the snowy scene I awoke to this morning!
Despite my rather snarky aside regarding Ebay in yesterday’s post, where did I find myself late yesterday evening? Yes, you’ve got it. The hallowed halls of fevered, last minute bidding wars. After being outbid on two patterns I really wanted, getting discouraged and snarky about it, I took advantage of the “buy-it-now” option on the third I was eying. Bargain or not, I wanted it and didn’t want to be thwarted at the very last moment!! Its a lovely, late 1930’s/early 1940’s Dubarry dress pattern that I’m dying to get my hands on–and make. I’ll share a photo once I receive it!
This is all part of my “make clothes and thrift more/buy less retail” mantra. Or less mass produced/mass marketed retail (vintage clothing resellers and indie businesses excepted). I’m tired to walking into a store in the mall, and having to wade through racks of crummily produced clothing that isn’t the right color. Or if its the right colors and style, its either outrageously expensive ($118 for that sweatshop-made shirt? I think not…), or they don’t have my size. Worse yet, I love it, they have my size, and it doesn’t fit right. Or the grain is off just a hair, so that it hangs funny. Or its too big somewhere so I’ll need to alter it anyway.
What gets me even more, is that I’m assaulted constantly while shopping retail by the image the industry puts forth as the “only” acceptable look. Aside from the fact that my wardrobe–much like my interior decorating and artwork–is quite eclectic, I don’t need my confidence shaken by the insanely skinny, flawlessly blond models peering at me from larger-than-life posters. I have enough issues with low self image without any help from the people who are trying to separate me from my money in the name of fashion, thank you very much. I have bought that image lie before, and it costs a heck of a lot of money, upkeep and heartbreak. No more, I say.
So, in the interests of trying to keep my sanity, health and money (‘cause do I really need to be buying all the crud mass-marketers are trying to cram down my throat?), I declare that 2008 will be the year I try this little experiment with my wardrobe. I have rediscovered that thrifting, if done on a fairly regular basis, can yield wonders. Coupled with actually taking the time to sew, Etsy, and yes… Ebay, I dare say I can come up with a decent, unique array of garments to keep me clothed. This would of course, exclude Anthropologie–the only retailer I really like–despite the fact that I can’t actually afford their clothes. I just like to look at the pretty outfits in the catalogs!
As luck, or the alignment of the stars, or the Bloggy gods (or whatever… lol!) would have it, the always astute Tricia weighed in on a similar topic regarding fashion yesterday! Be sure to check out her lengthy and intelligent post Negate the Negativity.
In other news: I will be updating the Shoppe tomorrow at noon (Eastern time) with last-minute Christmas goodies–including a super-limited edition ornament! So stay tuned…
Cheers & Creativity,
♥ Casey [ email me ]
p.s. Don’t forget if you’d like to receive a Christmas card from me to drop me an email with your name and mailing information by December 10!
December 5, 2007 at 3:37 pm
oh, I agree wholeheartedly!! : ) I have never cared a stitch about what is in fashion. By the way, you are lovely and so beautiful…you have a striking beauty. : )
I also agree about Anthropologie…..I love to look at all the pretties…but I cannot afford them….the drool worthy catalogues give me ideas about combining accessories and patterns into my wardrobe.
E-bay is hard….I always seem to get out bid….but sometimes you can find treats, too! : )
December 5, 2007 at 5:08 pm
I’m definitely going to use your ideas and make 2008 a year of sewing and thrifting for myself too!
I’d like to use ebay for clothes but I do really like to be able to see the clothes before I buy them, not necessarily try them on because most of the time you just know if they’ll fit! I like to be able to smell them too, lol is that wierd?! I think for thrifted clothes its something you need to do though!
It’s just so depressing when you walk into retail shops and theres just so much junk with absolutely nothing you like or would ever consider buying, and like you said, the nice stuff is entirely overpriced which is ridiculous and unfair!
December 5, 2007 at 5:29 pm
“Low self image”? You? But you are so lovely! Don’t be silly. I agree with you- most mass produced things are subpar to the things that can be obtained by simply making them yourself. If I had enough time, I would sew everything I wear, but as it is I can only manage an average of one dress every three weeks.
December 6, 2007 at 4:00 am
You are beautiful you nut! glad you managed to get your hands on at least one of your patterns. my pet hate is in all the shops they advertise clothing as “buy now regret it later” and all these designer collections that sell out and just end up on ebay! rubbish- I’ve always worn what I like fashion or not- even if I make a few style mistakes at least I tried to be different, who wants to be a clone? carry on as you are – You always look fabulous : )
December 6, 2007 at 12:11 pm
[...] you all so much for your sweet and encouraging comments about yesterday’s post! I’m glad I’m not the only one who is more than a little miffed at the lack of variety, good [...]
December 6, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Keep up the great thinking, my dear! Isn’t it funny that in a day and age when “do your own thing” is still being touted that the fashion industry wants everyone to fit a mold – the one they decide!! What happened to individuality and creativity? Or are the only creative people those who decide what shade of blue will be in in any given year. Off with their heads! I could go on and on, but I won’t. They do more damage than they are worth. Good luck with your projects in 2008.
December 8, 2007 at 6:22 pm
love the view from your window
December 12, 2007 at 3:33 am
i love that sweet little saucer! i can’t wait to see what little goodies you have awaiting in your shop! : )
January 9, 2008 at 2:36 pm
[...] vaguely mentioned about a month back my resolve to be more conscious about my fashion purchases. I’m rather fed-up with an industry that not only relies heavily on sweatshop labor, planned [...]