Vintage Hunters Guide: Crochet, Granny Squares, & Afghans

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On the Road...

Jamaica Souvenir Playing Cards by ValintheValley

Hawaii Souvenir Ashtray by MungerBirchwoodINC

Arizona Souvenir Tray by jacklom3

Owl Texas Souvenir Salt & Pepper Shakers by BabylonSisters

Niagara Falls Souvenir Candy Tin by VintageSurplus

Las Vegas Souvenir Hamburger Plate by pollydoodlesco

God Bless Our Camper Plate by GoodandPlenty

Man, what a bargain - latimes.com

What could be more macho than stalking thrift stores for deals on designer clothing?

By John Lippman

January 25, 2009

It cost me $44.93 to look like a million bucks.

That's how much I spent on the resplendent sampling from my wardrobe I'm currently wearing. The outfit would have easily cost more than $1,000 -- if purchased new from brand-name stores. But the garments all came from thrift stores.

My suit, a charcoal-gray herringbone in mint condition from Brooks Brothers, cost $12.95. A like-new, spread collar, sky-blue dress shirt from Banana Republic cost $2.99. My tie, a rich paisley by Ralph Lauren, was $1.99. A pair of Cole & Haan black wingtips set me back $12.

The suit wasn't perfect. The jacket sleeves were too long. For $15, my trusted tailor, Moses, shortened them for a perfect fit.

I'm a thrift store clothes addict. That makes me a bit of an exception to my gender, based on what I've seen at thrift shops and vintage clothing stores over the years. So, men, here's a chance for you to benefit from something women have known for years: There are great bargains in thrift store clothes if you know where and how to look.

Linda Stephens, who runs the Huntington Collection thrift store in Pasadena, agrees that men have largely avoided shopping for secondhand duds.

"But that is changing because the economy is bad," she said. She's noticed a brisk traffic of men coming through the store looking for shirts, shoes and $25 suits.

"We're talking $1,000 these days for a good men's suit," she said. That's new, of course.

At least 90% of my suits, sport coats, shirts, ties and shoes were purchased at thrift stores. I draw the line at socks and underwear, but I have picked up suspenders, cuff links, hats and even cutaway tails and morning trousers (a newsman must be prepared) in the resale market.

All of these purchases are of the highest quality. I like well-made clothing, but I dislike prices that require me to be well-heeled. If I had purchased my clothes new, the tab would have easily jumped into the thousands. But my annual total wardrobe investment, as a result of strategic thrift store shopping, runs less than the cost of a couple of suits at Nordstrom's.

Soaring sales

As the recession cuts deeper into our wallets, more people appear to be buying preowned fashions. A survey of members by the National Assn. of Resale and Thrift Shops showed a jump of more than 35% in sales during September and October compared with year-prior levels.

But it didn't take a recession to get me into thrift stores.

Years ago I fell into the habit of acquiring things that had previous owners. It began with stocking my library with books from used bookstores. Next came the purchase of a used -- excuse me, "preowned" -- car.

Then one day, having time to kill, I strayed into a Goodwill store in Pasadena next to the tire shop where my car's flat was getting fixed. Noticing a rack of suits, I slipped on a couple out of curiosity. To my surprise, they fit, were in excellent condition and cost less than a week's worth of lattes from Starbucks.

To start shopping for secondhand clothes, you need to know the terrain.

First, all thrift stores are not created equal.

At the bottom of the pecking order are the ubiquitous Goodwill Industries and the Out of the Closet stores, which tend to put anything and everything on the rack. As a result, finding a high-quality suit at one of these stores is a bit like finding a needle in a haystack.

On the middle-and-upper end of the scale are the thrift shops operated by charities, including the Council Thrift Shops run by the National Council of Jewish Women, the House of Return operated by Beit T'Shuvah charity and the American Cancer Society's Discovery Shops. These stores often stock designer clothing donated by well-heeled members, not just someone's old socks and T-shirts.

At the upper end are specialty vintage clothing stores, such as Aardvarks and It's a Wrap, which sells studio wardrobe clothing at steep discounts, though at higher prices than a nonprofit organization would.

I steer clear of EBay, arguably the world's biggest thrift store. It's always a risk to buy clothing without trying it on first. A satisfying winning bid doesn't count for much if the jacket or slacks ultimately don't fit.

What's it worth?

Next, you need to know the going rates.

Thrift store economies mean you should generally be able to buy a suit for under $20, a sport coat for around $12, pants for no more than $10 and shirts for no higher than $6.

At some thrift stores a high-end, brand-name suit can run $30 to $40 -- and in some instances even more than $100. But all the prices tend to work out to 10% to 20% of an item's value if purchased new.

A quick check lays out the savings. A new Brooks Brothers suit can run around $1,000; a new Polo herringbone blazer commands about $1,300; a new Hickey Freeman suit can sell for more than $1,500; and a J. Press suit is about $800. These are not newsman-friendly prices, especially if a newsman desires to own more than a single garment.

But I recently scored that herringbone Brooks Brothers suit for $12.95 at the Goodwill on Fairfax, and a J. Press chalk pinstripe for $29.95 at Out of the Closet in Glendale. If I didn't admit these facts in print, none would be the wiser.

There are also some land mines out there.

For starters, give the article of clothing a close inspection, looking for holes, tears and stains -- especially on those pinstripe suits. I'm still smarting from the time I paid $19 for a Paul Stuart seersucker suit only to discover a hole in the trousers the size of a quarter.

Questionable merchandise is usually not a problem at upper-end thrift stores, but pay special attention at the chains that stock everything.

The best days to find new inventory are Monday and Tuesday because that's when the weekend donations make it onto the floor.

And, between you and me, the best thrift stores tend to be located in upscale areas. You're more likely to find that $1,000 suit in Beverly Hills than in, well, you know where.

It's also important to be patient. If you're going to buy your clothes at thrift stores you have to put up with the sometimes frustrating task of inspecting racks brimming with discardable items to find the genuine, quality article. After all, 99% of the clothing in a thrift store is probably not something you would ever want to wear.

'Keep coming back'

"It's about the treasure hunt," says Arlene Ford, a manager at House of Return in Culver City. "It's not like shopping Ross or Nordstrom. You have to keep coming back."

"It doesn't work for the guy who has to show up tomorrow morning in a business suit looking perfect," Ford said. "That's part of the joy of people coming back day after day. Thrift-store shopping is more of an experience."

In my years of shopping secondhand, I've learned that the common perception that thrift stores are stocked with raggedy clothes meant for the destitute is just plain wrong.

The truth is, most of the men's clothing found in these stores is perfectly acceptable.

"Women are the deciders," says Ford at the House of Return. "They are the ones who go through their husbands' closets and decide when [their spouses] are done with it."

john.lippman@latimes.com

Turn your skills or your stuff into extra cash - cnn.com

• Story Highlights
• Some people who need extra cash are selling crafts or belongings
  
• There are Web sites where you can set up a virtual store
  
• Some Web sites narrow items to crafts, wedding-related items
  
• Consignment stores are good places to sell clothing or furniture
  

By Jen Haley
CNN

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Jessica Marquez was facing the exorbitant expense of living in New York City with nothing but a newly minted Masters of Arts degree and $70,000 in student loan debt.

