To begin with, I don’t like the idea of using word such as ‘recessionista’ and try to be all tongue in cheek about the fact that we are facing one of the most difficult times in our lives. The recession is no laughing matter. People are losing jobs and although there are some positive signs of recovery, it will not happen overnight. Until everything is finally back to normal, we all need plans to make it through this.

I guess the whole intention of coming up with the term ‘recessionista’ was to get people to lighten up and suggests the idea that we can still lead our normal lives and do fun, pre-recession stuff that we used to do like vacations, parties, sports and of course shopping. But with slightly thinner stack of cash in our Paul Smiths wallets and surprisingly stronger urge to splurge, the usual weekend shopping trips can be quite dangerous. Without any planning ahead, we will end up falling prey to the temptations.

3 Recession Easy Ways to Be Stylish

So the first item on the list is a no brainer; shop only during sales and special promotions. Although the actual value of some discount items can be quite debatable, there still are some great deals offered. I always get invitations to member sales, anniversary sales and warehouse sales which promise some serious price markdown.

How to get invited? Register as a member. Store like Robinsons for instance offers free memberships which entitles you for extra ten percent discounts storewide and the best part is they have annual members-only anniversary party. I was at their Second Anniversary Party a few weeks ago. Who can say no to goodie bags, finger food, fashion show and that extra ten percent discount? Ever the gorgeous Marion Caunter was there to host the event.

Cards, stamps and coupons are really some brilliant options. We might not get a DKNY shorts out of a coupon, but think about coffee, pretzel and bear with me, haircut.

After all, we still need to eat and drink while scouring the giant malls for that little treasure that we are looking for. So getting our sixth latte and pretzel for free is just great.

Secondly, there is nothing wrong with collecting stamps after each haircut if you can get the seventh for free. I’m not quite sure if you can squeeze in the same deal at the high end hair salon, but I always get my haircut from the quick, dry-cut place where it costs me only RM 15. My hair does not really require extra professional care because I don’t color it, straightened or curl it and I always keep it short. So I don’t think it really worth paying RM 65 to trim the back and sideburns.

As for clothes, it’s the best to invest on the season’s key pieces instead of getting each and every item from the look book. The most overused phrase here is mix-and-match. These key pieces will definitely bring new life to any outfit that we already have in the closet. No one can tell us to sacrifice trend because everybody deserves to look good and throughout this time of difficulties, we need to feel good about ourselves.

Thirdly, buy sensibly. That’s why this season I advice my fellow gentlemen to run to the store for these three items; double- breasted suit, lace up boots and quilted bag. Double -breasted suits are all over the fall runways from Dunhill to Hermes. Lace-up boots on the other hand are no longer restricted to hiking expeditions because it looks impeccably stylish paired with suits at Gucci.

As for the quilted bag, it was a huge hit at Dolce & Gabbana.  I know the gentlemen out there are dying to ask me this. “Are we seriously going to Gucci, Dunhill, Hermes and Dolce & Gabbana?” Of course not! We can always find those items at lower price at Zara, Topman, Pull & Bear, Seed or even your favorite vintage store.

I have to say that some people might find it difficult to grasp this whole idea of shopping during recession. Some might even ask, why not skip shopping altogether? For those who can simply do that, I think they deserve a pat on the back. But for the rest of us, we have our plans. As long as we are sticking to soem simple rules, I guess we are gonna be fine.

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