So I boldly posted on my vow to embrace French fashion frugality and buy only a few things, as long as those things were just what I wanted. That's similar to what Duchesse wrote about this morning. YESYESYES, I thought as I read her post. (Click on the link to the right). As I said, I even unsubscribed to those pesky emails, which alerted me to tempting sales.
This morning, I just took a peek (SORRY) at the Garnet Hill site, to see (SORRY) if the pants I bought ever got further reduced. Not only did they not get reduced further, they are gone. (And the Chico's pants my mother bought me are totally out of stock in black and out of stock in my size in all colors).
But Garnet Hill is having their Labor Day sale! Stuff is as low as $6.00. Even stuff I liked when I looked at the catalog. Oh yeah, and GH sent me a coupon for $20.00 off when I bought my pants. Notice how the boundaries are being violated: the sales come into your house. It's not enough to "stay out of stores," that staple of advice to the frugal neophyte. Now you must stay off the internet and throw out all catalogs and coupons that are left in your mailbox (physical and virtual).
So I figured that as long as I was writing this post, I was not filling my shopping cart. Perhaps by the time I finish, the things I liked (and the BEST bargains) will be sold out.
French fashion frugality=difficile.
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Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Frugal Fitness: Free
Unlike Mr. FS, I am not one who finds it easy or fun to get exercise. I really have no aptitude for sports, and spent many years in high school getting to the end of the line or choosing an outfield position to save myself from humiliation. In college, I was subject to s state requirement of several years of PE. After failing several classes (failure was triggered by missing a class), I discovered my "sport": yoga! i loved getting into position and holding it . . .sometimes till I fell asleep.
After that, I remained in decent shape by not having a car. I do love to walk! Walking all the time is why--as the book says--French Women Don't Get Fat. We do live in a nice-to-walk-in neighborhood, but it's hard not to saunter at a relatively slow pace.
My devoted readers know that 1. I have an aversion to gifts, and 2. I have gained some weight, precipitating the purchase of pants with stretchy waistbands.
Then, Mr. FS gave me a great gift. Even though he rides about 100 mile a week on the Rails to Trails path near our home (The Tammany Trace), he volunteered to walk on the Trace with me. It is not sufficiently populated for comfortable walking alone.
After a 40 minute walk for each of the past 4 days, I feel so much better!
Thank you Mr FS for giving me JUST WHAT I WANTED.
After that, I remained in decent shape by not having a car. I do love to walk! Walking all the time is why--as the book says--French Women Don't Get Fat. We do live in a nice-to-walk-in neighborhood, but it's hard not to saunter at a relatively slow pace.
My devoted readers know that 1. I have an aversion to gifts, and 2. I have gained some weight, precipitating the purchase of pants with stretchy waistbands.
Then, Mr. FS gave me a great gift. Even though he rides about 100 mile a week on the Rails to Trails path near our home (The Tammany Trace), he volunteered to walk on the Trace with me. It is not sufficiently populated for comfortable walking alone.
After a 40 minute walk for each of the past 4 days, I feel so much better!
Thank you Mr FS for giving me JUST WHAT I WANTED.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
French Frugality and Decluttering
Today is the 4th anniversary of Katrina, or "the storm," as it's called in "the Katrina area." I was told by a psychiatric nurse that 4th anniversaries are occasions of psychological stress. I was awaiting stress and/or inspiration; perhaps luckily neither was forthcoming. I was lucky too in my storm: four big trees through the roof, while we were safe in a strong school building was definitely "Katrina Lite."
So, further thoughts on French frugality. My three new pairs of pants will, I hope, see me through the entire year, at least. Since they are made of new-fangled synthetics, I am not sure of their longevity. I have long thought that I could shop at Bergdorf's or Saks, given how much I end up spending at various alternative venues. Of course, I donate back my mistakes, so I justify them by saying that in buying and re-donating I am actaually donating to charity--twice. But the over-abundance is starting to get to me.
Each year, I set decluttering as a goal, and each year, I never quite complete the task. I am hoping that my three pairs of pants will keep me from temptation.
