I had a little time last week before a class I was teaching, so I decided to stop in the thrift store. I needed a new pair of jeans as my last pair (which were hand-me-downs) have completely given up. I’d put off going shopping for a while because it’s not my favorite thing, but I really need some new clothing. A little spare time in town gave me the push I needed to at least look for some new (or new-to-me) things. I tried on a few pairs of jeans and found a pair of chocolate-brown jeans that look as if they’ve never been worn for $5. They’re a bit long for my 5′2″ frame, but they’re oh so comfortable and I don’t mind one bit, rolling them up so that I’m not stepping on the hems. They are incredibly comfortable.
It’s amazing how a new (to me) pair of jeans or any piece of comfortable clothing for that matter can make me feel. These are practical and perfect for my casual work life. I wore them to the office yesterday and I was just so pleased with them all day. I had an extremely productive day, too; and while that has more to do with little interruptions than the jeans – I’m going to say the jeans didn’t hurt. I’ll have some time on Thursday before class again this week and I’m planning on going back to the thrift store to look for a new cardigan or two as my two favorites are incredibly worn and should really be chore clothing and not worn to the office any more.
It never ceases to amaze me how the simple things can give me a little lift when I didn’t even realize I needed one. I’m going to try and remember this and not put off shopping for clothes for as long as I usually do. It might dread clothing shopping a little less if I don’t try to solve all of my clothing needs in one or two trips and space them out over the course of year instead. I don’t feel the need to go and spend a lot of money or even buy new clothing for that matter, it’s just the change, the something a little new-to-me that gave me a little wardrobe and emotional lift this week.
Sometimes, I imagine, we all just need a little something new to give us a new uplifted, outlook – maybe even provide a little extra confidence. I don’t believe any of us should use shopping as therapy, because that never works. Yet, I sometimes think a little something different provides wonders for the soul. Maybe its the waiting, the delayed gratification that provided the lift for me. As its something I so rarely do, I appreciate it more than I would if I did it every month or more. Maybe it is the delayed gratification or just the thrill of a really good deal and an extremely comfortable pair of jeans.
November 10, 2009 at 4:44 am
Kathie, my husband and I have lived frugally for the entire 35 years we’ve been married. Now with the recession his hours have been cut from 40 to anywhere between 28 and 32 hours a week. We are so glad we never felt we had to have the very best. While some friends and family members are hurting we’re merely carrying on. Thrift stores usually carry almost anything we might need. I just bought a nice 5 drawer chest for $15. Talk about thrilled!
November 10, 2009 at 10:31 am
Need to get to the bargain place myself. My girl needs some ‘old lady’ shoes for the play this month..I could use the extra off the bottom of your pants..I’m 5′10″ and always thought they should pair tall and shorter people and they could just split the difference of length! Maybe I’ll have to look there for some jeans for me. I really don’t like that everything has spandex now. An older pair may be found without it.
November 10, 2009 at 5:28 pm
I feel much the same way about clothes shopping as you do. I just don’t go shopping for myself, and when I do I agonize over whether it’s worth it. But thrift stores are a great way to go; if you end up not liking it, you’re not out a lot of money!
November 11, 2009 at 6:56 am
It gives me a boost to put on something pretty in the morning, so I love _having_ shopped. (Extra credit, of course, if it was pretty and a great price! My red cashmere sweater that cost fifty cents is my favorite thing ever.) But the actual shopping is pretty overwhelming.
November 12, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Like you I do not like shopping. When I do it is usually at thrift stores. I love a bargain. I have always been thrifty and truly love living off the land. If possible I would NEVER go to town. Love your post, keep up the good work.
November 13, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Sounds like you found a score alright. I was at a Goodwill yesterday hoping to find a pair of brown jeans myself. No luck. Not yet anyway!
I am a shopper, but not a buyer. I love thrifting – the thrill of the hunt. But I weigh my purchases carefully. The cost isn’t always the deciding factor, although it’s always a consideration. The fit, the-cost-per-wearing, care-label, even where it was made are considerations whenever we buy something – used as well as new items.