By D.K. (dapper kid), as seen on Haute Mimi

With the beautifully warm and cheerful summer weather well underway, you want to look cool and casual for days on the beach or barbecues with friends. Here are a few tips on where to save, while looking stylish for summer.

Simple cotton t-shirts in bright colors work wonders for any summer outfit. Adding a splash of color atop a pair of tailored shorts or linen trousers can really add a nice flair to your look. Whilst graphic design t-shirts can often cost a pretty penny, a plain colored option is friendlier on the wallet. The added bonus is that rather than relying on the print as the main focal point of your outfit, a simple color play can look great. Make sure to choose a lighter color, whilst keeping in mind which colors work best for you.

Although you may think of scarves as a winter option, a linen or fine cotton piece is just as useful for summer. A summer scarf can actually be a great way of keeping cool in the heat, whilst adding a nice touch of interest to your outfit. Try to keep it simple, with plain light colors, or fine stripes. Whether you wrap the scarf around you twice, or simply let it hang around your neck and flutter in the wind, remember that your tying method will change the dynamics of your look.

Whether you decide to wear shorts, light wash jeans or linen trousers, adding a colorful belt can really help finish a look. Your accessories actually play an important part in keeping the colors and theme of your outfit in union. Try adding this yellow belt to a pair of light blue jeans and a white polo shirt for an unexpected twist. Or match your colorful belt to your equally colorful canvas shoes. Try to keep the belt design simple, however if you want to add patterns, make sure that they do not have to compete with the rest of your outfit.

Flip flops may be the footwear of choice poolside or at the beach, you are probably going to need something a tad more hard wearing for general use. Rather than sweating it out in leather shoes or chunky sneakers, try adding a simple pair of canvas shoes to your closet. The lightweight material is perfect for warmer weather. Cheap and cheerful plimsolls come in a vast array of colors and patterns, so you are sure to find something that suits you.

By D.K. (dapper kid), as seen on Haute Mimi

Whilst shopping, my mother is always keen to remind me that, “If you buy cheap, you buy twice“. Knowing when to spend a little extra and when to save will not only help you keep a better check on your finances, it may also prove rather beneficial to your wardrobe! So with the recession in mind, we thought we would give you a few tips on where to spend and where to save.

Feel free to SPEND on…

NAVY BLUE SUIT
There is nothing more sexy and important in a man’s closet than his suit. If one were only able to purchase a single suit, go for quality in the color of navy blue. The navy blue suit is considered to be the perfect ‘interview and office‘ suit. The color psychologically exudes an aura of calm and it reads as dependable and trustworthy.

When worn with a crisp white shirt, plain tie with black leather lace-up shoes, the navy suit is guaranteed to look smart and presentable. Yet equally, one could pair the suit with a somewhat more casual open collar striped shirt, brown belt and penny loafers — a wonderful daytime outfit perfect for a Spring date. With regards to spending, be sure to splash out that little extra in order to have the suit altered to fit you perfectly. An ill fit will always reduce your overall look!

DARK DENIM, SLIM FITTING JEANS
The eternal quest for that perfect pair of jeans shall always deserve one spending a little extra. However, a pair of good quality, dark blue, slim fitting denim jeans will serve you well in the meanwhile. Again, as with the navy suit, the positive factor here is the inherent versatility of the jeans.

One can easily pair them with black leather shoes, a white shirt, skinny tie and cardigan, for a smart look with a slight edge. Yet quite easily, one could also pair them with a colorful pair of high top sneakers, graphic print t-shirt and yellow nylon jacket for the weekend. The slimmer fit (or straight, if you happen to have larger thighs) works well as it is instantly smarter in its profile when compared to standard jeans.

LEATHER LACE-UPS
One can be forgiven for thinking that shoes are perhaps not the wisest of investments. However, the truth is that one will, in most probability, be wearing these for the majority of the week. A good pair of brogue (wingtips), derby or oxford shoes will serve you well. These shoes will add the perfect polish to your outfit and are, quite literally, a timeless design. Our top tip with regards to smart shoes is to make friends with your local cobbler, as they will be able to help keep your shoes in perfect condition for years to come.

