Style Spotlight on: FreeStyle Exchange
Address: 6412 Tupelo Drive, Citrus Heights, CA 95621
Phone: 916-725-3733
Ever wonder where the wisest, both thrift and style conscious stop to shop? One of my many favorite places to spend an afternoon, FreeStyle Exchange. Not only do they buy your old clothes/shoes/accessories, both guys and dolls, but you can use the cred for in store must haves. Say hello to your new best girlfriend's at the front desk and drop off your clothes for sort-while-you-shop service.
Best of all, the Gals here are fantastic--helpful and upbeat (you'll never get that side long too-cool-for-you look like at some local boutiques). The service for the dressing rooms was prompt and polite--best of all it was offered by a nice Gent in a jaunty hat!
Send your guy over to the Men's section for that pair of fall boots, and step on over to the shoes. The organization here is nice--you can play around by shopping by color--there are little islands of shoe heaven atop the racks of blouses, tees, jackets and sweaters. The brands I noticed were Steve Madden, Nine West, Jessica Simpson, Gwen Stefani's: Harajuku Lover's, the list goes on and on. There's also a sized-out section, row by row, atop the jeans/slacks/skirts.
The back purse wall in the far left in something to behold--there's bags from every designer in almost every style and color. (I myself scored a tan with emerald leather trim Gucci bag with silver buckles for only $16.00--j'adore!!) To name a few I saw today--and remember this all changes quickly, so don't wait to score that treasure--Steve Madden, Gucci, Nine West.
The rear wall to the right painted a cheery bright red (I know, I'm biased, I don't care!) has the dresses, sized out and best of all--on CLEARANCE! There's also a section of shoes on clearance, some half off of already low prices!
My other scores today were a silken pair of black and pink floral PJ pants (no picture offered; a gal's gotta have some mystery, right?)--all over the place and a huge trend for those that know how to apply the PJ concept.
Firstly Ladies, you CANNOT look like you just rolled out of bed! If you're going to do this, your hair and makeup have to be done, front and center. Polishing off this look with some metallic jewelry keeps this from looking too "sleepy". (Think chunky pearl necklaces/earrings, and maybe even a red lip. Keep this look classy and ladylike.)
Secondly, the shoe has the be as far from a bed slipper as possible--to keep this feminine go with a metallic flat gladiator sandal or a bold high heel (keep the heel high and the profile slim, again, on the feminine side).
Shading: If the top is a bold color, go with a neutral or a sharp contrasting color for the skirt--the opposite holds true as well. If the top is a neutral, then skip standard black on bottom; think a bolder shade like orange or teal on bottom with bold purple bag.
Lastly, if you go for the silky pant, look for flowing fabrics in darker soft patterns featuring unexpected colors. Navy with a red geometric print would be stunning, or tan with a bold jewel tone print such as sapphire or ruby. If you try the PJ top, don't go too large or flowing if you're on the thinner side--the top should not try to eat you. If you are blessed with a full set of The Girls, treat them well by picking a top with darting/seaming for your bust as well as buttons that close without bowing or gapping. The top should hit no longer than mid hip if worn on the outside of jeans to keep from looking bulky, or be tucked in to a pencil skirt.
Follow these guidelines and you'll look on-trend, not in-bed. (Since I practice what I preach you'll see this concept on me shortly. <GRIN>)
Enough about me though--who wants to see a plus size beauty, styled by yours truly?
Casual here is on the wild yet sophisticated side--this top with the bold floral pattern and modern color palette are set off by the pink alligator flats; the extra edge is added to the shoe with the gold toe. This also works off the bold dark blue wash of this jean:
Here's were curves go classy--I hope you're sitting down, because retro meets ladylike in this black, white and pink confection. Notice the black heel which, from the back, offers a peek-a-boo of a silver leather bow:
Here we have a great caramel shade with a pop of emerald, on the beautifully warm complected Michelle. The same skinny jean as seen on our first model are rocked here and as a testament to their wearability, they were worn not only by both models (but Yours Truly):
My favorite pop of contrast in this outfit is the baby pink python wedges--they're so unexpected in that rosy tone against the silky caramel blouse (see how happy she looks?).
If I don't wrap this up, we'll go on forever--through the Vintage and Designer sections, the hats, the jewelry--but we'd be here all night! After all that shopping I'm bushed! The items featured here were all at thrift store prices, so my adrenaline really got going in there.....chuckle! (If anyone wants to go back, just let me know, I'm happy to go shop, I mean, er, escort you!)
That's all for now, StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas......Goodnight, and Good Dress!
No comments:
Post a Comment