The Color of the Fashion: Depression
February 19, 2009 by Ashley Shute
Filed under Luxury
If you’re job is to report on fashion, as mine is, how do I avoid feeling the strain of bank failures, manufacturing down turns and people losing their homes everyday?
Fashion Week’s last day is tomorrow, February 20, 2009, and I have come to the grim reality that the fashion world is taking note of the down turn in the American Economy. The fall season is usually time for bland make-up and stark colors, but it is everywhere this season. Even the usual upbeat Nicole Miller was pretty bland this season.
Smile
First step, always smile. On a daily basis I work with families facing foreclosure, and I firmly believe smiling makes everyone feel more comfortable. While it isn’t true that it takes less muscles to smile than it does to frown, no matter where you go in the world, a smile means the same thing; happiness.
Color!
While you are wearing that smile, put on some color. Wearing all neutrals, black, brown, and navy, can bring down your mood no matter what you do. Grab something pink, yellow, blue, or orange to make yourself feel better. I do this daily. There is this little accessories store down the street from my house called Compass Trading Company that has amazing colorful items. I have items in many colors.
One Good Piece!
When choosing between luxury and fashion, go with fashion. I know I am your go to gal for luxury fashion, but there are lots of ways to make one luxurious statement piece standout among clothing from a store that won’t drop your FICO score down to 480. Consider a Louis Vuitton purse, Christian Louboutin shoes, or Tiffany’s jewelry. Everyone you see will be so willing to talk about your statement piece they won’t even notice that you have other pieces from less expensive stores.
Swap Clothing
Consider swapping clothes with friends. Did you love that dress that Kaely wore to that party on Saturday? Did she love the shoes you had on the same night? Are you all going out again next weekend? Now repeat. Even if it is not with friends there are plenty of places where you can meet up with new friends and swap.
Take A Break!
What is luxury fashion about? Coveting things most of us won’t ever be able to own! So, go out and do the same things you have always done, window shop, and try on that dress you have nowhere to wear. There’s no reason you have to stop doing that! Just exercise some restraint!
Keep An Eye On the Things You Want
It may be annoying, but subscribe to as many e-mail lists, text message updates, and even start saving. The thing with the economy right now is, even stores are struggling. Prices are going to drop quickly because stores need to get rid of their merchandise. That dress you saw at the start of the season was $789, by the middle of April it could be close to $500. You may not know that if you don’t have access to sales though, you get access through subscribing to as many services as possible.
Use fashion as an escape through this down turn! Make it your own! Be your own designer as things continue. Just remember, do it with a smile on your face!
Image: Newscom
It’s really true about having one signature piece.
I frequently mix in inexpensive pieces with an original — everyone just sees the original and assumes the rest is as well.