So summer is here finally and its time to pull those summer clothes out, show a little skin and show the world just how sassy you are. Oh not, but wait, you didn’t do any shopping. I know, you were waiting for the sales, waiting for the weather to break, waiting for someone else to buy it, and waiting for Christian Law to give you some pointers. It’s all good, you know I got you. Check out the pictures below courtesy of polyvore.com for some options.  (When you click the picture it takes you to a larger version where you can find the price and location of all the objects!)

FLOWER POWER

Flower Power by fresherthanchris featuring Forever21

SHOE FLY, BUY AWAY

SHOE FLY.. BUY AWAY by fresherthanchris featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

HAUTE ACCESSORIES

Haute Accessories by fresherthanchris featuring French Connection accessories

Christian Law

So it seems that since the release of Sex and the City: The Movie, countless amounts of women have claimed to have been inspired by the movie’s courageous fashion spread. Some have even gushed about how they went to see the movies for the clothes. Sadly some of the women I seen who say this, have not taken the message to heart (or to their closets). I’ve heard women say they could never be as sharp as “insert name” because its costs too much. I’ve heard women say “I don’t wear pumps because only the expensive ones are comfortable”. The summer has just nipped on our heels and I don’t see girls in any.

So in an effort to help, I’ve created a little must have guide for the summer. The most have things for the summers are the following.

1. FULL CIRCLE SKIRTS.

(Full Skirt (in print), 19.99 at VictoriaSecret.com)

A full circle skirt is an necessity this summer. It’s a flattering silhouette for all women. Full circle skirts come in all patterns and colors and having a few in your closet will be great for the summer. For a nice brunch with your girlfriends, rock a full circle skit (some are belted at the high end of a natural waist, thus giving you a cinched link) with a pair of heels and cute blouse or top, and you’ve got a summer look that’s comfortable, chic and feminine.

2. SHORT SEXY DRESS

(Aqua Drapey Tube Dress, $69 at Bloomingdales) (Aqua One Shoulder Fitted Dress, $98 at Bloomingdales)

Beyonce was referring to these in her video “freekum dress”, but in no way am I advocating rocking lamaes in all different colors. However, a sexy fitted short dress (only worn with pumps of course) is a necessity and can be found in many stores. However, buying a cheap short dress is not sexy. The best bet is to find an affordable one that is still a nice quality. Also buying a dress that is jersey is great for throwing in your suitcase and requires less maintenance. Jersey fabric is also flattering on all body types.

3. MAXIMIZE THE MAXI

(Aqua Printed Maxi Shirred Tube Dress, $98 at Bloomingdales.com)

The maxi dress is an important dress for the summer. It’s a beautiful addition to the summer wardrobe. You can play it safe with a knit jersey maxi. However, to step it up, choose light fabrics like satin and silk organza maxi’s with floral patterns, ombre dye, and other beautiful patterns

4. PUMP IT UP

(Betsey Johnson “Felicia”, $150 at Bloomingdales.com) (Report Signature Shoes, $195 at shopbop.com)

Everyone who knows me, know how I always stress the importance of women in pumps. Pumps are NEVER out of style. The great thing about pumps is that you can never have too many or too many in the same color. I won’t go on and on, but I will say, the higher the better. I’ve listed a few options of shoes that you can buy to keep your summer wardrobe tight. In addition, may I please add that cheap shoes are a no no. Buying cheap shoes can totally KILL your outfit, especially when those cheap shoes are pumps.

If you cannot afford a lot of shoes, try your best by a pair of black, a pair of pattern (floral or leopard preferably) and pair of color pumps.

5. GLADIATORS!

(Gladiator, Old navy, $19.50)

Gladiator sandals are very popular right now. Definitely cop a pair.

6. CLUTCHES

(Jessica McClintock Ombre Frame Clutch, Macys, $52) (Jessica Simpson Pacha Clutch, Macys, $68)

Clutches are important part of your collection especially for going out in the summer. As for what kinds to get, there are way too many options for me to list them all. I will say that hitting the thrift stores and vintage stores are a great resource for clutch bags.

Hopefully, this small list will help you to center your thoughts on what to buy for the summer and what not to wear.

C.Law

A woman once told me that when you look good, you feel good. It’s really not secret that looking good is directly related feeling good and ultimately resulting in feeling fabulous. Sure, you may not sit front row at fashion week or have a subscription to women’s wear daily, but let’s face it, as a woman, (and a SASSY Woman at that), fashion is very important part of your life, and if it isn’t, it should be.

One of the reasons I decided to write for SASSY because a lot of women would always ask me for fashion advice. I’ve noticed that many women may love shopping, may love spending money, and may love new things, new items, new garments, but are not effective shoppers. In fact, I’ve seen women spend tons of money and still not have the pieces that are necessary to keep a timeless wardrobe with few key trendy pieces. On the flipside, I’ve seen girls spend little money and it shows. Instead of looking chic, they look cheap.

Here is the dilemma. How does one look fabulous without spending a fortune that they don’t have? How do you manage to find timeless pieces, awesome designer garments and trendy items without spending all your money at Easy Pickings, a Rave, or the express rack of clearance? More importantly, how do you create a wardrobe on a limited budget that doesn’t look like you got it all on clearance? How do you create a wardrobe where everything looks expensive, yet none of it was? These are the questions I plan to answer.

Before we get started with the best places to shop at, or how to find bargains, or any other great tips, you, as the reader, must understand the necessary precautions.

Understanding Quality
When shopping on a budget, it’s important to get the best quality for your money. While no one expects to you know the fabric content of every garment, it is important that while you shop, that you feel and touch every garment you are about purchase. If the quality feels weak, it should stay on the rack. This is important for all garments, especially denim. If you are not sure what great quality feels like, take a trip to a high end store and feel the quality of the garments. Compare them to where you were planning on shopping for a lesser price. Do your best to match the feel of the expensive garment to the feel of the less expensive garment. This will help you understand cheap quality versus great quality.

ASSES YOUR OWN CLOSET
Before you go adding more clothes to your collection, it is important to asses your own closet. Find out what you have that you can keep and what you have in your closet that you can get rid of. There may be some clothes that were great when you bought them, but you may need to get rid of them. Do you really still need those knockoff Manolo Blahnik timbs from Steve Madden? Maybe its time to throw away that cheap faux fur coat you got from Macy’s. These are the questions that you need to ask yourself . The more aware you are own closet, the easier it will be for you to determine what you need to buy versus what you need to throw out. The best part is that the clothes you get rid of, you maybe able to sell at a consignment shop or a thrift store, which will give you some cash to work with.

I know some of you are reading this blog with a raised eyebrow. I know these statements and questions are going through your head right now. Does he really know what he’s talking about? There’s nothing wrong with how I shop? I buy stuff from H&M and trendy stores, so it has to be fabulous! There’s no way I can get designer clothes in my size for less? Well SASSY ladies, I’m here to show you the way to be frugal, yet fabulous. I look forward to all your feedback and questions.

Welcome to the Frugal, yet Fabulous section of SASSY.