Surviving the temptations of fashion week

Five golden rules of the frugalista

As the snow melts and our thoughts turn to the anticipation of spring, the fashion scene is forever one stilettoed step ahead of us. ‘Tis the height of Fashion Week season and major cities all over the world are in full designer swing, launching Fall/Winter 2011 collections.

With so much fashion inspiration in the air, it is an über-tempting time of year and a challenge to keep that credit card from leaping out of your wallet and running amok down a runway. As you drool over the new styles and that little shopping devil starts whispering evil sweet nothings in your ear, remember these five golden rules to help you stay solvent.

1. Thou shalt not be a slave to labels. If the First Lady can rock discount fashion, so can you. Imagine, your husband gets a new job and as part of the deal, you get a personal stylist and access to all the most fabulous designer outfits you could possibly desire. Heaven! This is why you’ve got to respect Mrs. Obama for stepping out in a $39 dress from H&M. She proves that while it’s fun to wear Alexander McQueen, you don’t need Alexander McQueen to look foxy, elegant, and bang on trend.
2. Thou shall dress like a designer. C’mon, runway models aren’t cool. They don’t own those couture clothes; they are paid to wear them. In their down time, real models dress more like the artists, photographers and creative types with whom they hang out. A boyfriend jacket, t-shirts, leggings and boots - these are the hallmarks of the truly fashionable people. As actress Tina Fey has said, “Don’t wear what fashion designers try and sell you, wear what they wear. When you see fashion designers, they’re almost always in a white shirt and pants or a simple dress, and they make it look fabulous. Just dress like the actual fashion designers do.”
3. Thou shall share the wardrobe wealth. That gorgeous hobo bag you bought last year still looks perfect, you’re just tired of it and want a new look. Why not do a seasonal swap with one of your equally chic girlfriends? Actress Reese Witherspoon is just one of many celebrities who lends out pieces from her wardrobe to her gal pals and enjoys borrowing in return. Trading dresses, handbags or winter coats, even temporarily, gives you that million-dollar feeling of wearing something new, without spending a dime. Give and ye shall receive.
4. Thou shalt not buy when thou can rent. This can be our little secret. You have a posh event to attend and need a drop-dead gown or a stunning clutch to make the scene. You know this will be a one-time wear, but it’s got to be good. Don’t blow the rent money, honey. Shun the runways and tap into the little-known underground movement of renting designer goods. For example, got2haveithandbags.com ships handbags for temporary use all across Canada. High-end vintage boutiques will often let you rent gowns or even Chanel suits if you just ask. Men rent when they need a tux, right? It’s time we women learned that fashion statements can be one-night stands.
5. Thou shall look within (your closet). As haute couture provides the inspiration for ready-to-wear, so too shall the runaways be your inspiration for what’s already-in-your-closet. Being stylish starts with being in the know. Peruse the latest shows and look-books of your favourite designers and focus not on what the models are wearing, but on how they are wearing the items. Chunky sweaters over sparkly tank tops? Cargo pants rolled up at the ankle? You, stylish girl, already have a wardrobe full of wonderful things that are just crying out to be re-claimed, re-mixed and re-accessorized to look perfectly au courant. Yes, you do.

 

Psst - Smart (golden) girls have one eye on the designers and the other on their closets for fashion inspiration. But if you just seem to be missing a few items to pull a look together, we love French Connection, Lancome Canada and Moda Queen to help ensure we arrive fashionably late. You’re fabulous anyway. Nobody will be looking at their watch when you enter the room - no matter what you have on. Do you have your kids in tow? Keep them looking sharp with great deals from PleaseMum.com. (From your friends at Golden Girl Finance)

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