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subscribe to style file blog via RSSThriftiness Is Next To Godliness
August 24, 2009 4:24 pm
We welcomed the news in WWD this morning that the economy is on the uptick. Apparently, Alan Greenspan always thought men’s underwear sales could predict swings in consumer spending, and consumers are spending more on boxers and briefs. But just in case the former Fed chairman has it wrong, we’ve got a copy of Lauren Weber’s new book In Cheap We Trust: The Story of a Misunderstood American Virtue on our nightstand. Not to be confused with Ellen Ruppel Shell’s Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture, Weber’s new book champions thriftiness. No, it wasn’t born of the recession but of a heartfelt, inherited commitment to under-consumption. (We’ve been friends since we were both at Wesleyan and I heard about the project in its early stages circa November ‘07.) Her father was frugal in the extreme, using a single tea bag a dozen times and keeping the thermostat at a brisk 50 degrees, and all of his scrimping and saving eventually wore off on Weber. She relates the thrills of scoring a pair of Gucci pants at a $3-a-bag church sale in the Hamptons, $40 Louboutins from a Long Island yard sale, and a shirt from the late, lamented label Katayone Adeli for $4 at a Connecticut thrift shop. Her message: Frugal spending isn’t just smart, it’s fun—and don’t forget, it’s better for the environment. With fashion week approaching, we couldn’t think of a better person to ask for a few good NYC spots for bargains. After all, you’re going to need some after you buy the season’s must-have thigh boots (Stella McCartney’s are $1,595 and they’re not even leather). Here, Weber’s top three picks:
1. Really Really Free Markets and Freemeets: Bring something, take something, all for free. I’ve found a Diane von Furstenberg silk shirt at one of these events. They’re held regularly and sponsored by Freecycle enthusiasts and groups like the anarchist collective In Our Hearts.
2. Thrift Stop: This unassuming little shop at 400 Third Avenue (at 28th St.) is part of a constellation of thrift stores in the E. 23rd St. area. It recently upped its game by building a dressing room. I’ve seen many pairs of Donald J. Pliner sandals here, sadly not in my size.
3. Salvation Army store in Astoria, Queens: The size of a football field. This place rewards diligence and patience. I once found an Agnès B. spring wool coat for $15; five years later, I still get compliments on it all the time. I also regularly see labels like Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Tam. It’s at 34-02 Steinway Street. When you’re done shopping, recharge at the Egyptian cafés up the street.
tags: Lauren Weber
