Thrifty Threads

Welcome to Thrifty Threads, AKA Most Stylish Compact-y outfit, where readers model their favorite secondhand clothes.

A Compact-y outfit is used or recycled, from Goodwill, a thrift store, a consignment shop, ebay, a yard sale, a clothing swap, or anywhere else you find secondhand clothing.

Today's model is Cathy, wearing an outfit she bought at a consignment shop near where she lives in Ottawa, Canada. Cathy says the pants were $18, which is a bit higher than she likes to pay, but they fit perfectly and that's difficult for her to find even in a regular retail shop. The cute top with great detail around the neck and sleeves was $11. And since she had a store credit from selling a few items earlier, the total layout was actually $0. That's a nice price!

I told Cathy I was thrilled to receive her photo because I'd been wishing for a gorgeous over-50 model for months, and she told me she didn't mind if I revealed that she is actually over 60! As Cathy put it, she's "all for minimizing that fear of aging hysteria that grips us from time to time." I think she looks absolutely beautiful, fit and happy. What an inspiration. I really think she should be a model for Prevention or some other health magazine. Cathy says she's always loved thrift shopping, and now that she's retired, she has more time and motivation to thrift shop.

When I asked Cathy how she stays so slim she says she's fortunate to actually enjoy activities like jogging, biking, and gardening. And her husband shares her interests, so when one of them is lagging, the other is motivating. She does admit it takes a bit more awareness or attention to stop the weight from creeping up than it did when she was younger.

Cathy is a retired registered nurse and she enjoys reading blogs. She's a big believer in the Green Triangle idea of the interconnection between health and saving money and the environment, and trying to maintain a happy balance. I love the phrase "Green Triangle" to describe things that are green, frugal, and healthy. It comes from the books Your Money or Your Life (Dominguez and Robin) and the companion book Getting a Life (Blix and Heitmiller). Both books credit Ernest Callenbach with the idea. Cathy says she especially liked the explanation that you can enter the Green Triangle from any angle, whether financial, health, or the environment, and you will most likely benefit the other two.

That made me move my copy of Your Money or Your Life to the top of my stack of books. So many different people have mentioned it to me and I can't wait to read it.

Cathy, thanks for the great photo and for being such a inspirational example of aging gracefully and pursuing an active and meaningful retirement. Readers, it's your turn. Put on your favorite secondhand outfit, snap a photo, and send it to me at barton.angela@gmail.com. We all want to see your fabulous finds, so don't be shy. Women, get out your summer dresses, and guys, bring out the Hawaiian shirts, and let's get into the spirit of the season. I continue to be inspired by people's creativity, ingenuity, and resourcefulness when it comes to being stylish without spending a lot of money.

Please leave your tips for secondhand shopping, plus compliments for Cathy in the Comments section. And click here to check out previous installments of Thrifty Threads.