Cheap is the New Chic
Filed under: Fashion, Runway Report
You don't need us to remind you of this, but the economy is awful. It seems that the effects have finally trickled down (or rather up) to even those of us fortunate enough to have disposable income. Consumer psychologist Kit Yarrow explains it this way to CNN:"A year ago, what was considered the ultimate status symbol would have been the chicest bag or the most luxurious outfit," Yarrow added. "Now what's chic is being the most knowledgeable and efficient at saving money."
We can't help but think that good things will come of this (except if you make your living from ultra-high end shoppers, that is) -- as Yarrow explains, "we have moved from an era of conspicuous consumption to an era of considered consumption" -- sounds pretty good, doesn't it?
We take it as a sign of the times that the article even mentions a Goodwill fashion show, and does it without the slightest hint of irony or snark. While we may not be shopping at our local Goodwill anytime soon, a little bit of restraint and common sense is starting to sound really good after the excesses of the past years. Time to put away the bling-bling and spend on quality!
Kristin 3-05-2009 @ 10:08AM
A reader actually chastized Vogue in their current issue for running stories with less expensive options to their usual higher end and couture pieces. Some people are still so out of touch.
http://www.bonbonrose9.blogspot.com/
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Biff 3-05-2009 @ 7:33PM
I work for a company that designs and distributes a fashion-forward line of rain boots and coordinating accessories. An added plus is that the price range is very reasonable when compared to other high-end brands. The line is called däv - www.davrain.com. The boots have real heals (compared to lug soles found on most rain boots) original designs and comfort features.
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Brendan Hurley 3-06-2009 @ 1:33PM
It was our Goodwill agency that was referenced in the news story and couldn't be more pleased because we are very fashion focused. We launched the "Fashion of Goodwill" strategy a few years ago in an effort to reposition our retail stores as a place to find great vintage and contemporary fashions at very low prices. So far it has been extremely successful and your readers will certainly find great bargains. All purchases at our stores also help provide job training services to people with disadvantages or disabilities, which in today's economy is a critical need.
If you have a chance, check out our fashion blog: http://dcgoodwillfashions.blogspot.com/ and our virtual fashion show, www.fashionofgoodwill.org.
Brendan Hurley
VP, Marketing
Goodwill of Greater Washington
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