The recent transplant to the Big Apple has the enthusiasm of someone with her whole life ahead of her, but as bills rolled in, so did reality: Her day job as an image archivist at a Chelsea art gallery just wasn't cutting it.

So to earn extra income, Marquez, 27, started selling her embroidered artwork online at Etsy.com.

"It's become an obsession," she laughs. "My boyfriend says he's widowed to Etsy."

Etsy.com is an online marketplace for homemade goods. Sellers create a profile on the site and upload photos of the crafts they want to sell. There's a 20 cent per item listing fee and Etsy.com takes 3.5 percent commission on sales.

On the site you can find handmade candles, needlepoint, pottery and purses. "People are really passionate about what they make and the DIY movement," says Adam Brown at Etsy.com. Plus, it's a way to make some extra cash. And that's what Brown says is fueling the site's popularity.

Marquez had never sold anything online before. But the process wasn't difficult, and then of course, there's the paycheck. To date, she figures she made about $600.

"I had no idea if people would be able to find me and actually like what I do," she says.

"I was so shocked when I made my first sale. I did a dance. When I do make sales, it makes me feel like I can do this! Maybe I can be my own boss."

Selling your stuff online may not allow you quit your day job, but more people are finding that it's a viable way of making ends meet.

And that's a trend that's likely to continue says Ina Steiner, who runs the e-commerce and online auction industry newsletter, AuctionBytes.com.

"Some people got into selling online because they got laid off or they needed to make extra cash. I definitely foresee that people will be selling more online to make a little extra cash and buying online to save more money," says Steiner.

Aside from eBay -- which Steiner says can be challenging for newbies -- there are a number of smaller venues that make it easy for casual sellers to make a buck.

Bonanzle.com

This is a very visual and shopper-friendly online marketplace, says Steiner. It's geared toward more unusual items such as collectibles, antiques, unique fabrics or furniture. You can sell your items at a fixed price but there's also a live booth chat feature that lets buyers and sellers haggle back and forth. Listing is free and your item remains posted until it's sold, or until you remove it. You will pay a fee when your stuff is sold.

eCrater.com

You can create your own online store for free at this online marketplace. Upload your photos and descriptions of the things you want to sell. You'll be able to customize the look of your "store" with different color templates and fonts. There's also a feature to allow sellers who list on other venues to import listings to eCrater.com. Listing is free and you don't pay any fees.

IdoNowIDont.com

If your engagement didn't work out, you can sell that ring or other jewelry on this Web site. It was created by a guy whose own engagement was broken off. Items for sale also include wedding dresses, watches or necklaces.

Woreitonce.com

This site specializes in selling used wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses or other special-occasion gowns. There's a $25 listing fee and you can upload photos and descriptions of the dress you want to sell. Dresses on this site generally sell for less than $1000 says founder, Eva Lo.

For sellers, Steiner recommends visiting a number of sites to see what layout and design is most appealing, before listing with a service. Check out the forums and see what people are complaining about or discussing. And don't be afraid to ask for help. Other sellers are usually pretty friendly.

Consignment shops

If you don't have some specialized items and you don't want to sell things separately in a virtual marketplace or a yard sale, there are good old brick and mortar stores where someone else will handle reselling your lightly used clothes.

Here's how it typically works: You drop off your items at a consignment store and when they are sold, you get a percentage of the proceeds.

For example, if you bring in a leather coat, you may be given 50 percent of the final price if it sells within 30 days. If it takes longer than one month, the shop may drop the price and you may only get 40 percent of the final price. Generally after 90 days, you have to pick it up or give it up, says Susanne Dennis of Consignmentshops.com.

But there are rules. You can't just drop off any old, tattered thing.

"Consignment stores aren't looking for old things," says Dennis. They want things that are in demand for the current or upcoming season. Go through your closet in February for what you're not going to wear this spring. That's the way to approach your merchandise.

Designer clothing, shoes, purses and jackets are typical consignment fare, but some stores will also stock furniture, toys and accessories. If you're interested in selling at a consignment store, Dennis recommends you spread out your wares over a few stores. And before you do any business with a shop, check out the organization with the Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no complaints on file.

Fashion books give stylish insights - postgazette.com

Fashion books give stylish insights

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

By LaMont Jones, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The cover of Born-Again Vintage.

Several recently released fashion and style books might make wonderful holiday gifts -- or a treat for yourself.

You probably haven't heard of Ike Ude, a Nigerian-born artist, filmmaker, photographer, writer and editor of aRUDE Magazine.

His work is showcased in the New Yorker's hefty coffee table tome, "Style File: The World's Most Elegantly Dressed"(Collins Design, $65). Inside are brief profiles, including large, captivating color and black-and-white photos and easy-to-read Q&As on 55 folks from around the world whom he considers style arbiters.

It's an impressive list, including fashionably influential but obscure people known only to the most informed. A handful of designers made the cut, among them John Galliano, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Christian Louboutin, Mary McFadden and London corset king Mr. Pearl (Mark Pullin). There are also models, journalists, celebrities and other creative types, ranging from perfumer Frederic Malle and actress Isabella Ferrari to burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese and Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley.

The profiles alone make the book worth the price, but the 223-page opus provides more. There are annotated albums featuring the work of famed photographers such as Francesco Scavullo, Coreen Simpson, and Maripol. And Ude examines several periods notable for fashion in illustrated essays, including the Motown look and Belle Epoque.

The seriousness of the book is reflected in prestigious contributors who are not known to lend their names to just any piece of work. In the foreword, Valerie Steele, director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, describes Ude as "the black prince of elegance" who is "exquisitely aware of the performative nature of fashion."

Harold Koda, curator-in-charge of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, explains why the book matters as more than a collection of fashion pictures and personalities.

"The creative possibilities of dress as a personally expressive medium are available to us all," he writes in a five-page introduction. "Because even a gesture suggesting an inattention to fashion -- say, pulling on an unwashed T-shirt with sweat pants and flip-flops to pick up the Sunday morning paper -- is a statement of attitude and identity. Nuanced narratives are articulated through dress and position us in relation to others."

---

There's been a dramatic growth in the popularity of vintage fashion over the past decade, with more references on runways as designers exhibit a fascination with nostalgia.

But how do you breathe new life into period-dated, era-related pieces? Emerging fashion designer Bridgett Artise's solution is to cut them up and creatively stitch them back together with pieces of other garments for up-to-the-minute style.

With help from Miami-based free-lance writer Jen Karetnick, Artise tells you how in "Born-Again Vintage: 25 Ways to Deconstruct, Reinvent, and Recycle Your Wardrobe" (Potter Craft, $24.95).

"My niche is bringing together the matchless quality of vintage with a dash of trendiness and edge to create a fashion-forward conversation piece," says Artise, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology and creator of the B. Artise Originals fashion brand in 2000.

The 144-page book includes instructions and photos that show how looks can be remade for each season, plus tips on doing vintage accessories right. There's also a handy list of chain craft and used clothing stores, such as Jo-Ann Fabrics, Goodwill and Plato's Closet, as well as a state-by-state directory of vintage outfitters that includes Crimes of Fashion, Hey Betty! And Yesterday's News in Pittsburgh.

