Comments on: I am not a Recessionista: Thrifting is a way of life, not some fad

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 05:07:59 +0000

I’m not really a thrifter, nor a “recessionista” whatever that means. But your last paragraph here is really inspiring. =)
Bonnie´s last blog ..Field trip Fridays: the beach

By: Gwen

Gwen — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:22:25 +0000

I found your post via Wardrobe refashion.

My parents arn’t poor in any sense, but our whole family is frugal (for example, most of my aunts own outright their homes in an upscale suburb of seattle, but have been thrift shopping for the vast majority of their clothes for years). I have tons of great clothes (vast majority 2nd hand) and get compliments almost every day (if I try at all in the morning, I get at least 3 a day).

I live on the east coast these days and am amazed daily
a) how new most people’s clothes are
b) how lame most peoples clothes are

Growing up in Seattle having put together somthing totally unique that really suits you was respected like crazy (the coolest of cool), while having something generic and easily purchasable was consdiered bland, and paying a lot for something because of the brand was down right contemptible. Given increasing sustainabilty arguments, I wish this viewpoint could catch on more widely.

Bottom line: “slumming it” with the bohemian starving artists, etc becomes more “trendy” when the middle class/rich can’t afford anything else. In a way, I feel like there is a chance for real change in attitudes if life-time thrifters can step up and appropriate the current media buzz. We can do “recessionista” better than Kim Kardashian/Hollywood: we’ve been researching it for years. We should be giving advice. Own your expertise!

By: Edris

Edris — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:32:45 +0000

Great article. I just got done ranting with my hubby about how people that have never been on budgets but are suddenly forced to be on them now are trying to make these times trendy & cool. Hey, I just thought of something, maybe that's how they are coping. They are even giving advice - PA-LEASE stop the insanity. We've been here for years. I just found you via Wardrobe Refashion. I didn't grow up poor, I would say the low end of middle class but I somehow got the frugal gene from my grandmother that skipped my mother:) I started hitting thrift stores in college because you could find unique quality articles. I also enjoy sewing and believe it is a creative expression no matter how you do it. Keep up the good work. Can't wait to read more. Edris’s last blog post..New Additions to My Sewing Library

By: Abby

Abby — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 05:02:32 +0000

I know what you’re saying, I’ve always loved thrifting and always will. However, I work at a department store and where I work, I haven’t seen any ads denoting “recession chic” or any other catch phrases that have mostly been coined by journalists. I think it’s simple, people want to spend less money, so stores need to cater to their customer.
Don’t get me wrong though, it’s not my favorite place to shop, the quality of the fabrics are always lacking and a lot of their “sales” are not really sales at all, such as signs that say “originally $80, marked down to $23.99″. I don’t understand how people fall for it. It was never sold for $80. In fact, it’s always been $23.99 since the day it arrived at the store.
But there is a certain joy that I get when shopping there (comparable to thrift stores) in the clearance racks. There’s nothing like getting a new skirt for $1.97, or a dress for $3.99, even if it’s a winter sweater in the middle of July. A lot of thrift stores don’t even sell clothes that cheap.
What I’m saying is, department stores and mass merchandising aren’t the antithesis of personal style. If you are creative with your style, you can make a department store find look just as unique as a vintage find.
That probably didn’t flow very well but I think you know what I mean.

By: jenthunder!

jenthunder! — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:07:12 +0000

Wow! So articulate and great discussion of class and fashion! Thank you so much Diana for putting some strong well informed and knowledgeable opinions out there- it’s really hard to do and intimidating to rock the boat, but I’m sure everyone is so glad you provided some fantastic analysis!

By: Ada

Ada — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 06:50:08 +0000

Amen, sister.

By: Lily Mathilda

Lily Mathilda — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:13:35 +0000

Oh, I agree with everything you mentioned. This is a powerful post.

By: Kaitlyn Stuart

Kaitlyn Stuart — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 06:57:04 +0000

Long time lurker, first time poster. I just had to say thanks to Diana for this awesome post, and thanks to everyone who left such great comments, because I’m now more inspired than ever to rely on my creative/crafty abilities to spice up my wardrobe. It’s definitely time for me to stop equating my lack of funds with a lack of personal style. I’ve got knitting needles, and I know how to use ‘em. Now to learn to sew…

By: Ruth H

Ruth H — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 04:21:25 +0000

So true – loved the article! I think anyone coming from a poor family has the opportunity to be creative and think out of the box. Especially to creatively use what you have.
I many ways I am glad I grew up poor…it taught me a lot about managing the money and resources you have and learning new skills.

By: Nikki

Nikki — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:02:52 +0000

I’m nodding my head here in total agreement! Thanks for the great post, i’m going to link to it from Wardrobe Refashion.