While the other FU ladies are waiting for this winter to be over, I am happy to have a chance to crown myself with this fur hat. Nearly twenty years ago it traveled all the way from Russia with one of my father’s colleges from whom he bought it. In all the time since it has hardly been worn. This last Christmas my father gave it to me. He may never have thought to before my converting to a life of frugality and second hand thrifting. Before the expected gift to give was brand new and cost money.

Brocade coat: McClintock Collections, Ishi Nights (Boise boutique 5 years ago)

All of my gifts my family gave me that Christmas were second hand and it was the best one I had ever had. There wasn’t that feeling of waste from giving or receiving an obligatory gift. There also wasn’t any embarrassment from receiving or giving a more expensive gift.

Vintage fur hat: Russia, gift
Lipstick: Heat Wave by NAR cosmetics
1960s vintage gold bead choker: inherited from grandmother

Notice the drape of the fabric and the buttons on the collar.

Leopard animal print and gold chain belt: Talbots (The brand is just a guess)
thrift store, gift (price: $5)

Yes, I mixed bling and animal print with a conservative Victorian brocade. Juxtaposition is one of my favorite fashion dos.

Pencil skirt: Anne Klein, Neiman Marcus, thrift store (Price: $5)
Vintage 1970s white draping blouse: JH Collectibles, thrift store (Price: $3)

Leather heals: Liz Claiborne, thrift store (price: $3.49)

The world of second hand has changed my relationship with people and material wealth. Once great expense is taken out of the equation of giving, the worth of a gift becomes thoughtfulness and creativity. I feel I have more to give people and they feel they have more to give me.

This perception of the value of a gift has also expanded to my overall value of material wealth. I see things that cost money and things that don’t more on the same plane of worth. It is a freeing feeling to see things this way because I am not hoarding my belongs and focusing on the monetary expense. Thrift store shopping and second hand has open me up to a bigger life of generosity.

Thrift store shopping = wealth + generosity

Thank you to Kelly and Anna for some extremely beautiful photos.