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How to look like a million bucks …without breaking the bank
By Susie Galvez
You cannot put a price on style. We have all seen the fashions, makeup, hairstyles, shoes, handbags, and accessories that have a big price tag – but do not look like it. Dolly Parton said it best: “You’d be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap!” 
Looking like a million bucks is not about who can spend the most money. It is about knowing when it is best to splurge and when it is OK to economize. So whether you have many commas in your net worth, or just one decimal – here are some quick and easy ways that you can still turn the heads of the rich and famous.
MIRROR IMAGES
• If you haven’t updated your makeup or hairstyle in the last five years, it shows! Nothing shouts out of style and old-fashioned faster than a dated look. Make an appointment with a makeup expert and hairstylist to learn new ways to embrace the current styles without a lot of currency. 
HAVE A VISION
• A sure age-dater and style buster are eyeglasses that are more than three years old. Most eye prescriptions are only for three years, anyway. Why not use this measure to update your eyeglass style. It is a sure way to see clearly what your image is saying about you. 
KEEP IT SIMPLE
• Opt to wear only outfits that make you look fabulous. Instead of a closet full of so-so’s, choose a few good pieces that you know you look fabulous in and that you feel great wearing.
• Black is the chic-est way to look expensive, even if the garment isn’t. Black has a way of looking like it costs more and as a bonus – it’s slimming in all forms of dressing.
• Check out the buttons on all suit jackets, sweaters and coats. An inexpensive looking button will cheapen the entire garment. Go to the notions department of a fabric store – you will discover all kinds of wonderful, expensive-looking and stylish ways to upscale your outfits.
• Remember suits come married, but they can have affairs in your closet. Mix up this jacket with that pair of slacks or kicky skirt. Just because they came together doesn’t mean they have to be worn together.
PUNCH PIECE
• A quick way to make a trendy in-style statement is to add accessories. Be it a colorful scarf, bold necklace, great earrings or zippy pair of bracelets, accessories are a sure hit on the look without overdrawing the account.
BEST FOOT FORWARD
• Keep shoes clean, polished and scuff-free. For a timeless elegant look, opt for plain leather pumps with a heel of two inches. A pump elongates the leg, creating a longer, leaner, and more polished look. Spending a little more on a good leather shoe is worth the cost – in style and in comfort.
• If you want to be a little trendy without a lot of money, add a fabric shoe in one of the current year’s fashion pattern favorites. The look says you are in touch with the times, and can add a bit of whimsy and fun to an outfit. 
IT’S IN THE BAG
 • A handbag is a unique feminine accessory. Your handbag is never far away, and it says volumes about you without speaking a word. To make your impression perfect, have a stylish, quality handbag. It subliminally says the rest of your outfit is also stylish, even if it was one of your best bargains. In addition to completing your image style, it is also a great conversation starter – “I love your bag!”
No matter what your personal economy may be right now, keeping up appearances will never go out of style. Whether you are looking for a job or promotion, speaking at a meeting, or simply trying to ride out a low-funds period with a positive attitude, it pays to look your best no matter what your budget.
Susie Galvez is an international image consultant, speaker, author, beauty industry expert and radio cohost for "Girlfriend We Gotta Talk!". For more, visit www.susiegalvez.com.
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