So New Year’s celebrations came and went and now we are back to the chaos that is Lehigh Valley Style. What a week it has been. I spent my Monday writing a bit and making calls to local retailers to let them know that I was on the lookout for spring fashion for our March and April issues and mentally prepared myself for conquering this week.

Let’s face it. No matter how many times you tell your friends and loved ones what you like, you’re bound to miss out on a few of the gifts you were hoping to get. So after the frenzy of the holiday, why not plan a little shopping trip for one and treat yourself to an end of year pick-me-up.

Shopping in Style & Comfort This Year!

As if holiday shopping weren’t tedious enough, it can be downright dismal if your feet are aching. Here are 6 great styles to have you walking the mall with ease.

Classic Clog
While a clog is often associated with comfort, its cuteness factor is often in question. Lucky for us, Alegria has addressed this issue with their Classic Black Tooled Clog. This cool take on an old look has a leather lining and is hand-sewn and dyed a vintage black/pewter. This style is enhanced with a removable foot bed made of latex, memory foam, and cork.
Available at: Shuze, 520 Main Street, Bethlehem, $99.95.

View of Bethlehem Steel from Fahy Bridge.

I had a rather interesting Labor Day weekend. It was pleasantly relaxing, but surprisingly eventful, too. My extended weekend began with a walk around the South Side visiting the usual characters for a lively First Friday.

My trunk. No, it's not the most amazing photo, but you get the idea.

I just scored the ultimate find! Wednesday evening I was browsing Craigslist when I happened upon a listing for a “Black Foot Locker” in Allentown for only $28. Curiously, I clicked, and right before my eyes was the photo of a lovely vintage trunk just perfect for my new living room.

Last Saturday I spent the better part of the late morning and early afternoon at Renningers Antiques and Farmers Market in Kutztown with my boyfriend, Mike. Did you know Renningers is world famous and has even been mentioned in some of the industry’s most touted fashion mags? It’s true!

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.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Especially with the recent snow we’ve received. This is absolutely, hands down, my most favorite time of the year. I was already listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving even arrived. The outdoor lights are up and glowing, the tree is fully decorated, and holiday-scented candles burn as I prepared for all that is the beauty of the season. I am in full-on Christmas mode!

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.

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.