Greet a New Season

Don't worry: I have many posts to add before the start of a new year, a new you, but wanted to get this one out well before the end of the fiscal year. As December nears to a close, there is good news and bad news. The bad news is, a majority of your winter wardrobe will be passe', so I hope you got it all out of your system. The good news is, now you get to mix up the seasons. Even more good news, given the holidays and tough economic times, you will have a broader selection of great deals.

Recall the 'Re-mix' post and the importance and value of your essentials. The best thing about the coming months (thanks in part to global warming) is there really isn't a wrong way to transition seasons. This most definitely is the time to incorporate old and new, experiment with bold cuts, and play with your colour schemes.

Let's face it: it's still going to be cold for a while, so why not lightened up your look with the all-weather, white trench, shown here at Overstock.com for a very reasonable $68.
I particularly like the length of the coat and how the brass accents toughen up the look. Note: If you are afraid of getting dirty in white, look for one with a higher rayon content. (My trench is 52% cotton/48% rayon and sssuper comfortable.) The split content makes it easy to clean, doubles up durability, and maintains the beauty of cotton.

I read an editors' note once that made the most excellent point: "The thing about boots is, wait too long, and all the good styles are gone, so I make sure to shop early." My only reservation with 'shopping early' is often you end up paying way too much and a Pretty Cheap Dress hates paying too much. Another fact about boots is, yes, while many of the amazing new styles are quickly sold out, many more classic (read 'season transcending') styles are held back until now.
Get an even earlier start on a pair of boots such as these AMAZING gems found at DSW that cross soo many lines. (Unable to post the picture.)
I particularly like the dual use of colour which is invaluable to your wardrobe, as well as the rich crocodile print. At $50, these would work well under both jeans and skirts and received 100% recommendation on comfort and fit.
I've had a lot of people tell me they have a variety of problems in finding a good pair of boots. For most, it's the way they fit in the calf area. Before you exclude yourself completely to the beauty of boots, keep in mind again the importance of the materials. This is a classic riding boot that will also work very well under jeans or skirts and is made of 100% leather.

Like your own leather, it stretches and breathes to fit your make up, ultimately molding and shaping out to be literally made to fit you--a bargain at $62. Don't be afraid to go for a pair with brass accents or an interesting use of materials, such as the croc print boots.

A sure bet to simplify the many looks of the impending season is layering with a basic cardigan. Much like boots, pass a good one up and you'll be waiting through a few seasons. I really like this one which comes in 'Chic Cream' (it's even in the name!) and for the patch pockets.

Another thing about cardigans is they are very reasonably priced, and therefore one can never have too many. As a layer, it's not necessary to wash often. Extend the lifetime by using the gentle wash option when laundering and take an extra moment to lay flat to dry. Also, look for romantic details such as this one shown with black lace, perfect to shield the chill in those sweet early spring dresses!
A little tip: keep your eyes peeled for the sales racks. Fortunately, cardigans come in a million styles and colors but missing out on a blow out sale to later pay in excess irks a Pretty Cheap Dress.

Hopefully, by this point you are feeling more confident going into the new season. Scooping up the basics at a bargain is great, but why not splurge on a couple of trendy accessories to pump up your outfit? I am absolutely mad for these super comfy, slouch hats, this one found on Etsy.com.

As a bag lady, it would be an injustice not to suggest an update. This time of year also makes it tolerable to handle a mid-size clutch. I picked up a similar bag this past summer at a bazaar in Berkley, California but am falling head over heel for this one found on a 'vintage handbag' search on Ebay.

My last recommendation is jewelry. Cheap, fun jewelry. The interesting thing about it is, it's not often you really see two of the same thing; therefore, you can't have enough! Start the season mixing different lengths of pearl necklaces. I picked up a cheaper version of this at Forever 21, particularly for the unexpected flower detail.

Stay pretty through these tough economic times by maintaining a discriminating eye. I leave you with these parting words: "What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value."--Thomas Paine. "No pain, no gain!" says A Pretty Cheap Dress!