The Thrifted Life: A Fresh Perspective

Ever feel like you just need a hand?
Jointed Wooden Hand, $3 @ Goodwill.



Hello, readers. And welcome back to Let's Go Thrifting! Following my official vacation, I took some time off from the blog and other writing projects to gain some fresh perspective. I'm not sure if that's something that actually happened or just something writers say to keep from pulling their hair out in a ferver of creative overload.

While I am working toward keeping a regular schedule, keeping it all together has been increasingly difficult. Wake up at this time. Exercise at this time. Write, edit and photograph at this time. Go to work at this time. This is not to slam my time management skills. If anything, I'm having problems in the motivational department. Sleep disturbances and the chronic pain from my medical issues are preventing me from forming and keeping a schedule that allows for work, exercise, creative endeavors and employment opportunities to fit neatly into allotted boxes of time.

It could always be worse and I am thankful that what I deal with isn't life threatening. But when it comes to chronic pain, chronic fatigue and degenerative conditions, the stress of trying to keep everything in balance does pose a threat to the quality of life.

So perhaps taking some time for perspective, or whatever justification I can muster to call it...was something I just needed.

I was even able to make time to hash out an idea...a manifesto of sorts. The topic? Thrifting, of course. While I hail the low costs and high variety, I also argue the validity of thrifting as a means of cultural resistance. I've been peddling the piece to local print media but, it's just not reaching the right readership. I guess this just only serves to prove the point of thrifting as subversive, huh? But I'll be sure to keep you posted.

In the meantime, I thank you for reading and would love to know how you escape the daily grind...

I want to know...

What gives you a fresh perspective?

It’s In the Bag

Oh dear readers, it’s been a long time. And for the lapse in posts, I do apologize. I am working on drafting an editorial schedule which will guarantee regularity…even a few themed posts. So be excited!

As for the irregularity in clever little updates and quirky finds, I must say that the short story of the matter is that I’ve been rather busy. Busy in trying to work toward long term life goals is a whole new level of productivity of which I am not accustomed. Short term goals are so much easier, suffice it to say. Upload pictures, promote, update the blog. These are all activities I very much enjoy. But things needed to change.

And I couldn’t be happier to say that I am accepting my own ability to change for the better. Since joining Weight Watchers and committing to standard exercise and assorted daily physical activity I have lost nearly 30 pounds in the last two months. The chronic pain and fatigue from degenerative illnesses has been significantly less and I have a new found appreciation for life.

I have also expanded my freelance writing career as a fashion and beauty blogger for Rock This Style. And this has been a fun and rewarding experience, albeit one I feel is slightly conflicted by own ideals on commodities and cost. I love and appreciate fashion as an art form and I love the ability to transform and evolve my look as I so desire. And well…we all know my love for Sephora. BUT... I also have what could best be described as a torrid love affair with the kitschy, vintage, one-of-a-kind finds that only secondhand venues can provide.

So, in honor of my changing pants size and my new title of fashion blogger, I will attempt to utilize Let’s Go Thrifting to reconcile the difference between these two worlds.

God knows I need some new (to me) clothes while my body is transitioning. Now I can look for trends and vintage looks that are inspired by Rock This Style, but for a price I can afford.

And that was the long version of the story. Whew!

Have you just ever felt so…accomplished that you had to share the satisfaction with others? Weight loss? Writing gigs? Overall sense of accomplishment? It’s in the bag!

And since this isn’t solely a getting-to-know-you post…when it comes to bags, I’ve found a few that I just adore.



$4.97 @ Goodwill.

















This spacious floral number is my new favorite carry-all. Wallet, keys, phone, makeup, book, iPod. It will all fit inside with room to spare. It came with a shoulder strap, but I think I’ll use the handle so I can swing it to and fro’ while skipping down the street. 


$4.97 @ Goodwill.

















And for the first time, I’ve found two lovely bags on the same thrift trip. This beige, distressed leather satchel from Nine West has a little bit of a Western feel, which is great since I can't find cowboy boots in my size anywhere.

Sigh.

There is still much to be said on the topic of change…and, of course, the topic of thrifting. And I can’t wait to share my experiences with all of you!

 What positive changes have you made lately?