Clothes Call

Everyone likes a bargain, right? Then how about some free advice from our fashion experts?

By Javacia N. Harris Photos by John Rott • March 4, 2009

Like it or not, your clothes and your style say a lot about you, whether you're at work, at a party or just relaxing at your favorite bar.

"Image is an expression of your character," said Merika Rock, a local image consultant and owner of M.Rock Style. "If you exude confidence in your appearance, you are more likely to have the edge you need to excel in life."

Over the past five years, Rock has helped style actresses, reality TV stars, pro wrestling divas and other celebrities for Derby parties and other events.

We asked Rock and Shondrita Tarrence, who runs the fashion consulting business Stylistic Theory, to give us some tips to help you improve your look.

Don't be a fair-weather fashionista

It's easy to throw fashion to the wayside on rainy, windy or frigid days, but Rock knows how to weather-proof her style.

"I just throw on a trenchcoat, wrap a colorful scarf around my neck, add a trendy knit cap, my favorite pair of sunglasses and purse and I'm good to go," she said. "On a really cold day, don't forget the Isotoners. Sleek, form-fitted gloves just look more sophisticated, especially with a trenchcoat."

Tarrence is a fan of pea coats, down jackets and coats with eye-catching buckles and belts. "When it's cold out, it's all about the coat," she said.

If rain and humidity make your tresses go wild, Tarrence recommends keeping stylish berets, funky fedoras and newsboy hats on hand.

And don't forget to have fun in the rain with some playful rain boots.

"There are a lot of designs out to fit your personality," Tarrence said.

Frugal fashionista

These days everyone's talking about recessionista chic — style for the woman who wants to look good without breaking the bank. If this is you, Rock recommends checking out clearance sales at your favorite department stores, shopping at outlet stores to snag bargains on your favorite brands and shopping out of season.

It's also smart to use accessories to create different looks with gear you already own, she said.

Tarrence suggests hitting stores that offer trendy and classic looks for less, such as Target, Forever 21 and New York & Company. "It's not where you get it from, it's how you wear it," Tarrence said.

Will work for shoes

If shoes are your obsession, Rock is pushing her new venture that lets you indulge your love of fashionable footwear on a budget.

Kim Kardashian's ShoeDazzle.com is "like a Book of the Month Club, but with shoes," Rock said.

Each month, members can choose from a selection of shoes chosen by stylists like Rock. Each pair is $39, shipping included.

For ladies looking to improve their shoe collection, Rock says some must-haves include black pumps with pointed toes, kitten heels and flat, simple thong sandals.

If you're looking for comfort and style, Rock and Tarrence are both fans of wedges and ballet flats.

A natural woman

Your hair is just as important as your outfit.

"Your style should reflect what your hair does naturally," said Kristal Shannon, a hair stylist who works with M.Rock Style. "If you have curly or wavy hair, celebrate it and use a smoothing serum and a curl enhancer along with a diffuser to create soft natural waves."

For ladies with straight hair Shannon recommends a layered cut. If your hair is thin, try a short cut to make your mane look fuller.

"If you try to fight with your hair, it will win," Shannon said. "So work with your stylist to choose a cut and color that is a naturally beautiful improvement of yourself."

What's in your closet?

There are several things that Rock thinks every woman should have in her closet, including a classic tailored suit, a pencil skirt, an A-line skirt, a black sheath dress, a wrap dress, crisp button-front shirts and classic handbags.

Tarrence's picks include figure-flattering jeans, a blouse in a bold color, fitted shirts that flaunt your femininity and more flowing tops and sweaters (as long as they're not too bulky). She also believes it's important to buy items that you can mix and match, especially if you're trying to be both fabulous and frugal.