Staying Fashionable in a Recession: A Wardrobe for All Seasons

Depending on where you live, you may be subject to everything from gale force blizzards to sweltering summer heat throughout the year. Those who live in more temperate climates may have it a little easier, but even Floridians need to have some “winter” clothes for the rare chilly evening or northern vacation. In essence, many of us have three or four separate wardrobes, one for each season.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to streamline your wardrobe so that most of what you own can be worn in any season. Granted, your snow boots will still sit idle in your closet in July, but by choosing clothing that can be layered and mixed and matched, you’ll get a lot more mileage out of your “seasonal” duds – and look fabulous doing it!

For instance, take your basic camisole style tank top . This is a must for your summer wardrobe, but why let it languish in a drawer in the winter? Instead, pair it with an open weave sweater or chunky cardigan. You’ll be plenty warm and get some use out of your summer clothes as well. Pairing the same neutral sweater with a variety of colored tanks allows you to create a whole new look for the price of a tank top, which is likely to be much less expensive than buying a whole new sweater!

Repurposing some of your winter clothes for summer can save you some cash as well. Instead of buying a winter coat plus a windbreaker or light jacket for fall and spring, choose a coat that has a zip-out lining or vest – two coats for the price of one! Even your winter hat can be a fashion item in the off-season: go for a felt bowler (in a fun color) instead of a stocking cap, and you can wear it almost year round.

Bathing suits and mittens may always be seasonal, but most of your wardrobe doesn’t have to be. Wearing clothes in the “wrong” season has another fashion-forward benefit too – you’ll never end up wearing the same outfit as someone else!

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Skate Item of the Week: The Roxy so Hip Dress

With the weather warming and the skies clearing it is the perfect time to refresh your spring/summer wardrobe. One option that will quickly freshen up your wardrobe is the Roxy So Hip Dress. This casual slip on dress will work great as a weekend lounging outfit or as an element of a casual work outfit.

Roxy So Hip Dress
The Roxy So Hip Dress , which retails for $46.00, comes in three very refreshing colors, banana cream yellow, regatta blue and shamrock green. The dress also comes in five sizes, extra small, small, medium, large and extra large. The measurements for the length of the dress start at 30 inches for the small size and increase slightly with each size up that you order.

This dress is made of 60 percent cotton and 40 percent polyester. It has a jersey mineral wash finish and a very cute V-neck design with a tie at the waist belt. This little dress also has a single chest pocket for an added detail and point of interest.

To keep this dress in good condition you will want to make sure you follow the washing instructions that come with it. First of all you will want to use a mild detergent like Woolite. This will prevent fading, fiber stretching and fiber damage. Next you will want to wash this item on a warm and delicate setting on your washing machine. Finally, you will need to tumble dry the dress on a low setting or hang it out to dry.

Wardrobe Tips
The Roxy So Hip Dress is a versatile piece. First of all it works great all by itself for a very casual look. Pair it with a pair of flip flops or sandals for an easy day on the boardwalk, at the park or at the beach. If you want to wear this dress to a business function or to work then simply pair it with a linen blazer in white, tan or a complimentary color. Finish the look with a beaded necklace and a matching pair of pumps. For a night on the town you can dress up this dress with a pair of heels, a great necklace and a matching clutch.

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Outdoor Product of the Week: Trench Coat

Whether you’re heading out on a walking trail or running errands across the city this spring, do it in style with a chic and versatile trench coat. The classic trench coat continues to be one of spring’s ultimate must-have accessories, a necessary transition piece between chilly winter days and the warm months ahead. The season’s most coveted coats are designed in bright and bold colors and simple, classic styles that flatter your figure and give you just enough coverage to ward off chilly winds and the occasional rain shower. Easy to pack, clean and maintain, the trench works with cropped pants, jeans, skirts and even dresses.

The Patagonia Women’s Negril Trench Coat is a stylish and sassy addition to your spring and summer wardrobe, the best way to enjoy cooler days and nights without bulking up with sweaters and extra layers. The double-breasted trench coat is designed with a slimming, fitted cut with stretch cotton for extra support and feminine shaping. Trench coats are a versatile jacket for almost any body shape, and even the loose and comfortable fitting can turn any basic outdoor ensemble into something a little more sharp and stylish.

Both the front and the back of the Patagonia Trench are designed with contoured seaming for the perfect fit; use the wide belt to emphasize your waistline and create an even more flattering effect. This coat also features hip pockets on the princess seams, printed binding and trim on the inside, and the coat falls right above the knee for maximum coverage. Plus, the high-quality materials allow you to machine wash and dry at home – no extra trips to the dry cleaners necessary. The wrinkle-free materials will make this coat a low-maintenance addition to your spring closet.

Get this one for casual weekend days, running errands after office hours or even as a versatile coverall for leisurely walks and hikes in the backcountry. The Patagonia trench coat is available in “Afterglow,” an eye-catching burnt orange that looks great with jeans, black pants and other basics, and “Sesame,” a light khaki color that works especially well with skirts, summer dresses and capris.