When I was little and just getting into sewing, my grandma used to tell me the story of her collection of dollar dresses she sewed during the 1950s. At the time, you could get three yards of fabric for $1 -- just the right amount for a simple day dress. Not only were these dresses practical, but they also allowed for the frugal housewife to add to her wardrobe without breaking the bank.
 |
| | my grandma in 1955 wearing one of her dollar dresses | |
Although I didn't know it at the time, my grandma was teaching me an important life lesson when it comes to the value of a dollar and how to make it stretch. And, while I would be hard pressed to make a dress for today's equivalent of $8.89 to 1955's $1.00, I definitely have adapted this concept to 2014 living.
 |
| | 1950s sundress, thrifted for $5 | |
It never occurred to me, until a few weeks ago, that all my thrifted dresses were kind of the modern equivalent. For the most part, you can walk into any thrift store and find many dresses marked $8.99 or below. Even if I were to walk up one morning and decide that I was done with wearing vintage clothing, I still would be a regular thrift store shopper. I always find it so thrilling to see how far I can stretch the $20 bill in my wallet and what amazing treasures await me. So Grandma, wherever you are, thank you for sharing the gift of spending wisely on fashion. I know you'd be proud. :)
