How to Dress Like You're Rich when you're not.

Bridie Clark, author of The Overnight Socialite, shared some tips on how to dress like you've got a trust fund and a ton of money to spare. Wouldn't that be nice? Now have to be honest and say I don't know Birdie, but whoever she is She's right on the money with her tips. The "socialite look" is just a matter of mastering a few basic rules.

Figure out what works and stick with it. Anchor your wardrobe with clean lines, good fabrics, classic tailoring. Develop a signature look...even a uniform. Avoid trends. The look you're striving for is fresh but timeless, and most trends have an expiration date.
Before you make a purchase, try to calculate Cost-Per-Wear. A Burberry trench that you'll wear every spring for the rest of your life could be worth a splurge. Likewise you'll always want to wear a great watch, "everyday" jewelry with just the right amount of bling, a simple clutch for evening, a tote that's comfortable but chic. And a little black dress -- you'll wear it all the time. ((Ok she is on the money here every diva needs at least one Black Nicole Miller or A.B.S. dress (both are classy and cost-effective) and a nice Jimmy Choo clutch. My favorite jewelry David Yurman))
Buy at the right time. Stores need to turn over their inventory to make room for new arrivals, so keep your eye out for sales. There's definitely a right time (usually January) and a wrong time (November) to buy that shearling coat.
Buy more than one. Say you find the perfect pair of jeans. The right length, the right wash, the right silhouette from every angle. This is a good moment to splurge by doubling down on an extra pair (and if they're really that fabulous, two). Same goes for all your basics -- white tailored shirts, black ballet flats, socks. This way you'll have a fresh set to rotate in when the original starts to show wear and tear.((This is true too. I wear my AG jeans sooo much I have to buy 3 pair at a time))
Never compromise on fit. Who cares if it's cashmere -- if the sweater doesn't fit properly, donate it. Keep your wardrobe as streamlined as possible.. ((I agree, The clothes or the brand means nothing if they don't fit perfectly.. U must always have a nice taylored prescence, unless you are striving for a trendy baggy look))
Take care of what you have. Skip bleach -- it will hurt the fibers of your clothing after many washes. Instead, soak whites in hot water using detergent and a bleach alternative, like white vinegar. Be vigilant about separating colors. Your jeans and delicates should never see the inside of a dryer. Lastly, spot-clean items instead of always dry-cleaning -- it'll save you money, and save your clothes the chemical treatment. (( hmmmmm. I say work out a good weekly deal with your local dry cleaners for your favorite peices. lol))
Never pay retail. Why blow your budget at the mall when there are so many places to buy designer clothing at deep discounts? Sites like Gilt, eBay, and consignment shops are just some of the spots you'll find marked-down treasures that look like you bought them on Fifth Avenue. Somebody did. ( (I'm always for being frugally fabulous. lol))
Master a speedy daytime beauty routine. We all need to get out the door quickly sometimes. After your shower, massage a small amount of mousse into the roots of your hair, flip your head and use a flat brush to blowdry hair into straight, shiny panels. Smear on some tinted moisturizer with SPF, some mascara, and some lipgloss, and you're good to go.
To paraphrase Coco Chanel, remove one accessory before you walk out the door. Less is more. If you want to look effortlessly elegant, put quality ahead of quantity and keep your look simple. ((This is where we part ways. I say always do EXTRA, unless you are going to a conservative affair or an interview. I'd rather be overdressed than under-dressed. so grab 4 bracelets instead of one honey you are Fabulous! LOL))
Exercise clothing should be worn solely to exercise. OK, and back and forth to the gym. Socialites don't allow themselves to lapse into that comfy, sloppy look that can be so tempting on a Sunday morning..((Well I see her point, but I see nothing wrong with a nice form fitted Juicy Couture jogging suit if you have the body for it.))

So the bottomline is what I have always told you.. Looking Fabulous isn't about how much money you have. It's about being confident with what you do have and YOU making it more Fabulous.. Real Divas know We make the brands, the brands don't make us!!