If the book's title sounds like a reference to faith, it is.

"The personal challenges I've conquered have given me new faith not only in life but in my own abilities," she says. "Prior to designing, I did very little that associated my passion for fashion with a career, and my path was somewhat foggy and unclear. However, through the pain of losing a loved one, my interest in clothing design came to the fore as a coping mechanism. 'Born-again' for me means being given a second chance at happiness. It is, therefore, no accident that I use old clothing in my designs."

---

Even the fashion-challenged can benefit from Isaac Mizrahi's latest book, "How to Have Style" (Gotham Books, $30).

Hundreds of instructive, often humorous color and black-and-white photos throughout the 223-page paperback illustrate how real women -- not towering, reed-thin catwalk models -- can turn the page to a new chapter of chic, regardless of how they categorize themselves.

With his trademark wit and extensive knowledge base, Mizrahi addresses 12 specific scenarios, ranging from how to have style when you're on a budget or when you're traveling on business to when you're waking up "from a jeans coma."

Also valuable: Sections that describe and illustrate wardrobe must-haves in footwear, handbags, jewelry, watches and bras.

For women, Mizrahi is to fashion what Richard Simmons is to fitness with his straight-talk, almost-Smurfy approach.

He begins the book by telling women how to be inspired, how to describe and discover their style and how to find their own style team. But before any of that, he stresses, they have to accept themselves as they are.

"I have something to say, girls," he writes in a brief preface. "Before you can think about having style, you have to learn to look in the mirror and like what you see. Too many women are taught to hate the way they look and are encouraged to change everything about themselves from their lips to their bust sizes. I can give you all my style tips and ideas about your hair, makeup, and dress, but none of this is going to do anything for you if you don't learn to accept yourself and love who you are."

Post-Gazette fashion editor LaMont Jones can be reached at ljones@post-gazette.com or at 412-263-1469.

First published on December 10, 2008 at 12:00 am

Retro back in fashion again - tampabay.com

By Austin Bogues, Times Staff Writer

Published Friday, December 19, 2008 3:44 PM

---

ST. PETERSBURG

In her search for the perfect holiday party dress, Jessica Shrader wanted something that would be different, yet classic.

When she and her boyfriend rode past and a saw a sale sign at Buffalo Gal Vintage she decided to stop for a look.

"It was incredible," Shrader, 23, said. "I had no idea what I was going to find." There it was, the perfect black dress, for $134.

The style of the dress Shrader bought mimics vintage fashion, like something Audrey Hepburn might wear in Breakfast at Tiffany's. "It's just timeless," Shrader said.

The shop's owner, Desiree Sheridan, knows a few things about vintage and retro looks. Her store specializes in refurbishing old garments into the classic, stylish looks that are making a comeback. Sheridan worked in theater for years in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Over time she acquired scores of old costumes and outfits from estate auctions. She restores each garment to its original condition, or matches it with a similar set from the same era.

"I make it mainstream, so you can incorporate it into today's wardrobe," said Sheridan, who has experience working at antiques malls and opened the shop three months ago on Martin Luther King Jr. Street N.

"It was a big risk, going into business in the midst of a recession," Sheridan, 46, said. But she's confident that the growing interest in retro fashions will sustain her venture.

The retro inventory in Sheridan's shop includes clothing dating from the 1880s up through the 1970s. The shop also sells shoes, lingerie, handbags, ties, jackets and other apparel.

Some of the items look as though they could clothe the cast of The Great Gatsby or a country western drama. Some are inexpensive, equivalent to the price of a dress off the rack from JCPenney or Dillard's.

Sheridan does a great deal of research to make sure the restoration of the garments is accurate.

"She's got an encyclopedia mind," said Emily Miller, 24, who has worked as a seamstress for Sheridan. "She knows exactly what period and what the history of a piece of clothing is."

Most dresses have to be hand-sewn because they are so intricately made. Then, there are also large dry cleaning bills before clothes hit the rack.

In addition to the vintage clothing, Sheridan's business also offers pin-up photography, letting customers pose in retro wear. She works with several photographers such as Rachel Baker, 33, who specializes in fashion photography. "It's kind of like fairy tale-ish," said Baker.

Last week, she worked with model Justina Guggino, 24, on a variety of photos in Sheridan-provided clothing. "I just think the whole style is coming back, everything from the 1940s," she said.

While vintage costume styles may be in demand, the number of shops that sell a wide range of this type of retro apparel is limited. Sheridan's closest competitor is across the bay — Jill Wax's La France in Ybor City.

Wax's store has been in business for more than 35 years, over which time she has seen the cyclical trends of fashion: "Your 1920s was reproduced in the 1970s; your 30s was reproduced in the 1980s."

Wax said that the most popular decades young customers come looking for today are from the 1960s and 1940s. "You have that popular '60s show Mad Men now and a lot of kids come in for clothing like that," she said.

Austin Bogues can be reached at abogues@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8872.

If you go

Buffalo Gal Vintage is at 1219 Martin Luther King Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg. Visit www.buffalogal
vintage.com or call (727) 290-8468.

Kitsch, but classy: Vintage-clothing seller Holly Pickering has given her 1950s memorabilia a sophisticated home -independant.co.uk

Interview by Rhiannon Harries
Sunday, 7 December 2008

I approach my house the same way I approach the way I dress. A lot of people expect me to wear head-to-toe vintage but I've always found it more interesting to mix retro and contemporary than to go for historical fidelity. It leaves more room for personality and means that every last detail doesn't have to be completely perfect.

This is the room that sold this house in north London to me – there's lots of light but it's soft and peaceful. It's our main living space so it isn't a considered, put-together room at all, but I'm pleased with the way that it has evolved slowly. My boyfriend is really keen on 1950s kitsch, whereas I try to keep things a little more understated. I think we have the balance right – the wackier objects are offset by the calm colour scheme and the natural wooden floor. It's lively, but hopefully it's also quite sophisticated.

We've both been really lucky in that we have inherited lots of wonderful things from our families. The old Japanese pachinko machine on the wall is from the 1950s and was given to us by my boyfriend's father, who found it at Camden Market. The chicken perching on top is a reissue of a 1950s game – you shoot at it and it lays an egg. Most of the time it's just decorative but when we have kids – or men, in fact – round to visit it's the instant entertainment corner.

The wooden chair belonged to my grandmother and when she passed away I wanted to keep one thing to remind me of her house. It looks different here, though – as if it was made to be tucked into a bay window. It goes well with the 1940s Japanese picnic hamper, which my grandfather brought back from Japan, where he spent his childhood.

The animal skulls on the shelf belong to my boyfriend. He collects them because he likes their sculptural quality. They are all animals that have died of natural causes and he gets them from a company that supplies them as props for TV and film. The fish is a piranha from the Amazon and was a present – it's been preserved and sealed but it still seems to drive our cat wild, which is worrying.

