by Kathy Pape – August 23, 2010

Spend Less to Flatter Your Figure

Fall is just around the corner – and that means it’s almost time for jeans weather!  Though a necessity for every woman’s wardrobe, finding your perfect pair of denim is not always the easiest thing to do.   Like the time when the salesperson convinced Steph to spend $150 on a design that had the back pockets as the front pockets.  They convinced her that she looked great – sort of a rock and roll look – instead of what it really was -  literally an ass backwards purchase! But haven’t we all overspent on jeans during a frenzied attempt to find a flattering fit?

I’ve always had a hard time finding the right pair of jeans.  I’m short, so I always have to get them hemmed – and for some reason my jeans always stretch out and don’t look as good as they did in the store.  So we asked the experts at 6PM.com for some Fab & Fru secrets on how to buy the perfect pair of jeans so you don’t spend a bundle on your search for this wardrobe staple!

Still Have High Hopes for Low Rise?

Let’s face it – NO ONE looks good with their thong showing!  Thank goodness the low rise isn’t as low as it was a few years ago!  I was guilty of having my underwear hang out just like everyone else and my husband once asked me “Why do you wear jeans like that?”  I wore them because that’s all that was in the stores!  Women who have trim waists (really trim, people!) are really the only people who can get away with low rise (think Britney Spears before babies.)

Hide Your Muffin Top with Mid Rise

This is my favorite style because I have what’s lovingly called a muffin top.  Jerry Seinfeld coined this phrase and – while hilarious – it’s not very funny when you have one.  After two kids and endless dieting I have come to terms with the fact that my muffin top will never go away, so I try my best to hide it.  Mid Rise jeans are just the right height because they’re cut above your love handles which makes you look slimmer, but they don’t go all the way to the waist so you have the “mom jeans” effect.  According to our experts, mid rise should always have a little extra space around the waist so they don’t pinch and bulge.

You should be able to stick your fingers in between the waistband and your skin easily.  It’s also a good idea to buy a pair with a little bit of stretch in the fabric.  When I finally found the perfect cut, I bought three pairs!  I swear by Joe’s Jeans in the Honey cut, and to me it is worth the splurge!  AG Adriano Goldschmeid also has a fabulous fit, and for an even cheaper price point, try the Long Lean Cut by The Gap.

Wear Your Skinny Jeans Right

I own one pair of skinny jeans, and I’ve only worn them three times.  They make me look and feel like a sausage, but the stylists at 6PM.com tell us skinny jeans can actually look good on more body types than people think!  Skinny jeans are supposed to hug your body, your butt and your waist just like all your other jeans do- without causing bulges.  The problem is that many women buy their skinnys too tight.

Try wearing your skinny jeans with boots and a longer top.  As long as the waistband isn’t too tight, but the legs are snug- these jeans can be very flattering. The key is to make sure you buy a pair with a little more stretch in the fabric so your jeans will give a little as you move…

Elongate Your Legs with Boot Cut

Any body type can wear the boot cut and look stylish.  The key to boot cut is to wear them with a higher heel.  The jean should then be hemmed to almost skim the floor. If you can see your entire shoe, then your jeans are too short. This is why it is crucial to bring the shoes you plan on wearing with the jeans to the tailor with you.  Nothing’s worse than getting jeans hemmed just to realized they look like clam diggers when worn with your favorite boots!

Flare Cut for the Slender

Like low-rise, these jeans look best on slender women who are narrower in the hips.

When rockin’ the flare cut, you need the contrast of snug fit through the thighs so the flare accentuates the intended look-  similar to a toned down bell-bottom.  If the jean goes from wide to wider, it doesn’t flatter your legs — and makes you look shorter.   That’s a lose-lose situation!

Look Feminine In Boyfriend Jeans

The boyfriend jean is still, hands down, the most comfortable jean because they are loose fit and don’t cut off the circulation around our waists, hips and thighs.   The trick to boyfriend jeans is to make sure they are loose but not so baggy that you look messy or unkempt!

