It just had to happen: As Congress and the White House grapple with solutions to the biggest financial meltdown since 1929, big-spending Washingtonians have discovered what we common folk in the hinterlands have known for years: There are bargains to be had at your nearby Goodwill. The Washington Post’s report — complete with a photo gallery — on a runway show at the French Embassy describes an event-for-our-times that, while it didn’t have Heidi Klum, was turning heads — and changing minds:
[W]ell-heeled Washingtonians were discovering that it’s still possible to look fabulous without a Wall Street severance package, a realization that’s sinking in across the country.
Goodwill has seen a 6 percent jump in sales nationwide as the economy has worsened in the past year. A recent survey of about 200 thrift stores found that more than half enjoyed sales jumps averaging 30 percent…
About 70 outfits, pulled from local Goodwill stores by Alexandria designer Tu-Anh Nguyen, were shown on the runway. Then they were returned to racks and wheeled out of the dressing rooms.
The tony crowd then descended on the racks in a scene that almost resembled bridal-gown markdown day at Filene’s Basement. Hey, ladies, settle down! There’s plenty of good stuff out there, as I have observed previously. It just requires patience and a discriminating eye.
And for some, maybe swallowing some pride. I suspect there’s going to be a lot of that in the coming days.
September 22, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I figure there’s plenty of good thrifty stuff to go around. My shopping ground is usually garage and yard sales, and I rarely pay more than a dollar for clothes–and that’s for brands like Liz Claiborne, Jones New York, Talbot’s. Where else can you get your husband a cashmere sweater for fifty cents? I love it!
September 22, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I love it, too. And I love your blog!
September 22, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I love a bargain and I’m not too good to go hunt for one either. Besides, it’s just darn fun to boot.
September 23, 2008 at 7:45 am
I love a good deal! Funny how the fancy folk are ‘discovering’ Thrift Stores and Libraries now that the economy stinks.
September 23, 2008 at 9:36 am
Ah, the thrill of the hunt is part of the fun, no? Thanks for mentioning our event. We had a great time and made lots of money for our mission! -the DCGF
September 24, 2008 at 10:54 am
It’s true. People will donate total crap, but someone donate designer stuff they’ve only worn once. You just gotta look for it.