Is less really more when it comes to fashion?
Is less really more when it comes to fashion? Well, sometimes it is as there are a few items that deserve a bit more attention. These are investment pieces. However, on the other side of the coin, there are items that can be purchased at very resonable prices and still look great.
SPEND: I think it's always a good idea to spend some money on a good coat. A coat is the first thing people see and is something that is worn almost every day. It needs to be built to last. Buttons should be reinforced with small buttons on the inside, the fabric should be a blend, which always last longer, and the lining should lie flat.
SAVE: It makes a lot of sense to spend money on a coat, however, I don't believe that you have to spend a pretty penny on a pair of jeans. Now this comes with a disclosure, because if you find a pair of jeans that you love, then I would break down and buy them, but by no means do I believe that people should have to spend more than $150 on a pair of jeans! I have had success with Banana Republic, Target and I'm in love with these jeans by Kenneth Cole Reaction found at Nordstrom. They have a nice dark wash and a great leg line -- nothing too skinny, yet not too wide either.
I don't have any expensive jeans, but that doesn't mean that I haven't had to tailor a pair or two. Jeans can be shortened (and a good tailor can reapply the original hem), and can also be taken in at the waist if they gape in the back. Remember clothes are made for the masses and everyone has a different fit issue so you can search forever, but many times alterations can make a big difference.
A few notes on the fit of jeans: The pockets should fit squarely on your derriere (or even a bit higher) - too low and your butt looks like it's sagging like in this picture. Too big, and the pockets begin to wrap around the sides. Too much stuff going on on the pockets, and the jeans begin to look too young. No rhinestones, rivets, jewels on denim after the age of 40!
SPEND: Another good investment item is a great pair of boots. Now, I know that shoes can get pretty beat up, but a cheap pair of boots is hard to pull off. A plastic/vinyl material really is not a good look; make an investment in good leather boots.
And if you're going to get a fabulous pair of boots, they should be tall - to the knee as these look great with skirts or a wrap dress and are very versatile. You also don't have to get a sky-scraping heel, but it shouldn't be chunky. Also stay away from square-toed boots as those are dated (like in this picture). Instead, opt for a pointy or rounded toe which is always flattering and modern.
SAVE: Aside from jeans, I don't think you have to spend a ton of money on jewelry. Nothing will replace diamonds, but fun and fashionable jewelry can be found at any price. 
Banana Republic, J.Crew and Lord & Taylor all have reasonably priced jewelry (like this bracelet for under $40 from L&T).
With jewelry, you can make the same outfit look completely different. Remember, you can only buy so many tops, pants or skirts, but jewelry is how you really pull an outfit together and make it your own.
SPEND: Now moving on to my favorite "spend" item, and I know you're going to think I'm nuts, but I have put an umbrella on the list. But, hear me out - I have good reasons! First, every time it rains in Chicago, I walk the streets and see the garbage cans littered with broken umbrellas -- and they are all black collapsible umbrellas! They all look the same.
I bought an umbrella in Paris several years ago and it is one of my favorite pieces. It has the most beautiful pattern, with such great colors and it's exquisitely made. The inside sticks are reinforced with small brass springs so this umbrella can, (and has), survived the windiest of Chicago days. And, of course, because it's made in France and everything there is beautiful and detailed, the handle is frosted purple and then fades to white. I get compliments on my umbrella even when it's not open!
Sometimes I look forward to rainy days because I know I get to use it. And of course, I'm not suggesting you go to Paris to buy an umbrella, but finding a great one here could be a difficult task. And if you don't want to spend money on umbrella, I would take the idea of it and maybe look for a trench coat in a beautiful color or pattern -- it's still something unexpected, yet still stylish on a rainy day.
SAVE: Lastly, I don't believe in spending money on layering tees or tanks. These things always get so much wear and always need to be replaced. I like to buy camis and tees whenever I find them - The Loft, Target, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor et cetera.
I hope I have given you some good guidelines and if you want some help finding an inexpensive pair of jeans, want to add more jewelry to your wardrobe or don't know what to look for in a coat, then give me a call! I am happy to help!