LONG COAT
Again, the thinking here is that for the winter months, one often finds that even the most creative of outfits ends up covered by a coat. A woolen double-breasted pea coat or single-breasted above the knee coat, or equally, a thinner trench coat, are classic in their design and practical for almost any outfit. A darker color is preferred as it will fit comfortably with formal attire. Remember that a good fit is essential to finishing your look and will help it to look timeless.

LEATHER BOOTS
A good pair of brown leather (or suede) lace-up ankle boots are a wonderfully versatile and practical investment. Their functionality for winter months or outdoors work are not to be underestimated, and indeed their inherent ruggedness means that they will serve you for years. These can be worn in a number of smart and casual ways. For example one could easily wear them under suit trousers on icy days.

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You've wondered what it would be like to work with your own personal stylist. It’s not out of reach. In fact, the way I look at it, you can’t afford not to work with one. And the new entry-level body shape service makes it possible for under $50.

After countless requests from women around the world wanting to work with a personal stylist, I wanted to help - in an instant gratification kind of way. And so, this new service was born.

Learn how to dress your body based on your specific shape. By understanding how to achieve your natural silhouette, you will gain confidence, power and create balance in your life, as well as your look. And let’s not forget about the savings you will benefit from. Add up all of your purchases over the past year … chances are, only half of them were winners. Makes you queasy, realizing all the money that was thrown away, doesn’t it? That’s why you can’t go shopping without your Body Shape report. It’s that simple.

Stop looking at your closet everyday, wondering what to put together or what looks right on you. Get excited about getting dressed in the morning. Click on this link and get your Body Shape report right now.

A Closet Purge, or sometimes referred to as a Closet Edit, is a necessity for us all. Whether you can accomplish the same results on your own or with the assistance of a Personal Stylist, you should purge your closet twice a year. It's the key to a fulfilling wardrobe - one that expresses who you are.

There's a reason the word "purge" appears in the title. It's truly a cleansing experience. It's an opportunity to rid of those garments that don't serve you well. When you are feeling overwhelmed with the amount of items in your closet and have no idea what to put together, or you repeatedly say to yourself "I have nothing to wear" - that's when you know you need a professional. A Closet Purge begins with the basics in closet re-organization for easier dressing. It then moves onto purging items that no longer suit your needs or body type. In addition, you will benefit from head-to-toe looks put together from your existing wardrobe. You may say to yourself, as I have heard from many clients, "Wow, I never thought about putting that together." That's the point. The most rewarding thing for me is watching the transformation occur right before my eyes. The new, more confident you that emerges! You may also say - and I love this one - "I feel like I have a whole new wardrobe." When you look forward to dressing every day, that's when you know you've hit your stride. That doesn't mean you won't have a day here and there (should be very infrequent, though) that you prefer to chill on being all put together. That's okay. We all deserve a break - there's no pressure and certainly no competition. It's about uncovering your authentic self, identifying your style, and watching you own it.

For those of you who have experienced a Closet Purge, you can attest to how energized it leaves you. You will never look at your wardrobe the same way again. And you will be astonished what items are paired together. This service works especially well with a Color Analysis, as your color palette is specific to you and will work for you, in any given situation. Any gaps that are uncovered during the Closet Purge will be identified and turned into a shopping list. This list can be something you tackle on your own or with guidance through a Personal Shopping excursion.

The typical months of the year for purging closets are February, March, April, May, August, September and October - in preparation for either Spring/Summer or Fall/Winter. However, help can be found at any time of the year. A professional purge ranges anywhere from 3 hours to 3 days. It is dependant upon your particular challenges or needs. The important thing to understand is that your Personal Stylist is there to help you, whatever it takes, in moving your style forward (not her/his own). Any questions, please feel free to contact me.