~ The Frugal Fashionista

 

She’s smart, she’s spunky, she’s sassy…she’s Kim…and Director of Marketing here at A.Dodson’s. But if you’re one of those super moms like her, who juggles workout, breakfast, bus stop, and career, looking your best can be hard. But with just a spritz of hairspray, a swipe of liner, and a few items from A.Dodson’s, Kim’s inner diva came out! Getting gorgeous isn’t so difficult…

Kim Before

Kim After

She looks positively radiant! Her earthy coloring is complimented by dark violet eyeshade and smoky black liner…and a double layer of mascara is essential! By spraying her straight locks and tousling them slightly we achieved sexy, windblown hair.

A.Dodson’s ‘Grecian Goddess’ top is flattering, comfortable, yet totally sultry. Pair it with jeans and you get instant, easy-to-wear glamour!  Silver chandelier earrings and beaded bracelets from our store complete the look.

Using a couple heavy-duty clips, I pulled back Kim’s hair into a messy up-do and left a few wisps down for a “carefree-dressy” vibe. Golden earrings and A.Dodson’s adorable ‘Penelope’ kimono dress made her ready for a night out in less than 10 minutes!

~Runway The Real Way

 

Iconic 1970’s styles have been blazing the runways. Now heat up your summer wardrobe with day and evening looks inspired by the ’70s. Here are some ideas on bringing this style from the fashion world to your very own closet.

 

Hippie By Day…

My my miss American pie, summer styles have taken a step back in time! The laid back look of the 1970’s hippie is being deemed “Festival Fashion.” Inspired by the festival crowd, this look consists of loose fitting clothing, floral prints, fringe, and crochet. Below is an example on how to achieve this runway style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glamour By Night…

Lookin’ for some hot stuff to wear this evening? Get inspired by the glamour of Stutido 54. Let this look light up your night with luxe fabrics, platform heels, and flower accessories. Here’s how to get this style from the catwalk to the sidewalk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look at how A. Dodson’s is doing the 1970′s trends!

Print Scarf- $19.99 Flower Earrings-$9.99 Sunglasses- $9.99

~The Frugal Fashionista

 

The Classic White Button down shirt…we all have one. But why does it often seem so boring? We deserve more from this classic piece! So let’s mix it up…

 

Romantic

This look is feminine, whimsical, and totally easy to wear.  This rose is stunning, isn’t it? And no one would guess I bought it at Michael’s for $5, cut off the stem, and used a long straight pin to secure…you see, ANY look is achievable on a budget!

 

City Girl

Sleek pants, patent heels, and neon accents take a minimalist look from simple to urban. Believe it or not, this perfect hint of lime is from my mom’s tankini bathing suit from 10 years ago…come on girls, get creative! And bright nail polish is a must!

 

Preppy Artiste

If you want to be casual yet sophisticated, try white on white for cool summer crispness…then soften with a few vintage (or faux vintage) accessories. All my accents are thrift store finds, and for a statement bracelet, I wound a long chain necklace around my wrist. “Pop” your collar for a touch of attitude!

~ Runway The Real Way

 

When it comes to finding the perfect swimsuit don’t fight what your mama gave you! Embrace your body type and you’ll never be afraid to strip down to that sexy bikini or slimming one piece ever again! Here are some simple guidelines to finding the latest swimwear trends that work best for your body.

Dew Drop: You have a smaller bust and a wider lower half.

Do’s: Boy shorts or bottoms that have more coverage will conceal your larger lower half. Try wearing tops with details or prints to draw attention upward. Molded cups will also help enhance your bust.

Don’ts: Bottoms with loud prints or lots of hardware will give unwanted attention to your already curvy lower half.

Trends to Try: Lace and ruffles are spicing up the runways. Wearing tops with these details will bring the attention away from your voluptuous bottom half. If lace and ruffles don’t fit your style, try a print or bright colored top.

Curvy: You have more of an hourglass shape.

Do’s: Wear halter-tops or molded cups for extra support. Also look for  bottoms that have more coverage. If you rather wear a one-piece, try one with ruching to accentuate your waist line.

Don’ts: String bikinis may make your bottom half look larger and don’t give support for your bust. Stay away from small prints because they can distort your figure.

Trends to Try: Neon solid colors and eclectic prints are lighting up the fashion world. Rock your curves with either of these trends.

Apple: You are curvy all over and have a rounder shape.

Do’s: Wear swimwear with roching or that is a wrap style to define your waistline. Plunging necklines or prints on top will draw attention up to your face.

Don’ts: Stay away from string bikinis, stripes, and metallic colors. They will make you appear bigger than you really are.

Trends to Try: Grey is the new black when it comes to swimwear this summer. Other dark colors are also slimming for your figure.

Flute: Your hips and waist are equal in width. You may be more athletic and have broader shoulders.

Do’s: Try tops and bottoms with a lot of embellishments. Str ng bikini’s add curvature.

Don’ts: Stay away from strapless styles and boy cut bottoms. They can make your body look rectangular and less curvy.

Trends to Try: Ring-top bandaues and one-shoulder bandeaus are hot styles. Tops and bottoms with ruffles or hardware accessories are also popular and will add more volume to your shape.

~ The Frugal Fashionista

Scarves. From Cleopatra to Rosie the Riveter, scarves have been a staple accessory in women’s wardrobes, and this season they are popular as ever. We see flamboyant creativity in the fashion world, but how does one translate that to everyday life? Stepping out of your comfort zone can be intimidating, but here are five ideas from my closet, inspired by accessories from A. Dodson’s, to help you branch out…

 

Greece is the Word

Using a leopard belt to cinch in this graceful draping scarf from A. Dodson’s, I’ve created a look that’s flattering for all body types–glamorous yet comfortable.

