Twinkle VanWinkle, LIN Digital Media Entertainment Producer

It’s more than likely we have all felt the crunch of the economy in some way lately. But it doesn’t mean you have to let your wardrobe go. It just means it’s time to re-evaluate and get crafty about how and where you shop.

There are plenty of alternatives for keeping your wardrobe fresh and fun even on a tight budget.

Look for sales, watch the web and follow fashion shops on Twitter to keep your eyes open for deals. Being a sharp shopper means paying attention and not falling victim to your own lack of self-control, which for some – especially me – canbe little to none when out clothes shopping!

Yes, I know just how hard it is to see something amazing and leave it behind. Sometimes when pinching pennies, we have to reign ourselves in and look for alternatives.

Check out Twinkle’s “Weekly Wardrobe” polyvore collection this week for lots of items $50 and under.

A few stores to check out if you are on a budget are Forever21 and H&M. There are plenty of cute items, mostly between $20-30. The accessory selection at both places may not be Tiffany’s, but it’s definitely diverse and fabulous. Most pieces range from $5-20.

H & M blouse for $24.95

Don’t forget about your base pieces that compliment your wardrobe. You can definitely find these on the cheap. Need a gray or white tee? Old Navy and Target should have these for under $10, as well as leggings, tights or such basic apparel items.

Mossimo black tissue tee at Target $9.99

Another alternative I highly recommend is thrift shopping. Most cities have at least one, and usually the profit goes to a good cause. Goodwill even has an online auction site for name-brand like-new items.

Tired of something you already have? There is absolutely nothing wrong with recycling clothes. If you are crafty, a good upcycling can make something too large or too frumpy into something fabulous. Check out some ideas here at Etsy.

The point, people, is that even though your cash flow may not be big, being aware of sales, clearances and second-hand are great ways to create gorgeous get-ups, even on the theoretical dime.

Want to create your own looks?Try out Twinkle’s mini-editor from Polyvore.com.

Get your own Mini Editor from Polyvore

Check out Twinkle’s “Weekly Wardrobe” polyvore collection this week for lots of items $50 and under.

For musings about music, movies, fashion, food and more, follow Twinkle on Twitter and Tumblr.

Around for almost 20 years, design house Antik Batik promotes the philosophy that fashion is not about ditching the past for uber-modern and sometimes unwearable style, but instead meshing the richness of cultures around the globe with fresh ideas.

The additions to their line this spring are light, comfy pieces. Wispy, flowing, colorful ideas that evolved into clothing emanate romantic and far away places.

Check out more from Antik Batik at polyvore.com.

The combination of a brightly patterned scarf and beaded bangles worn with a tribal-print cocktail dress elicits a view of a bustling Middle Eastern marketplace, yet doesn’t lose sophistication. Pair with sandals embellished with glass beads or jewels for an eclectic blend of whimsy and class.

The only downside of the Antik Batik spring look is availability and for the majority of us, the price. Sold in limited boutiques in the States and with no overseas shipping policy, it’s hard to attain the beautiful pieces to compliment your wardrobe.

Check out my polyvore.com profile for some ideas to create this look with pieces easier to attain and a lot easier on your wallet.

Follow Twinkle on Twitter and Tumblr.

Follow Twinkle on Polyvore.

Affordable solutions for the Antik Batik look:

Bohemian Spring by twinkle.vanwinkle featuring multi color bracelets

Weekly Wardrobe

Fashion to the rescue

Twinkle VanWinkle -
LIN Digital Media Entertainment Producer

The tragic earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan on March 11, 2011 has spurred people around the world to reach out many a helping hand, with donations, prayers and aid in a plethora of forms. 

Those involved with fashion are using what they do best to help those in need that have been affected by the disaster—raising money by designing and creating clothing, jewelry and more.

Lady Gaga, fresh off the high of her first Paris runway show, created a bracelet with the words “We pray for Japan.” The words are written in both English and Japanese with the star’s trademark claw separating the two.

It’s no surprise she raised $250,000 in the first 48 hours the bracelet went on sale earlier this week, which she mostly publicized through her Twitter account. Oh, the power of a tweet!

Check Twinkle’s Polyvore for more ways to help Japan.

In a grand gesture, fashion house Uniqlo, operated by Fast Retailing, isn’t just creating things, but literally it’s president and chairman Tadashi Yanai is donating over $12 billion of his personal wealth towards Northeastern Japan relief funds with additional money coming from the company’s accounts.

On a much more first world level, crafters and designers from all over are pitching in. Folks who sell their wares on the website Etsy have come together to bring their handmade items to the public, offering up hand-printed tees to buttons to jewelry—proceeds headed towards the Red Cross Japan relief fund. See more here.

Fashion at times has been thought of as a shallow art by some, and accused of creating the thought that beauty may only be skin deep. It’s comforting to know that everyone can be a part of helping out mankind in their time of need- model, designer, artist, housewife or whoever.

Just a few links to some others in the fashion world who are helping:

Tory Burch

Forever 21

H & M

Follow Twinkle on Twitter and Tumblr.

Fashion aids Japan by twinkle.vanwinkle featuring dark wash jeans