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.
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.
cyndi says
I really enjoyed this post! I am 55 and also still enjoy looking fashionable, but like to watch my pennies! You look GREAT in this outfit! I’d love to see more posts on your clothing posts!
Jen says
You look very cute and stylish! I am not much of a shopper period. I guess that’s a good thing for my husband’s wallet :). Anyhow, I like to shop pretty cheap, like Target or Old Navy. When I need something a bit nicer, I’ll go to Stein Mart, or a place like that. I chase after a toddler all day, so my clothes need not be too fancy! 🙂
Cindy says
Hi Rhoda,
I am a very thrifty shopper. I even save up the coupons from our local Thrift stores when they come out with them. Clothes are no longer what makes me, my smile and attitude do that, but my clothes still have to be stylish and pretty. I’m 53 and loving it!!!
Hugs, Cindy
Ricki Jill Treleaven says
I hate to shop, and I always have. My grandmother used to own a couple of boutiques, and she would take me to market in Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles. I hated every single minute of it! So I shop quickly, like ripping a bandaid off! I buy what I want, and hope that it is on sale (which lately it usually is), but I do not buy much. I do not need many clothes because I am usually in sweats and a t-shirt painting. So I normally buy cute clothes for church and social functions, and jeans, t-shirts, and sweats…..not a lot of in between….
Kristen @ High Heels and a Hammer says
Great post. You look stunning by the way. I’ve found that I have a hard time thinking about spending a lot on clothes for me. I want to look good, but I will almost always choose to spend the $ on my home or the rest of the family. Looking good has a lot to do with how we carry ourselves. Confidence can add class and elegance to almost every outfit! And you wear that outfit well!! 🙂
Tonya says
I am definitely a thrifty shopper! I refuse to pay full price for anything! If its not $20 or less…I’m not buying it! And I don’t care if you got those boots & that jacket at a yard sale…you look totally cute! Its crazy to spend lots of money on clothes/shoes!!
Christine says
This reminds me of my post that I wrote last night! I showed off my fur and suede and leather boots that I bought at the thrift store. I have a rule that I only wear natural sweaters – cashmere, wool, silk, cotton- only so I have to thrift, I cannot see paying full price for those.
http://craftygeordi.blogspot.com/2011/01/when-is-it-okay-to-wear-fur.html
Claudia says
I was never high maintenance, too bookish for that, but now that I’m a mom, damn I want to look good and be a hot mom! 😀 I’m going to be 40 this year so I hope I look as stylish as you when I hit your age! LOVE LOVE LOVE the coat!
Heidi Milton says
Rhoda, I totally agree. Maybe it’s that my kids are older– and more expensive– now and there’s less money to spend on shopping. But I also think it’s the “hunt” that I enjoy now, finding that great deal, whether it’s for my closet or my home. I like a challenge. 🙂
Town and Country Mom says
You look great, and I have to laugh when I see that the accessory you just can’t put down is your 20% off Bed, Bath, and Beyond coupon!
Sami G. says
Love the whole ensemble. I love the “hunt” too! I just wish I had your luck. 😉
Melesa says
Rhoda, you are one HOT 54 year old! I so know what you mean about shopping back in the day. I like to shop a few times a yr and I’m done. I do NOT like shopping in the mall. I do shop at Cato’s and Old Navy ever so often. I love Eddie Bauer’s clothes because they are made so well and they are perfect for work, but I go during SALE time. Last yr after Christmas, I bought three pair of their $70 trousers for $20…High Five to Me 😉 I live in a very small town so Garage Sales are not so great around here, but I love to get a good one. Looking Good in your finds! MG
Becky says
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. My oldest son isn’t married and he says he is looking for a woman that LOOKS high maintenance but ISN”T high maintenace! I told him that if she LOOKS it she IS!..ha!
Derenda says
You are on awesome looking 54 year old. You seem to hold your own with the under 40 gals at Blissdom. Jeggings! They look great! I should do the work to wear them, but not today.
Snowed in just below Atlanta, learning what I can about blogging and thinking about jumping in.
Keep inspiring us!
Missy says
I am SO not high maintenance! lol I LOVE thrift stores, Goodwill and yard sales more than ANY mall on the face of the earth! I don’t think we’re old, I think we’re just wiser….we have learned to value a dollar more and that’s a good thing! 🙂
Hugs
Missy
Debra @ Bungalow says
Oh YES, I totally agree, my shopping mojo is long gone. I’m definitely a thrifty shopper now…….remember my vlog post…lol
Jessica @ Decor Adventures says
Hi Rhoda, You are too cute. I love seeing what bloggers look like, then maybe when we meet in person I’ll know it’s you!
I’m not a fan of clothes shopping, probably because I don’t want to spend what I need to to get quality items. Since I don’t clothes shop regularly, I find myself without much to wear! My plan now is to look and buy things that I like when they are on sale. Who doesn’t love a bargain?
Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top says
You are so adorable! 🙂 I love the outfit!
I used to be just like you. Shopping at the mall, ALL THE TIME. That was a long time ago though. I can’t afford that now. I honestly think I would never go back to that if I could afford it. I like the thrill of the hunt on the clearance racks, the thrift stores or yard sales.
jen @ tatertots and jello says
So true! I was the same way. Shopping and finding something cute was the highlight of my week. Now I love finding either a fantastic find at a thrift store or taking something I already have and refashioning it.
Love that purse and the boots!!
xoxo
Jen