Sidewalk Style: Dressing on a Budget

Latese Gilbert, 44

Unemployed

What she’s wearing: Gilbert is a discount-store maven. Her Worth coat was $24 at AJ Wright (in the Brentwood Shopping Center), and her scarf was $5 from a wholesale shop. She snapped up her jeans for $19 at Burlington. Her pale green top (not shown) was a whopping $7.99 at AJ Wright. The bag, purchased in Jamaica, was a gift from her daughter.

How has unemployment changed the way you shop?

“I’ve been going to all of the discount stores, and even thrift stores like Salvation Army.”

How would you describe your style?

“Sleek.”

Stylewise, who gets your vote: Cindy McCain or Michelle Obama?

“I like the way Michelle dresses. She is elegant and poised. She dresses for the occasion, like when she wore a little jacket and jeans for a speech Barack gave. She looks so natural.”

Rachel says:
Bargain hunters, unite! Latese looks great in this delicately patterned fitted fall coat with accessories that echo one another in color but aren’t matchy-matchy. I’m floored that nothing she was wearing cost more than $25. This is proof that you can look really pulled together on a recession-time budget!