Sue, I just loved this post! I'm sitting in a comfy chair, eating cold canteloupe (so good), thinking all kinds of happy thoughts.
I 100% get where you are with clothes and shopping! I rarely go into retail clothing establishments, but when I do, I often think, "Who wears this?!"
I'm thankful that I can wear shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops to work, but when/if I dress it up a notch, I think of what my dad told me about what it was like for him, his 8 siblings, and Dutch immigrant parents during the Great Depression. New clothes were not an option, and with 6 brothers and 2 sisters, the clothes were circled around for everyone. My grandmother would alter everything to fit the next person. He used to say that his mom told him, "Your clothes are clean and paid for. Stand up straight, walk with confidence, be kind" when he and his sibs were embarassed by their clothes at school and church.
I also love your anecdote about Sephora, and your glowing review! I may just visit them. I've never been in one of their stores, but there's one close by-ish. If I ever have an hour or so to myself, perhaps I'll pedal over . . . Thanks for the rec!
As always, your writing is so clear and pure and honestly heartfelt. Reading your stuff is like sharing something with a good friend. Thank you for giving me a wonderful few minutes while I read and enjoy my melon (which is now gone, and Jim just gave me a small bowl of quartered apples).
P.S. 90% of my clothes are from a thrift store. Clothes are sold by the pound, so a fantastic pair of linen wide-leg pants or high-end jeans is usually $1.50 or less. I've researched how to clean all kinds of materials, new and vintage, from linen and leather to fine cashmere and silk. It's such fun! A fun new Substack would be "Look what I found at a thrift store". 😁
Loving that you and so many others are Thrifters too! And thank you so much, dear Mary B for sharing your family stories and kind thoughts. Your input is always a delight and I feel the same way about chatting to good friends. What a sweetie your Jim is, bringing apples now!
There are some great finds at thrift stores. I have a few. I don't clothes shop much because now that I'm out in the sticks, I rarely get a chance to wear my "nice, city clothes". That said, I just bought some slacks from the J.Jill catalog and I'll occasionally peek at Anthropologie for a cute top (that covers my midriff and then some!). I have 5 teenage granddaughters and am always rather shocked to see what they're wearing. Is that the old lady in me that once wore a mini-skirt with fishnet stockings held up by a garter belt? That was 1966. Thank god for the invention of panty hose and now the bare leg being acceptable...except isn't that why we all wear slacks now, at our age?
Thanks for the reminder of the days when I wore a miniskirt, fishnet stocking and garter belt. We thought we were pretty cute though maybe we looked awful!
Delightfully honest and relatable, Sue. "Death-Becomes-You-Beige" -- hahaha!!
I hate shopping, even online. I am a great fan of thrifted finds, but even those excursions have lost some luster with the advent of personal computers. It's rarer to score something just right and formerly pricey, either because the staff (or volunteers, in some cases) snag it for themselves or hold it in reserve for that perfectly deserving friend. So, I've decided that if I ever actually retire, I'll spend some of my free time working at a second-hand shop.
Just this week, I crossed paths with a group photo of women across the age spectrum who were attending a baby shower. I gather the yet-to-be-born was a girl, because the women were mostly in shades of pink. Giant pink florals. Hot pink tiered ruffles, long and short, both of which put me in mind of a Barbie tent. It was a whole Hippie meets Prairie vibe and definitely not something I found appealing.
LOL "Barbie Tent!" And exactly! Another time of life when women are suggested to dress like giant babies themselves! WHAT is going on, lol. So glad that you too are a Thrifter although I totally agree with your analysis of getting-there-first. Thanks for relating xo
I loved this. I bought an actual shirt from an actual shop last month, and it was such a strange feeling. It is a cool blue and white woven stripe oversized shirt I found in a sports shop, perfect for the heat and I wear it all the time, but the price was such that I know it was made in a sweatshop so ithat makes me feel like crap. My thrifting options are not good (and I just can't do Vinted etc) so although I am all for thrifting in theory, in reality I build my wardrobe very slowly. I know what colours I like, and I've figured out the cuts that work for me, so when I find something that works, I repeat buy it. I'd rather buy one thing in the sales than several maybes. Most of my summer wardrobe comes from Not Perfect Linen, and I have had some pieces for seven or eight years. Oh, and I'm not a neutrals person :)
Thanks so much for this, Louise. Your shirt sounds perfect and I totally agree about building up the wardrobe slowly - especially with today's economy and prices. I love when things last too - now if I could only find them!
I'm approaching that age, well, I'm over 50, but I took out a pair of cut off hot pink shorts and though, "Dear god, I can't wear these anymore." And the weight gain. Good grief. Make it stop, please.
