Looking Flirty on a Budget

Lovelies:

On Monday, I mentioned I was interested in trying to make myself over a bit--or at least spice up my look. As such--as part of what will be an ongoing effort to revamp (and vamp up) a bit--I asked Target if they could give me some tips on how to liven up my wardrobe without spending too much. Jana O'Leary--TARGET's Head of Looking Groovy*--gave me some great ideas.

TRY SOME CHUNKY JEWELRY

Necklaces with big baubles will help to accentuate your neckline--and are so eye-catching that they can transform a simple outfit into one that makes a statement. Target has one--their Clear Bubble Bead Necklace (pictured below)--for $30. If that's too rich for your blood, I'm sure you can find other bargains out there: I got a similar piece at Old Navy for 99 cents back in December!

UPDATE A FLOWY DRESS WITH A THICK BELT

This is an easy way to bring last season's dress into step with this season's styles--as well as a great trick for instantly giving yourself an hourglass figure! (Target's got a wide braided belt, below, for $17.)

AVOID TRENDY CLOTHES THAT DON'T FLATTER YOUR FIGURE

Yes, yes, we'd all love to look great in those cute new one-piece short jumpers that seem to be all the rage now (at least here in NYC). But some of us--myself included--just can't rock certain uber-trendy looks. So instead of trying to be so hip that it hurts (other people's eyes), be sure to wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. If you'd like to give a nod to the mod, add a piece of jewelry, a belt, a headband or some other up-to-the-moment accessory.

HAVE AT LEAST ONE LITTLE BLACK DRESS THAT YOU LOVE--AND THEN FUNK IT UP

Amen to that, Jana O'Leary. I myself have three LBD's that I rely on constantly--including one that I got last year from Forever 21 for $20 and another that I recently got on sale at The Gap for $35 a few months back. Target's got a strapless one (pictured below) for $45.

Once you've got the dress, make it unique with something chic. Jana suggests modernizing with Target's Cropped Jacket Hawaiian Floral Print (also pictured). A bold new article of clothing like this is a way to change your whole look--without buying a whole new wardrobe.

And I've found that anything funky--from a cool pair of colored fishnet stockings to a cute Asian-print bag (like the one I recently snagged at a Brooklyn yard sale for $5) along with some dangly earrings--can make an all-black ensemble quite fetching.

(If you like the shoe on the model above, they're Merona Meadow Ballet Flats, $25 at Target.)

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*Not her real title.

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DEAR COMMENTERS:

Proud Canadian, hello there! I felt immediately affectionate towards your deaf guy--I think I'd want to take care of him, too! I'm curious how you met him, and if you guys use sign-language, or he has a hearing aid, or what ... Anyway, thanks so much for writing in. And please don't apologize for not commenting before! Just drop a line when you feel like it.

And Lady Rae: I'm glad about your dude; I'm sure it feels good to know he was thinking about you (as he should be). It's hard to advise, not knowing more specifics, but I say if you feel okay about seeing him, let him take you to dinner ... ??

Hi Tammy ... I appreciate YOUR raw honesty, old pal. Keep it coming!

xxx!