Have you heard this new term? As the economy has declined, this term has emerged. It’s basically the new breed of Fashionista. A Recessionista is one who is very knowledgeable of fashion trends and designers, but can’t or won’t spend excessive amounts of money on clothing and accessories. Instead, the Recessionista seeks discount finds and knockoffs. To use another term, the Recessionista looks for ‘Recession Chic’.
So, what’s new, you ask? It’s true, there have always been those of us who have appreciated trendy fashion at discount prices. Before, though, there wasn’t a term for us other than ‘cheap’ or ‘thrifty’. Being a Recessionista is now desirable. I suspect some will even begin to use it as a badge of honor. Spending $2,000 on a purse in these difficult times makes one seem out of touch and insensitive. But finding a lower end purse made by the same designer and priced at $30 at Target makes one seem wise. And, it definitely sounds more glamorous than calling yourself ‘cheap’.
How do you become a Recessionista? If you’ve been reading this site for affordable options and discount finds, I’m sure you already are one! Here are 10 tips for How to Be a Recessionista.

2. Shop at Consignment, Vintage and Thrift Stores

You can often find great deals on designer clothing by shopping at Consignment Stores in the nicer areas of your city. It helps to know your designers and what the clothing usually sells for. Don’t buy something just because it’s a great deal, though. Make sure it’s something you really like and that it fits you well.
You can also sometimes find great deals on designer clothing at Vintage Stores. The prices on vintage designer clothing are often pretty steep. So, if you find a good deal here, you’re lucky. Instead of label shopping, you’re better off just looking for classic pieces that fit your personal style.
Thrift Stores are great places to find accessories, jeans and layering pieces. Shop in the men’s section to find a great pair of boyfriend jeans that actually fit you.

5. Shop at the Back of Stores

When you shop at your favorite stores, make a beeline toward the back of the store first. That’s usually where all of the sales racks are. You can still own items from your favorite stores by finding the great deals hidden at the back. I always do this at Banana Republic, Anthropologie and JCrew.

6. Stay Ahead of the Times

Be familiar with the styles seen on the runways for the next season. The runway shows for next Spring were held in September. This gives you plenty of time to look ahead, know what the trends are and be able to spot great deals on Spring trends.
If you know what’s coming next while you’re out shopping for Fall/Winter clothes and you come across a perfect Little White Dress marked down to $10, you can snag it up and have it ready for your Spring wardrobe. Here are two posts to help inform you of what’s to come: Top 10 Fashion Trends for Spring 2009 and Shopping Fall Sales for Spring 2009.

7. Find a Cobbler

In times of excess, we get rid of shoes that break or get worn down. Instead, take your shoes to a cobbler and have them mended. Depending on what’s wrong with your shoes, this will cost between $5 and $30. Most likely, that’s cheaper than getting a new pair of shoes. Cobblers will also repair and restore handbags. Use this same philosophy with your clothes. Find a seamstress to repair your clothes (or learn to sew!). Most dry cleaners have a seamstress on call.

9. Work Your Accessories

Instead of spending a lot of money on a few pieces of clothing, purchase the accessories that are popular for the season. It’s amazing what a difference accessories can do to make classic pieces appear trendy. For this Fall, adding a great pair of tights to your classic little black dress can make a huge difference. Add some statement jewelry to that look and you’re instantly in style for about $15.

10. Shop Online First

It’s great fun going to the mall for a shopping excursion. But, if you want to compare prices, see all of the sales and discounts and see everything offered by your favorite stores, it’s best to shop online. So, you’re one of those people who wants to touch the clothes first or needs to try things on? Shop online first to determine where you want to go when you get to the mall. Charlotte Russe might have a great purple blazer for $30, but Old Navy has one on sale for $14. Knowing that before you head out prepares you to make informed purchases. We used to shop first, think and regret later. Now, it’s important to think first, shop later and regret no more.