Are you still indulging in your shoe or bag fetish despite our obvious challenging economic climate? Is your desire for fashion so strong that you rather have that new pair of purple velvet Lanvin’s in place of heat? Do you already have outfits for all the upcoming holiday fetes as well as backup outfits?
By Maria A. Pardalis
If so, I’m sorry to say that the time has come to alter your style and shopping habits, including your traditional Christmas routine. Financial trouble has hit us all in some shape or form and this undeniably includes the fashion industry. An example of the economic hardship we are facing globally is when one of France’s biggest names, Christian Lacroix, filed for Chapter 11. Thankfully United Arab Emirates Sheikh Hassan Bin Ali al-Naimi recently offered to rescue Christian Lacroix, which is wonderful, but who will rescue you? Yes, you might be a fashionista and feel the need to protect your social status, however I must agree with Karl Lagerfeld, “Bling is over. Red-carpety-covered-with-rhinestones is out. I call it ‘the new modesty’.”
So ladies, get ready to transform yourselves into “Recessionista Fashionistas”! You will now be on a new quest for fine items at an affordable cost. You might have to trade your Louboutins for Jimmy Choo heels at H&M, but you certainly do not have to hit up Forever21 or Target for disposable clothing. Quality over quantity should be your new shopping motto. Now is the time to buy yourself a few good investment pieces that can be worn from day to night.
The first rule that you must follow as a recessionista is how to best maximize your wardrobe. Buying yourself a designer scarf might not sound like a budget friendly purchase, especially when you have Christmas gifts to buy, but trust me it is. Scarves can be worn tons of ways! I personally adore Hermes scarves which are timeless, always trendy and extremely versatile. I urge you to go to: http:/usa.hermes.com, click on Scarves 90 and download “playtime with your scarf”, you will be amazed and begin to dream of owning your very own Tout en Carre. Now pair your tres expensive scarf with an ultra cheap white tank top, sequenced black tights and high heels all from bargain stores like Loehmann’s, Kohl’s, or Century 21 and voila! You will instantly look like you just stepped off a fashion show set.
The trick is to buy five expensive wardrobe staples, the rest you can accumulate over time by checking out the latest sales and searching for coupons online. It is important to note that most stores bring in new inventory Thursday night or Friday morning, making these the best days to shop. This not only applies to clothing, there are still Christmas gifts to buy, remember? Lucky for you, holiday savings and half-yearly sales are everywhere!
1. Make a Scrapbook
This is the perfect gift to give to your grandparents and parents. Ask your family and friends to send you pictures, bring them to Staples to make copies, visit your local craft shop for some paper supplies and look around your home for anything sentimental that you can include. Once you have your materials, you are ready to get your craft on!
2. Homemade gifts from your kitchen
Everyone loves edible gifts. They are not only delicious but a great way to spread holiday cheer. Try my recipe for Kourabiedes featured in this month’s “Bread & Honey” column or check out: http://www.christmas-cookies.com/ for some ideas. Once your baked goods are ready, place in a festive basket or jar and make sure to include the recipe!
3. Wine
Did you know you can buy a good bottle of wine for as low as $10.00? Trader Joe's offers many quality wines at very affordable prices. If you have a group of people who are willing to chip in for a gift, give a membership to a wine club for the vin enthusiast in your life.
4. Go Green!
Why not promote environmental awareness this year, give reusable shopping totes which became the new black thanks to the support from Hollywood. Or offer your services such a free night of babysitting to a loved one.
5. Give Back
Charity donations are unforgettable and the gifts that keep on giving. Choose a charity that supports the values that your recipients uphold.
For more Cheap & Chic Christmas ideas or tips on reducing costs and improving your closet during tough economic times, feel free to email me at mapardalis@gmail.com.