As part of my decluttering quest, I decluttered my inbox. In addition to deleting messages, I unsubscribed to many many tempting sites. I got on these lists by succumbing to an offer of free shipping.
Now I am off. No more Ann Taylor Loft, Talbots, Banana Republic, Steve Madden (shoes for Miss Em), Lands End, Levenger, and on and on. Honestly, it's better not to know about sales and special offers.
Now when I open my inbox, I can say "Ahhhhhhhhh."
So, further thoughts on French frugality. My three new pairs of pants will, I hope, see me through the entire year, at least. Since they are made of new-fangled synthetics, I am not sure of their longevity. I have long thought that I could shop at Bergdorf's or Saks, given how much I end up spending at various alternative venues. Of course, I donate back my mistakes, so I justify them by saying that in buying and re-donating I am actaually donating to charity--twice. But the over-abundance is starting to get to me.
Each year, I set decluttering as a goal, and each year, I never quite complete the task. I am hoping that my three pairs of pants will keep me from temptation.
As part of my decluttering quest, I decluttered my inbox. In addition to deleting messages, I unsubscribed to many many tempting sites. I got on these lists by succumbing to an offer of free shipping.
Now I am off. No more Ann Taylor Loft, Talbots, Banana Republic, Steve Madden (shoes for Miss Em), Lands End, Levenger, and on and on. Honestly, it's better not to know about sales and special offers.
Now when I open my inbox, I can say "Ahhhhhhhhh."
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Why I Spent So Much Money on Eileen Fisher and Chico's Pants: The Gaze
Obviously, I feel very guilty, since I keep returning to those pants. For the record, the three pairs came to about $180.00, after various discounts and coupons. Plus, my mother bought me the pants from Chico's--thanks Mom!
So even though I seek to glorify these purchases by adverting to the concept of Franch Frugality, in truth, the reason has to do with the GAZE.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that students listen to only a small portion of what a teacher says. The ONLY thing I can be sure my students will pick up on is the magical phrase: extra credit. Sometimes they hallucinate, as when they say But you said we could have extra credit for coming to class!
Teachers are subject to the GAZE. Anyone who has spent any time in literary theory classes or film classes knows about the male gaze (famous article by Laura Mulvey: "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema") and its many permutations.
So while teachers seem to have all the power (because they make up the tests and do the grading, obviously), as they intone away on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the students are, it must be admitted, not paying attention to the lecture. But they are GAZING upon the teacher. The GAZER, as we know from Mulvey et al, has the power to which the OBJECT of the GAZE is vulnerable.
I know this for a fact, because as I left my classroom yesterday, I overheard two fellows chatting as they waited for their class. They were saying, "That teacher has the biggest muffin top I've ever seen!" It is a testament to the power of the gaze that every woman to whom I related this story immediately said, "OMG, that must have been ME they were talking about!"
My new pants have wide and stretchy waistbands. Nuff said!
So even though I seek to glorify these purchases by adverting to the concept of Franch Frugality, in truth, the reason has to do with the GAZE.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that students listen to only a small portion of what a teacher says. The ONLY thing I can be sure my students will pick up on is the magical phrase: extra credit. Sometimes they hallucinate, as when they say But you said we could have extra credit for coming to class!
Teachers are subject to the GAZE. Anyone who has spent any time in literary theory classes or film classes knows about the male gaze (famous article by Laura Mulvey: "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema") and its many permutations.
So while teachers seem to have all the power (because they make up the tests and do the grading, obviously), as they intone away on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the students are, it must be admitted, not paying attention to the lecture. But they are GAZING upon the teacher. The GAZER, as we know from Mulvey et al, has the power to which the OBJECT of the GAZE is vulnerable.
I know this for a fact, because as I left my classroom yesterday, I overheard two fellows chatting as they waited for their class. They were saying, "That teacher has the biggest muffin top I've ever seen!" It is a testament to the power of the gaze that every woman to whom I related this story immediately said, "OMG, that must have been ME they were talking about!"