The glassware is all 50p charity-shop finds that I pick up when I am back home in the north-east. There, I think people are put off by anything that reminds them of their grandparents' houses, but I think if you put it in a modern context you can transform a piece and make it feel relevant again. So while they are all chucking this stuff out, I am there buying it all up.

www.freudianslipsvintage.co.uk

Sneaky Shopper Secrets - abcnews.com

Super-Secret Ways to Save on Holiday Gifts

BY COURTNEY CHAPMAN

Dec. 7, 2008 —

This holiday season, many Americans are looking for ways to cut down on spending, but getting great gifts for your loved ones doesn't have to cost a fortune. "Good Morning America Weekend" has teamed up with Shop Smart Magazine to help you with your holiday shopping.

Be like a shopping spymaster and prevent overspending with these super-secret ways to save!

Cut Out the Middleman

Boutiques carry handmade gifts from artisans and crafters, but you can save by purchasing directly from the source. www.Etsy.com is like the world's largest craft fair. Etsy is a venue for connecting buyers and sellers and is not directly involved in purchases, so there is no third-party mark-up on prices. These handmade gifts are unique, the prices tend to be reasonable. Since you buy directly from artists and crafters who set up their own shops on the site, you can also find out how an item was made.

Buy Refurbished Products

Save money on coveted electronics by buying a refurb. The refurb market is no longer filled with fly-by-nights. Trustworthy brands like Apple, Amazon and Sony are selling refurbished versions of their products. Also, check return policies. Crutchfield and Amazon.com offer full-refund guarantees on refurbs returned within 30 days. It's safest to buy refurbs from a reputable retailer or a manufacturer; you should not rely on your credit card for extra protection, since many don't cover refurbs.

Buy in Bulk

If you don't want to be a Scrooge and cross friends and neighbors off your shopping list, save your money by buying gifts as a pack and then individualizing.

Trick Kids With Size

Their "big ticket" gifts don't have to be big in price. Kids are often fooled by size -- thinking the more room presents take up under the tree, the more fun and flashy they are. So this year, buy big inexpensive gifts like art easels or snow sleds.

Google Your Way to Savings

There is no longer a need to ever pay full price. Before you check out online, Google "promotion code" and the name of the product to find additional savings.

Let the Internet Find Sales for You

These days, you no longer have to go in person or online to your favorite stores to find out when they're having a sale. Web sites like shopittome.com will do it for you. Email alerts will keep you in the know when your favorite stores are offering big markdowns.

Get Cash Back

Free-membership Web sites, such as Ebates.com and MyPoints.com offer cash back for making purchases that you were already planning to buy. Just sign into their Web site, then shop with their listed merchants, like Target, Banana Republic and Barnes and Noble. Plus, you can earn points that you can redeem for rewards or gift certificates on future purchases.

Arts & Crafty: Budget-minded gifts at Etsy - latimesblogs.latimes.com

05:19 PM PT, Dec 5 2008

If you think of calendars as gifts that shout "I didn't know what to get you," check out these ideas from artisans at www.etsy.com.

Satsumalynn has a wall calendar inspired by Japanese textiles perfect for fans of letterpress. It's $44, and you can see a photo below. Another, CecilyInk had a $14 printed calendar, whose modern graphics in pumpkin, chartreuse and raspberry, sure to brighten the desk and mood of a co-worker. (Photo at right.)

Scouting around for deals on Etsy, you'll also find personalized teacher gift sets by saratams; a calendar that doubles as postcards by SureAsBlue; calendars with reminder lists by pixelimpress; and a letterpress calendar by SycamoreStreetPress that benefits orphans in Ethiopia. Also worth a look are artistscs28, InkspotWorkshop, pistachiopress and TurtlePapers (search for them under "sellers: usernames").

And if your list is bigger than your budget, try littlebrownpen, AnaPapeterie and bluetricycle. For $5, you get a PDF file that lets you print as many calendars as you need. They're perfect as party favors, too.

But don't wait too long to order. You'll find that supplies are limited.

— Jan Molen

Photo credits: Top, courtesy of CecilyInk. Bottom, courtesy of Satsumalynn.

Arts & Crafty: Budget-minded gifts at Etsy - latimesblogs.latimes.com

Arts & Crafty: Budget-minded gifts at Etsy

05:19 PM PT, Dec 5 2008

If you think of calendars as gifts that shout "I didn't know what to get you," check out these ideas from artisans at www.etsy.com.

Satsumalynn has a wall calendar inspired by Japanese textiles perfect for fans of letterpress. It's $44, and you can see a photo below. Another, CecilyInk had a $14 printed calendar, whose modern graphics in pumpkin, chartreuse and raspberry, sure to brighten the desk and mood of a co-worker. (Photo at right.)

Scouting around for deals on Etsy, you'll also find personalized teacher gift sets by saratams; a calendar that doubles as postcards by SureAsBlue; calendars with reminder lists by pixelimpress; and a letterpress calendar by SycamoreStreetPress that benefits orphans in Ethiopia. Also worth a look are artistscs28, InkspotWorkshop, pistachiopress and TurtlePapers (search for them under "sellers: usernames").

And if your list is bigger than your budget, try littlebrownpen, AnaPapeterie and bluetricycle. For $5, you get a PDF file that lets you print as many calendars as you need. They're perfect as party favors, too.

But don't wait too long to order. You'll find that supplies are limited.

— Jan Molen

Photo credits: Top, courtesy of CecilyInk. Bottom, courtesy of Satsumalynn.

Dressing For Recession - npr.org

Day to Day, November 26, 2008 · Retail spending is down — holiday sales are expected to be the worst in 20 years — but one writer and stay-at-home dad found a way to produce new children's clothes on the cheap. Well, at least they're new-looking clothes.

I was walking along a gritty, windswept thoroughfare in one of the outlying neighborhoods of San Francisco when my daughter, holding my hand, suddenly refused to move.

Emmeline pointed at the Salvation Army sign in front of us and protested, "No! I don't want to go to the fabric store!"

Because she is 2 years old and weighs as much as a Furby, I picked her up and went inside the thrift store anyway. Together we thumbed through vintage jackets and the kind of gaudy, sweat-stained blouses that were once high fashion for the Mad Men highball set and their cocktail-party wives.

Now, these oversized castoffs and floral relics are my toddler's clothes.

I call it Recession Wear.

As the economy takes a turn for the worse, our family has changed the way we shop for everyday necessities. Instead of shelling out $40 for the latest Janie and Jack dress or $30 for something from the Gap or Gymboree, we are treating thrift stores like fabric bazaars — buying ancient wool skirts or vibrant cotton sundresses and ripping them apart for the material.

Sure, there is the occasional embarrassing encounter with a worried clerk who wonders what a stumpy, stubble-faced man is doing in the women's section, holding up adult dresses to his daughter's chin — but it's worth it.

A few cuts here, a little elastic there — maybe some delicate pink piping along the hem — and we can produce children's clothes for a tiny fraction of store-bought prices.

My grandparents were raised during the Great Depression and spent the rest of their lives hoarding rubber bands, bacon grease and batteries. It used to fill me with empathy and embarrassment that they would actually rinse out Ziploc bags and reuse them. "Poor people," I thought. "Don't they know there's always more?"

I was raised in the Disposable Generation of Styrofoam boxes and plastic water bottles. If something ran out, you simply got a new one.

But this year, we are re-evaluating not just how we spend our money but also the lessons we pass on to a new generation.

