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.
You look just great! I got the biggest kick that you have a coupon in your hand.
Completely agree with you! While I do get excited about a new cute skirt or a great pair of boots, I’m usually equally excited about the great deal I scored to get them. My husband laughs at the amount of satisfaction I get from saving money … but I think it’s starting to rub off on him, too. 🙂
Oh how cute you are! I’ve been there with all of you too. I now get physical sick while shopping at regular price. The whole reason I have been able to stay home with my children is because I am a great shopper!!!! I am lucky, I do live at the Tanger Outlets in Commerce GA. They are not my only stores but back ups to my Thrifting. I VERY RARELY pay over $10 for any one item for myself or my boys. I always get tons compliments about my outfits. I love it !!!
Rhoda!
YOU ARE NOT 54!!! There is no way! Well girlfriend, you rock that snakeskin coat, those jeggings, those boots, and that age like nobody’s business!
– KIM
I hope to look that good when I am 54! And that is not too many years away. Definitely, I am a bargain shopper. I don’t pay full price on anything in either the home decor or wardrobe category. There are bargains to be found in so many other places than the mall. I shop my fave’s TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross but also Goodwill and thrift stores. There is one thrift store near me that will actually allow returns if they don’t work out for you. Nice.
Thanks for the post Rhoda!
I think the older I get, the more I have realized that owning a few nice quality pieces is far better than owning the entire mall. Besides, it is so much easier to shop/dress my 17 and 21 year old, and the house!!! LOL
You bet! I can work a clearance rack better than anyone. My friends marvel at my wardrobe but they would truly be impressed if they knew I paid next to nothing for everything in it. You can’t buy style or class, it has no price tag. You just have to have an eye for style and an eye on your pocketbook!
You look fantastic! Keep rockin’ your bargain buys!
Shopping for clothes was a lot more fun when I was a size 8!
Rhoda, you ARE cute and that is a ROCKING outfit! Uh, I’m so with you on shopping. just not at the top of my priority list these days. But truth be told, I have a closet FULL of clothes from the years and years that I was a shopping machine. i still love to buy shoes (but get them online) and pick up garments every now and then if I happen to come across something on sale. Don’t ever go to yardsales – just not my thing, but I am always amazed at the great finds other people like yourself have made. Kudos!!
Ya’ll are so much fun! I’ve loved reading all these comments & hearing about your thrifty selves too. I know there are a ton of you who love the clothes bargains too, just like me.
And many of you noticed the BBB coupon in my hand. I was on my way out the door and didn’t actually use it, but a girl has got to be prepared at all times, you know? 🙂
You are gorgeous. That is all. 😉
I have never been a mall shopper. My mom would save (before I was old enough to have a job) and give us each $300 for back to school shopping. I learned very quickly that the mall with $300 equaled not many outfits! I’m 27 & I prefer Goodwill, TJ Maxx, yardsales for clothes if I buy any at all….it’s been 3 years since I’ve bought anything & I just purchased some jeggings & boots for Blissdom 🙂
Love the post- you look fabulous & I love that you didn’t spend much to look good!
First of all, Rhoda, you look great and very stylish!
We also love to get a bargain, always check the sale section first and actually do a lot of clothes shopping when we vacation in the States. Here in Canada, everything costs more and we pay 13% sales tax on top of it, so we always bring tons of clothes from the States. I bought a beautiful red winter sweater at Kohls for $4.50 when I was on holidays in Cape Cod and there was no sales tax in MA. Love that!
In Canada, our favourite store is Winners – great brand name clothes for less! Trying to avoid malls as much as we can.
Kinga
Loved your article! Many of the reasons you stated was why I started my online consignment store called octobermoonboutique.com. Gently Used and New, some things still with tags makes up the bulk of my Consigner’s items. From Designer to Vintage, Evening, Plus Size, etc. Now these aren’t as good a prices as perhaps a yard sale but still fabulously low. Also partner with artists for special charity events. Have one starting Feb. 1st with Poema to benefit Exodus Cry.
You look fantastic, and I LOVE the fact that you’re holding your 20% Bed, Bath, and Beyond coupons! A wise shopper, indeed. I love TJ’s and Marshall’s, and I love telling people how little I paid for a great buy!
I read your post and am right there with you! Right this minute I am wearing a J Crew sweater from a garage sale along with a lime green (just like you!) scarf from another sale. The scarf is Lands End. I paid $1/each. Garage sales are my main source for clothes shopping for myself and my kids. Loooove being thrifty! Fun to read all your posts, I love them!
Your post sounded so familiar…oh to spend all day Saturday shopping was so much fun…not anymore. Actually, my mom was a GW and SA thrift store shopper in the 60s – I was so embarrased to been seen with her there. She would be so proud to know I inhierted her passion for a bargain! Sometimes I marvel when I leave home and realize I am totally dressed in thrifted clothes/shoes. Will have to start checking out the garage sales (since I live near you). You look great – I would love to have the boots and coat you are wearing. I would also like to see more fashion/style/make-up/beauty posts – especially for the age 50+ group.
Memories…I also shopped at Lerners & the Limited. I think your outfit was adorable- way to look swanky on a budget! I love Target and T.J. Maxx but sometimes find great stuff ON SALE at the Loft, Gap and Nordstrom. I haven’t had your good luck at garage sales but I’ll have to try harder. Thanks for your great posts.
I’d much rather spend money on my house than clothes, but I do love to look cute! I shop Forever 21 for inexpensive trendy stuff, and their sister store, For Love 21 for trendy jewelery. I can’t stomach paying $25 for mascara, because no one has ever told me that my mascara is “to die for!” 🙂
You should check out a new blogger-Kris@ http://www.thriftylalife.com/- she is spending the year with just $365 and shopping Goodwill for her clothes. She is super chic!
Girl….
You are more than CUTE!!!
Great finds…
I admire your ability to see things as they really are and put things together in such a fashionable way! Talent!!
I’m just a couple years older than you and I don’t think you have to look matronly after 50!