From Iceland — How To Look Fabulous in a Financial Depression

How To Look Fabulous in a Financial Depression

Published November 6, 2008

How To Look Fabulous in a Financial Depression
Photo by
Jói Kjartans

Inevitably times will be harder for the people of Iceland. It seems the only appropriate thing to do is to prepare for this economic change and face some harsh cutbacks, but don’t feel blue. Here is a 10-rule guide to looking fabulous in a financial depression.
1.Visit the charity shop often. The cool stuff tends to move quickly. And even if you don’t buy anything, the old ladies who work in charity shops are often lonely and most of the time they just want someone to talk to. So a little chit-chat might strike you a better deal next time.
2.If you look “hot” in something you’ve tried on, don’t wear it in front of the seller, they will always charge that extra 500 ISK if they know you like it.
3.Try to act indifferent and naive, “Oh, I seem to just have 200 ISK, is that ok,” most of the time it is. Never feel bad for haggling, if you donate and buy often, it is just one continues cycle and the more often people buy from the charity shop the more charity they will have.
4.When going shopping, wear clothes that go with lots and that you like to wear. Some things you try on are bound to clash with one-off pieces, like those MC Hammer pants or your Neon printed Naked Ape hoodie. Always try the clothes on in the shop or market, half the time the clothes you think will look good are awful and the ones you would never put on are the ones you look amazing in.
5.Mix cheap clothes with expensive ones.
6.Men look in the women’s section, and vice versa. Sometimes you find amazing fitting shirts and trousers that no one could tell the difference whether it was for him or her. Also, you are in a charity shop, half the people in there are nuts or crazy,
7.Have no shame when looking for items to wear, dig into the pile of clothes when filling up a plastic bag for 500 ISK at Kolaportið flea market.
8.Always look for scratches on shoes and strains on clothes. You will be disappointed if you go home then find one, and you can always get it cheaper if it is has a stain, it is an unwritten discount rules. When it comes to shoes never buy second hand trainers or high heels as they will always look half chewed; only buy boots or leather shoes. Handbags, Coats, Clothes, Hats and Accessories are all good, but my advice is to buy new shoes, that way you know they will last.
9.The Golden rule: wash everything when you get home, they don’t call them flea markets for nothing.
10.Recycle. The old clothes that you are tired off may look fabulous on someone else. The system only works if everyone participates.

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