Add this to the glossary: Recessionista

While Bromance will always be at the top of my own person lexicon list, I can't help but fall for a new non-Webster word from time to time. (If you're new to JGIWC, please check out my glossary.) These days, people are getting more creative than usual, and it's always interesting to see what turns up. While pursing one of my many monthly magazines, I came across a new word, so correct, so time appropriate, and so dead on that I knew I had to share.

Recessionista: n. A person who dresses stylishly on a tight budget. (The definition I came across differed slightly; this one was obtained from Wordspy.

Apparently I'm late to the party (per usual) and this term has been circulating for several months, but Friday was the first time I had heard of it. These may be tough times, but it's still possible to be fashionable without becoming one of those girls on MTV's "True Life: I'm a Compulsive Shopper". Here's how.

1) Read! Magazines, newspapers, and online journals keep you alert of what's going on. Half of having style is knowing what's in and being able to talk about it. Pass yours on after you're done reading and make sure your friends do the same. Knowledge is power.

2) Network. While holiday shopping in one of my very favorite stores, Kate Spade (did you know that Kate and I are sorority sisters?), the sales associate ticked off on her fingers to my father and I which stores were having sales and what sort of specials they were offering. (We didn't even ask!) Talk to everyone you encounter. You'll be surprised what you hear. People want to spread the word.

3) Sign up... for Top Button, Daily Candy, and Rue La La.

4) Know people in high places. Both of my parents are in fashion. My father runs an eyewear company and my mother is a design director. Both work with and know many big names in the industry. This means many perks for TAG, which I make sure to share with some of my favorite people.

4.5) Become one of my favorite people.

5) Choose your friends wisely. AEG procured the below Lilly tennis racquet cover for me. Dollface, I know! Isn't it darling? I can't wait to get out on the court come Spring.



I know that my savvy readers are probably already well-informed of the above, but a reminder never hurts. Take it from a starving artist. "Fabulous" and "Recessionista" CAN go hand-in-hand. Promise.