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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, September 4, 2009

Fashions that multitask


By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

A hippie-chic skirt slides up to become a strapless dress, transitioning from Woodstock to Wai'alae.

Michael Stars skirt/dress ($88), Nordstrom

Paolo "Vie" shoes

Pewter necklaces ($68 and $88), Nordstrom

Vince tank

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A versatile white shirt can go anywhere. Over or under.

Foxcroft fitted wrinkle-free shirt ($58, comes in sizes 00 to 24), Nordstrom

Vince tank

Charles David "Fluster" shoes ($125), Nordstrom

Burberry patch-elbow T-shirt ($180), Nordstrom

Model's own jeans

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A simple dress can change personality as a tunic, from punk to posh.

Pillowcase Dress ($26), American Apparel

Paolo "Vie" shoes

Stretch leopard belt ($54), Nordstrom

Pewter necklaces ($68 and $88), Nordstrom

Hoop earrings, Nordstrom

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Fashion-wise, fall is in full swing. The September issues of our favorite fashion mags are out. The new season of "Project Runway" is under way. And next week is New York's Fashion Week.

Can we shop now, please?

We've been so good for so long. Now, with Fashion's Night Out coming to Ala Moana Center next week, isn't it time to lighten up a little?

Here's a guilt-free way to shop. First, shop in your closet. Find out which of your must-haves have, frankly, had it. Is your favorite white shirt a bit yellowed? Pencil skirt void of punch? Leggings lost their luster? Got red?

If you need any of these essentials, you have a ticket to shop guilt-free.

If you're still hesitant, here's another helpful approach to recession-time shopping: Shop for garments that can multi-task. Find a skirt that can morph into a dress; or a white shirt that can be layered over and under tanks and sweaters to create entirely different looks. Try a feather-light sweater that can be worn 12 different ways.

We scouted Ala Moana Center and were delighted with our multitasking finds. Here's our take on how to wear them.

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