Five Cheap Wardrobe Tricks

The dilemma: It’s spring, and you’re dying for the new look blossoming in fashion magazines and store windows—but you have very little money these days to buy anything.

This year, I had particular need for a wardrobe refresh. With my new book coming out (In Her Own Sweet Time: Unexpected Adventures in Finding Love, Commitment and Motherhood), I was going to be touring the country giving readings. But since I work from home, my uniform generally consists of jeans, a T-shirt, and a comfortable pair of clogs. And like most people, my bank account is screaming extreme frugality much more than extreme luxury.

But transforming your look doesn’t have to mean spending an exorbitant amount—it just means getting creative. I called Samantha von Sperling, director of Polished Social Image Consultants in New York, for a little help. Von Sperling has produced style identities for celebrities, royalty, business executives and regular Joes…

Hot Spots on a Budget

Resorts all over the world are responding to the recession by offering staggering luxury deals at exotic and beautiful destinations. Here are three places where it’s easy to travel well for less.

South Africa
With the recent devaluation of the Rand against the dollar, it is a great time for Americans to visit. The Mantis Collection, a prestigious group of game reserves and hotels in South Africa, is offering a summer package starting at $601.48* per person. You’ll spend two nights at one of the country’s five star Game Reserve and three nights at a Last Word Retreat, Cape Town’s very charming boutique accommodations.

Traveling Tight: St. John on the (Relatively) Cheap

In the recession, extreme spending has all but been replaced by radical frugality, but even on a budget, you still need to live well and take care of yourself.

Whether you’re laid-off and living on severance or savings, job hunting, or imagining the “disruptive innovation” (my new favorite business phrase) that will lead to a better business, some downtime to think and rejuvenate is vital. Even in a recession it’s important to take some time to chill out. It’s even possible to do so luxuriously – if you just re-define luxury. That’s exactly what I did.