Even though times are tough, we don't have to give up looking good and doing good for others - but we are all probably scaling back on how much we're spending to do so...
A few thoughts on things to try to keep your fashion-savvy chin up this spring:
1. Shop your closet - seems to be the prevailing wisdom amongst all the fashion periodicals for s/s 2009. Take what you already have and restyle yourself with a freshened eye. Bet most of you can find at least one thing with the tags still attached. Spring cleaning often reveals gems you forgot you had!
3. Accessorize - By far the easiest and most frugal tip this season. Grab a great necklace, a scarf or some bold earrings and jazz up even a classic white blouse and jeans combo. Vintage, DIY and "borrowed" pieces are fab choices.
5. Repair instead of replace - Make your tailor and shoe repair shop regular stops to freshen or restyle something you have (heels can be made higher or shorter) and extend the lives of your lived-in favorites. New buttons on a blazer, hemming up sleeves to bracelet length, making capris from tired trousers… the options are endless.
6. Animal Prints are perennially IN - I haven’t seen a season yet where tastefully done animal print isn't featured in some way. With African themes strong this spring/summer, a touch of zebra or leopard is always chic with that safari jacket.
7. Swap with Friends - Whether you're up a few pounds or down a few, or are simply looking for something you haven’t seen in your closet a hundred times, consider having a swap party with friends. Decide on what to swap (accessories, clothing, housewares, kids stuff) and gather up to eight of your best pals, make some snacks and get to swapping! Ideally, everyone should leave with the same number of things they brought – just not their own stuff!
8. Resale, Consignment or Vintage shops - lots more folks are donating great stuff - from designer handbags to jeans (distressed wash is IN this season, so the well worn pair won’t have to cost you a bundle). My rule of thumb is, if it doesn’t flatter you, donate it or sell it to someone else. This is a great opportunity for both sellers and buyers. A lot of stores are getting picky on what they take, so buyers, this is good news for you – better selection. Sellers, this should also mean top dollar for your best donations.
9. EBay, Etsy, Amazon, Overstock (add other designer websites) - Stories of great finds are everywhere. Whether you're buying or selling, the web is the place to be.
10. If all else fails, reinvent! I've got a couple of tops that have either shrunk or simply don’t look good on me… but the fabrics are so interesting that I'm going to snip the sleeves off, add some trim and make pillows from them! I’ve seen great denim skirts made from re-fab jeans, jewelry from found items, custom made sweaters and tops that are truly one of a kind .
p.s. don’t forget – clipping coupons for food and fabric softener means more money for clothes!
~ Deb
Have some other ideas you don't see here? Please share in our discussion in the forum.
