Friends have suggested I am frugal and it’s a second-hand badge I wear proudly.
I have given up (as if I ever really tried) buying items from boutique-style clothing stores for work or for sport. I guess because my work is a sport and I’d rather be comfortable having butternut squash smears on a $10 long sleeved-tee (note to self, buy an orange long sleeved-tee) than something I’m slapping sticky yet adorable, raisin-filled hands away from all day.
I guess I just don’t understand the value a shop owner can place on an item of clothing. Where does this magical number originate? Why is your white, button down shirt worth $200 and the one I bought at Winners $20?
I’ve looked at both tags thoroughly.
Mine is 20% cotton, yours is 20% cotton. Mine is 15% rayon, yours is 15% rayon. Mine is 3% Crayola and yours is 3% ostrich feathers.
Okay, so there’s a slight difference in fabrication but I’ll have you know I find ostrich feathers itchy and for me, comfort will always trump style.
A couple of friends complain about my discount stores, “I can never find anything!”
That’s because you’re looking in the ostrich aisle.
Sure the racks might be jammed with stuff. I’m sorry, am I forcing you to shop at a store that offers too much of a good thing?
And yes, there are often some aggressive shoppers in the crowd but since when did a little friendly competition hurt anyone?
Boutique Friend: Liz, one time I planned to buy a shirt and the tag was sewn on the outside of the garment.”
Ever heard of a seam ripper your highness? Just how lazy have those ostrich feathers made you?
There’s also an exciting element of speed. In a store that changes inventory as often as I do diapers, you have to act quickly, sometimes purchasing before even trying something on should an overzealous bargain shopper pluck right from your cart as you peruse the store.
Never make the mistake of “thinking on it.” When you return, the sought after item will be gone and the one-time butternut squash long sleeved-tee rack replenished with last year’s ostrich feathers.
