Realistic Fashion

I had just got my hands on the new edition of Marie Claire, and having flicked through it I am already realising how much of it is unreachable for the average lady.

Sure we all like to look at the pretty dresses and the matching make up. But in reality with the lack of funds available to most, most of these looks are nothing more than a dream, or are they? Yes we have all heard of the must have 99p dress that was on the market, but even if you are the right size finding one is like gold dust. So now the big stores like Asda and M&S have brought out their own ranges  which include dresses under £20. Again nice idea, and most of these do go up to more realistic sizes.

But do we all really need a new dress for one day or evening, to then resign it to the back of a wardrobe. Having just gone through my collection of dresses, I have found at least 6 versions of the LBD, every thing from vintage to crushed velvet full length cocktail. The later over 15 years old and the diamante straps being the only thing showing its age. So I have decided this year is the year of revamping. The fore mentioned dress is heading for a strap replacement. The silver with white stones I being carefully un stitched and once I have found the the right store replaced with gold metal an hopefully red stones. The stitching itself will take at most an hour and that is the dress revived. If I am able to find it I may also buy a matching crystal embellishment for the top of the split giving the dress a whole new life.

You may find find a similar find in the back of your wardrobe a dress that can be revived for minimal cost and become an original piece. If you are too worried about ruining an old dress with memories attached, have a look in the local charity shop. I have been shopping around and it pays to. Certain shops hae got wise to the retro trend and hae upped their prices so that they are no longer the bargains they once were. But the less more local based charities are more keen to get the turn over of stock and money. In many local shops I have come across a plain black dress at £5, in many sizes. Some of these same shops stock basic haberdashery products like glue on embellishments or strips of sequins for under £2. With a little bit of time and care you will have an original piece. Just remember lighter weight fabrics need more delicate work and are often best to use fabric glue rather than fine stitching.

That could give you a fresh look with maybe only the expense of shoes and a bag. And to be honest even a bag can be revived with the right skill. But not worth doing to any thing other than the cheapest of bags. No one wants to see a designer bag ruined that would be sacrilege. But those cheaper bags that you have hidden at the back of a cupboard they can take it.

The rest of the outfit well that's where your magazines can really help you out. Look at the new styles and colours of make up and hair then adapt to suit you. I am loving the dark vampish look that's about with  the deep berry lips although I am never brave enough to do the two together, It is like the legs and cleavage look I always do one or the other, so the same applies to lips or eyes never both. My pale skin just won't stand both.

As to the rest of the look well I leave you on your own for that. But think about it isn't it cheaper to revamp than to buy new?