If you’re spending that much money, and they can easily run into hundreds of pounds, you want to make sure that you’re getting a coat that will keep you warm and last more than 6 months. So here are my top tips for buying a new winter coat.

BEFORE YOU SHOP

• What’s your budget? This might be an investment, but it’s worth spending as much as you can manage to get something good. If you only have £30 then you can get a coat, but it’s probably not going to last long or be as warm.
• What’s your style? Those double breasted military coats might look sexy on the catwalk, but if you’re a jeans and trainers type of gal then they’re not really going to suit your style. Before you go shopping consider whether you’re looking for a work coat or an every day coat, one to wear to college where you always wear jeans and trainers, or one to wear over your cocktail dress as you hop from Pub to club.
• What’s your body shape? Don’t just wear whatever’s trendy that season, think about what suits YOU. Hourglass shapes need nipped in waists and single breasted styles, skinny girls with small busts look good in tailored double breasted numbers, if you’re short steer clear of anything too long or shapeless.

Once you’ve answered these questions you’ll know what shops you can try and won’t waste time wandering round Karen Millen looking for a casual winter coat in the £40-£50 range or in Primark for a tailored classic wool coat in the £200 – £300 range.

WHILE SHOPPING

• Stay Focused. If you’ve decided you’re looking for something classic and stylish then don’t let that Fuchsia pink brocade number with bell sleeves turn your head, it will be a waste of your hard earned money.
• Dress normally. There’s no point trying on coats over a T Shirt if you normally dress in a chunky jumper. Equally wearing a chunky jumper when you’re normally a skinny rib girl can mean you end up with an ill fitting and unsuitable piece of outerwear
• Check the details. Again, the pretty colours and funky details are head turners, but is the coat going to be warm? Is it lined? What is it made of? Feel the quality of the fabric and check the stitching before you hand over your money. Think about whether you want inside pockets? Will those lapels end up getting caught on your shoulder bag and pinging buttons all over the supermarket?

AFTER SHOPPING

• Look after your investment. If you’ve just spent the price of short break in Venice on a piece of clothing you don’t want to ruin it in half an hour by screwing it up under your desk at work, spilling wine over it in nightclubs or stretching the it out of shape on a hook. Take a hanger into work, check it into the cloakroom and get it dry cleaned when the sun starts to come out so that next year it doesn’t look, and smell, like a dog blanket.

The Foundations

Hardly a fashion secret, but something that must not go unmentionable is Rigby and Peller’s unparalleled underwear service. Every stylist will tell you that even the best tailored clothes can look ill-chosen without good foundations. Fitted and dressed according to one’s unique bust size and shape, this store offers a personal consultation followed by a complimentary personal shopping session for all sous-vêtements needs.

The Staples

Donna Ida’s shop on Draycott Avenue is exemplary of the client-oriented boutique culture of Chelsea. Her business is devoting to matching each woman to her ideal pair of jeans – to fit not only her body, but her lifestyle and personality, providing the best wardrobe staple for the woman about town.

Dealing mainly in pastels and basic colours (navy, white, stone, black), Comptoir des Cottoniers stocks timeless and versatile essentials that blend in as well at the office as on the high street or restaurant on weekends, while its neighbour Ekyog has everything for the active lifestyle – from loungewear to yoga outfits.

The Fashion

Austique is guaranteed to be on trend, without forcing the mutton look. The current range embraces this summer’s romantic themes, translating them into wearable and long-lasting investments. Paired with key pieces from Kew’s effortlessly stylish collection, building your capsule wardrobe for the coming seasons could not be any easier.

Staying true to the vintage-bricolage ethos of London style, Steinberg & Tolkien could be mistaken for an Aladdin’s cave, as it stocks marvellous one-off trinkets, some of which deserve to be held in a museum.  Across the way, Anna & Victoria offer a splendidly laid-out selection of merchandise from tomorrow’s top designers, with friendly and accommodating service, while the bolder among us should head for Butler and Wilson, who provide a host of sparkly gems and party frocks guaranteed to get you noticed.

