The economy is shaky and you’re bummed about making changes in your routine. While we have positive expectations of Obama there are some simple “adjustments” you can make to your style and beauty budget that will yield great results.
Recessionista chic, budget bonanza--both tell the same story. Swap your old over-the-top indulgences and take advantage of these savings.
Want the designer brands, but in this economy it looks foolish to spend $600 on a dress? Look at the window dressing of the department stores, but shop on the sample sale sites and make it a habit of clicking on the sale button first every time you visit your favorite online store. Why pay full price for a top from Chloe, a dress from Milly or jeans from James Jeans when you can get them for up to 60% off when click on the top sample sale sites. Sample sales used to be for the lucky ones that live in New York and Los Angeles, but now everyone from Portland to Birmingham to Boston can buy a item from a top designer. You may even discover designers you’d never heard of or figured were out of the realms of your balanced budget. My favorites are Ruelala.com and you can join just by clicking on invited by a member and entering
[email protected] in the Your Friend’s email section or for Giltgroupe.com you can use my personal invitation link
www.gilt.com/invite/alison94021 for
alionthego.com.
Another way to refresh your wardrobe is to throw a party. I’m not saying send an Evite and spend all day cooking, instead select a list of friends to colleagues to acquaintances and set up a swap. All you need is a few bottles of inexpensive wine or lemonade and store bought cookies, believe me it’s not about imbibing, it’s about the girl time, clothes and accessories. Ask everyone to bring clothes, accessories and even home goods like CD’s, books, etc that are in good condition and clean to your home at a specified time. Depending on how many people attend they can do show and tell or layout the items on chairs, couches and tables. No money is exchanged and if two people want the same items then let them barter other items to get the coveted piece. Usually everyone leaves the party with something “new” to add to their wardrobe or home. I still adore a super cool retro belt that was originally owned by someone’s grandmother. And with the help of the guests, pack up the remaining items and you as hostess get the tax write off when you drop off the bags at the thrift shop or goodwill.
Still want more? The size sold out in seconds on the sample sale site? Well, try a few of my favorite picks on these sites that stick to under the $100.
Make the the walk to the table at the restaurant your runway when you show off these hot heels.
I bought this bag two years ago on the designer’s site and they still sell it for $198. You can get the very similar version for a quarter of the price.
Get tough with your style choices in your own version of “don’t mess with me” Wonder Woman.
Make this dress match your personality by swapping out the belt for one of your own.
Old Navy, $24.50
Add a skinny belt to this breezy ruffled top and pair it with a pencil skirt or cuffed jeans and you’re ready for work or play.
The classic straight skirt reinterpreted for 2009.
An iconic staple that is versatile enough to "class up" your jeans and keep you chic when worn over your dresses and skirts.
Be chic in a cinch with gold braided belt that adds perfect finish to tops, dresses and skirts.
For Beauty:
I know you're either scared to trade products or you have a medicine cabinet filled with half used bottles. These are two simple remedies for saving money.
Pick it up at Ulta or your local pharmacy. This beat the $100 plus price tags of fancy brands in a Good Housekeeping Institute study and it was an Allure magazine winner in 2008. I’d much rather pay around $25 for a good product and still get a pedicure than worry that my pricey brand isn’t doing the job and all I’m smelling is perfume.
Skip the wax appointment that costs you $50-90 and take off the hair yourself in the shower—and no ingrown hairs to worry about.