Frugal gone fabulous

The troubled economy has everyone shaving a little off the top. These experts offer their own cost-cutting measures:

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Cameron Silver, co-owner of the influential vintage boutique Decades: “I was spending $45 to dry clean my Loro Piana sweaters at Effrey’s. Now I wash them by hand with a squirt of Citrus Magic Fine Fabric Shampoo. I wash them in my bathroom sink in lukewarm -- almost room temperature -- water. Toss the sweater in the sink for a bit, then rinse the sweater, but never wring it. Roll it in a beach towel to absorb water and then place it flat on a dry towel on a flat surface to dry. I sometimes change the towel halfway through the drying process and turn the sweater over too.

Washing cashmere

“This is economical and better for the environment. It’s spiritual for me to do my wash too.”

Citrus Magic Fine Fabric shampoo, $3.99 at Whole Foods markets.

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Entertaining at home

Lulu Powers, Hollywood event planner and chef: “Instead of spending $150 on a dinner party for six, you can throw a brunch for less than $50. Buy some mini-croissants from La Conversation and bagels from Trader Joe’s and serve them with cream cheese, different jams and fresh fruit. Pour Cristalino Cava Brut -- I actually use it a lot at parties. It’s great, and I actually prefer it over Veuve Clicquot. I like to buy a bunch of newspapers and magazines and have those on the table too.”

Cristalino Cava Brut, on sale at Cost Plus World Market for $5.99 through Aug. 5. Mini-croissants, $12 per dozen, by special order from La Conversation, 638 N. Doheny Drive, West Hollywood, (310) 858-0950.

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Staycationing

Tracey Ross, Sunset Plaza boutique owner: A style arbiter who relies on overseas buying and inspiration trips, Ross is staying put this summer, touring L.A.’s new Broad museum, driving the PCH, doing anything but eating at another decadent restaurant. “It’s about culture on a budget,” she says. “I’m also using Skype or whatever it’s called to make phone calls abroad and hanging with friends over video conference. It’s a perfect summer!”

Skype allows you to make free or discounted phone calls over the Internet. See skype.com for details.

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Talking money

Lara Shriftman, author and event planner: “Everyone is talking about the recession, but you have to be careful when you talk about money. Don’t bring up your personal financial situation or talk about people who just got laid off at a dinner party. It can make people feel uncomfortable. Keep it broad and speak about the overall economy.”

“Party Confidential: New Etiquette for Fabulous Entertaining” by Lara Shriftman and Elizabeth Harrison, on sale at www.amazon.com for $19.79.

-- Monica Corcoran