And of course, Kings Road is still home to one of the brands that made it such a fashion haven – Vivienne Westwood’s World’s End, which continues to sell revolutionary garments that influence high street stores from All Saints to Warehouse.

The Footwear

Be it for the boho look of the summer, or cosy knee-high essentials this winter, R Soles is the go-to boutique for unique, fashion-forward boots. Since its establishment over 30 years ago, Judy Rothchild’s boots has graced the catwalks and front covers of Vogue. You are guaranteed to fall in love with a pair, and wear them until they fall apart.

The Finishing Touches

Rated Urban Path’s 39th loveliest thing in London, Korres houses amazing sensitive skin-friendly cosmetics, translated through agreeable staff in a luxury setting. It is typical to an area where customer satisfaction is king. And for that signature scent, head to perfume connoisseurs Penhaligon.

The Lifestyle

For soft furnishings, look no further than India Jane. There are several homewares retailers in Chelsea, ranging from the one-off to the superstore, but many of them fall into the trap of being too generic, too mass-produced, too clichéd. At India Jane, however, one finds an eclectic range of stylish home solutions that present themselves as antiquated finds, and won’t be found in every other house in the borough.

Use the Power of Color Blocks or Stripes

Blocks or stripes of color are a great way to hide those areas you’re not so proud of and enhance the ones you feel more comfortable with. Keep in mind that dark colors cause an area to recede while lighter ones create fullness. Bright colors also tend to give the illusion of more volume. When you select a one piece bathing suit, keep these principles in mind. If you’d like to play down your hips, choose a swimsuit with a dark color block in that region. You can further draw attention away from your hips, by having a light or bright color block on the upper portion of your body. As an example, for wide hips a simple one piece, tank style bathing suit with a black color block on the bottom and a white one on top can be flattering.

To make your bust line appear fuller, choose a suit with block or stripe of bright color around the chest area. Another trick to slim down the body is to choose a tank style bathing suit with a black color block extending down each side. This tends to give the illusion of a more narrow body. If you want to look taller and slimmer, select a tank with vertical stripes. This principles can really work to enhance your natural physique.

Use the Power of Prints

Prints can also trick the eye and have an impact in how you look in a bathing suit. If you’re self conscious about being too thin, look for a figure flattering swimsuit with a bold, exciting print in bright colors. This applies to both one piece suits and bikinis. If you’re heavier and want to play down your size, you can still wear prints but choose a smaller one with a dark background and less contrast. This tends to have a slimming effect. You can use the color block concept here too. If you have a boyish upper body but carry a little too much around the hips, choose a swimsuit with a bold, graphic top and a simple, dark bottom. Prints have the power to subtly alter the way your body parts look in a swimsuit.

Use Fabric Texture Contrasts

Another principle to consider when choosing a figure flattering swimsuit is the texture of your fabric. If you have a slim, boyish figure, swimsuits made of shinier materials can be flattering as they tend to make you look larger. If you’re trying to play down certain areas, choose darker, duller, more opaque colors which will cause the eye to recede. Again, use this principle to play up the parts you want to enhance and draw the eye away from figure flaws.

Using the principles of pattern and color to select a figure flattering swimsuit can make the job of bathing suit shopping much more fun. Think of it as an artistic challenge and create the beach body you want to have this summer!

There was already a T-shirt which had a message very close to my sister’s T-shirt idea. I guess she’s not the only one who’s tired of answering people’s questions about the baby’s gender and when the baby’s due.

2) Baby in construction!

These words are often inserted in a “Work in Progress” sign board found along the road. It takes 9 months for this construction to be completed. So beware!

3) Mommy in training

Although training to be a mommy is an endless process, it often begins with the pregnancy itself. What better way to learn about motherhood than to experience the discomforts, trials and tribulations of pregnancy and giving birth. Pregnant mothers often emerge more resilient and sturdy after their pregnancy and birth experience.

