How to DRESS: the RECESSion

My best friend, Sally, came up with the headline in an email she sent me with the following quote: 

"Out of respect, I've been trying to dress less flashy. It's one thing to
be stylish, it's another to be over the top. You gotta know when to hold
back and not to rub it in."*
- P Diddy 

Let me just say this real quick: I hate the coin, "recessionista." No, sorry. If you are truly a fashionista, come hell or high water you will do everything in your power to make the world your runway. I'm very much a firm believer that your bank balance does not determine how you present yourself to the world at large. Yes, we're in a recession... am I going to turn into the "Fashion is shallow and there's more important things to think about" Dirty Sweat Pants Lady? Fuck no. 

First and foremost, P Diddy/Puff Daddy/ Diddy/ Sean Combs is correct: flash ain't too smart right now. I'm not saying that it's tacky or wrong to wear luxury pieces, because honestly... someone's gotta drop bank for the greater good! But for your general safety, please be smart about it: carry a discrete Bottega or Tod's instead of a Louie or Gucci bag. Wear plain black Lavin flats over rainbow colored Jimmy Choos. Basically, don't make yourself a walking target to get mugged in the local mall parking lot. 

Likewise, if money's tight right now... you can find great pieces on sale just about everywhere. Choose conservative colors and you'll be able to wear those pieces none stop. And by purchasing quality designer pieces at recession fire sale prices, those pieces will last you until booming times. Pieces to look out for: 

-Discounted diamonds (they are dropping in price, even at Tiffany)... classic diamond stud earrings or a classic eternity band will last you f-o-r-e-v-e-r. 

-Classic black pumps, slingbacks, mules or strappy heeled sandals. Use the recession in your favor and get the ultimate go-to shoe... look for soft leather, amazing construction and leather soles. 

-Designer denim. You can pretty much find any designer out there right now for about $85 a pop or lower. By taking proper care of your jeans (hemming them to the correct length, washing them inside out in cold, putting them in the dryer for 10-15 minutes before air drying), they'll last you at least a few years. 

-Dresses. Here's the beauty of a good dress on sale: when you need something to wear out at night, you've got a great dress. If you have an interview, you just throw on a blazer and pumps, and you've got a great dress. If you just need a cute day outfit for lunch with a girlfriend and to run errands in, you just throw on a cardigan and flats and you've still got on a great dress. And they are comfy! You don't have to worry about matching separates! Basically, they are just one of the best investments in your appearance during this economy! 

-Handbags... You had to know I was going to include this right? Here's the thing: no matter what you are wearing or where you are going, you are going to wear a handbag. Black, brown, navy, grey, ivory or camel are smart purchases for a "once a year" handbag splurge. Think of how much you spend on several cheaper, trendier bags and try to find ONE handbag that's 1/2-3/4 the price of what you spend on bags annually. You'll save money and you'll carry a better quality bag! Instance, say you buy four cheap, trendy handbags a year at $50 a bag. You could get one nice, quality bag on sale for $100-150... example, a leather Coach bag from their outlet or on sale at Macy's. I suggest leather bags because they clean easier and so you'll have them looking better longer. 

But even if you are on a shopping "ban" for financial reasons, that's NO reason to look like a slob. You can easily shop your own closet. You can repair/clean any pieces that are starting to show wear (if I can sew on a button, so can you). 

There's a reason why whenever the economy tanks, red lipstick sales soar: beauty fixer-uppers are cheap, cheap, cheap. A plain black cotton dress can transform into whatever you want it to be with the right makeup! Can't afford the Gucci look this season? At MAC, teal eyeshadow for that deep peacock smokey eye shown on the Gucci S/S 09 runway only costs $14. Can't afford a Chanel bag? You can purchase one of their trendy nail polishes for $18... or even better, a look-a-like shade from OPI for $8. Wanna go even cheaper? Try Rimmel or L'Oreal at Walgreens! $4 or less... 

Tweezing your brows yourself, trimming split ends yourself, keeping your fingernails filed and buffed, and keeping your feet smooth cost practically nothing. There's no excuse to look poorly groomed if the economy is keeping you down. Likewise, I've talked to many women who are saving money by having the gym/exercise be their entertainment budget. Instead of watching cable TV or going to movies all the time... they are either spending $20 a month or running for free around the neighborhood every night of the week. They will probably look better than ever before, in this economy! 

Where there is a will... there is a way. Recessionista? A certain Miss Scarlett O'Hara would laugh in her curtain-made dress at the concept.  

Thanks, Sally for the article concept!