Take the Humdrum to Fabulous

What is a fashionista to do in these hard economic times? Do not let the economy make your wardrobe humdrum. We are all going through hard times right now in one way or another. Between jobs, fears of a layoff, suddenly living on one salary or still trying to recover from the outrageous gas prices. One way or another for various reasons, we are all cutting back. We really need to scale back from the era of big spending and getting everything we want. It felt good at the time but yes, now we are paying the price if we like it or not. Where does that leave us fashionista's? Wimping and trying to stay away from the malls. Can you still be fashionable in these tough times? Yes, why not. Okay, you need to be a little more creative and or flexible, but it can be done.

Reuse clothes from last year. Styles have not changed much from last spring. Retailers are being very conservative with styles to be on the safe side. If you need a few items no problem. Limit what you buy to very simple and versatile items. A simple shirt or blouse goes a long way. Pair it with capri's and sandals for the day or jacket and skirt for business. Remove the jacket, add pearls, a lightweight scarf and fancier shoes for a night out. Keeping it simple and versatile will help keep costs down. The key here is your accessories. Even if you keep all your current clothes you could make them all look like they are all new. Tired of your old jeans or pants? Cut them into capris or shorts. Are your jeans a little short, roll them up to be capris and join the latest style. Even if you bring them to a tailor, it is still so much cheaper than a new pair. For my daughter, we bought rhinestone iron on appliqués on sale and added them to the back pockets. She was so excited as if she had a new pair. I must say, she is definitely a bling girl. If there is bling on it, she loves it.

Accessories are where you need to put your main focus. They can take your old humdrum outfit and make it look new. I can't tell you how many times I added new accessories and received compliments on my new outfit. Remember not to overdo it with the accessories. Too much of a good thing is a disaster when overdone. Lightweight scarves are a big item for spring. Long thin scarves with or without fringe are everywhere. Spring is all about color this year and the scarves are full of color and patterns. You can find plenty of expensive ones but go for the inexpensive. Scarves go in and out of style so why spend top dollar. I just bought some at a big discounter ranging in price from $12.99 - $19.99. I am sure the flea market vendors have plenty of these for even better prices.

Jewelry is always a must have item for women. Go to any art show and every one of the jewelry vendor booths are packed with women. Retailers are stocking up on reasonably priced jewelry. What is in for spring? Collar style necklaces. Think Egyptian style collar necklaces. In addition are plenty of other styles. Two or more strands of a beaded necklace fall into this "collar" category. Pair more than one necklace together to get the look. Layered look of strands in various beaded styles. Add a pendant to the mix and it brings it all together. Don't like several strands or collar styles? With jewelry, you can get away with any style. Pendants on necklaces are still a hot item. They come in so many colors and styles. You will see them with chains beaded necklaces, ribbon or leather. Pearls are a favorite of mine. I am not talking a strand of white pearls. Elegant as they are but not for every day. Pearls come in so many colors, shapes and sizes. There is such a variety out there to choose from. Wear them with casual, business or an evening outfit. Silver is always in and gold is trying to make a comeback. So like I said, you can't go wrong with jewelry. Don't forget the earrings!

Handbags are another accessory must have. We just can't get enough of them. Handbags top the sales chart for accessories sold so retailers know we love our handbags. In years past there was always the "it" designer bag to have. The average cost of these it bags? $1500 on up! I think $300 for a handbag is too pricey. If you are buying one handbag for the year then it is not so bad. This is definitely an area where you can spend a lot less and make your outfit look good. Take that $300 and buy several knockoffs, inexpensive designers, or even handmade handbags. Remember, spring and summer is a time for color. A weave fabric is always a must have for spring. Get them in several colors to match those great necklaces or shoes. Not everyone likes to wear bright colors in clothes. Wearing them in accessories is a lot easier.

Don't forget the shoes. Shoes really spruce up an outfit. There is nothing worse than seeing a great outfit with a beautiful necklace and earrings, awesome bag and then sneakers. Jeans can look great with all the right accessories but not the sneakers. Add cute wedges, basket weave ankle boots, decorative sandals, or even cut out toe flats.

The season is still about fashion, you just need to be more creative and budge conscience. Retailers are hurting also but the economy and they have responded by adding more value priced lines. You will need to hit the boutiques for something more edgy for that special outfit. TJ Maxx and Target are great places for designer looks at affordable prices. So remember, can't get the new wardrobe this year? Stick with accessories and look fabulous like you did get one!