Monday, August 3, 2009

Microeconomics

This might sound a bit shocking coming from a fashion blogger, but sometimes buying clothes just doesn't cut it. Sure I would like the latest dress from Bona Drag or the 80%20 black canvas boots at Moxsie, but that desire is currently being overshadowed by a completely stuffed closet.

So instead of buying a new pair of shoes and another purse this weekend, I decided to do the more economical thing and spiff up some of my reliable standbys. I brought the two items pictured below to my local shoe repair place.

New soles for these black SATC knock-off heels that are outdated, but I wear all the time because they're easy to walk in and go with almost every summer work outfit I own.
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I bought this purse at Urban Outfitters last year and had to stop using it this spring because the zipper was totally shot. It wasn't cheap to get the zipper replaced, but it was cheaper than getting a new purse.
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On a funny side note, when I went to pick up my purse, the woman who works at the shoe repair place asked if I need the purse cleaned. I tried to explain that the purse was meant to have a grungy look, but I don't think she was convinced.

-CL

24 comments:

Style & Beyond said...

LOL love this post --- and the newly updated shoes and purse!!

iyam
www.styleandbeyond.blogspot.com

Ace said...

Oh dear, I really need to round up some of my boots/shoes and take them to the show doctor. It always seems to be something I never get around to.

Lesley said...

Fantastic post!!! I feel your pain with a stuffed closet! :-)

Lisa said...

Good for you for taking care of what you already own!

Anonymous said...

Hey Cath! I'm so with you about shopping right now. After looking at my closet and sadly realizing how many items I've worn once or twice, reality set in that I need to stop buying every single thing I like and get actual use out of what I already own. It's great that you fixed the shoes and bag. And I like these pics against your new rug!

P.S. I saw your email address on my last post.. we have the same last name!! :)

xo, Becs

Annie Spandex said...

That's funny about the purse.. I have those 80%20's in blue and they go with evvvvvverything! I Lovvvvvvvvvvve them! but Sorry, I know you're trying to resist..

kokostiletto said...

wow that's a great idea actually! i have TONS of shoes that need fixing ..... good job - you're still stimulating the economy and getting brand new things :)

kadler said...

Haha, really? Silly people who don't get trends.

That's awesome, though. I just wish most of my beloved shoes could be salvaged.

Sharon S said...

Good for you, when you take care of your pieces, they will last longer!!

Anonymous said...

I've been the same way! Overdyed some stuff, got a pair of boots stretched ... must be something in the air.

Kat said...

Good, sensible post! Sometimes we need to simply re-view what we already have.

Emily Kennedy said...

Very very cool post. Works on a new apartment or house as well. Moving is expensive, but (as a good friend of mine recently pointed out) new curtains are such a simple item to sew. And the practice you get on sewing a big square with one folded over end for the curtain rod to go through, will help you get the courage to work on some A-Line skirts. Woot!

Anonymous said...

i have 2 pairs in my car to get the heel fixed for the past 2 yrs now... i need to drop them off! thanks for the reminder!

Domennie said...

i must definitely consider that as an option as well!:)well thought of!

Carrington said...

Wait? There's a store called Bona Drag - like after the Morrissey album? This I have to check out.

Ela said...

I love that you're revamping your wardrobe - those babies have years of life left in them :)

Hope you and Lar had a fab weekend :)

Aline said...

haha

I kill my shoes....I am always trying to figure if it is worth the cost of having them repaired or replaced!

modediktat said...

Sometimes it's hard to resist a new purchase. But sometimes it's also great fun to discover the new/old treasuries of the closet again and to taking care of our beloved items. At least I'm loving my old, very well used & distressed leather bags the most - and it's the same with my shoes :)
xoxo, Sofie

Polished Sense said...

Must say, I am huge fan of 80%20. I sell 4 styles at my shop currently. Those booties that you like, I sold out of so quickly! Fabulous finds girl :p

xo,
Jessica

tickledpear said...

I do the same thing. With time I realized it was better to repair my old heels than replace them with new ones. It's always good to save money

Fashion Cappuccino said...

I recycled my shoes with my outfits and I'm very picky when it comes to buying heels so I don't own more than 5 shoes at the moment. I don't like to carry bags so I carry everything in my hands or in my small bag. The only thing I indulge in are clothes but right now, I noticed that I buy less than I used to because I really need to get more wear out of what I have in my closet!

Mae (Ko) said...

AND: It's greener than buying a new pair probably made in China.

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Close the loop!

:) Admirable and very money smart.

Unknown said...

I love getting my shoes repaired, usually because I wait months before getting around to it, and once it's done it's like having a brand new pair of shoes! I never thought of getting purses repaired though, you've just opened up a whole new closet of handbags for me :~)

Fit Gizmos said...

Great post! Lovely ...