Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

Two years ago my husband got a promotion so he and I decided to uproot our pre-teenage son and daughter from the Midwest to the West coast. Now they're both in high school and my daughter has really gotten into fashion. Because of the school she goes to and the faster pace of living in a major city, she wants to shop at high-end boutiques and stores like her friends and classmates.

Its not so much a question of if we can afford to lavish her with these things, its more so a problem of her feeling entitled to these things. I want her to be happy and popular but to what expense? Can you help me figure out a way to curb her desire for designer clothing or should my husband and I just liquidate her - and her brothers! - college funds now to support this new lifestyle? And I'm just kidding about liquidating the college funds :)

Please help!

Signed,

Designer Daughter Dilemma

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Dear D.D.D.,

Teenagers being the bane of their parents' finances is nothing new. Truth be told, unless you planned to raise your kids in an antisocial vacuum, your daughter would have eventually found her way to fashion, even in the Midwest. Today's obsession with celebrity tweens, paparazzi and the magazines that chronicle their every move and purchase almost validates the concern teens have for wanting to own the latest and the greatest. In today's society, the expression "Keeping up with the Jonses" should be re-coined as the "Jr. Jonses," who have no problem spending money their parents are hesitant to part with in the midst of a downward-facing dog economy.

Which brings us to the next point. A teenager that doesn't have to work for their spoils will never fully understand the value of a dollar. So if she wants expensive items then suggest she get a part-time job. Most teens are pron to working retail or at places they're more apt to spend their free time, i.e. spend their money, so try to police her paycheck by requiring that she put a portion of it into a savings account that she can't touch. (And if you haven't figured this out yet then let it be known: teens can't be trusted. Even the good, responsible ones. Have her give you the agreed upon amount in cash or have it direct deposited when she gets paid to ensure the money is being saved. Once she graduates you can give her the lump sum you saved for her as a gift from herself. If nothing else, the final total should drive-home the lesson you were trying to teach her about money.)

If she balks at the idea of a part-time job then cap her monthly spending at an agreed-upon, specified dollar amount, or as it used to be called, "an allowance". Teach her that she can stretch her money by introducing her to second-hand boutiques that sell designer clothing, vintage shopping, thrift stores or DIY projects to mimic higher-end looks she loves or just to experiment.

Its vital for future generations to understand the value of money, the importance of savings, keeping a good credit history and not living outside their means. Easier said than done for most, but if you teach her how to modify her spending now you'll thank yourself later...especially as she gets older.

Hey, come to think of it, back in the 90's another (television) family had a very similar situation happen to them. It might not hurt to rewatch the series with your daughter - or make it something to view for family night. There are lessons to be learned from shows like this: most importantly, you don't want your daughter to turn out like Shannen Doherty - on the show, or in reality.

Have a fashion question? Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I just relocated for a job and inadvertently joined the gym that most of my new co-workers use. I generally work out in old college t-shirts and basketball shorts but now I'm not so sure this look is going to cut it anymore. I know there is a large selection of athletic clothing out there, but all I want is comfort with a twinge of coordination just in case I have to run an errand before or after my workout or more importantly, inevitably run into a co-worker.

Do you have any athletic-gear recommendations?

Signed,

Workout Worrier

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Dear W.W.,

There was a time when I would have said that your free t-shirts and old shorts were sufficient as far as workout clothing goes, but that was before I became a convert to moisture wicking fabric.

The major benefit of this synthetic material over cotton is its ability to pull moisture away from the body and keep you feeling cooler and drier during your workout. Most cotton clothing clings at the mention of sweat, creating a moist exoskeleton that can weigh down on the body. It also doesn't help that even a petri dish would cringe at just how much bacteria can grow on cotton clothing worn regularly for exercise.

Do yourself a favor and venture into a sporting goods store and checkout their dri-weave selection. Keep in mind that most of this clothing runs small or true to size, so you definitely want to try on the items to make sure that you have a full range of motion. Look at investing in at least five shirts, five shorts and a full-zip jacket and pants for a post-workout cover-up and/or for cool weather outdoor activities.

And don't neglect south of your ankles. Moisture-wicking socks can be just as important as the clothing. (Did you know that a typical workout produces enough sweat in your feet alone to fill an 8-ounce glass?) And even in a gym setting, your shoes are taking as much a beating as your body, so be mindful to replace your workout sneakers every 3-4 months.

With just a fraction of the time, energy and money you spend on your work appearance, your workout appearance will be in tip-top shape in no time. And once you are properly outfitted, break in your new clothing the best way you know how: by getting physical.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I have a self-diagnosed shopping disorder. It started when I was a teenager working to pay for back-to-school clothes and from there its just escalated. If I'm not browsing in the mall, I'm shopping online. I've tried to find "shopaholic's anonymous" meetings but my online search resulted in me buying a pair of shoes. Can you offer me any advice on what to do to curb my spending?

Signed,

Sally Shopaholic

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Dear S.S.,

Your first duty is to take a long, hard look at your closet. Take everything that still has a tag on it or has yet to be worn - not just clothing, but shoes and accessories as well - and put them into piles. You have to promise yourself that you are not going to buy anything new until you've worn everything that's already new in your closet. Pair your "new items" with the remaining apparel and accessories to create restructured looks just by combining pieces you already own.

Use current fashion magazines to inspire looks that you may not have thought of. Browse discount clothing stores in the event that it's necessary to buy something while still merging your wardrobe. But be honest when determining whether something is "necessary". Shop with a friend who will discourage spontaneous spending.

At this point, you've probably been able to save money or pay down bills by cycling through your closet, so why not keep it up? You can consign any clothing that you don't plan on wearing again, creating disposable cash that you could either save or splurge. Lastly, give yourself a monthly clothing allowance and what isn't spent should be put towards something you've always wanted to do, like take that vacation you've never been able to afford (hint, hint).

If all else fails, you could check out this book. Ironically, it may be one of the last indulgent things you purchase for a while.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com