With the economy being so grim consumers more than ever are rethinking their spending. Earlier in the year the wealthy continued spending regularly in the hopes of the economy edging back towards the black, but now we are all feeling the crunch. Sales are down by as much as 20% at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Barneys. The customer who would easily spend $800 on a pair of Givenchy leggings at Barneys is now buying it at H&M or Zara. The fast fashion retailers have become hot spots for the wealthy consumer who would rather spend their cash on affordable clothes and save large purchases for high ticket items that will last through time. As the late Yves Saint Laurent once said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal”. I’ve always believed that its not who you wear but how you wear it. That way of thinking seems to be spreading as more and more people are adapting it.

The days of a full on designer outfit with accessories to match are over and now we are looking at the days of a the look for less with a twist. The twist is the accessories; save on the clothes spend on the accessories. Accessories will last through time while clothes will not. A black YSL muse bag is worth every penny because black is always in and the muse is a classic shape. The same can’t be said about a Giorgio Armani floral dress.

Compared to the Sample sale at Vera Wang this economy is piece of cake so I know as a body of fashionistas we will pull though this fiercely. First edit your wardrobe out; its Fall so some things may need storage, some donated, and some tailored. Then make a list of must haves for the fall, one side for accessories (where you will splurge) and the other for clothes (which you will get at Zara or H&M). For accessories I’m suggesting a Bootie from Gucci, a clutch from Tory Burch, a cute evening sandal from Giuseppe Zanotti, a pump from Christian Louboutin, a moccasin from Gucci, and an everyday bag from Jimmy Choo. As for clothes follow the trends carefully and remember being too trendy gives you away. Purple may be in this season but don’t go over board by buying it all. Instead do it in small doses, a blouse, a scarf or even a T-shirt. The trick is to make those fast fashion trousers look like they are from Catherine Malendrino not the sale rack at Zara. As for clothing I think we all need a Skinny Suit, a great pair of loose jeans in a plain wash and a skinny pair, a great trench and pea coat, button down shirts, a pair of trousers, plain t-shirts and scarves. Now that you have the right essentials its time to dress for this economy, you may be on a budget but you don’t have to look like it.

Christian Louboutin Minibout Zep 942 Pums $760 US

Giuseppe Zanotti Tstrap Sandals $750 USD

Gucci Babouska Bootie $995 USD

Gucci Bamboo Driver Flat Moccasin $450 USD

Jimmy Choo Medium Saba Nappa Hobo $2450 USD

Tory Burch Reva Leather Shoulder Clutch $350 USD