The Thrifty Trend Report

Oct 11, 2010 by Dress Recycler

What’s happening in trends right now is described in one word: CHEAP. With the economy as sour as it is, how does one stay fabulous and fashionable on a budget? With all the trendy stores in the hood, there’s plenty of styles in the windows for that special occasion piece as a gift to yourself this month, or those ‘to die for’ boots that you’ll be needing as it gets colder. In the mean time, what’s a girl (or guy) to do to look great without racking up more debt? How does one conquer and divide the clutches of retail while being stylish without breaking the bank? Follow these simple guide lines to help you figure out where you are on the ‘need and want scale’ to paint a clearer picture about how you’ll be showin’ up your office mates at work this season.
1. Take closet inventory. Painful but true. Get your closet categories in order to figure out what you have, what you can toss, what you could possibly sell or trade and most importantly, what you need.
2. Now that you have a clearer picture of what you need, let’s talk trends. If you have champagne taste on a Budweiser budget, this is where your smarts can play up your style. For example take these high end, high priced “Mad Men” style 1960’s dresses:

Now these dresses pictured below range in price from $69.99 to $117.99 at www.modcloth.com. These dresses have similar lines, flow, draping and style giving you that 1960’s era look and feel, while leaving you some money to eat for the week.

In the shoe department, there’s always a way to pull off a similar look for less. See below these Tory Burch ballet flats, retailing at $195.00.

How about these flats by Christian Siriano for $39.99 at Payless? Pretty darn close.

This Kate Spade Leather Bag above retails at $395.00.

This handbag retails at $56.00 at www.lailarowe.com.

Even though it’s not exactly the same bag, it’s the look, feel, and functionality of the bag that makes it similar to the higher priced version.

Jackets are a new favorite of ours this season and the style possibilities are endless! You can wear these year round, with pants or skirts, dresses or shorts. The trend this season seems to be the military style, in a variety of colors and button varieties.

Ann Taylor Military Jacket for $228.00:

Calvin Klein Military Blazer for $129.50:

As leggings, stirrups and ‘jeggings’ hit the scene this season, there are plenty of lower priced options when it comes to leg coverage. These stirrups are by Michael Kors. It’s a similar look and feel to more expensive ones for less. Only $69.50!

Who said less is more? More is more when you up your style this season by layering. Layer the leggings under a skirt, layer the jackets with tanks and button downs underneath. If you mix the more contemporary pieces in your wardrobe with your basic ‘bargain’ pieces, then you can shop in confidence knowing that you can stretch your dollars further and achieve a similar style. Save your money for your ‘can’t live without’ pieces and bargain shop where it counts.
During these difficult fashion financial times, take the extra time and look for the less expensive options to polish off your style and sophistication. You’ll be able to buy more and surprise yourself with the creative outfit options that you come up with.
For more bargaining tips, fashion inspiration and style education, please visit www.thedressrecycler.com. Your bargain fashion superhero!
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