I still think this is a hard look to wear – even the tall, emaciated actresses I see wearing them in the magazines look sort of just so-so.  For an average woman on the street, I just don’t think this look translates very well.  Plus, I have a feeling this is one denim trend that won’t be around much longer.  I would leave this one to the low-rise crowd – if you are super skinny, it just might work on you, but then again, probably just about anything works on you.

‘Cut’ Your Losses

These suggestions should make all the difference when you brave the stores this fall to find the perfect pair of jeans.   One final piece of advice that a store clerk once taught me is to wear new jeans around the house for a few hours to see if they stretch or pinch before you cut off the tags!

by Brandi Savitt – July 26, 2010

Trendy Tips to Help You Save with Style

While most of us are searching for ways to stay cool in this 100 degree weather, fall fashion is heating up and filling up the racks at every store.  But DON’T worry about needing to buy a whole new look this year, many trends from last year are back, and with just a little added flare you can save money by going shopping in your own closet.  Whether you’re going back to school or back to work this September, Fab & Fru has some simple ways to resurrect your old winter wardrobe, and give it a jolt of runway wow!  From collars to colors, we’ve pulled our favorite fall 2010 style trends from Vogue and Fashionising to let you know- you don’t have to spend a lot of money to look sensational!

Give Your Summer Dresses Another Chance

Extend the life of your summer dresses by layering your outfit with a sweater or blazer.  Get a autumn street chic look by losing the flip flops in favor of tall boots with your short skirt.

Play with Color

From earthly golds and blues, to purple and pale gray, Pantone’s picks for fall fashion allow you to mix match and layer with both old and new pieces to achieve a style all your own!

Mix & Match Military Style

Forget the camouflage, and re-think a sleek look that plays with army green & navy blue.  Add some lace, faux fur or leather – and you’ll certainly make more than a political statement.

Button It Up

This season, reinvent your old button up collared blouses, by simply buttoning them up all the way! Wear one under a vest or blazer, or accessorize with a  few extra long chains.

Not So Simple Socks

Whether it’s knee highs, over the knee, thigh highs or short socks over tights and skinny pants, add color and style to your look by playing with your socks.  Show off your fancy footwear by wearing them with heels, ankle or short boots.  Experiment with color and texture to dress up a plain skirt or solid color dress!

Winter White Tights

Just because the weather turns cool, doesn’t mean you have to default to wearing black tights under every skirt or dress this year.  White tights are in this season, and investing in a pair is a cheap way to transform your old look into one that is fashion forward.  For some extra flare, throw a pair of socks over your tights and wear your favorite boots!

Become a Swapaholic!

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with fellow frugalista Melissa Masselo from Shoe String Magazine – one half of the team known as the Swapaholics!  Although the concept of organized clothing swaps is a growing trend in the world of Fab & Fru fashionistas, I have never actually been to one!  To be honest, the idea of getting a new, trendy wardrobe was not my first thought upon hearing the word ‘swap’, but thankfully times have changed…  Melissa set me straight on the new, chic swaps and even gave me some insider tips on how to be a successful swapper!

Melissa’s love of swapping started after college with like-minded girlfriends – namely, women who had “a mind for fashion, but not the wallet.”  What started as fun get together with friends, pizza, wine and clothes has now transformed into a thriving business and fantastic resource for stylish bargain shoppers.  Melissa and her Swapaholic partner in crime, Amy Chase from vintage blog Punky Style, started out by joining forces to host swaps in the Boston area.  The idea behind the Swapaholics is that you and your fashionable friends probably have tons of FAB clothes sitting in your closet, just waiting to be loved- by someone else.  Their swaps were so successful, they are now hosting them across the country, including a MASSIVE one THIS SATURDAY in LA!   When I asked what kind of brands they see, Melissa said it was not uncommon, for example, to spot AG and Paige jeans – which usually retail for close to $200.  Her favorite swap find? She once found a See by Chloe leather jacket – new – with the tags still on!

How does it all work?

Usually there is a small fee for an entry ticket, say between $10 and $20 — but if you bring clothes to swap the price is reduced, usually by $5 or so.  For just a few dollars, you gain entry and can take as much as you want…really!  When I asked Melissa if anyone has ever gone to one of their swaps and walked away empty handed she said “that has literally never happened!  There is something for everyone.”  And this weekend, as an extra incentive,  you get a reusable swap bag filled with great coupons, products and gift certificates – how Fab & Fru is that?!

