I went shopping today. Shopping in the mall. For clothes that haven’t been worn by someone else and then donated to the second hand store. I honestly can’t remember the last time I went shopping at the mall – five, maybe seven years ago. Seriously.
A sweet friend gave me a gift certificate for the mall. It was the only way to get me to go shopping with her. This same friend wants to be a Personal Shopping Consultant in her eighth career. MrPages was excited for me, and relieved for himself. He knew this might be a difficult assignment.
I am the world’s pickiest clothing shopper. Somehow shopping at the Goodwill isn’t so bad. Paying a buck for a shirt that isn’t perfect, or that I may tire of in a few months isn’t very stressful. But if I’m going to pay $25 for a shirt – it better fit perfectly, be a colour that looks outstanding on me, and be able to survive the rigors of the laundry war zone in our home. Oh and I’m going to wear it until it disintegrates in the wash. Which should take at least ten years.
I’m also not as young as I used to be. My hair has a strangely silver glow. And my body has borne five children. I will not wear polyester that clings. No way, no how, not ever. Apparently I am in a minority. Clingy polyester is “in”.
My Personal Shopping Consultant rose to the challenge though. We came home with a lovely pencil skirt and peasant-type cotton blouse from Northern Reflections. Not only are they fashionable and look good, but they were on clearance!
I also had some success at Ricki’s. In fact Ricki’s made this slightly outta shape woman feel good. Most of their sizing seemed for real people. I actually fit into size 12 shirts! And even a size 8 skirt! I didn’t really like the skirt, but I almost bought it just ’cause it’s a size 8. I don’t think I even wore a size 8 before I had kids!
So all in all, not a bad experience. I may even think about doing it again…
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I shared this post with my wife Jamie. She works at Ricki’s at Polo Park, in the fitting rooms. She was happy to hear someone had found something she liked at Ricki’s. She has commented in the past that one of the things that drew her to seek employment there was that the clothes actually seemed designed to be worn by, and look good on, regular people.
Matt
Hi Matt,
The staff at Ricki’s were excellent. Maybe your wife, was one of the ladies who served us! They were helpful and truthful – willing to tell you the truth, if you asked for an opinion, and then go the extra mile to find something that would work!
It was refreshing and certainly contributed to my overall enjoyment of the day!
I remember Polo Park…sigh, and the seasons of mosquitoes and construction. very funny