Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Post-Compact ripples

I must be the last person on the Internet to see that Chris (In The Trenches Of Motherhood) has a new project: a year off, no shopping.

Don't worry, I'm not about to join her headlong. I'm down to two sets of ratty lingerie, and the white hot underwire is screaming, "Spend Macy's gift card! ASAP!"

Although, I do own a needle and thread...

21 comments:

Apostle to Suburbia said...

As I understand it, bras & underwear (and art supplies!) are exempt from most people's Compact pledges. I'm not sure that buying things at thrift stores counts either. I think most Compacters aim for buying nothing "new" but bartering and garage sales/thrift store shopping is usually OK.

Meredith said...

Yes, and that's where the Compact is a total flop for those of us secondhand-junkies.

You can buy just as much stuff you don't need--perhaps even more--at thrift stores.

It is interesting to see the ripples from that movement make their way across the Internet, though.

Shannon said...

Bras are one area where I'm trying not to feel guilty about splurging a little. Anybody who's ever nursed a baby knows that these girls deserve all the support they can get! But why on earth can no one make a bra where the underwire doesn't poke out after I wear it twice!?!

Scribbit said...

True-you could patch but I think that's something I'd splurge on a new version. Some things--like beds--just can't be nursed along forever.

Edi said...

Thanks for the link - I'll enjoy perusing over there. But I don't think it will make me change my ways.

I know I could cut down on "gratuitous" shopping some...but a lot of our stuff comes used - and we donate a lot of our old stuff (kind of a little life cycle of our own going on).

Kathleen Grace said...

Meredith, i dont comment as often as I should but your blog is a must read for me every day. Your thrifty treasure hunts and common sense attitude about money speak to me and I laughed out loud athe the "white hot underwire screaming" I so understand! LOL!
Thanks for sharing your great ideas and linking us to others of like mind:>)

Jenny's Vegcafe said...

I've long considered the no shopping for a year since reading "Not Buying It" (hint: borrow from the library but -do not- purchase this book).

Enjoy your Macy's card because you really do need a good bra. That's defintely one area where it pays to be selective. And no matter how many times I try to stick an unruly underwire back into the material and sew it shut it immediately pokes back through. There's no hope for that bra. Toss it and get a new one or two. You could take it apart and give the elastic and underwire to your son for his supply pile. ; )

Anonymous said...

If must surely be depressing to be down to 2 ill-fitting bras and your clothes can't look as good as they would if your breasts had proper support. My advice is to take thyself and the gift card to Macy's today and buy some well-fitted and pretty bras. Who knows, the style you like may even be on sale. Obviously, you do laundry everyday but there is never a "spare" in the drawer (or basket) so I think you should buy at least 3. As a female you deserve to have some pretty, feminine underwear. Go for it!

Anonymous said...

I spent the Macy's gift card my grandma gave me for Christmas a couple of years ago on bras. I practically skipped out of the store with that shopping bag. :)

Amy said...

I actually have found good quality bras at Wal-Mart. I know that they don't last as long as some of the more expensive brands, but they last a long time in my house as long as I care well for them.

Thanks for the link to that site. I wasn't aware she was doing that either so that will be a fun read for me! Thank you!

Unknown said...

I read the "Not Buying It" book, too. Although, since I make a good portion of our yearly income through shopping, I don't think I could ever stop. If I didn't make 10x what I spend, then I might, but whew! That would kill me!

It is a great idea, though. I also like the "not buying new" pledge that some people have taken, as well.

Tubo Family said...

lol white hot underwire! enjoy that gift card!

Anonymous said...

the victoria's secret big sale is going on now..

Lotus (Sarcastic Mom) said...

Oh, honey - when the underwire is cuttin', go shoppin. :-D

Anonymous said...

You mean my granny panties aren't the latest rage? LOL Enjoy your gift card!

Anonymous said...

I agree with anonymous; PLEASE use that Macy's gift card and buy yourself some well-deserved, properly fitting under garments.

And if you can, go in the evening while hubby watches the children. It can be overwhelming with that many bras, all of them sized slightly differently, not knowing truly what size you are, etc.

Anne Marie@Married to the Empire said...

Without a doubt, buy yourself some new lingerie! It's admirable that you're thinking of how you can make do with what you have, but you'd feel so much better with new, comfortable bras. It would be nice for your hubby, too. ;-)

Diane said...

Sewing the hole shut never works...cut a piece of single-fold bias tape about 2" long. Tuck the wire back where it belongs, then place the bias tape over the hole, folding it over the top edge of the bra so you have an equal amount on each side. Sew down both sides of the tape. The bias weave of the tape keeps the wire from poking back through (stronger than straight grain).

That said, GO GET NEW BRAS! I've repaired my own as above and gotten quite a bit more use out of them, but certainly prefer something prettier. But only if they are on sale.

Anonymous said...

Chris' words are new to me, so you're not the last one on the 'net learning about her pledge. But then, I'm not really frugal, so take no comfort from me : )

deb meyers

p.s., buy the bras! I usually hint for gift cards to hit the January sales for that very reason. New undies make winter doldrums softer.

bonnie: said...

I sew mine up once, and if it busts after that, it's a goner.

*Shannon*, Goddess nursing bras are fantastic. They got me through two babes (and still going strong if I had bought more than two- they just *look* icky now). Which was TMI, I'm sure. They are not underwire, but now that I have spent two+ years wearing "soft" cup, I can't go back. They are good at lifting, and are actually comfortable. (In fact, I bought Goddess regular bras because I liked them so much.) Since I know my size I buy them online @ bare essentials.

Edi said...

Hi - I'm tagging you - if you'd like to participate - in this meme.