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annik
POSTED: Sat, 04/18/2009 - 4:30pm
Shopping on a budget
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FRENCH WOMAN'S MANIFESTO
French women don't often weigh themselves, preferring to keep track with their hands, eyes, and clothes: "zipper syndrome."
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Ava
POSTED: Tue, 08/02/2011 - 6:21am
Somehow
over the past year or so, I have gone from buying designer clothes (at designer prices...even if reduced at outlet villages!) to not having bought a full priced item ... and 99% of things I have bought have been for under £5 at charity shops. I now have a brilliant wardrobe of things I can wear (instead of just looking at all willowy, because they cost so much to buy and were such precious fabrics (hand beading / silk / light colours) I daren't wear them anywhere!) I've now sold most of my designer clothes via eBay and have used the funds to do things such as experiences or trips away. I now have photos galore and fond memories of these trips ... something to look at instead of clothes hanging on rails. I still have a few designer pieces that I do wear (e.g. a gorgeous cream silk Ralph Lauren blouse, Salvatore Ferragamo aligator slingback pumps, a black Christian Dior pencil skirt etc - things that will last a lifetime). I've learnt that designer clothes don't always make you feel a million dollars! Sometimes, all it takes is being your own style guru and knowing you look très chic :-)Kimberly
POSTED: Sun, 05/20/2012 - 11:41am
Ava...
Are you still following this philosophy? I have found many designer clothes at charity shops here. You'd be surprised what you can find. Once you get that fabulous basic wardrobe then you get to focus the rest on these lovely experiences.Ava
POSTED: Sun, 05/20/2012 - 3:17pm
Hi Kimberly
Yes, I still follow this philosophy and have been selling things I don't wear on eBay. I have the perfect 'capsule' wardrobe (which is made up of designer and classic clothes bought entirely from charity shops ... with just a few designer pieces I bought from new that are timeless classics ... oh and undies, shoes etc I've bought new!)It's been a therapeutic trip!
JSB
POSTED: Tue, 08/02/2011 - 2:15pm
Ava
I love your story.Love designer things myself but not in that league.For me it is the look for less.And I have one or two designer items that I got for a song.It is really is satisfying being your own fashion guru.OXOAva
POSTED: Tue, 08/02/2011 - 2:20pm
You're right Jean,
It is satisfying! I also love the fact that I don't look like everyone else on the high street; I buy older clothes and vintage (from the days when clothes were made of natural fibre and not fabric that looks like it'll catch fire no sooner you step out into the sun!)Marilyn
POSTED: Fri, 07/29/2011 - 10:44am
Slipped
Having not intended to buy anything until I have my outfit for our daughter's wedding I slipped today when I saw a lovely navy and white pinstriped waistcoat which is just what I need to wear with my navy straight legged jeans in the Autumn. Not only did it fit but was reduced to £25.00 from £89.95!!! I just couldn't resist.mcormier
POSTED: Sat, 07/30/2011 - 8:29am
Dearest Marilyn...
Sounds fabulous and absolutely necessary! Slipped-Smipped! Enjoy!!!!JSB
POSTED: Fri, 07/29/2011 - 12:07pm
What?!
OMG.That is a bargain.It would have been a crime to let it go.Enjoy.OXOChristineE
POSTED: Mon, 06/27/2011 - 3:35pm
Looking for opinions
I did write earlier I would not be shopping this summer, I've enough clothes and accessories for two women! However...does it count to shop for next winter? I've found some lovely sweaters in my size (hard to come by tall small tops). The colors are perfect, black and ecru, I know I'll get a lot of wear out of them both. Does it count? I really was trying not to shop, but finding things that fit well is like lightening striking.JSB
POSTED: Tue, 06/28/2011 - 8:09am
Here's the question
I ask myself...will I be thinking about and regretting these items for a long time if I don't buy ?If yes,I buy.If no I move on.BTW,I do think those sweaters are great.oxoMarilyn
POSTED: Mon, 06/27/2011 - 4:26pm
Believe me
You should get it when you see it as when the season changes it will have gone and you will regret not buying it.ChristineE
POSTED: Tue, 06/28/2011 - 8:01am
I got them! And it turned out
I got them! And it turned out the items were an additional 30 percent off! It was a terrific buy! I will put them away and I'm sure I will be so happy next fall when I re-discover them!JSB
POSTED: Tue, 06/28/2011 - 8:11am
Oh well done!
