By D.K. (dapper kid), as seen on Haute Mimi

With the beautifully warm and cheerful summer weather well underway, you want to look cool and casual for days on the beach or barbecues with friends. Here are a few tips on where to save, while looking stylish for summer.

Simple cotton t-shirts in bright colors work wonders for any summer outfit. Adding a splash of color atop a pair of tailored shorts or linen trousers can really add a nice flair to your look. Whilst graphic design t-shirts can often cost a pretty penny, a plain colored option is friendlier on the wallet. The added bonus is that rather than relying on the print as the main focal point of your outfit, a simple color play can look great. Make sure to choose a lighter color, whilst keeping in mind which colors work best for you.

Although you may think of scarves as a winter option, a linen or fine cotton piece is just as useful for summer. A summer scarf can actually be a great way of keeping cool in the heat, whilst adding a nice touch of interest to your outfit. Try to keep it simple, with plain light colors, or fine stripes. Whether you wrap the scarf around you twice, or simply let it hang around your neck and flutter in the wind, remember that your tying method will change the dynamics of your look.

Whether you decide to wear shorts, light wash jeans or linen trousers, adding a colorful belt can really help finish a look. Your accessories actually play an important part in keeping the colors and theme of your outfit in union. Try adding this yellow belt to a pair of light blue jeans and a white polo shirt for an unexpected twist. Or match your colorful belt to your equally colorful canvas shoes. Try to keep the belt design simple, however if you want to add patterns, make sure that they do not have to compete with the rest of your outfit.

Flip flops may be the footwear of choice poolside or at the beach, you are probably going to need something a tad more hard wearing for general use. Rather than sweating it out in leather shoes or chunky sneakers, try adding a simple pair of canvas shoes to your closet. The lightweight material is perfect for warmer weather. Cheap and cheerful plimsolls come in a vast array of colors and patterns, so you are sure to find something that suits you.

By D.K. (dapper kid), as seen on Haute Mimi

Whilst shopping, my mother is always keen to remind me that, “If you buy cheap, you buy twice“. Knowing when to spend a little extra and when to save will not only help you keep a better check on your finances, it may also prove rather beneficial to your wardrobe! So with the recession in mind, we thought we would give you a few tips on where to spend and where to save.

Feel free to SPEND on…

NAVY BLUE SUIT
There is nothing more sexy and important in a man’s closet than his suit. If one were only able to purchase a single suit, go for quality in the color of navy blue. The navy blue suit is considered to be the perfect ‘interview and office‘ suit. The color psychologically exudes an aura of calm and it reads as dependable and trustworthy.

When worn with a crisp white shirt, plain tie with black leather lace-up shoes, the navy suit is guaranteed to look smart and presentable. Yet equally, one could pair the suit with a somewhat more casual open collar striped shirt, brown belt and penny loafers — a wonderful daytime outfit perfect for a Spring date. With regards to spending, be sure to splash out that little extra in order to have the suit altered to fit you perfectly. An ill fit will always reduce your overall look!

DARK DENIM, SLIM FITTING JEANS
The eternal quest for that perfect pair of jeans shall always deserve one spending a little extra. However, a pair of good quality, dark blue, slim fitting denim jeans will serve you well in the meanwhile. Again, as with the navy suit, the positive factor here is the inherent versatility of the jeans.

One can easily pair them with black leather shoes, a white shirt, skinny tie and cardigan, for a smart look with a slight edge. Yet quite easily, one could also pair them with a colorful pair of high top sneakers, graphic print t-shirt and yellow nylon jacket for the weekend. The slimmer fit (or straight, if you happen to have larger thighs) works well as it is instantly smarter in its profile when compared to standard jeans.

LEATHER LACE-UPS
One can be forgiven for thinking that shoes are perhaps not the wisest of investments. However, the truth is that one will, in most probability, be wearing these for the majority of the week. A good pair of brogue (wingtips), derby or oxford shoes will serve you well. These shoes will add the perfect polish to your outfit and are, quite literally, a timeless design. Our top tip with regards to smart shoes is to make friends with your local cobbler, as they will be able to help keep your shoes in perfect condition for years to come.

LONG COAT
Again, the thinking here is that for the winter months, one often finds that even the most creative of outfits ends up covered by a coat. A woolen double-breasted pea coat or single-breasted above the knee coat, or equally, a thinner trench coat, are classic in their design and practical for almost any outfit. A darker color is preferred as it will fit comfortably with formal attire. Remember that a good fit is essential to finishing your look and will help it to look timeless.

LEATHER BOOTS
A good pair of brown leather (or suede) lace-up ankle boots are a wonderfully versatile and practical investment. Their functionality for winter months or outdoors work are not to be underestimated, and indeed their inherent ruggedness means that they will serve you for years. These can be worn in a number of smart and casual ways. For example one could easily wear them under suit trousers on icy days.

Around every corner there is a sale. And while that is great for consumers who have the resources to spend, it's a sign of hard times to come. Retailers are fearful. I am hopeful that they will persevere.

Several times a week, I get emails requesting guidance on what exactly to buy during this economy. I am going to break it down for you.

