This morning in my yoga class my instructor said, "It's about quality, not quantity." Of course he was talking about repetitions done in a particular pose. As I collapsed on my mat, I was thinking of shopping locally instead.

Certainly when you shop at a small boutique, prices may be a few dollars higher and there is less inventory to choose from. But especially when shopping for little ones who outgrow their clothes in months, not years, then you only need a couple of quality items to use for a season. Why not choose those few well-made items as opposed to some with the expectation that it's OK if they fall apart or don't last because the kids were going to grow out them any way?

And what about the quality of that shopping experience? How much more meaningful to have a conversation with the owner or designer about how she or he picked out the fabrics of the clothes you are buying, or find out what she has coming in the next season. I worked in retail off and on since high school before developing interests in photography and journalism. I am familiar with the environment, how to make sales and how to provide a quality experience for shoppers. That may be why I want that for myself when I shop. I always knew the owners of the places I worked for too. Why shouldn't we enjoy that face-to-face experience?

Om.