Throughout December and especially after Christmas, everyone begins to think about ways to improve themselves in the coming year. Whether it has to do with health, finances, or image, resolutions of all kinds are made and with great intentions. Since we have barely started January, I want to share my plans for 2010 with you lovely fashionistas.

This economy stinks. It is really difficult to get a good job, and most of us are being forced to regroup in terms of lifestyle. As a recent college graduate, I am definitely feeling the effects of the recession on my future career, shopping budget, and social life. But when you think about it, there are still ways to have fun and enjoy life. It all boils down to one thing: BUDGET!

One of my majors in college was finance, so I guess you could say that I know how to handle money. But honestly, I have never had a personal budget set in stone. I have always sort of divvied up each paycheck into bills, savings, and “mad money.” Being a fresh graduate with great fashion taste (aka, expensive) and dreams of traveling the world, I need a more structured plan.

Of course, I refuse to sacrifice my sense of style in order to save money, so check out how I plan on hitting this new decade out of the park:

1.    Frequent thrift stores and estate sales more often

Considering how much I recommend vintage items on DFOF, I should definitely be taking my own advice in finding the goods in my area. Earlier this week, I found a fabulous hunter green, suede leather pencil skirt for $3 at a thrift store. Very mod and very easy on the checkbook!

2.    Keep an eye on the papers for coupons to the best stores

My favorite shoe store around here has great deals in general, but they constantly have coupons running in the newspaper for an extra $10 or $25 off. I am obsessed with boots, so every little bit I can save helps!

3.    Email subscribe to great stores for special deals

Even before 2010, I have made it a rule to avoid buying online unless free shipping is an option. As long as you have the patience to wait for the email deals (ex. free shipping on purchases of $25 or more), this mentality works very well.

4.    Rework old pieces into a new look

My last look on Lookbook represents this exact idea. I wore an old velvet skirt as a strapless dress and paired it with one of my favorite cardigans and a vintage belt. When I showed up to work in the outfit, everyone loved it. And I loved that it was a new look at no additional charge. Three cheers for sustainability!

How are you regrouping in 2010?

By Sarah Corley

Photo Credit: BadgerBadgerMushroom on Flickr