THE FRUGAL FASHIONISTA

Spring 2009 for less

In view of the current economic crisis, it is more important than ever to look chic for less. So in this issue of the Frugal Fashionista, we will showcase some looks from Spring 2009 and how to get them for less.
 
Spring 2009 is fun, flirty, and feminine. Think bright, vivid colors, waist-hugging silhouettes, and sexy make-up.

Waist not Want not
Waists get whittled once more, this time to nearly impossible dimensions. If Scarlett O-hara's 18-inch waistline was the staus quo of the Civil War era, Spring 2009 calls for the itty bitty waist yet again. Designers such as Alexander McQueen and Narciso Rodriguez fulfill this flattering shape by using the power of optical illusion. New designer and consummate Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham, also focuses on the waist with her debut collection.

Alexander McQueen Resort 2009          Victoria Beckham Spring 2009
              

How to get the faux Victorian waist pinch for less:

Twelve by Twelve Colorblock Silk Top for $44.00                 Satin Oval Print Dress by Forever 21 for $24.80 
                                    

Tuxedo Dress by Pinkice for $39.99     

Wild thing
This Spring, feel free to explore your wild side with these animal inspired prints. Designers such as Zac Posen and John Galliano for Dior used animal prints as a canvas for most of their designs for this season. 

Zac Posen Spring 2009                Christian Dior Spring 2009 RTW
        

How to get these looks for less:

Twelve by Twelve Sheer Printed Blouse $36.00         Zebra Print Dress by H&M $39.90
                         

Cold shoulder
Get ready to bare that shoulder ladies! This season, the asymmetrical dress showing off a perfectly toned shoulder is the must-have for Spring.  Designers such as Rag and Bone, Temperley London, and Tracy Reese are calling on all women to channel their inner Greek goddesses.

Rag and Bone Spring 2009 RTW         Temperley London Spring 2009                                                        
               

Tracy Reese Spring 2009

Recession-friendly Greek goddess looks:

Pink Ice Smokey Shadows Tunic $34.99      ABS Black Jersey Dress $123.00 at Bluefly.com                  
                                 

GO International One-shoulder print dress $39.99           

Jump for Joy!
The jumpsuit is back. Gone are the days when these rompers are relegated to the onesies and the kids section. These dynamic pieces are back this season. Even couture maestro Karl Lagerfeld joined the bandwagon. 

Missoni Jumpsuit                        Chloe Spring 2009                       Alexander Wang Spring 2009
            

How to get these looks for less:

Wet Seal Zip Front Jumper $32.50       Charlotte Russe Button Tube Jumpsuit $29.99    

Twelve by Twelve Ruffle Front Jumper $36.00   

In full bloom
Spring means blooming flowers and pretty, pastel colors. This seems precisely what a number of designers had as inspiration for Spring 2009. But their definition of "floral" does not exactly mean demure. It means more. It's the outfit for the powerful and confident woman that wants to feel feminine.

Versace Spring 2009                     Tracy Reese Spring 2009
        

Get feminine and flirty for less:

Victoria's Secret Maxi Dress $109                      Charlotte Russe Dress $32.99              VS Halter Maxi Dress $79.00          
        

Wet Seal Floral Maxi Dress $34.50

So this Spring, be sexy, flirty, and wild without breaking the bank with these great looks for less!

by Paula Purpera