Skimp vs. Splurge: Casual fall looks (part 1 of 4)

This past Tuesday, I participated in a style segment on Breakfast Television.  The segment was on when to skimp vs. when to splurge on items in your closet.

Here’s a few shots of the first look:

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What I love about this look:

Splurge Items

  • The blazer/sports coat has an interesting yet subtle pattern to it.  It’s a deep indigo (which can look like deep blue or purple) with a rich orange undertone in the plaid print. I like the classic cut because this means that you’ll have this rotation for at least 10 years, if not longer. ~ The Helm Clothing ($975)
  • These cords are a slim cut- they aren’t for everybody. I get that.  If these don’t suit your bod type, feel free to swap it out for a more forgiving cut (you certainly don’t want to feel ‘restricted’ when wearing these pants).  I like the shade of brown in these pants; they can be worn throughout the fall and well into the winter. ~ The Helm Clothing ($360)
  • I’d call this a refined desert boot – in chocolate brown.  With the right care, this suede boot will last you a long time. Feel free to pair these boots with jeans or a casual pant.  Also, if you feel up to it, go for a totally different look – maybe a layered look on top with slim fitting jeans, a bright coloured sock and this boot. That would be a great weekend casual outfit. ~ The Helm Clothing (on sale for $249)

Skimp Items

  • This dress shirt can create many different looks – whether we’re talking dressy casual (as shown here) or weekend/everyday casual.  While it is a reasonable price point, the material is a bit thicker and is slightly better quality than you’d expect.  This is great because the shirt won’t lose its shape after a couple of washes- BONUS.  How you wear this shirt is all in the styling. Our model has it buttoned up all the way- that’s just a style preference.  Do what appeals to you. ~ Express Men ($69.90)
  • A fun, and cheap, way to show your eye for fashion is to add a handkerchief. Find one that is trendy and speaks to your personality.  The one I’m showing on our model is really casual (and dresses down the blazer) and has a few different patterns and colours in it.  By folding it differently (so as to show a different colour and pattern), I’d be able to create a slightly different feel to this look. Double duty on a less expensive item- yes! ~ Express Men ($14.99)
  • Now, I’d normally say invest in a great quality belt but I found this one – in a neutral colour – at a reasonable price.  It’s genuine leather. Make sure you look for quality of the stitching before spending money on a less expensive belt though. ~ Express Men ($39.90)

Within the next week or so, I’ll be doing a breakdown of each of the looks from the style segment.  Stay tuned.

Credits:

Hair: House of Tin Salon

Makeup: Makeup by Bean

Model: Diljot

Styling: Moi!

Clothing: The Helm Clothing, Express Men

Thanks to Brill Communications for helping out with this segment.