by Alana Joy

This economy is really killing my fashionista rep. Once upon a time I would wander into Barney’s New York and leave with bags full of treasures, where now… well this print seems to sum it up perfectly.

My go-to stop for “fashion fast food” (cheap, satisfying) would definitely be H&M. Last month, Girls In Tech Los Angeles (of which I am Co-Managing Director) held our second “Social Fashion & Beauty Summit” (video to come soon!) and I found myself in a state of panic over what to wear. I really wanted to wear something new and fun but I also didn’t have a lot to spend. With little time and even less expectations, I stopped at the H&M at Sunset Plaza. After a few rounds of trying things on (Am I the only one who thinks their sizing is a bit… off?) I found the funkiest little top for about $30. I mixed it with a black skirt I already owned and some great accessories and VIOLA! Outfit. Outfit which actually got a handful of compliments and most importantly: made me feel amazing wearing it! Just the boost I needed.

Me (L) in my H&M find, with Mollie Vandor (R) of Ranker at the 2nd Girls In Tech Social Fashion & Beauty Summit.

An option for the girl who just can’t wear anything that doesn’t have a “label” (you name droppers, you!) would be to check out the local resale stores. These stores take “gently worn” designer clothes that are usually only a season or two old on consignment from the lucky ladies who can still afford to splurge and then they sell them to you at a fraction of the cost. As in $2-400 for a dress that retailed a year ago at $500+.

How have you been maintaining your fashionista status in this painfully difficult economy?

Illustration by Blake Wright