Accessories for the budget-conscious

 

Sitting at brunch with a couple of girls, I could not help but listen to the conversation of three dashing businessmen discussing the diminishing economy and how spending money on lavish products is getting tougher and tougher. From a superficial standpoint, it might seem like their conversation is accurate; however, take a closer look at earnings reports of brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Christian Dior and other high end fashion houses and you might think that there must be some secret to keeping disposable income for shopping and living large.

With a less than optimistic economy comes smart shopping and spending habits. How does the Carrie Bradshaw's of the world keep it together. Better yet, how can the Carrie Bradshaw's of the world maintain their couture chic lifestyles and while saving for the rainy day? The answer is simple and one that might shock. Invest in good quality and more expensive products because they will last longer and keep up with the times.  Spending $100 on a fake Louis Vuitton bag might seem practical but it actually isn't. First, it's illegal, pumps money into terrorist networks and is the backbone of child labor around the world. If you cannot afford Louis Vuitton, spend that money on a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag or a Longchamps leather bag. Style savants can maintain their looks in a tough economy if they buy timeless pieces instead of trendy items that will last just two seasons.

Couture and high end fashion is not for everyone and neither is fast fashion looks like those from H&M and Target. For those stuck in-between these two extremes, fret not, because there are a lot of designers out there answering your pleas for quality without the heavy price tag.

 

Accessories are the best way to keep your wardrobe replenished. A dress will be a dress but pair it with a cute headband, pearls and maybe a silk sash around the waist and it will become something out of the pages of Vogue. Hair accessories are a must have.  Silk headbands were last season's trends and are out for the coming year. Get fixated on needlepoint headbands. Tucker Blair leads the pack with colorful, sophisticated and preppy headbands for the fashionista who wants to set herself apart from the crowd. These headbands are the easiest way to add flair and dimension to your look. At just $70 you can afford to grab two or three for different looks. For the holidays, Tucker Blair is offering a 50% coupon on all products on the website. Simply enter the discount code: holiday during checkout.

 

Cheap knit gloves are for kids and definitely not for a sophisticate like you.  The only time you should wear that tacky pastel or cream knit gloves with puffy pom poms or beady eyes on them should be when it was made by your 90-year-old granny. Invest in a good pair of warm leather gloves. Leather gloves do not have to be boring. Coach carries gorgeous leather gloves in bold colors like purple that will surely be a statement piece. Other gloves get their edge from details like studs, mesh, lace and other materials. We One You Two in Georgetown carries an assortment of leather gloves for the budget conscious. They currently have Portolano Leather Studded Gloves in store and on-line for $186. These gloves feel like "butta" and will stay relevant and trendy for years to come. Just make sure you keep tabs of your gloves at bars and restaurants when you take them off to eat.

 

You'll be seeing stars when you wrap a baby soft tissue cashmere scarf around your neck in the cold weather months. Exclusive to Net-A-Porter is Crumpet's Printed Cashmere Blend scarf. The mostly cashmere scarf - 70% cashmere and 30% silk - is a delicate balance of girly, punk and class.  You can purchase cheap pashminas from street vendors for everyday wear but having a few wispy soft scarves to add a little luxury and panache to any outfit is a do.

 

You can never have enough sweaters in the winter. They are probably the one piece of clothing in your closet that will be worn over and over during the chilly winter days. Sweaters have different shapes, textures and prints but nothing beats a cashmere sweater. If you can't afford cashmere from Malo, Minnie Rose has you covered. The affordable collection of cashmere sweaters, tops and dusters are a hit among celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Brittaney Spears. Made from 100% cashmere, Minnie Rose's duster in Oatmeal is perfect for shopping during those chilly days, layered on top of a tissue tee or lounging around the house. Regardless of your choice of activities, this versatile duster will be your go to cover-up when you are chilly.