4) Mommy-to-be

This T-shirt is most suitable for proud mommies who can’t wait to tell others that they are going to be a mother soon.

5) I can grow people! What is your super power?

The words on this T-shirt will make any pregnant mom feel extraordinary. Women are born with this special power to bear a child. The men aren’t. So it is something really special, very close to having a super power!

6) Pregnant – handle with care

Pregnant women need special handling. They have designated seats in the bus and trains especially for them. They are often given light duties at work during their pregnany period. They are given months of maternity leave after they have given birth. All these shows that pregnant women need a lot of extra tender loving care.

7) I’m making a human. What have you done today?

Every single day for the nine months that I was pregnant, I woke up with a start and my first thought was “I’m pregnant!” Yup! Before I even do anything, I was already and constantly making a human during that period. So, was there anything special you have done today?

Give me a break! I’m creating life.

Pregnant mommies are often tired out from making a human. It takes up a lot of energy, thus the reason for the ravenous eating spree. So, give them a break if they are eating way too much for your (daddies-to-be, listen up!) liking! This also applies for giving them a massage, back rubs or feet massage!

9) Love makes the belly go round!

Taken from the phrase “Love makes the world go round”, this T-shirt is suitable for any pregnant mommies out there.

10) Does this baby make me look FAT?

For mothers who are concerned about their looks, this might be a funny T-shirt for them. But beware, daddy-to-be! Don’t try to agree with the statement!

If you don’t have time to create your own funny maternity T-shirt, then just look around these online T-shirt shops and buy one! Just make sure you order them in maternity sizes.

1. Hit The Stores
   

   Pick one day to hit all the charity stores in your town or city.

   Charitable organizations like The Salvation Army and Goodwill usually have stores in large towns or cities. Once a month I pick a day where I travel to most, if not all, of these stores to see what bargains are available. Charity used clothing stores often have “red tag” sales, where all clothing with the same color price tags are discounted in price. I’ve also noticed that three or four times a year these types of stores will have a one-day sale where everything is half-off in price. Try to choose those days to look for great deals on clothing.

   There are always incredible bargains to be had at charitable organization stores. I’ve found entire suits by fashionable brand name manufacturers for under thirty dollars in excellent condition.

   Blue jeans are particularly good to find at these stores, since they often have a lot of brand names like Levi’s, etc, in still very wearable condition for under ten dollars.

   If you have any items to donate, clothing or not, consider giving them to charity stores like Goodwill and The Salvation Army. I’ve donated items at a few of these stores and the staff has come to know me, so I often get even better prices from the cashier at the till.

   If you really want to crank it up to the next level for getting used clothing on the cheap, consider volunteering at a charity store.

   A few years ago I worked as a volunteer at a Salvation Army where I sorted through donations, so I was always able to get great clothing for myself for almost next to nothing or free because I was donating my time. Many of the clothing donations were in huge lots in my size, so I always had a great selection to choose from before the clothing went out on the rack for sale to the pub

2. Make Friends With Used Clothing Store Managers
   

    This tip may seem obvious, but it continues to pay off for me big time. Chat up the owners of good quality second hand clothing stores and become a regular customer, they will most often give you better deals out of appreciation for your patronage. I’ve made friends with one second-hand clothing store owner who gives me astounding deals! I bought a suede leather jacket in excellent condition, easily worth over two hundred and fifty dollars, for forty dollars because I became friends with that owner by frequently shopping at his store.

   Another advantage to becoming friends with a good second-hand clothing store owner is you can ask them to keep an eye out for the types and sizes of clothing you favor. You will get great clothing that way before somebody else gets the deal.

3. Clothing Exchanges

   An odd phenomenon I’ve noticed is that women will have clothing exchange parties, but guys rarely if ever do. However, if you’re a man, you can still get good used clothing from these exchanges from your female friends because women sometimes bring some of their husband’s or boyfriend’s clothing to trade at these parties. I once received over a dozen men’s dress shirts in excellent condition from a friend of mine because she held a clothing exchange party and she traded some of her clothes for the shirts.

