Yesterday was a pretty exciting day, and not just because this happened:
But also because I got to sit down with the lovely Savannah Guthrie to discuss The Compact and why someone in their right mind would choose to stop buying new. It was a great experience, from filming in Portland under the direction of producer Stephanie Becker and correspondent Kristen Dahlgren; to the morning spent at The Today Show studio. (And yes, I did have Call Me Maybe stuck in my head all. Day. Long.)
To those who missed the segment or simply wish to relive the excitement, you just need to click:
And for those who want more information, I have a treat, which is an bonus video from the interview I gave at home. Just click:
I also wrote an essay for The Today Show website, which you can read:
And from Stephanie Becker, producer extraordinaire, a witty essay about her $12 Emmy gown and her feelings about filming at my house, which can be read:
I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone at The Today Show who gave me the opportunity to come to New York and talk about my favorite subject.
And I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I hear there’s a rumor going around that Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte has decided to join The Compact and stop buying new. Except of course, for his grills. 😉
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
I just about screamed when I saw your picture with Ryan Lochte on my reader this morning. I saw the show and it never occured to me that you would meet Ryan…side bonus! Your segment was awesome and I loved your response to the lady who talked about the impact to the economy if everyone did the compact…whatever.
Congratulations!
Super entertaining Katy! You did a fabulous job. I would have been a nervous wreck. Nice job representing the thrift store set with poise and grace.
I really enjoyed the segment!! You loved very at ease in front of the cameras—Super Star!!
Katy, how exciting! What a whirlwind for you. Can’t wait to watch all of these. I’ve had that song stuck in my head a few times, too. I also had to have my teenage daughter explain the deeper meaning of it – which she was able to do. Congratulations!
What a fantastic experience! I am so happy for you. You have the confidence and poise to be on camera and this was so so much better than Extreme Cheapskates!
Agreed. Although that segment is still floating out in the universe and may still air. 🙁
Katy
You were amazing Katy – so cool & poised. Great job explaining what it’s all about. And the essay was great. Loved that you talk about people who support this lifestyle are still supporting our economy. Hopefully more people will join us.
The minute I watched the show I thought “I wonder if she got to meet Ryan Lochte?”
You did a fabulous job on the show. It was exciting getting to see someone you relate to every day on the Today show. What an amazing experience it all must have been. I agree with Diane ….. so much better than Extreme Cheapskates!
Thank you. All the interior sets on The Today Show are actually in a single room, so everyone can see everyone else. At one point when Elizabeth Mayhew is speaking I start staring across the room at Ryan.
I also chatted a bit with Star Jones, but got no photographic evidence.
Katy
Did you ask Ryan to run away with you? LOL! So awesome Katy. Glad that you are continue to bring light to a subject that I believe will be central in improving our great country. Just remember all your little blog followers on your way to the top! ;-D
you were awesome! so poised! And you made it sound like a totally reasonable lifestyle, which of course it is, but some main streamers think it’s weird. Well done!
Katy–longtime reader here–I just watched the segment and it was fantastic! I agree with all the commenters above who remarked on how wonderful your interview was–you were so articulate and poised, and looked lovely. Hurray for spreading the word in a national forum!!
Longtime reader delurking to say Ditto! Ditto!
Congratulations, Katy!
Your presentation and message were spot-on during your interview and essay – don’t get bogged down by stuff, be mindful of purchases, and do you really need that? You already have what you need. Ahhh.
Love that your two sons are being mindful of their purchases and are excited about their finds! That is a precious lesson you’ve taught them.
A lot of things that you write about resonate with me and I believe that I am a “Compactor” (just didn’t know it before I found your blog recently) – meaning for the last year I haven’t “wanted” anything (the universe keeps telling me that I already have what I need) and I do enjoy thrifting already. The only items I’ve bought new is a couple of leather straps, 25-cent clearance zippers, and $5 in material to sew my own over-the-shoulder purses. And another $5 in material to sew a pillow cover.
You are so right when you say how liberating it is to not buy stuff! I am more creative and more inspired by “seeing” what’s already out there with fresh eyes. Thanks.
I laughed to see flashy Vinnie strutting his shiny stuff in the background. I believe he was doing the lamp equivalent of “Hi Mom”.
Great fun, Katy. I hope it brings lots of new readers into the fold.
Katy! This is excellent, glad you included the link for us cable-TV-less people. Congrats!
you are a rockstar! 🙂
I think used “grills” would be okay if one had access to an autoclave!
… if one could find used grills, that is. hm.
I have been reading your blog since the beginning and really enjoyed your Today segment a lot, Katy. I agree with those who noted your natural poise and charm in front of the camera. You really have a natural beauty that shines. And most of all you are a great spokesperson for the obvious logic of thrifting! Although I am with the cranky economist who noted that not everyone “should” buy used stuff–I agree with her for other reasons: if the vast majority of Americans did not need to buy everything new, the rest of us thrifters would not be able to get our hands on such good stuff ; )
Congratulations on your appearance on Today! I bet your straightforwardness won over many who have only bought new until now…
You were so great! It was a great segment! It made me want to join the compact and I have been reading your blog for over 2 years. I have been buying used items but have not fully embraced the compact. I think I will try it for a month and go from there.
You did a great job representing those of us that love to thrift! Really enjoyed watching the segment here.
Did you ask Ryan about Prince Harry??
Nope, I left that up to Matt Lauer. 😉
Katy
Well done!
Hey Katy – Way to go! So good to see you in action. I’m now feeling newly motivated. I have some photo-frames to buy…guess where I’m headed?
I’ve a feeling the US is going to be seeing more of you on screen… keep posting links here so us overseas viewers can enjoy also please!!!!!!!
Katy, nicely done!
Congratulations! It’s really great to see this type of story on the Today Show. I don’t normally buy much in the way of material things, but when I need something, I can almost always find it on Craigslist or from a friend.
You are a super star!
Finally had time to watch and read all the segments–very inspiring! Since I’m experiencing a little frugal burnout it was a great motivator to get back on track. Love the story of the producer’s $12 dress as well.
Love that the lamp made the backdrop!!!
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