Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Looking for a good deal on school clothes? There is always the Big Box Stores; Wal-Mart, Target, JCP, Sears and more. Then there are the “it” stores; J Crew, Aeropostale, Abercrombie and Fitch. Or GAP, who only recently started scheduling their employees instead of being “On Call’. Why would you need to be “On Call” while working at GAP, or AE or Areopostale? Emergency “jean crisis”? The only people needing to be on call is your doctor.

All buy their clothes from a foreign country in a third world market for a fraction of the price and then sell it to you. An average person who works in clothing manufacturing in a third world country makes about $30.00 a month working 14 to 16 hours a day in unsafe conditions. They make about the same amount many people spend on gas on any given day for their SUV. You may have bought a pair of jeans, t-shirt or skirt from a brand name manufacturer that pays their employees pennies on the hour. I am sure I have bought clothing from the same stores. So, how do we shop with a conscience? It’s hard.

What about the last year’s controversy at Aeropostale? The CEO bluntly made a statement of the like – we only cater to skinny people, people who are cool. Ok. Considering the United States just gave up the title to the “World’s Most Obese” people on this planet I think he was missing a big part of the market and hopefully made a few enemies along the way. In the end the CEO retracted his statement, apologized and started to offer clothes in a size XL. This means they might fit a person who is really a size 6 or 8, when the 95% of the market wears a size 12.

It is difficult at best to shop with a conscience and still find a good deal. You could buy clothes that are made in Canada or the United States and you will pay a good price for them – if you can find what you need. You could shop used clothing stores since thrift shops have become so trendy, carrying quality clothing at a fraction of the price. At least you will be recycling and reusing. And don’t forget to check out local town wide or community wide sales. It helps save time to have everyone selling at once. Next year, mark your calendars for the Kawehnoke, Kanatakon and Akwesasne Community Wide sales . Many vendors have good quality, brand name, only slightly used and still very “in” clothes for sale.

When you can – purchase quality clothing that will last. Much of today’s clothes from many top stores sell “disposable” clothes. Clothes that won’t last more than one season, if that.

To save time and gas money – go online before you head out, this way you can get a look at what items they have on sale. Most of the time you can order online and really save the hassle of crowded stores and long lines and whiny kids. Good luck and happy shopping.

Coupons and Membership Saving Cards – take advantage of an extra percentage off when joining the company’s saving program. It makes for a lot of cards to carry, but worth it and most registrations can be identified by just using your phone number.

CLOTHES SECRET

The Clothes Secret consignment store in Old Ottawa South provides shoppers with an affordable and eco-friendly way to update their wardrobes. With an impressive collection of clothes that ranges from size two to 22, there is something here to suit every budget and style. Clothes Secret, 1136 Bank St.

AMH STYLE

This Wellington West consignment store is owned by Ottawa’s fashion-savvy sisters, Alison and Joanna Hughes. AMH offers a wide selection of new and used clothing, bags, shoes, belts and accessories. AMH Style, 1440 Wellington St. W.

GYPSY AND COMPANY

This two-location vintage store bills itself as carrying “lovely one-of-a-kind finds for guys and girls.” The original store can be found at the corner of Elgin and Gilmour, and the second is in the Byward Market. The folks at Gypsy and Company have made it easy to track down unique, high-quality vintage wear. The Gilmour Street store also boasts a great selection of plus-sized vintage wear, and houses its own independent record store and café. Gypsy and Company, 203 Dalhousie St.

RIKOCHET RESALE

This Ottawa consignment store is especially fond of high-end brands. Visit their website for a list of their favorite (and least favorite!) designers. Rikochet Resale, 255 Richmond Rd.

YOUNG JANES VINTAGE BOUTIQUE

In the heart of the Byward Market, you’ll find Young Janes’s wonderfully crafted collection of vintage clothing and accessories. A quick skim of the shelves is all it takes to know that each item in store—from Christian Dior blazers to the darling handbags—has been carefully selected. Young Janes Vintage Boutique, 223 Dalhousie St.

For more “serving those in need” types of store and lower prices check out these thrift stores in Ottawa. By far my favorite is Value Village. You can make a day out it, pick up plenty of quality used clothes, in top name brands for dirt cheap. You have to take your time looking for the special item, but that’s half the fun of it. They have several locations around the city. They are; St Vincent De Paul Stores, Value Village Stores, and Goodwill.