How To: fold scarf in half, and use your sleeve or strap to anchor a knot at your right shoulder. Pulling the scarf diagonally across your body, meet the ends of your scarf at your left hip in a tiny knot. Leaving the back of the scarf flowing loosely behind you, slip a belt around your waist to complete the look.

 

Fond of the Fifties

Whether you’re concealing a bad hair day, or simply in love with the 50′s, this look is fabulous for a night out or a run to the grocery store.

How To: Using a square scarf, fold in half diagonally as pictured below…

Tie firmly in a knot at the forehead, allowing the pleats to be exposed.

 

The Bandeau

Over a baby doll dress or top, this style flatters “the girls” no matter their size! For this look, I pulled a calf-length skirt up to the bust line to create a darling mini-dress. The tasseled scarf from A. Dodson’s complimented my polka dots with floral swirls, keeping the look chic by maintaining the black and white theme.

How To: Simply wrap a scarf around the bust line, and tie in a knot or bow off to one side.

 

The Hourglass

Whether you consider yourself an hourglass shape, or desire to be one, this look slims curves on some and accentuates feminine lines on others. This flowing scarf from A. Dodson’s brings the season’s tribal theme from the runway to your closet. Paired with a pencil skirt and chunky beads, wear it for a summer barbecue or date night on the town!

How To: Making sure to stay above the hips, wrap a linear scarf around your waistline. Tie in a flamboyant side bow!

 

The Nautical Dandy

One can accomplish this look using a scarf of any size, but here, mine is striped and linear. A straw hat of any shape gives this headpiece texture and interest.

How To: Double or single wrap scarf of choice around your head, bringing it together in a bow below your ear.

We love coming across a special find! You know that moment when you drive past a yard sale and see the perfect table you’ve been wanting? Part of our Rustic Chic style at A. Dodson’s comes from upcycling, recycling and repurposing all kinds of things! Most of our displays are found objects that we recreated! See our kitchen display? We found that vintage stove while cleaning out the house next door. Love it!

Show us some of your reclaimed treasures! Post a photo on our Facebook Wall of your favorite yard sale, junk yard or curb side find! The photo with the most “likes” will receive a $50 gift certificate to Smithfield Gardens! We’d love to hear how you found the item and how you’re using it!

Posting and voting ends June 30th and a winner will be announced on our Facebook page July 1st!

Snap a photo and tell your friends to vote for you! Let’s see those Junkyard Jewels!!

We find inspiration everywhere, from the pages of magazines to our awesome customers…and now in our new interns! We’re blogging about it to inspire you, too. Each week our interns will be here blogging about trends, fashion and how to make it work for you. Introducing Amelia and Laurel-Manette…

 

– Amelia Shoemaker, Runway The Real Way
The fashion world has captured my attention ever since I was a little girl. I am now living out my passion as a fashion major at Virginia Tech. My love for fashion reaches from exploring new trends to designing. As a new member of the A. Dodson’s team, I’m excited to learn more about where my talents reside and how to build on them. For my blog, Runway the Real Way, I will give you tips on how to incorporate trends of the moment into your personal style. The realm of fashion should be within reach for everyone, so learn how to show off the latest in fashion your own way and most importantly the real way.

– Laurel-Manette Wallis, The Frugal Fashionista
Bringing joy and unique flare to wardrobes has been my passion for as long as I remember. My goal is to make the art of dressing enjoyable for women of all ages, and to help reconcile your budget with your style. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be an intern here at A. Dodson’s; to experience this fabulous boutique, and learn from the creative and inspiring women who have made it what it is. I am especially excited to bring you fashion tips through this blog that mesh style and practicality, and in the coming months, I look forward to getting to know the wonderful customers who love and support the brand of A. Dodson’s.

—– Stay Tuned!

These are the signs you are somehow associated with A. Dodson’s:

1) You drive through a neighborhood on trash night with your head on a swivel.

2) You know a junk man.

3) And he’s your personal shopper.

4) You respond to ‘flea market’ just like ‘Nordstorm’s Half-Yearly Sale.’

5) A friend says “I’m getting rid of my” and before hearing what it is you holler “I’LL TAKE IT!”

Hang around A. Dodson’s long enough and you’ll learn there is always a way to be more creative, to be more frugal and to combine them to be more fabulous. Just because you CAN afford to buy a new distressed table for a fortune doesn’t mean you should. Besides, the story behind a yard sale coffee table you got for a steal is worth so much more than those catalog prices (not to mention the hefty delivery fees).

Take, for example, the small cottage on Alison’s farm. Space is a premium so when planning the bathroom and closet in the master bedroom, she decided to salvage some old barn doors and use real barn track to make them sliders. When restoring the doors, she used antique mirror purchased from Churchland Glass. In addition to restoring the doors, it helped add space to the room.

 

Tip: Antique mirror is a great way to renovate an old kitchen. Rather than installing new cabinets, just replace the doors with mirror inserts and viola!

We call our style Rustic Chic. It’s something we embraced long before it became cool – again. All you have to do is watch the stock market to follow the frugal decor trend and also, as it turns out, cocktails. At a dinner part this week I learned Sangria is making a comeback with a nod to its heyday in the 1970s thanks to the good ole economic collapse.  Everyone’s trying to do more with less. Call it environmentalism. Call it economic instability. Call it what you will. We’ll just always call it Rustic Chic.

And could someone pass the Sangria?