Window Shopping

Am I crazy? Okay, don't answer that too quickly.

But I do wonder why, when I feel like I can finally afford to shop for new items, I walk into department stores and retail shops, get bored, and walk out empty handed.

I mean, where's the hunt? Where's the creativity?

My friend Chad does think I'm crazy, because instead of looking at a fabulous sundress and thinking, wow, that would go great with the cute pair of slides I bought last season, I think, how can I make that out of something I already own or something that I know I can find for two dollars at a thrift store, like a tablecloth, for example? Or curtains? How do you solve a problem like Leenya?

Take Gap and Urban Outfitters. It's gotten to where I just walk in and browse (a salesperson's nightmare, I know) and each price tag is $40 and above for items that all appear as if they're vintage or lovingly worn anyway. Instead, my brain starts to calculate: Hmmm...

70's peasant blouses with sleeves cut off

Men's vests with darts sewn in the back lining to make them more fitted

80's print full skirts, shortened to a mini

Early 90's cuff boots or 70's shortened cowboy booties

Loose-fitting khaki's (even pleats can be reworked in the newest trends) to roll up to capris

And I have my list!

Then I head to Sally's, Conway's, or to my new favorite treasure chests, the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market on 39th Street between 9th and 10th Ave. and Outcasts, benefitting St. Clement's Church on 10th Ave. between 46th and 47th Street and look for fabrics that I'm drawn to, colors that I need in my wardrobe.

$33 dollars later, I leave with 2 huge bags of new summer items and I know it's going to be a fun new season.