Recession Wardrobe: Show off those legs!

I love wearing dresses that show off a little bit of leg. I can't get enough of them. Now is the perfect time to show off your legs and wear a hottest dresses you can find. Remember that different dresses call for different occasions.


For Play: When you're going out to lunch or shopping with friends



New York & Company, Strapless Flower print dress, $35
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For Work: Even though dress codes slack a little in the summer, you still want to dress to impress


Ann Taylor, Orange Peel Sheath dress, $30

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=19871&No=15&loc=LN&pCategoryId=190&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_198&N=1200017&Nty=1&categoryId=198&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Orange%20Peel&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Petite&cid=A0001

For Dates: Show enough skin, but not too much. Let him imagination run wild when he sees you



Arden B, Sequin patchwork dress; $39.99

http://www.ardenb.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=136&subCategoryId=583&productId=18623

For Nights Out: You want to wear something cute, but you also want to be comfortable


Forever 21, Abstract splash dress; $22.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dress%5Fdressy&product%5Fid=2061530172&Page=all

Recession Wardrobe: The Right Whites for Summer

Memorial is the official start of summer and the official date of when you can wear white. OK, so not wearing white after Labor is kind of old school and you could wear white anytime of year. But it's nice to break out a white summer outfit for after Memorial Day. My only words of caution are to make sure you wear the proper under garments when you where white. Here are some recession friend white hot deals:


Forever 21, White distressed jeans; $27.80
Two trends in one piece; white jeans and they're worn. The jeans speak for themselves, so wear a simple top ( I would avoid anything print)
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=btms%5Fjeans&product%5Fid=2060978310&Page=all



J.Crew, Linen seaside shorts; $19.99
Do not sleep on J.Crew's sale section, especially online. These linen shorts are only $20 and keep a look out for those special codes for additional discounts on clearance items
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/Sale/AllProducts/PRDOVR~13052/99101680461/13052.jsp


New York & Company, Belted skirt; $25
Perfect for a day at the beach or a sail on a yacht (only in my dreams!)
http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/product_detail_with_picker.jsp?productId=prod1210001&parentId=cat60036&subcatId=cat570002


Gap, Canvas white tote; $34.99
Who doesn't need a big tote bag you can take on all your summer trips and adventures?
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=652822002&tid=GOAF112&ap=2&siteID=2178999

Recession Wardrobe: Sandals

We all love a great summer sandal and we love buying designer sandals because they last longer than cheaper ones. Well look, times are tough and people need to save money. But you still want to look good, so you should shop for sandals that look like you spent a lot of money but didn't. It's really easy; you just need to have a good eye for essentials for high-end staples. Look for vibrant colors, faux (but real looking) leather, and embellishments.


Old Navy; $19.50
The jeweled embellishment and faux snake skin make these look like you spent more than $20. Old Navy is great from sandals and flats, and try to go in the middle of summer when they're on clearance.
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=655305012&tid=ONAF86&ap=2&siteID=2178999



Charlotte Russe; $16.99
Once again the faux snake skin in a vibrant color really makes these look high-end. And that cuff in the back is great
http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3538707


Target; $14.99
These have 2 of the makings expensive looking shoes; vibrant colors and faux (but real looking) leather
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/184-5210631-6034341?asin=B001PIDGTS&AFID=shopping_df&LNM=Shoes||B001PIDGTS&CPNG=women&ref=tgt_adv_XSC10001



New York & Company; $14
Take your pick, they all look great!
http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/product_detail_with_picker.jsp?productId=prod1100032&parentId=cat60036&subcatId=cat840014&cid=200001

How to be a Recessionista

Being frugal is really in right now and so are recessionistas. Are you a recessionista? Can you go to TJ Maxx and find Theory dress pants for $15 or the Goodwill and find a $4 Ann Taylor skirt? If you answered yes, then you're a recessionista: a fashionista that knows how to maintain her fly stature during an economic downturn. I know people are struggling to make ends meets and you're probably thinking that you should be saving and not spending. But you can't keep wearing the same tired clothes all the time, so act like a recessionista and look like a million bucks when you only spent $20.

1. Shop at thrift stores and consignment shops. Make sure you're well rested and drink plenty of fluids if you want to get the best bargains. In fact, make it a trip with your girlfriends and see who can find the best deals. Try looking for items you can easily make fresh and new. Buy a t-shirt dress and a belt that contrasts the dress; for example, a fuchsia dress and a brown belt to wear around your waist. Then, get creative by changing the buttons, cutting it shorter, or adding patches.

A guide to thrift shopping in DC: http://dcgoodwillfashions.blogspot.com/

The "must go-to" consignment shop in Brooklyn: http://www.beaconscloset.com/ ( amd make sure you go to the one in Brooklyn)



2. Buy staple items out of season. You always need a pair of black winter boots, a peacoat, a "go-to" swim suit, or a timeless Little Black Dress. Buy the winter items in the beginning of Spring and Summer items in the beginning of Fall. You get everything for 50 to 75%.


Target; $11.24

http://www.target.com/Isaac-Mizrahi-Target-Polka-Dot-Eyelet/dp/B0015CDNGK/qid=1238037862/ref=br_1_16/190-5562314-6975369?ie=UTF8&node=10828011&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1

3. If you can't live without your designer duds and don't want to buy them second, then shop at places like Filene's, Loehman's, Off 5th, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, or Ross. Make sure to take your time and be patient when you're looking; patient people find the best deals.

The Recession Budget: Staying In is the New Going Out

A night out on the town with your girls can be tons of fun, but can also be very expensive. As it gets colder and money gets tighter during the holiday season, people are looking for ways to stay in. Good thing staying in is the new going out. Here's a few ideas for a fun night in:

Movie Night:
Have your girls bring over their favorite movies; pop some popcorn, get some beverages, and other light snacks like chips and pretzels.

Game Night:
At least one of your friends has some board games. Some of the best games are ones that work well with large groups like Taboo, Catch Phrase, or Battle of the Sexes. And you can never go wrong with a game of Spades. Luckily, during this time of year places like Toy R' Us, Target, and Walmart are having great sales on board games.

Pamper Party:
Spa sets are always on sales during the holiday season. Get a set, and have the girls over for facials, manicures, and pedicures. A good looking man providing massages would also be nice!

Just Invite People Over:
Bake some appetizers, have people bring some drinks, and turn on some music. Try to invite friends from different circles that you know would have a great time together.

Any other suggestions for staying in during the winter?