Fashion

Fall Bailout Package? Classic Choices are the Key

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Simply Vera Coat with Faux Fur Collar@ Kohl’s
Its Saturday morning & I’m drinking some high-test java and looking at the news, magazines and fashion updates. This is something of a ritual for me as I listen to the election reports & the latest polls. Frankly, some of the news about the current economic state is so distressing, I need a little distraction. So something in particular is catching my eye this morning. A well know magazine has a style section in their book trumpeting “Fall Recessionista Fashion” choices with finds under $70.00 USD. I am gazing at the article and the pictures in disbelief. First of all, the choices suggested seem completely inappropriate. There are two skirts chosen that are the size of a postage stamp. Seriously, maybe this works for Mariah Carey, but I am striving for a different look 🙂 I am dressing for work and fall social events right now. In my dress & demeanor, I want to convey a simple, classic style. In other words, I want to be taken seriously. I don’t want to convey an image of being less, because my skirt is less and comes to mid-thigh!
The choices in the article beyond the microscopic skirts, include lingerie style tops and some rather non-descript ruffled blouses. To me, many of the magazine’s choices are not worth the prices.So, I am suggesting my own fall “bailout” package with choices that are a little more classic and can be worn for more than one season. Here’s my Recessionista list:Simply Vera at Kohl’s
Quite simply, I love this collection and I own alot of the pieces. I never cease to get compliments on the beautiful dresses, tops & coats I have purchased. This morning I have noticed that NEW reductions have been taken because Kohl’s is have a sale. BINGO! I ‘m moving in for the buy.

The Herringbone Car Coat is a winner. The faux fur collar is detachable, so you can have a variety of looks here. The cut is extremely flattering (I tried it on in the store when it was at the full price) and the length is just right. Other winners are the dresses. There are several great “little black dresses” , some for under $50.00. Check out the little faux fur crop jacket. What a great update on a vintage style! Kohl’s has quite thoughtfully sent me a mailer with coupons, so I will be making good use of those to gain further discounts.

Other great buys on my watch list:

Macy’s
The sales are fantastic! And these are quality goods, at great prices. Some of my favorites from DKNY and Michael Kors are on sale. Macy’s is also having a sale with coupons in the weekend papers. My sister & I keep discussing a trip to New York just so we can go shopping at the big Macy’s in Herald Square for our holiday items. You can’t beat the values and the selection offered there. I love being in the store & riding the original escalators from the 1920s.

H&M
Great dresses for work. Michelle Obama is wearing them out on the campaign trail. The dresses are comfortable, chic and well priced. You don’t have to spend a fortune to look great. The winter coats are classic reproductions of designs from the 1950s & 1960s. For me, the jury is still out on the new Comme des Garcons collection due this week. I’m not sure about the pieces or the prices….I am still evaluating it.

And finally, there are great reductions on classic looks at Talbot’s , Marshalls and Loehmann’s. So for this Recessionista, I just don’t see settling for cheap looking, non-classic choices. There’s no reason to.  And don’t forget to use those discount coupons.

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Since 2008, Mary Hall has been the author of The Recessionista Blog, which is read by thousands of regular readers in over 160 countries. An internationally recognized expert on the art of the living the good life for less, she has been a commentator on local, national, and international radio and TV shows. Her advice has been featured in over 2,000 media outlets, including The New York Times, Reuters, Life & Style magazine, ABC News, NBC News and now The Huffington Post, among many others.

7 Comments

  1. Sophie

    November 1, 2008 at 11:32 pm

    Very helpful.
    thanx

  2. Tracy C.

    November 2, 2008 at 2:56 am

    Enjoyed Kohl’s sale today — extra 15% with the special coupon! Vera’s stuff is really fun!

    Say your comment about Walmart earrings! 🙂

  3. Anonymous

    November 2, 2008 at 2:57 am

    Mary — I enjoyed Kohl’s sale today — had a 15% coupon too! Vera is tight! T.C.

  4. Anonymous

    November 3, 2008 at 2:27 am

    Hey Recessionista, LOVE your blog, but don’t leave us guys out!! 🙁 This LA style guru is singing M M M My Merona!! Scored big time at Target today, and picked up the Merona Thermal Crew Shirt for $5.99! – Compare that to JC Penny’s with the same quality for $28!! (Great for the work outs btw..) Also, just got like my 20th pair of the Merona Board Shorts on sale for $12.58, from $17.99. Sadly these are about sold out around here for the season, but 1 more is always better than nutin’.

  5. Jonita

    November 4, 2008 at 7:51 pm

    My favorite fall fashion bargains? Scarves. Beautiful, trendy, affordable scarves are available at Target, Old Navy, TJ Maxx and Ross Dress for Less (which we have on the West Coast) for under $15.00. They’re great for adding some pizzazz to basic black/solid outfits.

    I picked up a nice green scarf at Ross for $5.99 yesterday and will be wearing it everywhere.

    Also, ladies don’t count out Old Navy for office/party wear. I was there last night and saw gorgeous burgandy silk dresses (perfect for holiday parties) for $9.99. Happy shopping.

  6. Anonymous

    November 11, 2008 at 1:01 am

    Great list! I read your blog to find “professional” and “classic” looks because I’m just transitioning from being a student to a professional in the academic world, so I need a new wardrobe that’s less casual and more polished. I wanted to add that I found amazing deals on Target.com, with a lot of great stuff, including Isaac Mizrahi and Richard Chai, on sale for LESS than $10 a piece in their Women’s Clearance section!! So I ordered about 17 classic pieces for my wardrobe (Chai white shirt – $6.45; Mizrahi suit jacket – $30; Mizrahi dress, $8.45, $4.99, skirt = $7, etc.) and it came out to less than $150 in total, with shipping! Anyone can wear these interchangeably. Plus I splurged on an Anya Hindemarch satchel bag, which was the most expensive item at $45. I didn’t realize how inexpensive the the online sales at Target can be – best deal I’ve found so far after scouring many sites!

  7. Cristine

    November 19, 2009 at 7:21 pm

    thanks for posting this! i really appreciate it! 🙂