Saddle Tramps

Shopping Local for Spring 2011

Although most people think that spring is in the air, in the world of fashion, fall is in the air! Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has kicked off the fall season for 2011 with designers showing their collections until February 17th. Since the beginning of the New Year, spring and summer merchandise has been out on the selling floor with the fall merchandise not far behind. On July 5th, the fall trends will move in while the spring and summer items hit the sale rack with a vengeance.

In a troubled economy, some fashion-forward folks are chopping their clothing budgets in half and rethinking what they can spend on clothes and accessories. For example, as one would probably spend anywhere from $85-$165 on a pair of much needed rain boots, a similar pair could be purchased for anywhere from $25 to $50 with little research. The labels may not be the same, however the functionality clearly is. There is no shame in getting inspiration from the high end designers and finding less expensive options with the same ‘feel’ in addition to honoring your personal style. Seeing the current trends in a magazine, on television or during fashion week can spark a fire of the thrill of finding similar styles for less.

If you can fit into most ‘off the rack’ sizing, or you know which labels fit best, then shopping online for clothes and accessories can save you money. In the past year EBay has launched its own fashion division, which solely focuses on the customer who buys clothing and accessories online for less. The selection is bigger and better than ever with high end designers, vintage clothes and jewelry for the bargain fashion guru. You can buy with confidence as sellers are rated on their selling performance, delivery time and customer service.

Nothing cures the winter fashion blues like a cute new spring outfit or accessory to brighten your spirits. So, if you’re drowning in your drab, winter clothes and are trying to figure out a way to eat and squeeze in a new dress for this weekend, (this is a common choice among us these days), shopping locally has its perks. Local designers are constantly looking for exposure and a chance to have their designs seen on as many bodies as possible. Some may even sell for trade, as most local jewelry designers accept supplies or services for finished merchandise. It’s a great opportunity to acquire new, original pieces while giving local designers much needed play. As a matter of fact, this weekend is Williamsburg Fashion Weekend, starting Friday, February 18th at Glasslands, at 289 Kent Street. Local designers from Williamsburg and the surrounding areas will showcase their designs for two nights. All designers and local artists will have the opportunity to network and parade their designs for Spring 2011 down the runway. For those who eat, sleep, live and breathe fashion, this is an opportunity to be inspired by young, emerging, talented designers. Please visit www.williamsburgfashionweekend.com for more details and a list of participating designers.

Shopping off season, online and local can make a difference in your spending and can stretch your clothing allowance. Also, reevaluating your wardrobe can have tremendous positive effects on your style and fashion confidence. Weed out the weak to make room for the fabulous!

For more fashion education, style information and bargain inspiration, please visit www.thedressrecycler.com. Your bargain fashion superhero!

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