Many swaps are clothing only, but this weekend in Los Angeles, “there will be basically everything but the kitchen sink”, says Melissa.   The event will feature lots of home items in addition to primo women, men and kids clothing.  Melissa assured me that there will be a good mix of sizes and items.  They are expecting at least 400 people, so you have to imagine there will be an amazing selection!

Tips for a Successful Swapper

• Get there early!
  
• Don’t put down your REAL stuff! An on the job hazard of being a swapper is that you might take off your favorite jean jacket – with your cell phone in it- set it down – and someone else might pick it up thinking it is part of the swap -oh my!
• Wear Layers- there are NO dressing rooms! For example, wear a bathing suit underneath your clothes so you can slip form fitting dresses or shirts over your head in the isle to  get a truer sense of the fit and feel!

Hey LA- Info on this Weekend’s SWAP!

Frugal Fe$t Summer Swap 2010
Saturday, June 19th 2010
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
North Hollywood Performing Arts Center
Website: http://frugalfestival.wordpress.com

Stay tuned for info on a clothing swap near you!

by Kathy Pape – May 6, 2010

And Get in the Swim!

There is nothing worse than shopping for a bathing suit.  Every woman dreads it…unless you’re a Sports Illustrated model. And, of course, when you live in Las Vegas like I do, it’s literally the staple of your summer wardrobe! Not a day goes by that I don’t wear a bathing suit, so as the temperature begins to creep up to the 115-degree mark I know it’s time to bite the bullet and go shopping.  Swimsuits are usually not returnable due to their undergarment-like nature, so it is very important to choose correctly when purchasing. Luckily, Fab & Fru asked the fashion experts at 6PM.com for some tips on how to find the right suit for your body type!

Shop with a Friend

It turns out the best way to shop for a swim suit, is to bring along a honest girlfriend (assuming your friend knows how to break bad news to you gently)! Noel Cusimano, a buyer and stylist for 6PM.com says the THREE BIGGEST MISTAKES women make when buying a new suit are: not knowing their assets, not understanding their trouble areas and not having a good friend to tell them how it REALLY looks!  The key, she says, is figuring out what parts of your body you’d like to feature, and what areas of your body you want to hide (mine is the annoying muffin top from having two kids).

Play Up Your Assets- Not Your Problem Areas!

Here in Vegas everyone wears a bikini whether they should or not.  6PM.com’s Senior Buyer Graham McCulloch says there’s no age when you absolutely have to stop wearing a bikini!  He points out that Helen Mirren (65) and Demi Moore (48) still rock their bikinis, but he says you should be honest with yourself and pick the right suit for your body. “A bikini is all about the torso, so if you don’t have a great middle you might want to go for some of the cute one piece options that are really popular right now,” says McCulloch.  “A lot of one pieces have cutouts on the side, open backs, plunging necklines and really high cuts which play up your legs or chest without showing your midsection.”

The Bikini Mix n’ Match

If you are daring enough to wear a bikini, the hot style this year is a solid top with mix and match bottoms. The key is to match, but make it look like an accident- think California surfer girl!  This look is also Fab & Fru because many of these bikinis are reversible, so you get two suits in one!

Dark Colors & Prints

Black is slimming, and that applies to a bathing suit more than the little black dress…  And you don’t have to stick with just basic black either. Navy and any other dark color will do the trick to make your silhouette look slimmer!  On the flip slide, loud prints attract attention to your trouble spots and will make you look bigger than you really are.

Cup Runneth Over?

Cleavage is great, but it can also have its disadvantages.  It’s sexy, as long as it’s under control and supported correctly. If you’re a C cup or above you should choose a suit with an under wire top or one that’s designed for long torsos that will give you some extra material where you need it!

by Stephanie Berenbaum – April 21, 2010

Unexpected Style Savings

I might be overstating it just a little bit, but I think I can feel the forces of fashion karma at work.  I debated whether or not to share my love of very expensive AG jeans with you all the other day in my “Urge to Splurge” article.  But here at Fab & Fru, we believe the key to having a healthy relationship with your finances is to talk openly about money & spending- which includes fessing up about your favorite splurges.  And a mere one day later, my cathartic admission seems to have paid off – at least for you ladies!