   The original owner of the clothing, a boyfriend of one of the party exchange attendees, had lost a lot of weight so the shirts were too big on him. They fit fine on me, and even better, the shirts were totally free.So if you’re a guy, ask a few women with whom you’re friends if they hold clothing exchange parties. Often they’ll be glad to see if they can get you some clothes.

   If you’re a woman, hold a regular clothing exchange party every few months. Make it a fun time for your friends and you will get some incredible trades. Even better, your friends will spread the word that your exchange parties are fun and they’ll bring friends with even more clothing.

4. Garage and Yard Sales
   

   Oddly enough, the items that rarely sell well at garage sales is often clothing. Entire boxes and racks of used clothing is often ignored by people at garage sales, so always check these for deals. Always haggle with the person running the garage sale for a better price, too. If you’re buying a lot of clothing from a yard sale, ask for a flat price for the entire bundle.

   The weekend is the best time for yard sales. Check the newspaper and the Craig’s List in your area for these sales. If a particular yard or garage sale looks favorable for used clothing, get there when it opens for business, not before. Don’t show up early because that will probably annoy the yard sale people busy setting up for the day and they’ll be less likely to give you a deal on clothing.

   Often an entire neighbourhood will have a major garage sale where everyone on the same block sells their used goods on the same weekend. These sales are the best ones to hit up for used clothing because your travel time between houses is greatly reduced. Found out when these large communal yard sales are happening in the better, wealthier residential areas of your town or city; often the used clothing is of better quality than items bought at garage sales in the more “blue collar” neighbourhoods (no pun intended).

5. Warehouse And Clearance Sales

    Clothing stores sometimes hold big sales from their warehouses to get rid of old and damaged inventory. These warehouses can be a little difficult to get to, since they’re often in the more industrial areas of a city, but very well worth it. The clothes will be in big piles, and you may have to compete with many other people searching through the same pile, but the deals are hard to beat. I’ve found great deals for 75% to 90% off because of small stains making the clothing unsellable. Clothing has to be in excellent condition to sell at a good price in a retail store, so even very slightly damaged clothing will be resigned to warehouse sales. Sometimes you can haggle at a warehouse sale if you choose a lot of clothing and, like at a garage sale, ask for a flat price.

I hope these tips will help you find great second-hand clothing at fantastic prices or free! Avoid the retail clothing stores with their large mark-ups; with a little effort, you will find great deals on clothes and you & your wardrobe will look great. Good luck and have fun!

Selecting lingerie for short legs

If long legs are not your forte, you’ll want to choose lingerie that gives the illusion of leg length. To do this, choose styles that have a high cut leg to help maximize the height of your legs. A short chemise that hits high on the leg can be effective or a pair of high cut tap pants can be flattering on some women. For the more daring, a skimpy thong can make the legs look long and slim.

Disguising a plump tummy

If you have a plump tummy, it can be disguised by wearing lingerie in a dark, opaque fabric that covers the tummy. Stay away from light colored, sheer lingerie that exposes the stomach area. You can draw attention away from your tummy by emphasizing other areas of your body. If your have a nice bust line and shoulders, call attention away from the tummy area by emphasizing the upper half of your body. Wearing a two-toned chemise with a light color on top and a darker color on the lower half can help to draw the eyes upward. Adding a pretty necklace will also call attention to the upper half of your body. A bustier style may also be flattering if you have a well developed bust.

Lingerie for a small bust line

If you have small breasts, a style with an underwire or a bit of padding can give your natural breasts a boost. Another strategy is to call attention to your legs by wearing a baby doll style that’s cut high on the leg or a thong bottom.

