Article: Tightening somebody else's belt: many are looking to cut costs these days, but do wardrobes have to suffer? In fact, belt-tightening can be fun--especially when it's somebody else's. Swiss News goes shopping.(FASHION)

While scanning the accessory department of the Bern basement shop, a flash of purple suede catches my eye. The detail is stunning--shades of eggplant and orchid woven into a checkerboard pattern. Upon closer inspection, I discover it's a Yves Saint Laurent belt--and it looks almost new! It's two sizes too big, but I try it on anyway and consult a mirror. It would work if I had it altered, but that would cost me. Explaining my problem to the shopkeeper, I haggle sweetly for a discount--and get it.

Welcome to the world of second-hand shopping--a world that's growing steadily in Switzerland. Over the years, consignment shops have been popping up in cities and towns ...

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