I happened to be walking past the AG store yesterday and stopped in to browse around.  With alarm, I noticed that though they still had my prized Mid-Rise Angel jean (AG – $168)  in stock, in many colors, the one color I loved the most – the Dakota – was gone.  I panicked.  What if my kids threw crayons in the drier before I turned it on this morning?  After 38 years of searching for the right jean was it all gone, just like that?

When I confronted the salesman, he got all Fab & Fru on me – and I want to share this insider tip with you!  He calmly told me that the Dakota color was officially discontinued – but actually still available – for HALF PRICE – at AG Outlets around the country! There was nothing wrong with them – they just sent the discontinued colors out to pasture.  Could this really be true?  I called Woodbury Commons in New York – sure enough, they had a whole bunch of my beloved Mid Rise Angel Dakotas – for $86 each – half price (and yes, still pricey – I know)! I didn’t even know that AG had outlets, or that perfectly good Dakota colored Mid Rise Angels would be there, just waiting for Fab & Fru girls to snap them up!

Finding the half price AGs definitely sent me back into Fab & Fru shopping mode, so of course my next stop was Target.  I was clearly having a lucky fashion day and wanted to keep the momentum going.

Again, the universe seemed to be revealing fashion finds to me more than usual.   There was a pair of sandals I bought at Target last year that were so comfortable (seriously!) and so adorable, I wore them every day and then kicked myself for not having bought two pairs. But there they were on the shelf!  The Merona Elvera Demi Wedge ($19.99) back and better than ever – in several new colors!  So much Target fashion is discontinued after a season, I couldn’t believe my good fortune!  Apparently, I wasn’t the only one in love with these sandals.

And the sandals were just the start of my Target victories for the day.

As I was walking through Nordstroms the other day, I saw the most fabulous pair of Birkenstock-like sandals by Fab brand Pedro Garcia.  They were more refined than Birkenstock – plus they were gold and encrusted with rhinestones.  SO cute for summer, I thought. The price – not so cute — $400!!!!   I could not believe my eyes.

So, back to my karmic trip to Target.  Right next to my beloved Merona Elvera’s, I see a glimmering rhinestone beckoning to me.  Would you believe that Target has a reasonable facsimile of the Pedro Garcia’s – for only $14.99?  The Mossimo Walker Embellished Metallic Gold sandal is, of course, not exactly the same as the Pedro, but close enough!

Now I am feeling like my new target shoes, AG jeans and a t- shirt will be my summer uniform.  Maybe just an accessory to top it off?  I had recently been eyeing a long, multi-chain necklace at a boutique on 3^rd street – but at $300 it hardly seemed worth it.  Then my woman’s intuition led me to the Hollywood Intuition rack at Target – and I found one of my favorite necklaces of all time – for just $16.99!! The Hollywood Intuition Multi-chain link necklace, with its layers of gold chains and faux tortoise shell is just what I was looking for.  And so similar to the $300 boutique version that I had been salivating over- for  less than $20!

As I walked out thinking about my new summer ensemble, it occurred to me it was the perfect mix of fab and fru – my crazy expensive jeans – worth every penny – combined with shoes, accessories and a tee from target – are a true fab and fru fashion victory!

by Stephanie Berenbaum – April 19, 2010

The End to My Denim Dilemma

As you may have noticed, we typically write about fantastic deals and frugal finds. After all, we are Fab & Fru.  However, we can not neglect the fact that half of being Fabulous & Frugal is knowing when it’s okay to JUST BE FABULOUS!  We don’t talk about it often, but what do you do when you stumble upon a FAB ONLY FIND that is a MUST HAVE and totally worth the splurge?  The answer is simple.   As long as you’re going to get good use out of it, you won’t go into debt buying it, or default on your rent- we say: BUY IT! The right splurge can actually be a great investment and save you money in the long run!

