What do you think of when you hear the term “high maintenance”?
Well, that probably conjures up the image of a girly-girl who spends a lot of time making sure she looks exactly right. The hair, the makeup, the clothes, the nails, the perfume, facials, highlights, lowlights, all of those things that go into making us feel good about ourselves. Making us feel pretty. I do admit that having on the right clothes can totally make my mood or break it. If I feel “cute”, I’m going to feel so much better around people.
I can remember back to my 20’s (and into my 30’s) when going shopping was at the top of my list and I loved hanging out at the mall in the department stores, waiting for the latest cosmetic giveaway to come along from Estee Lauder or Clinique. Oh, I had my arsenal full of those girly things. You probably did too. Shopping for clothes was an all day event, oh what fun that was. I could spend hours in Lerners or The Limited (that was the ultimate back in the day, buying an outfit from The Limited!), trying on new clothes and shoes (oh, don’t even get me started on shoes), I just loved a new pair of shoes and was a borderline shoe-aholic. A new pair of shoes could change my life! Or so I thought back then. Of course, I was wearing much higher heels back then too.
Somewhere along the way, I have lost my mojo for clothes shopping. It’s not nearly as much fun as I remember it being.
How in the world did that happen?
Going to the mall now makes me break out in hives and if I had to shop all day, I’d have to stop and take a lot breaks, not to mention looking at the price tags and wondering who pays that much for those things? It’s just not as easy for me anymore to spend a ton of money on clothes, shoes, and cosmetics. Am I getting old? Perhaps, but maybe I’m just getting wiser. I do like nice clothes, but I’d rather just pop in TJ Maxx or Marshalls and look for name brands there. Or find them at yardsales. 
These beautiful boots waltzed into my life at the end of yardsale season this year. One of the last stops I made around September or so and these were sitting there just waiting for me. Beautiful black leather boots, very gently worn, in just my size, for $5. Do you think I didn’t scoop them up? You know I did! 
And the last find of the yardsales this year was this pretty faux leather snakeskin jacket that fits like a glove.
How much? $4
Another great find and perfect with jeans and boots. I picked up the black cotton skinny jeans/leggings (jeggings, I hear they are called) when Gap had a one day sale and all their denim was 1/2 price. That’s how I shop! Half price, I’m there. I got them just so I could tuck them into boots this winter.
So what if I’m 54? I still want to look “cute”. 🙂
These days, this is the kind of shopping that makes me happy. Spending loads of $$ at the mall or the fancy boutiques just doesn’t do it for me. I might not be in the top trendiest fashion, but I felt pretty darn diva-ish in this outfit. I had on a black cashmere turtleneck sweater that my sister bought me several years ago for Christmas. It’s still going strong. And the lime green monogrammed scarf was a gift from my friend, Debbie, at Miss Lucy’s Monograms and very reasonably priced.
The zebra purse was a $1 yardsale find.
Once again, I just don’t think you have to spend a ton of money to dress well. The same concept that goes on in our homes can happen in our wardrobes too. I’m so glad I came to this conclusion. It keeps me out of the mall and a little more sane.
I’ve just cleaned out my closet and am decluttering the clothes that I’ve not worn in awhile, along with shoes and purses. Boy, does that feel good! And I don’t feel bad about getting rid of some of those yardsale finds, since they were so cheap to begin with.
How about you? Are you a thrifty shopper when it comes to clothes, shoes and accessories?
Do tell!
Joining up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy’s What I Wore Wednesday. Click over there for lots more fashion inspiration.
I’m right there with you. I used to have what I called “Mall Sense”. I knew which door to go in outside the mall to reach the thing someone wanted at the quickest rate…I knew every department’s location in every department store in every mall. But that stopped about 15 years ago when I just got too busy to shop all the time. Today I pride myself in saying that I haven’t been to the mall other than to go to a movie in like 7 years. I just refuse to do it. Mostly because I just can’t afford it. I figure I’m much better off not seeing all the things that I can’t afford to buy. Like you..if I can’t find it at TJ Maxx, ROSS, Marshall’s or a few of my favorite smaller stores…then I just don’t need it. You can buy very cute things at Target these days. I wonder….does this mean I have bad taste now? That I’m happy with these things rather than the mall things I used to have to have? I don’t think so….and if I could find good stuff thrifting I would scoop up without a thought. Love your finds!
Yes. I do think of a lady who requires a lot of ta daaaa and ta dooo when I hear the two words high and maintenance put together. I guess I don’t really mind as long as they realize there is more to life than a label. Now on to our favorite topic. Thrifting. I must agree. I pop into da Maxx quite often and find some great pieces. However, nothing is more fitting than a good yard sale of GW find.
You look stunning!
Mr. Goodwill Hunting
Oh yes, I am thrifty when it comes to buying clothes for myself, Rhoda. Sometimes I’ll go without if I think something is too expensive but that was something instilled years ago when I was a SAHM. The only shopping we could really afford was window shopping! It was the only way really, if I wanted to be a SAHM and be able to afford our house.
