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Big Sales Help Stretch Wardrobes In Tight Times

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Feb 27, 2009 2:25 pm US/Mountain

Big Sales Help Stretch Wardrobes In Tight Times

Denver Fashion Experts Beat The Recession In Style

Written by Brooke Wagner

Reporting
Brooke Wagner
DENVER (CBS4) ― In this economy, high fashion is not a high priority for most of us. Still, Denver fashion experts Judie Schwartz and Evelinda Urman believe impressions mean more than ever.

"You have 10 seconds to make a first impression," said Schwartz. "We are seeing one of the worst job markets in many a year. You have to look professional. You have to look like you can get the job."

Schwartz and Urman wrote in the now-departed Rocky Mountain News column, "Style Matters" and are the authors of A Fashion-Lover's Guide to the Best Shopping in Denver and Beyond, now in its 2nd edition. They told CBS4's Brooke Wagner that this may be the best time in years to buy designer pieces.

"We are all about people staying within their budget. We don't want people to spend money they don't have," said Urman. "But, if you do have a little to spend, there's nothing wrong with a treat. If you're saving for that special thing, this is definitely the time to get a deal on it."

The sale rack is the key to beating the recession.

"We're seeing sales of up to 70 percent off, and really good brands, good stuff ... clothing that you'll keep in your closet for many a year," said Schwartz.

At locally-owned boutiques Pine Creek Clothing Company and Sarah's in the Old Gaylord Shopping District, Urman and Schwartz found sales from 50 to 70 percent off. Some of their favorite finds include a trendy, ruffled blouse in "in" color plum, for $24, and a professional red jacket for $35. They look for items that can go with almost anything.

"The whole point is to stretch your wardrobe when times are tight -- to buy things you can mix and match and wear in a variety of ways," said Urman.

Urman and Schwartz prefer shopping boutiques and list hundreds of local ones in their book.

"We are big supporters of local boutiques because the money you spend there stays in Denver. It doesn't go off to some far away corporate headquarters, and that's what we need in this economy," said Schwartz. "They have sales that compete with the bigger stores. Don't be afraid to come in on a budget and say, 'I only have 50 dollars, what have you got?' Go in there like we do. Go in and proudly go right to the sales rack."

The same goes for embracing trends. Schwartz and Urman's philosophy is not to break the bank.

"It doesn't take an entire new outfit to make you feel current. We say, go for the fit. If it fits to a T, you can upate it with a new necklace or with a new blow dry in your hair, something more current," said Urman.

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