2008-11-17 17:31:00 -

The Recessionista Blog has announced its first annual Top 10 Holiday Pick List for Budget Shopping. Despite the recent economic downturn, shoppers are still faced with the challenge of getting ready for the holidays, entertaining and playing Santa for their children. In order to help consumers everywhere, The Recessionista has put together the following 10 tips. The list is a

guide for a cheap and cheerful holiday that combines luxury with economy.
The Recessionista " s Holiday Pick List
1) Use those gift cards from last Christmas: Studies have shown that retailers have profited from selling gift cards to consumers that are forgotten or tucked away in drawers. Now is the time to find those gift cards, credit card points, and frequent flyer miles and cash them in.
2) Accessories: Look for a beautiful scarf, chic earrings or a special pin from discounters (Marshalls, Loehmann " s or others). You " ll find name brands at deep discounts.
3) Vintage Vogue: Wonderful vintage items can be found at consignment stores or thrift shops in upscale neighborhoods.
4) Designer collections at discount retailers: The Target Thakoon collection launches just in time for Christmas. You should also check Norma Kamali at Wal-Mart and Vera Wang at Kohl " s. Retailers are offering low budget designer items for a fraction of their couture costs.
5) Handbags for less: The new collection of Anya Hindmarch handbags at Target are beautiful replicas of her high-end line. Enjoy all of the savings and none of the guilt.
6) eBay: There is nothing like a little online trading to stretch your holiday dollars. Take old Christmas presents and clothes you have never worn (some new with tags) out of the closet and put them on eBay. You can use the money from what is sold to buy new holiday gifts from eBay or other retailers.
7) Black Friday: Door buster specials, online sales and coupons available on Black Friday offer great bargains on electronics and kids toys. It " s worth getting up early to save several hundred dollars.
8) Online shopping clubs: Clubs like Ideeli, the Gilt Groupe and RuLaLa offer invitation only specials with discounts of 70 to 80 percent on fashions for men, women and children. Several special invitations to these clubs are available at The Recessionista Blog free of charge.
9) Gift a cheap and cheerful bottle of wine: Several great wines are available at steep discounts through BevMo (5 cent sale), World Market, CHWine.com, Costco and Wine.com.
10) Don " t forget simple pleasures: Take advantage of Kris Kringle type gift giving, holiday baking and the many free tree lighting ceremonies all over the country. Remember, you can revive the tradition of sending holiday cards using e-mail to save on card costs and postage.
About The Recessionista Blog
The blog is a source of information for women " s fashions, wine and entertaining in the current economic downturn. Dedicated to helping shoppers do more with less, the blog was recently featured in the Sunday Style section of The New York Times. In a short period, the blog has found a loyal following and received international press coverage. To learn more, go to The Recessionista Blog at cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT"id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww ...


for The Recessionista Blog

Stephen W.T. O ? Keeffe, 703-883-9000 ext.111

mailto:sokeeffe@okco.com