Recessionista Shopping Tips

Still want to shop but can’t afford it?

According to fashion stylist Colin Megaro, shop your own closet to reinvent old pieces and stay fresh for each season!! Instead of spending money on new clothes, invest in a personal closet consultation with a professional stylist. Colin Megaro’s “Wardrobe Renovation and Closet Inventory” service (NY and LA, price upon request) gives you hands-on support and advice to make old items new and make what you’ve got work for any season and trend.

Here are a few of Colin’s tips to make the most out of what you’ve got in your closet and spend as little as possible:

1. Clean out the closet. Take the time to remove every item out and go through each one. Make piles of clothing that you never wear, clothing that no longer fits and clothing that is still worn. Take the pieces that you don’t wear to your favorite charity and donate them. The closet will be less cluttered and you’re helping those less fortunate. If all else fails, remember it’s a great tax deduction.

2. Items that no longer fit properly: If they are too small, donate them along with the items you are no longer wearing. If they are overly big, slightly short or even out of style, take them to the tailor. Pant hems can be let down; shirts can be shorted and even made short-sleeved; skirts can be reworked into the newest styles. Tailoring items can give you the current styles at a fraction of the store cost.

3. Finally, let’s face it, most of us love the thrill of shopping. If there are items that you need to purchase, be smart and strategic about it. Everything is on sale now so look for the best deals you can get. Pick a few must-have items and let yourself have them. You’ll feel great after scoring a deal. If you are heading out to do a bit of shopping take yourself to H&M, Zara, Macys, Century 21, and even TJ Maxx. At the end of the day style is not about a label. It is about feeling great about what you are wearing!