Being Envied Is A Solitary Form Of Reassurance

Outside the Dressing Room

My room is a disaster. A disaster that consists of Marc Jacobs shirts covering my ottoman chair, Betsey Johnson shoes on my night table, a Mat & Nat purse crowing the top of my mountainous pile of clothes and a Zara dress that has made its home on my lampshade. I have a problem...I know...but if there is cure I don't want it.
I work at a Consignment store, where there is no escaping the new arrivals and of course the great prices. I've worked there long enough to see it all and impulsively buy it all. While my mother says I'm making excuses when I defend my shopaholic ways in saying "The price was right", "It's one of a kind", "It's vintage", "It was Let's Make a Deal Sale", and her favorite one "I have nothing to wear" the excuses go on as my closet quickly becomes its own boutique.

Now, since seeing the severe condition of the economy and experiencing it first hand, I'm glad to say that I at least don't have to worry about how I can keep my wardrobe updated. I can't help but want to share this knowledge with any chic stranger that I meet, especially when I can tell them that "Yes, this is Chanel, I got it for $10 dollars."

In these stores with some searching, you might find what your are looking for or as some people say it might find you. I think I've kept this secret long enough and considering the economic situation, I'll let you in on what I know.
So here's what I am going to do for you, with a little bit of guidance you my broke and savvy fashionista will find a sanctuary in one if not most of these Consignment/Thrift/Antique stores...so let me show you all the emporiums near you, but before I start, here are some rules that might help.

Serendipity is the first and most important rule of the game.

Patience, patience, patience don't expect to find EXACTLY what you're looking for right away, it's like an egg hunt, just keep looking. If you can't think you can keep looking and you've given up then go back to Wal-Mart.

Don't be afraid to ask for a bargain, if it's $10 ask if you can have it for $7, also ask how their markdowns work. Do they go half in a month, 2 months and do they have any sales? *hint-if you find any defects on your items, that's the perfect time to ask for a discount.*

Don't just shop in one, shop them ALL, then you can see which one has the better shoes, purses, designer, etc.

Try them on!!!! Most stores have a policy of all purchases are final meaning they don't have returns or exchanges.

Home decor for less than $5.

Look a sale! I bought a shirt that was
Org.$175 for $1...um serendipity.

More home decor...

Faux Fur you can't
believe it's not real
One of my favorites
Vintage dresses with embroidery.
Those articles of clothing are timeless
and deserve a home.

Goodwill
There is nothing I can say about Goodwill
it has everything and anything
with just the right hint of
old lady smell.

Those shoes are mine!
Who knew Carlos Santana was a
jack of all trades
he makes music and stylish shoes.

Silk City
Antiques and Decor






Before I left Silk City I overheard a conversation
This elderly woman told her friend that
she no longer had any interest in collecting antiques,
then after a long pause said maybe because she is one.
I wanted to hug her and say if you are one
I'd buy you.
There is a God...



Even my camera got excited.
Northampton


I love lamps with one burnt bulb.
Skinny jeans for $20
Flasks for $15
I didn't buy a thing

My beloved used bookstore,
a must for all my dear bookworms.

A touristy picture
The "chic" dollar store
I Love
The owner of Uncle Margaret's gives you a
quiz before you leave on a topic
of your choice :Geography, Art, History etc.,
then rewards you with whatever is laying around...
I forgot my pillow.
I Love
Cavities
This would of stopped even Winona
from shoplifting


Moments like these make
you want to believe in true love