Style strategies you can invest in-Giambatista Valli-Gilt.com

The NY Times just published an article that really got me riled. On a trek with 3 fashion stylists to find chic pieces for women over 40. This article is written with such ageist generalities. But that's a whole nother post.

As the article goes on to say-while the days of $20,000 Hermes bags are slowing down, a metallic leaf Marc Jacobs patterned coat for $2100 is a good buy. I'm sorry a silk dress for $1400? This freelance writer couldn't be living this large. No way!

A stylist worth their hourly rate should be choosing designer pieces at a resale/sale price-point. Who can't pick from the best collections at retail.

This article skues to the less than one percent reading the NY Times. Sure celebs who borrow from collections for press- and socialites who are able to ridiculously afford retail. If this isn't you- please read on.

Giambattista Valli is on sample sale, you know the new term for retail. GV's colorblocked strapless dress with grosgrain trim, single shoulder and empire waistline. Add unfinished hems and frayed edges. Need I say more?

Pair GV's architectural sculpted dress with a short cropped Marni or boyfriend blazer. Effortlessly navigate your day from the boardroom to cocktails.

Ohm- my mantra-If it isn't on sale, it isn't on you. This label has resale value. Wear it for the season- Sell it next.

Style tip-It's important to have just enough HI to go with your LO but please- spend it on sale-Sell it after. Clothing is no longer an investment how you buy it and when you sell it is.

Buy to Wear-Wear to Sell. Words to live by.

www.gilt.com

-Barbra Horowitz

Where all my label whores at? Ideeli.com

Ok, my little label whores. Here's a dress that I can write about and a label you love.

Just Cavalli is giving it away over at Ideeli.com This dress originally retailed for over $500 but is now on sample sale (you know the new term for retail) for $190.

Could this be RC's merch from season's ago. Whichever-Whatever. A jersey dress will work any time.

With Summer on it's way, you might as well be prepared. The empire waist and plunging neckline are signature style strategies over here in my style camp.

Plunge- because we want to see your dessert tray. Empire cuz you can let your tummy breathe. Everyone wins.

Add these bright fun colors of majenta and yellow and you're good to go. Don't EVEN think of buying both. K?

Style tip- If you've got great legs cut this dress above your knees. Use any old scissors, fold the dress in half - Cut. Jersey rolls- you can never make a mistake.

Double style tip- Too much exposure for your girls. Wear a triangle bikini top for more coverage and dimension.

Triple style tip- Want to wear color but you were told it's not your palette? Cut color with neutral colors. Ivory, cognac, chocolate brown. All those color therapists-just tell them to kiss my ass.

Final style tip- When temperatures are sky high, body issues diminish. Whatcha gonna do, it's too damn hot.

Same goes for color. When it's hotter than a pug panting for a popsicle, that's your cue to pile the color on.

www.ideeli.com

-Barbra Horowitz