I think this is a great concept - it just isn't new. Many of us shop this way naturally, regardless of rising gas and grocery prices. I don't know about you, but my clothing budget is in the tens of dollars each month, far from the hundreds of dollars. I love Lucky magazine but am sometimes frustrated with their point of view. I recently read about a blouse an editor found and was impressed with. She wrote about how it looked like a designer top worth hundreds of dollars, but it only cost $90. I'm pretty sure I've never spent $90 on a shirt. I generally like to spend $20 or less - under $10 makes me very happy. When I find something special I really like I might spend double that, but would probably just wait for it to go on sale or clearance.Vocabulary Lesson: recessionista
Hopefully it doesn't take a knock to the head with a gas pump to realize that our economy is in a pot of poo. And as much as we consider fashion an absolutely vital part of life, it shouldn't take a finance guru to know that in tight times it's often the clothing budget that gets clamped the quickest. But before you go slitting your hems, you should know that while the fashionista may have locked herself in the vault with her tiaras, her younger, hipper sister—recessonista—is at the mall finding designer threads (or diffusion designer threads) at discount prices. Look for her at Target, Uniqlo, Payless, or Kohl's, all of whom have inked deals with designers recently. That's because recessionistas aren't letting a little thing like falling stock prices and rising gas bills get in the way of their wardrobe. And with the Fourth of July on the horizon, think of it as doing your patriotic duty. Says Tara Subkoff, the former Imitation of Christ designer (whose frocks occasionally hit five figures) who now does a collection for mall giant Bebe: "As Andy Warhol said, 'What's great about this country is that America started the tradition where the richest consumers buy essentially the same things as the poorest.' " As usual, the man in the white wig got there first.
In light of my personal budget, I am very pleased with the trend of chain mega-stores signing big-name designers. Diffusion it's called. I wrote a couple weeks ago about the beautiful Gryson for Target bag I bought. I picked it up for $25, half off, and absolutely love it. Target has collections by Isaac Mizrahi, Thomas O'Brien, Liz Lange, and Michael Graves. They also feature designers in their limited-time, GO International brand. I really like Vera Wang's collection for Kohls, called Simply Vera. I had never heard of Uniqlo, they only have one store in the US, in New York City of course. But they have the coolest website, you have to check it out. Click on the pictures below for other great designer looks.
Congratulations to the winner of last week's Beauty on a Budget giveaway, Sarah from A Glimpse Into My Life. Looks like Sarah is a little new to blogging, so maybe head over to her blog, leave a comment, and show her some support. Sarah, please e-mail me your address so I can send your prize!
For other frump-fighting tips, check out Mrs. Fussypants.
4 comments:
Recessionista -- I like it!
I have definitely always been shopping like this, only not as purposefully. Maybe if we have an actual depression (knock on wood), I'll start to look like I fit in!
Can't wait till Target opens up in Derby, KS. Next time we go to doctor appts there Target will be my treat to the driver....ME !!!
I am going shopping with you. I love fashion on a budget. My only problem is that I seem to come out unfashionable on a budget. I definitely need a personal shopper. How much would that add to my shopping? (haha)
Yes, I am definitely a Recessionista! http://therecessionista.blogspot.com/
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