If there is one thing I dread, it's shopping for clothes. Hate it. The last time I was in a mall setting, it was right after the Christmas holiday, about three years ago. I was down to the dregs in my work wardrobe (my standard work uniform of knit pants were remaining in the seated position while I was standing) and was forced to spruce it up. I parked outside of the Macy's entrance, marched in, grabbed three sweaters, two shirts and three pairs of knee socks and hit the cashier. I was in and out within 15 minutes. It was still 15 minutes too long.
New clothing, to me, is right up there with new cars - vastly overpriced and reduced in value almost immediately. My shopping is done in Goodwill, and various thrift stores and I don't even like to shop in them. My solution has been to let all and sundry know that I am open and up for all hand-me-downs and cast-offs. Full disclosure here - the vast majority of my friends are well-dressed women with endless amounts of good taste and healthy clothing budgets. When I am asked by someone where I purchased a certain item of clothing I am wearing, I tell them the truth. While this has raised a few eyebrows (of the more unenlightened), more often than not, this has led to yet another source of great clothing for free.
Case in point: I work with a woman who is my age and has an entire room in her house dedicated to her clothes. While we have vastly different styles (mine is rather, er, crunchy and minimalist, while hers is rather avant guarde in a Miami matron kind of way), she has donated cashmere sweaters, spiffy knit dresses and stylish shirts to the charity of me. My bestie, Sylvie, has enriched my wardrobe beyond measure. I now take pride in pointing out that all but my BGPs are hand-me-downs. This, I am sure, is TMI.
I can focus my shopping on feed stores and yarn emporiums. All is how it should be.
28 comments:
I share your dislike for malls, etc.. but liked clothes shopping until I gained some weight. Now I loathe it. But that's my own darn fault.
My Rare One is just like you. In the 15 years we've been together, I've only ever known her to buy 2 or 3 items of clothing at full price in a mainstream clothing store. And I was shocked, SHOCKED, when she did so.
That IS how it should be! Clothes be damned. I'm fortunate I can live the pj life these days. And if those seats remain seated as I stand, I could care less lol! :)
They say that April is the best month to thrift store shop, as everyone like me is donating and spring cleaning. My donations however have been kids work clothes for the recent jobs. I need to get there soon, to look for a few items I need though.
I too can't stand shopping, unless of course it is for yarn, fabric, looms or shoes.....
Hence I make my own clothes, all but underwear and little cotton card's.
I can have hat I want in any color or pattern I desire. It isn't cheaper but I also get hours of creative entertainment.
And what is the reason behind the awful lighting that they put in dressing rooms? Wouldn't you think that they'd aim for something that puts the tryer-oners in the best light possible?
I just came across a pair of black velvet pants that I have not worn in...30? years. And I am not likely to don them ever. Never mind they are two sizes smaller than what I wear now.
But wait – you still need pants!!!
I have a pair of jimjam pants that have worn so thin, that it's almost like gossamer without the glamorous part. I love them to pieces and hope they last another 10 year.
I usually wait until I travel to South Portland for my annual thrift shoporama. Everyone there donates their old LLBeans, etc., and you can get well-made, like-new togs for incredibly good prices.
I don't buy anything at full price. If it's not on sale, it's not for me. Don't know when the last time was I was in a mall or walk-in clothing store. I hit the sales online when I absolutely neeeed to replace a piece of clothing. (Like the pants you have. :o( ) Problem is my wardrobe is about 97-1/2% (no, better make that 99-1/2%) homestead-y type clothes. Had to go to a funeral a couple of months ago and was hard pressed to find an unstained turtleneck and black pants to wear. I shouldn't have been concerned. Said event was well attended and the outfits ran the gamut from jeans to very classy outfits which I couldn't wear (without looking like a clown) to save my soul.
There used to be a gal who lived in our community that dressed to the nines every time she left the house. And, boy howdy, did she always look good! She got all her clothes at the local second-hand store.
Guess there are all ways to do it. Just don't make me (or you) go clothes shopping and pay more than we have to, agreed, Sweezie?
That is exactly why I love to knit - what is better than being able to make your own clothes? I need to broaden my knitting range to actual garments, however.
I know! Unfortunately, I refuse to enter a dressing room (see reply above), so I have to wait until someone hands them down! I did have to wear my sit/stand pants for a few months more until Sylvie saved me.
Agreed, Mama Pea! I really need to get out my sewing machine and whip a few things up. I am starting to think that I might do more (gulp) dresses/skirts for spring and summer, as they are so easy-peasy. But then there are...the legs.
i almost only shop online these days. as i get older, comfort is key! i have a pair of sweat pants that have a hole by the pocket. half the time my chapstick and keys end up in my cuff but i love them and won't even sew them. it's snowing here right now!
Yeh, birds of a feather. My strategy is to buy at least three of something if it fits, then I don't have to shop again for ten/ fifteen years, right?
I've been wearing sweat pants and tshirts for the last 6 months. Let's just say, those don't keep weight gains in check. :(
Since my hubby hasn't worked for 3 years now due to health issues, I really have to count pennies! I also hate shopping! If I have to, I also go to Goodwill. But, I also have become the "mending queen"...t-shirts, pants, socks, underwear, whatever has a hole in it gets mended! Waste not (mend it), want not!
I think I need to check out used clothing stores in bigger centres. The ones around here don't really contain the quality that I hear about other people finding. I have my own over-washed, stretched out shirts so I don't like having to paw through even more. I envy you being able to find nice used clothes, or having some donated to you. Do you knit sweaters for yourself? -Jenn
I too, hate to shop for clothes!!!!! I have Net sources, and send away. Not working, so my needs are minimal. :-)
Good for you! Any way, to avoid shopping!
Lucky you are a normal size and can do this. My size is "puffy."<--How is that for a euphemism?!?!?
Actually, I hate to shop PERIOD! When something is needed, I go in store, ask, look. If it's what I want, I pay/leave.
My husband on the other hand, loves to wander and compare and "think about it." -sighhhh- Needless to say, we don't enjoy going, together.
Not enough has been said about cuffs! Snow? Better you than me!!
That is a brilliant plan! There are a few garments I have clung onto for way too long - I should have purchased three of them.
It's all about comfort, right? When I am finally done with all the outside chores, I head for my comfy pants!
I think that mending is a skill that needs to be taught to everyone. I darn socks, mend holes, sew on buttons, repair hems. It is such an awful waste to toss something that could be easily mended. Thank goodness you have the skillset!
Jenn, that's why I wait for my annual pilgrimage to SoPo Maine. It's a little sketchy around me - sometimes you luck out, but those occurrences are few and far between.
You and me both, kid. I am an in/out shopper!
My clothes shopping mostly consists of looking at the label of a favorite shirt and ordering the same brand and size in a couple different colors!
I can't even remember the last time I bought new clothes at a store. I just figure the goats don't care.
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