Keeping Up With the Kardashians? Or My Budget?

     As we’re all remaining hopeful that’ll we’ll soon be returning  to civilization, now could make a good time to update our closets and prepare for upcoming appearances, photo shoots and performances. We’ve created a 4-Step Guide to stay fly during this pandemic and not go broke at the same time.

1. Discover Your Personal Style

​By first answering the following questions you’ll able to better grab a handle on who you are as an artist and what vibe you’d like to create.

2. Create "Inspo" Boards

• Who would I like for my audience to see?
• What story am I trying to tell through my wardrobe?
• Where do I draw inspiration for my looks?
• Why is this the vibe I’d like to convey?
• How will I convey this through my outfits?

While it may seem cliché or a hobby designated strictly for stay-at-home moms or DIY freaks, “Inspo” boards on apps like Pinterest are a great way to visualize ideas you have. Seeing how styles you like look on people with similar aesthetics or body types as you, could help eliminate some of the trial and error you may otherwise have to endure. You can categorize your boards by aesthetics, genres of style, influencers you like, etc. There’s no wrong or right way; just make sure it makes sense to you and helps to get your story across. 

3. Utilize Your Resources

Now that we’ve figured out who we’d like to show our audience we are; let’s get creative and use what we have around us to pull off our looks! The first resource to take advantage of is our pre-existing closet. Take a glance through your closet and see what pieces you already have go along with your “vibe”. Whether the color is right, the pattern is dope or the fit is a hit; pull those items out. Now, let’s challenge ourselves! Use your “Inspo” board to create new looks with old items. There are three ways I like to pull this off: layer, repurpose and flip. 

• Layering- taking cool items and pairing them with other items is an easy way to create fresh new looks.
• Repurposing- taking pieces that are expected to be worn a certain way or paired with specific pieces and wearing them totally different is always a great way to get new use out of old things. Whether it’s an oversized shirt or jacket you’d like to wear as a dress, or a pair of dress slacks you’d usually wear to your office gig, but you have a feeling they’d go better with a pair of Jordan Retro 1s; go for it!
• Flipping- sometimes pieces have great qualities about them that you love; for example a great pattern or graphic. However, you’re just not feeling them as is. Distressing, shortening or dyeing clothes is a great way to switch up the look while still using what you already have. 

4. Think Outside the Box

It’s cool to follow fashion trends and be privy to what’s hot right now, but let’s find staple pieces that can stand the test of times. Every now and again, it’s great to buy pieces relevant to the current fashion climate; however, finding pieces that you can wear years down the line if you’d like might be a little better. The way to achieve this is by answering these few questions before purchasing: 

• ​Will I be able to wear this in multiple seasons in multiple ways? This is the question to ask before buying basics or semi trendy pieces. If you can use these pieces to build multiple looks no matter the season, it could be an asset to your arsenal.
• If I pass up on this item will I see it again? I often ask myself this when I find statement pieces. Statement pieces are wonderful to have, but are usually a tad bit pricier. However, sometimes you can find these off season for a lower price. Sales and clearance sections are great opportunities to find timeless pieces that still stand out; especially shoes and accessories.
• Can I create this same look for less? A lot of new trendy retailers sell the exact same brands and items as discount stores. The only difference often is marketing and pricing. Which is why I give myself this pep talk when considering brand  representation. There’s nothing wrong with loving labels and rocking them; however, the ask is that we become intentional with our support. Some styles of tops and bottoms are nice despite what the tag says. If you can afford more expensive options, go for it! However, there are often less expensive alternatives to achieve the same looks. So why not save a few coins? Support the millionaire you look in the mirror everyday first, and then patron the ones you may never meet.

Hopefully these steps assist you in your style journey and prepare you for the opening of “the outside”. Be well. Take care of yourself. And, stay tuned for more tips @6DNetworktainmnt.

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