Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

Two years ago my husband got a promotion so he and I decided to uproot our pre-teenage son and daughter from the Midwest to the West coast. Now they're both in high school and my daughter has really gotten into fashion. Because of the school she goes to and the faster pace of living in a major city, she wants to shop at high-end boutiques and stores like her friends and classmates.

Its not so much a question of if we can afford to lavish her with these things, its more so a problem of her feeling entitled to these things. I want her to be happy and popular but to what expense? Can you help me figure out a way to curb her desire for designer clothing or should my husband and I just liquidate her - and her brothers! - college funds now to support this new lifestyle? And I'm just kidding about liquidating the college funds :)

Please help!

Signed,

Designer Daughter Dilemma

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Dear D.D.D.,

Teenagers being the bane of their parents' finances is nothing new. Truth be told, unless you planned to raise your kids in an antisocial vacuum, your daughter would have eventually found her way to fashion, even in the Midwest. Today's obsession with celebrity tweens, paparazzi and the magazines that chronicle their every move and purchase almost validates the concern teens have for wanting to own the latest and the greatest. In today's society, the expression "Keeping up with the Jonses" should be re-coined as the "Jr. Jonses," who have no problem spending money their parents are hesitant to part with in the midst of a downward-facing dog economy.

Which brings us to the next point. A teenager that doesn't have to work for their spoils will never fully understand the value of a dollar. So if she wants expensive items then suggest she get a part-time job. Most teens are pron to working retail or at places they're more apt to spend their free time, i.e. spend their money, so try to police her paycheck by requiring that she put a portion of it into a savings account that she can't touch. (And if you haven't figured this out yet then let it be known: teens can't be trusted. Even the good, responsible ones. Have her give you the agreed upon amount in cash or have it direct deposited when she gets paid to ensure the money is being saved. Once she graduates you can give her the lump sum you saved for her as a gift from herself. If nothing else, the final total should drive-home the lesson you were trying to teach her about money.)

If she balks at the idea of a part-time job then cap her monthly spending at an agreed-upon, specified dollar amount, or as it used to be called, "an allowance". Teach her that she can stretch her money by introducing her to second-hand boutiques that sell designer clothing, vintage shopping, thrift stores or DIY projects to mimic higher-end looks she loves or just to experiment.

Its vital for future generations to understand the value of money, the importance of savings, keeping a good credit history and not living outside their means. Easier said than done for most, but if you teach her how to modify her spending now you'll thank yourself later...especially as she gets older.

Hey, come to think of it, back in the 90's another (television) family had a very similar situation happen to them. It might not hurt to rewatch the series with your daughter - or make it something to view for family night. There are lessons to be learned from shows like this: most importantly, you don't want your daughter to turn out like Shannen Doherty - on the show, or in reality.

Have a fashion question? Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Color Blocking: Summer 2011

Color blocking made a big splash on Spring '11 runways and the trend continues to spill over into summer. The idea behind color blocking is simple in theory: pair solid - yet somewhat unexpected - blocks of color with each other to make a cohesive outfit. You can either go monochromatic, pair bright colors with muted colors or contrasting and complimentary colors. Accessories like handbags, shoes and jewelry can also feature color block designs to help complete and pull together any color block outfit.

Looks from the Spring/Summer 2011 runway provide ideas on how to create your own color blocked ensembles:

Josh Goot

Jil Sander

Dries Van Noten

Ruthie Davis

Celebrities took to the trend right away, even wearing some of the runway looks right off the catwalk and onto the red carpet:

Camilla Belle in Gucci

Jennifer Lopez in Gucci

Iman in Prabal Gurung

Here are a few more examples of celebrities embracing the color block trend, showing they aren't afraid to spin the color wheel and dare to pair:

Jordin Sparks in a cut25 by Yigal Azrouel Techno Knit Tank Dress; Hailee Steinfeld in Prada; Jennifer Love Hewitt in Marc by Marc Jacobs; Emily Blunt in Roksanda Ilincic

Leona Lewis shows she's no stranger to color blocking. In fact, two of the dresses pictured are her own design! Can you tell which two?

