my small contribution to the economy (lyn)

This morning I see Katy Wolk-Stanley on the TODAY show.  Her claim to fame is this:  in the past five years, she has bought nothing new, with the exception of underwear.  She shops at Goodwill, gets throwaways from friends and family, and prides herself on all she saves.  I wonder if I could get through a week without buying something new?  I doubt it.

I do have one thing in common with Ms. Wolk-Stanley: we both enjoy the hunt, albeit at different venues.  While Katy is looking through gently used clothing at church bazaars, I receive daily emails from Sample Sally and Madison Avenue Spy, alerting me to the newest and steepest discounts around town. 

Research is imperative.  I can spend hours on the Internet reading reviews of an iron, if that’s what I’m in the market for.  I even like doing this for friends.  I often get calls.  “Hey, I want to buy a steamer.  Which one should I get?”  Or even more mundane.  “What’s a good water bottle?”  I’m right on it.  Reading the reviews.  Searching out the best prices.  I’m a good person to know if you are planning to make a purchase of any kind (excluding real estate, animals, cars, and perhaps farm equipment).

I see a beauty segment on morning television that says TART makes a great long-lasting blush.  I write it down, and a few weeks later I go to Sephora and buy it.

I see a girl on the street with a purse I love.  I start (literally) cashing in my coins, putting the money aside, and saving up for it.  My rule is a simple one:  I won’t wear anything or use any item until it’s fully paid for.  And, I won’t charge anything that accrues interest.

I don’t like anything that is pre-worn, pre-owned, or pre-used, though I do get most of my books from the library. 

I wear everything I buy, although some items I’m still saving….for what, I don’t know.  I have a gorgeous pewter Fendi Selleria zip around wallet and a Louis Vuitton leopard print scarf.  This winter I will use both for the first time.

And then there are the discounted Donna Karan dress and skirt I bought at the end of last season for 80% off, and the winter skirt and dress I got at the Jil Sander sample sale this past spring. 

I like shopping online as much as in store.  Clicking buy now makes me feel good.  And then I get to feel good again when the product arrives.

Ms. Wolk-Stanley lives by the mantra, “Use it up; wear it out; make it do or do without.”  Though she may be helping with her own household finances, she is not helping our economy.  If we all followed her plan, more people would be unemployed, more businesses would be collapsing, and our economy would be in even worse shape. 

Romney and Obama should love me.