Image from Sixties Book photostream on flickr

It seems that this “global recession” has become a new key marketing tool.  Being thrifty is the new black and every glossy I pick up is promising bargain buys to help your wardrobe survive the crisis.  And as I get all excited at the prospect of finding more secrets to dressing for under $500, I am left a little confused by choices that (albiet fabulous) all retail for around $500 each.  Since when did a handbag for under $500 qualify as a bargain for the cash strapped? Perhaps if Chanel ever had sales this might be the case, but until that day I fail to see how paying full retail price for a mid range bag is savvy shopping.  But if you think this is where I’m going to tell you to save every penny and dust off the old bag to give it a new lease on life, you’re wrong.

One of the problems we are faced with during a recession, is that the only way to bolster the economy and create more confidence is by ponying up the cash. Spending ourselves out of debt.  If you’re not an economist this may sound a tad on the side of crazy to you, but trust me there is method in this madness.  (Have a read of this article  in the LA Times for a lighthearted analysis of the situation). What the world needs now is basically for every flash bastard out there with cash burning a hole in his pocket, is to spend it – creating demand, creating jobs and so on.  But what does this have to do with you? Well unless many of you are reading this from aboard your private yachts (in which case read the previous advice and perhaps send me some Dom while you’re at it), you need to take this advice with a modicum of caution and strategise a battle plan.  Which is where I come in.

Over the next…well however long the inspiration keeps flowing.. I’ll be bringing you my fabulous tips to help spend yourself out of this recession.That means real bargain buys, shopping tips and lifestyle tips.  Basically helping you still look fab, have fun and do your bit for the global economy all on the change you have to spare. It isn’t likely that you’ll find a $500 bag appearing here as your savings salve, but you will find some cheap and chic ways to look and feel a million dollars. So start saving your pennies and get ready to polish that halo.