January 11, 2010

2009 brought the birth of the recessionista.  A term defined as, “a blend of the words Fashionista and recession that describes a person who strives to remain fashionable on a minimal budget.” 

Being in the fashion industry for well over a decade, I have witnessed many fluctuations in the market exemplified by the shopping habits of women.  I have watched women shop without limits, catering to their every whim and desire for retail therapy.  I have also seen women with limited finances stretch their dollar to buy whatever was necessary. 

Emerging from the current economic status is the recessionista.  She is the woman who still wants to shop and look current, but doesn’t want to pay high end prices for such items.  She is the woman with enough fashion sense and confidence to recycle the dress she wore to last year’s holiday party and make it look entirely different by adding new accessories. 

I myself am a self defined recessionista!  I am not afraid to admit it.  On the contrary, I am proud that I can “shop my closet” (another 2009 fashion term) and make my outfit look current and trendy by mixing things up! As a mom I found my designated “clothing allowance” dwindle once Evan came into my life.  What purse to buy became far less critical than what school to send my daughter to. Changes had to be made and my wardrobe was up on the chopping block!

I now believe the best way to shop is to buy classic pieces such as white shirts, black pants, jeans etc at high quality.  This means that I will be maximizing my “cost per wear” (yet another fashion term) by purchasing pieces that will provide longevity. As for trendy pieces, I opt for well priced cheap and cheerful items like jewelry, scarves, and belts that won’t make me feel guilty if I only wear them for one season.  I love stores like Forever 21, H&M, and the Gap for these fun items.

The current recession has taught consumers many things.  It has shown us that you don’t need to sacrifice great style just because your bank account may have shifted.  Wear what you have! Spend $6.00 on a necklace to spice up a basic black t-shirt.  Bring out that bright red scarf you have been too shy to wear. Mix and match pieces you have never worn before.  Have fun with it!

Read any fashion magazine and you will see celebrities like Jessica Alba (pictured) wearing a $50.00 Gap shirt, and Ashley Simpson (pictured wearing Kenneth Cole boots)  wearing their favorite pieces over and over again. Now, who said you can’t dress like a celeb?

Labels/Tags: yael panet, style cents, fashionista, recessionista, gap, h&m, forever 21

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