Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Shopping revisited

Earlier this month, I posted about my reluctant, but fairly successful shopping trip. I had been able to pick up much of what my meager wardrobe was lacking, but I wanted to get those last few clothing needs out of the way before I chickened out on the whole idea of shopping and slipped into complete avoidance (which could last for years). 

Last Friday, I left a little earlier than usual for the dairy pick-up, drove into the parking lot of a different resale shop, and took a deep breath as I walked in the door, signaling my arrival with the tinkle of little bells. Geez! Between this trip and the last one, I'm amazed at the quantity of second hand clothes on the racks! Not to mention that most of this is really good quality, name-brand stuff. And of course I've only been in two of about a dozen clothing re-sale shops in town. Who needs the mall, I was thinking? Yet, a very full arm load of shirts and a dressing room later, I managed to come up with only one top - this long-sleeve, American Eagle Outfitters shirt for those occasions when I'm required to play dress up. I suppose it doesn't look like much in the picture, but it looks cute on with a white tank top underneath... oh, and I only paid $8 for it. I've never bought from any of their stores, but their website shows similar shirts retailing for $40. Um, I'll take my gently used $8 shirt thanks...

To meet some of my other shopping needs, I totally cheated. Having found the most wonderful, most comfortable shorts in my last shopping adventure, I decided to hit eBay to see what I could find. After an intense search, I was able to find the exact same shorts, in the exact same size, in different colors. Sweet! That's my kind of shopping!

That leaves me will still needing a couple of tops, but at least I won't be running around half naked or anything. My clothing needs are met for now (and hopefully the next few years). And who knows, I might run into a little something next time I drop by Goodwill, where I'm hoping to unload that miniature christmas tree that's still hanging out in our garage...

7 comments:

J said...

I was so surprised when I first visited a second hand store. I graduated from college last year and got my first "real job", so I was looking to start a "professional" wardrobe that didn't require me to buy all sorts of new clothing or spend a lot of money. After a few trips to some local second hand and consignment shops, I now have 6-7 nice skirts, and I think I paid a little over $50 for all of them.

I like that shirt you got, I bet that would look nice with a black tank. I'm a simply clothing girl myself.

J said...

*simple, not simply - sorry

Joan said...

Good for you. I'm not really in need of anything right now but I did a post
earlier about taking my daughter to Plato's Closet. I was proud of her bringing up the idea.

Anonymous said...

I too hate shopping for just about anything other than food. I have not picked up any clothes from second-hand stores yet. Need to overcome the irrational "yuck" factor.

hmd said...

Jennifer - It's amazing what you can find without spending a fortune. You did really well spending on $50 for all that. Just imagine what it would have cost new!

Joan - That's where I went the first time. The clothes fit me better there, but the styles weren't meant for those of us in our mid 30's. Or at least, they aren't meant for me. I can hardly believe the styles these days. Yeesh! I did manage to find a few thing though. Anyway, what a wonderful validation that your daughter chose to buy re-sale! Something must be sinking in :)

Cindy - I was given a lot of used clothes as a kid so I guess I never really thought about the yick factor (although I can't say I'd buy someone else's undies). But anyway, just think of all the extra money you have to pay for new and let the moola-factor conquer the ick-factor

Simply Authentic said...

Congrats on the newest shopping adventures! It's crazy that a shirt can retail for $8 at a second-hand store now. I remember when even the good stuff used to go for $3. With the popularity of Goodwill, the prices have hiked however.

Sounds like you got some good deals. I'm the same as you, that when I find something I like I try to buy multiples in different colors. :-)

hmd said...

Simply Authentic - Thanks! I just got my shipment of my shorts from eBay today. I'm so excited that I didn't have to go shopping for them - he he, I'm so lazy!