(NC)-Even those of us who aren't particularly fashion-conscious tend to look at our closets come summer with a sense of longing. What can we add to last year's summer wardrobe to make it appear new and fresh? How can we achieve a designer look on a family budget? Suave (www.homebasics.ca) has combed the runways to find this season's best fashion trends and put together a game plan for tracking them down on a budget. Happy hunting.
Relatives' Closets
Rake through your family tree for a family member with a great sense of style and a penchant for quality who also tends to be a bit of a pack rat. The closets of our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and in-laws are gold mines for finding stylish vintage clothing whose trends have circled back to spring 2008. With a little digging and cajoling, you can own some of spring's hottest pieces for the price of tailoring. Look for jackets with oversize collars, long, flowing caftan dresses, head scarves, pencil skirts and sequins.
Vintage and Consignment Stores
If you aren't lucky enough to have a fashionista in your lineage, the next best thing is thrift stores. Vintage designer clothing has become such big business that tried-and-true standbys such as clothing resale stores are tapping into the market. Do your research before heading out, keeping in mind that consignment stores in upscale neighbourhoods tend to offer better finds. Look for white pantsuits, flowy florals in silk jersey or chiffon, vintage lace, knee-length skirts and clutch purses.
Discount Stores
Discount chains are doing an increasingly better job in their women's clothing departments, offering inexpensive versions of some of the season's hottest styles. The trick is to shop early before the size and selection has been picked over. For spring, that means getting into the store as early as mid-February. Discount stores also offer trendy accessories that can transform an outfit without a big monetary investment. Look for basic tops in spring's favoured bold colours like orange, rose, purple and green, skinny belts, metallic handbags and sequined ballet flats.
Do It Yourself
While normally this category is conspicuously avoided when it comes to fashion, there is a spring '08 trend that can be done at home: ombré (that's tie-dye to you and me). This bohemian look was all over the spring runways and is so easy to achieve, even five-year-olds can do it. Start with a stylish, great-fitting basic, such as a slim white tunic T-shirt. Begin with a pale dye on the top, gradually intensifying the colour as you work your way down, or vice versa. The result will be fun and bold and such a great statement there's no need for accessories.
-News Canada