Best fashion bargains from this summer’s sales
Worried that those seemingly great deals will be dead after one wearing? Judy Gordon guides you to the styles that’ll last
 Vivre.com Pick up classic sandals like these in this summer's sales — and wear them next year. |
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It’s not just the July weather that’s hot — this season’s sales are chock-full of bargains that’ll add sizzle to your summer.
But which styles will last and which ones will be gone before September?
Don’t worry, we have the answers! So snap up some super deals you’ll love long after you've paid the bill.
It’s all right here in the latest edition of our weekly fashion-and-beauty update.
Summer-to-holiday dressing
Now is a great time to pick up some of summer’s dressy-by-day looks, because come fall and winter, silk camis can be worn under jackets and sweaters. A nude or neutral-colored one is most versatile. (The one shown here is $44.90 at Nordstrom.com). For evening and holiday wear, add a bejeweled clutch handbag and metallic, strappy shoes (also on sale everywhere).
Trend Tip:
Go for truly feminine-type camisoles and steer clear of overly “bohemian” styles, which will be over and out come fall.
Jeans with genes 
Can’t afford (or refuse to pay for) those pricey fashion denim brands like Seven for All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, True Religion and Salt? Well, now is the time to try out a pair for yourself because many of them are on sale! The pair shown here ($79 at Intermix-NY.com) hits all the right notes — a classic 5-pocket, modified (and flattering) boot-cut style, along with faded denim thighs and darker bottoms (which draws the eyes away from the thighs).
Trend Tip:
Consider also picking up a pair of white jeans from a great brand. They are a must-have item every summer and perfect for resort as well.
Bag it 
Oh, what a handbag season it was — and now’s you’re chance to scoop up a great buy that will become a wardrobe classic. Bypass the overly embellished or metallic bags and zoom in on classic, leather bags in neutral colors, such as the Cole Haan beauty shown here ($149.90 at Nordstrom.com). There are all sorts of roomy shapes to choose from, with the structured bucket and the hobo styles among our favorites.
Trend Tip:
Prefer something a little racier? You can’t go wrong with an embossed leather bag in a neutral faux crocodile or faux snakeskin print.
Dress success
Seems close to impossible to find a perfect day-into-evening dress when you need one, right? So why not shop the sales now and pick up a few summer beauties? Best bets are classic slip dresses and chemises in solids or prints, like the Milly dress shown here ($128 at BergdorfGoodman.com). You’ll be wearing them for a long time. Also, look for subtle, jewel-encrusted dresses for special occasions and floaty chiffon numbers for afternoon weddings.
Trend Tip:
This summer we saw lots of wonderful floral prints, which really never go out of style. So if you want to go feminine, go for it!
Trendy accessories — priced right
As we’ve noted many times before, a trendy accessory — a piece of jewelry, a pair of shoes or a hat — can really make an outfit. And, of course, we love them best when they’re on sale! The bargains right now range from head to toe, including casual, artist-signed Panama hats and embroidered mules ($37.50 and $46.75 at Vivre.com). Also, look for cowboy straw hats, all-out sexy heels and coral or turquoise earrings and necklaces that you’ll find just about everywhere. Enjoy!
Trend Tip:
If the price is right, treat yourself to a few over-the-top accessories — they instantly dress up any classic outfit.
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Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more about Gordon, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America and across the world.
firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to www.firstVIEW.com for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.
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