After searching for decades, I have finally found a pair of jeans that I LOVE, and they are absolutely my favorite splurge! The brand might not exactly roll off the tongue, but it should – so here is my unabashed shout out to Adriano Goldschmied for making the AG Mid Rise Angel Jeans — worth every penny of their $160.00 price tag! You know if Miss Fab & Fru is endorsing a $160 pair of jeans, they must be something special.

The last pair of jeans I remember truly loving were bought in the 3^rd grade – they were Gloria Vanderbilt with a narrow, red, disco-era satin stripe down the side of each leg.  And they were Fabulous.  Of course that was 30 years ago, and  I haven’t found a pair to get excited about since…until now.

As a work from home mom of two, jeans are my uniform. And given that I live in L.A., that means that jeans are an acceptable choice for just about every social event from dinners to some weddings and beyond.

If you looked in my closet, you’d find the eighth wonder of the world: Denim Mountain.  Depending on your body type, you may not understand why I have had such issues finding jeans, but here’s the deal: I am 5’3” (if I stand up really straight), I have had two kids, and instead of being blessed with long legs, I have a long torso.  Which means that when I am sitting down, I look relatively tall and most people don’t realize I am a petite section shopper until I stand up.  One of my closest friends on the planet is only an inch or so taller than I am, but her legs basically extend up to my breasts – you know the type.    I actually always thought she was a good 5 inches taller than I am, until I realized she had just won out on the proportion game.

The lack of long legs, height, and (sort of) recent birth of two children has left me horribly out of fashion – no ultra low cut, long legged lady jeans for me.  And the issue of always having to get my jeans hemmed adds insult to injury – very few jeans look decent once they have been slashed into petite mode.  I have at certain points considered just going back to an earlier time and becoming a skirt-only lady, giving up on jeans all together.  However, try sitting in a mommy and me gym class and rolling backwards on the floor with your kid in a skirt – not so ladylike after all…

I’ve tried buying inexpensive jeans – actually so many pairs that they no longer count as being inexpensive! But I hadn’t found anything terribly flattering. Which isn’t to say I didn’t wear them – I just didn’t feel good about wearing them.   I kept hearing about how this one brand – AG – was terrific.  Of course, the people I was hearing about it from either weighed 90 pounds or were of the long legged variety, so I was skeptical.  Finally,  one day I just had it !  I ventured into Beverly Hills and had what I expected to be my first and last denim hurrah at the AG store.  I wasn’t hopeful at all when I walked in, and hoped to have enough control to walk out without another pair of jeans that would end up in the pile of rejects.

by Brandi Savitt – April 14,2010

Stylish Rain Boots & Coats for Less

I don’t know why, but when it comes to fashion, I have spent my entire adult existence denying the fact that it often rains in New York City, and that I should own some cute and functional rain gear!   I have cool snow boots and coats for all shades of winter, but every time it rains, I show up to the office with wet feet, damaged shoes, and I’m chilled to the bone for hours.  All in all- NOT very Fab & Fru of me…  So this spring, I have vowed, as April Showers bring May flowers, to hunt me down some fun & affordable rain gear rain gear that I won’t mind wearing to a lunch meeting.  My goal- boots & a jacket for under $100.. Here’s what I found!

Rain Boots Under $40!

Can someone tell me how rubber slip on boots can ran range from $25-$800?  There are A LOT of rain boots out there to choose from, so whether you want a more classic style or something a little more funky, there are several sites out there that offer great discounts on name brands as well as fantastic deals from lesser known companies.

6pm.com

6pm.com has deals for up to 47% off pricier name brand rain boots like Hunter & Sorel.  However, their best deals under $40 are on select Kamik & Sperry Topsider styles all around $35 dollars.   To make the deal even more enticing, 6pm is offering FIVE Fab & Fru readers a chance to win an additional 20%. To enter, just SIGN UP for the Fab & Fru mailing list!

Like.com

Like.com is a pretty cool site that searches the web for the best online deals on certain brands & products, and then directs you to the online store where you can order the merchandise directly.  Their shoe search section led me to discover the amazing range of $25 rain boots at Target, as well as my new favorite rain boot brand Nature Breeze- with all styles on sale for $26-$34.  To make it even easier, you can narrow down your search by size and price point!

