Friday, October 2, 2009

FASHIONISTA: Access Accessories

While the GFC's grip on the Australian economy slowly begins to loosen, so does the self-restraint of Australia's women. The fresh fashion forecasts for spring and summer are hitting the shelves of Myer and David Jones and are being consumed just as quickly. Not only are women stepping out of their winter woolies, but they're coming out of economical hibernation and are ready to spend spend spend in order to fill their wardrobes with the fashions of the season.

As exciting a time as this is for some as they exchange their opaque tights for Daisy Duke cut-offs, it can be torture for those still living on a tight budget. Frugality and fashion can struggle to co-exist as the battle between budget and beauty rages strong.

If you're still looking for spare change in the couch in hope that you can buy some new items for your summer collection, don't despair, as there are still some among us that can relate to your pain (I being one of them). But as I shop or more realistically - look and not purchase - I've come to discover you don't need to buy entire outfits to freshen up your wardrobe. A simple, well-chosen accessory can make all the difference and spice up the saddest of out-dated outfits without costing you next month's rent.

The best part about summer is your body becomes a canvas for accessories. While winter kept legs and arms and necks hidden away, summer invites them back out into the open. Bangles, rings, earrings, necklaces, neck scarfs, head scarfs, hair clips, sunglasses, straw hats, fedoras - each piece can become 'the piece' which pulls the whole outfit together. Team these with simple basics that you already have stocked in your wardrobe from last season and you've got yourself a fresh new look for a portion of the price.

While summer is about shedding your old skin and tanning up the new one, it doesn't mean the clothes you kicked around in last year don't still have some potential. Basics are a girl's best friend and sometimes they just need a little encouragement and fresh new shade of nail colour to become bright and shiny again.

If you're an accessory advocate with some design skills to boot, get out your sketch pad and start doodling your winning design for the Diva and Grazia Jewellery Design competition. The lucky winner scores $1000 cash, $1000 Diva gift voucher, 12 month Grazia subscription and work experience with Diva not to mention their range will be designed and sold in Diva stores around the country.

For more information and entry submissions, visit http://www.diva.net.au/.



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