Mar 12, 2009 4:49 pm US/Pacific
Money-Saving Tip: Go Shopping In Your Own Closet
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Many consumers have been holding back on spending in retail stores, but there is some place you can do some shopping that won't cost you a penny: your own closet.
In today's money saver report, CBS station WCBS-TV in New York City found out how to spruce up your wardrobe with items you already own.
Peek through your piles of sweaters, hunt through the hangers and you'll be amazed at what you already own. Dawn Yanek from Life & Style Weekly shows some simple tricks that can update some seasons old staples.
"You're basically re-purposing old pieces to add a few strategic accessories. You can add a few affordable pieces and, voila! You have a complete new fabulous outfit," says Yanek.
For example, your winter coat can have a contemporary new look by adding a contrasting belt. Jeans and a t-shirt go from casual to chic by layering basic pieces you likely already have, and you can give it a more personal twist with a colorful scarf.
Summer clothes can be seasonless if you wear them with the right pieces. A basic cardigan, colorful belt, and a pair of boots transform a lightweight look into a winter-right outfit.
"You want to make sure things are a little bit heavier and chunkier and darker and that's what makes it more season appropriate," says Yanek.
And finally, what do you do with that fabulous formal you probably won't wear again, but can't bear to get rid of ? A little bit of tailoring can go a long way.
"We've hemmed in and taken it all in in the back so it's a really easy job for the tailor to get rid of excess fabric," Yanek showed WCBS-TV with an example from a model's closet.
"It's like having a scavenger hunt in your own closet , it's so much fun to see what you have and to literally go shopping and do something nice for yourself," she adds.
So you can make what's old new again with a little imagination, layering, and even an inexpensive new accessory. It's a lot less expensive than buying a whole new outfit.
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