Fashion Consumers will be watching their wallets this season
by Lisa Siegel

This holiday shopping season consists of the thirty days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most retailers expect to earn their majority of profits during this critical shopping period. Already marketers are trying to gauge the level of consumer spending. Various pollsters have placed this year’s household out of pocket spending for the holidays between $675 and $1375. Retailers fear that rising gasoline prices and economic setbacks from recent hurricanes may deter shoppers from increased spending this year.

According to data compiled by CNN, the average American household will incur $1,150 in credit charges, and that household will take six months to pay off those charges.

Fashion moms may be spending less this season because of economic conditions or just because acquiring more credit at the expense of saving money is a bad financial decision.

Still, forty percent of the women polled plan to buy something new to wear to holiday parties and expect to spend under $76.00. With an eye on wallets this season, use the following as a helpful tool in shopping for the holidays.

Holiday Party Pieces for the Budget Minded:
Discount retailers such as Sears, Target, J.C. Penney and Wal-mart offer the best deals and customer service for the price savvy apparel shopper. All these chains offer online sites allowing you to view the apparel, price-shop or order directly. Some of the retailers offer free shipping. Consider the following apparel recommendations for this year’s holiday season that are well within a $76.00 holiday budget.

Sears Apostrophe Angora Beaded Ballet Neck Sweater – $24.99.
This sweater has a dressy ballet neck and bell sleeves. Scattered sequins around the neck offset the delicate white. Made with dry clean only Angora wool and falls at hip length. Sears offers free shipping with an email rebate.

J.C. Penney Black Wrap Dress with a Sequin Brooch Side Pin - $69.00.
You will love the flirty, dressy look of this side-tie waist georgette skirt with detachable rhinestone brooch. The dress is fully lined and washable.

Target Isaac Mizrahi Black Tulle Skirt - $24.99.
This fun party skirt will look great paired with a camisole or soft knit sweater. The skirt features three layers of tulle over a black satin lining. A black ribbon waist compliments the various fabrics.

Wal-mart’s Metro 7 velvet jacket at $24.99 and velvet skirt at $24.99.
Just last month Wal-mart debuted its new Metro 7 line with Miss Universe Dayanara Torres as the fashion spokes model. This new line, a departure from Wal-mart’s traditional apparel, appeals to the fashion conscious and stylish shopper with its embellished tunics, metallic sweaters and v-neck camis. For the holidays, pair the velvet peasant skirt with lace detail, elastic waist, and below the knee hem with the chocolate cropped and fitted velvet blazer.

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Budget Minded:
The cashmere sweater tops the list as the favorite holiday gift – mostly because it is a fashion staple and because of the luxurious ultra soft texture. Cashmere prices vary based upon the ply of thread. Still, reasonably priced cashmeres are readily available. Since the cashmere sweater is a must have wardrobe item, stock neutral colors first. After you have acquired a few, add a splash of teal. The turtleneck is the fashion basic, but the crew or v-neck allows you to layer with other pieces. Steer your loved ones to fashionable, but reasonably priced, winter cashmere sweaters with these smart choices:

Sears Covington 100% Cashmere Long-sleeve turtleneck – $54.99.
This curve-hugging sweater looks great paired with pre-washed jeans.

Target Isaac Mizrahi 100% Cashmere Crew neck - $39.99.
The crew neck makes for a slightly more casual look. This sweater comes in white, brown, and black and has detailing at the neck and sleeves.

Wal-mart George 100% Cashmere turtleneck - $45.00.
The new aqua color is a pleasant contrast this season. The sweater is ribbed at the neck, cuff and hem and is slightly boxy.

Good luck with your smart shopping this season – and watch those credit cards!

Lisa Siegel, Writer
Lisa lives in Atlanta, GA and is a "Totally Mom" to two school aged boys.