What in the world was I thinking?!
Week after week going to the thrift shop to scout out what nice new garment I might find to bring home.
Time and again, carting back bags of skirts with waists too small and blouses that look dull and aging on me.
Convincing myself that I was being frugal by spending so little to get so much!
Yet, in the long run, I have wasted more money this way than if I'd purchased a few good items, brand new from the dearer stores in town.
Being frugal is not always about spending less money for something.
If you find a good quality garment that you will own for years and looks really nice on you ..then it's a bargain.
On the other hand.. if you pay money for things you soon end up giving back ..doesn't that mean you were only renting them to start with?
I am happy to support charity shops - don't get me wrong.
But I have had a sneaking suspicion for a while now, that my attraction addiction to buying clothes at Goodwill shops might be just a wee bit over the top - well I was right!!
Just look at this -
3 bags full of clothing to give back to where they came from :-(
Ugh!! Not good!!
Am I the only one who does this?
Settle for an item that is not quite right for the sake of saving a few pennies?
Now and then it probably doesn't hurt..yard clothes to do the gardening in don't have to be perfect after all.
But when the bulk of your wardrobe starts to look like you live in the potting shed..something has to go!!
Several of our thrift stores have trying on rooms. Actually though they do not see very peek proof so I tend to not use them either! :) I put blouses over my blouse while in the shop to try them on at least finding out if they fit but I know what you mean about sizing. I have found the same brand of clothes several times so know the sizing on them. Other than that it is a guess and not a very good one. I understand. Buying a vace or such things are so much easier! :) sarah
ReplyDeleteSarah, I agree about the lack of real privacy in these stores.
ReplyDeleteA curtain that doesn't quite reach from doorpost to doorpost is out of the question for me, lol!
As for sizing, here in Australia, it has changed over recent years to the point where I no longer trust it.
Thanks for visiting :-)
blessings..Trish
Hi Trish,
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone.
I totally, totally relate to this way of thinking. I regularly have to go through my wardrobe and throw out the 'bargins' that dont quite fit right.
I've been shocked to find that some of the t-shirts I got from K Mart,size 18, are so full of elastine that they are too tight for me....I gave them to Lisa.
We can't trust sizes anymore, as you say, and the dressing areas are not inviting.
Lots of Love
Barb
You are so right. An expression I learned in old Mexio - 'Lo barato sale caro', or in other words, the cheap turns out to be expensive. I've been through it all myself, and have donated so much back to the thrift shops!
ReplyDeleteI think you have some really good points on this subject, Trish.
ReplyDeleteDeanna
HI Trish...Well I am not big on clothes....well yes I do wear clothes lol ; }
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I have bought because of the low price at Goodwill and such...but like you said ...sometimes if you want that special piece it is best to pay the money!
One basic piece can be done up in many ways with inexpensive accessories!!
Blessing to you and your family
Grace
Trish...NO! you are not alone in this nasty habit dear friend :)
ReplyDeleteI have two bags under my porch ready to go back where I rented them from!
I made a vow to myself - no more thrift shop purchases - only my own clothes - thank you very much :)
Be blessed sweet friend,
Maria
Oh my sweet friend. Don't feel too bad. I think that all of us ladies can relate to getting a little "carried away" at the shops on occasion.
ReplyDeleteA similar thing has happened to me when I have bought clothing at discount stores. It was my own fault, for I should have tried them on (they had dressing rooms) first, but I too lazy. Sigh!
Just curious, what did your husband say when he saw those three big bags of clothing in the house? :)
Add my name to the "renter's" list. :o) I've also done this so don't feel bad. I think we've all learned the lesson to be more careful with where and how we spend our money.
ReplyDeleteI find it can also happen with household items, dishes, etc...too many things, poorly made or even well-made just don't need it, but a great price and oh so hard to resist. :o)
Be thankful you've realized this and can now change your thinking and buying.
Blessings,
Sandra
Oh, Trish! I am ashamed to say that you are NOT the only one who does this! I do it all the time and have thought the same thing about buying better rather than buying bargains. But, it is so much easier to fork over $3.99 here or there than $53.99 all at once!
ReplyDeleteI'll be taking my own bags full to the thrift store this week, too. LOL - your post on this topic is so timely!
Joy!
Kathy
Even though I buy clothes from Thrift stores (wore a lovely skirt today that cost me $3) I also make sure I add a few new clothes to my wardrobe at each season - I can pick up some quite expensive items on sales - and we are currently having many sales at the moment. In fact I have noticed that within a month of a new season, some of those clothes are on sale - it really doesn't take long at all.
ReplyDeleteI too am raising my hand in sometimes purchasing something that is not exactly as I wished. This last weekend I did find two dresses at Goodwill. They both fit but one is way too young for me. What was I thinking? I am tempted to keep it anyway but I probably won't. I feel young inside but the outside is not being agreeable! :)
ReplyDeleteGina
Trish,
ReplyDeleteI have decided to make my blog private (by invitation) because of some cyber stalker bothering me. I would pleased to have you join me. Could you please send me your email address at simplyheartandhome@yahoo.com and I can send you an e-invite?
Thank you
Gina
Hi Trish, I have a dear friend who can't resist a bargain, even though she has several closets full of clothes. Many of her clothes are new, expensive ones, but she also raids the thrift stores to get bargains. And yes, she regularly totes a half-dozen huge bags of clothes back to the store. : )
ReplyDeleteI sometimes think that she is buying used items which others who can't really afford to shop elsewhere would love to have.
She has recently begun giving me thrift store bargains as gifts! I must admit that most of them go directly into MY discard pile. But I don't have the heart to tell her.... : )
The best dressed women I know have a few well chosen, good quality pieces, and they always look great!
I'm still a work in progress myself!
Hi Trish,
ReplyDeleteGood for you that you tackled this project! I got serious, and cleaned out my wardrobe a few years ago - and it felt so good and freeing! I now only have what fits me, looks good on me, and makes me feel good to wear. I keep a couple outfits for dirty work, but no more! Great thought-provoking post!
Blessings,
Kim