Look Good For Less: Dress Like a Designer-Clothes Loving Recessionista

Posted by Online Shopping Retail Diva in Designer Clothes, Fashion Tricks, Shopping, Uncategorized, how to shop

become-a-recessionista

The recessionista is not a clever marketing term for budget fashion fanatics.

In fact, it is the new code word for looking good for less.

Amid talks of belt-tightening and fears of a global recession in the headlines, fashionable women everywhere are now becoming recessionistas.

From finding designer labels on sale to do-it-yourself home manicures, luxury-loving ladies are still living the glamorous life; but for less.

If you love fashion and want to retain the look of glamour and decadence, but you don’t want to resort to wearing the drapes like Scarlett O’hara in Gone With the Wind here are 7 savvy shopping tips to turn your fashionista frown upside down.

Recessionista Tip #1 – Buy trendy items at discount department stores.

A recessionista should never deny her designer fashion cravings. Stores such as TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls are packed with authentic designer clothes at heavily discounted prices.

The clearance aisles of these stores are filled with last season’s latest and greatest designer clothing trends from 50 to 70 percent below retail prices.

Recessionista Tip #2 - Shop outlet malls.

An outlet mall is like shopping Disneyland for the recesssionista. Filled with your favorite brand names at deep discounts, you can stretch your fashion budget with designer garments from previous seasons.

These fashion superstores also feature fashion made strictly for outlet shoppers willing to drive far from suburbia to get an awesome deal.

Recessionista Tip #3 – Join frequent shopping clubs.

Loehmann’s and DSW have frequent shopping programs that reward the recessionista with deep discounts in addition to their low prices. Both stores have birthday discounts and send coupons frequently to loyal shoppers.

Recessionista Tip #4 -Buy celebrity trends at H&M, Bebe & Forever 21.

Want that Herve Leger bandage dress but can’t afford the 1,200 dollar price? Have no fear; your neighborhood Bebe will produce a designer inspired cousin faster than you can spell, D-E-A-L.

Don’t forget to scour the celebrity magazines–US Weekly, People and InStyle–for low-cost celebrity style tips to satisfy the recessionista within.

Recessionista Tip #5 -Shop vintage, thrift stores and consignment stores for winter wear.

Before you think Goodwill is where your grandmother’s doilies die, think again. Cashmere coats and vintage wool capes with fur collars can be found at vintage stores.

Because fashion is cyclical you can look for old items that can be reinterpreted into new trends, or old fashion that can be upgraded with a few alterations.

Recessionista Tip #5 -Have a designer clothing swap party.

If you want to combine a great party with your love of free designer fashion, consider having a designer swap party. Select 10 of your fashionable friends and invite them to your home to swap and save.

Each recessionista friend is required to bring a minimum of 10 items in their closet – gently worn clothes, jewelry and handbags- that they no longer wear, or need.

Recessionista Tip #6 -Shop online sample sales.

Sample sale items are either overstocked goods or preview items for editors or fashion industry insiders. With online sample websites opening each month online a recessionista can buy designer clothes at a reduced price.

A few more look good for less tips and resources below….

Avoid dry-clean-only garments.
Sell your gently-work clothes at consignment stores for extra cash.
Don’t forget to pamper yourself.
A recessionista might use the above options to remain stylish, but at-home manicures, pedicures,bubble baths and facials should never be sacrificed because of changes in the economy.