Skip to Content

Passion for fashion? Visit the new StyleList!

Being a Recessionista is In!

bling at spike tv's video game awardsLuxe is out, poor is in. Ok, maybe not so much -- but still, why the big spenders aren't necessarily cutting back because of the recession, they are less likely to flaunt their wealth. It's no longer fashionable to be flashy.

The chief executive of Nicole Miller, Bud Konheim, says, "It's not good taste in our business to walk into a party loaded with the biggest diamonds you can find. You don't brag about paying $10,000 for a dress for a party. The feeling now is, so what are you telling us? You're either a sucker or showing off when people have lost jobs."

Fashionista used to want everyone to see the logo on their fancy Louis Vuitton purses and now many are searching for a more low-key look. It's become almost a mark of embarrassment to be able to spend a few grand on a purse!

A wealth management firm president, Alexandra Lebenthal adds, "It has become fashionable for socialites to talk enthusiastically about sample sales, eBay bargains and postponements at the hair salon in the interests of thrift."

So the next time you hear a fashionista talking about those $700 Louboutins she just bought tell her she's out of style -- being a recessionista is in!

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

How You Voted

    Curly or Straight?
    While 30% of you think she's so beautiful that her hair doesn't even matter, 49% of you prefer her curls. Get the full story here.

    Kevin Winter, Getty Images | Jon Furniss, WireImage

    Offensive or artistic?
    Just over 50% of StyleList readers said they weren't offended by this shirt, but didn't know if it was totally appropriate to wear in public. Unfortunately, that wasn't the opinion in Dubai. Get the full story here.

    Photo: eBay

    ebay

    Strapless dresses on 13-year-olds
    StyleList readers think strapless dresses should be saved for older girls -- 41% of you think the look is too mature. Get the full story here.

    Getty Images

    Is Megan the new Angelina?
    Half of you think Megan needs to get her own identity and quit copying Angie, but more than a quarter said Jolie doesn't stand a chance against this Fox. Get the full story here.

    Getty Images

    Did Calvin Klein respond to public's outcry?
    The controversial "threesome" billboard in Soho has been replaced with this one, but 51% of you believe it was just to keep people talking about the brand, not because CK caved. Get the full story here.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Calvin Klein's Racy Ad
    Is it art or practically pornography? About 40% of StyleList readers found this billboard obscene. Get the full story.

    Maggie Coughlan, AOL

    Palin's Pedi
    Do you think Sarah Palin's funky pedicure was appropriate? If so, you're in good company -- 68% of you said it was fun and fabulous. Get the full story.

    Getty Images

    Bright, Light, or Dark as Night?
    How do you like your toenails painted? Over half of StyleList readers prefer their piggies with bright, perky polish. Get the full story.

    Getty Images

    Nipple cream as lip balm?
    StyleList readers are willing to try anything! 80% of you either love the idea or, at the very least, think it's worth a try. Get the full story.

    notsogoodphotography on flickr

    Skip the skinny jeans
    Skinny jeans might be bad for you, but more than 50 percent of you never wore them anyway! Get the full story.

    Getty Images

Featured Galleries

StyleList Fashion Blog bloggers (30 days)

#BloggerPostsCmts
1Bee-Shyuan Chang540
2Maureen Dempsey420
3Kristen Seymour310
4Marissa Gold220
5Amber Stolec200
6Jessica B. Matlin190
7Courtney Dunlop150
8Ben Widdicombe120
9Sarah Cristobal80
10Melissa Foss40