Look Great Without Spending A Lot
Here are some ways to look fresh this spring without breaking your bank account.
Nashville, Ark. – Spring is here! You may be looking at your current wardrobe to update it with the latest fashions. While it is a lot of fun to shop for new fashions, it’s not so fun when the credit card bills start coming in. Here are some ways to look fresh this spring without breaking your bank account.
- The first step is to decide what you need by cleaning out your closet and taking inventory of your clothing needs. If you have spring and summer clothing in storage, now is the time to pull them out and decide what fits and what doesn’t. Also, you will need to decide if they are still in style.
- Sift and replace. When it comes to accessing your current wardrobe, be ruthless. Do your clothes fit? How many years have you hung on to them hoping you would get back into that size again? Can you alter them to fit? If not, it is time to get rid of them. Designate a box for garage sell or donation for those items. There’s no reason to have clothing taking up space in your closet. Plus, having clothes that do fit well can give your confidence a boost by helping you look your best. If items need to be replaced, check out resale shops, which offer great deals on gently used items.
- Consider selling those clothes that no longer fit, but that are in great shape, in a consignment store, on-line, or have a garage sale. Selling clothes on consignment is a great way to build up a clothing fund for future purchases. Make a pact with yourself to only spend money on clothes that you earned from selling items you no longer wear.
- Be unique. Knowing the appropriate clothing needs for an event can many times make you feel like you need something new, but you can often create the appropriate outfit and show your individuality using what you already own. Going to a wedding? Accessories can help take a more casual outfit to the next level. Into the vintage look? Look in your jewelry box for older items you may have forgotten about, like the bracelet your grandmother passed down to you. For her gown at the 2013 Oscars, Helen Hunt veered from the expected megabucks designer gown and pulled a beautiful gown from her closet that she already had. Her choice brought Helen lots of flattering press that money can’t buy. You don’t need to be an Oscar nominee to have a movie star look. Let your individuality shine through using what you have. As Oscar Wilde said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
- Multipurpose garments. Mix and match items for a new look to stretch your wardrobe. Layer summer tops with sweaters or other long sleeves to liven up winter outfits. Roll up the sleeves of your winter dress blouses to freshen up warm weather pants. Again, change accessories to create a new look. Accessories are an inexpensive way to update an outfit.
Not sure where to start? Ask a friend whose style you like to help you sort through your closet, or plan a wardrobe swap with friends to share and trade items you rarely wear. This is a great way to pick up “new” items without spending any money.
Look at your clothes and determine which outfits make you feel good. Take photos of those outfits and store them for handy reference. Chances are you will see your unique style in the outfits that make you feel and look good. You might also get a style app for your phone that records your clothes and tracks your style inspirations. Chances are you may have a more extensive wardrobe than you thought.
For more information on saving money or developing a household budget, contact the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517 or visit our office located on the second floor of the courthouse. You can also check out our website at www.uaex.uada.edu for financial information.
Recipe of the Week
This recipe was prepared at the recent 4-H Dairy Foods contest. Christian Trombley, a member of the Nature Seekers 4-H Club, placed second in the party foods category. This pie is perfect for spring dinners or potlucks.
Easy Key Lime Cream Pie
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons butter, melted
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
½ cup key lime juice
1 ½ cups heavy cream
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until golden; cool completely.
Add sweetened condensed milk to a large bowl. Gradually beat in key lime juice with an electric mixer until smooth and thickened.
In a separate bowl, beat cream and ¼ cup sugar with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream in to key lime mixture. Spoon filling into cooled crust. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until set.
By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu
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