Trickle-down Economics

[alexandra]

Yes, I'm trading in on a phrase from Regan-era fiscal policies... but I think it's relavent today -- as it seems our economy is heading towards a downward spiral.

I had noted that I hadn't seen much cashmere lately... and no sooner said, then some couple of three-four (that's Buffalo-speak for two or more) items were found yesterday. Wahooo! Good Cashmere -- in great condition.  For $1.50 to $2.00 each.

I had to buy it.  Well, I almost always do... but part of it was that with threat of a recession and a slow-down in consumer spending, I figure there will be less cashemre purchased at retail over the next few years and that means less will end up in thrifts.

So, my investment strategy is to buy it now!!!  If higher end buyers are expending their credit and running into fiscal difficulties, then careless spending may in fact be curtailed -- and my gut tells me less cashmere will be purchased (or the price will rise because of other economic factors).

While it might be wrong to say this, the unabashed and careless consumption of others probably has accounted for so much of the good stuff I've been finding on the racks -- which has been a good thing for us thrifters.   It trickled down to us in the form of higher-end items beign donated.

Now I wonder if the slow-down in the economy is going to put a damper on this all.  So... I am buying certain stuff now, figuring it will not only be more expensive in the future -- it might not be as plentiful either.

Are there other items out there that other maniacs view in a similar light? I'd like to know!

Thriftily,
Alexandra
www.livingwithoutmoney.blogspot.com

[SecondhandSophisticate]

I'd have to think about this for my own purchasing experiences, but I wanted to say that your post is sheer genius!

I've been seeing a LOT of moms and grammies at the thrifts, doing serious shopping, if this in any way contributes to the discussion...

[Magpie18]

Interesting theory -- but regarding cashmere sweaters -- I have to say the popularity of the "felting" hobby/handicraft put a big dent in the supply in thriftstores.

Felting isn't as hot as it was ( neither is scrapping ) but every now & then you see it on some DIY type show or mag.

I even saw one clever TS manager post an article/ how to from a magazine in the store near the sweaters rack.

[alexandra]

I don't think there are a lot of felters out here.  What absolutely drives me crazy, is a cashmere or 100% wool sweater that has already been ruined (shrunk or stained), which is priced as if it were new cashmere.

I do often pick up cashmere even if it's too small.  Some of my friend's little girls and a couple of my nieces have gotten their first cashmere sweaters from me.  Somebody's gotta do it for them!

Thriftily,
Alexandra
www.livingwithoutmoney.blogspot.com

[Magpie18]

yeah, cashmere is one of the things I look for --- angora, & fine wool too (merino)

haven't found any wearable alpaca or vincuna yet but a gal can dream

I agree an economic downturn is coming & that will adversely affect the amount of luxury items in thrifts BUT there is so much excess in the USA i.e. closet clutter -- I doubt the thrifts will be running empty anytime in this decade or the next

we would need a depression not recession or maybe a long bout with hyper inflation  -- something like Zimbabwe

[foutchie]

haven't heard of vicuna, but did pick up a fabulous alpaca poncho in various shades of browns - and still had the tags on it - for $4!!!  I share it with my daughter.......

[SecondhandSophisticate]

 live in a poorer community to begin with, so I will be able to find even less in clothes than I do now. And since I find next-to-zero in thrift clothes to begin with, I will not be that affected.  I do agree with Alexandra's post! I think it is a great observation.

The only security, the only real knowledge I have about the future, is that I don't know it.

Where we might be able to pick-up will be garage sales (though I know it doesn't help y'all in a four-season area)

It will help our creativity to accessorize more   

I will keep repeating my personal mantra:  "Buy less, buy quality, love what you buy"

Hare OM and Peace, y'all!
SeSo

[Good Buddy]

"Buy less, buy quality, love what you buy"

I think that's your 3rd thrift commandment.
& more to go....

[SecondhandSophisticate]

GB--what are the first two again?

[Magpie18]

vicuna -- camel family,  wild relative of the llama & alpaca

because it is wild, only way to get the wool is to kill the animal -- so very expensive & actually from an environmentalist point of view -- I'm just not comfortable buying it new anyway assuming I could afford it


sort of off-topic but one thing about buying in thrifts / vintage --- you can get items that are illegal to buy new or at least regulated, rare or & just not politically correct :

examples:  alligator/crocodile,  elephant ivory, real coral, real tortiseshell, furs

[SecondhandSophisticate]

Yes, magpie18, I totally agree with you about buying furs, etc. in thrifts only.  Even leather can be politcially correct in thrifts as well. The only fur I own (lynx) was purchased in a thrift. It's a vintage Holt Renfrew and it's gorgeous! But I never would have purchased it new.   

Also have vintage gator handbags.  When you come right down to it everything we buy in thrifts can be considered "politically correct"

Ciao,
SeSo

[ChrisMiss]

I agree too many people overspend with credit. 

As an experiment this year I'm trying to see how many of my Christmas presents I can get at the thrift stores and how many of the presents will be of brand new items.  We're giving the family a present of a trip to Disney World and that's a big chunk of change we'll be spending.  But I want to give each person at least one present so that everyone will have something to open on Christmas.  I'm really scoring so far on finding brand new items still with the original tags.  It's amazing how much stuff is donated that is brand new.

Of course some stuff is vintage but that's because it's relevant to the person receiving the gift.  My MIL has asked that I look for ladies hankies for her so I've lucked out and found several for her so far.  Also have found her some beautiful silk blouses with the tags still on them. 

I'm having a blast trying to do all my shopping at the thrift stores this year.  It would be great if I could do 100% of it.