My major step as a recessionista: Shopping my closet

2009 is turning out to be a rather grim year so far. January ended with the highest unemployment rate since 1973 in history, and February is starting out with California state workers losing their jobs and companies cutting back massively.

Now, in the midst of this financial crisis, I still get these fashion magazines that carry the message: Buy, Buy & Buy! Granted, my beloved fashion magazines are featuring more modest items that won't leave a big dent in your wallet. Regardless, there is no question that they still are sending a message of shopping and consuming.

For me, I am vowing not to shop for next few months. I can say I won't shop for the whole year, but I know that would be impossible.

Winter will be over soon, and Spring will be here. Rather than going out and buying new spring items, I am going to shop my closet.

I often find great items in my closet that I completely forgot about. I haven't even worn some of the items.

So here is a suggestion for you: Cut out all the looks you love from the fashion magazines. Then, look into your closet and find similar matches and create Spring 2009 Look Book.

You will be amazed to find out you can create brand new looks without having to buy new items!

GOOD LUCK and Have fun!

Michelle Obama on the March cover of Vogue!!!!!!!!

I just got the news that our stylish First Lady Michelle Obama is on the cover of Vogue's gigantic March spring issue!!!!!!!! How chic is this?!

I can't wait for my copy to arrive in the mail! :)

What a dream...

I know I should be dreaming about something more serious and profound, but I had two very odd dreams last night. One was rather profound while other one was me dreaming about shopping at Banana Republic.

If you have been following my blog, you would know how much I LOVE Banana Republic for classic, work wardrobe. I haven't shopped there in few months, due to the deteriorating economy and my setting a tight personal budget. It has been difficult to resists their ongoing sales, but I guess I didn't realize how much I missed shopping there.

In my dream, everything was 80% off. I was grabbing all the cardigans, pants, suits and you name it, I was piling them up in my arms.

I won't be able to shop there for many more months to come, but a girl can dream of a limitless shopping spree, right?

Saks gift cards... what to do...

I pride myself in being a bargain shopper. I hate the idea of paying full price for things that I can easily get on sale. Normally, I like to browse Marshalls, Banana Republic, Zara and H&M for trendy, classic items that don't cost a fortune but still help me to stay on top of the latest fashion trends.

Sometimes, though, a girl's gotta treat herself. If you are an occasional luxury shopper like myself, you would LOVE Saks & Barneys (sometimes, Neiman but they are way to expensive)! If you shopped at Saks last year, you should have gotten your gift card by now.

I got mine for my 2008 spending amount. I believe it is 1% of all your total purchases for the previous year, and due to the amazing sale Saks had back in November, I accumulated a hefty amount.

HOWEVER, there lies a problem... During times like this, can I even afford to buy something at Saks? Granted, I have some free money I am obligated to spend by April, but when can a couple of hundred dollars really get me at places like Saks?

Any thoughts?

Rumor has it...

Ok. I am not sure if this is confirmed yet, but according to some insiders, the WSJ Fashion Journal is laying off almost everyone except for two journalists! Are you kidding me?!

In fact, one journalist I was emailing back and forth just last week was one of the journalists who reportedly got laid off. These days, it's not surprising to talk to someone at one company only to have that person disappear the following week...

Need extra cash? Sell your clothes, bags and shoes!

With the current economy, and companies around the nation cutting their employees, it seems like we all can use some extra cash.

Of course, you can dip into your savings and live with unemployment checks for sometime, but how about looking into your own closet?

You would be surprised at how many unused items are just sitting there. You can be making some money off your used goods!

I suggest looking at your bags first. Handbags, especially if they are brand name bags, are the easiest items to sell. Shoes and clothes may be a bit tricky, depending on their quality.

I have heard some mixed reviews on Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads clothing stores that buy your used items. Ebay can be a bit too complicated, if you are not familiar with how their site runs.

My recommendation? Craigslist! It is easy and safe!
Make sure you take pictures of your items and start selling!

GOOD LUCK!

I have actually posted some of my used Coach and Marc Jacobs bags too. Have fun hunting!