As the fashionista that I am, the Summer Guide 2014 issue was supposed to be the pilot for a new weekly fashion column featuring the street style of the best dressed citizens of Duluth and much needed fashion tips from yours truly. Unfortunately, there were a few snags in my plan for a perfect first column. Yes, let me tell you all about it. Here is where the venting starts.

While the fashion tips were easy enough to come by – I know what I’m talking about – finding well-dressed men in their twenties and thirties was impossible. On the streets of Duluth, there was a plethora of fashionable ladies and older gentleman. Being that it was Memorial Day weekend, I was expecting everyone to be out and about and looking their best. The warm weather gave way to women in beautiful skirts, dresses, and shorts. Props ladies, you looked fine. I was also very happy to see older gentleman getting their groove on and being fashion-forward. So why was there disconnect between the younger men and the older men? Trust me, I went everywhere, Canal, the Lakewalk, Downtown, Miller Hill Mall looking for fashionable men. Nada. I looked high and low, but I did not see ONE guy in anything but sloppy shorts and a t-shirt. Is this look comfortable? Yes. Is this look fashionable? No. So of course, this was frustrating to say the least, and it ruined my column. With no younger men, my expected quartet turned into a trio. I don’t like having a missing piece.
So this week, I’m only featuring the ladies of this town, just to show how good we look. Guys, we are EXPECTED to put in the time and effort to look good for you, so why is it that these expectations required for you as well? I don’t like these double standards. Stop being lazy, take a shower, look at my tips, and get dressed in your Sunday best. Also if you already do dress nicely on a daily basis, please come out of hiding so I can take pictures of you for everyone to see.

Best Regards,
Jessica

P.S.

Thanks again to those of you who look good on a daily basis. You’re much appreciated.

How to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

$$$$$$$$$ - We wish there was more of it, but the reality is, it can be expensive to dress well. Notice I said can be. I call myself a Queen of Thrifting because I am a broke college graduate but still manage to look good. I’m proof that being fashionable on a budget can be achieved. Learning how is the hard part because unfortunately, being thrifty takes a lot of extra work. In the end, the money you save will be worth all the trouble.

Money Saving Tips:

Make your own shorts. Cut off shorts are trending right now, but why would you spend $30-50 on new ones? Cut off an old pair of jeans or buy a pair to cut yourself at a thrift store. When you could spend five dollars vs. thirty, the choice is obvious. Also, scissors can be found for less than $10 at Walgreens if you don’t own a pair.
Donate to Savers. Cleaning out your closet is something that should be done regularly. Great news for you is, if you donate to Savers, you’re doing a good deed and you get a 20% off coupon for donating. I shop at Savers all the time. You can find gold if you take the time to sort through all the racks.
Shop sales racks only. The mall can be a treacherous place, but I satisfy myself by only shopping racks. I zoom straight there when going into a store, and I don’t let myself look around at other things- unless there’s a killer sale going on. You can find some steals at the sales rack. Always look before you shop wholesale.
Look ahead and plan for sales. If there’s somewhere you love to shop, stalk their website. Most stores have some kind of sale or coupon floating around. I only wear American Eagle jeans, so I look on their website often.
Look for possible discounts. When in doubt, ask a sales associate if there are any deals at the store you’re shopping at. They know the place better than you. Building a relationship with retailers can make them more willing to help you out. Also make sure to look if stores offer special discounts. Student discounts, military discounts, and senior discounts are available at many stores around Duluth. If you’re a Whole Foods member, you get a 10% discount at the Electric Fetus. Many people don’t know about these discounts, but you should always ask.
Never buy at full price unless absolutely necessary. There’s always a possibility that a store will have the same or similar item you want to buy at a lesser price. Make sure you online shop for prices and also look around multiple stores before making a major purchase. If I can save $10, I’m happy.
Name brand doesn’t always mean better. When you buy basics, it’s foolish to spend lots of money. If it’s a clothing item or accessory that has frequent use, try knock-offs. Of course splurging now and then is okay, and T.J. Maxx is probably one of the best things to happen since the microwave. A designer brand at a discount price is music to my ears. When you buy something for $30 that was once $300, it is a victory.
Decorate plain clothes. I just bought a recycled jean jacket that I plan on sprucing up with some lively fabric. Jackets, pants, and t-shirts can all use a little glitz. Pimp your wardrobe with different prints, colors, jewels, and studs. Crafts are fun, and they can make your clothes unique to you and funky fresh. Though, if you are really crafty, making your own clothes can be even more fun and cost efficient. DIY is in style.