I made Emmeline a skirt the other day out of a men's sport coat once sold exclusively at the Watergate Hotel. You can't buy that kind of fashion statement at Target.

On our most recent trip, Emmeline's glowery mood changed when she happened upon a shirt decorated with farm animals and said, "Ooh, now doesn't this look nice!"

I examined it and agreed, asking, "What do you want to do with it?"

Emmeline twirled her toe on the speckled Formica floor and thought it over for a moment.

A smile widened on her face: "Oh, I think that will make just the prettiest dress."

Her latest outfit cost $1.50.

Vintage Fashion: The New Trend - womenfirst.co.uk

20-11-2008 11:25

If there's one buzz word in the fashion world at the moment, it's 'vintage'. It has become the ultimate trend of the moment, with people cottoning on to the appeal of owning something retro, and in many ways unique.

The funny thing is that some people have been championing vintage clothing for years. They've been rummaging through charity shops, inheriting items from family members and creating their own style for ages, and it's only now that it's been offically given the cool label.

Celebrities such as Kate Moss and Agyness Deyn are huge fans of vintage fashion, as are Sienna Miller, Daisy Lowe, Fearne Cotton and Alexa Chung, which begs the question- how has this failed to be cooler sooner?

Charity shops have seen a surge in shoppers, as people abandon the big names in the hope they will find a rare gem, a designer cast-off or maybe a celebrity inspired outfit for the night. What's also pretty great is that most of the main trends this season are inspired by decades gone by, so you may bag a retro leather jacket from the 50s or a funky fur gilet from the 70s, the choice is yours.

We as a nation love the thrill of uncovering a bargain and charity shops undoubtedly give us that outlet to do so. Where else can you get a sequined mini-dress for less than a tenner? And before you say 'Primark' let me rephrase the question- where else can you get a sequined mini-dress that you are guaranteed not to see on all of your friends?

Specialist vintage shops are also cleaning up with this new boom. Despite always making a modest profit, as the doom and gloom of the recession starts to hit, people will be going to these places to pick up some unique and less pricey items.

The only downside to this fabulous boom in retro fashion is the fact that people are capitalising on this in an uncharitable manner. Claming a pair of manky old knickers are retro and charging a fortune for them is not vintage, it's just wrong, but unfortunately some shops seem to think we are stupid.

The key to bagging a truly vintage piece is to do your research about the shop and what exactly you are looking for, also set aside an amount that you are willing to spend and stick to it!

If you don't fancy hunting around in your local charity shop, or indeed visiting a specialist vintage haunt, then why not try the high-street. Yes, it may sound like an oxymoron trying to find genuine vintage on the high-street, and of course you won't, but you will find some vintage inspired pieces, which can be just as good.

It all comes down to your preferred method of shopping, some tend to mix vintage pieces with high-street finds and create a really funky look. Either way, this is a nice way to introduce yourself into some 'make-do' vintage, if you're unsure of the real thing.

High-street retailer Topshop has its own vintage section in London's Oxford Circus, Miss Selfridge has some gorgeous vintage inspired jewellery and Warehouse seem to have perfected the their range of 1920s art deco inspired dresses.

Considering that experts are predicting the worst for retailers this year, why not spread a little Christmas joy and go and bag yourself a bargain in the process- It will keep you and the retailers very happy this festive season.

FemaleFirst- Laura Terry

Thrift stores often have great gift bargains - sunsentinel.com

Daniel Vasquez | Consumer columnist

November 17, 2008

As you plan your holiday shopping, you might not naturally think about second-hand items for loved ones on your gift list.

But doing so is worth a second thought — especially if you want to save. You'll find something for every budget, and the list of gently-used items available is virtually unlimited.

There are plenty of ways to find bargains on used items in your own neighborhood, including garage sales, thrift stores and pawn shops. You also can try the Web, visiting popular sites such as eBay, Craigslist.org and PropertyRoom.com.

To get a good sense of the kind of used-item bargains to be had, I checked in with the big daddies of thrift stores — the Salvation Army and Goodwill — that give a chunk of their proceeds to charitable causes. That means you can shop for gifts at the same time you make a donation. What better way to spread the holiday spirit?

If you haven't visited one of these stores in South Florida lately — or maybe ever — you might be surprised what kinds of great goods you may find. Respectable-quality items — such as jewelry, clothing and collectibles — can be had at rock-bottom prices.

Shopping for particular items really makes sense, such as maternity and children's clothes since people only wear them for a short time. Other items, like DVDs and books, stand up to wear and can be used repeatedly — so why buy new?

"You never know what you are going to find, that's the fun of shopping at thrift stores like Goodwill," said Cal Miller, vice president of marketing for Gulfstream Goodwill, which operates 16 stores in Palm Beach County. Another seven Goodwill stores are located in Broward County.

"We tend to get busier during the holidays as the snowbirds return," says Miller, adding that the thrift store chain makes sure to put out holiday-related items early — including ornaments, decorative lights and artificial Christmas trees.

A sampler of used goods

What's interesting and fun about shopping at major thrift stores is the items range from inexpensive wares to high-end products.

Here are examples of items available recently at South Florida Goodwill stores:

A pair of women's black patent leather Chanel shoes (complete with original store tags) for $200 that retail for about $440. This find was at the Palm Beach Embassy Boutique Goodwill store.

A New York-brand lady's fur coat from Saks Fifth Avenue for $300, which retails for more than $3,000. This find was at the Dixie Highway Store in West Palm Beach.

A 2003 Sylvania 27-inch color TV with built-in DVD and VCR player in new condition for $50, which can cost more than $200 new. This find was at the Indiantown Road store in Jupiter.

Of course, you'll find a similar range of items and bargains at a local Salvation Army store.

"These days, why buy something new as a gift when you can get something gently used that are still beautiful gifts but don't cost an arm and a leg," said Henry Hudson, an administrator for the adult rehabilitation center for Broward County Salvation Army.

Again, you can find a surprising variety of items at a Salvation Army, from fine jewelry to fine China, from electronics to appliances. There are six stores in Broward County and two more in Palm Beach County.

Here are examples of items available recently at South Florida Salvation Army stores:

General Electric double-door refrigerator, $290, retails for $1,000 or more.

Avanti clothes dryer, $300, retails for $900 or more.

DVD movies, $2 to $3, retails for $15 or more. VHS movies, $1.

Hunting for bargains

If you plan to take the plunge, here are tips for shopping at a Salvation Army and Goodwill thrift stores:

Visit on Wednesday: At the Salvation Army, all clothing is 50 percent off. At the Goodwill, all items are 25 percent off for senior citizens.

If the price is not right, try again: Both chains reduce prices on items that don't sell right away. Miller of Goodwill recommends negotiating prices with store managers if you see an item has been in the store for weeks. Hudson says Salvation Army automatically reduces items that linger — if the item has been in the store 10 days, it's 10 percent off; 25 days, it's 25 percent off; 45 days or longer, it's 50 percent off.

Check every day: Both chains restock items daily, so it's worth visiting again and again to find new bargains.

While buying used can save your budget, there are some things you should avoid.

