Credit Crunch Fashion

Whilst people all over the world are feeling the pinch of the current economic climate, your wardrobe may be beginning to look old and tired. Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to update your look without having take out a second mortgage to pay off the credit card bills. More and more women are shunning the designer stores in favor of a more frugal and unique approach to getting their fashion fix.

Thrift shops, swap parties and scouring your mother’s wardrobe are all great ways to update your look and provide you with unique and original items of clothes either for free or at most, for a few dollars. Shopping in vintage clothes shops and thrift shops can help you source some great bargains, and occasionally even the odd piece of vintage designer wear. For the best quality clothes, try visiting shops in more affluent areas but also neighborhoods that attract artsy studenty types can have some great hidden gems. Looking for the perfect outfit in thrift shops requires patience and imagination so perhaps isn’t the best solution if you’re looking for a last minute outfit for a party tomorrow night. But if you make regular visits your wardrobe will soon be bursting with vintage and flattering items of clothing on a shoestring budget. Try to look at items of clothing with an imaginative eye and incorporate your own individual style and flair for fashion. That vintage tea dress might not look like much on the hanger but combine it with a big leather belt, some cowboy boots and a boyfriend cardigan and you’ll soon b giving Kate Moss a run for her money in the fashion stakes.

Swap parties are a new trend that is growing in popularity. It’s a great chance to get together with your friends, enjoy a drink and a giggle, and leave with plenty of new clothes for free. Simply arrange a date and time and invite your friends to bring their old clothes along. If they’re anything like me, as well as some more second hand items, they’ll probably have a few items that are still brand new with tags lurking at the back of their wardrobes. This is a fun way to try new clothes on and will introduce you to styles you might never have dreamt of trying on in a shop. And don’t worry if your girlfriends are all different shapes and sizes, you’re still sure to find something that both fits and suits you. An XXL sweater could make a great jumper dress over leggings on your size 8 friend whilst her jersey dress might prove to be a great way of showing off your curves. And don’t forget to bring along your accessories, handbags and costume jewelry which will ensure everyone goes home with a new revamped look.

The thought of wearing your mother’s hand me downs may well fill you with dread but, if you look in the latest fashion magazines, you’ll see vintage inspired looks are making a big comeback. With the rebirth of the 80s making the fashion headlines and ditsy floral dresses being adorned by all the uber trendy celebrities, your mother’s wardrobe may provide you with some inspired and fashionable looks. Best of all, you won’t have to part with a penny and her old maxi dress could make the perfect new outfit coupled with leather sandals and some boho jewelry. Don’t be shy to check out dad’s old clothes too as long boyfriend cardigans can add an edgy look to even the most girly of floral dresses and shirts.  

Finally, if you really do need to part with your hard earned cash for something new, add it to your weekly shop. Supermarkets are now cashing in on the fashion market and producing some fantastic replicas of the latest designer trends at bargain prices. They are quick to interpret the latest catwalk styles and the throwaway prices mean you can constantly update your look without worrying about chalking up a massive debt. Don’t forget, fashion should be fun and gives you a chance to show your personality in what you wear. Pick items that suit your taste and your figure and don’t be lured by the celebrity hype of a particular item of clothing. Create your own sense of style and don’t be shy to stand out from the crowd as you show off your unique and thrifty new wardrobe choices.