Recession? Reimagine! Budget Trends for Every Fashionista.

by Angelique

Pleat-Front Jersey Dress by Metro 7, $14.00 Wal-Mart.com

Ok, times are tough all over right now, that’s obvious. Soaring food and gas prices…blah, blah, blah. We hear it and live it every day. While there may not be much relief in sight, and our pocket books will likely continue to suffer, there’s no reason to throw in the fashion towel. You just have to change the rules, switch it up and open your mind to new fashion frontiers while tightening your belt at the same time. Here are some of my tried and true tips to finding budget trends that are easy on my wallet:

1) Get thrifty: For some reason, there are some people who are squeamish about thrift store shopping. I got over it really quickly when I found a brand new pair of pointy toe flats for $2.99 a couple of years back. The biggest problem is that there is usually so much to choose from, with poor organization. When I go, I have a specific list of things I want to buy in mind (based on current trends). This keeps me focused and stops me from buying that really cool 1980’s sequined dress.

Things to look for at thrift stores right now: menswear vests, vintage peep-toe shoes, drop-waist dresses, envelope clutches, long cardigans, belts, chunky necklaces and much more! Just open up a Vogue for inspiration and you’ll be surprised at what you can find.

2) Get thee to a Wal-Mart: …or Target, or K-Mart. You get the idea. While Target is a no-brainer, their “Go” line is kinda pricey. Hit the sales racks for the best deals. H

3) Shop in your own closet: I bet you have at least one item in there with the tag still on it. If you haven’t worn it already, return it if you can, or wear it! Again, look to magazines for inspiration to see how you can put outfits together in ways you may never have thought of. I like to look at “Lucky” to see how they put pieces together in different ways. Layer two dresses together, use a skirt as a top…the possibilitites are endless!

Whether you decide to shop for cheaper threads, or simply get creative with what you already have, don’t let a lagging economy keep you from your chic. With a little extra work, you’ll still look like a million bucks, even if your bank account is in the red.