Recessionista

Camy here, with a brand new trend word I learned today: recessionista.

A recessionista is a “style maven on a budget.”(1) Isn’t that just cool? I think I am a recessionista, but I was one before the current economic status.

I like going to thrift stores and buying fashionable jackets. After a good airing out (plus dry cleaning is cheap and effective), I can wear them with my blingy-est pins or my brightest scarves, sometimes highlighted by cute earrings and a pink handbag.

Since discovering knitting, I’ve also been making skirts and tops and sweaters for myself. The best part of knitting something is that if I lose (or gain ... sigh) weight, I can just unravel and reknit into the same thing or something different.

Also, yarn can be cheap (not all yarn is cheap, just to warn you, but a savvy knitter knows where to shop online), and I can splurge on bright colors rather that practical stuff. I can also splurge on funky styles since I can just unravel if I don’t like it or get tired of it.

I’ve also been good about my handbags. I loooooooove handbags (I think I inherited that gene from my mother, who gets a new bag every year) but my budget does not. So I buy my bags at places like Marshall’s and TJMaxx (can we say, massive discount?), and I buy really good quality bags that last me for years without looking tattered or scratched.

I like Dooney & Bourke fabric and leather bags because the leather doesn’t easily scratch and the fabric is the same as a convertible cover fabric, so it’s very durable. I’ve had two D&B bags that I use daily, and each lasted me about 4-5 years. The one I’m using now is pink. :)

Are there any other recessionista tips you guys have? I’d love to hear them!

(1) Natasha Singer, "A Label for a Pleather Economy," New York Times, October 24, 2008.

Camy Tang lives in San Jose, California. She previously worked in biology research, and she is a staff worker for her church youth group. She runs the Story Sensei critique service, and her latest Asian chick lit novel, Single Sashimi, is out now. Join her newsletter YahooGroup for monthly Christian fiction giveaways!

Comments

[Kelly B]

I have been a recessionista (without knowing it apparently) all my life. I shopped thrift stores before it became cool. :) I wish I could sew or knit. I really do need to find an adult center that will teach me that skill. Ross is my shop of choice now. Their desinger week is always incredible! I have always been the type to buy the classics and jazz them up with accessories from scarves, pins, to a funky belt. I have also been blessed with friends who are the same size and who like to share clothes. If I need a different cocktail dress for a party or a wedding, if I want to go skiing, if I need a new Halloween costume or if I am heading on a trip and need extra luggage pieces...I can count on my friends. We also use this as a way to keep our weight in check as we want to be able to continue sharing. It is a great way to expand your wardrobe without depleting funds. :)

[Camy Tang]

Ugh, I wish I had friends the same size as me! I need to lose weight!

[Danica]

I'm a recessionista, too... maybe that's why we're friends. We need to go shopping together. :)