding the best price for what you're buying. For me, it also contains pros and cons. Whichever will fill most of your pros and be the best for your wallet will win. However, when it comes to shopping online and in-store, the pros and cons are different for each scenario.

Questions to ask yourself when shopping online:

Lowest shipping cost
Is it true to size?
Is the return policy easy to follow and use?
Is this the best price?
Are there any deals and coupons I can use at checkout?

-- ** wanelo, shopbuddy, marketing emails, google

Favorite tools to use when shopping online: Wanelo, ShopBuddy, Marketing E-Mails from stores, Google.

Wanelo and Google are engines that use comparative shopping. Those marketing e-mails you get daily may be a bother, but they do tell you the latest deals and perhaps special member-only deals. Shopbuddy is an app that will automatically tell you the deals on a website the second you load it.

Questions to ask yourself when shopping in-store:

Is this a staple piece, or a statement piece?
Do I have anything else too similar in my closet?
Imagine at least three outfits/occasions you would wear it at
Do I have a rewards card here?
Do I get a percent off or signing up for a rewards card?
Are they having any promotions?
Will another store in this mall have the same thing cheaper?

You can use the app versions of all of those sites while shopping in-store. Remember your e-mailed and mailed coupons. You also may want to screenshot those coupons in case you can't find service. Also, don't be afraid to leave a store and see what else is out there. You never know what you'll find.

I wish you all smart shopping!

sources:

http://www.shopify.com/blog/7068398-10-best-comparison-shopping-engines-to-increase-ecommerce-sales

thewearist.blogspot.com

http://amas.ie/online-research/state-of-the-net/issue-15/comparative-shopping-online/

Labels:budget,clothing,fashion,guest post,shopping | 15 comments

Wardrobe Staples: Dresses

Jun 4, 2014

Ah, dresses. Some women love them, some women hate them. I used to be a dress hater, but I have come to love certain types of dresses, and those are what I stick with.

I am a big fan of the maxi dress and the shirt dress-both of which you can belt. I also love dresses that have empire waists. If you get the right kind of dress, you can style them many different ways, thus making a really awesome closet staple.

You need 3-4 good dresses in your closet that you can use for various occasions. Don't know where to start? Let me tell you....

Dresses

Solid Neutral Colored Dress
Solid in Neutral OR a Secondary Color
1-2 printed dresses

Solid Neutral Colored Dress

Most women take this opportunity to buy the LBD (little black dress). Just like every lady should have a nice set of pearls, every lady should have a nice little black dress in her closet. However, if that isn't your style, then opt for a different neutral color like grey, tan, or white.

source

Solid Dress in Neutral or Secondary Color

This is where you can choose your favorite color to wear and buy a dress that will express some of your personality through color. Here is an excellent way to style those chiffon dresses we keep seeing with the ruffles on the front. I would probably wear this in the fall, but think if what you could do with it for the spring and summer?

source

1-2 Printed Dresses

I know what you are thinking, just hear me out! Stop being scared of prints! I, too, was once scared of prints, but there really are some good prints out there. They won't all make you look scary. If small prints feel safe to you, then do that. If you like big, bold patterns, well more power to you and I want to know your secret! I don't think the dress below is a horrible print. In fact, I think the purple cardigan and the belt calms it down quite a bit. They say accessories can change an outfit!

source

The one thing I really want you all to take away from this series is that it is okay (and crucial) to get out of our comfort zones. Once I started trying new things in the clothing department, my confidence has been steadily increasing. When I can actually pull off an outfit that I styled in my head, it makes it even better. Don't be afraid to try new things! I promise you-it's worth it!

Labels:budget,clothing,dresses,fashion,style,wardrobe staples series | 9 comments

May Budget

Jun 2, 2014

Sooo. HI! Here I am. I know its been awhile, and my absence was kind of unintentional, but kind of not. More on that later...Like as soon as I finish writing this post, I will start writing an explanation as to why I basically fell off the planet. Anyway...

Today I am re-capping my May purchases for you. I'm still new at this monthly budget/shopping thing, but I think I am getting a bit better as the months go on. I didn't spend a whole lot of money this month, but I am pleased with what I got. I ended up buying some jewelry this month and some make-up, which is kind of out of my norm, but I got really excited about the stuff, so I went for it. So glad I did!

Kohl's and Target got my money this month, but I also won a $30 store credit to InBloom Boutique! I bought something from them that is totally different for me and I can't wait to wear them!

Items I Purchased:

Distressed Boyfriend Shorts

Linen Pants (I purchased these in coral, but it appears they are sold out of that color now.)

Crochet Swing Tank

Monthly Budget: $150

Spent: $136.06

My favorite purchase this month was the shorts. They are amazing! They are a 4 inch inseam instead of the usual 3 1/2 and I am convinced that extra half inch makes a difference. I will be buying another pair of these shorts-I love them that much.

The linen pants are exciting, too! However, they have to make a trip to the tailor so I can have about 5 1/2 inches removed off the bottom of them so I can wear them. Even if I wore wedges, they would still be too long for my short self.

That's all for now! As usual, I am linked up with Franish for Budget Bloggers!

