A new you for the new year

(ARA) - With the New Year just around the corner, could it be time for a new you? Have you been wearing the same outfits, in the same order? Has your hair and make-up regimen remained unchanged for the last decade? Reinventing your style can give you a new attitude and outlook. And with a few simple updates, you shouldn't have to worry about breaking your budget.

A new style does not mean a whole new wardrobe. "You can start with garments you already have in your closet," says Anne Hankey Forman, fashion marketing and management instructor at The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago.

"Mix up the way you wear your pieces," suggests Art Institute of Philadelphia fashion instructor Karen Karuza. "If you always wear a white blouse with a black skirt, try wearing a lavender sweater."

Adding new accessories can bring last year's - or last decade's - outfit back to life. Mary Jo Miller, department chair of fashion and retail management at The Art Institute of Atlanta, says: "Scarves, hats and gloves make your current wardrobe more up-to-date." Shoppers may want to consider getting those accessories in purple, the hot color this season.

Karuza agrees: "Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize!" She recommends costume jewelry, belts and colored tights as well.

A new pair of trendy shoes is another simple way to update your look. "They're a fun and easy item that makes you look trend forward," says Forman. And what is the hottest foot trend this season? Both Forman and Miller agree you can't go wrong with the over-the-knee boot. Miller suggests, "Wear them with your skinny jeans, dresses, jackets and leggings from last year's trends and have an instant update."

What about getting professional help to update some older garments? "Make sure the garment is worth it," cautions Forman. Karuza agrees that the garment has to be a high enough quality to justify the cost of a great tailor.

If you can spend a few extra dollars on some new garments, Miller offer this advice, "It's critical that you remain true to your own style and remember that not every trend works on every body." Forman adds: "Dress for your body type, invest in classics, think about what makes sense for your lifestyle and dress for the life that you have."

And instead of looking just to your closet for a new look, take a look in the mirror. Both Miller and Forman agree that a different hairstyle and new make-up can dramatically change and update your style.

When reinventing your style, what's the top "don't"? All three fashionistas agree - do not overspend.

They suggest you create a budget and stick to it. Make sure the trends you buy today are still wearable tomorrow. And don't sacrifice quality for quantity. Karuza cautions, "Don't spend a lot or over-invest until you've test driven your reinvention!"

If you're a fashionista looking for a career in style, learn more about options at The Art Institutes schools by visiting www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Fun Shoe Trends Can Walk Your Wallet Farther

(NAPSI)-Keeping your feet in fashionable shoes need not hurt your pocketbook.

There are many chic choices for budget-conscious fashionistas and that's good news, because a recent survey shows shoes are essential to a woman's happiness. According to the survey, the average shoe addict has about 40 pairs of shoes and even the pragmatic buyer has 20.

Fifty-six percent of women would give up chocolate and dessert for a month for the perfect pair of shoes. But price does matter. Sixty-eight percent said they would rather find a favorite pair of shoes at the right price than go out on a hot date.

Fortunately, the kind of shoe therapy required to lift your spirits doesn't have to cost a lot. Nine West, known for its stylish glamour favored by star customers Halle Berry, Eva Longoria-Parker and Blake Lively, has many reasonably priced footwear finds under one hundred dollars.

Two of the season's most sought-after trends are the exotic square-toe pump and the highly sought-after Gladiator sandal. These trends represent just a few of the must-have looks of the season.

Pair your favorite footwear finds with the latest trends in bags, including exotic python prints, studded details, fringe and more, all at affordable prices.

Lucky magazine previously awarded Nine West the best retail source for chic and affordable footwear for its runway-worthy styles that don't put a dent in your wallet. All styles are available in-store and online at www.ninewest.com.

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