For me, frugality is about becoming more aware of my spending habits, and prioritizing where and how I want to spend my money. If I’ve bought something expensive, I still might consider it being frugal. What I mean is this: I bought something worthy of the cost, and even though it might be considered expensive, it was worth every penny. I know it’s not what most people think of when they hear the word frugal, but it works for me.
The great thing about being frugal (in the normal sense of the word) is that you (obviously!) save a lot of moolah. If you take all the money saved and use it to support small businesses, you can effectively put your money where your mouth is (or where your feet are!). I’m always on the hunt for great independently run stores with great inventory.
Enter Cow Jones Industrials.
Upstate NY’s very own vegan boutique! The owner Donna is one of the sweetest ladies I’ve ever met, and her store is fabulous! My mother and I had the pleasure of stopping by a few months ago and we got some great stuff!
I got these awesome Cri de Coeur booties:

I didn’t think they’d be too comfortable after being worn for a few hours, but they are actually super duper comfortable. I am in love with them!

When I saw these beauties I knew I had to get them to wear swing dancing. They aren’t as comfortable as the Cri de Coeur ones, but I still love them.


If you know me, you know I never wear makeup, but I’ve been obsessed for a long time with the idea of bright red lips, so I scooped up some Zuzu luxe lip gloss in Caliente.

I can’t stop having mini photo shoots with myself!



May 14, 2009 at 7:34 am
I completely agree with your thoughts on frugality. What winds up being better in the long run, buying one quality item (or a pair, as in shoes), or having to buy fifteen replacements for an item, because they all keep wearing out/breaking/are a piece of shit anyway? and, like you say, you can feel good about supporting the little people!
On another note, I LOVE THOSE PHOTOS!!!! I’m jealous. I want to take your picture! That bottom one is one of my all-time faves of you, as you know, and you look uber-cute in the one with sunglasses and a hat, but I simply adore the one in the blue furry hat! Your eyes look G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!!! So modelesque…
May 18, 2009 at 9:28 am
[...] via Veronica, Cow Jones, a vegan shoe + other awesome stuff shop in my very own neck of the [...]
May 30, 2009 at 12:50 am
Looks like an awesome store.