Rihanna seems to have a natural understanding of how color blocking works.

Leighton Meester in Missoni and Kristen Stewart in Balenciaga Resort

Tips for pulling off color blocking:

• Team colors from the same family together for a cohesive look – think bright pinks with vivid fuchsias, turquoise with royal blue
• Keep warmer tones like orange and red together
• Go for a neutral-toned shoe to keep it simple
• Opposites Attract: think purples with oranges; lime green with melon or rosebud pink for a jarring, but pleasant, combination
• Work accessories into the mix. Select a contrasting shoe or handbag.

Now its time to try your hand at color blocking. You can find color blocked items from cheap to steep here. And just remember: this trend is more about attitude than the clothes. If you choose to go with it be ready for a few stares from onlookers that are either amazed at your fashion sense or your courage. Either way, happy blocking!

Savage Style

During a lean economy there are certain concessions made that in the long run may do you good. If you've never gone thrift store shopping, for example, then let this current economy be the financial adjustment needed to get you shopping second hand. You may have to sift through a lot to find the diamonds in the rough that still need a little polishing, but considering a new-to-you wardrobe could cost less than a tank of gas seems like a win-win.

Neophyte's to vintage shopping need only follow fashion blogs like Champagne and Marshmallows for inspiration and serious savage style. The site's creator Lauren Schoonover has a youthful look that's quite deceptive. Even though she's legal on all accounts, her pictures are like a look book for a fashion forward Lolita. And you know whatever Lolita wants, Lolita gets. And she usually gets it vintage.

Vintage sweater, belt, and shoes; Shorts by Banana Republic

Jacket by Forever 21; White tank top by Abercrombie and Fitch; Vintage jumpsuit, shoes, and jewelry

Suede fringe vest, necklaces, and bracelets by Forever 21; Shorts by Hollister; Shoes by Fahrenheit; DIY purse; Vintage belts

In her words:

"I have wanted to model since I was twelve years old, and I've always loved art and fashion. Blogging is a way for me to model and to share my style with the world. I want to inspire people and give them new ideas and new ways to wear their clothes.

"What I wear depends on the way I'm feeling that day. Anything from girly to rocker to hippie to classic. I love mixing different styles and I try to be creative with my outfits, but still follow the latest trends.

"I'm a fan of contradictions. I love being the artistic Math major, and the girly girl who loves to listen to hard rock music. It's all a part of my mysterious ways..."

Sequin skirt by BCBG; Tights by Forever 21; Vintage t-shirt, heels and jewelry

Vintage sequin top; Plaid pants by DKNY; Fringe boots by Forever 21; Purse by Style & Co.

Vintage t-shirt; Corset by Lady Marlene; Vintage tutus; Studded belts by Hot Topic; Leg warmers (worn on arms) by Claire's; Bracelets by Forever 21 and vintage; Shoes by Miss Bison

Ironically, Schoonover's first blog post was posted not too many years ago almost to today's date. Here's what she had to say:

"So this is my very first blog post, and what a wonderful time to start! Summer has always been my absolute favorite season. The sun, the beach, the super warm weather... Yeah, it's just the greatest!"

Jumpuit and belt by Forever 21; Gladiator sandals by Wet Seal;

Vintage jewelry and sunglasses

"Looking at these pictures, I'm noticing just how long my hair really is. I knew it was long, but MAN I need a haircut! I'm also seeing how much I need a tan. Somebody pass the baby oil!"

Welcome to the "midsummer dream"

Vintage top; Jeans by True Religion

Think you've got enough style to be considered a shopping savage? E-mail your photos to dwaun@shoppingsavage.com with a breakdown of your outfit and your photo may be our feature of the week!

Naturally Beautiful: A Two-Part Look at Natural Hair (Pt. 2)

Part 2: Team Au Naturel

Last week, I shared with you a few of my favorite natural celebrity hairstyles and blogs that support women with, transitioning to, or just thinking about making the change to natural hair. This week, I offer you tips on natural hair care:

1. Comb conditioners through hair thoroughly. Not doing so can result in matting or tangling, which can result in knotted hair and breakage.

