Fashionable Frugality

I learned the art of saving from a very early age. When I was six years old, I managed to amass a fortunte of approximately $6.00 (Halloween, coins underneath couch cushions, etc.). That summer, I went to camp and spent my hard-earned wealth on popsicles and paper kites. A little later, I went to a girls clothing store with my mom and I rememher seeing a set of stick-on earrings. I asked my mom if she could buy it for me and she refused, saying "Why don't you use your money?" I ultimately had to admit that I had spent my money. I remember that awful feeling, of not being able to buy what I desired...and even at six years old, I vowed that I wouldn't feel like that again.

I remember being ashamed of my 80%-off-from-Macy's clothing in high school and having boot cut jeans instead of the fashionably expensive flares. Up until recently, I didn't like to tell anyone how much I paid for so-and-so because I already knew it was less than what they paid.

Many people are feeling the effects of the economy. People are losing jobs and familes are losing homes. I truly believe, though, that this country will emerge better than it was before. So, I'm proud of my frugality. I'm happy to share my tips, my coupons and my advice.

An article in AP today talks about cheapskates and how they are faring in this economy. Even people like me, who have been luckily relatively unscathed compared to others, are spending less and questioning every purchase. The article also mentions some great blogs: beingfrugal.net and neverpayretailagain.net.

This article comes right after the NY Times article "Extravagance Has Its Limits as Belt-Tightening Trickles Up." Even for those well-off enough, displaying signs of luxury is now seen as insensitive. I find this complete reversal comforting, considering one of drivers behind luxury is the ability to show off. In another recent NY Times article "In the Lap of Luxury, Paris Squirms", Karl Lagerfield says that “There is no creative evolution if you don’t have dramatic moments like this. Bling is over. Red carpety covered with rhinestones is out. I call it ‘the new modesty.’"