Followers of my little blog know that I recently happened upon some bloggers who are fashionable and, quite simply, fabulous. Reading these blogs is a deviation from my usual blog itinerary, which for a while has stuck closely to the frugal. Even though I know many, if not most, of the frugal tips that are proffered, I derive comfort from my frugal soul mates in the blogosphere.
But when I read the fabulous blogs, I want to throw frugality out the window. Oh, I know these people shop for deals, but marked down stuff at Neimans or even Lands’ End is a far cry from my pathological frugality.
Something of my split personality was represented on my office door the other day. Hanging from the doorknob was a bag of fashion magazines (Vogue, Elle, and others), which, compliments of Anne, are for my daughter, but I take a look too. Stuck into the crack of the door was the weekly ad from Piggly-Wiggly, a grocery store which is on my way home. ( I want to assure any cosmopolites that I am not making up the name.) The ad was compliments of Mary, who is the epitome of fabulosity, but has a streak of frugality, and kindly indulges me.
As you might expect, we stopped at the Pig (yes, that is what people call it) on the way home. We bought a large number of Hass avocados (2 for $1.00, for guacamole) and some bell peppers (only 25 cents, for red beans and rice). We also bought 2 bags of shredded cabbage near the expiration date for only 39 cents each. When we got home, I made the great cabbage soup from Marcella Hazan, favorite frugal fare for more than twenty years.
I immediately thought of writing a blog entry on cabbage, the most frugal vegetable, and a superfood to boot. But then I got depressed: fabulous bloggers write about Hermes scarves and designer shoes and elegant restaurants. Cabbage is so plain.
So I have decided to dip my toe into fabulosity. I have not decided how, but stay tuned. Any suggestions in the meantime?
The Pig's the Place!
ReplyDeleteAs to fabulous suggestions, I can't be of much help. Even if I made a point to spend every dime I make, I just don't have any fabulous in me.
Frugal fabulosity would be a great road to run down. One thought would be labels for the fashion challenged like me. If I am buying stuff at the thrift store, what are some high quality labels to look for? I don't think it is an either or situation. Another thought would be to do a game -- 40 bucks, what kind of outfit can you put together. I have the hardest time hitting the right note for academic professional drag, it isn't quite business wear, but it isn't casual either. I struck gold when I did a field observation for four hours on campus -- female professors like to wear things from other countries, I observed, and now when I travel for work I bring back a little something -- a ruana, a batik shirt, something made out of mudcloth...but any tips would be greatly appreciated. Love cabbage too.
ReplyDelete@Cubicle: I know something fabulous for you. Last year at Jazzfest, I saw a fellow with a Piggly Wiggly tee shirt. On the front was the cute red and white pig and on the back was a rear view, with the curly tail. Now THAT is fabulous.
ReplyDelete@Chance--This is something I am good at! I wish I could go thrift shopping with you. For "academic drag," look for Talbots, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic. Since you're an anthropologist (?), you could probably wear ethnic stuff. I only go to conferences where jeans are permitted. If you are really fashion challenged, find a teen age girl to accompany you. I won't buy anything without my daughter; she's very harsh on me but it's worth it. Or find a French or Italian person. Seriously.
The cabbage from Marcella Hazan is braised in olive oil and garlic with a touch of vinegar. It cooks way down. Then you add broth and some rice. At the end you add parmesan. It is so good--we ate the amount for 6 in one meal.
That does sound sort of fabulous, as I love tshirts. Where I grew up, was the birthplace of Piggly Wiggly and they had stores all over. Not a single one where I live now.
ReplyDeleteCrazy, I know, but I look through Vogue before I go to the thrift store...to get a feel for upcoming colors!
ReplyDeleteFrugal, who says you can't have it both ways? IMO it's tempting to get stuck in a polarity. I'd love your cabbage soup recipe!
ReplyDeleteI think many women flee from style because they feel pressured and resent spending big bucks, especially on someting they think will be out of date in a year. But as you say, one doesn't have to. Thrifting, bartering, watching sales: where there's a will...
@Duchesse--Thanks again! I think I'm too frugal, if such is possible. I'm hoping you will help me decide on a tote bag.
ReplyDeleteThe Marcella Hazan recipe (summarized above) is for a long-braised cabbage (with a little onion, garlic, vinegar). She says to braise for 1 1/2 hrs! Then you add broth and some rice. Marcella recommends arborio, but I generally save that for risotto. Top with parmesan. Like most of Marcella's recipes, the short ingredient list leads to low expectations. It's soooo good.
@Frugal I wish you could go shopping with me too! I am an anthropologist with a dollop of public health. Seriously fashion challenged, messy hair, and .... very fond of black. A Winter, or so they say. I am at meetings in DC right now, and am in a red/black ruana, black turtle neck, sag harbor pants and (go figure) sensible merril shoes. So far, no one has laughed out loud. This has actually happened to me. I am craving your fabulous series.
ReplyDeleteI love cabbage and soup so I shall try your recipe. I am also a bit fashion challenged and addicted to black - but then I am a lawyer, though I work in the public sector so I can't afford designer stuff - and I live in England so black is fine in our climate (no sun, lots of rain).
ReplyDelete@Chance--The ruana sounds great! And the colors are right for a winter. Here's what my teenage daughter says to wear: narrow pants, LONG top, shorter jacket or sweater. Necklace or scarf. This proportion has been in for a few years and so is probably about to go out.
ReplyDelete@Alienne--I put up the REAL cabbage soup recipe. Hey--you have Topshop! Lucky you.