Yeah we know, there’s a recession. But don’t let that fizzle  your holiday shopping plans.  It’s simply time to get more creative when it comes to gift giving or treating yourself to a little Christmas retail therapy.  Here’s how I shopped for holiday gifts without spending a dime:

Trade your unwanted clothes for cash or credit.  This week I visited Re/Dress NYC, one of my favorite Brooklyn consignment shops, and made thirty bucks by selling a few things that had been idling in my closet including a couple sparkly winter hats, a glittery dress, and a set of gold bangle bracelets …read more

Every Hot Mama should have a side hustle or two.  Mine are freelance writing and operating two stores on Etsy.com.  Technically, Etsy is for handcrafted wares, but they also allow vintage clothing sellers.  My vintage store, Tracy’s Pop & Shop Too, is a companion to my thread/string earring store, Tracy’s Pop & Shop.

 
I love to shop, particularly at consignment shops, flea markets, clothing swaps (if you haven’t gotten in on this free trend yet, ladies, what are you waiting for?), thrift stores, and fashion-forward discount retailers like H&M, Target, and Forever 21.  And I launched my Etsy stores a couple years …read more

In this economy, fashionistas have become recessionistas who must devise innovative ways to earn expendable income.  Here’s an idea. Most of us have a closet full of clothes and don’t wear half of them, so why not turn your unwanted clothing and accessories into cash?

(Me at Buffalo Exchange)
Consignment shops offer a percentage in cash or store credit/trade.  You’ll fill your wallet and recycle your wardrobe.  Here are a few of my favorite consignment shops in New York City (a web search will locate similar shops in your area).
Beacon’s Closet has two locations in Brooklyn (92 5th Avenue @ Warren Street …read more