From Fashionista to Frugalista

Hell if I know of a better stress cure than retail therapy!

The problem with retail therapy is that you get the high from hunting things from the rack and making that transaction, and not necessarily the merchandise itself.

The other problem with retail therapy is that it hurts... in other ways (I learned it the hard way), often like drugs, you're addicted to spending. The more you spend, the more unhappy you become. 

Fashion blogs and magazines are always touting words like 'classic', and 'timeless' and 'investment pieces'. Investment? Bull shit. Clothing is meant to be worn, and once you've handed over your cash (or swiped that plastic), it is what economists call 'sunk cost'.

It is just like what it sounds like. Sunk. Cost. Gone forever.

I was once caught up in a cycle of buying shoes and more shoes, and clothes and more clothes. But then, that guilt started creeping up on me. 

I started hunting in thrift and vintage stores to clear my conscience, and I swear this is the best kept frugalista secret, ever.


The treasures I've found, I'll have to save for yet another future post. Lots of pics required. For now, I want to share my most recent trip to my neighborhood Goodwill. [non-profit organization that sells donated clothes and housewares] 

Aquascutum Linen Button Down Shirt - $7

I was looking for some new shirts because in light of my professional exam, I had felt the need to dress up more... professionally to work. I'm sort of digging that chambray shirt trend so I headed off to the blue shirts rack.

Aquascutum? Never heard of it, but the fabric was extremely nice. "100% linen" says the label. Perfect for spring/summer.

Whoever made this shirt was definitely into details... I thought, as I inspected the checkered lining on the collars and cuffs, and see here, engraved buttons!! I later found a matching one in off-white on the other rack. They were $6.99 each. What the heck, can't go wrong with that, right?

I got home and googled "Aquascutum" and turns out it's a top UK luxury clothing manufacturer that had dressed british royalty, aristocrats and all that. A brand alongside Burberry, except sadly it had very recently gone bankrupt.

Meh. All I know (and care about) is that I got two fabulous summer shirts for less that what it would cost to get them dry cleaned! 

I foresee this becoming a segment on this blog.. more frugalista posts to come!

For now, here are some more Aquascutum prints:

Kate Middleton:

Goodwill Store (Near West Side)

1201 W Washington St
Chicago, IL 60686
(312) 563-1187

See yelp reviews

xo
Kakjah