How do you think the economy affects the fashion world?

Fashion is a mirror of the economy.  How we dress reflects ... Read More »]]> The Recessionista Is Here To Help! Mary Hall is The Recessionista.  Once a fashionista, when the economy took a nose dive, Mary sought ways to stay fashionable and chic at affordable prices.  As a hobby she stated blogging about her new bargains on therecessionista.blogspot.com.  Mary and I were coworkers in my former life as an attorney.  We recently had lunch to catch up and the following are some questions that Mary and I discussed to share with Chic Galleria readers.

How do you think the economy affects the fashion world?

Fashion is a mirror of the economy.  How we dress reflects our income level and what we can afford.  Look at hemlines rising in the 20th century during WW1 and WW2.
If you look at the First Ladies inaugural gowns during the 1920s compared with Eleanor Roosevelt’s one very simple inaugural gown, you can see quite clearly how the economy impacts our apparel.  In the 1920s, the first ladies had flamboyant, expensive gowns.  In contrast, Eleanor Roosevelt had a very simple inaugural gown during the depression.  The pictures in the Smithsonian First Ladies exhibit tell a  story of how style reflects economics.

In 1916, Chanel started using wool jersey in her garments because it was comfortable, and still available during WW I.  Before Chanel used it, it had only been used for undergarments. In WW II the same thing happened with Rayon. Silk was in short supply, so hosiery and dress manufacturers started making garments and stockings with Rayon, and voila, all those pretty 1940s Rayon dresses were born. It will be interesting to see what happens in our generation.

Who are some of your favorite designers?
 
I have several favorites who combine style and comfort. If I could afford it, I would buy all Chanel because it is beautifully made, the cut is superb and her styles last forever.  However, as a recessionista, Chanel is not always at hand. I like Roland Mouret, Stella McCartney, and Ceila Birtwell. I love Celia’s prints.  Stella McCartney mixes vintage styles with modern sensibilities.  And Roland Mouret, I love the drape and look of his garments.  He has a great eye and his clothes really flatter a woman’s figure.

And finally, I do love Megan Park, although her garments are often pricey.  She has bought beautiful Indian beading and patterns to her designs.

Have you been able to find any of your favorite brands at discounted prices?  Which one’s?

Yes!!! Chanel at consigment stores and on eBay. Roland Mouret and Stella McCartney go on sale at department stores at the end of the season. I also bought Roland’s Gap dresses and Stella’s H&M Designs. Ceila Birtwell I have scored via her Express and Top Shop Collections.
Finally, every now and then I will score Megan Park on eBay or at a sale (Fred Segal).

As a former Fashionista, what was your catalyst for change?
 
I saw the economy slowing down, and I wanted to save more. I also wanted to help my little nephew (aged 5) who has autism.  I wanted to be able to contribute to his education and all the special things he needs.

What would you recommend to someone who is trying to find solid purchases for his/her wardrobe with a tight budget?
 
I would shop H&M (designer inspired clothing at great prices), Macy’s and Loehmann’s sale plus consignment stores.  All have great stuff for less.  Esp coupons at Macy’s. Also, for the ultimate fashion on a budget, check Vera Wang at Kohls and Norma Kamali at Walmart. There are some really nice items in those collections at the right price.

Please tell us some of your best finds?
 
My Chanel jackets from Consignment stores. My pre-owned Marc Jabobs coat from an NYC consignment store. All the Jovovich -Hawk I bought at HauteLook’s Blow Out Sale.

How can we learn more about staying fashionable in the recession?
 
Well, of course keep reading The Recessionista Blog. I am also developing a book based upon the blog and compiling all the tips from the blog and throwing in new ones.  I hope to find a publisher or publish it myself and make it available for download from the blog.

Any tips for men? 

YES, Loehmann’s now has fantastic men’s stuff as do two of the shopping clubs I feature on my blog. The Gilt Groupe and Haute Look have great men’s sales. Also, if you are looking for suits, Jos A Bank has had some unbelievable sales on mens’ suits this year.  I don’t know how they can offer the prices they have been offering this year and make a decent profit, but it’s great for the consumer.

