Archives Posts
Top 10 Ways to Be a Recessionista
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.
1. Find Designer Lines at Discount Stores
Many designers have more affordable lines at discount stores such as Target, Payless and Kohl’s. As the economy suffers, even more are signing on. Though the quality is very different, the clothing and accessories are still very fashion forward and, most importantly, are much more affordable. Read this post about Botkier bags for Target to see how the designer handbags are similar to the discount versions being sold at Target. Other designers who have discount lines are: Anya Hindmarch (Target), Isaac Mizrahi (Target), Vera Wang (Kohl’s), Abaete (Payless), Alice + Olivia (Payless), Lela Rose (Payless), Elle Collection (Kohl’s), Norma Kamali (Wal-Mart), Sigerson Morrison (Target), Dean Harris (Target) and Jonathan Saunders (Target). If you know of others, leave them in the comments!
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.
3. Know When To Splurge
Assuming you can afford it, it’s definitely okay to splurge every once in a while. Just be choosy about your splurges. Spend more on classic pieces that you know you will wear for more than just one season. Spending $200 on an amazing cashmere sweater is fine because you know you’ll wear that sweater for the next 10 winters at least.
4. Shop at Chic Discount Stores
For the latest trends, shop at stores like CharlotteRusse and Forever 21. These stores always have very affordable prices and carry the latest trends. If you’re in love with a trend, but are pretty sure it doesn’t have lasting power (i.e. Leg Warmers), it doesn’t make sense to spend a fortune on it. Both of these stores have pretty amazing prices anyway, but hitting their sales is so much sweeter. Both have 50% off sales pretty often. Check out their websites for the latest deals. Their trendiest items are often sold out in stores, but can still be found online.
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.
8. Re-examine What You Already Have
At the start of each season, go through your closet with the latest trends in mind. As the new trends are publicized for each season, we often think we need to head out and purchase the must haves for the season. You might be surprised at how much you already have sitting in your closet. A great example of that is this Fall’s Floral Trend. I’m sure many of us have a floral top or dress from a few Springs back hanging at the back of our closets. Doing this will also help you realize what you can take to your local consignment shop or Buffalo Exchange to get some dough for what you actually do want to purchase.
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.
Your Opinions?
What do you think about the new term? Are you a recessionista? Have you always been or are you making the switch now? Share other recessionista tips in the comments…
Now that the Spring 2009 Fashion Shows are over, we have a pretty good sense of what the trends will be for the season. One-shoulder dresses and tops, white dresses, high-waisted pants, shorts and skirts, ruffles, embellished necks, Bohemian style and see-through fabrics are a few of the styles we’ll see.