My new pants have wide and stretchy waistbands. Nuff said!
Francophilia and French Fashion Frugality
My family is comprised of francophiles. Indeed, I think I was in part interested in Mr. FS when we met because he had lived in France not once, when his father had a teaching Fulbright in 1968, but twice, when he returned post-college for two years. Hence he is fluent in French, while I am not, a source of frustration and, I'm afraid, some jealousy (of our son, who is there now).
The myth of French frugality is widespread. We get a glimpse of it in Babette's Feast, when we see Babette wrangling with the fishmonger and then cooking so as to wring the most flavor out of humble ingredients. (Of course, at the end she blows her lottery windfall on a fabulous feast out of artistry and love for the women who took her in . . . well, you should see the film).
I'm talking about French shopping frugality. This involves having a few basic items of excellent fit to be varied with au courant accessories. Including, of course, the scarf. I have never really managed this. My family sport involved getting as much as possible for as little as possible. My mother always spoke of French fashion frugality as a goal. She called it New York City-No Closet shopping. But her closets reveal that she has never achieved this ideal, and, in fact, has strayed from it more and more over the years as money became less an issue.
I have a French friend here and, by and large, she exemplifies the cliche. She buys very little, spends more on individual items than I do, and doesn't think about it again. This last is key. Once you have what you need, you STOP LOOKING.
Well, it's hard to stop looking with the internet. But I am aiming for a more French way of doing things this year. I know my readers were fascinated (hope the irony is evident) by my tale of two Eileen Fisher pants, bought on sale, but still expensive for me, the princess of the $3.00 thrift find.
The EF pants were an acknowledgment of my misery at the waistband. Then, in a further journey to the Dark Side, I went to Chico's where I bought a pair of pants that look kind of like leggings. Other people must have my problem, because these pants are now sold out in many sizes including mine.
Anyway, I have 3 new pairs of pants. I am going to try to STOP LOOKING for a while. I am going to try to embrace the ethic of French fashion frugality. It's soooooo hard for a thrift store girl like me.
The myth of French frugality is widespread. We get a glimpse of it in Babette's Feast, when we see Babette wrangling with the fishmonger and then cooking so as to wring the most flavor out of humble ingredients. (Of course, at the end she blows her lottery windfall on a fabulous feast out of artistry and love for the women who took her in . . . well, you should see the film).
I'm talking about French shopping frugality. This involves having a few basic items of excellent fit to be varied with au courant accessories. Including, of course, the scarf. I have never really managed this. My family sport involved getting as much as possible for as little as possible. My mother always spoke of French fashion frugality as a goal. She called it New York City-No Closet shopping. But her closets reveal that she has never achieved this ideal, and, in fact, has strayed from it more and more over the years as money became less an issue.
I have a French friend here and, by and large, she exemplifies the cliche. She buys very little, spends more on individual items than I do, and doesn't think about it again. This last is key. Once you have what you need, you STOP LOOKING.
Well, it's hard to stop looking with the internet. But I am aiming for a more French way of doing things this year. I know my readers were fascinated (hope the irony is evident) by my tale of two Eileen Fisher pants, bought on sale, but still expensive for me, the princess of the $3.00 thrift find.
The EF pants were an acknowledgment of my misery at the waistband. Then, in a further journey to the Dark Side, I went to Chico's where I bought a pair of pants that look kind of like leggings. Other people must have my problem, because these pants are now sold out in many sizes including mine.
Anyway, I have 3 new pairs of pants. I am going to try to STOP LOOKING for a while. I am going to try to embrace the ethic of French fashion frugality. It's soooooo hard for a thrift store girl like me.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Starving Student: More Food for Thought
Yesterday, my blogpal Duchesse urged me to send Frugal Son some money so he can enjoy a good meal in Paris. In fact, Frugal Son has plenty of money in his account, not to mention the fact that he has a credit card, which is linked to our credit card.
