Frugal Shopping Back in Vogue

Just because we're all shopping with a much smaller budget doesn't mean we have to forego the pleasures of the adventure. Even if your target purchase must come in under $20, there are bargains galore. Retailers have responded with price slashing, two-for-one deals, and other enticements to see that you part with your dollars.

The Newsweek article points out the advantages of these economic times for the hard core shoppers (doesn't that include all Divas?). Discount retailers will continue to dominate the market, as noted below, but even the traditional retailers will take cues and respond accordingly.

Among the few shops on High Street reporting increases: shoe menders, pawnbrokers and

down-market discounters like the Aldi no-frills supermarket chain.

"A make-do and mend mentality is taking hold." Andy Bond, CEO of Asda, another supermarket chain, has compared Britons' increasingly frugal habits to the post– World War II rationing era.

With spending unlikely to recover fully as Americans and Brits are forced to save again, discount companies like Asda, Wal-Mart, JetBlue and McDonald's look set to outperform their upmarket competitors for many years to come.

As an example of traditional bargains, I found these on-line this week. My $20 planned expenditure will be wisely spent, and here's some ideas for additions to my wardrobe:
This darling tee is $13.90 from Nordstrom. It can be matched with any of your existing jackets, worn over a camisole, or be used to sleep in. Delightful!

Can you believe this trendy trench coat is only $9.99. This Mossimo design is at Target.

Happy shopping, Depressionaire Divas!

Shopping Tips for Depressionaire Diva's

Depressionaire Diva's are the more serious sisters to the Recessionistas ... and for good reason! Our approach to shopping incorporates economic decisions with style requirements and a flair for the dramatic!

But, like our sisters, we are always on the prowl for tips on how to shop for more with less. So in the spirit of sharing, here are some tips from Recessionista's Guide to Finding a Good Bargain:

1. SHOP AT OFF-PRICE STORES
Most of these stores can't advertise the brand name goods they sell which is how they are able to offer them at such bargain prices. Larger chains like TJ Maxx and Marshalls have more buying power so you'll find even better deals. You may have to dig deep, but you're bound to find something amazing.

• TIP: check back often, each store receives 3 to 4 truckloads of merchandise each week. Avoid Saturday - it is the most crowded day.

2. SHOP ONLINE
It's no secret that this is our favorite way to shop. Not only can you avoid crowds and shop in your pj's, but some of the best deals can be found online. Often this is because there's typically a lower overhead associated with online-only businesses.

Online outlets such as bluefly.com and yoox.com offer a selection of luxury brands with the same bargain prices you'll find at an off-price retailer. You can often find the same items in department stores, boutiques and within the pages of your favorite magazines at full price -- yet they offer it at much lower prices. For non-fashion items, check out overstock.com and smartbargains.com.

• TIP: If you find something you like, buy it quickly, inventory is typically limited so hot items move fast.
• TIP: Be sure to sign up for email newsletters to be the first to hear about new arrivals and sales.
• TIP: Search online for special offers and coupon codes before you shop (check out our coupon site, sweet-savings.com for some amazing deals at places you love to shop)

Read more great ideas here.

Julianne's Plaid Coat

Wasn't diva Julianne Hough darling in her holiday, plaid coat? Keeping warm doesn't mean giving up style.

Would you want one of these trench coats in your closet? Here's one from Zappo for $139. It's longish sleeves and banded collar add flair, while the pattern speaks for itself.


If you need something easier on your budget, this is your answer from Fashion Bug, for $19.99.

Sweet Dreams, Sweet Diva

How can you not have sweet dreams in this lovely, 1930's Hollywood style nightie? I found a great site for Hollywood glamour negligees. Nice! The pricing of these gowns range from $85 to $175. Check out the Vintage Vixen sight for a shopping spree of similar luxurious, authentic sleepwear. Not so sleepy? Lounge to your heart's delight in front of a warm fire, reading your favorite book -- remember, it's not about spending money, it's about feeling feminine.

Shopping Depressionaire Diva-Style

Not your mother's depression for you! When you shop in these economic times you do with the style of a 21st Century depressionaire diva.

From news in Manhattan:

You know the economy is ailing when a Manhattan fashion boutique starts offering free soup.

The temporary fashion boutique calling itself The 1929 is selling chic clothes and giving away soup and coffee. The store is located in one of the trendiest shopping districts in the city.

Manager and co-owner Aaron Genuth says the store in SoHo was inspired by the Great Depression. His partner Levi Okunov says they want people to go to the store, have a bowl of soup and try on some clothing.

Read more.