I do agree with you, though, and since I lose interest in most of my clothes after a few years, I don’t need something that is “made for a lifetime”. I’m with you, I would rather pop into Marshalls or TJ Maxx {and sometimes Dress Barn for work clothes} than hit the mall.
I never have been much into clothes and I have never worn make-up. My daughter insists that I am not fancy. While I do try to dress nice I am much more comfortable shoppin g for home things than for clothes.
Love to pick up items at the yard sales or garage sales… of times when some one comments how cute/nice/lovely something looks …I just smile and tell them it is an “GS Original”. …then they give me that funny look. I laugh and tell them the letters stand for “garage sale”.
I had rather have $2o.00 to use at yard sales as have $100.00 to use at Dillards.
i love the outfit! i used to buy mostly “designer” clothes … now i’m envious of my friends who find their clothing at the thrift shops and yard sales! i think our priorities change as we get older. now instead of desiring designer jeans, i just want something comfortable that looks nice!
54 and simply lovely! I would love those boots and that jacket!! Great finds!
I too-at 38, am now partial to TJ Maxx and Marshalls-and clearance racks and thrift stores everywhere….yes-there once was a time that I loved to go to the mall and shop for hours and pay (yikes!) FULL PRICE. Now I am more thrilled with myself when I can say things like, “Look! I got this for 2 bucks!!” tee hee
For some reason I get sick to my stomach if I am forced to go to a mall …but get a rush when I am able to go “Saleing”Garage saleing that is….thanks for a great article…love your site
I’m not quite the bargain hunter you are but…I’ve come to the realization lately that I just don’t need as much stuff! I have a couple of cashmere sweaters from TJ Maxx (love that store) that I rotate with black pants and colorful scarves and that’s my entire winter wardrobe this year. Big malls, and we have a biggie here in Chicagoland…make me crazy and I just can’t stomp around it any more. Sorry merchants!
Great thrifty finds! I love shopping at Goodwill and Sal Val. Mainly b/c I love fashion, have expensive tastes that I can not otherwise indulge, and I’m sorta crushing on vintage right now. I’m always amazed at what can be unearthed secondhand. Last week I found a pair of brand new Frye boots for $15. Life is good!
I agree, mall shopping is rediculous. I think I was about 28 when I realized that. Before then, I take my little Jaxon to the mall at leat once or twice a week. On the weekends, it was a Saturday tradition. Now, I’ve probably been there a handful of times in the last year.
This 34 year old can be found at Target, TJMaxx, Marshall’s and Ross. My husband on the other hand has to buy brand name at Buckle….I tell him he’s too old for that and he looks like he’s having a midlife crisis! 🙂
Great find on those boots btw!!
Hi Rhonda,
Wow, you look so good in all of your thrifty finds! Love the jacket.
I can so relate to those days at the mall and the fancy boutiques. I wouldn’t have been caught dead in a thrift shop or yard sale buying clothes in those days! LOL. Now, I find lots of great pieces at the thrifts and I also buy stylish tops for my jeans at places like Catos and TJ’s.
Maybe we do change with age or maybe it’s the economy. But, wearing the latest designer piece doesn’t entice me at all.
Great post.
hugs
Sissie
I agree totally. I love shopping at Goodwill/garage sales/flea markets more now than the mall anyday. It’s not only the thrill of the hunt, but the great prices. I go away not feeling guilty about spending more money than I have, especially since you usually have to pay cash. Great post and you look very stylish!
Cindy
Amen! I so totally agree! and you look just as great as if you’d spent a fortune! Finding a bargain is so much more exciting!
I remember spending hours at Lerners and the Limited buying neon colored off the shoulder sweaters to go with my pleather mini skirts. Sigh. Now I’m sitting and lovingly eyeing the comfy shoe section my teen daughters spend hours at Rue 21 and H&M. Age is a killer. (And so are those boots! You’re still a fashionista, just a frugal one.)
Hi Rhoda: I’m with you – if its a bargain and looks great, I’m in. I picked up two jackets at Goodwill recently for $5 each – they both look great so I was surprised I found them. I really dislike paying full price for anything, even at Macy’s. Your outfit looks really great and for what you spent, no one would ever know. Its the same with diamonds from QVC – who has to know they are not real? no one knows what a real gem should look like anyway!
I always enjoy your posts on bargain fashion finds. You certainly are good and finding cute things for a reasonable price.
The thought of entering the mall fills me with dread. How did I use to enjoy shopping there? I tend to shop just every couple of months. I enjoy finding cute dresses at Ross and cute casual clothes at Old Navy. I do splurge every once in a while at Talbot’s, but only when they have a sale.
I love that you’re holding your BBB 20% off coupon!
Cute? You look hot! LOVE that jacket.
Shopping is less fun that it used to be, I just want to quickly find exactly what I have in my mind and move on. Somehow it doesn’t quite work out that way…
Janell
I’m with you on the shopping ~~ used to love it, not so much now. Still enjoy bargain shopping though which I wasn’t so into when I was younger. When I get a deal on something I seem to appreciate and enjoy that item so much more. That goes for clothing or home items. As my sister-in-law says, “The fun is in the hunt!” Love the outfit you put together! Happy hunting!