I emailed him the restaurant suggestions--for which, many thanks. Here is his response. The gist is that he wants to wait till he has some compadres with whom to enjoy a restaurant meal.
I already sort of responded to Duchesse but I’ll go into greater detail here (just got approached by one of those women who asks “do you speak English” and then shows you a card with something asking for money). First off, the fact that R. Mouffetard has cheap, student eateries is not a bad thing since, at the moment, I am a poor college student. Also, as I mentioned in an earlier snippet of an email, eating alone is not even a quarter as enjoyable as eating with a friend. As she once mentioned, eating out is not just to gain nourishment in the corporeal sense, it is also a time to relax and enjoy the company of others. Seeing as how I have no one to share a meal with, it would much less enjoyable and I’d be surrounded by all the other people with their friends so I’d be constantly reminded that I’m alone. Hopefully once I have friends I will be able to return to Paris and enjoy a more expensive meal in a restaurant but until then, it’s bread and cheese for me.
He has 5 months more in France.
And thanks to Duchesse for the restaurant suggestions. I have a feeling we'll be eating in some en famille on our next family trip.
I emailed him the restaurant suggestions--for which, many thanks. Here is his response. The gist is that he wants to wait till he has some compadres with whom to enjoy a restaurant meal.
I already sort of responded to Duchesse but I’ll go into greater detail here (just got approached by one of those women who asks “do you speak English” and then shows you a card with something asking for money). First off, the fact that R. Mouffetard has cheap, student eateries is not a bad thing since, at the moment, I am a poor college student. Also, as I mentioned in an earlier snippet of an email, eating alone is not even a quarter as enjoyable as eating with a friend. As she once mentioned, eating out is not just to gain nourishment in the corporeal sense, it is also a time to relax and enjoy the company of others. Seeing as how I have no one to share a meal with, it would much less enjoyable and I’d be surrounded by all the other people with their friends so I’d be constantly reminded that I’m alone. Hopefully once I have friends I will be able to return to Paris and enjoy a more expensive meal in a restaurant but until then, it’s bread and cheese for me.
He has 5 months more in France.
And thanks to Duchesse for the restaurant suggestions. I have a feeling we'll be eating in some en famille on our next family trip.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Frugal Son still in Paris: How to Do An Abroad Program the Frugal Way
Is it bad to be jealous of your child? Well, I always wanted to spend a semester in France, but my college only had one slot--for a French major. So I asked my French teacher if I could be a French major and he said NON, because I wasn't fluent in French.
To fit with my frugal theme, let me point out that for many of these abroad programs, you pay your home school's tuition and fees. If you are on scholarship--merit or need-based--that money applies. If you are paying $50,000/year for a private school, well, that's what you are paying to do the abroad program. It seems to me that if one is not eligible for massive amounts of need-aid, then one should go to the state school and do the abroad program from there.
THEN you can transfer, if you so desire,to your fancy college. Last year, I read an article about how Columbia University (fancy college par excellence) wouldn't take the transfer credits from a student who, on his own, spent a year in England or Scotland. The price was much lower than Columbia's, maybe half or less. Columbia spokespeople argued, unconvincingly, that they weren't sure of the quality of the program. YEAH-right.
Excerpt from email:
Breakfast this morning was really crowded. I think about 30 Germans came in last night so the cave was full to the brim. I took my tray up to the courtyard and ate en terasse. Or en plein air. It was cloudy this morning and since the sun had barely started coming up at 8am it was really quite chilly especially since it was breezy. First I walked to Hotel de Cluny and, while sitting in the park typing up this letter, I discovered some very tenuous free internet from the McDonald’s across the street. Unfortunately, I hadn’t finished up this letter yet so I didn’t send it. From Cluny, I walked to Rue Mouffetard which is where I am right now. What a splendid place. There are at least three fromageries, a couple poissoneries, and tons of fruit and veggie venders. I was planning on just eating my left over President on left over bread for lunch (I had a bit but it really has gone a bit too far since I wasn’t able to refrigerate it) but I think I’m going to have to buy something here. There is a little crottin of raw milk chevre for just a euro and maybe I’ll buy a couple figs because they look so good. I love figs. Must be because of my name. On the way in I bought a Yop which, for the money, is actually one of the better ways of nourishing oneself with 585 calories per bottle. Also, there is another boucherie here and watching the guys actually cut and prepare the meat is great. Man, I’m not sure if French people actually shop at places like R. Mouffetard but it sure is idyllic and I like to imagine them doing so. I’m going to buy 4 or 5 figs (I hope the shopkeeper doesn’t scorn my miniature purchase) and the little crottin of chevre and then I’m just going to sit down and be happy. Well, time for me to go look longingly at the langoustines and huitres and snails and beautiful sardines. I’m dying for a kitchen, even one with just a single, lousy electric burner.