The complete Softsheen-Carson Roots of Nature Haircare line

2. Use natural products. The Nature Remedies line by Soft-Sheen Carson was recommended several times over by women who have gone natural. The product line is lightweight, non-greasy and uses natural ingredients like mango oil and sweet almond oil to promote healthy hair and growth.

Roots of Nature Thermal Smoothing Serum

3. When flat-ironing or blow drying hair, always use a protective serum to prevent damage to strands. Many friends that have gone natural recommend Roots of Nature Remedies Thermal Smoothing Serum by Soft-Sheen Carson.

4. If you choose to style your hair using braids or extensions, avoid pulling around the hairline. This pulling creates tension, resulting in excessive breakage.

5. DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE HEAT! When blow drying, divide hair into 2-3 inch sections from the nape of the neck up to the front of the head. Also, use a Denman brush for less pulling. Keep in mind that heat damages hair, so the less you use the better.

6. During winter months, be sure to give your hair a little extra TLC. Make sure that your hair and scalp are regularly moisturized. It is recommended that you add at least one additional round of conditioning throughout the week.

Roots of Nature Stimulating Scalp Oil

7. If your scalp is feeling dry or tight, use a lightweight oil to moisturize. Roots of Nature Stimulating Scalp Oil by Soft-Sheen Carson was recommended to me to soften and add moisture without weighing hair down.

Roots of Nature Strengthening Oil Moisturizer

8. If your hair is dry, restore moisture by using a moisturizer. The Soft-Sheen Carson Roots of Nature line offers a strengthening oil moisturizer which will strengthen and condition tresses.

You are now armed with a guide for caring for natural hair, ideas for styles and resources for when you may feel a little lost on your journey towards going natural. If you choose to begin the transition, I wish you well in your process. This can be an enlightening, liberating and exciting experience; be open to the change and enjoy it!

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SJP and Halston call it Quits & Bieber Fever Gets a Fragrance

Sarah Jessica Parker's role as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City catapulted her to iconic A-list celebrity status in the world of fashion, so much so that it became a major part of her career outside of acting. In January of 2010 she was made president and creative director of Halston's Heritage line - pieces from the fashion houses' archive reinterpreted at a lower price - but it was recently revealed in her August 2011 interview with Vogue that the 18-month relationship has come to an end.

Vogue revealed: 'When Sex and the City, to her own surprise, made her a fashion star, she launched her own design label and perfumes, as well as signing on to run the Halston Heritage label, a relationship that recently came to an end.'

The parting of ways seems more financial than unfriendly. The line is said to have been struggling to stay afloat for quit some time now, made apparent this past spring when most of the sales team was laid off. Six months into Parker signing on, CEO Bonnie Takhar, who was to assist the actress with her role, was said to have been dismissed. Parker found herself working 16-hour days overseeing designs and marketing, calling it all a 'learning experience'.

More financial woes hit the company when film mogul Harvey Weinstein announced he was looking to sell his 10% stake in the brand for $1-1.5 million.

“I was very interested in pursuing a diversified business model that went beyond entertainment, and my involvement in Halston reflected that,” he said in a statement. “But over the past year I realized that I wanted to concentrate my energies on entertainment.”

Trying to ensure a return on his investment, he hired the likes of Tamara Mellon and Rachel Zoe to be creative consultants. Marios Scwhab was brought on to design the main collection while Parker assumed the same role for Halston Heritage.

But as more news of the story broke, so did the silence on what's been going on behind the scenes. Apparently neither Harvey or SJP seemed to get along too well with Hilco Consumer Capital, the liquidation firm who took control of the label in 2007 for $25 million. They were hoping to revive the brand to its more lucrative decades of the '70s and '80s but when it started to look like that wasn't going to happen, the arguments - and screaming matches - ensued over management teams, expenses and the company’s overall structure.

But don't feel too bad for the starlet. Though she won't get the $10 million left on her 4-year contract, she will get a $3 million payout and an exit from the remainder of her contract.

Many were rooting for Parker to succeed in the position despite her lack of knowledge on how to operate a fashion brand or be a designer.

