Don't let them get you down. When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping ... someone said on T-shirts and cocktail napkins scattered throughout consumer land over the past few years. And, yes, it does seem to be true that Americans are indeed avid consumers — we want our shopping fix whether we have a hundred dollars or a thousand dollars in our "it" handbags. At least that's my take on things, and I'm sticking to it.

How do you weather an economic downturn in your closet? Here are a few tips to take when you're not going to the bank:

— Become a mix master: This is difficult for those who depend on someone else to put their clothes together and tell them what to wear. Well, desperate times call for desperate measures.

You may have to spend a little more time getting dressed in the morning, or should sleep on the decision. You'll be amazed at what new combinations you can create when rummaging in your closet. Better yet, clean it out.

— Think outside the norm: You may want to check out different departments in your favorite stores. Visit the active wear or sleepwear areas. If you aren't enrolled in a yoga class, you can still run to the grocery store in those comfy pants.

Recently, I actually purchased several pairs of silky, wide-leg pajama pants that I've dressed up to wear out to dinner.

— Make shopping an event: You don't have to spend tons of money to have an afternoon of fun. Now more than ever, retailers want your business — they are enticing you with more exciting "happenings" in their stores.

Don't miss opportunities to check out new designers and special discounts. Take advantage of their energy and browse to your heart's content. You never know when you'll just happen to find a real treasure.

— Scope out new sources: Now's the perfect opportunity to do some exploring. Take a side street and peek into an offbeat store in your neighborhood. Scour a vintage store that offers quality clothing and accessories. Attend fall festivals and flea markets to find interesting jewelry, or surf new websites. Stay inspired.

— Organize your own "swap shop" parties with friends: There are several ways to do this, either at home or online. Visit these websites to find out more: www.whatsmineisyours.com, www.swaporamarama.org and www.clothingswap.org.

Recycle and think green.

— Mend and make do: This was one of my grandmother's favorite sayings. In a family with nine kids, she was constantly creating something out of nothing. She was our Scarlett.

Who said that prom dress was made from the bedroom curtains? Sewing on a button or repurposing some of your clothes is not a big deal. After all, we can always think about shopping tomorrow.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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