by Rachel PughIf you have someone in your life who marches to the beat of her own fashionable drum, you know that buying an original stylish gift is often difficult. And in these economic times, the heat is on even more. The key is to not get frustrated but rather creative. If she is a true fashion connoisseur, she knows the value of used, handmade and one-of-a kind gifts. She knows to shop where there isn’t a million of one item and how to find eye-catching conversation starters rather than eye-catching credit card bills. If she knows all this and doesn’t even know she’s a connoisseur, get creative and make your own gift tag stating, “The holiday item for the fashion connoisseur.” Now you just ranked her as one, and whatever creative gift you wrap up and give her, she’ll feel she has to appreciate it because you just told her any true connoisseur would. Sneaky, I know. But fashion has a way to manipulate you. And besides, it’s always the though that counts — if it’s awesome.
If you’re in a pinch, go to a department store that doesn’t have a lot of variety of one specific product but rather good prices for an otherwise expensive brand item. For example, places like Burlington Coat Factory and TJ Maxx have big fashion names without astronomical price tags. They won’t have a row of Chinese Laundry boots (which is a good thing – 100 people in your neighborhood with the same boots is nauseating), but they’ll have a pair or two, and all items are pretty affordable.
If you’re making a day of shopping but no extra use of your credit card is in the itinerary, take a Saturday or Sunday afternoon and go antiquing. I know what you’re thinking: Your friend has no use for old baseball cards and Depression wear. Think outside the box. A lot of antique stores have rooms of clothing or cases of jewelry and random racks of hats and scarves throughout the store. The best part about finding a great accessory or item of clothing here is that the chances of anyone else having it are slim.
If you like to go to flea markets, do not underestimate the versatility of used goods. Small lap blankets can magically become a pashmina, and brooches can become cool accessories for hats, or of course worn as actual brooches. Although old and new are often mixed together, if you look carefully, you can find one-of-a-kind gifts for really cheap prices.
Consignment and vintage stores offer unique gift ideas. Although many have racks and racks that you must sort through, this is actually a good thing because it gives you so many choices. Keep in mind, however, you’re going to need some time to do the sorting. This can be a ton of fun when you find something really kitschy. Your fashionista friend will know how to make it work. Getting creative with the outfit is half the fun. Your friend will be thanking you for making her work at her look.
Never forget the Salvation Army: The store that has a T-shirt you grab off the rack and yell, “I can’t believe somebody got rid of this!” Those are the best scores. A really good Salvation Army will also have big belt buckles. Sure, some of them might say Ford or Born in the USA, but why is this necessarily a bad thing? A bizarre belt buckle can bring an otherwise boring outfit together.
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