While it's true that discussing economic woes has become almost passe, the reality is that a lot of people are still trying to cut costs when it comes to their budgets. Of course, just because you're making an effort to be smarter about your spending doesn't mean you've stopped shopping altogether. To help you fashionably through the financial crisis, we've put together this list of recession-friendly designer shopping options. So, whether you want to take advantage of rock-bottom prices and overhaul your wardrobe or you're truly in need of some cheap but stylish apparel, we've got something for you.
Rock & Republic
In order to do their part to help stimulate the economy and encourage consumer spending, denim giant Rock & Republic recently launched a small, one-off, limited-edition collection of denim and t-shirts for men and women. All the pieces from this collection meet the high standards we have for Rock & Republic products, but, amazingly, they're about half the price of the label's usual offerings. So if you're craving designer denim, but not the elevated price tag, now is the time to cash in on Rock & Republic's timely bargain. Try the Recession Collection model in Action Blue, an extremely versatile pair of jeans with a straight cut and a great fit in a go-with-everything dark rinse that will see you through from the start of the work day to cocktail hour.
Topshop NYC
On April 2, beloved British high-street chain Topshop landed in New York, marking the opening of the company's first American flagship. This British invasion brings with it eclectic English fashion at completely sane prices, and has sparked a sudden surge in style in the area surrounding Broadway and Broome. At Topman, the men's department of Topshop, you'll find everything you need from t-shirts to suits in the hippest styles and colors. To really stretch your budget as far as it can go, head down to Topman during sale time, when you can score pieces for a mere $20.
Cheap Monday
While selling second-hand clothes alongside high-end denim at his successful boutique in Stockholm, Orjan Andersson dreamed up the notion that designer-quality denim should be available at real-world prices, and Cheap Monday was born. Fast-forward a few years and the brand has branched out to sell sneakers and shirts on top of their edgy denim. The great news is that virtually nothing from this label is priced over $65.
Levis
OK, Levis is hardly the latest phenomenon when it comes to denim, but sometimes we forget that an oldie is a goodie - many classic models from this brand have a fantastic fit and an even better price tag. Plus, if you're an online shopper, you have the benefit of being able to go straight to the section for jeans priced under $60 to avoid the temptation of splurging. Here you'll find styles like the 501 Originals. Suited to most body types, all you have to do to make these iconic jeans so very 2009 is create a cuff at the ankle. Once you figure out which cut and wash is the right one for your body, invest in at least two pairs, and you’ll be paying only $39.50 per pair.
Because life happens - your favorite jeans rip, you have a dressy function to attend and your dress clothes seem a little dated, or you need to breathe fresh life into your wardrobe - you and your hard-earned cash will have to part ways over apparel at some point this year, financial crisis notwithstanding. However, as we've shown you, by cutting some corners, particularly when it comes to denim, everyday footwear and trendy items, it's easier than you might think to look good for less.
More Recession-Friendly Designers / Images: Rock & Republic
