Fashionomics

The Olympics, politics and economics – what do they have in common with fashion?

Hemlines rise and fall faster than the stock market.  At a time most people want to cut extra spending, fashion can break the bank.  Yet we want to finish first and looking good is a major part of lfie’s competition.

What to buy can almost be as challenging as figuring out what not to wear.  Unless of course the paparazzi captures someone important wearing affordable pieces that define style and elegance.  When celebrity fashion meets affordability BAM that’s fashionomics.

Affordable and popular fashionomic power cuts both ways.  It infuses money into companies and makes  celebrity looks more accessible to the public.  Wardrobe is a good bet for those that wear celebrity looks as well as for the brands’ investors who benefit from higher retail sales.

Fashionomic trends (the ability of celebrities to drive off the rack clothing sales) were likely first noticed when “Mrs. O” started rocking the J. Crew brand. She wore her open-backed J. Crew sweater on Saturday and again on Sunday with an open front – and looked great both times.  It is lovely that we can do what Michelle does so well.

At the 2012 Olympics in London, Kate Middleton was photographed in ready-to-wear off the rack Hobbs Check Wessex dress.  Some speculate that the dress was to hide a baby bump.  Others presume that the choice of a $60 dress (which was cheaper than her shoes) were to sympathize with fans of lesser means and make Kate more approachable.

Her usual garb is a McQueen dress, or sometimes a Reiss or Catherine Walker, a favorite of Lady Di. Regardless of the reason for this choice of dress, it sold out following the story of Kate wearing it.  The brand has yet to comment on whether or not this was caused by Kate’s appearance in the dress.

As for Kate, she ha scheduled as many as 15 more appearances during the Olympic games.  Let’s see if any brands get an off the rack boost from Kate.  Or, if there is any truth to the baby buzz.

Fashionomics are personified by Mrs. O, Katie M and others.

Women like this make fashion affordable enough to invest in your stock portfolio after a day of retail therapy.

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Candi Sparks, is a Brooklyn mother of two and a children‘s book author.  Her titles include “Max Gets It!”,  “Nacho Money” and other books on finance for kids.  Facebook and Twitter and YouTube (Canihavesomemoney).

Candi Sparks is the author of the “

Can I Have Some Money?” books series.