Create a style on a shoestring

Everyone is doing a little belt-tightening in this tough economy, which has forced even the most avid shoppers to cast a wary eye at their wallets. With limited cash for life’s little luxuries, the growing ranks of “recessionistas” (fashionistas on a budget) have resorted to alternative methods to get their fashion fix.

They scour consignment, discount and resale stores, but they’ve also found more innovative shopping sources: swapping goods with fellow fashion hounds, mining the racks at traveling thrift events and, when the chips are really, really down, the craftiest among them shop their own closets.

“I was always an amasser of clothes,” said Melanie Charlton Fascitelli, a reformed shopaholic. It wasn’t the economy that whipped her into shape, but a move from Florida to New York —- land of the cramped closet. She was forced to ruthlessly edit her apparel, which led her to start a closet design company, which led to a book: “Shop Your Closet” (Collins, $19.95), which walks women through editing, styling and organizing the contents of their closets for a clutter-free wardrobe.

” ‘Would I buy it today?’ is the question I tell people to ask even more than ‘Have I worn it in a year or two?’ ” Charlton Fascitelli said.

It’s an important question —- one that could keep you from tossing out a garment that, with a little effort, can be reworked.

In with the old

“A lot of people are bringing in older things they have already. They are digging in their closets and finding things they can bring up to date,” said Tonya Williams, co-owner of A-1 Alterations in Atlanta.

Williams has recently shortened overcoats, removed 1980s shoulder pads from jackets and transformed boot-cut jeans into skinnies. At a cost of $30 to $40, these upgrades can extend the life of a garment, Williams said, and it’s a lot less expensive than buying something new.

But shoppers who want something new still have inexpensive options. Shannon Kitchens, owner of Sage boutiques, invited a group of girlfriends to the store for a friendly swap. The rules? Bring five items to swap, have some wine or an appetizer and dress in try-on friendly clothing. The emcee would hold up an item to show and if one person liked it, the item was hers. If multiple women liked it, each tried it on and the crowd decided who looked best in the garment. Anything left over was donated to charity.

“Right now, in somewhat of a recession, it is a great way to grab your girlfriends and swap your goods. You don’t have to spend any money and you can have fun while doing it,” Kitchens said.

Traveling thrift store

If you don’t have enough fashionable girlfriends to gather for a swap, local actress Kaira Akita has another option. Last fall, she launched A Clothes Encounter (ACE), a thrift event that takes place at a different location each season.

“A lot of women want to save money, but they don’t want to go to stores and sift and find that great find,” Akita said. “That’s what I love to do.”

She also received donations from celebrity friends and sells some items she finds on consignment. With virtually no overhead, Akita is able to keep average prices around $5 to $25. Some higher-end items, such as a pair of Versace jeans from a recent event, go for up to $45. She donates 20 percent of the proceeds to a select charity.

“I feel from a business sense I set myself apart because, especially now, it is all about saving money,” Akita said.

Akita also notes the social aspects of ACE, which may offer women more than a great outfit for less. At her last event, there were quite a few men in attendance, though she does not offer men’s clothing.

“I was surprised at the number of men,” Akita said. “I saw a little pick-up going on.”

RESOURCES

“Shop Your Closet” by Melanie Charlton Fascitelli (Collins, $19.95)

A Clothes Encounter (ACE): Thrift events by Kaira Akita. Next scheduled for April. www.aclothesencounteronline.com

A-1 Alterations, 324 Pharr Road, Atlanta. 404-233-5753; www.a1alterations.com

Sage boutiques. Locations in Buckhead, Midtown and Forsyth County. www.sageclothing.com

REWORKING YOUR WARDROBE: Simple ways to update back-of-the-closet finds

Style asked Melanie Cogdell, owner of Ditto Boutique, a consignment store, to rework a few items women may have lurking in their closets. With a few tweaks and some tailoring, Cogdell turned four fashion challenges into wearable trends.

GOLD PLEATED STIRRUP PANTS

The challenge: When was the last time you saw anyone wearing stirrup pants? These unsightly garments make even the most shapely legs look like stumps.

The fix: Cut the stirrups off, hem the bottom and you have a pair of slim-leg pants. Add a belted cardigan and accessories for an on-trend outfit.

A LONG VINTAGE DRESS

The challenge: The dress is stuck in the 1960s, and the length isn’t practical for everyday wear.

The fix: Take a few inches off the bottom and bring in the seams to create a pencil shape. Add pearls and a sleek clutch, and the look is up-to-date in a retro sort of way.

PATTERNED WOOL SWEATER

The challenge: How to make the sweater look like it doesn’t belong to your grandmother.

The fix: Add a brightly colored turtleneck and a belt. Wear with black skinny jeans for a look that’s more ‘09 than ‘89.

UNCONSTRUCTED SUIT JACKET

The challenge: The lack of shape makes this jacket look dated in a season of more body-conscious clothing.

The fix: Roll up the sleeves, add a fitted tank and this jacket can pass for a boyfriend blazer that is all the rage. Wear it with skinny jeans (or rolled-up boyfriend jeans) and layered necklaces.