Marjie's Shopping Diet


The Shopping Diet is my way of passing along words of advice to fellow self-proclaimed shopaholics so they can buy on a budget.
You don't have to make a fortune to buy today's latest trends and have a closet full of fun. Here I'll blog about tricks I've learned over the years that allow me to shop when I want, buy (mostly) what I want, keep my closet happy and feel good about myself, all while staying within my budget.
To me, bargain hunting is a thrilling challenge. It takes skill, drive and passion to know what you're looking for, find it, and get it for less than everyone else. I take pride in the fact that although I don't usually spend more than $20 or $30 on any one item, I'm always getting compliments on my clothes and accessories. Some of my most successful shopping experiences have resulted in a $5 pair of black patent flats that I've worn almost every day for the past two years, and a $4 black scarf that goes with anything.
I don't just tell people to buy things on sale, or only buy something when it's on sale. Part of The Shopping Diet is doing research so you get the best possible deal on something you really want/need. It's about weighing your options and making good choices.
For me fashion is all about how YOU want to look and feel. Wear what you want and you'll always look good.









Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Reader favorites for April

I will accept reader favorites until the end of April! Send 'em in!


Erica: $2.50, Forever 21





Stephanie: $19.99, Target





Erica: $1.50, Forever 21





Stephanie: $19.99, Target





Erica: $24.50, L.L. Bean





Erica: $24.99, Target





Erica: $39.50, Old Navy

Monday, April 5, 2010

Introducing ... the Diet Challenge

I'm happy to introduce a new element to my blog: The Diet Challenge.
What IS the Diet Challenge? Ok, you've pulled my leg. I'll explain.

Because one of the main focuses of my blog is providing options to people on a budget, without having them compromise their fashion integrity and obsessions, the Diet Challenge will provide readers options when it comes to what they are looking for.

How it works:
A reader will email me asking where to find something specific: White flats for under $15, a red shirtdress for under $20, tan or nude sandals with a cork wedge for under $15, a clutch to wear to a wedding that matches a seafoam green dress. Something specific - the more descriptive the better! Because The Shopping Diet focuses on finding what you love for less, the reader must provide a price limit in order to narrow options and create realistic choices.

After I receive a reader inquiry, I will post as many items that fall into that specific price range I can find. I will take what the reader is looking for and find as many options as I can. I am essentially not only doing the research for the readers, but providing them with the perspective that when it comes to shopping on a diet, you CAN find cute, affordable items; you just have to know how to search. And because searching for the perfect headband to match that perfect scarf that matches those shoes for under $15 takes time, I will do it for you!

Then, the reader may feel comfortable searching for their own items next time per The Shopping Diet, or they may email me again with the next inquiry.

When inquiring, please provide:
1. Your name
2. What item you're looking for
3. Color and size, if applicable
4. Price range
5. How time-sensitive your request is (if you want a raincoat for this summer versus black strappy heels for this weekend.)
6. Any limitations (no spandex, no polka dots, no empire waists, etc.)

If you know what you're looking for, I can help you find it. Through the process I can even guide you in the direction of The Shopping Diet.

I am accepting challenges now. In the subject line of your email please write "challenge."

I will receive emails at:
marjorie.stromberg@yahoo.com
marjorie.stromberg@gmail.com

Once you send your challenge, give me a few days to gather information and then I will post the results in a blog post.

Thanks in advance, I can't wait to help!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Send me YOUR favorites!

Each month I will feature five favorites from my readers. (That's YOU!)
Please send me at least one, and up to as many as you want, of your favorite items this month. This may include anything having to do with fashion: tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, accessories, etc. I want to feature my readers' choices to have some more variety with the items I list. The items don't necessarily have to adhere to The Shopping Diet, but they shouldn't be super expensive, since, I am promoting budget shopping!

Here are the rules:
1. With the item you send, please include where you found it and the price.
2. Please include your name or the name you'd like to be referred as.
3. Please email me your favorites to either of my email addresses.(See blog main page at bottom)

Out of the items I receive I'll pick the top five to feature.

