As an increasing number of women are cutting back on luxury purchases in order to afford everyday essentials, purchasing a new pair of shoes or a handbag can seem a faraway dream. For many, gone are the days of arriving home with three boxes of new shoes – a home and groceries have taken priority.
In quivering economies, women get creative about how to accessorize. In World War II, when stockings were unavailable, women painted a line down the back of their legs to mimic the look.
Stockings may not be as important to women today, but there are still a number of accessories that are. And most of those accessories may still be sitting in the back of the closet. Instead of disregarding them because they’re old, here are a few ways to update the items.
Shoes
Many shoe repairers are advertising their services, offering not only to fix an old pair of shoes but to alter them as well – there are numerous possibilities, such as removing or adding straps, or adjusting the heel length. Prices vary; a little online (or local) research can help a woman find the best deal.
It’s difficult to alter a pair of shoes at home, but there are a few touches that can make them appear new – or at least different. Shoes (especially flats) that are encrusted with jewels on the top of the toe area are very popular right now. Creative types could actually find a few large faux gems to affix to their shoes with a glue gun. A simpler – and less permanent – method is to find two large clips and fasten them at the toe area. There are shoe clips made for this reason, but they are often more expensive than simply finding regular hair clips or clip brooches that can offer the same idea.
A popular look in children’s shoes at the moment is glitter or sequin-covered flats. If a child has an old pair of plain flats, this can be done at home. Those with patience can glue gun sequins onto the shoe one by one; or simply spread glue across the entire shoe (except the sole) and cover with glitter.
Handbags
Shoe repairers can also alter handbags, which can be a great way to get a new look from an old bag. Removing excess hardware can change a trendy bag into a classic – the less hardware, the more timeless a bag.appears. Strap length can also be adjusted, or try a change in the lining.
Charms and keychains can add interest to a bag. There are many decorative and inexpensive keychains – many designer bags, such as Juicy Couture totes, often sell their bags with this look. Charms from necklaces or bracelets can also be tied to the handles or zippers of a bag.
The outside of a bag may be difficult to change, but the inside can always use a makeover. Small, colorful pouches are not only a good way to keep items organized, but they look pretty when peeking inside.
Jewelry
It’s incredible how much jewelry women amass and yet so seldom wear – sound familiar? Before purchasing any new pieces, take a look in the jewelry box. Then attempt to follow these rules:
- Quit “saving” jewelry for special occasions. Sure, perhaps a beloved family heirloom isn’t intended for the supermarket, but is there any reason that a strand of pearls has to be kept only for holiday parties? It’s so rare that someone actually “ruins” a piece of jewelry by wearing it. And a nice necklace -– or bracelet, or earrings – can jazz up an outfit in a minute. Think of the interest in Michelle Obama’s pearls. What if she had left them sitting in her jewelry box?
- Be creative with how you wear jewelry. If a necklace isn’t quite working, wrap it several times around the wrist for a bracelet. Layer necklaces and bracelets, even if they don’t quite seem to “match” at first. Or take charms off of several necklaces and put them onto one chain.
- A lot of retailers are selling beads and charms on ribbons, instead of chains. Make your own at home by finding a pretty, sturdy piece of ribbon and adding as many gems or charms as desired.
And just like that, everything old can be new again.
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