My reply is a bit late(See above)That is a fab.deal.oxoChristineE
POSTED: Thu, 06/30/2011 - 9:24pm
Sweaters arrived late this
Sweaters arrived late this afternoon. I must be the very last stop for my postman! Sometimes I get nothing at all, I would swear he looks to see if anything can't wait until the next day and heads for home! Anyway, the sweaters are lovely. I can already see they will get a lot of use this fall/winter. I'm so glad I bought them. Thanks for your help!!JSB
POSTED: Fri, 06/24/2011 - 9:44am
Trying to shop less
and actually succeeding.BUT I NEED undies.I buy good things and they last a long time.But most of my lingerie has reached its "Best by"date.A little treat in store,later today I think.OXOChristineE
POSTED: Fri, 06/24/2011 - 1:49pm
Sorely lacking
I'm terrible when it comes to lingerie. I hate to buy it. My prerogative has been, if I'm going to shop, I want it to be something people will see. I have to work on this!Marilyn
POSTED: Sun, 06/26/2011 - 6:40am
Oh no
You must feel good fom the inside, so beautiful lingerie is essential. It must fit well so a fitting is required. Once you have been fitted properly you will know what to look for when you buy from the high street. I love pretty lingerie but also have some basics for wearing under close fitting clothes where lots of lace might spoil the line.JSB
POSTED: Fri, 06/24/2011 - 3:48pm
You are worth it
Used to feel the same as you do and then decided I wanted to be well dressed from the inside out.Besides you know you have great lingerie on and that will make you feel even more feminine.Another thing I do is to be fitted properly for a bra at least once a year.Makes a real difference.Bit of a speech..sorry.OXOChristineE
POSTED: Sat, 06/25/2011 - 10:26am
That's funny you mentioned a
That's funny you mentioned a bra fitting. My grandmother has been after me to have one, I never have. I've lost about 6 pounds since employing some of the tips gotten from the FWDGF books and I think my bra's are not fitting properly now. I will be working on this! No apologies necessary-I need to hear this!JSB
POSTED: Sat, 06/25/2011 - 1:41pm
Great
Your Gran is right.And each time your weight changes you should be fitted.So go for it.OXOannamey
POSTED: Mon, 07/25/2011 - 4:18pm
My two cents...
I finally went and got fitted about five years ago for the first time since I was in high school. I was wearing nowhere near the correct size (two band sizes and three cup sizes off). Since then, I have never had to worry about falling out of the bottom, or bulging over the top. And, as an added bonus, my dresses and tops fit better, and I look slimmer, even when I'm having problems with the zipper test.Oh, and I actually managed to find pretty bras, instead of the industrial-strength ugliness to which I had been resigned.
Anna
ChristineE
POSTED: Wed, 06/01/2011 - 6:30pm
Shopless summer
I've just unpacked all my summer clothes...it took all afternoon to sort through and hang them. I truly do not need a thing! Well, just one thing...self control! I really want to try to wear what I own for the entire summer. Wish me luck!snorklee
POSTED: Wed, 06/01/2011 - 9:20pm
Good luck!
Hi Christine and welcome. I'm trying to do the same thing. Unfortunately, some of my summer things don't fit anymore. Winter was not kind. So I'm also using self-control to get back into my clothes. lol. Good luck!ChristineE
POSTED: Thu, 06/23/2011 - 3:46pm
Help!
There is a handbag on Kate Spade's website that I am really coveting. It's a great sale-more than 1/2 off and free shipping...but I did say not too long ago I don't need anything and wasn't going to shop this season. Do I need this bag? No. Is it gorgeous? Yes. Do I have a small Kate Spade handbag problem? Yes. Stop me!!JSB
POSTED: Thu, 06/23/2011 - 7:22pm
Oh Lord!!
Kate Spade bags....how to resist?Good luck;-)))ChristineE
POSTED: Thu, 06/23/2011 - 7:30pm
Phew. I went to hospital to
Phew. I went to hospital to visit my grandmother (nothing too serious, she should be released tomorrow and the urge has now passed. Thanks!JSB
POSTED: Thu, 06/23/2011 - 11:55pm
Good deed
Glad your grandmother will be well.Maybe that's the thing..craving for anything,bag,chocolate etc.do a good deed and you loose the craving.OXOMarilyn
POSTED: Fri, 06/24/2011 - 4:21am
Cravings
Well, Jean you should not have any as you are always doing good deeds. So no more excuses LOL.JSB
POSTED: Fri, 06/24/2011 - 9:37am
Good deeds
Ok,ok you are right.The trick lies in doing good deeds for myself.OXOChristineE
POSTED: Wed, 06/08/2011 - 2:07pm
Self-control
What a treat today-my grandmother (90 yrs!) stopped by with a collection of vintage jewelry she no longer wants! Just what I needed, some new things to work into last year's wardrobe! I'm in the same boat with regards to self-control. Food tastes good-that's the problem And I have a very healthy appetite. Tomorrow is my annual doctor's exam and every year I vow to lose 8-10 pounds before the next exam. And every year I go in weighing the same (or worse...up a pound or two!) While he assures me I am still in the normal range for my age/height (I am very lucky to be tall, 5'11") I have put on 15 pounds since I got married 23 years ago. Tomorrow I'll be making the same vow, I'm sure!