The Budget Fashionista

One of the great joys of seasonal changes is getting to welcome it with new stylish pieces to update your basic wardrobe. This summer, however, more than any in recent memory, is one of tightening belts—with the cost of living skyrocketing, many of us are cutting corners wherever we can, and despite our passion for style, new clothes are, typically, not a necessity. Darn it.

But we want to hear from you—are you spending less on clothing this summer? And if you’re still picking up your pieces, how are you making your dollars stretch farther than ever?

Thank goodness, I have most of what I need for summer. The only things I really need are more open-toe shoes for weekday casual, and I just need to go to Target or Payless.

However, I do have to get summer things for my kids. They dirty things up like mad, so I need backups. By the way, can anyone suggest a good pre-treater that actually gets the stains out?

I’m trying hard to make do with what I own right now. I’m trying to combine my separate pieces in re-imagined ways so it’s like I’m wearing a new outfit. But I won’t stop myself from buying something if I’m out and I’ve fallen in love with an item, and it’s within a reasonable price range. Sometimes if I know I’m going to be at the mall with a friend who needs something, I’ll leave my money at home so I’m not tempted.

I do find that I’m spending less on clothing right now.  Instead i’ve focused more on accessories and more inexpensive clothing.  Its a tough time right now so holding on to a little more money right now isn’t so bad :) Makes me more creative!

I’m sad to say that i still spend as much as i do on clothes this summer. I think i’m addicted to shopping. I just raided the shelves of roxy and hollister.

I am sure that I will be spending more this year on clothes.  Mostly because I do not shop much for myself at all.  Plus having to get summer clothes for 5 growing children.  I went shopping at Kohls and did good on their buy 1 get 1 free deal.  I do know that budget shopping will be a must.

I am---but I’m not sure it has much to do with the economy.  We just bought a house and have been budgeting for that.....I’m thinking more in terms of furniture style right now than platform and kitten heels (however, I’m really itching for a trip to h&M;soon!)

I am on shopping lock-down for now...but when I’m weak I have to admit I do sneak out to our local Goodwill and pick up a few things here and there.  I usually have great luck finding timeless pieces with classic cuts. They may not be new, but they are new to me!  The gas prices are really curbing my recreational shopping trips :)