The end is in sight! According to an Associated Press article, more than 90 percent of surveyed economists think the recession will end in 2009. Whew!
The economists say the recession recovery will be bumpy but we've already been through the worst. The survey also says 71 percent of forecasters think thrifty consumer spending will stick for at least five years. I've learned tips I can use for the rest of my life and I plan on always living the laid-off lifestyle (with all of you!) so I'm prepared and conscious of my spending habits.
With that in mind and new summer clothes tempting us at every turn (I'm currently loving maxi dresses but don't own one yet!), here's some ways you can refresh your wardrobe on a budget.
- First and most importantly, get innovative and think outside the box. It'll help amp outfits and show personal style. Have a light-weight jacket? Update it with new buttons or define its waist with a belt.
- Accessories are key. Wear basics but dress them up. Layer, wear a loud necklace or if a light-colored shirt's seen better days, dye it. It's really simple - I dyed a duvet cover with my mom a few years ago. You can pick up fabric dye at most craft stores for a couple bucks.
- If you have jewelry that's now out-of-style, use it to refresh other items. Brooches aren't just for your lapel any more, pin one or a couple around your favorite chain. Have too many long necklace strands? Whether they're plain or detailed necklaces, tie them around your wrist as a bracelet or if they're long enough, wrap them around your neck to make a shorter necklace.
- Take well-loved shoes to the repair shop instead of buying new. You also can keep tall boots in shape throughout the summer by stuffing them with newspaper, plastic bags or rolled-up magazines, and instead of buying shoe bags, keep shoes clean by putting them inside of a sock that lost its partner.
- Make capris or bermuda shorts out of ill-fitting work pants or jeans - you don't have to sew! Use iron-on hemming tape (thank goodness someone out there was thinking - I've been using safety pins for way too long!) to make clean lines. If you have a quality, expensive piece you no longer wear, think of ways it can be tailored into your wardrobe. Take off the sleeves, add sleeves, shorten, etc.
- You can even spice up your wardrobe further by having a clothing swap party with your girlfriends. Of course, set standards and even bring jewelry and shoes, so there's something for everyone. The idea was huge last year, but don't forget it's still an option today!
- When you've done all you can to overhaul items on your own, decide what else you need to complete your wardrobe. Shop around before you make any purchases (I make myself walk away from an item I want, think about it for at least a half-hour and if I've determined it's not an impulse buy and it's something I need, I'll re-consider). Check online retail sites, as there's often coupons floating around the Internet (I use a search engine to look or go right to couponcabin.com or retailmenot.com) and you can often get free shipping. Also, make sure items are versatile, professional and reflect your unique style.
Reinvent your summer wardrobe! It's time for fun in the sun!
xoxo,
Lisa Marie
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