Avoid certain items

Consumer advocates recommend that some products — such as those involving personal-safety or wear-and-tear issues — not be purchased used. Among them:

Bike helmets: They are designed to protect you for one bad accident. A crash can crush the inner foam inserts, so damage may not be automatically visible.

Child car seats: Like with helmets, you never know the condition of a used car seat. And new seats can be inexpensive, starting as low as $50.

Certain electronics: Plasma TVs, DVD players and camcorders are among the types of electronics that can wear down over time. If you or your giftee is particular about quality, it's better to stay away.

Daniel Vasquez can be reached at dvasquez@sunsentinel.com, or 954-356-4219, or 561-243-6600, ext. 4219. To see more columns from Daniel Vasquez, go to SunSentinel.com/vasquez.

Copyright © 2008, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The Recessionista's Holiday Pick List: Taking the Spending of Christmas Past Out of Christmas Future All of the Fashion, None of the Guilt

marketwatch.com

Last update: 8:06 a.m. EST Nov. 17, 2008

LOS ANGELES, Nov 17, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Recessionista Blog has announced its first annual Top 10 Holiday Pick List for Budget Shopping. Despite the recent economic downturn, shoppers are still faced with the challenge of getting ready for the holidays, entertaining and playing Santa for their children. In order to help consumers everywhere, The Recessionista has put together the following 10 tips. The list is a guide for a cheap and cheerful holiday that combines luxury with economy.

The Recessionista's Holiday Pick List

1) Use those gift cards from last Christmas: Studies have shown that retailers have profited from selling gift cards to consumers that are forgotten or tucked away in drawers. Now is the time to find those gift cards, credit card points, and frequent flyer miles and cash them in.

2) Accessories: Look for a beautiful scarf, chic earrings or a special pin from discounters (Marshalls, Loehmann's or others). You'll find name brands at deep discounts.

3) Vintage Vogue: Wonderful vintage items can be found at consignment stores or thrift shops in upscale neighborhoods.

4) Designer collections at discount retailers: The Target Thakoon collection launches just in time for Christmas. You should also check Norma Kamali at Wal-Mart and Vera Wang at Kohl's. Retailers are offering low budget designer items for a fraction of their couture costs.

5) Handbags for less: The new collection of Anya Hindmarch handbags at Target are beautiful replicas of her high-end line. Enjoy all of the savings and none of the guilt.

6) eBay: There is nothing like a little online trading to stretch your holiday dollars. Take old Christmas presents and clothes you have never worn (some new with tags) out of the closet and put them on eBay. You can use the money from what is sold to buy new holiday gifts from eBay or other retailers.

7) Black Friday: Door buster specials, online sales and coupons available on Black Friday offer great bargains on electronics and kids toys. It's worth getting up early to save several hundred dollars.

8) Online shopping clubs: Clubs like Ideeli, the Gilt Groupe and RuLaLa offer invitation only specials with discounts of 70 to 80 percent on fashions for men, women and children. Several special invitations to these clubs are available at The Recessionista Blog free of charge.

9) Gift a cheap and cheerful bottle of wine: Several great wines are available at steep discounts through BevMo (5 cent sale), World Market, CHWine.com, Costco and Wine.com.

10) Don't forget simple pleasures: Take advantage of Kris Kringle type gift giving, holiday baking and the many free tree lighting ceremonies all over the country. Remember, you can revive the tradition of sending holiday cards using e-mail to save on card costs and postage.

About The Recessionista Blog

The blog is a source of information for women's fashions, wine and entertaining in the current economic downturn. Dedicated to helping shoppers do more with less, the blog was recently featured in the Sunday Style section of The New York Times. In a short period, the blog has found a loyal following and received international press coverage. To learn more, go to The Recessionista Blog at www.therecessionista.blogspot.com/.

SOURCE: The Recessionista Blog

Thrift Will Build Healthier Economy In Long Run - tbo.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 17, 2008

The holiday shopping purists among us don't even want to talk about the retail season ahead until the day after Thanksgiving. But with the economy looking bleaker by the day and stock indexes slumping from bad news on sales, all eyes are on holiday projections and that nebulous thing called "consumer confidence."

No one expects this year's Black Friday - the day after Thanksgiving when the retail industry's ledgers start to go from being in the red to in the black - to put many of the nation's top retailers in the profit zones. Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, is optimistic because it expects some consumers who might have gone to pricier stores to seek their bargains. Other retailers, like Best Buy, however, have a dim outlook.

So what's a shopper to do when everyone - including Wall Street traders - is waiting with bated breath for you to whip out your credit cards and start spending? With most of us seeing housing values decline, retirement savings taking a hit and fearful of being laid off, running up a big credit card bill seems foolhardy.

Yet if consumers don't spend this holiday season, some economic experts fear the recession is going to get worse.

Where's George Bush when you need him to tell you to go out and shop?

The sad fact is that even what seems like a slight downturn in consumer spending can spell disaster in this fragile economy. According to the E-Tailing Group, Americans on average this year will buy 11 to 15 gifts rather than 16-plus gifts predicted last year. But one less gift multiplied by tens of millions of shoppers is a very big deal.

So consider this before you go and run up your credit cards in the name of saving the economy: While Americans showing new-found thriftiness may cause short-term pain, being able to resist the shopping spree is good for the economy's long-term health.

Last month, Fortune magazine reported that Americans are saving their money instead of going deeper into debt, reversing a decades-long trend of spending more than we make. The personal savings rate, which measures the amount of disposable income that isn't spent, increased by almost 3 percent in the second quarter of 2008 after being below 1 percent for almost four years.

Saving more is good over the long haul because domestic savings create sources of money that banks use to make loans to companies borrowing for new plants and equipment - which translates to job creation.

And while most of us probably don't need another flat-screen television set or another sweater under the tree, what this nation definitely needs is jobs.

So shoppers, hunt for the sales and seek out those bargains. Spend, but not more than you can afford.

And if you've got a little extra money because you've been pinching pennies, pick up a few items to donate to your local charity, toy drive or food bank. That's a double-dose of good will, putting money into the economy and some good holiday cheer for a neighbor who is worse off than you.

Drift to Thrift - blogs.reuters.com

Posted by: Lisa Baertlein

Tags: Shop Talk, circulars, coupons, credit cards, economy

As the economy founders and the ranks of unemployed grow, shoppers are embracing their inner thrift.

According to a new survey of 1,500 U.S. adults from WSL Strategic Retail, 52 percent of respondents agreed with this statement: “I’m proud of all the little ways I’ve found to save money.”

More than half of the participants were using more coupons and reading store circulars more closely. Sixty-two percent said they are more likely to wait for a sale before making a purchase.

Home cooking is back in fashion and so are leftovers — a trend supported by strong sales at companies like Kraft and weak sales at restaurants.

More than half of women polled said they were avoiding stores where they tend to overspend.

When its comes to paying the bill, 35 percent of the shoppers said they were less likely to use credit cards to pay for purchases. On the other hand, some said their credit cards were helping them get from paycheck to paycheck. So, it follows that 24 percent of respondents said they owe more on their cards than a year ago.

The money saving tactics go beyond stores. The survey also showed that people are doing more housework, from cleaning to gardening.

