With the state of the economy as it is (sad, very sad), U.S. retailers are cutting orders an average of 10 to 15 percent and expecting reduced spending in the coming months. You might think that when shoppers do make a purchase, they’ll stick to buying basics that can be be worn more than once without anyone noticing. However, JC Report spoke to several retailers who said they were seeing an increase in the buying of pieces that make a statement. “To some degree, there’s an element of fantasy going on—our customers are buying more daring pieces, perhaps to escape from what’s going on in the world,” said Jenny Le, manager of Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles.

A look through my closet, and those of other Frisky staffers, backs up this theory. The last three things I’ve purchased: a dress covered in giant hot pink polka dots, a black dress with an extremely drapey neckline that can definitely not be worn to work, and a pair of neon tights with different colored legs. None of these items can be worn on a daily, or even weekly, basis without me becoming known as “the girl who always wears that crazy polka dot dress,” but they’re exciting articles of clothing that will put me in a good mood whenever I wear them. Heck, even thinking of them hanging out in my closet makes me happy. Keep reading »