I was raised in a family of shoppers. Every Saturday, at 9:45 AM, my mother, grandmother and great aunt would pile into the car and go shopping, arriving at the door of their target location just moments shy of its 10:00 opening. They were bargain shoppers, and excellent ones at that. I can clearly recall acing my second grade math lesson on percentages because I had been taught to calculate discounts at Clover Day at the local department store, Strawbridge & Clothier. I could calculate a discount in my sleep.
These days, I rarely shop. Because it’s not a social event for me, I find that I do it rarely, and then only when I need something. I also tend to gravitate towards online shopping. Unlike my childhood in Philadelphia, there are no Strawbridge’s and Wanamaker’s department stores to offer competition to Macy’s. If I want to shop at a real store, I’ll end up with the same stuff as everyone else.
That’s how I discovered Etsy. The more time I spend looking through this site, the more amazed and impressed I am. While it’s a network of independent and very different vendors, I’ve experienced nothing but fantastic, old-school quality customer service from each and every one I’ve contacted. I’m willing to bet that nearly all of your shopping and gift-giving needs can be handled by this one site. I only wish that I had come up with the idea myself.
Here are some things that I’ve found that are cool, different or interesting.
Mountain Gypsy Handbags
If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me where I got this purse, I’d be able to buy myself another one with my “earnings.” This is not hyperbole. I’ve given out several of her business cards and written down the website for dozens of others. Last week, I was approached at the park by a woman who asked, “Did you get that purse from Etsy? I’ve been eyeing it for weeks!” I’ve been so happy with this one that I can only hope that Judy has seen a dramatic spike in sales from Northern California. I’ve already picked out my next bag: the slouch hobo in Asian cherry with black trim.
Expressions in Leather
I’ve had a terrible time finding a plain black leather belt, not pieced leather that will fall apart in a few months of regular use. This place not only fits the bill, but punched the proper array of holes so that one belt will work for all my jeans, from low-to-mid-rise.
The Craft Pantry
Every year, I am completely baffled by what to get for my sister-in-law’s birthday. She has much better style than I do, and I can’t imagine what I can get for her that she doesn’t already have. This year, I got her some cute notecards. It’s not the most glamorous of gifts, but at least it’s something she can use. Cute stuff, too. I’m thinking of getting a batch for myself.
Ureshii
I love the clothes from this store. When my next paycheck comes in, I’m going to get this dress in a deep wine red. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love the fact that I can have it customized to be long enough for me!
Econica
If I ever need an evening dress, I’m getting this one. Classic and beautiful.
Shlomit Ofir
The only thing that’s prevented me from giving this jewelry to everyone I know for their birthdays is the fact that I don’t plan far enough ahead to get the items shipped from Tel Aviv.