Buy Less, Buy Used

"Buy Less, Buy Used"  - - not exactly something you thought you would hear from a clothing retailer, is it? 

California-based outdoor clothing and gear outfitter Patagonia has started an initiative encouraging consumers to do just that.  I think this is such a cool thing.  Whether it is a publicity stunt or a genuine belief from this company, it is helping to open the eyes of the consumer and encouraging them really evaluate their consumption.  I was thrilled to see this article, and I urge you to read it [here]. Every consumer and corporation in the world could learn a thing or two from Patagonia (who has been practicing environmentally-friendly practices for several years.)

The best part of the story? This concept was unveiled in NYC during fashion week. Priceless!

In other news, I apologize for the lack of posts this week. I haven't done any thrifty shopping this week (just haven't had the need to!), but I will be back at it soon with more great finds to share!

The 1970s - Possibly the Worst Decade in Taste

Yesterday I came across a Montgomery Ward and JC Penney Catalog from Spring / Summer 1972.  We can all probably remember flipping through these types of Catalogs and circling all of the things we wanted for holidays/birthdays. My Grandma and I used to squeeze into her chair side by side and go through her Sear's catalog together. Now I know that 1972 was only 9 years before I was born, and the 1980s weren't exactly full of great color combinations, but after flipping through this thing, I've come to the conclusion that the 1970s was one of the worst decades when it comes to colors and styles. And I'm NOT an authority on fashion by any means! Of course I thought I'd share some of the pages for entertainment purposes. The catalog is like 1500 pages, so this is just random sampling. If you come across one of these in your second hand shopping, grab it! They're full of nostalgia, furry toilets and horrible shades of orange, "avocado" and "mustard." Here's some food for thought: If the 1970s didn't happen, what would second hand shopping even be like??

I'm pretty sure everyone's Grandma still thinks these are "nice"

Damn you 1970s! I totally wore stuff almost just like this in middle school. As if the 90s needed any help with their fashion malfunctions!

Because fur makes everything better?

Don't all guys hang around dressed like this?

I'd totally wear a snuggie if it had fringe. And let's get one color turtle neck leotard body suits back into people's wardrobes!

Just Over 2 Months'til Halloween!

My husband & dressed as Popeye & Olive Oyl.
Total cost of both costumes combined: around $10

Feel the air getting cooler?  Are the guys obsessing over fantasy football drafts?  Are your teacher friends complaining that "summer vacation" is almost over? Those are sure signs that FALL is right around the corner. And with Fall, brings the most entertaining and creative "holiday" of all - HALLOWEEN! It may seem early, but now is a great time to start thinking about your Halloween costume. Don't be "that person" at the Halloween party where people ask "sooo, what are you supposed to be?" And DO NOT be the sell out who heads to the seasonal, over priced, costume store and gets the corniest, most manufactured costume you can find.  They might look alright, but you probably won't stand out, and you will definitely over pay for something you could create yourself.  Ok and last one, do not use Halloween as an excuse to wear your lingerie and your daughter's bunny ears that she wore in the school play, no matter how hot you think you look in your self-taken mirror photo on myspace. No one wants to see that! Instead, do what you know I'm going to say...head to your local Thrift Store and browse through the clothing section. If you have absolutely NO clue what to be for Halloween, I guarantee you will think of something while flipping through the racks.  Better yet, you will pay fractions of what a costume shop will charge. You will also end up with actual clothing, instead of pieces of cheap fabric glued together. Most Thrift Stores have big sales coming up for back to school, and to clear out all the stuff people have unloaded in their spring/summer clean-outs.  On top of the already dirt cheap prices, some stores are having 50-70% off sales, which is insane! Putting together your own costumes is super fun and will definitely get your creative juices flowing.  Get crazy and try to think of a couple's or group theme, it's fun to shop together and it makes the party pictures much cooler if everyone goes together!

20 Things You Should Never Buy Used...?

Check out the list & their explanations here [via USNews.com]

Never...ever...really? Come on! I don't agree with a lot on this list (surprise, surprise!).

It's safe to say that the American public is pretty experienced when it comes to making purchases.  Use your own judgement, look the item over, use your senses to examine it to see if it is worth purchasing. Do not completely write off all the categories on this list, you could be missing out. Personally, I find most of my "thrifty finds" at Thrift Stores where the prices are ridiculously cheap, AND they usually issue store credit if I get home and I'm totally unsatisfied with my item. Making purchases at second hand stores isn't that risky. You find any sort of electronic device second hand, and they will let you test it before you buy it. And like I said, you get home and it totally sucks, they're usually good about giving you store credit. Not to mention I've never seen a DVD player, stereo, microphone or camera for more than $10 at the Thrift Store. For $10, if you've got half a brain to know what brands are decent and managed to test it before you left, you're fine. Garage Sales and Craigslist may be a bit more of a risk, but if you do your research buying electronics second hand can definitely pay off.  Baby and child items? Be cautious, do some research, if it's furniture put a fresh coat of paint on it if you have to. Children grow out of things SO FAST! Just because it is in the Thrift Store, or a garage sale doesn't mean it's not functioning, or dangerous. Heck it may even be brand new! How many of you know someone who registered for items they never/hardly used?

Really the only three categories that I can agree with are software (most 2nd hand computer software is from 1995 anyway, it seems!), makeup and mattresses - and I can't even agree with bedding. There isn't much of anything - mold,mildew, germs, that can survive a couple of hot wash cycles.  Sheets, comforters, bed skirts, duvets, shams...etc, can get expensive! If you see something that catches your eye and it's used, but it can be washed, why not buy it? Vacuums is a tough one. On one hand, my opinion is that a vacuum isn't something most people would get rid of/donate unless it isn't working properly. But that's not to say that you can't get lucky and find one that just needs a good cleaning and a new belt.  People discard perfectly good items all the time! As for undergarments and swimsuits, I don't think you're necessarily going to "catch something," but I can't say I've ever bought either of those second hand. Although, if I did see a cute swimsuit, I might pick it up.  If you're in a position where you can only afford underwear second hand, if washed properly, it's definitely not going to kill you. Would I do it? I don't think so; I've got enough underwear to last me a while, and a husband who does laundry pretty often!

The categories I don't know enough about are tires, wet suits, helmets, photo lenses and lights, but I can't say that I would completely write those off either. It's all about using your own judgement and your senses (if it's smelly or stained that's a dead give away!), having a good eye, being willing to put some "elbow grease" into the item (cleaning it, painting it, tightening it, finding/replacing a part) and taking a chance! Buying second hand can be challenging, thrilling, satisfying and FUN if you open your mind to it!