I’m truly not a material girl, but every now and again I fall in love with a hot pair of heels or a show-stopping shirt that I just absolutely adore. As the story would have it, those must-haves are normally out of my budget or I just seem to pass them up. Last summer, a pair of Chinese Laundry black gladiator platform sandals at Shuze in Bethlehem caught my eye, but they were the kind of heels that could only be worn with complete confidence because of their piercing 4-inch heel.

I tried them on and thought, “Wow, these look great, but what would I wear them with?” or “What would mom think if she saw me wearing these?” and “Hmm, do I really need another pair of black heels?” My sub-conscious mind quickly talked me out of purchasing them.

When they went on sale, I hesitantly weighed my options and again passed on the opportunity. The platforms were out of sight out of mind until just last Thursday when Pam, Style’s associate publisher, asked me if I ever bought those darn shoes. Sadly, I replied with a “no” and quickly text messaged my friend Becca, a part-time shoe girl extraordinaire at Shuze, who in turn told me they didn’t have that style available any longer. I instantly envied all of the girls in the Valley who owned those Chinese Laundry’s, but tried not to let it bother me that they would look perfect with an outfit I had planned for an event that very night.

On my way home from the office, I quickly stopped by Shuze to say hello to Becca and browse the selection then hurried home to get ready for my event. As I toiled over what shoes to wear, I missed a call from Becca only a half hour after leaving the store. Then a text message appeared reading, “Am at TJ Maxx and they have those Chinese Laundry shoes, size 7. Want them?” It was meant to be! I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was destined to own those Chinese Laundry’s and yes, I told Becca to pick them up for me.

Talk about making heads turn, these platforms mean serious business. Now, what to wear with them?

I can’t believe it, but the holidays are rapidly approaching and you know what that means. Holiday shopping madness! Every year, it seems like Christmastime sneaks up on me earlier and earlier. As I prepare for the gift-giving season, I have decided that I will try to complete the majority of my shopping at our wonderful selection of local retailers.

It has become customary that my dad, sister, and I bear the selfish Black Friday crowds at the Lehigh Valley Mall for a few deals and steals, but this year I want to focus my energy into seeking out unique gifts while helping our local economy at the same time. I already know where I’d like to begin, but first need to create my list.

So tell me, what’s on your holiday Wish List? Where do you shop for gifts? Happy hunting!

Like Finding a Diamond in the Rough, You Never Know What Treasures You’re Going to Discover When You’re Thrift Store Shopping.

The Good-Buy Girls
1752 W. Allen Street, Allentown
610.434.5868
good-buygirls.com
Say good-bye to the days of spending gobs of money on fashions you may only wear once. Instead, visit the Good-Buy Girls to expand your wardrobe and retain your bank account. You’ll find discounted prices and a variety of unique vintage clothing to satisfy your urge to splurge. Or sell some of your unwanted clothes to fill your own pockets for your next shopping trip.

My Sister’s Closet
3400 Bath Pike, Bethlehem
610.866.5715
truthforwomen.org
Stop sneaking around stealing clothing from your sister’s wardrobe. Instead, get your own by going to My Sister’s Closet, a unique boutique that will fill your closet with fashions your sister may want to steal. Peruse racks of clothing that span from the 1920s to fashion’s modern era, or donate your own clothing to help others in need.

Plato’s Closet
1138 Rockland Street, Reading
610.898.0450
platoscloset.com
Plato did more than enrich everyone’s understanding of life; he created a closet of fine fashion, apparently. Brighten up your wardrobe with Plato’s unique style of clothing. Browse around or sell your own clothing and accessories to revamp your style. For an enlightening shopping experience, visit Plato’s Closet and develop your own philosophy of clothing.

Designer Re-Runs
4887 Hamilton Boulevard, Wescosville
610.481.0771
Looking for up-to-date fashion instead of the ‘80s shoulder pads and retro bleached jeans? Visit Designer Re-Runs, a shop that is up to speed when it comes to style and trends. Explore the store and look at the great selection of clothing that this fashionable consignment shop stocks. Bring in your unwanted clothing to give them a second chance. Just make sure that your clothes are cleaned, pressed, and are no more than two years old.

Once Is Not Enuff
358 Main Street, Emmaus
610.967.4383
The oldest consignment shop in the Lehigh Valley will fill your wardrobe with fashionable finds from designers like Liz Claiborne, Ralph Lauren, Escada, and more. This treasure trove of clothing, accessories, handbags, and shoes offers great styles for 30% to 80% off retail prices. Certainly, Once Is Not Enuff when you shop this addicting consignment store.

Jen’s Odds N Ends
204 E. Main Street, Pen Argyl
610.881.0100
Check out this treasure chest of trinkets, clothing, accessories, and other knickknacks at Jen’s Odds N Ends. Explore her store of new and used clothing items for men, women, and children, and a selection of creative craft items. Jen’s also offers you up to 40% of whatever items you bring in to sell.

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