Your customers are still buying.
Your competitors are still advertising.
Successful companies maintain a strong focus on branding and advertising. They do it during strong economies, and they continue to do it during leaner times. Don't make the mistake of sacrificing your advertising budget during this economic downturn. This helps nobody but the competition.

Companies that consistently advertise, even during recessions, perform better in the long run.

Ladies…and fellows, if you’re interested…Spring is upon us. It has, in fact, sprung. I know that a lot of you tightened your belts this winter, heroically sacrificing a new cold season wardrobe to combat the economic equinox. I know that a lot of you watched in dismay as Madison Avenue paraded out yet another insensitive, superluxe, unattainable lineup of collections for Fall 2009. I know that a lot of you are dying for glamour, and I am going to give it to you—shoestring style.

I am going to remind you of all the ways to get your Spring fashion fix without losing your shirt. (Lost shirts would be entirely counter-productive.)

First: Shop Your Own Closet(s)
How many closets does your wardrobe fill? Two? Three? What about dressers? How much of it do you wear? Probably ten percent. You had to love the other ninety percent enough to keep it this long, right? Why not revisit some old favorites? Pair old with new? Imagine new and daring layers and combinations? As Tom says, “Everything old is cool again.”

Second: Shop Your Mom’s Closet
How many closets does your mom’s wardrobe fill? Why bother going vintage shopping when you can get the real deal for free, and without the mystery stains? Even if you are not the same size, you know she’s hiding some fantastic bags, scarves and jewelry from you. “Borrow” them often and repeat step one.

Third: Shop Your Friends’/Sister’s Closet
Have you ever offended your friends by taking a big bag to Goodwill without first offering its contents to them? Well, you had better make sure they don’t follow your lead. Keep your whole circle on good terms by hosting a trading party with refreshments. All the chic ladies are doing it. You bring something old. You get something new. Thrilling and free! Visit Logan Liquors for a big selection of cheap and adorable wines.

Fourth: Shop Your Boyfriend’s/Husband’s Closet
Ties are hot on women. So are cufflinks. A man’s shirt wrapped and belted like a shirtwaist is flattering on everybody. Oversized v-neck sweaters with denim mini skirts do amazing things for the gams. If you are really brave, get his pants retailored to fit you. For inexpensive quality, go to Larimer Square Cleaners. I say, if you do his laundry, it’s all fair game.

Fifth: Go To Thrift Stores
You have to religiously frequent your local thrift store to get real ladies’ apparel finds, but there are some sections that are gold mines every time. Be open-minded in the purse section. Look for a specific pairing of leather and hardware that’s missing from your wardrobe. Next, check out the men’s area. You can always find cool old cowboy belts with ironic names tooled into them, not to mention comfy, broken-in jeans, and tweed caps. Search L and XL boys’ tees for classic graphics. There’s always something sparkly on the formal dress racks. I recommend the ARC on Mississippi and Sable for selection and sales.

Sixth: Go To True Love On Broadway
Need I say more than “rhinestone octopus pendant”? How about shoes under $40, and bags under $50 that you just cannot get anywhere else? Go there!

Seventh: Repurpose
Wear a half-slip as a strapless top. Convert old jeans into pedal-pushers, shorts or skirts. Use a tube top as a skirt, or a necklace as a belt. Cut up t-shirts and make tieback halter-tops. Get some needle nose pliers and reinvent old earrings as necklaces and old necklaces as earrings. Use your imagination.

Eighth: Get A Haircut
Nothing puts the Spring back in your step than a dramatic chop. It immediately updates everything in your closet. Cut off a lot. It will grow back. I went to Stephanie K. at Floyd’s on Broadway, and never looked back. Donate 10 inches or more of virgin hair to Locks of Love, and participating locations will give you the cut for free. You will feel beautiful on the inside, too.

Ninth: Get In Shape
It’s amazing how much bigger your wardrobe gets when everything fits! It’s nice outside. Try a fast walk around the neighborhood with the iPod three times a week before or after work. Choose a really high-energy playlist. Also—limit alcohol and dessert to the weekends. Try it for a month—you will save money and lose weight.

Tenth: Learn to Sew
If you are handy with a needle, there is no stopping you. You can just start tailoring and make everything you own up-to-date and fabulous. If you are not much of a seamstress, try switching out the buttons on jackets, cardigans and shirts to modernize them. Iron-ons are an easy way to bring new life to old cotton.

Eleventh: Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize
Have you ever worn hats before? Why not start now? Hats look great with short hair! Strap belts over tunics and dresses. Wear a whole fist full of rings, or several contrasting necklaces. Bring back the Eighties with a row of watches. You know the old adage about taking one thing off before you leave the house? Try the opposite instead. Daring accessories revitalize old looks.

So there you have it. Eleven ways to make a statement for Spring. If these easy steps don’t fix your fashion budget blues, check back for Tristan’s entry tomorrow. He’s always entertaining.

—Lisa

Here it is. Your Tuesday morning bummer:
sad

And to make you feel better after that:
happy

You're welcome.

—Lisa