“True thrift is the intelligent use of time and money and we see it becoming a major trend to survive in these trying times … and likely a longer-term change in culture,” WSL said.

What’s your thrifty tip?

Low on cash, DIYers go handmade for the holidays - AP

By ASHLEY M. HEHER – 1 hour ago

CHICAGO (AP) — Since high school, Arielle Napier has occasionally made items like a bed-sized quilt or belts as Christmas presents for friends.

This year, staring down a bleaker-than-ever economy, the 27-year-old is forgoing store-bought gifts entirely and giving friends and family everything from her own photography to handmade hats.

In doing so, Napier's joining a small-but-growing chorus of consumers who are pledging to make 2008 a wholly handmade holiday. While the movement to buy and receive handmade gifts was already growing, it is getting an extra boost from the economic downturn that turned into a full-fledged meltdown this fall.

"Everybody gets so wrapped up in what big sparkly things they want or they're getting," Napier said. "I know it helps the economy, but how much impersonal crap do we need in our lives?"

The handmade and craft movement, encouraged by an online coalition of do-it-yourselfers, is half a concerted effort to save money and half a desire to shun the in-your-face consumerism that some people see as having led to a nation that got used to living beyond its means. Whatever the reason, observers say it's gaining steam.

Thousands of people have added their names to a holiday petition online, promising to give only items they've made themselves or handmade items that they've purchased, while asking friends and family to do the same. Notes one pledger: "When the economy is sour, let handmade rise to power." Another calls buying and giving handmade items the "original economic stimulus program."

Joan Holleran, director of research at consumer research firm Mintel, said the handmade movement is an extension of people's desire to simplify and seek control over their lives — the combination of which has caused them to rethink gift-giving in recent years.

But with the economy in tailspin, Holleran said she expected even more personalized and handmade gifts to find themselves in stockings and under Christmas trees.

"The economy is really hitting home and forcing people to think 'how can I keep this gift-gifting still really meaningful on a tighter budget?'" she said. "And personalizing it and giving that gift of time and our craft really is so much appreciated."

So far this year, sales at the four-year-old online handmade marketplace Etsy.com, where everyone from professional artists to occasional crafters can sell their wares, are up to $64.5 million. That's more than double last year's $26 million sales figure. And executives at Michael's Stores Inc. say their customer surveys showed that more than half of respondents said they were more likely to make handmade gifts this year than before.

To keep up, the Irving, Texas-based chain this month launched WhereCreativityHappens.com, a how-to Web site for customers, and is holding weekend workshops to help the less-than-handy who may be making gifts for the first time. Meanwhile, the effort helps the store nurture its revenue stream when overall retail sales are slumping.

"Consumers are much more cautious about spending and I think they are recognizing in these economic times they have to think about the holidays differently," said Michael's Chief Executive Brian C. Cornell.

But whether the movement benefits retailers' bottom lines remains to be seen, said Joan Storms, an analyst at Wedbush Morgan Securities.

So far, she said, publicly reported data from major craft retailers doesn't show much signs of a boost from the handmade holiday campaign. Same-store sales — an important retail metric — were down 1.5 percent at Jo-Ann Stores Inc. and down more than 9 percent at A.C. Moore during the third quarter.

"You'd think that would be happening," she said. "(But) it's not really apparent to me in the numbers."

At Renegade Handmade, a craft consignment shop in Chicago's trendy Wicker Park neighborhood, store owner Sue Daly said business is holding steady this year, despite a nationwide decline in retail sales. And she's planning for bigger-than-ever crowds at an annual Christmas craft fair being held next month, while increasing the vendor space by a third to sell everything from kitschy collages to knitted scarves and felted wool toys.

"It's really on everybody's mind — this blatant consumerism and this hole we've been digging for ourselves by spending and buying," said Craft Magazine Editor-in-Chief Tina Barseghian. "And there has been this resurgence in craft as response to that kind of icky feeling, where after you go shopping you feel kind of gross. Making things is a kind of antidote."

At Jo-Ann Stores Inc., the holiday slogan — developed this summer, before the financial meltdown that curtailed many people's holiday spending plans — is "Let's Make Christmas."

"We anticipated, economically, this would be a tough Christmas for people," said Lorraine Schuchart, a spokeswoman for the Hudson, Ohio-based craft and fabric retailer. "And with that comes a return to the way people used to do things. And people used to make their own Christmas gifts."

Back at home in Dallas, N.C., Napier, a customer service representative and photographer, is already busy working on her Christmas projects, some of which cost as little as $3 for material.

"You won't be able to tell, though," she said. "That's the perk of making your own stuff. No one really knows how much you spend."

On the Net:

• http://www.buyhandmade.org

Shop like a pro: Some tips for saving on everything - canadianpress.google.com

NEW YORK — Paying full price for something? Not in these tough economic times.

Here are some tips to finding the best bargains, whether it's groceries, clothes or a pair of boots:

FOR THE MALL RAT:

-Buy off-season.

Purchase things like swimsuits and air conditioners in winter, and skis and winter coats in the summer, Helen Malani, online shopping expert for Shopzilla, said in an email.

-Limit errand running.

Not only does it save gas, by making fewer stops you're less likely to be tempted by impulse purchases, said Kim Danger, family savings expert for Coupons.com.

-Ask about discounts.

Many retailers have special discounts for working professionals, seniors and people who belong to certain organizations, said Ellen Davis, spokeswoman for the National Retail Federation. Ask at the register.

-Keep the receipt.

If you go back and see an item you recently purchased on sale, you may be able to get a price adjustment, said Danger.

-Consider layaway.

It's a great way to shop early and avoid charging purchases, said Davis.

-Sign up for rebates and rewards programs.

For free or at a minimal cost, you can get things like special discounts and cash back after spending a certain amount, said Danger.

FOR THE CLOTHES HORSE:

-Clean out the closet.

There's nothing like purchasing something and realizing three months later you have the same item, said shopping expert Amy Blankenship Sewell.

-Shop full price, but buy on sale.

When you're considering purchasing something on sale, ask yourself if you would buy the item if it was full price, said Sewell. If the answer is no, consider passing.

-Negotiate.

In upscale stores, a sale means the store wants to get rid of the item, said Jim Camp, author of "NO: The Only Negotiation System You Need for Work and Home." See if you can negotiate another markdown, said Camp.

-Give clearance a chance.

You may have to dig, but some items the store is practically giving away, said Karen Hoxmeier, founder and owner of MyBargainBuddy.com.

-Beware of the plastic.

You may save 10 per cent when you sign up, but Sewell warns that studies show people buy more from a store when they have the retailer's credit card.

-Shop secondhand.

You can find items for up to 90 per cent off the original retail price.

FOR THE HUNGRY FAMILY

-Check the web.

Go to store websites to see in-store specials. Online coupons tend to have a higher value than those you find in the paper, said Danger.

-Consider the little guy.

Some of the best deals are at smaller markets, such as local vegetable stores and farmers markets, said Camp.

-Ask the butcher.

Large supermarkets need to move their highly perishable meat and fish and will generally give you large quantities at a deep discount, said Camp. Freeze what you don't need immediately.

-Clip coupons.

