“Who is your stylist?” Four little words I always love to hear. Whether it’s out on the streets, or in my inbox – I love when another feels comfortable enough to say “hey girl, hey! You look cute!” Well thank you, boooo thang! I do try! And guess what? I’ll usually tell you where I got it from… usually.

Ok no for real, I’ll tell ya! In fact, with the resurgence of lalovelee.com, I promise I’ll do better adding some of my favorite finds and retailers to the blog… especially those who cater to my curvy ladies. But today I’ll quickly share a few of my favorite tips to keep my closet on the ready. Ready? Bet…

1.Catch the sale.

Who needs Black Friday these days? I LOVE a good sale and don’t particularly like to wait for a special occasion to find one. Especially when I know what I am looking for. There have been so many great deals I’ve seen, especially with this unfortunate Covid-19 pandemic situation, and I did my due diligence in forwarding on an email or two to my list when it came thru the inbox. Sales are awesome because money is funny and who doesn’t love a good deal? If I can get something for 30%, 40%, even 50% off – I am totally down for the cause. Of course, the item needs to be something you 1) actually can and will use in the wardrobe and 2) something you actually can afford. If neither of the two apply, skip it girl. There will be others…

2. Keep the receipt.

So, I am that girl who at any random moment has a few items in the closet with tags still attached. What?? Fight me. See #1. It was probably on sale and my wardrobe could use it! Perhaps I just didn’t have the event yet. Maybe it was the last ribbed sweated in my size and I couldn’t leave it in good conscience. Who knows? The point is, at some point and time I grabbed it and when I get the call to make that last minute grand opening, ya girl has a gown just waiting in the wings. Buuuttt… in the event that the call never comes, or my workouts are on point and I just dropped a size, I have no problem making a return. Oh I keeps the receipts! Look… sometimes it just doesn’t work out and we can’t go together. So, no bad feelings. It’s me, not you. But you can’t stay. It’s been real.

3. Reuse and re-purpose.

I am not a celebrity. And more importantly, my bank account is not a celebrity. So if you like those denim jeans you saw me in last week, that’s great! You’ll probably see me in in them again next week. Oh I will re-use an item in a minute. Clean it, iron it (maybe), put it back in the closet! I know we live in the world of Instagram and TMZ, where everything is photographed and posted for the world to see, but let’s be realistic. I have lived all over the place, from Brazil to New York, and my closet can only be so large. Repeats are not optional. And don’t be afraid to re-purpose as well! That cute dress hanging in the pic below doubles as my headwrap whenever the mood hits. If it works, it works!

4. Splurge on the classics.

Trends come and go, but classics last forever! Keep that in mind when you’re deciding how much to spend on that glittery leopard sweatshirt. Just saying – consider the staying power and what it’s worth to you. I rather spend on a few good pencil skirts and blazers if I know I’ll be rocking them for quite some time. Not that I won’t rock a cute trendy romper if it’s in budget, but I’ll save the splurge for items that can take me into next year or beyond.

5. Mix and match.

Black on black on blaackk. Yes, I like black too. But don’t be afraid to step out there. Polka dots. Stripes. Prints. Colors. Once you allow yourself the freedom to be creative, your current wardrobe may expand before your eyes. Mix and match the separates you have. Tie everything together with a sweater or a scarf. Think layers on layers on layers. Nothing dresses up an old item like a new one! So take a chance and mix it up. You’ll be surprised how cute it could be.

6. Shoes matter.

Please, please, please don’t ruin a great outfit with a bad shoe. I know, shoes can be expensive but they don’t have to be. That’s why you should refer to #1 and #4. A few good pairs of pumps can go with almost anything! Heels not your things? No problem, get some great flats that are comfortable and stylish. And try them on first – not all sizes are created equal. C’mon Cinderalla… don’t forget your slipper 🙂

What are some of your favorite fashion tips? Do share! I’ll be adding more ideas to the blog and who knows – I may just include one of your suggestions (with credit, of course!)

xoxo,
La