A recession doesn't mean you have to stop being a fashionista. You just have to scrimp in style. Here's how to do it.
1. Purge at least once a year
Nothing makes you realise how many unused, unnecessary things you blow your hard-earned money on than a thorough springcleaning. To make The Great Purge more fun, make like Carrie Bradshaw and get your girlfriends to come over with a bottle of wine and help you sort your belongings into the three categories of Take, Toss and Keep. The result: You get a leaner, more organised wardrobe and a refresher course on what you actually use - which you should keep in mind for future purchases.
2. Beware the sale
Everything seems to be on sale right now, as post-Christmas offers melt into pre-Chinese New Year promotions and retailers' desperation to move stocks becomes increasingly obvious. But just because something is on sale doesn't mean it is a good buy. In particular, think twice when sales staff urge you to buy more items in order to qualify for a free gift with purchase. Also avoid shops where staff try to hardsell you into signing up for ostensibly money-saving packages.
Think about your lifestyle needs: Do you really need a package of 20 eyebrow-shaping sessions, for example, when you can pluck stray hairs yourself after one professional session? If you go for the occasional manicure or massage as a fun treat, why lock yourself into a year-long deal?
3. Compare and contrast
It is one of the oldest - and most effective - shopping tricks in the book: Check out the prices at different places before committing to a purchase. Thankfully, in this hi-tech age, you no longer have to schlep all over town to ferret out the best bargains.
If you are trying to get a good deal on airfares and accommodation for a shopping holiday, try a site such as www.wego.com, which compares prices across more than 100 travel websites.
Also, check prices often. Prices and availability are adjusted regularly - sometimes even every few hours - so a good deal could come up anytime. Another great site is oggi.sg, which collates credit card and retailer promotions advertised in TV and print ads. You can sign up for an e-mail or SMS alert for easy, breezy deal updates.
Spa bunnies can also check out www.totallyspa.com for the latest promotions from spas all over the island.
4. Time to change your spots
Make this downturn the catalyst for shaking up some of your entrenched shopping habits.
Do you travel to Hong Kong and Tokyo every year to indulge in a spot of shopping? Do note that the economic turmoil has made the currencies in these shopping havens very expensive relative to the Singapore dollar.
On the other hand, currencies for places such as Australia and New Zealand have become dramatically cheaper, so why not explore new shopping grounds?
On the homefront, consider switching from shopping in town to re-acquainting yourself with the offerings in your neighbourhood mall and town centre.
This is also a good time to simplify your beauty routine. Many beauty experts say you need just one good moisturiser for both day and night on your face, under-eye area and hands, instead of different concoctions for different body parts and at different times.
5. Weekday warriors
Everything from flights to spa treatments are often cheaper on weekdays because demand is lower, so check for deals if you happen to be free.
At Spa Esprit at House (Photo 5) this month, first- time customers using Visa get a one-for- one deal, while any treatment above $120 entitles your friend to a 50 per cent discount for his or her treatment. These offers are valid on weekdays only.
Even if there are no promotions, weekdays are still a good time to visit the hair salon or get a massage. As there are fewer customers, your stylist or therapist will be able to focus on you, giving you more bang for your buck.
6. Shop like a soldier
A recession is no time to be faffing around with impulse buys and aimless shopping sprees. Instead, approach each foray into a retail outlet like you are going into battle.
Location is key. Sure, 27 stores in Changi Airport's Terminal 3 may be waiving GST, but between the $20 cab fare and the limited number of shops available to non-passengers, the discount may be more trouble than it is worth.
Plan your shopping trips so that you can hit a variety of shops in an accessible area to save on transport costs. Never leave the house without a list of things you need to buy, so you don't get distracted.
Try to pay with cash rather than credit card - it helps to curb unneccessary buys when you see actual money being handed over. But if you're using a credit card, don't forget to ask if there are any credit card promotions before paying.
Settle on a ratio of roughly 70 per cent classics and basics (such as a plain blazer) and 30 per cent trendy buys for your fashion and beauty closets.
7. Tender loving care
If you take immaculate care of your belongings, you will save money on buying new replacements.
So ask your mother or a friend who is a domestic goddess to teach you these sewing techniques: hemming, mending torn seams and sewing on buttons.
Hang delicate or vintage clothes on wooden hangers and in non-plastic garment bags so the clothes can breathe. Asking a cobbler to reinforce the soles of new shoes is also a great way to make them last longer.
8. Copycat chic
Can't get enough of that one great suit or dress that cost you a month's salary? Take your garment to a good tailor to get it copied in a different fabric or colour - you won't be paying for the design or the brand, just the materials and workmanship.
Ask your favourite boutiques that provide alteration services for recommendations of good tailors and seamstresses.
9. Home improvement
These simple steps can make old clothings and accessories seem like new buys.
Replacing boring buttons with quirky ones from places such as Spotlight (Level 5 Plaza Singapura) or vintage ones from flea markets are a great way to inject new life into jackets and button-down shirts.
Bling vintage shoe clips from stores like Deja Vu Vintage (01-18 The Cathay) can transform plain heels and flats into one- of-a-kind works of art.
And don't be so fast to throw away your mum's old brooches: Even if they are too old-fashioned for wearing, they can give a simple tote bag that quirky twist.
10. Eye for a buy
Just like stocks and shares with good long-term prospects, this season of slashed prices can be a great window for scooping up gems.
We say it's a great time to invest in pieces by home-grown designer Ashley Isham. Till Jan 21, his Fullerton Hotel flagship boutique (1 Fullerton Square, 01-04, Photo 6), where ready-to-wear pieces normally go for $1,000 to $7,000, is offering discounts of up to 60 per cent for all garments except those from the latest collection.
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Jan 2, 2009.
