“Ooooooo, I love your jewelry!” the ladies exclaimed as I
approached my assigned table for a networking event. “And, your haircut is cute
too.” “Is that Premier Designs?” one asked of my fun necklace made up of big
silver circles, and matching earrings. “No,” I answered with a smile, “but, may
I go back and come in again. You made me feel like a million bucks!”
Years ago, I thought nothing of spending thousands of
dollars a year on high-end fashions. My wardrobe was full of Talbots and
Chico’s and upscale boutique brands. I carried Kate Spade, Michael Kor, and
Coach handbags. I had a closet full of Calvin Klein, Bandolino and Nine West
shoes – in every color imaginable. My jewelry was always and only ever 14 kt. gold;
except for a genuine Zoppini Italian Charm Bracelet – it was Stainless Steel. Nothing
but the BEST for this princess!
Sometime in the early 2000’s, around the time my Dad was
diagnosed with terminal cancer, I realized that life is short, and materialism
is meaningless. It’s been said many times, “You never see a hearse pulling a
UHaul.” Isn’t that the truth?
Gradually, my spending habits began to change, but not my
taste for fine fashion and accessories. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had
a penchant for fashion. I’ve always had a knack for pulling pieces together to
make attractive outfits. Usually, I did all my mixing and matching at the same
store with the help of sales associates. I’d walk out of the store with an
empty wallet and a bag full of loot, while they had a register full of my cold
cash.
Then, I chose to walk away from my lucrative career. Still
wanting to look nice, I learned to unleash my creativity. I knew of many women
who shopped thrift stores and looked great; but, the idea of wearing someone
else’s hand-me-down clothing disgusted me.
Initially, I couldn’t differentiate between consignment and
thrift stores. I thought they were the same, until one day I walked into a cute
little boutique in a pretty mansion called “Oo-la-la Consignment.” There I
found a beautiful house filled with eye-candy – high-end, like-new apparel,
handbags, shoes, and jewelry for a fraction of the full retail price. All of my
favorite brands were meticulously displayed like an upscale specialty store –
for dimes instead of dollars.
I walked out with bags of fabulous styles, feeling like I
struck the jackpot … and have rarely walked into a full retail store ever
since.
Then, I began volunteering for Dress for Success, and discovered
their Inventory Reduction Sales where I could fill a gigantic bag with “used”
business apparel for a $20 donation. This was my introduction to thrift stores.
I came away with unimaginable treasures – hundreds, if not thousands, of
dollars-worth of second hand clothes for pennies. It was not meticulously
displayed like the consignment store, nor was it all upscale brands, but I
didn’t care. I had so much fun searching for my favorite names, and was amazed
at what women buy and NEVER wear!
Eventually, I let go of my fine jewelry and started buying
big, bold and fun costume jewelry.
Now, everywhere I go people compliment me on clothes and
accessories. “I love your glasses,” exclaimed an HR Professional. “That’s a
beautiful jacket,” declared a woman in the public restroom. “You’re wearing
pretty nail color,” said the girl at the Chic-Filet drive-up as I handed her
cash. “Ooooo … that necklace is so much fun,” proclaimed the distracted rental
car agent. “Where’d you get that bag?” gushed an administrator at the US Army
Research Lab.
On and on, it goes. Until one day after receiving a passing
compliment, my boss, Paul, looked at me with a twinkle in his eye and mockingly
said, “Can we just go one place where people don’t gush over your bling?” I cockily replied, “You know, I could use a bling
budget. We can use it for marketing.” Surprisingly, he agreed. Today, I get to
spend his money on dime store baubles and trinkets to give to clients and
prospects.
Beth’s Bling has become my brand. It opens doors, and sparks
conversations. People remember it. They remember me. It’s a ton of fun using my
creativity and impacting others by sharing something I love. It’s not about the
price, it’s about creating memorable experiences.
Psst! Here’s a secret: the necklace the ladies at the
networking event were oogling over was from the clearance rack of Kmart! Shhhh!
Don’t tell. They’ll never know!
On the above photo: pink vest I bought through thrift for
$5. Silver necklace with matching earrings from Kmart $7. Chico’s black travel
jacket I picked up at Goodwill on vacation for $3. Brand new Sporto boots I got
at thrift for $5. A collection of name-brand handbags I bought at thrift for
less than $5 each. A brand new sparkly velour jacket from thrift for $5. A
beautiful brand new Chico’s business jacket and necklace from consignment for
under $20.
In case you’re wondering – a consignment store sells
secondhand items (typically clothing and accessories) on behalf of the original
owner, who receives a percentage of the selling price. My experience is that
consignment stores carry high-end, in-style, like-new merchandise. Thrift
stores, on the other hand, sales secondhand clothes and other household goods
that are donated, typically to raise funds for a charitable institution.
Incidentally, I have bought two like-new leather sofas, and
two practically new leather chairs at furniture consignment for a fraction of
the price of new merchandise. For me, consignment shopping has become a way of
life. The money I save, we use to bless others and do things we love, like
travel … and I’ve even figured out how to do that on a dime! 
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