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Back in October 2008, the TIMES posted an article on 50 ways to be a Recessionista. Whilst the article had several points that were helpful for the average shopping fanatic, the TIMES didn’t quite nail the point of giving real advice for those on a budget. Some of their worst and best advice included airing out your clothes in the garden instead of paying for a dry-cleaner, going blackberry picking instead of buying a Blackberry and finally joining a knitting group instead of buying a new cashmere scarf. All I can say is I like my clothes to smell clean, blackberries can’t make phone calls and who has time to knit?

Are you on a budget? How to shop savvy is not a terribly difficult task, you just need to think with your mind clear, and not clouded with that endless list of must haves. So in opposition to the quick-fix ideas in the TIMES article, I hope to give a little advice on how to actually survive as a Recessionista. If you are planning to significantly cut down on how much you buy, it’s time to rethink what you want to buy in relation to what you need. As a self-confessed shopper I feel the pain of tossing between two dresses, and thinking ‘why not just buy both?’ If you’re on a budget it’s more important to buy classic pieces that remain relatively timeless. These pieces will vary with different styles, so choose items that you always find you wear.

Model Rosie Tupper gives her advice on High end Fashion in this months Vogue.

There are a few little points to remember when trying on something in store. If you are buying less you will want to buy quality pieces. A little method you can use to check the quality of the garment is to put the piece on, off and on again, then examine the fabric. Also scrunch a tiny bit of fabric in your hand and make note of whether the seams bag when tugged. Whilst being careful not to ruin the garment, these simple methods can help you shop savvy, just by checking for pulls and easy wrinkles in the garment. When choosing fabrics that withstand the test of time, a minimum of 60% wool combined with 20% silk and 20% manmade is a good equation for Winter garments that are bought for durability and warmth. If buying a piece that you hope will retain its shape, try finding anything between 2-10% Lycra in the mix. Another shop-savvy method is to check the washing requirements. If your item needs to be dry-cleaned you should factor this cost into the overall price.

If you are aiming to buy less clothing/accessories but with a stronger focus on quality, don’t think that you can’t still shop from sales. Sales pieces in store can look a little beaten and bruised after being rummaged through by numerous shoppers, so it’s a wise option to buy your sales online. There are a few sales sites that sell quality designer labels for past season stock. Estile.com is quickly becoming a sought-after designer sales site, featuring a number of designer labels at a fraction of their original cost.

Next time you decide to spend your weekend shopping, why not mix up your routine and head to the Saturday and Sunday markets instead. Whilst shopping on a budget, markets usually stock unusual pieces that are most often selling cheaply because they are labels just starting out. If you are a vintage lover, try hunting through the racks at op shops and vintage stores (or your mums wardrobe if she doesn’t mind!) If you have an eye for designer labels it’s not unusual to discover a high end label tucked in between a tragic 80’s piece and grandma slacks. Patience is a virtue so keep hunting even if you don’t find something straight away!

A savvy shopper at Surry Hills markets, Sydney.

If vintage shopping isn’t your thing, and you simply can’t afford to pass with the latest collections of your favourite designers, then learn how to incorporate new pieces into your old attire. By styling up older pieces with the latest additions to your wardrobe, you can gain an entirely new look on them. It’s all about finding new ways, reusing and restyling.

So my fellow Recessionistas, there is no better time to grab out that piece that still has its price tag attached, and head to the shops/ markets or online with your new shop savvy mentality.

Are you on a budget? Share your words of wisdom on how to shop savvy with your fellow 2threaders below.

related articles:

Thinking Green: Fashion for the Environment

Celebrity Trend: Vintage Tees

Get Your Masters in VIntage Fashion Shopping

images courtesy of: anewmuse.net, vogue.com

words by Jenna Black