| Selecting Your Party Ensemble |
From "Party at Home"
episode PAH-209 |
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A professional shopping consultant can help you update your party wardrobe with less money and effort than you would expect.
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Choosing the perfect party ensemble can be a daunting challenge, especially when working within a budget. Party at Home host Heidi Bohay tells us that one way to create a stunning fashion statement at your next party is to enlist the aid of a professional shopping consultant. Many department stores offer this service free of charge, and it will greatly reduce the stress associated with this important party detail. Ann Fitzpatrick, fashion consultant for Macy's department store, says her job is to make a woman's outer appearance match the inner vision of how she would like to present herself. You know how you want to look and feel around your guests, and a consultant can help you select the right colors, style and fabric that will achieve that effect. Not only is a shopping consultant an expert on coordinating fashion, but she is also thoroughly familiar with the merchandise at that particular department store and can point you to all the terrific bargains. This is a great shopping time-saver, and the service is free -- just call ahead for an appointment. Fitzpatrick says that the key to successful, cost-effective shopping is to buy items that will complement what you already own. She advises spending most of the money on the building blocks of fashion, such as the simple black dress, pants, skirt and jacket. With these wardrobe basics already in your closet, finding the perfect blouse and accessories to create an elegant party outfit will be effortless. Fitzpatrick offers these tips to further aid you in selecting a party outfit that will not only receive admiring attention but also lend a feeling of mystery and elegance to your evening: - Purchase fashion magazines for the artists' view of what's hot in the fashion world. When you get to the store, this can serve as a guideline for the items you need to buy to create your own style.
- Shop in the junior section of the store for inexpensive, trendy items that reflect high fashion.
- Be honest with yourself about your body type. Choose clothing and accessories that will camouflage your least desired features while accentuating your finer attributes.
Above all else, remember that selecting and trying on different outfits should be a fun activity. Avoid losing your sense of play by taking yourself too seriously.
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