Staples
For women: jeans, killer black pants, a trench coat, cashmere, quality t-shirts, LBD ... for men: overcoat, suit, dress shirts, cashmere, jeans, sports coat — these are all items that are worthy of investing in full price. If you find them on sale, it's a no brainer. Just ensure they work for your shape.

High-end Designer Items
While this category is awfully broad, let me clarify by saying that if there is a garment, pair of shoes, handbag or a piece of jewelry (vintage included) that you've been eyeing for quite some time — or, if you love to dress up and play princess in designer dresses — and you suddenly stumble upon a 60%-80% reduction in price, jump! There are not many times in our lives that we can afford such luxuries. Prime example, I bought my first couture gown by Reem Acra. It's midnight blue silk, stunning and classic. I will have it forever (and I swear I'd wear it everyday if I could). It was unattainable until a month ago. Many thanks go out to my mother (thanks, mom) who made a generous contribution for my birthday. After two fittings, it will lovingly make its way into my closet today. I may have to slip it on one of my mannequins just to steal a glimpse of it every day.

I am, by no means, suggesting you go crazy buying designer goods. Use your best judgment of things that are befitting to you — your personality, your style. Trust me, you will know if it's right (the stars will align and you will hear music).

Cosmetics
Interestingly enough, this economy has led to a first. Never before has the cosmetics industry participated in sales. Now, you will find more than ever. However, this is not your ticket to go hog wild at the counter. Be smart. If you are out of your favorite mascara, benefit from the sale. Or, if you have an event and want a whole new look, go have fun. My caution is against "product collecting" for the sake of price alone.

Skin Care
Skin is precious. You don't want to take chances. After all, the consequences could take weeks to reverse. Just because something is on sale, doesn't mean that it's right for your skin. The best advice I can give you is to consult your dermatologist. If your "go to" skin care line is having a special, there's your green light to stock up. Otherwise, pass.

Accessories
Accessories fit into several categories — cheap and trendy, quality pieces priced right, and decadently designer — making it difficult to enlist a hard and fast rule. Again, use your best judgment (ask yourself: can I live without it?). Accessories are responsible for pulling a look together. That doesn't mean you have to spend an arm and a leg on them, though. I have a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to accessories that I will share will you in an upcoming article.

Shoes
Shoes deserve their own paragraph, even though they are an accessory. I am going to try my best to provide good advice here ... but please realize you are listening to a shoe addict. Those close to me understand why I shouldn't be allowed in shoe stores but twice a year (my husband would say only once a year). With that said, the sales on shoes right now are unbelievable. I have taken advantage of crazy savings ... one pair I purchased last week (runway worthy) was $750 off! Seriously. If you have no will power around shoes, get your fill with a couple of pairs and move on. Don't look back ... and stay away. For those of you who are not shoe fanatics and need to fill in the gaps of your wardrobe, this is the time to do it. You can find quality shoes at ridiculous prices. Look for shoes that will amp up your closet, such as red pointy-toe pumps, leopard print stilettos and sleek metallic heels. Men, stretch your boundaries a bit with a modern designer shoe. Good quality lasts for many, many years if cared for properly.

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out.

A Closet Purge, or sometimes referred to as a Closet Edit, is a necessity for us all. Whether you can accomplish the same results on your own or with the assistance of a Personal Stylist, you should purge your closet twice a year. It's the key to a fulfilling wardrobe - one that expresses who you are.

There's a reason the word "purge" appears in the title. It's truly a cleansing experience. It's an opportunity to rid of those garments that don't serve you well. When you are feeling overwhelmed with the amount of items in your closet and have no idea what to put together, or you repeatedly say to yourself "I have nothing to wear" - that's when you know you need a professional. A Closet Purge begins with the basics in closet re-organization for easier dressing. It then moves onto purging items that no longer suit your needs or body type. In addition, you will benefit from head-to-toe looks put together from your existing wardrobe. You may say to yourself, as I have heard from many clients, "Wow, I never thought about putting that together." That's the point. The most rewarding thing for me is watching the transformation occur right before my eyes. The new, more confident you that emerges! You may also say - and I love this one - "I feel like I have a whole new wardrobe." When you look forward to dressing every day, that's when you know you've hit your stride. That doesn't mean you won't have a day here and there (should be very infrequent, though) that you prefer to chill on being all put together. That's okay. We all deserve a break - there's no pressure and certainly no competition. It's about uncovering your authentic self, identifying your style, and watching you own it.

For those of you who have experienced a Closet Purge, you can attest to how energized it leaves you. You will never look at your wardrobe the same way again. And you will be astonished what items are paired together. This service works especially well with a Color Analysis, as your color palette is specific to you and will work for you, in any given situation. Any gaps that are uncovered during the Closet Purge will be identified and turned into a shopping list. This list can be something you tackle on your own or with guidance through a Personal Shopping excursion.

The typical months of the year for purging closets are February, March, April, May, August, September and October - in preparation for either Spring/Summer or Fall/Winter. However, help can be found at any time of the year. A professional purge ranges anywhere from 3 hours to 3 days. It is dependant upon your particular challenges or needs. The important thing to understand is that your Personal Stylist is there to help you, whatever it takes, in moving your style forward (not her/his own). Any questions, please feel free to contact me.