GABBING ABOUT RECYCLED GARB

A Closet Karma Cutie has the "gift of gab" especially when it comes to gossiping about her garb!  So  when my inbox got flooded with emails from one Fashionista fawning over a new fall find...I knew it was my duty to divulge...

After several months of searching, Wanda finally landed an executive level position at a PR company...the only problem was...her closet!  The  recession had put it through the ringer.  All that was left was a lump of pants, a pile of pumps and everything else...to put it nicely... was "frump".  Wanda's wallet was in a pinch, so what was she to do?  She knew she couldn't afford any designer duds brand new.  So she ran to her lap top to see what she could find...a news caster's website it turns out was her goldmine.

 That is right ladies, tvnewscloset.com is where Wanda revamped her wardrobe.  It is a  consignment site primarily for news casters and TV personalities, but, lucky for us the majority of clothes fall into "business and business casual".  The site is very easy to navigate. The prices are fair and while the selection can be thin at times there are some great gets! 

 When I started to dig around I also found 2chicksconsignment.com in the same price range. 

And if your looking to be the bell of the ball with some higher end goods or gowns check out  these web consignment sites. 

 runwayclothesconsignment.com

vickissecret.com

turnaboutshoppe.com

Just remember when shopping consignment the same Closet Karma rules apply. Know your material and know your budget.  Don't let anyone else tell you what a steal is!!!

Have a delightful time digging up some good deals!

                                                                xoxo   KK

HOW TO BE A BABE WHEN BROKE:

So when I first moved to Los Angeles ten years ago I was young, broke, and happy as a clam! I literally lived in the same bedroom as my best friend from high school. Imagine 3 women sharing one bathroom (sometimes 4 when my friend Josie spent the night which was often)!! I chopped my long blonde locks, got myself a spunky new “do”, and wala… I was known as a feisty redhead.           My former nicknames of Binksers (don’t ask it’s a family thing), Karamia, and Kurcz were behind me. All of sudden everyone called me KK (I think the internet had a little bit to do with this considering I always signed emails KK but it was fresh so I loved it!) I was an aspiring director and producer and I was actually starting to get work but what I was really known for around town was my every changing hairdos and very loud wardrobe. I literally never wore the same outfit twice for TWO YEARS… actually let me correct that statement I never wore an outfit the SAME WAY more than once!
	Now, remember I was poor, so I wasn’t shopping like Paris Hilton or some A-list celebrity. And I wasn’t running up my credit cards either. I knew where to shop, how to shop and who to borrow from. The key was every Saturday I would hit the “Melrose” strip that used to be known for its kitschy-cheap boutiques. Sundays I hit the Fairfax flee market looking for odds and ends. I knew my budget and I never went over. Every occasion I had a clear vision of the outfit I needed in my head. “Big meeting with Dreamworks for a development gig…hmm they want someone creative but yet they are “suits” (a term used in LA for those who walk around in suites all day as Network or Studio Executives…as opposed to the down and dirty crew people like me). I know! I must get a black skirt, wear one of Suzy’s conservative tops and I’ll throw my wicked knee high leather boots on with an electric blue scarf to let them know I have sass.” My wardrobe was a huge reflection of my personality. Sometimes it even got me gigs…people remembered the girl with the “crazy scarves” or knee high black boots. So why write this walk down memory lane with you? Well, in this economy a lot of us had to button our belt. It’s hard to have “sass” when you don’t have a dime in your pocket! But the truth is we all have done it…whether it was in college, on our back packing tripping through Europe or our first job. We found a way to survive with sass.
Now I shop just like I did 10 years ago. I spend $12.00 for a shirt and I don’t care if it falls apart in the wash because its $12.00. I stay away from the $40.00 shirts that look the same quality as the $12.00 bin because I know I am going to be angry if I only get 2 washes out of it. I always have a clear vision of what I need and want. (never go to the grocery store hungry and never go shopping without an idea of what exactly you need). My girlfriends and I have started all swapping clothes like we were 20 again. I have been b/f with my friend Liz for over 15 years so I know what looks good on her and I know her style…and she knows mine. When I come across something in my closet I know would look good on her I give it to her! And she does the same for me! It’s like getting an unexpected present and it’s so fun! Plus, it brings you closer. We are all in the same boat ladies. So get the ball rolling be the first one to give your gal pal a necklace that has been sitting in your drawer for a year. Have Fun! I promise it will come back to you 10 fold and you will find a new way to feel FAB!

