Buying on a budget
June 1st, 2009
As the hard times hit, the recessionista comes to the fore.
THERE’S the fashionista and there’s the recessionista. With the economy shrinking, people losing jobs and fearfulness about the future infecting even those in the food business, it’s certainly not appropriate to flaunt your Guccis and LVs these days.
It’s all about spouting the right buzzwords and, so, it was only a matter of time before the style icons caught hold of the recession and turned it in their favour.
Smart shoppers: Shopaholics are cutting down on their spending by going for bargain buys during sales at department stores.
In the United States, self-proclaimed fashionistas are now unabashedly shopping below the radar and dressing up in non-branded clothes. In fact, there’s even a segment seen on E! Entertainment Television where fashion stylist Jeanie Mai comes up with “Celeb looks on a budget”. Shoppers are given a rough guide on how to dress like the stars for US$100 (RM356) or less.
On the local front, shopaholics have also cut down on spending though no one’s about to openly admit that they’ve given up on foreign labels and downgraded to department store stuff.
According to the social gravevine, a certain manager was spotted at a second-hand store in KL selling luxury labels, having succumbed to her dwindling bank balance. But then again, it seems this had always been her regular retail-therapy haunt, anyway. That’s a smart recessionista for you!
Another high-level bank executive who moves in fashionista circles refuses to be labelled as one herself. That’s because she justifies her actions by saying she’s merely investing in quality products, be they dresses or accessories.
“It’s not about the label but the quality. It was never about flashing the labels. If other people think I’m a fashion snob, then that’s their problem!” scoffs Amy (a pseudonym).
What next? Shopping districts are seeing the effects of consumer nerves during the current recession.“Right now, it’s no different for me when it comes to my buying patterns. Though I admit I don’t give in as readily to impulse buying like I did before.”
Kate (also a pseudonym) admits that the economic slump has cramped her shopping style somewhat. But it’s a struggle to ignore what she really wants to buy and mind her budget.
The marketing manager said her principle has always been to buy branded or luxury items on sale, anyway. However, she doesn’t think twice about high street clothes which she will pick up if she has the spare cash.
Her favourite labels include BCBGMaxAzria, Zara and MNG, coupled with Eclipse or Nine West shoes. She buys two to four pairs of shoes a year but confesses that she can’t keep track of the clothes.
“A bag a year keeps me happy,” adds Kate, 37, who also fancies Anya Hindmarch and Marc by Marc Jacobs.
This year alone, Kate has bought more than five outfits, five pairs of shoes and a handbag; she’s still looking out for good bargains! Having suffered a pay cut this year, Kate tries to be a little more careful with her spending.
“I’m more reluctant to fork out RM500 for a dress unless it’s really worth it. Design details and brand are deciding factors. While I used to drop by my favourite stores just to check out what’s new, I try to avoid going in at all now because I know I’m weak!” said the mother of one.
“It’s hard to leave Zara without buying anything and I have become better friends with Tangs and Robinsons these days.”
Bank executive Norazah Mansor, 39, is another Zara fan. Although she’s not particular about her shoes, she doesn’t mind paying for luxury handbags and has a penchant for Louis Vuitton.
You could say Norazah has always been a recessionista as she’s always been practical with her shopping, only splurging after getting a bonus or saving up for an item.
“I spend prudently and only when there’s a need. I prefer warehouse or clearance sales these days, and I buy affordable brands now,” said Norazah, who doesn’t mind local shoe labels like Primavera, Vincci and Nose.
Norazah noticed similar buying trends amongst her girlfriends and colleagues.
“Everyone I know seems to be buying only when necessary and trying to spend wisely. Affordability is the main issue since we are also not expecting our employers to give out good bonuses this year,” she added.
Even the guys are not spared in this recession. PR executive Harry A. who’s always very well put-together, says he’s more cautious about spending these days.
“But this is the best time to explore your creativity and style. I now shop in my own closet! I revisit and see what I haven’t used for sometime. You bring fresh life to it and do the mix and match. Sometimes I take a pair of trousers and cut it up and make it into a pair of three-quarter pants or shorts,” he says.
Some parting tips from trend experts: Don’t snub stores that have a reputation for inexpensive merchandise, such as Forever 21 or local boutiques. Pairing high street clothes with expensive jewellery does the trick. And take a page from Kate’s book – department stores can sometimes have really classy pieces at bargain prices.
