Evelinda: Here are some more cheap tips from the frugal "Style Matters" gals.
Judie: Spent a fortune on an outfit and now it's stained? Save dry-cleaning bills by ordering Madame Paulette's Professional Stain Removal Kit, in a handy purse-size packet, five for $45. Madame Paulette is the dry cleaner to the stars in New York City. The company has cared for the gowns and suits of luminaries such as Madonna, Kim Cattrall, Faith Hill, Elton John and Donald Trump -- and is the dry cleaner of choice for designers Versace, Chanel and Armani (www.madamepaulette.com).
Evelinda: Or, reach into your diaper bag and swipe a baby wipe. Dabbing a wipe on a stain works wonders, swears the costume designer for the Tony-winning play "The Light in the Piazza."
Judie: If you're down to your last pairs of panty hose and all have runs in one leg, take two pairs of panty hose, cut off the damaged legs, and combine the two remaining half-pairs to make one good pair. And if they happen to be control-top, you've got double the control.
Evelinda: Not sure if you want to try a new trend? Buy a cheap version of it first and try wearing that before investing in more expensive styles. We've tried this with ponchos, camouflage patterns and embellished ballet-style shoes.
Judie: Some cheap hair tips: Reduce the number of color appointments by adding wide panels of highlights applied just below the top layers of naturally colored hair. The highlights show through, but since they're placed beneath the surface, roots grow out in a concealed fashion.Evelinda: Dip into baby's toiletries once again to get a root lift by adding a bit of baby powder onto your scalp and work it into the crown of your head. Aim a dryer at the roots and lift with a rounded brush. The powder adheres to the oil in your hair and the addition of the heat creates volume and texture. The powder disappears.Judie: Update your tank tops by layering two different colored tops together. To add some zip, buy an inch-wide multicolored grosgrain ribbon and tie it around the strap of the tank. Looks pretty cool, doesn't it?Evelinda: We have begrudgingly accepted the fact that women are going to show their bra straps. If you feel like the world must see your bra straps -- yellowed, tattered and tacky as they may be -- try to make the look deliberate by substituting some designer bra straps. These come in different patterns, colors and embellishments, from flowers to sequins to pearls, and can be attached to most bras, starting under $10. Go to bijoubra.com or brastraps.com to get some inspiration.Judie Schwartz and Evelinda Urman write on corporate office wear and the art of personal style.Source: Scripps Howard. Powered by Yellowbrix.
