Don't Buy It, Mend It This Holiday

There is no doubt the holidays are a time for conspicuous consumption. This year, consider repairing one of your old favorites instead of buying new. Think of it as a date with a really good old friend.

Something I find way more fulfilling and satisfying than a trip to the mall!

Tossing out old things adds to our already overflowing landfills, and buying new causes huge expenditures of valuable natural resources. Small fixes and repairs are easier than you think. If you don't have the time to get your hands dirty, there's probably a great local repair shop that will do it for you for a fraction of the cost of buying new. Below is a list of things to consider mending before you toss them aside:

1. Clothes: There are thousands of ways to turn old clothes into something new. A pair of old socks can become wrist bands. An old tee-shirt can become a scarf or a headband. Seams can be mended with patches or a little sewing. Don't know what to do with that hideous prom or bridesmaids dress still sitting in the back of your closet? Check out Recycle My Dress to get inspired--or send it in and watch a tiny miracle happen. 
2. Shoes: It's not just your heel that can be mended, it's your sole too. Local cobblers can re-sole your favorite pair of kicks for an average price of about ten bucks. Sure beats dropping $40 for a new pair that aren't even broken in yet.
3. Accessories: Outgrown your favorite belt? Add a new notch. Watch band worn out? Buy a new band for a couple of bucks instead of spending hundreds for a new watch. 
4. Furniture: You may loathe the dirty couch in the living room, but a new upholstery can give it a whole new look. The adventuresome can DIY it--or for a really easy fix, consider a slip cover.  No dirty work required!
5. Appliances and Computers: These are big money purchases, and eventually replacement needs happen. Refurbished computers might be a good new purchase consideration. They're brand new insides living in recycled outsides. A good rule of thumb for major appliances: will the repair cost more than half the amount of the replacement? If so, it might be time to make a change, but remember: you can always donate the old one to those in need.

What are some of your favorite things you've salvaged and repaired? Leave us a comment below, and follow me on Twitter @CoupieSavings for great fashion deals.