How to Apply the 5 C's of RECESSIONISTA

HOW TO APPLY THE 5 C’S OF THE RECESSIONISTA TO YOUR LIFE Crafty: You do not have to be Martha Stewart to craft yourself a new wardrobe. but you do have to look at your closet with an open mind and heart. You have to look at yourself in the mirror and no matter what your financial or emotional state is say, “I am beautiful hear me ROAR!”. EXAMPLE CLOSET TIPS
	-Dresses: Look for dresses that can turn into fabulous tops. -Belts: A belt worn low or angeled can elongate your torso and turn an old outfit into a new look. -Accessorize! Big earrings, long chains, and bangles can turn a something drab to fab! Also big earrings can make your face look thinner! Long necklaces elongate your torso as well. Chokers can help showcase your bosom!
Careful: Ladies what I am about to tell you is going to shatter your world and break your heart but you are not the only one holding onto your wallet in this difficult time. Stores are too... especially boutiques. What use to be a wealth of new name designers has turned into a rush of made in China overpriced knock offs. And everyone is doing it. Before you buy the $49.99 pleather jacket, make sure you READ YOUR LABELS. What material is it? Are you going to be upset if it falls apart? Are you looking long term or short term?
				For example, polyester is extremely versatile, resistant to wrinkes as well as resistant to stretching & shrinking. Now we’re not talking 1970’s Grandma polyester. The new stuff is extremely easy to care for, holds it shape, and is very soft and comfy! Cotton is another durable, comfortable, and easy to care for fabric. However cotton does easily wrinkle can fade in sunlight, and can stretch out or shrink. To prevent this, cotton is being blended with synthetic fibers. Look for cotton blends with about a 6-10% blend of spandex. Here are some great websites that can teach you a little about fabrics and care. http://www.fabrics-manufacturers.com/fabric-care.html http://www.fabrics.net/fabricinfo.asp
Charismatic: Ladies we rise to a challenge and in times like these it is time to turn on the charm. Especially when shopping. A RECESSIONISTA is not afraid to ask for a bargain or help...
Examples: -Clothing Swap Parties: Get a bunch of gal pals together and swap old clothes, shoes, and accessories! Over wine and cheese it is like your very own shopping party!
			-Tricks of the Trade Parties: Everyone brings some sort of talent to the table before a big night out. Got a girl friend who is good at doing nails? How about a sister who is fabulous with hair? Get a bunch of girls together and whether it is bringing your best jewelry to share, loaning out your designer duds or applying makeup, you all barter with your talents and look red carpet ready when you’re done!
			-Negotiate! Seek out those sample sales and do not be afraid to ask for less! When going to any blow out sale, make sure did your research... what was the original price of the item? And how can you be sure? Here are some great discount websites: www.overstock.com, nordstom.com (for Nordstom Rack), and of course ebay.com!
Cash Conscious: A true RECESSIONISTA knows not to buy something just because it is on sale. She has a budget and she sticks to it. She finds the best quality product for the best price. 5 STEPS TO YOUR CASH CONSCIOUS ENLIGHTENMENT
1.) DO NOT BUDGE ON YOUR BUDGET. Create a budget for yourself and stick to it. Some great websites for budget making are betterbudgeting.com and mint.com. Both are free and Mint actually sends you alerts when you’ve gone over BUDGET!
		2.) 5% OF EVERYTHING YOU DO SHOULD BE FOR YOU! No matter how bad it gets set aside a little money for you. If you do not do this every week, it will back fire. You will either feel bad about yourself, or binge shop later. 3.) NO IMPULSE BUYING! Just like you don’t go to the grocery store hungry, do not shop without a clear idea of what you need, want, and are willing to buy. 4.) MINUS THE MULTIPLES: A Recessionista knows no matter how good the deal, she doesn’t need 4 of them! Unless you are giving the rest away as gifts... no need for 2 or 3 of the same shirt in different colors. I took a poll once and discovered more than half of the women who got suckered into “multiple sales” rarely wear all the items they purchased.
		5.) VIVA LA DIVA! No matter what.... there are cash conscience ways to improve your life. If you can not afford a new suit for that interview? Buy a hot new color lipstick to make you feel new. Get up an hour early to set your hair like you’re going to the inauguration ball! There is a reason make up sales sore in times of trouble... just a little lipstick can go a long way!