Read more at http://therecessionista.blogspot.com or http://www.twitter.com/recessionista

I just got back a week in Mexico.  A glorious week.  Sunshine, surf, and amazing food. I think a lot when I’m on vacation.  There is something about being away from your normal environment where you can re-evaluate things.

I was re-evaluating friendships.

I’m really sociable.  I know a lot of people. Famous and not so famous. I enjoy hanging out and spending time with my friends.  Lately, though, ... Read More »]]>

What I love about vacation is the return.  The feeling of rest.  How problems at home are not as big, and seen with a new perspective.  What I love best is the re-set of priorities.

I just got back a week in Mexico.  A glorious week.  Sunshine, surf, and amazing food.
I think a lot when I’m on vacation.  There is something about being away from your normal environment where you can re-evaluate things.

I was re-evaluating friendships.

I’m really sociable.  I know a lot of people. Famous and not so famous. I enjoy hanging out and spending time with my friends.  Lately, though, I don’t have patience for people who aren’t good friends to me.  And my standards are high.

I’m the type of person that I have two categories of friends; amazing friends and acquaintances.  I’ve decided that I want to spend my time with the amazing friends and drop the rest.  For most of this new year, I have been traveling.  I was in San Francisco, Washington DC (for the Inauguration of President Obama), New York and most recently Mexico.

Each of these trips were filled with conversations, dinners, performances, cups of tea and long walks.  Dynamic and challenging conversations, eclectic dinners, modern performances, lovingly brewed tea and endearingly long walks.  This is what I thrive on. This is what electrifies me, gives me joy.

It may sound selfish to say “I’m dropping the people who don’t challenge me.”  But is it really?  Otherwise what am I doing?   I’m downsizing and keeping the best.

No more jealousy around me.  No more slights.  No more toxicity. Not even a little.

My new rejuvenated attitude to the acquaintances is “work out your issues and maybe we can be friends later.”  But for now,  I don’t have time for pettiness.  Be a good friend to me or step aside.

Do you have any toxicity that you need to re-evaluate?  I think those names and faces have probably already come to mind.  I’m not talking about the friends who need support.  But rather, the one’s who drain you.

I’m back from vacation.  Energized and planning to stay that way.

Photo Credit © Mark Aplet | Dreamstime.com

Electrifying is the feeling in the air today.  We stood under the obelisk at the Washington Monument watching Barack Obama take his oath of office and redefine history.

It was cold.  Really cold.  I had to use foot warmers to protect my toes.

There were millions of people around us and we watched all of the events on a jumbotron.  There was a unity like I have never seen.  As I looked around, I saw many faces, many nationalities.  Most caucasian.  From my vantage there were not many African American faces.  The faces, nor color matter.  They all represented hope and joy ... Read More »]]>

Electrifying is the feeling in the air today.  We stood under the obelisk at the Washington Monument watching Barack Obama take his oath of office and redefine history.

It was cold.  Really cold.  I had to use foot warmers to protect my toes.

There were millions of people around us and we watched all of the events on a jumbotron.  There was a unity like I have never seen.  As I looked around, I saw many faces, many nationalities.  Most caucasian.  From my vantage there were not many African American faces.  The faces, nor color matter.  They all represented hope and joy as they witnessed history.

It took our group of 4 over an hour to move in tiny step off of the Mall area.  Not once did anyone around us treat each other rudely.

I’m sitting at the historic Mayflower hotel watching the crowds yell, wave and cheer our new president and his wife on as they take a walk down Pennsylvania Avenue towards their new home? House.  People in the hotel are clapping. Howling, even whistling. Its surreal.

The poor hotel is so overwhelmed, but maintaining its standards.  And if it wasn’t for Tiffany, who actually works in another department, but is on hand in the restaurant, we would be without food and coffee…because they have stopped serving all food.