I thought this was too funny…
According to the NY Times Mag, this is how Isaac Mizrahi recommends weathering the recession:
Image from BusinessWeek
1. Discounts Are for Suckers
“Never buy anything that’s on sale. That’s always junk. … You’re just buying it because it’s cheap.”2. Shop Constantly
“If you need clothes, don’t go shopping.” The best purchases are serendipitous! “If you need an evening dress, a fabulous evening dress, you’re never gonna find one.”3. Splurge on Shoes
“Honestly, it starts with the shoes.” Preferably some “giant fetish shoes.”4. Splurge on a Hairstylist
“Go to the guy you can’t afford.”5. Spoiling Yourself Is Worth It
“If you go once and buy something expensive, a) it makes you into a wonderful object; and b) it educates.”
Like sifting through the sale rack, there’s some good stuff mixed in with the bad. Here’s the RTW-edited version:
1. Discounts Are for Smart Shoppers
Buy what you need– AND buy it on sale. Don’t buy just because it’s discounted.
2. Shop Consciously
Anticipate your needs, and be on the lookout WAY before you need the item. I agree, the best purchases are serendipitous! Pick up fabulous cashmere sweaters in July ($60 from $200+ each), resort wear during fall sales (Vitamin A and Vix bikinis for $20 instead of $200, Lilly Pulitzer dresses for $30!), and next year’s party dresses after holidays ($20 classic black velvet and silk dresses, on clearance from $350 each). This also allows ample time for tailoring, a girl’s best-kept secret.
3. Splurge on (Some) Shoes
They’re only worth a higher price if you’ll love them and wear them until the soles fall off. For trends, go to Zappos, Bluefly, Marshalls, and Payless.
4. Splurge on Your Hair
Your hair is the one thing you wear every day. So, book with the assistant to the guy you can’t afford– less expensive, and less of a wait to get in. Or hair model for a salon: the students are so meticulous they practically cut your hair 1 strand at a time. Oh, did I mention it costs $20?
5. Spoiling Yourself by Getting Great Deals is Worth It
Like I mentioned previously, the challenge is half the fun. And then you can take the money you didn’t spend straight to the bank!
So what do you think? Are Mizrahi’s tips totally on target, or not quite hitting the mark?