So let's do this!

First prize: accessorize! (most under $10)

Yes, the accessories DO make the outfit. Since most accessories are trendy and seasonal, it doesn't make a lot of sense to spend a fortune on them. (Notice I did put a $30 bag in the list below. I normally would not spend that much on a bag, or encourage anyone on The Shopping Diet to do so, but I made an exception because it's really, really cute.)
In my opinion, it's great to have many different types of accessories to allow your outfits to be versatile. You can do a lot with a little. See below.


$29.99, ModCloth





$9.99, Pink Ice





$11.99, ModCloth





$12, Mandee





$5, A'gaci





$4.80, Forever 21





$5.50, A'gaci





$3.50, Forever 21





$5.50, A'gaci





$5.80, Forever 21

For best results, be very sneaky

I love feminine sneaks for spring. You can own many a pair without draining out your wallet, you just have to know where to look. Lucky for you, you're reading my blog and I will help you with just that:


$10, Wet Seal





$10, Go Jane





$16.99, Old Navy





$10, Wet Seal





$9, Wal-Mart (Faded Glory)





$9, Target (Mossimo)




Until recently, I was strickly a flip flop/gladiator/wedge girl when it came to spring and summer footwear. But I have discovered the cuteness of fashion sneaks: you can wear them with jeans, cargo capris, a jean skirt, or do them down with black athletic pants. They're not only cute, but provide you with coverage when you're out and about. (that kind of coverage flips flops lack, if you know what I mean.)
And, sneaks are known for being comfortable! Be comfortable AND look cute?! Yes, it's possible with cute sneaks! So find yourself a pair or two, or three, in every color you love, and start pairing them with your fabulous outfits.

Polish your act

To be beautiful and stylish, a woman needs a wardrobe, accessories and cosmetics.
Since I have yet to address how to spend wisely when it comes to beautifying yourself, I'll dedicate this post to nail colors. I'm inspired to do so because springtime is when you must prepare your toenails for sandals, and that means getting or giving yourself a pedi! You must change from dark reds and brown shades of nail color to pink. With the changing of the seasons comes the changing of colors - what you wear on your body AND on your nails! YAY!

To start, here is my guide (there are always loopholes) for the seasons of the year and each one's appropriate colors:

Fall: apple red, dark red, brown, dark purple, burnt orange
Winter: apple red, dark red, dark purple, midnight blue, black, forest green
Early spring: pale pink, teal, sky blue
Spring: pale pink, bright pink, teal, turqouise, green, denim blue
Early summer: all shades of pink and blue are acceptable, with a highlight on teal this season, orange
Late summer: my late summer favorite every year is coral. All shades of pink are still acceptable, as well as light or bright shades of green and blue.

Since I'm on a Shopping Diet, I have a very hard time spending more than $5 on a bottle of nail polish. In my experience Wet N' Wild is the cheapest, and also carries some great colors, but it does chip easily, even with top and bottom coats.
Here are some of my favorite brands:


Sally Hansen





Revlon





OPI





L'Oreal



Now how do you know which brand to buy or how much to spend? Since I decided to take the teal leap this weekend, and had never owned a teal color before, I splurged a little on a cute L'Oreal bottle called "Fresh Teal." On average I buy a nail color once every six months, or less. I do so mostly when the season changes and when I'd like to try out some stylish new shades I didn't already own. I bought a teal today and a midnight blue last December.

As with other shopping, per The Shopping Diet, it's probably OK to spend a little more on a shade you don't own, rather than constantly spending $7 a bottle on shades of pink so similar even YOU can't tell the difference. I think if you're going to get a new color, and you should at the change of each season, know what color you're looking for. If you find it, compare that shade with others in the store to see if another brand carries a cheaper version.

But really, unless you change your nail color every day, there's no need to invest in so many bottles. If you own and shop for colors you really love, they will last you for quite some time. In my opinion, a new color every season should suffice.

And my recommendation for spring 2010 is definitely teal! Find it and wear it...now!