Recessionista, Part III

If you are anything like Ace, you become slightly obsessed with a particular item during the course of the season. Maybe one season it’s pointy-toed pumps, or wide-leg jeans. You buy in multiples, until one day someone says, “You always wear the cutest  ________!” Spring 2008, Ace was all about short or three-quarter sleeved jackets. She loved them, wore them practically daily, and bought one almost weekly. But now it is cold—too cold for semi-bear arms. But wait, it is completely possible and even adorable to wear them now. All you need is a long-sleeved t-shirt and a scarf.  If your jacket is particularly bold, wear a neutral colored long-sleeved shirt. If your jacket itself is neutral, you can pair it with a patterned long-sleeved t-shirt, just make sure the print is small and not overly spring-like. You can also try a waffle-knit shirt for a warmer look. If it is too cold for just a long-sleeved t-shirt, pair your jacket with a slim fitting turtleneck. This is an excellent way to bring your favorite jackets from spring into the colder months of fall and winter.

Recessionista, Part II

Maxi dresses were all over the place the past two summers, and Spring 2008 they were also pretty prevalent. How, you ask, are you going to transition these breezy, possibly trailing dresses into something that works for fall and winter? Easily. All you need is a pair of chunky-heeled boots or heels in some shade of brown. Bonus points if the heel is wooden or stacked, and it will look especially fantastic if they are slightly beat-up. If the dress is a halter, layer a cami underneath and add a cardigan on top; a wrap sweater cinched with a wide leather belt would also look good (remember, we’re working with pieces you already own). If your legs are cold, feel free to add a pair of tights or leggings. I suggest going with leggings if you’re wearing heels; tights tend to feet slip right out of high-heels. A maxi-skirt can be transitioned into the colder months in the same way. No matter what you pair on top, be sure that it is slim and fitted to balance all the volume down below. Keep accessories fairly simple—thin gold hoops and a solid bangle or cuff, but nothing very ornate.

Recessionista, Part I

As is evidenced in many previous posts, I love tights. They can turn a simple dress into an adorable “look”. Here is a great thing for all of you “recessionista’s” (cringe): you can get a pair of tights for about $10, and they are the perfect way to transform your summer dresses into something appropriate for the colder weather.  Neutral, solid dresses look great with brightly colored tights—my favorite is magenta, but any color will work. If your dress is white, I suggest wearing black tights that are a little thicker knit. (Check to make sure you can’t see your tights through your dress!) Patterned dresses look super cute with either A) black tights (think Zooey Deschanel) or B) colored tights. If the dress is a pretty busy/intense pattern, black is probably the way to go. If you choose to go with colored tights, look for a pair that draws out one of the less prominent colors on the dress. You can wear heels or flats with any of these looks; heels look best if the dress is any longer than just-below the knee. Layer a long sleeved t-shirt or slim turtleneck under your dress, or a cardigan on top (or do both if it’s really cold!). You’re all set! 

A Special Note...

With the economy gone to pot as it has, it seems that everyone is reconsidering their spending habits, and rightfully so. Clothing and accessories that are not absolute necessities are one of the things most people are cutting back on. There is a phrase being used, and while it makes me want to smash something, there really isn’t a good alternative: recessionista. I know, awful right? But for now, it will have to work. It’s the girl that wants to look good, but has to do so on a budget. She is a fashionista in the throes of a recession (or near-recession). In light of this, Sparkle’s next few posts will be dedicated to reworking things you already have, with a few small purchases.  

And if you know of an alternative to “recessionista”, please let me know.