BUDDY SYSTEM

This weekend I went shopping. Before I walked out the door I assessed my situation... 1.) What do I want? Answer: A bunch of sundresses for my BF’s bachelorette party next weekend, a new pair of heels, a new summer party dress, and a great outfit to wear to my friend’s bridal shower. 2.) What do I need?

Answer: One dress that can be worn to a shower, work, and a few graduations I have this summer. And... one dress that I can wear in NOLA and be my “go to party dress” for the rest of the summer. 3.) What can I afford? Answer: ONE dress and MAYBE a pair of shoes (because I had a gift certificate).

I stayed true to my Recessionista teachings and was focused.... I parked by the one store I had a gift certificate to. I made sure to go on Saturday because they were having a sale -15% off all dresses. The only snafu in my plan, was that I was jam packed with events that day, AND my husband was going to have to go with me. Now this could go either way.... remember, my husband is the same man who wore Birkenstocks up until 2 years ago. His closet is the size of my shoe area. And he believes every time he gets a new piece of clothing, he should give away an old piece.

However, on the other hand, my husband has worked in the fashion industry for years. He deals with all of our manufacturing and business sales. So he has a keen eye for quality products, and has a totally different take on fashion than I do. So we walked into the store and both of us quickly started grabbing ideas. Sometimes I would say, “Uh, no way...” and sometimes he would say, “Put that back!”. In the end, we each had our own pile and I tottered into the dressing room with him in toe. When we stepped behind the curtain, I quickly scanned the room... GASP! There was no mirror! It was outside! First of all, I think this should be illegal. Especially during prom week.

Yes girls, the dressing room was packed with 16 and 17-year-old cheerleaders trying on dresses they may want to wear to prom. Talk about a buzz kill! After counting to ten, I looked at my husband and said, “You have to be my mirror. If I wouldn’t leave the house in the outfit, don’t let me walk outside. Our marriage depends on this!” He laughed and we agreed. I have to say, he did a great job. Some things I went to the mirror with, and let’s just say... some things I did not. As I tore through the pile, Brian and I quickly saw a trend. The dresses we both liked on the store floor worked best. We settled on two dresses. One that worked for my graduations and showers, and one that was vava-voom fun that could be my go to dress for the summer.

We found a pair of shoes that not only matched both dresses, but most of my wardrobe as well! Then we headed to the register. When the numbers rung up, I was over budget. Feeling defeated, I was ready to throw in the towel when my husband found a snag in one of the dresses. He whispered, “I can fix this.” Since they did not have another one in the back, the store offered me an additional 15% off... BINGO!!! I was on budget and set for summer. So this whole ordeal got me thinking about the buddy system. Shopping with someone who really knows you is very smart. They can help you stay on budget. They can help you stay on schedule.

They see things objectively, so they’re not afraid to ask for a discount, or find a snag, or even tell you, “Sorry, you don’t need a 7th pair of jeans.” And most importantly, while your styles may be different, when you do find something you both agree upon, it probably means that that outfit is the one EVERYONE will be talking about :). ACTIVITY THIS WEEK: IF YOU DECIDE TO GO SHOPPING, TRY THE BUDDY SYSTEM. WHEN YOU GET HOME MAKE A NOTE, HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK YOU SAVED? KK

Survival Tactics For Shopping

The other day I actually ventured into a store with the intention to buy. Mind you the past three months I have been recycling, swapping, sharing, and refurbishing my wardrobe. Ladies, I do practice what I preach!... So to venture back out into the shopping jungle was quite a task. Nervous, I thought, “I must arm myself!” Before I left I did a shopping survival-kit check... 1.) “Budget... check!” 2.) “Clear vision of what I needed... check!” 3.) “Research sales... check!” I picked one store and one store only to go into. It happened to be a sporting goods store because I needed a pair of running pants and a fleece. The store was advertising 20 percent off most of the store. I had read this in the paper so I was super excited!

