Fashion in recession? Shopping advice to cut the cost but keep the quality

In today's economic situation, many women are turning to cheaper and cheaper fashion in order to stay ahead of the style game. Swapping your splurges for cheaper goods may do your wallet a favor in the short run, but over time, how does this behavior affect your wardrobe, and your bank balance?

  When money gets tight, we are all told to cut down on our spending and forget about the luxuries we used to enjoy. However, many women find it very difficult to curb one habit in particular, shopping. Instead of locking up their credit card till their balances are more positive (in both senses of the term!), many women simply chose items that are a lesser quality and that are cheaper, so that they can still buy the same amount of things, but feel less guilt signing on the dotted line. 

Is this really the way forwards though? Not only are cheaper products usually made in horrific conditions (think sweatshops and child labor), they almost certainly will not last anywhere near as long as a slightly higher priced and better quality product. As a student I regularly fall into this trap, choosing the cheaper alternative to find that two weeks later my shoes have holes or my t-shirt has shrunk, and I've got to spend even more money replacing it. Had I bought the better quality (and slightly more expensive) version in the first place, I would actually have saved money overall, and I wouldn't have contributed to the 'throw away fashion' culture of our generation. 

I ask, why not funnel our shopping needs and wants into a more productive, and economical activity? Conscious shopping, smart shopping - what ever you want to call it - is the way forwards. Instead of popping into your local mall on a whim and coming out with $50 worth of cheap, badly made rubbish that we believe satisfies that 'shopping craving' we get, why not spend the same amount of money on one or two items you'll really appreciate?

So, a few tips. Why not spend an hour one evening doing your research? Say you want a new handbag (I wonder why that popped into my mind...?), Google the type of bag you would like, and find the best prices online. If they are still way more than you can afford, look for alternatives. As I'm sure you'll be aware, many online stores will have a section of their website that says 'other people who viewed this item, also liked this' or 'shoppers also recommend'. These sections are goldmines, as some other e-shopper will often have done the hard work for you and found a bag similar to the one you like, but by a brand you'd never considered before. 

By considering your options online (and reading reviews too, SO helpful!), by the time you come to purchase your new bag you'll be so well informed about which bag you'd like, you'll be able to invest in a product you know will last and that is not an impulse buy. Your days of el cheapo products that fall to bits will be gone. 

Furthermore, the time and effort you'll have put into the search for your perfect product/products will make you love and appreciate them all the more when you have them!

Give it a go... here's a great website for you to start your research too.... hehe!

Bex x