Style in the City
Susanne Seidman, Style Editor

In this rocky economy everyone is tightening their belts, even fashionistas or as we are sometimes now referred to, economistas.

Faced with the cold hard reality of tougher financial times and the first chill of the cold hard winter to come, I find myself wondering just what I can tighten my belt around and under this season? Of course, I am talking about the staples of a fashionable Washington woman, denim and coats. While I can’t correct the markets, I can offer a few tips as we all suit up for the chilly times ahead. Think of me as a slashonista—finding the look for less in today’s slashed budget.

Snuggled up in my cozy, chocolate brown Sunday PJs I turned my attention, as I do each Sunday, to the Washington Post Trend Spotter.  My eyes honed in on an animal print belted trench from Karen Millen. I wasn’t sure whether to pat myself on the back or grit my teeth as I eyed the double breasted animal print jacket on the hook of my own closet door. Then I turned my attention back to the price.  At $630, I felt a surge of Leo pride. My budget conscious alternative from secret alternative source, Forever 21, rang up at a mere $44.80 and felt younger and cooler with a fun pink lining and ¾ sleeves. If I wasn’t so cuddled up, I might have done a happy dance. Like Zoro, I sliced an imaginary S through the air, slashonista strikes again.

For me, an animal print coat is not a wardrobe staple. A warm, classic trench in black; yes, that is an investment piece, which unlike the market will not fluctuate. And while I always hunt a bargain, I would be willing to bite the bullet to invest in a good one that will see me through the proverbial and literally cold days and nights ahead.  

If you are scaling back or even find yourself defining dressing for success as sitting down on the couch at your lap top to job hunt, listen up financial analysts and politicals, sink your money into some dressed up denim.  

Suitable for networking paired with a beautiful blouse, suit jacket and great jewelry, you can keep fight the urge to wallow in sweats and without torturing yourself in the office look without an office. They will also carry you to the bar for your still employed friends to buy you a drink or a credit card roulette get together with the ranks of the unemployed.

Looking for investment denim?  Save yourself on gas and grief. Vast selection and expert advice are the key components to the blue chip denim you seek. Hit the Denim Bar in Pentagon Row where sisters Robin Paluso and Mary Alexandre, both denim dolls, along with their friendly staff will zip you into just the right pair and take care of expert alterations.

If you are in a position to splurge or just can’t help yourself, save your fashion currency and cold hard cash for a show stopping bag or knockout pair of shoes. While picking up a versatile dressed up boot cut from Fidelity Denim at the Junior Friends of the Campagna Center private shopping event at Denim Bar, I bumped into Belle Haven shoe designer Monica George of Gigi Favela, rocking a patent sandal with a dark tight. Couldn’t help but notice her friend in the Zebra Raida suede, round toe pump. Now that’s a splurge on sale worth stalking online.

Who was that masked shopping saver? Slashonista Susanne Seidman can be reached at SSeidman@LocalKicks.com