B.A.S.E.

I watched "What Not to Wear" last week.  Stacey and Clinton put together a great acronym to help Jordan (who was getting the makeover) shop for her new wardrobe.

B.A.S.E
BODY  Is the item flattering to your body?

AGE  Is the piece age appropriate?  Is it too old or young for you?

SITUATION  Is the garment situation appropriate?  Are you too overdressed or underdressed?

EXPENSE  Is the clothing worth the expense?  How much is the cost per use?

BODY:

Though I love Jessica Simpson and got so angry at critics when they called her "fat" for wearing this, I did agree that these jeans, belt, and tank combo was not very figure flattering to her shape. 

This photo of Carrie Underwood is a good example as to what Jessica would have looked better wearing. Carrie's outfit doesn't hug every single curve, but instead shows off her legs and butt. Your body should be complimented by clothes.

AGE:

Pamela Anderson is hopeless, but a good example for this particular situation.  Both she and Kelly Ripa are in their early 40's.  Unfortunately, Pam, here, has no concept of age appropriateness.  She is making herself look older than she is in attempts to look younger, which even for a 20 year old, this dress is tacky and too short.

Kelly Ripa knows what she is doing.  The dress is stylish and sophisticated.  She doesn't look older than she is.  In fact, she looks younger.  Kelly is showing enough skin to look classy and sexy all at once.

SITUATION

Hopefully you don't have to take a trip to court anytime soon, but this type of occasion calls for the appropriate ensemble.  Lindsay Lohan doesn't present a case for herself very well by wearing this outfit.  It is too short and revealing.

This will probably be the only time in my life that I praise Paris Hilton, but I must say she actually wore the proper wardrobe for her court date.  She is fully covered and looks like she wants to be taken seriously.  Regardless of wearing the right outfit, I'm still very happy she killed some time in the slammer.

EXPENSE:

I must admit, that for me, it is difficult to justify a large expense on anything.  Some of my favorite items that I have had for years and wear more than most other items in my closet, I got at a great deal.  However, what is important is that if you do want to spend some extra money on an article of clothing, then make sure you get good use out of it.

For example, a summer dress that you'll likely only wear one season, don't spend much money on it.  On the other hand, a little black dress gets it's use time and time again.  Invest in that peice, because you can wear it as many times as you want by accessorizing it differently and making it look like a brand new dress everytime you show it off!

Brown Lacey Dress from Forever 21: $22.80

Black Michael Kors Dress from Macy's: $74.99 (down from $150)

So, when you're out shopping next time and are unsure as to whether or not you should make a purchase, just think of BASE and hopefully you will know what to do!