How to be a recessionista

With the nation’s economy hanging by a quickly fraying thread, severe financial monitoring is a natural and intelligent reaction.

Consumers are drastically cutting back in areas of lesser importance, reducing the market for pleasure items and things most rational people would consider frivolous.
In the midst of this ghastly bankrupt scenario, however, there are a fashionable few who want to keep life as normal and enjoyable as possible.

For those who hope to stay chic in these trying recession times, meet the first big step to “recessionista” standing: bargain shopping.

The idea of hunting for low-priced items might invoke nostalgic thoughts of one’s mother, but with style on the chopping block, bargain hunting is anything but matronly.
Chic, savvy Bloomington accommodates the new mantra of “fashion for less” through several of its boutique hot spots.

Fourth Street landmark Material Plane is no newcomer to the Bloomington bargain hunting scene. IU alumnus and Material Plane employee Jason Smith was quick to comment on the store’s well-priced merchandise.

“It’s a good place to get stuff you don’t see any more or anywhere else,” Smith said.
The styles at Material Plane evoke every era from the roaring 1920s to the overly neon 1980s.

Its apparel forte, said Smith, resides in its collection of sweaters and jackets. He also divulged that the best deals occur when the merchandise is switched over each season, knocking off “anywhere between 20 to 30 percent.”

The Bloomington Thrift Shop is also a useful location to track down well-priced vintage finds. Catering to everyone, the establishment offers clothing for shoppers of all ages, employee Wanda Rogers said.

“Right now, we have all clothing and shoes 25 percent off,” Rogers said.
Bloomington Thrift Shop, onMadison Street, is an efficient place to get hold of one-of-a-kind pieces for a more wallet-friendly price.

Not just limited to vintage styles are several other clothing companies that cater to bargain hunters with trendier tastes.

South College Avenue’s Plato’s Closet prevails as a place to acquire trendy-yet-thrifty apparel.

Store manager Jenni Johnson said the store’s merchandise is “gently used young adult clothing.” Specializing more in current fashions, the shop is great if you have time to look through numerous racks of clothes, shoes and accessories, with brands ranging from Seven for All Man Kind all the way to Old Navy.

Plato’s Closet also offers a cash-up-front deal for items customers no longer want in their own wardrobes. Most people receive between “30 to 35 percent of what the item was originally priced,” Johnson said.

The always-dependable T.J. Maxx also has a Bloomington location. If you are in the market for marked-down designer handbags and shoes, T.J. Maxx is your best option.

For those who are more straightforward about getting a great deal, haggling is an efficient price-lowering alternative. This art form might not always fly depending on the rules of the establishment and takes practice, but once perfected it can yield positive results.

Making your initial requested price lower than its given amount will deter the seller from overpricing something.

Mentioning a competitor’s lower price for the same item can also persuade the vendor to provide an item for cheaper, as most retailers aim to match or beat prices.

Paying in cash also ensures that you won’t be charged a processing fee that some smaller businesses have when paying by credit card.

Whatever your style, there is no reason to forgo fashion in the name of tough economic times.

While wariness must remain present, fashion-forward pieces can remain a part of anyone’s wardrobe – with a little guidance and bargain hunting, of course.