Here are some fabulous style tips from Bargain Queen real style icon Kimberly Wilson, taken from her book Hip Tranquil Chick: A Guide to Life On and Off the Yoga Mat.

And don’t miss our interview in which she shares the secrets of her personal style.

Weed out your wardrobe

Make it a habit to give away at least one item for every new piece you add to your closet. This will help keep your wardrobe from growing too large with tons of last year’s must-haves.

Also, determine at the beginning of fall and spring what new pieces you need to update your wardrobe, and write these down. Avoid on-the-fly shopping and coming home with emotional pieces that will sit for months in your closet with the tags on. Clothing, shoes, or accessories that have not been worn in over a year (excluding special-occasion gear) should be donated to a local women’s shelter or offered up during a girl’s-night-in swap.

Explore different styles

Tape up images on the inside of your closet doors with captivating outfits you’ve craved in magazines. Collect images that appeal to you from various magazines and put together a style collage to post inside your closet door. Explore ways to play with your look by putting together some of what you already have on hand. The more organized and stylish your closet feels, the more fun you’ll have creating your masterpiece look.

If you need new pieces to complete the look, keep a wish list based on the missing staples or must-haves inside your closet door. This will help you stay focused when engaging in the fine art of retail shopping as you can have your list in tow.

Invest in accessories

The easiest and most economical way to update your wardrobe is through accessories. Find special pieces that you treasure. Adding a simple scarf or multicolored beaded necklace can make even the most overworn white T-shirt-and-jeans combo shine.

Indulge in high-quality staples such as a great coat, a delightful designer handbag, shoes that will survive several seasons, a great pair of sunglasses, and the perfect hip-hugging jeans. By buying all your basic staples at reasonable outlets, you will be able to indulge each season in at least one classic high-quality piece to add longevity to your wardrobe.

Even if you’re on a budget, a well-accessorized look can do so much to add panache to your wardrobe. Shop discount specialty stores to pick up the trendy must-haves. Peruse vintage or second-hand shops for more unique trinkets. And remember to never leave home without your smile and fun-loving attitude.

Outer beauty

• If you wear concealer, search for a tinted moisturizer that feeds your thirsty skin while also covering blemishes. Think win-win!
• There are also fabulously tingly lip moisturizers with color (Burt’s Bees Merlot lip shimmer is a 5-star).
• Since you’re constantly on the go, there is no time for drips-buy waterproof mascara and douse your upper lids.
• Keep some powder sheets on hand as a fun way to dab off an excessive yoga glow.
• Eyeliner across the upper lid can help those doe eyes pop!
• Never forget the power of tidy brows-a nice waxing helps frame your eyes beautifully. $10″“$20 and well worth it.

Self-care when traveling

Little treats for your suitcase to make your travel more tranquil while maintaining your signature style:

• Scented candles-I like lavender or lilac-are wonderful for the bathroom. Look for the ones in small tins for easy transport, and don’t forget matches!
• Bring some of your favorite herbal tea bags for hotels who think Earl Grey is the only tea, as well as healthy snacks like almonds, nutrition bars, and plenty of water.
• Rosebud salve reduces hair frizzies, soothes lips, relieves dry skin, and smells divine.
• A silk eye pillow soothes tired, jet-lagged eyes.
• Moist body and face wipes are a great pick-me-up for the weary traveler.
• Pack a swimsuit. (Don’t you always find that the hotel has a pool or a hot tub your tired body craves but you forgot the suit?)

Embrace your personal style

Embodying a style that projects your personality is sure to have a positive effect on how you feel about yourself, and how others perceive you. Build on your assets by emphasizing your uniqueness. You may be six feet tall and in love with stilettos or platinum blonde and wear all white. Let these unique styles share a story with others about who you are. Celebrate your differences. Enjoy what makes you unique. Play it up, and revel in your own personal style.

From the book Hip Tranquil Chick. Copyright © by Kimberly Wilson. Reprinted with permission of New World Library, Novato, CA. www.newworldlibrary.com

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