ShiekShoes.com

ShiekShoes.com has a large variety of boots and most of the Nature Breeze Rain Boots I found on Like.com are actually for sale directly at here for under $34.  (Like.com will send you here).

Target

Target has an abundant range of rain boots from classic styles to colorful prints all for $24.99!

Rain Coats Under $60!

It must admit, it was much more challenging to find a good deal on a coat with some flare than the plethora of boots on sale out there.  However, once again Target pulled through with a darling belted rain jacket ($49.99) in FIVE COLORS that rivals a Micheal Kors coat that I’ve been eying! I was also pleasantly surprised to find some great deals at Overstock.com!  Overstock has three classic styles of  DKNY jackets and trenches for under $60 as well as two ABS looks that are worth a peek!

My Rain Boots & Jacket!

Here’s my new look rain look for $77!

Black Target Rain Coat: $49.99

Nature Breeze ‘Horse’ Rain Boots (Like.com): $26.88

Changing Lives Around the World Through Fashion

Shop at Target and help save the world? Now that sounds Fabulous & Frugal!  With the debut of Global Girlfriend products at Target.com, you can help women worldwide while giving an affordable boost to your own wardrobe!

I was trolling through Target.com after perusing the new Jean-Paul Gaultier for Target collection (how do you say “disappointing” in French?) when something unique caught my eye.  It was a glistening, sequined pouch (Sinless Sequin Pouch $14.99) that would end up inspiring me in more ways than one .….

This fab bag – as well as lots of other gorgeous accessories – were all from a line called Global Girlfriend.  All of their items are handmade and benefit women’s organizations around the world.  Many disadvantaged women “desperately try to make a living selling their goods, but find they have no access to market opportunities.”  But now, Global Girlfriend brings their stunning work directly to you!

In addition to the accessories featured on Target.com, their site globalgirlfriend.com has a much larger selection, including apparel. Their website is also a great place to learn more about women worldwide, including those your purchases will be benefiting.  For instance, did you know that women are the poorest of the world’s poor – with nearly 900 million women living on less than a dollar a day? Your purchase of a Global Girlfriend product will help women around the world to help themselves economically, which of course positively affects their lives in so many far-reaching ways.

So the next time you are on Target.com, just think – in addition to the mindless reordering of household basics, you can help a global girlfriend out.  Here are some of our top picks from the online Target collection:

Bead True Necklace, $19.99

Laptop Computer Bag $39.99

A Spot Of Good Scarf, $24.99

Macrame Necklace, $17.99

Not Just For Warmth but for Fashion

Have you ever woken up with an irrational and passionate need to change up your look for the season? Maybe a color you rarely wear becomes an obsession or a cut of jeans you never thought you’d ever be caught dead in suddenly becomes your must have everyday look.  Well, after an entire lifetime of admiring women who accessorize with scarves, but never thinking twice of experimenting with them in my own wardrobe, I literally woke up a few weeks ago with a visionary mission to become a scarf person.

Although I admire the look of big jewels on others, I am not personally drawn to the glitz and glam of all the chunky jewelry that is so popular this winter.  As an alternative to the multiple chain look, why not add a scarf or two your accessory collection.  Depending on how you wear it, the same scarf can transform a simple outfit into a more sophisticated, funky, dramatic, elegant or whimsical eye catching statement!

As for price- scarves can be surprisingly expensive. But you don’t have to buy a raw silk Marc Jacob’s to get the look you want.  In my own search for my perfect new accessory, I’ve come across some unexpected affordable beauties! Anthropologie, Target, H&M and Urban Outfitters all have a variety of non-wintery stylish scarves from $30 down to under $10 bucks!  And if you know how to sew a simple hem- you are golden!  Any lightweight fabric can easily be turned into a flowing- you guessed it- scarf!

Create multiple Fab & Fru looks by draping your scarf around your neck or shoulders.  Try using it as a headscarf or headband in your hair. And don’t forget to accentuate your waist!  A scarf can make a great belt, sash, or sarong/skirt over leggings. So get inspired, experiment and turn an ordinary outfit into a showstopper!

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