Fashaholics

Angelique Alston is co-owner of Outer Skinz Image Group, a celebrity styling team based in Washington, DC, which services high profile clients such as tennis greats Venus & Serena Williams, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, comedian/actress Mo'nique, actress Kerry Washington, national recording artists Stevie Wonder, Wyclef Jean, Angie Stone and The Washington Redskinettes. Their work can be seen in publications such as Essence, Ebony, and Oxygen and on national networks such as ABC, NBC, CBS, BET and TV One. For more information log on to www.outerskinz.com or call (301) 306-SKNZ. Tune in to "Beauty Tips & Fashion Trendz with Outer Skinz" weekdays and Saturday mornings on WPGC-AM, www.heaven1580am.com.

Shine Like A Star!
Dress like a celebrity without breaking the bank!

What’s the difference between your wardrobe and that of the celebs? A million dollar budget and an army of stylists! Well, that’s not totally true. Yes, the stars have style makers dressing them and they do have money to burn, but you too can look like a million bucks without spending it. Here are a few of my celebrity styling tricks for the frugal fashaholic.

KNOCK IT OFF (NO, REALLY)

Celebrities are known for their gorgeous high-end designer bags and shoes, but most of us can’t afford them, and often look to knock-offs as a fashionable alternative. Now, I don’t condone knock offs. If it ain’t real, it ain’t right! But, if you’re going that route, do your research and get as close to the real thing as possible. For example, before you purchase a replica of a Bottega Veneta handbag, make sure Bottega Veneta actually makes that style of bag! Examine the lining and the hardware too. On authentic Louis Vutton bags for instance, the hardware is monogrammed and the lining is sewn in, not glued. And a real fashaholic knows that Christian Louboutin heels have a signature red sole, so if yours have a purple sole, that’s a dead giveaway! You get my drift.

FASHION FOR HIRE

If you can’t afford the real thing, renting luxury items are a great way to indulge like a celeb, without busting your budget. Log on to sites such as www.bagstoriches.com, www.borrowedbling.com, and www.edressme.com, and you can rent high-end clothing, bags and accessories at a fraction of the original price. Though a viable alternative, I wouldn’t make renting a way of life. By the time you rent an item three or four times, you could’ve very well purchased it. For special occasions however, it’s the perfect way to up your star appeal!

THE HIGHS & LOWS

Though they can afford to, most celebrities don’t wear high-end designers from head to toe, and neither should you! It looks like you’re trying too hard (something a real star never has to do). Mixing your higher and lower-end pieces makes for an effortless look. Here, Beyonce wears a polka-dot top fro H & M with an expensive bag and shoe combo. The result? Instant star style without spending a fortune!

In terms of which items to skimp on and which to splurge, here’s a bit of advice. NEVER BE CHEAP WITH YOUR FEET! You’ll either pay now, or pay later. By pay later, I’m referring to those unsightly corns, bunions and hammertoes that attack your tooties after years of wearing cheap shoes. If you can’t afford to pay full price for a quality shoe, shop the sales and try Ebay! Besides, it’s much easier to get away with inexpensive clothing and handbags, but a cheap shoe can be spotted a mile away. If you absolutely must wear a lower-end shoe (or a designer knock-off) keep it simple and stick to darker colors. Deeper hues look more expensive and tend to hide flaws in the craftsmanship. Remember Lela Rochon’s feet in Boomerang? Nuff said.

ACCESSORIZE

Accessories are the quickest, easiest and least expensive way to up your celeb appeal. When it comes to accessorizing like the stars, step outside your comfort zone and take things up a notch (or two). If you’d usually wear one bracelet, wear two or three. If you wear small gold stud earrings, wear an oversized diamante (faux diamond) stud instead. The right accessories turn an outfit from drab to fab. For example, a black pant worn with a plain white button-up and black flat lacks luster. But loose the flats, add a pair of funky platform boots, throw on a hot belt and some bling (real or fake)…let’s just say Mary won’t have anything on you!

TAILORED MADE

There’s nothing wrong with buying off the rack. But before you put it on your back, have it tailored to your shape! Tailoring is the reason that celebrities like Oprah, Halle Berry and Kelly Rowland look so polished in their clothing. Don’t go trotting off to your local cleaners though. Get a reputable tailor that has solid experience in alterations. Anyone can hem a pair of pants or sew on a button, but it takes a professional to turn that size 8 Armani suit into a size 10! That my friend, requires true talent!

Now you’re armed with an arsenal of celebrity style secrets. Be careful when it comes to rocking knock-offs, mix your high-end pieces with your frugal finds, stock up on eye-catching accessories and invest in an experienced tailor. Remember, it’s cool to look to celebrities for fashion inspiration, but ultimately your wardrobe should reflect your personality and individual sense of style. Follow these tips and you’ll be shining like the star you are in no time!

Until next time…Keep Stylin’.

Angelique