Beauty & Style: Summer Shopping 101

Summer Shopping 101
Donna Duarte-Ladd

I'm not sure about you, but when summer hits, I find myself making more impulse buys than any other time of the year. I think it's a combination of extreme heat and the many looks of fashion summer often presents. And I love it all: The brightly colored clothes, the nautical looks with the crisp white jeans, and let's not forget the bohemian look we see every summer. I'm a sucker for anything boho, as it reminds me of my California roots, so why not buy a long-style maxi dress adorned with paisleys? Well here is why: I already have it, along with bright-colored clothing and 10 pieces that qualify as nautical.

Here's my advice for avoiding repetitive shopping habits.

1. Take a look in your closet and pull out the summer basics. This would be the solid tees, the white jeans, the khaki skirt and pants.

2. Think about the trends you love this summer, and see if there is anything in your closet that is similar to this look. You'll be surprised to find a few jewels from past seasons.

3. Make a list of the pieces you feel you do need for the season. Choose items that would work well with what you already have. Maybe your basic pants are still looking great, and adding colorful new tops will breathe new life into them. The three maxi dresses you bought last year? They are still pretty darn cute; add one of the many styles of crop blazers that are being offered this season.

Donna Duarte-Ladd has worked for many notable publications, including Redbook and Real Simple. Currently, Duarte-Ladd is the style editor at Woman's Day magazine.

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