Lingerie to disguise large thighs and a plump bottom

If you have large thighs, it’s best to choose negligee or baby doll style that has some fullness in the skirt to make the legs appear less full. Avoid styles that fit tightly against the lower half of the body. Again you can draw attention away from plump thighs by emphasizing the upper half of your body with a style that has a bustier or other breast enhancing detail.

You may want to consider color when choosing lingerie. If you have blonde or lighter colored hair, pretty pastel pinks and baby blues will look lovely on you, while brunettes can handle the stronger richer maroons and bright primary colors. (Keep in mind that bright colors can make a plump body look larger, while darker colors tend to give the illusion of a smaller size). Red heads look fantastic in greens and rich russet shades.

Spend some time shopping around and trying different styles before making your final lingerie selection. You’ll quickly find out which styles are most flattering for your particular skin tone and figure type.

Whenever I find something of interest along the lines that could work toward the betterment of all people, I do my very best to share it with others. I recently found an article about great eco friendly clothing lines that you can purchase from. I am sure many of you are already doing your part, but the more things we all know about, the better off we will all be.

Some eco-friendly clothing stores:

Beachy Keen:

• Made from bamboo fiber, organic cotton, and hemp.
• 2400 Main Street, Santa Monica
• Phone: 310.450.5837
• Website: naturalhighlifestyle.com

Fresh Crop:

• Made from organic cottons and a blend of other fibers.
• 1649 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock
• Phone: 323.344.0430
• Website: shopregeneration.com

Basics:

• Organic cotton.
• 104 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills
• Phone: 310.274.6292
• Website: americanapparelorganics.com

If you do not live near these stores you can still check out their websites!

Best wishes to all!

For more articles by Liane Schmidt:

• Green for Life
• Count Your Blessings
• Do Something Positive
• Don’t Forget to Recycle
• Six Natural Ant Repellants
• Need a Taxi? Hail an Eco Cab!
• Four Essential Forms of Exercise
• One Click: We Can Save the World
• B12 Shots: The Newest Energy Booster
• One Incredibly Amazing Website: Give 1.7K to the Charity of Your Choice for Free

Do you have a story, poem, artwork or photography you’d like to share and earn endless residual income? Please check out this site to earn limitless income for life: Triond

Choose monochromatic colors schemes

Monochromatic colors always look classy and elegant. Plus, solid colors tend to subtract pounds from your frame, making you look slimmer. An added bonus is that you’re less likely to get tired of solid colored clothing as opposed to prints.

If you want to dress up your monochromatic outfits, try adding some interesting jewelry.

Wear dark colors

Have you ever noticed how many wealthy people who can afford to dress rich wear black and navy blue? These colors tend to look appropriate for almost any occasion and add a certain level of refinement to your wardrobe.

Buy quality items from off-price sources

The value of a particular clothing item lies in how long it lasts and how many times you’re able to wear it. For that reason, don’t skimp on quality if you want to dress rich. Always choose a high quality fabric and a well made garment. If you can’t afford to buy the best quality, check out some off-price sources for high quality clothing including consignment shops, designer outlet stores and even your local Goodwill store. Goodwill stores often carry high end designer names at ridiculously low prices. It may take some searching, but you’ll often be rewarded with elegant items at great prices.

Go for the classics

Don’t jump on board to every trend that comes along. People who dress rich often wear updated classic fashion items as opposed to the latest fad. If you want to update a look, try adding a scarf, interesting belt, or a piece of jewelry instead of rushing out to buy the latest hot fashion trend.

Buy quality items off season

If you wait to purchase clothing at the end of a season, you can get some incredible bargains on quality designer clothing at your local department stores and even high end boutiques. Again, choose classic styles that will never go out of style.

Invest in an expensive purse

There’s no need to have a closet full of purses. Invest in one quality designer purse in black and carry it everywhere you go. If you choose a purse made of the highest quality material by a good designer, it can last for many seasons and will never go out of style.

As you can see, you don’t need to be wealthy to dress rich. With all the money you save, you can plan your next vacation.