If you watched the Golden Globes on Sunday, like me, you were probably surprised about some of the results (Hangover for best comedy--really?) Cringed at some of the speeches (was that acceptance rant in the Avatar made up language by James Cameron really necessary?) and ho-hummed for a majority of the telecast. Except for the fashions. I have to admit, I’m a real sucker for who wore what and comb the Internet for all the Best and Worst lists.

There were some really incredible looks by some of the beautiful people and it’s always a fun challenge to find these looks for less. So without further ado, here are the winners (without the hefty price tags):

With the economy as stagnant as a Baton Rouge swamp, we’re wondering how we’ll aff ord the myriad of gift s along with the rent/mortgage.

Consumers, worry no more. Consignment shops are here to the rescue. Why pay full price for retail when you can acquire a treasure for a fraction of the cost? That’s right. Consign- ment shops typically sell items at 50 to 75% off retail price. Whether you’re searching for a Graco high chair or a Ralph Lauren dress, you can fi nd it. Consignment shops range from basic to chic boutiques, so there’s something for every taste. Th ink of it as a form of recy- cling; you gain a new item that didn’t work for someone else.

Many of the items were originally bought on impulse. Th e skinny jeans looked fabulous when you held them up at Express. You didn’t have time to try them on because you had a meeting in twenty minutes, so you rang them up. Excited for your Saturday night outing with your girlfriends, you tried to pull them up and, oops! Th ose lunches at Cheesecake Factory last month snuck up on you. Your noble intentions to return the jeans went by the wayside as you got caught up in a million other tasks, and the jeans end up taking residence in your closet. It happens to the best of us.

One day, an article about consignment shops captures your interest in the Post while you’re sipping your morning Starbucks. You realize this is a perfect way to earn some extra cash. You take those jeans to your nearest con- signment and if they sell, you pocket forty to fifty-percent of the profi t. If they never sell, they are usually donated to charity. Everyone wins.

The shops have strict guidelines on the brands and conditions of the items they accept. The styles should be no more than two years old and in excellent condition - no stains, no holes, no missing buttons, and functioning zippers. Clothing ranges from gently worn to brand new.

Consignment shopping is becoming the new craze. Th e negative attitudes toward second-hand items are dissolving. Even the stars, such as Julia Roberts and Penelope Cruz, are doing it. Th ere is a wide market: teens and college-aged (with limited spending money), young adults following the trends, business- women, and mothers looking for deals on children’s products. So, savvy consumers, let the shopping begin.

Last Sunday we biked for 13 miles from our house to Old Town Ashburn on W&OD. The weather was almost perfect. Dry, in mid 80s, head wind (as usual). We left our home in Broadlands and took Claiborne Parkway until we could hop onto W&OD.

When we arrived at the junction of Old Town Ashburn, we were happy to see our old friend Mike from www.pedalshop.com. Mike used to own a bike shop next to the Carolina BBQ in Old Town Ashburn and he had to close it due to tough economic times. We had purchased our bikes from him and we were very happy with his service and maintenance of them.