Recessionista

Recessionista

:a person who is able to stick to a tight budget while still managing to dress stylishly

:a person who is able to remain stylish during times of economic hardship.  A recessionista can shop on a limited budget and still manage to be up to date on the most current fashions.  A recessionista does not let a bad economy, inflation, or a strong recession damage his or her wardrobe and opts to search for sales and shop at thrifty discount stores instead

The economy is not good right now and things are getting worse, but that is no reason to sacrifice your style.  Be patient and take the time to shop around for good deals on a few new items for the season.  Choose three things you would most like to add to your wardrobe for spring and then hit up consignment, thrift and discount stores in search of great deals.  My favorites are

• Loehmann's
• Filene's Basement 
• New To You (Falls Church, VA)
  
• Current Boutique (Arlington, VA)
• Buffalo Exchange (Austin, TX with other locations as well)
• Marshall's
• Nordstrom Rack
• Neiman Marcus' Last Call
• Off Fifth

Another way to save money and still feel stylish is to go shopping in your own closet.  This is why my wardrobe consultation is so popular right now because my clients end up saving more in the forgone shopping than they pay me.  Every season, I do this for myself as well as my clients.  Set aside a few hours one evening or over the weekend and shop in your closet.  Pull out pieces you haven't worn in a while, get rid of things you don't like anymore and spend some time trying on and putting together outfits from the things that are already in your closet.  Most mornings, you don't have time to experiment so you just throw on our go-tos but if you set aside some time to coordinate your closet, you may find some new combinations you wouldn't have thought of in the morning rush or rediscover pieces that were pushed to the back of your closet.  Have fun!