The current economic crisis has many of us re-thinking our shopping/spending habits, but I’ve always been way ahead of this trend! Looking good for less is something I’ve prided myself on for years. I’ve just about mastered the “champagne taste/kool-aid budget” lifestyle but I’ve never been gung-ho to openly admit it. I rather appreciated the notion that I was perceived as “fancy” secretly knowing that I literally did it on a dime. In my mind the frugal part was need-to-know information! Now that it’s on-trend to be a frugal fashionista or as it’s called today a “Recessionista” I have no problem openly professing the look of Lux at a fraction of the cost.
How do I do it? Well, long before there were blogs, tweets and facebook I actually read magazines with real articles (not advertisements) that gave useful tips on frugal fashion. From those pages I learned to stock my wardrobe with classic style staples so that only a few new accessories here and there are needed to breathe new life when necessary.
Your style staples include:
- A crisp white button down
- Dark slacks
- Dark knee length skirt
- A dark wash jean
- A little black dress
- Black pumps
- A well fitting blazer
- Camisol
- Nice solid crew/v-neck tees
- (the latter 3 are in neutral colors)
With 2 - 3 of each piece you have the base of your style arsenal. These pieces are versatile, classic/trend-proof, top quality and if done properly can yield 50+ looks with just 10 - 12 essential pieces. You should employ the same standards to your accessory essentials; vesatile, classic, neutral colors.
Adding these top quality essentials to your style foundation does not have to set you way back either. Use these tricks of the trade and you’ll be well stocked with change to spare…
- Buy off-season
- Shop clearance.
- Designer outlets.
- and yes even shopping thrift stores (but only in the up-scale neighborhoods).
- Don’t be above couponing.
I even learned to make my own jewelry and tshirts!
(Which you can find at www.ProvocativExpression.com)
Keep in mind that frugal is not synonymous with cheap! Frugal style choices should be of high quality and low cost. Take your time and shop… this is not a “hurry up & buy” excercise.
Are you a Recessionista? If so, what are your Recessionista tips?
Until next time remember…. Trendy is easy. Style is accomplished!
