Five ways to recession-proof Your Closet

Happy Fab Friday Frugalistas! We have a guest blog today from Kathyrn Finney, a.k.a., The Budget Fashionista. Kathryn created The Budget Fashionista in early 2003 from a "love of fashion, but a lack of cash." The site has become extremely popular, spawning the bestselling book How to Be a Budget Fashionista. With Labor Day a few days away, this Frugalista asked the Budget Fashionista for some shopping tips.

Five Ways to Recession-Proof Your Closet by K.Finney

1. Remember the 70/30 rule. Fashionistas with limited budgets should follow

the 70/30 rule: 70% of your closet should be classic pieces, 30% trendy

pieces. Go as cheap as possible on trendy items because they have a short

closet lifespan; purchase these pieces at stores like H&M, Target, Forever

21 and Bluefly. Go designer on classic pieces like black suits, coats,

evening wear, and purses.

2. Locate the nearest thrift store. Use thrift stores to add a bit of

originality to your wardrobe. Print out my guide to designers and search for

pieces like vintage jewelry, designer dresses and quality inexpensive coats.

3. Recycle fashion. Pay a visit to your mother and/or grandmother. While

you're there, offer to help clean out her closet. You'll be amazed at the

goodies you'll find. While visiting my grandma in Milwaukee, I discovered a

vintage Coach saddle bag, dating from around 1960, in mint condition in a

box of old magazines. If you are unable to visit a relative's closet, hold a

clothing swap party with your friends. Ask everyone to bring unwanted,

high-quality clothing to exchange for similar items from other party-goers.

4. Leave the debit and credit cards at home. I have a friend, who shall

remain nameless, who views paying for purchases with plastic cards as not

spending "real" money. Paying with cash gives you an instant visual

indication of how much you're spending.

5. Learn where and when to buy. July/August and late January/February are

the best times to hit the stores for deals. Write down the names of your

favorite stores; go to their websites, and register to receive coupons,

special invitations and notifications of new products. Outlet stores are

also great sources of designer goods.

What do you think about Kathryn's tips? Are they frugalistic? How do you look good for less? Have a great holiday.

Comments

[Product Junkie Diva]

I like these tips and I think they are frugalistic :-).
Her 70/30 rule it totally on point. I believe in buying more classis pieces because they look great over time. I feel like I get more bang for my buck with classic clothing items. I don't mind shopping out of season, (looking for sweaters in July) or shopping online in the clearance categories, that always helps.
Great guest blogger Frugalista!!

[Coco]

Agreed on the 70/30 rule!I think there's a shift in those numbers the older I get. I'm at about 80/20 right now.

[lisa silvera]

great, accurate comments and suggestions.
work the hell out of the vintage pieces and keep you classic pieces in god condition as you can count on them for forever. a girl can NEVER have enough camel or navy cashmere. go gettem!

[Eli]

Clothing Swap: I do this with a group of extended friends every year or so. We clean out our closets and then get together for a tryon and swap. What ever is left over gets donated. I usually get two or three things that I like while getting rid of things I don't wear any more. And it is a fun get togetherl.

[The Frugalista Files]

PJD-Indeed. I don't want to run around looking like a teen.
Coco-I concur.
Lisa-I love the camel color. Just love it.
Eli-I agree. I swap with friends, too!

[GLM]

Good tips! Also, before buying an item of clothing, take a look at the fabric and seams.

Are you going to need to dry clean it? (expensive)
Is the garment well constructed? (cheap won't last)
Does it look great on you, or just OK? (You are TOO PRETTY to wear stuff that just looks OK on you!!!)

You are better off with 5 good outfits that look great on than 15 junky outfits that won't hold up and don't make you look great.