Thursday, November 13, 2008

Are You a Recessionista?

You know when Forbes publishes a list of The Thrifty Billionaires, the times they are a-changing. Robert Frank, writer for The Wall Street Journal Online examines this growing trend among the uber-wealthy to curtail conspicuous consumption in his article The Penny-Pinching Billionaires. He predicts that with the downturn in the economy, "Thrift will become the new bling; the absence of status symbols will become the best status symbol of all."

Enter the recessionista. According to Word Spy, a recessionista is "a person who dresses stylishly on a tight budget." The word entered the language around 1993, but has recently become a real buzzword. In the last month I've run into this term countless times....before that, merely a handful. It would seem that being thrifty is not only wise, but hip, as well. Everyone wants a seat on the recessionista train.

Which is a really wonderful thing!
If it's done well.
Because there's frugal...and then there's cheap.

I still maintain that 1) a woman should purchase the best quality clothing that fits in her budget and 2) we don't need nearly as many clothes in our closets as we've been led to believe. Buy fewer clothes, and you'll have more to spend on the clothes you do buy. This philosophy applies to all budget sizes, and works in all economic climates.

Another key idea is to divorce yourself from the status of the label. Become very familiar with what quality looks like and feels like, because you can find quality at every price point. Granted, the really good quality items are probably going to be a little more spendy, but not always.

I have a feeling that the word "recessionista" is only in the beginning stages of popularity. The word is cute, it's catchy, and it puts a positive spin on what could otherwise be a really touchy subject.

Are you a recessionista? How do you feel about the word?

See you next time...same blog time...same blog channel....

(For more information on wardrobe planning, or to sign up for my free e-zine, please visit my wardrobe planning website.)

17 comments:

RobFromGa said...

Hi Jenn,

Burlap sacks and wooden barrels make incredible fashion statements for the early adopters.

Anyone need a pencil or an apple?

50 cents...

Seize the Day,
Rob
Is Your Corporation Protecting You?
Personal Asset Protection For Small Business Owners

Jennifer Skinner said...

Rob! Oooh! Ooooh! Get on the horn with Tim Gunn and Project Runway ...I think you may have a winner there! :-)

Matthew Shields said...

Hi , Jenn
Yep you did describe me well, I’ve always tried to watch what I spend on cloths sometime I do splurge though
Happy Trails
Matthew Shields
energy management software
Anything Solar

Anonymous said...

Hi Jen, I am do for a clothes shopping outing. It's been awhile. Thanks

Anonymous said...

I like the word, "recessionista". In Spanish, that would be the female form of a noun (since it ends with the letter "a"). So, is there a male version (recessionisto)?

Darryl Pace

Unknown said...

Jenn,
I have learned this point. I hate to spend money on clothes. And i used to be cheap, now I consider my self thrifty. Look for quality at clearance prices.

Scott Bell


The Road Warrior

John Ho - Melbourne, Australia said...

> there's frugal...and then there's cheap.

How true!

It reminds me a cheapstakes won the prize because he ..... ummm ... recycle dental floss!

This news was about 1.5 years old.

John Ho
Understanding Personalities Through Numbers for Better Influence & Persuasion

Lisa M. McLellan said...

I'm not sure if I'm a recessionista, cheap, lucky, or what, but half my wardrobe comes from my best friend!

Cindy Eyanson said...

I am not, but I wish I was!
Hard to buy on a budget in my size... that would be a good ebook?
Cindy

Cindy Eyanson Online

Christine said...

If you've been leveraged up the wazoo and have a pile of credit card debt and a house worth less than you owe on it, *of course* you're going to want to be a "recessionista". People who weren't into the status symbol thing before this recession started probably don't care what you call them (well, *I* don't at any rate).

I don't think that frugality among billionaires is a new trend...Buffet's been famously frugal for eons. How do you think most wealthy/uber-wealthy people get and stay that way? :-)

MaryMary86 said...

Okay Jennifer - it's time for you to SPILL! I want to see some posts where you find good quality, stylish clothing that's affordable. Give us an example of something - anything!! For me, extra points if it's a great wardrobe building basic like a great pair of pants.

Lena Milukh said...

What an informative post. I think we will hear this word more and more in days to come.
I'm a selfmade recessionista.Recently, I can't allow myself to spend a lot on clothes. So when I do buy, I really watch what I'm buying.
I do like the saying:'I'm not that rich to buy cheap things'. It's better to buy one quality thing and wear it a lot, then few things that are done with couple of washes
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JohnWShoemaker said...

So Cheap Is Cool?

I buy nice clothes. I don't pay a lot. I just know quality...and where to shop.

What I found profound in this, if you are sending out a message of Apology and Regret to the Universe In General.

"I'm Sorry. I Love You"

The full cycle of understanding and forgiveness.

The Magic here is you aren't involving any of the personality or the judgmental mind here.

When you say I'm Sorry with a particular person in mind...the mind gets in the way. The heart may be willing. But the mind will stop it.

With the general feeling and message...it gets through clearly.

Intuitive John

JohnWShoemaker.com

Insider Secrets...How To Use Intuition and Intuitive Powers In Your Life!

Robert Kaufer said...

The extent of my shopping in Manhattan this weekend is a $5 rain poncho because it is going to rain tomorrow.

Stay dry all

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David J Parnell said...

I have already tried to divorce from the label... I have been semi successful...


David J. Parnell | Communication Expert
The Communication Expert Blog

Midlife Dating Expert, Singles Workshop Conference Speaker said...

Hi Jenn,

I grew up around Old Money. It was always considered gauche and in the worst of bad taste to toss about your money in public.

Hence, buy/wear QUALITY.

As for Rob's comment, burlap sacks will look FABULOUS with the right foundation garments! ;)

All the best,

April Braswell

Online Dating Coach, Romantic Relationship Coach, Romance Coaching

Online Dating Sites Review, Internet Dating Sites Guide

Unknown said...

Nice article. Yes, I am a RECESSIONISTA. Say it loud & say it proud :) Learn more at The Recessionista(TM) Blog at:

http://therecessionista.blogspot.com/

MH, The Recessionista Blog