From Discount to Designer

Ever wondered why two seemingly identical pieces of clothing can be so vastly different in price? Well, basically, it comes down to fit and fabric. The good news is, you can pay less and buy the discount item and have it made to look like the designer one. All you need is a good tailor.

Lets take a simple white dress shirt as the example. Sure, it might cost $10 to $20 to have some seams and darts added to make the shirt look like it was perfectly made for your body (designer fit), but if you only paid $30 for the top in the first place...that's still only $50 for a top that looks like it's worth $200! A sneaky trick that you can use for almost any discount clothing item, and that will have you always looking like a million bucks!

Baby, it's cold outside (well, it will be soon!)

With the Autumn season fast approaching, it will soon be time to get that winter coat out again. Since it’s a clothing item you wear EVERYDAY during the colder months, it’s pretty easy to become bored with it. Because a winter coat is a big ticket item though, buying a new one each year just isn’t realistic for many of us. But if your coat is still in great shape, there are some things you can do to rescue yourself from outerwear boredom (AKA, having to wear that same coat AGAIN this year).

1) Find a good tailor and have your coat cropped. Take your full length coat up to a ¾ length, or your ¾ length to the hips.
2) My personal favourite…add some new funky buttons.
3) Add a belt. You can either go to a tailor and have one made in a complimentary colour and a material of similar weight. Or, for an even bolder look, go buy a coloured belt (FYI, red and purple are very hot colours this year) to add some fun to that old coat.

Recessionista Style

Maybe some of you Fashionistas out there have cut back on your spending and as a result are experiencing new clothes withdrawal. The side effects of which include boredom with your wardrobe and an overwhelming itch to shop.


Well, the good news is, there is a cure! It's called being fashionably frugal. I'm not just talking about shopping outlet malls, discount department stores, and sample sales. There are other more creative ways, to re-vamp your wardrobe. And the best part is, none of them will result in a spending hangover the next day.


Tip #1: WORKING WITH WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVEOne of the easiest ways to add something new to your wardrobe is to update the items in your closet now. You know, all the pieces of clothing you're not wearing for whatever reason. Maybe you've lost some weight and some things just don't fit the way they used to. Well, if you love them, take them to a tailor and get them altered so they do fit again. It's not that hard, and relatively inexpensive too. As for those items that are a bit outdated, or you are just bored with, there is hope as well. With just a bit of creativity and some pretty basic sewing skills, you can create some new pieces in no time. For example, add some lace trim or a ruffle to that simple A-line skirt you've been wearing year after year. Or go buy some funky new buttons to give last years winter coat a new look.


Tip #2: GO TREASURE HUNTING
So, you've gone to the tailor and had your old clothes taken in, and maybe even done some clothing alterations yourself. But you want more! What about shopping for some old clothes? No, that's not a typo. I'm talking about shopping thrift and consignment stores.
If you can be patient, and endure some serious foraging, you can come away with some great treasures. I'll never forget the time I found a designer dress that normally would retail for at least three hundred dollars, and I got it for ten dollars! And the original tags were still attached! By the way, thrift and consignment stores are great places to snatch up some cool accessories, like jewellery, belts, and bags.


Tip #3: GO SHOPPING IN YOUR FRIENDS CLOSETSNo doubt, this is the least expensive way to get your hands on some new stuff, and possibly the most fun. Hosting a clothing swap with your friends (and friends of friends) is a great party where you get to leave with the best loot bag ever! New clothes! Each guest brings fashionable and gently worn items that no longer fit, or that they no longer want or need, and “swaps” them for new stuff. Add in some sushi and a martini bar, and you've got the best girls night in EVER!


So, there you have it. Just a few ideas to give all of you Fashionistas out there some inspiration and hope that you can still continue to update your wardrobe. It may take some extra effort and creativity, but you can give in to your clothing cravings. Remember, just because your purse is feeling a little lighter these days doesn't mean you have to suffer through a fashion famine.