Coupon companies issue more coupons at this time of year, so it may even pay to buy two copies of the Sunday paper, said Danger. Combine coupons with in-store sales to maximize savings, she said.

-Keep a price book.

Keep track of the price of the products you buy regularly in a notebook, said Danger. You'll begin to notice that sometimes advertised sales aren't the best bargains and that some stores' everyday prices are lower than sales prices at other stores.

-Consider the drug store.

Sometimes the drug store has cheaper cereal, milk and soda than the larger supermarket, said Sewell.

-Buy fruit that's in season.

Hint: It's the fruit that's on sale.

-Leave the kids at home.

Besides sneaking things into the basket, they can distract you from being patient and figuring out what's the best deal, Sewell said.

-Larger doesn't mean better.

Read the price per kilogram or price per gram, said Danger. A larger quantity may not be the better deal.

FOR THE WEB SURFER:

-Compare prices.

Comparison shopping engines show you the range of prices for what you are purchasing and where to get the item for that price. Some even add shipping and sales tax, so you know the best deal.

-Consider shipping costs.

Some online stores offer free shipping and free returns. If there's a minimum you need to purchase to get free shipping, ask a friend if he or she needs anything, said Malani.

-Look for coupons.

If you have found what you want, type in the name of the store and "online coupons" or "promotion codes" into a search engine, said Malani.

-Try an auction site.

EBay has new items and the option to buy the product now, so you can avoid the bidding process.

-Make sure it's the best deal.

Malani suggests signing up for a price protector site to safeguard you from buying something one day and finding out that it went on sale the next.

- Set a price alert.

PriceGrabber.com will monitor the price of an item for you and send you an email when it hits your target price.

-Read reviews.

Take a look at the merchant's ratings and reviews, said Greg Hintz, general manager of Yahoo! Shopping. You can avert a disaster, such as a retailer that ships the wrong items or is unresponsive.

-Trust your instincts.

"If it sounds like too good of a deal to be true," Hintz said, "it probably is."

Vintage clothing finds new fans -centertownnewsonline.ca

Thursday, 23 October 2008
By Hannah Yakobi

Roxanne Stasyszyn, Centretown News

Brittany Williams rummages through vintage footwear at Ragtime, a vintage store off Bank Street.

Ottawa may not be a fashion capital, but its vintage clothing market is expanding due to the increased interest and demand from the city’s residents.

New vintage aficionados are emerging on top of the existing fan base, which has always been large according to fashion experts.

The Ottawa Vintage Clothing Sale on Nov. 9 is going into its 24th installment. Organizer Penelope Whitmore says the event is always welcomed with open arms and people save their money for it all year.

The single day sale attracts vintage collectors from all over Canada and up to 2,000 visitors.

Fashion experts say the popularity of vintage clothing is on the rise because it allows people to be creative in a city like Ottawa where clothing choice is limited.

“There seems to be a trend going towards the individualist look and fine-tuning your personality in the way you dress,” says image consultant Annette McConnell. “We are also starting to see a surge towards accommodating the needs and wants of the Ottawa population.”

She adds that vintage clothing is certainly part of the trend.

“Vintage clothing is fabulous. It allows people to really create the look that is true to themselves. It’s from eras gone by, yet can be incorporated into an existing wardrobe and have a different spin,” says McConnell.

Sheila Furlong, fashion design co-ordinator at Algonquin College, agrees. She says vintage has never been more popular.

“All of a sudden it just peaked and really came back full-force. It has peaked through, occasionally, in the last 20 years, but not like it has today.”

There are also permanent collections of vintage clothes at local stores and these are refreshed on a regular basis.

Ragtime Vintage Clothing off Bank Street has hundreds of designs from the past, be they from the 1920s, 1960s, the Edwardian era or even medieval times.

“We are really busy,” says owner John Greaves, who has been running the Centretown store with his wife for the last three decades. “There’s always an interest in vintage clothing.”

The variety of items at vintage stores is jaw-dropping. There is something for everybody, such as flapper dresses, bow ties, dome-shaped umbrellas, Victorian-era pendants and 1970s suits à la Saturday Night Fever.

But it’s not all about sales. Greaves says that many people also rent out garments for Halloween or costume balls.

He adds that they often consign their own items too, pointing to the big pile of consignment catalogues.

“A lot of people don’t want to go to the malls because everything is the same, so they come here because it’s different,” he says.

Even boutique stores have recognized this interest and have started to update their existing collections.

The trendy Victoire Boutique on Dalhousie Street has a wide range of vintage accessories that store owners say are very popular. In addition, they host a vintage shoe sale several times a year. These events are conducted with shoe collectors from Montreal, who bring a U-Haul filled with vintage shoes.

Régine Paquette, Victoire’s co-owner, says their store was “jam-packed” during the last sale.

“There is a really high demand, and vintage is definitely gaining a wider audience,” she says. “Even though we are not a vintage store we have a vintage line because it’s part of our customers’ aesthetic.”

Whitmore predicts that vintage will stay in style.

“The love of vintage clothing has always been there, but it has been made more popular by Hollywood stars. It’s one-of-a-kind. You just can’t find the same quality and workmanship in the clothing of today.”

No comment posted

In Ailing Economy, America Gets Thrifty - cbsnews.com

NEW YORK, Oct. 25, 2008

---

(CBS) Out of the recent economic chaos, a quiet virtue is taking shape - thrift.

As the old saying goes, one person's trash is another's treasure. These days, there are more treasure hunters than ever before. As the economy tumbles, Americans are looking for ways to cut costs - and thrift stores fit the bill, reports CBS News correspondent Priya David.

"During this past year, the numbers have increased by 330,000," said Major Dennis Gensler of the Salvation Army. "That's a significant increase in the number of customers that are actually in our stores."

Maria Aiello is one of those thrift shoppers.

"I find all the bargains I can - second-hand clothes, second-hand anything," she said.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans now find themselves needing to live frugally. Here in the northeast, bargain hunters can pick up a garment at the Salvation Army for an average cost of $2.58.

The Salvation Army told CBS News that in many stores, sales have increased up to 20 percent in the past year.

And Winmark Corporation, the parent company to four thrift franchises including clothing store Plato's Closet, reported a jump in income of almost 50 percent.

At Manhattan's Memorial Sloane Kettering Thrift Ship in New York City, which caters to a well-heeled clientele. They've got thousand-dollar Chanel suits on sale, so business is brisk.

"This year has actually been excellent," said Anita Askienazy. "One of the better years since I've been here."

These earnings come in stark contrast to national retail sales, which were down 1.4 percent in September compared to last year as consumers shunned the malls.

One thrift shopper told CBS News she doesn't miss retail shopping.

"I bought a David Meister dress here that was from this year and it was $398 online and I got it for $8 and I wore it to a wedding on Sunday," she said.

But even busy thrift stores are finding it tough to stay in the black.

"Like everyone else, we're feeling the pinch of the economy," said Gensler. "Wages are continuing to rise and we try to be fair with our people and benefits costs are going up. So our expenses are actually growing faster than our store sales income."

"The donation flow becomes a barometer for tough economic times and what we're experiencing now is sales are up, donations are down," said Jim Gibbons, the CEO of Goodwill Industry International.

The trickle down effect - bad times, second hand.