Rich in Style

The March issue of Vogue features the First Lady on its cover, she of the wonderful sense of style.  Michelle Obama is known for her fresh, often off-the-rack fashion savvy, and her look is the perfect inspiration for affordable luxury -- for keeping your style rich even while your pocketbook is feeling the crunch.  Her choices are often simply cut and in luxurious, vibrant shades, pulled together with a beautiful scarf, a clutch, or a length of giant pearls.  You can find pieces that reflect this elegance at all price levels.  And, as Real Simple magazine suggests, you can even purchase just one new item this spring to upgrade what's already in your closet.  Think fabulous jacket: a large,   colorful, structured necklace; or a new purse or tote in a great color.  All of these pieces can be worn throughout the spring and summer and bring new relevance to last year's designs.

Brooching the Subject

Bold, colorful, statement-making -- these are not your great-grandmother's brooches!  Today's pins are studded with gems (faux is fine) in brilliant combinations and patterns, and are the trendy touch to add to dresses, sweaters, scarves, your hair or, as worn by Michelle Obama and applauded by Us magazine, your pearls.  Prices range from single digits on up -- not a lot to pay for a whole of of flash and style substance.

Affordable Luxury

With the economy slow and budgets (and belts) tight, no doubt you, like most of us, have had to cut back.  Whether you've curtailed dining out, decided to pass on those fabulous new boots, or hope you'll catch that concert tour when it swings back this way again instead of right now, you're probably more careful about spending.  Here's a way to get a little instant gratification without blowing your budget in the least -- get a manicure.  Even if you can't do it every week (or even every 2 weeks), getting a salon manicure to get your hands and nails in great shape will make you feel terrific.  And your salon professional can recommend an at-home regimen so that you can keep the results going for less.  A salon manicure with OPI products will leave your hands soft and smooth and your nails looking well-cared-for.  Plus, check out your salon's supply of OPI Nail Lacquers and pick up one or two to take home for an instant uplift.  Think of it as totally affordable luxury for your nails.