Yesterday I was interviewed by a journalist at the University of Florida, who asked me to define "recession style." And it got me thinking: There are those who are new to the world of fashion on a budget, and then there are those of us who've been following a mantra of "fab without a fortune" for quite some time. Personally, I have never had the luxury of just buying whatever I felt like, whenever I felt like it. I have always been frugal out of necessity, but I think it's made me a stronger person and has taught me valuable lessons. Like, spend within your means. Save a little each day. Be grateful for what you have.
It hasn't always been easy, and yes, I have racked up my fair share of credit card debt in the past, and yes, there were times when I was secretly envious or resentful of those who had more than me, but honestly, those feelings never lasted very long. I think I have my parents and grandparents to thank for this outlook. My dad was the classic immigrant-with-one-suitcase story. My grandparents had to leave their native country during WWII, and came to the states in hopes of providing a better life for their children. My story is hardly unique, but it's kept me somewhat grounded and in touch with what I like to call "reality."
So while the media is in a frenzy over recession style—women who've had to give up their Manolos for a trip to their local Payless—I simply would like to provide a reminder that countless more Americans have been living this way for years (without the Manolos). When money's tight, as I know it is for most of us right now, holding back a little on fashion isn't the end of the world. Finding bargains will continue to be a fun challenge and provide us with that occasional, well-deserved treat. And striving to live within our means, always challenging ourselves to think about what we truly want and what we truly need, ain't gonna be easy, but it is one of the best ways to treat yourself right.
Sorry if I am sounding a little preachy today, just wanted to put that out there and see if anyone feels the same way? P.S. Yes, I'm still going to write about tempting fashions every day, but I'm not forcing anyone to buy anything. I think we can have fashion blogs and be responsible with our finances, too!
So while the media is in a frenzy over recession style—women who've had to give up their Manolos for a trip to their local Payless—I simply would like to provide a reminder that countless more Americans have been living this way for years (without the Manolos). When money's tight, as I know it is for most of us right now, holding back a little on fashion isn't the end of the world. Finding bargains will continue to be a fun challenge and provide us with that occasional, well-deserved treat. And striving to live within our means, always challenging ourselves to think about what we truly want and what we truly need, ain't gonna be easy, but it is one of the best ways to treat yourself right.
Sorry if I am sounding a little preachy today, just wanted to put that out there and see if anyone feels the same way? P.S. Yes, I'm still going to write about tempting fashions every day, but I'm not forcing anyone to buy anything. I think we can have fashion blogs and be responsible with our finances, too!
And for those of us that love fashion, being in a recession doesn't mean we stop wanting to hear about the latest trends and the latest styles. We just have to get more creative about how to get them!
And I'm always perplexed by the "bargains" and "cheap thrills" that most fashion magazines highlight -- since when were Banana Republic and J. Crew considered bargain basements? Those are my "splurge" stores for classic pieces!
I love your site now and when the economy bounces back, I'll love it still. And they'll be even more bargains available because everyone else will be back to shop at Nordstrom's and Bloomingdale's!
I think you can also get quality but cheap pieces if you look closer. It's not always F21 or Old Navy that's the alternative buy. The diffusion lines are a good way of buying cheap but getting quality (hopefully). This is why I'm going to Target today to check out McQ!
When money is tight, I become even more creative on putting together new looks from existing wardrobe items. Recently i put up 7 looks for 7 days of the week with one long cardigan bought at $15 in H&M. It was fun.
I've only recently been able to shop for myself more, after paying off a car loan and two student loans, and while I too have my moments of wishing I could just buy whatever I wanted, whenever, I'm grateful that I can't because I feel this makes me a lot more shopping-savvy!
I'm truly grateful to live in the U.S., where we have such great fashion choices at so many different prices. I mean, I have nothing against expensive, high-end style, especially because I think it gives a lot of inspiration for creative, lower-priced designs, but I'm always thrilled by how well women on a budget dress. And the way I look at it, isn't creativity in putting things together what real style is all about?