When I arrived at the store I was immediately confused. Sale signs were on some racks... and then other racks seemed to be purposely ambiguous. Like they were screaming, “Maybe we’re on sale... maybe we’re not. Hahaha you’ll never know!” I spent 90 minutes carefully choosing my wardrobe from what seemed like the 20 percent off rack. I tried every item on and made sure I only walked to the counter with what I needed and what was within my budget. Proud, I started my transaction and when the bill came I was OVER BUDGET! (GASP) “HOW?!” I thought. The sales person explained to me that my fleece was not on sale. I pointed out it was on the sale rack. Then she pointed out the sale rack was really the rack on the other side of the sign... I thought, “Hmmm that is tricky!” So there I was; now it had been 2 hours since I entered the store and I had to get back to work... what was a girl to do?! So sadly I went over budget.... feeling defeated i decided to do some research the next day. I wandered into a few stores and quickly realized this “ambiguous sale sign” is an empidemic. So I started to make a list of how and what I could do better next time and I decided to add two more important points to my SHOPPING SURVIVAL CHECK LIST.

1.) ASK QUESTIONS UP FRONT! Be that annoying shopper that confirms what is and isn’t on sale 15 times with the sales clerk. If they are going to make it tricky for us, we are going to make them work for their money! Stores know that once they get you to the counter, there is a 50% chance you will buy the item even when you discover it is not on sale. You have already invested your time and gotten used to the idea the item will be going home with you. So parting ways at the counter is tough!

2.) FACTOR SALES TAX IN YOUR BUDGET! Many major cities have raised their sales tax to 9-11%! That adds up! If you find a similar store outside the city, I recommend doing so, but if you don’t have the time or the means to shop anywhere but in your metropolitan area PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make sure you factor in sales tax before you make your budget! Click here to find your city’s sales tax rate.

It is a new frontier out there ladies, and we are smart and constantly evolving as shoppers! We can take on the beast, we just have to out run and out smart it! HAPPY HUNTING! KK

KK’s Valentine’s Day Survival Guide

With Valentine’s Day approaching, a Recession hanging over our head, and the news delivering dismal messages daily, it’s hard to celebrate any holiday, let alone “Valentine’s Day”. But I am a firm believer that V-day is for everyone and an opportunity to celebrate loving others and yourself. So here are some quick tips on how to celebrate your Diva-licious self this Holiday.

1.) Get Crafty... There is nothing better than a gift made by you. In a financial crunch? Construction paper is cheap and adorable! Cut out red hearts and write feel good messages about those you love. You don’t have to be in a relationship to celebrate the love surrounding you. Think of words that remind you of your best friend and write them across the hearts in magic marker. Or pick an inspirational quote that will let your co-worker know how much you appreciate them. Have fun and write your husband a silly poem and tape the heart to the bathroom mirror as a surprise.

2.) Get Playful... Everyone remembers getting those tiny Valentine’s at school. How exciting was it to come to school and see a pile of little notes on your desk? This year buy a cheap packet of silly Valentines from Walgreens or your local 99 cent store and hand them out to everyone you know. You will feel so good about yourself and I guarantee the people you hand them to will feel a sense of joy that day :)!

3.) Get Your Gal Pals... So you’re single and broke? No problem! Get a group of gals you absolutely love together and celebrate each other. This is the perfect time to have a potluck and swap talents. Think of it as a slumber party! Each girl contributes something to the “pot”. It could be doing hair, makeup, cooking dinner, bringing dessert, putting on a wine tasting... the possibilities are endless. And once you are all together you tell each other one thing you ABSOLUTELY LOVE about each person in the room. I guarantee in the end every gal will glow!

4.) Get Going...Been putting off that garage sale? Have a pile of electronics sitting in a drawer that needs to be sold? How about going through all the cabinets and gathering loose change? This can be a super fun activity to do with your loved ones and you will be surprised what you find! Gather all the loose change you have, take your old clothes to that second hand store, finally clean out the garage, and have that sale. Whatever money you are able to scrape together can be your budget for Valentine’s Day! PS: check out gazelle.com, this is a great place to sell those old electronics collecting dust in the drawer! And of course you’ve got to love craigslist.org and ebay.com!

