Hi there,

This month we've pulled together some amazing tips, tricks and secrets from nzgirls all over, to bring you the very best in tried & true recipes for success. Click here to find out more...

Love the team at nzgirl xxx 

We thought you might like these articles:


Get more out of nzgirl!
Log in here:
email:
password:

 

 




Style
Make Chain Stores Your Own!

It’s easy to look fashionable when you have money to burn, great sewing skills or a giant wardrobe. But what about if you are moseying along with a tight budget and chain stores to choose from? Anya shares her favourite tips on making chainstore finds your own.  

Button swap out
One of my favourite ways to completely change an item is as simple as learning to sew a button! The next time you buy a cardigan from Valleygirl or a white shirt from Glassons, snip the buttons off and replace them with your own. You probably don’t think this would make a huge amount of difference but it does, simply because when it comes to details, the more affordable the button the less impact it has.
 
The off kilter buy
Some of my favourite chain store pieces are the ones that seem to be left on the racks at the end of the season. The reason is that as great as chain stores are, most people use them as a snap up place for the basics.

So when a really awesome but slightly off kilter dress hits the racks, some are not sure what to make of it and it’s safer left behind than taken home. Next time you see the asymmetrical chiffon dress with ruffles and think “hmmm…” pick it up and take it home.
 
The bold basics
A bold basic you can do a lot with is definitely one of those pieces you can make your own. After all, does it really matter where a t-shirt came from if you can wear it with your suit, dressed down with your jeans and tucked into your pencil skirt
(how sexy secretary).
 
See the bones
More than a couple of times I’ve seen something in a chain store and loved an element of it. More often than not the fabric, or a fabric used on it somewhere. And if it’s on the sale rack for a mere $12.00 then I’ll snap it up. Next stop is my friendly neighbourhood alterations place, where I can talk about all the things I don’t like and watch them work their magic with the original. I bought a loosely cut maxi dress solely for the gorgeous fabric, and had it made into a great little cotton shift just in time for winter. It’s amazing what a seamstress can do and you will be surprised by how little it costs!
 
Anya Merryfield
 
 

Last updated: 19/11/2008


 
nzgirl archive:
Style Tips From The Legends Anya's compiled all of her fav style tips and quot...
Top Ten Bargain Hunting Tips Want to know how to spot a bargain like the expert...
The Summer Capsule Wardrobe Trying to figure out what you need in your wardrob...
New season style on a budget Want to give your summer wardrobe an overhaul, but...
The Ultimate Wardrobe Clean Up Get rid of the clutter in your wardrobe! Here's An...
How to Work the Bandanna This season scarves and bandannas are heating up b...
Ask Anya: Match your wardrobe to your life stage Every new life stage brings the need for a new war...
Release Your Inner Seductress Indulge in some Sextember seduction, with our top ...
Hottest Handbag Essentials We've got the ultimate guide to handbag essentials...
The Lingerie Tips Every Woman Should Know When it comes to lingerie shopping, we've got you ...
Keep your handbag safe from destruction! Your handbag is your best friend! But how would yo...
How to Look Good Naked If you're lacking in confidence when it comes to s...
Fashion Fixers! Got a fashion problem? We've got the answers - whe...
Get the Best for Less: Vintage Shopping Find out how you can shop smartly for vintage with...
I can't live without my... We've all got items we just can't bear the thought...
How do I get the luxury look for less? You don't need wads of cash to rock the luxurious ...
The Ultimate Personal Stylist Guide Want the luxury of a personal stylist without the ...
Ask Anya: Shoes to Make Your Legs Hot Shoes can add polish to an outfit, give you sexy l...
How to Work the Mish Mash Look The mish mash fashion look is super hot right now,...
How to find your body type Always wanted to know which body type you are, but...
Ask Anya: The Big Beauty Shake Up Are you stuck in a makeup rut? Anya's got some hot...
Celeb Fashion: Act Your Age Not all celebs like to dress trashy or inhale boto...
Ask Anya: How Do I Dress For My Age?! Our style goddess Anya dishes out some classic sty...
Ask Anya: When to Spend, Steal and Invest Anya our resident fashion guru shares her tips on ...
Make Your Summer Wardrobe Work in Winter Don't want to totally overhaul your wardrobe for w...
Seven Days to Mix and Match: Summer Looks We take ten basic items and show you how to mix an...
Ask Anya: Maternity Beauty and Style Pregnant women rejoice! Anya is here to help with ...
Hot Date Essentials Got a hot date planned for the weekend? We bring y...
What to Wear to a Wedding Heading to a wedding this season? Anya has trawled...
Style Makeover: Looking Good to Feel Good Whatever your body shape, we show you how to be co...
Never Fail BBQ Outfits It's BBQ season! To help you figure out what to we...
How to Shop the Summer Sales With summer sales in full throttle, now is the tim...
Ask Anya: Making It Last Want your perfume to stay on longer? Or need your ...
What to Wear for Our Volleyball Challenge We look to our favourite celebrities for some grea...
Matching jewellery to your outfit Jewellery. When it’s worn well, it can turn a so-s...
The Hottest Concert Outfits The summer music season is kicking off and Anya ha...
What Kind of Bonds Girl Are You? To celebrate the release of the hot new Bonds Kale...
Fashion by Decade Summer fashion is going to be all about borrowing ...
Ask Anya: Getting into the Fashion Industry If you are interested in getting into the fashion ...
How to Wear... The Mini Love the idea of the mini but not sure it’s for yo...
SEARCH:


© nzgirl Ltd © 1999-2007 - All Rights Reserved.