The New Frugality

It's in the news and it's on our minds.

We're consuming less.

While this new mindset is definitely affecting us at French Quarter Linens, it's a way of life that we've always tried to encourage.

This may sound incongruous for a retailer that sells the finest of the fine for your bedroom and bathroom, but I founded the company on one simple principal based on my year as an exchange student in France: consuming more isn't the answer to a fulfilling life; consuming less but of the highest quality you can afford is the sanest strategy over time.

I'm certain this philosophy of frugality in Europe is borne of two world wars being fought on their soil as well as the sharing that happens in much closer inter-generational relationships than we Americans typically experience.

I experienced this careful consuming in many different ways in France involving utilities, food, vacations, restaurant meals and consumer goods.

The best example was my host mother Françoise and the purchase of her spring wardrobe. She had a plan, she had a budget and she had an appointment when she visited the small boutique in our town, Tourcoing. She returned home with four skirts and four blouses, all of which fit her perfectly, all of which were finest quality she could afford, and all of which coordinated with the other pieces. And those were the eight pieces she wore or several months! There were no impulse purchases, no unplanned expenditures; it was all very thought out and practical. Very European!

Which brings us back to French Quarter. No one needs to have dozens of sets of sheets, duvet covers and pillow shams. But we do think that rather than buying new sheets every year, it makes more sense to buy the best sheets you can afford, and do it only every few years. And while it might be tempting to buy an attractive new duvet cover and shams on impulse while you're shopping at the mall, we suggest that a more classic, higher quality bedding ensemble will serve you better over the years and ultimately cost you less money because you won't tire of its looks and it won't wear out as quickly.

To get you started in your quest of less is more, have a look at our Top Ten Lists.

Top 10 Essentials - These are the items that stand the test of time at French Quarter and that our customers keep coming back to.

Top 10 Ensembles - These are the duvet covers and shams that have color, design and quality longevity.

Top 10 Sheets - You can't go wrong with any of these tried and true sheets. Sometimes a new set of sheets is all you need for a satisfying bedroom makeover.

And don't forget to pay a visit to our friend (ok, it's me) The Frugal Hedonist. While this area of the website is still in the construction phase, you'll see that we have many ideas for you to consider.