THE “RECESSIONISTA” -- How to Stay Fashionable in a Recession

By Jennifer Patrick, The Couture Exchange

I know times are tough for us couture addicts. Money is tight and all the new fall bags are hitting the stores - at a price tag well over $1000-$2000 in most cases. And all the fabulous shoes are starting at $500 and going up from there! The dollar is weak and prices are rising, and in this economy we are now forced to shop cautiously.

What is a stylish girl to do?

Here are some suggestions...

• Now is the time to part with all the handbags, shoes, and accessories in your closet that you no longer "LOVE". What better way to make some well needed cash to shop with?

• We must now employ the "LOVE" rule to everything. If you don't "LOVE" it, don't buy it and if you no longer "LOVE" it, now is the time to part with it.

• Wear your classic clothes this year and punch them up with new accessories to update your look!!

• Invest only in a few pieces that are timeless and that you love - no pleather leggings - PLEASE! A plain black dress with a fabulous handbag, a pricey belt and fabulous boots-what could be better?

• Shop creatively and be a thrifty fashionista - never pay FULL PRICE!!

• Pick some of your favorite pieces and take them to your tailor to update their look. Change buttons, hemlines, even silhouettes! For a small price you can turn an old favorite into a new one!

• Break out the vintage pieces you love or buy some at a resale boutique! What better time to flex your individuality?

• Buy trendy funky fill-in pieces at H&M, TopShop, Bebe, Urban Outfitters, etc. Mix your fabulous couture with fun inexpensive tops, scarves, sweaters, jewelry, etc… to look fresh!

Couture Handbags: Obsession… or investment?

By Jennifer Patrick, Owner, The Couture Exchange

Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, Chanel….just the mention of these iconoclastic luxury brands makes many a fashion-focused female drool with envy. If you own a couture handbag from one of these makers, you can appreciate the obsession, and you are well aware that luxury at this level comes with a price, and often a hefty one. But there is some consolation which may make your next couture handbag purchase a bit more palatable...and maybe even profitable. Did you ever think that your handbag obsession could become an investment like art or jewelry?

This summer I was reading an article citing that the price of couture handbags has risen over 25% in the last three years. Since I am in the business of Couture Resale I decided to do some additional investigating of my own. A basic Louis Vuitton tote sold for approximately $420 in 2000.

Today, that same exact handbag sells for $790! That’s an 88% appreciation in 5 years. I did the same experiment for a basic Gucci, Fendi, and Chanel bag to see what would happen. Gucci & Fendi had seen an approximate rise of about 70% during that same time period and Chanel had risen about 36%. The national CPI for that same time period rose less than 15%!

Well, ladies (and gentlemen if you’re reading this) it looks like handbags may not just be for fun anymore—they could actually be an investment!