Farewell American Apparel

Dov Charney is in trouble.  It’s not the multiple counts of sexual harassment against him.  Nor that his pornographic ads have upset another member of the Christian Right.   It’s the pricetag dangling from teeshirts sold as his American Apparel stores.  Paying $40 for a tank top doesn’t seem like such a bargain these days. 

 

With thinning wallets, what new trends and fashions will be embraced?  Will “fabulousness” give way to understatement?  Will Zoolander’s “Derelict” collection be realized?  (Hopefully not.)  From Balenciaga to Banana Republic, prices have been slashed and thrashed, yet even the super sale price may be too high for many of us to consider.  This begs the question… how to get dressed when you’re recessed?

 

1. The Dreaded B Word

You’ve been let go from your job, or maybe you’re just generally looking to cut back on big spending.  This doesn’t mean you have to stop looking great, it just means you have to be craftier about how you do it.  Sit down and – gulp – make a budget for your monthly spending.  What can you really afford to be spending on your wardrobe, without giving up meals?

 

2.  Editing

Comb through your closets and drawers.  Not only will you discover pieces you forgot you had, but you will get a fuller picture for what you’re really in need.  Pull out anything you never wear and never will (remember that goucho craze you went through!? Ouch).  If things are in bad condition, toss them, but if they’re wearable, try selling them to a local second hand shop, or online (ebay, craigslist).  If that fails, at the very least donate them to a Goodwill for the tax break.

 

3.  You have friends, doncha?

Swap and share your wardrobe.   A circle of friends can throw a clothes-swap party where everyone walks away with new goodies.  And remember: dry cleaning your girlfriend’s borrowed cocktail dress is loads cheaper than buying yourself a new one.  Also, if you’re a fashion magazine junkie, note which of your friends subscribes to Vogue.  Swap her your W when you’ve done with it, and double your eye candy.

 

4.  Accessorize

Throw a belt around a cardigan and transform it.  Add a lariat to your favorite dress, and you can sell it as new.  Stocking up on hats, gloves, tights, belts and jewelry can freshen an ensemble so that you can wear it a dozen different ways, and will expand your closet remarkably.

 

5.  Treat yourself

Everyone experiences that “I’ve got to have that” moment, regardless of their financials.  Don’t let Fannie and Freddie stop you from splurging occasionally.  But if these moments seize you too often, refer back to #1.

Comments


Login or Sign Up to join the discussion.