By the way, you guys could definitely live here. Just sell your 202 square meter house for say, $350,000 (225,800 euros) and then you can buy a 29 square meter apartment (with miniature kitchen, living room, bedroom, and toilet) on the 4th floor sans acenseur in the 18th arron. for just 350,000 euros! DO IT. Well, I’m off to peruse R. Mouffetard a bit more and be jealous of every French person I see.
What do you think? Should we buy the teeny apartment in Paris?
To fit with my frugal theme, let me point out that for many of these abroad programs, you pay your home school's tuition and fees. If you are on scholarship--merit or need-based--that money applies. If you are paying $50,000/year for a private school, well, that's what you are paying to do the abroad program. It seems to me that if one is not eligible for massive amounts of need-aid, then one should go to the state school and do the abroad program from there.
THEN you can transfer, if you so desire,to your fancy college. Last year, I read an article about how Columbia University (fancy college par excellence) wouldn't take the transfer credits from a student who, on his own, spent a year in England or Scotland. The price was much lower than Columbia's, maybe half or less. Columbia spokespeople argued, unconvincingly, that they weren't sure of the quality of the program. YEAH-right.
Excerpt from email:
Breakfast this morning was really crowded. I think about 30 Germans came in last night so the cave was full to the brim. I took my tray up to the courtyard and ate en terasse. Or en plein air. It was cloudy this morning and since the sun had barely started coming up at 8am it was really quite chilly especially since it was breezy. First I walked to Hotel de Cluny and, while sitting in the park typing up this letter, I discovered some very tenuous free internet from the McDonald’s across the street. Unfortunately, I hadn’t finished up this letter yet so I didn’t send it. From Cluny, I walked to Rue Mouffetard which is where I am right now. What a splendid place. There are at least three fromageries, a couple poissoneries, and tons of fruit and veggie venders. I was planning on just eating my left over President on left over bread for lunch (I had a bit but it really has gone a bit too far since I wasn’t able to refrigerate it) but I think I’m going to have to buy something here. There is a little crottin of raw milk chevre for just a euro and maybe I’ll buy a couple figs because they look so good. I love figs. Must be because of my name. On the way in I bought a Yop which, for the money, is actually one of the better ways of nourishing oneself with 585 calories per bottle. Also, there is another boucherie here and watching the guys actually cut and prepare the meat is great. Man, I’m not sure if French people actually shop at places like R. Mouffetard but it sure is idyllic and I like to imagine them doing so. I’m going to buy 4 or 5 figs (I hope the shopkeeper doesn’t scorn my miniature purchase) and the little crottin of chevre and then I’m just going to sit down and be happy. Well, time for me to go look longingly at the langoustines and huitres and snails and beautiful sardines. I’m dying for a kitchen, even one with just a single, lousy electric burner.
By the way, you guys could definitely live here. Just sell your 202 square meter house for say, $350,000 (225,800 euros) and then you can buy a 29 square meter apartment (with miniature kitchen, living room, bedroom, and toilet) on the 4th floor sans acenseur in the 18th arron. for just 350,000 euros! DO IT. Well, I’m off to peruse R. Mouffetard a bit more and be jealous of every French person I see.
What do you think? Should we buy the teeny apartment in Paris?
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