Classics Live Strong. How to Enrich What You Already Have.

We all want to save money these days. When you buy, make sure the item has a classic style. Also, make sure it is built to last and you love it to death. The goal is to hang on to what you buy as long as possible. Blasphemy! (You might say.) We live in a disposable world! So many new gadgets and items are out there for our purchasing! We must stimulate the economy!

Well, doing so does not stimulate your wallet, and unfortunately stimulates another country's economy. Buying is natural to our developed world, just do so conservatively.

I've lived by a mantra for years in that "if you keep something long enough, it usually comes back in style." Also, you never know what kind of afterlife you can develop for the items you hang onto. Here, I've posted many DIY/Cheapskate Tips for items you already own, based off of some of the most popular textiles in fashion this year.

Houndstooth: Shall we thank Lady Gaga for kicking off the houndstooth craze this year?

(image via upscalehype.com)

Liven up your old chair with a new "old" classic print. This enlarged houndstooth pattern breathes fresh life that will beg for that derriere to sink into it. 

(image via decorhacks.com)

Sick of your plain old fingernails? Well not anymore! You will want to show off your hands as much as possible with these easy adhesive nail covers. 

(image via thenailshop.com)

I for one, am about as clumsy as one can get. The evidence is written all over my shoes. Scuff marks, scrapes and gashes are present everywhere. They are still good shoes though. What is a girl to do? Cover them up with houndstooth!

(image and online tutorial at lovemaegan.com)

Lace: Many fashion designers kicked off this classic textile on the runways this year...

(image via millionlooks.com)

Lace trim/ lace fabric/ doilies + fabric stiffener = alter your everyday items at home!

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The femininity that lace embodies will naturally create a balanced look when paired with that old, outdated masculine suit that you've had for years. Trim it out! Even though my example below is a $1500 Valentino suit, it is quite easy to carry out a similar look with a suit that you already possess.

(image via farfetch.com)

Is your teenager begging you to buy the same sunglasses that Rihanna was sporting? You can make your own by adhering lace onto safety goggles. A more classic and timeless option is to glue or fit lace over that extra pair of Jackie-O shades you have hiding in your drawer.

(image via styleguru.com)

(images via odettessunglasses.com)

Stripes: Doesn't matter what they say about what's in or what's out, stripes have been the shiz year after year for decades...

(image via oldfashionedpretty.com)

(image via girldir.com)

Make a small room more inviting by adding stripes to the wall(s). Stripes are foolproof--you can decoupage, paint, wallpaper, or tape the stripes on very easily.

(image via pinterest.com)

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Have the winter doldrums? Believe it or not...the dull, dark, solid fall colors in your wardrobe can contribute to seasonal blues. Wear your striped pieces with another classic pattern, such as plaid or polka dots. Cheer up!

(image via stylesymmetry.com)

(image via bjonestyle.com)

It seems that the older appliances lack the good looks as compared to the newer appliance designs, yet they sure as heck are built to last. Hang onto the quality and change the looks yourself. Contact paper or appliance skins are a great alternative to changing the overall look of the tools in your kitchen.

(images via sticviews.com)