Labels:budgeting bloggers,clothing,fashion,kohls,shopping,style,summer,target | 12 comments

Wardrobe Staples: Skirts

May 21, 2014

The third piece of clothing I am going to talk about today is a piece that some women just skip right over when building their wardrobes from scratch. I know that I don't have too much variety of this one piece, but I am working on trying to find the right style for my body type.

I have a love/hate relationship with skirts. I love my maxi skirts! I love pencil skirts, but fear I am too short for them. I do not like super-short skirts as the backs of my thighs have seen better days and I really don't want to torture anyone else with that. I also have a thing for leopard print and polka dot print skirts, so you have been warned before you go and check out the Pinterest board.

I will be the first to admit that I do not actively seek out different types of skirts to wear other than maxi skirts. It's a comfort thing. I like how I can style maxi's and they work well with my body. The great thing about today's wardrobe staple is that it isn't the kind of skirts you have in your closet, it's the color and the print.

Here's what you should have in your closet in the way of skirts:

1 neutral colored skirt
1 solid colored skirt in another neutral or a secondary color
1-2 printed skirts

That's not too hard is it?

Find what types of skirts work best for you and then make sure you have the color and prints covered and you will be good to go in the skirt department of your wardrobe!

Neutral Colored Skirt

Much like pants and tops, you need to have a neutral colored skirt (or two) in your wardrobe. Remember that neutral colors are black, white, grey, and tan respectively. Length is up to you, but I always say to make sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing. Here's a fun way to style a black skirt:

source

Solid Colored Skirt in Neutral OR Secondary Color

The choice you make here really depends on what your life is like. Work all day in a business setting? You may want to grab another neutral colored skirt. If your work place is open to color, then find a skirt in your fave color and rock it. Don't work but run around with the kiddos all day? Get what you want!

source

Patterned Skirts

There are so many patterns out right now to choose from that you are bound to find something you love and that looks good on you. Go with what speaks to you. I love polka dots, but they have to be small to medium sized dots. I am not fond of the ginormous ones. They do nothing for me. I also like small floral prints, leopard print (duh), and skinny diagonal stripes like the skirt I bought here.

source

And that is the skinny on skirts! Start small at first and then build up to those bolder prints and colors. As you have seen here today (and as you will see on the Pinterest board) there are many ways to style skirts. They are a great piece to have in your wardrobe and they come in an array of colors and prints, so you can't really go wrong with them. Check out some of the other styles on our Pinterest board below and tell me your thoughts on skirts in the comments!

This post is linked up at:

Labels:basics,clothing,fashion,style,wardrobe,wardrobe staples series | 18 comments

Wardrobe Staples: Pants

May 13, 2014

Here I am-finally getting around to writing this next wardrobe staples post on pants. A couple of weeks ago we talked about tops and, I must say, you all responded to it much better than I had anticipated, so, thank you! Keep sharing and spreading the word! It's working, ya'll!

So, anyway...pants. Despite the summer-like temps here lately in the Midwest, I am still going to talk about them because they are a necessity. I know-you are probably like, "How hard is it to buy pants? You just get them." Oh no, my loves. You do not just go get a pair of pants....you get a wardrobe staple.

Let me break this down for you:

Pants

Jeans in a medium to dark wash

One pair of neutral colored pants (black, tan, grey, etc.)

Either another pair of neutral colored pants OR a pair of pants in a secondary color

Jeans

Gotta have at least a pair of jeans in your wardrobe. I prefer dark jeans simply because I think they make me look thinner and more seems to go with them color wise. There are a plethora (ha-see what I did there?) of ways to wear dark jeans, but my fave way to style them is like this:

This will take you to the pin.

Neutral Colored Pants

I like to refer to these as "interview pants." Back in the day, I had about five or six pairs of these. In black. Different styles, mind you, but all the same color. Try to break it up a bit. If you already have black, pick you up a grey pair or a tan pair. It doesn't hurt. You would be surprised what you can do with grey and tan pants.

source

Pair of Neutral or Secondary Colored Pants

This is where you can get a little expressive with yourself if you would like. Try on some colored bottoms. I love the maroon, teal, and plum skinny jeans I see all the time. However, I am not running to try on skinny jeans, so, I opt for leggings. Comfy, stylish, and cute? I'm in!

source

I took the time to load up our Pinterest board with some style ideas for you to get the creative juices flowing like I did the last time. You will see that at the end of the post.

I also wanted to take a moment to kind of apologize for my hiatus last week. The weather was so great last week that I felt compelled to enjoy the sunshine. I spent most of the time playing with L, reading, and working on the yard. It was great! Did I miss blogging? Yes, but, I needed the break. It was nice to recharge, but hopefully now I will be back to my regularly scheduled blogging program.

Have a good one all!

Psst! There's a giveaway going on you don't want to miss!
Check it out here!

This post is linked up at:

Labels:clothing,fashion,pants,style,wardrobe,wardrobe staples series | 2 comments

Guest Post: Comparative Shopping

Boy, do I have a treat for you all today! My friend, Nikki, from Dollar Store Diva has been so gracious to write a guest post for your enjoyment today. She's talking about one of my favorite things: shopping! If you like this article, please feel free to share it with your friends.

Wardrobe Staples: Dresses