From Fashionista, to Recessionista, to Frugalista?

How to save money, and still look great in these hard times.
By Charlz Chan

For the past few seasons, Fashion Commentators have been heralding the return of the ‘80’s. You just have to look at up-market labels Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent to see harem-style pleated pants and big cocoon jackets; pencil skirts and structured paneled dresses in their current Fall collections.

Very much what Pat Cleveland, Jerry Hall and Grace Jones (when she was a runway star) would have modeled in the early ‘80’s. Economic Commentators are currently heralding the return to recessionary times, predicting the next few months to be as severe as when the stock market crashed in ’87. But does fashion mirror the economy? Whatever happens, it is time to tighten our belts, be it python or patent!

What we can do to prepare for the hard times ahead is to cut excessive spending, and only spend on essentials like food, transport and household utilities. The main idea here is to stop shopping, for awhile anyway! It is time to be a Frugalista or fashionably frugal! This might be difficult for some who might like to refresh their wardrobes frequently by shopping. First step is to take stock of what you have in you wardrobe. Do you have enough casual clothes? Is your corporate wardrobe healthy? Are your evening clothes still looking fresh?

With your wardrobe assessment completed, here are some helpful hints on how to save money and still look like a Fashionista:

Reuse and recycle your clothes: Some old and abandoned Ted Baker shirts can be given a new lease of life by altering them from long sleeves to short sleeves. The same can also be done to long dresses or skirts. If you are not confident in re-modeling these garments yourself, consult a good tailor. You might get a few more good years out of these garments, while spending only a minimum on alterations.

Mix it up: Some fashion pundits suggest that you shop only at the lower-end retail shops, thus saving money. However, I feel you get what you pay for. Cheaper garments will only have a limited lifespan, before they start to pill and loose their shape. So shop less frequently. But when you do, pepper your wardrobe with mid to high-end priced items that can create some pizzazz. These are called highlight items- like a snazzy well-cut vest or jacket from Canali or Club Monaco. This will give your otherwise stale wardrobe a fresh new look. Then you can combine them with your trendier and less-expensive items from Zara or Topman for example, giving your wardrobe a new lease of life. You save money by wearing outfits that combine new luxury items mixed with old lower-priced garments.

Sales and Factory Outlets: A great way of saving money is to shop at sale times, thus not paying full retail price. However, if you cannot wait for the sales, shop at factory outlets. Some have great bargains at low prices, as they might be last season’s designer labels, factory over-runs or factory seconds. Just take some time in selecting your garments, as there is usually a no return policy.

Accessorize: If however, you feel the above cost cutting measures are not for you, then try this: If after a good six months of being frugal and you have managed not to spend any money on clothes, then reward yourself with a fashion accessory that will both quench that shopping thirst and brighten up your wardrobe. A new funky accessory can change your entire look, and is (usually) cheaper than buying a whole new outfit. For the budget conscious, a new pair of brogues from Bata or heels from Vincci will give you and your wardrobe a much-needed lift. As would a new Thomas Pink tie, a mock croc belt from Robinsons or a Mulberry tote. A not-too-expensive necklace or bracelet from Thomas Sabo might even do the trick. People feel that there is an inherent value in jewelry, as accessories are less likely to go out of style.

Skirt lengths this season have fallen, so have the stock markets. When stocks were up, so were hemlines- or so it seemed. The stock market crash of ’87 brought an end to a decade of excessive spending and power dressing. Now more than two decades later, the stock markets have plummeted dramatically. Does this herald the end of excessive spending on clothes, especially luxury items? Under these circumstances, the much over used term ‘Fashionista’ should be shelved for the time being. One can still look hip, stylish and trendy while being frugal. There is no shame in declaring:

The Fashionista is Dead!

Long Live the Recessionista!

Long Live the Frugalista!


Charlz eats at home, or at his Mum’s to save on groceries; showers at the gym (after a workout) to save on electricity and water bill charges; and depends on the kindness of strangers when it comes refreshing his wardrobe!