I love the smell of PVC in the morning...

I love shopping and playing dress-up in the fabulous fashions at Nordstrom and designer stores. I say "playing dress-up" because most of the time that's as far as it's gonna go. I'm not in the bracket to actually puchase real designer clothing. Our outlet stores give a pretty good quick fix, but I haven't gotten very close to the real thing.

Now with the downturn of our economy, even those who can afford to splurge are cinching in their Prada corsets. Never fear! In last Sunday's New York Times I read about the "Recessionistas"; those Fashionistas that are making do with what Nature never intended...polyvinyl chloride!Designers are designing for the masses (that means most of us) and thanks to Target and others you can get your designer fix. Knock-offs are nothing new, but I suppose they are on the upswing right now.

I'm sticking to my Hippocritical Oath! I too have an adorable PVC bag or two. I've got PVC stuff all over the house; laundry basket, coffee maker, coat hangers, mop, stereo equipment, computer, TV...anyone out there NOT have any of the toxic stuff? (I'd love to hear about it..nothing, really??) And to be sure, it is toxic. So, I'm just saying...let's be aware. Read about PVC here. And some great alternatives for a healthy home here.

But I like the Recessionista idea a lot! I say take it a bit further and make it more about recycling. I was about to buy a new pair of shoes the other day, then decided to wait until I got home and do my closet switch over from summer to fall/winter. Lo and behold I dug out 3 pairs of brown shoes and others that were, yes! back in style again! Really, what goes around definitely comes around in fashion.

And how about a Swap Party? Organize a free-for-all with your friends (I would think men's clothing could work too). More fun to share and sans the often musty ambiance of the local thrift store. Read about "how to" here.

I encourage you to visit http://therecessionista.blogspot.com Mary Hall's got it down and is providing a great resource! And she's been written up in the New York Times! The lady is living my life I tell ya! Big Smile! =)

Les-Misbarack

Uplifting! Inspiring! Oh..just have fun!