“You could make many arguments as to why I am not qualified. I would say that I am very aware of the enormity of the titles, and how important they are, and my response is that they (the board) felt confident in their decision," Parker said in an interview around the time the deal was first announced.

'There is a huge amount I don't know and I am very candid about that, and I am excited to learn," Parker said last year in an interview. "There are going to be things that come up that I am equipped to deal with and answer and respond to... I have no allergy to learning."

Parker in Halston Heritage

Yet, despite her gung-ho attitude and multiple Halston Heritage outfits worn in the second Sex and the City film, it would seem clear that once again the point has been made that being a fashionable celebrity does not make you a fashion designer.

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In other, somewhat relatable fashion news, Justin Bieber's newest venture, a women's fragrance called "Someday by Justin Bieber" has had a record breaking sales debut. Three weeks into the "fruity gourmand" blend fragrance's appearance in department stores nationwide and its already seen sales over $3 million, making it an early prediction, but strong contender for being the best fragrance seller of 2011!

“Let’s be real, the way a girl smells is very important to a guy. I have such a deep connection with my fans, so creating a fragrance that I personally love is another way I can bring them close to my world,” the 17-year-old told Women's Wear Daily.

The fragrance was marketed towards the core of Biber's fan base - tween girls between 14- to 18-years-old - and as the numbers show, anything Bieber creates his fans have to have.

"We haven't seen anything like this since [Jennifer Lopez's] Glow and [Britney Spears'] Curious,"

industry analyst Karen Grant told Women's Wear Daily.

The fragrance also surpassed Beyonce Knowles's "Heat", with its three weeks sales besting what took her sales a solid month to reach.

This isn't Bieber's first foray into beauty. He teamed up with Nicole by O.P.I. for a nail polish collection and then created scented dog tags and bracelets. The "One Less Lonely Girl" nail polish line was also a much talked about success, selling out in Walmart's across the country. The tags and bracelets seem like a test run in comparison to the perfume's success.

"They really let me take the lead on the entire project, because I know my fans better than anyone," Bieber went on to say in another interview.

Although there is one fashion designer not likely to be a fan of the fragrance. Marc Jacobs, and many industry insiders, noticed the similarity between Bieber's "Someday" and Jacobs' "Lola" bottle designs.

"We just had a conversation about it," Jacobs told WWD. "Coty said, "Do we sue them?" and I said, "You know what? Let everyone else say what they want." I received Google [Alerts] about people saying it was derivative. We're not going to do anything about it."

Someday ($35-$55) fragrance, as well as a hair mist ($20) and body lotion ($25),

is available at retailers including Macy's, Sephora, Belk and Dillard's.

A portion of the proceeds of "Someday" go toward Pencils of Promise - a philanthropy that builds schools - and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

My wife and I are taking a vacation to the Caribbean and she's trying to convince me to wear a speedo swimsuit. It started off as a joke but she keeps bringing it up. I'm in great shape so there's no physical issue but mentally I just can't wrap my head around it. Any advice?

Signed,

Itty Bitty Male Bikini

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Bikini cut swimsuits for men have been on the rise, ahem, comeback for quite some time. Not that you'd know there was a decline in any country but America. In many countries male beach goers prefer the bikini cut bathing suit. You get as close to a full-body tan as possible without public indecency and they're easier to swim in because they don't drag in the water like a baggy, to-the-knee board short would, for example.

If it makes you feel more comfortable, wear your bikini cut swimwear under a pair of standard swim trunks. Depending on your comfort level, once its time to take a dip you can shed the decoy bathing suit. And if you're in the Caribbean, there will be many guys like you in swimwear as small - and by choice.

Look at buying a dark color to help you feel a little less exposed. Or, if you decided you want to be more adventurous and go for one that's a little lighter in color, or that even has a pattern or print design, just be sure that its lined to minimize any excessive VPL.

Wearing a bikini cut swimsuit is just as much mental as it is physical - although getting a few extra workouts in right before your debut couldn't hurt. Just chalk it up to being on vacation, obliging your wife and seeing how the other half live at the beach for a while - the other half being men who prefer a good budgie smuggler.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com