5.) Get Simple... This Valentine’s Day simply wake up in the morning and tell 5 people how and why you love them! Then look in the mirror and simply say, “You are amazing and I love you!” KK

How to Apply the 5 C's of RECESSIONISTA

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!

Rockin Shoppin Recessionista

To Ring in the holiday the Recessionista way, you need to shop smart! Below are some great ways to find the best deals! Check out consignment shops for your designer duds!

This site lists consignment shops all over the country & on the web:
www.consignmentshops.com

Los Angeles area: www.travellady.com www.theaddressboutique.com www.insiderpages.com www.polkadotsandmoonbeams.com	Washington D.C. www.anniecreamcheese.com secondi.com www.fairfaxcounty.gov
New York City: www.michaelsconsignment.com www.angelthriftshop.org www.encoreresale.com	Las Vegas: www.anniecreamcheese.com www.fashionoutletlasvegas.com
Dallas: www.clothescircuit.com www.rethreadsofdallas.com www.reventeresale.com	shop.nordstom.com weeklyadtarget.com

Rockin Shoppin Recessionista!

To Ring in the holiday the Recessionista way, you need to shop smart! Below are some great ways to find the best deals! Check out consignment shops for your designer duds! This site lists consignment shops all over the country & on the web: www.consignmentshops.com ;

Los Angeles area: www.travellady.com www.theaddressboutique.com www.insiderpages.com www.polkadotsandmoonbeams.com Washington D.C. www.anniecreamcheese.com secondi.com www.fairfaxcounty.gov New York City: www.michaelsconsignment.com www.angelthriftshop.org www.encoreresale.com Las Vegas: www.anniecreamcheese.com www.fashionoutletlasvegas.com

Dallas: www.clothescircuit.com www.rethreadsofdallas.com www.reventeresale.com

Black Friday has taken on a new meaning this year. Some stores are going over the top with discounts! For your family holiday gifts, Walmart just launched “Operation Main Street” where every week until Christmas they introduce new markdowns. Layaway programs are back at TJ MAXX and Mattel is offering a $50 Visa card with every purchase over $100! Check out: www.blackfriday.info for more online deals.

Here are some more department stores and listings with great weekend sales going on: shop.nordstom.com weeklyadtarget.com

And if you are the adventurist type, get a bunch of girls together for a midnight madness sale party on Turkey Day. It is a great way to burn off the comotose after too many calories! Like many other stores across the country, BCBG offers 75% off at midnight at all of their outlet stores. Here are some more great deals!

thrillist.com bfads.net KK

The 5 C's Are Necessary to be a RECESSIONISTA

WANTED: Crafty, Careful, Charismatic, and Cash Conscious chicas who are ready to rise to the fashion occasion whatever their circumstance or financial situation may be. Yes ladies I am talking to you. It is time to turn that frown upside down. Did you really think I would let an economical slow down allow you to poison the karma of your closet?!

We are faced with a challenge and we must, like our forefashionista before us, find a way to renew our Diva Self. So What is a Recessionista?

Wiktionary says: A person who is able to stick to a budget while dressing stylish. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/recessionista Stylish? Define stylish? I think that definition is way too vague. A RECESSIONISTA is made up of the 5 C’s. Crafty, Careful, Charismatic, and Cash Conscious.

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!” Now breathe, open your closet doors and dresser drawers and see what pieces you can piece together.

Careful: Ladies what I am about to tell you is going to shatter your world and break your heart but you 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 over priced 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? My heart palpates as well when I find a steal but a RECESSIONISTA is not an impulse buyer.

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. she is not afraid to barter with her friends and she knows how to turn on the charm at a charity event so no one realizes the dress she is wearing is from last season. 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. If money is too tight for a new outfit she takes an extra 30 minutes that day to do her hair and apply her make up. Anything to make her feel like a million bucks. Check back every week KK will break down one of the five keys to a RECESSIONISTA.