Funny stuff, Sue! And yes to thrifting! 💯💶It's the best way to find unique quality items!
I feel so uplifted. You are hilarious. You turned shopping for clothes into a comedy tragedy opera horror show biography, with food and drinks. Oh! And clothes. If you were a short round person like me you would probably have spent more of your life in Goodwill looking at random possibilities, and occasionally finding a surprisingly beautiful thing you keep for years. However you are tall graceful and distinguished, so you meet a higher bar. Brava!
You are pretty hilarious yourself - and certainly neither short NOR round!?
Truth be told, I *have* been at the Goodwill for years. A friend of mine who was the most consistently stylish dresser I have ever known put me onto it years ago when she mentioned that she bought all her clothes there! That was it. Thanks so much for the comment xo
Sue, this could very well be a personal best! I’m nowhere close to kidding. My own analytical pondering comes out as just that. Yours, however, have a lightness and a flavor of humor that would not have satisfied the APPLAUSE signs flashed for live studio audiences. Thrift stores can provide great finds. My wife once found a Medieval tapestry in a local one the sold for $5000 in an online auction. With fees for this and that the $5000 shrunk a bit. One of the best parts of this post is your description of boarding a train prior to Christmas to shop in - was it Toronto? - with an onboard meal (I’m known to make up facts when I forget them), choices of styles that actually appealed to your tastes, a break for a glass or two of wine. Are you still in touch with that person? Eye shadow and liner hold little appeal for me. I was never one to attend the late night theater showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, though some straight friends did to feel more a part of. Before I lose my train of thought, as dinner time has rolled around, know I eagerly await your next essay. All with perfect spelling and punctuation.
Thanks so much Gary for this newsy and detailed comment. So glad that you enjoyed the post and incidentally, my luncheon partner is my very best friend to this day, many decades later. We still like a glass of wine too! Your wife's tapestry score is incredible, she must have a great eye. I seem to recall that you collected Three Stooges stuff too. Thanks for being here.
How nice to read your response Sue Sutherland-Wood. Enduring friendships are to be treasured! My Three Stooges stuff today are memories of the light-hearted times watching them after school. Eight track and VHS tapes have not withstood the test of time. Of course I could say the same for my overall health. Being on the right side of the grass at 77 isn’t that soddy, er, shoddy I suppose. Always glad to be here!
Honestly (ánd I know this style is not for everyone), Eileen Fisher has saved me. Expensive but her pieces have lasted me for over a decade or more. Neutrals but then accessorize with the best scarves and statement jewelry. And for everyday I live in LL Bean black perfect pants (cotton, inexpensive, and indestructible) ánd one of too many black cotton T shirts (maybe with an EF blouse thrown over.) Occasional jacket (not dresses) from Zuri. I too hate to shop.
I'd forgotten about Eileen Fisher to be honest, a good recommendation especially for the quality bit. Thanks for chiming in Susan, we're all in this together I think!
I loved this ! Probably because I just shelled out for a pair of black cotton shorts (but not Britney shorts) and I was feeling sensitive. Your description of the neutral colors they market to our demographic had me crying with laughter. Thanks for this!
Amy, this comment made my day! Thank you. So pleased that I am not the only one that cannot abide those bizarre "neutrals" since I have no colour in my face that does not come out of a tube, lol.
So on the nose I found a lovely pair of pants. soft loose flowy elegant.The waist started at my armpits I would need to trim of at least a foot off and the price made me gasp.At least with thrift store finds "alterations"don't hurt as much. Look forward to more of your writings
Do you hear the kindred spirit bells? 'Cos they're ringing! Shopping? Hate it and yet feel I have to try on in person with jeans and bras. That alone makes a city trip intolerable. I follow a couple of online stylists and the current war cry seems to be 'Size-up, ladies, size up, you'll thank me!' Maybe they're right. Looser is certainly comfier, but what if one is only 5'3'' and swamped in fabric? Sigh...
I would love to shop thrift but even that becomes tiresome, although I have purchased brilliant secondhand stuff on e-bay, even shoes.
Age is immaterial to me, I like what I like, even if fashion says I shouldn't. We need to shop together, you and I, I think we'd have a ball! XXXX
I DO hear those bells and I like it, Prue! Totally agree with you about bras and jeans, absolutely impossible to get right except in person. (And often not even THEN, lol). Yes sigh wouldn't that be a great day to out to shop with you. You always look fabulous though so I suspect you're doing everything right already xo
You're very kind, Sue. But do you know what? I mostly wear what I love. And I rarely ever shop expensive any more. With my lifestyle, its pointless.
So my jeans come from a normal and reasonably priced jeans' supplier, my shorts generally from a Big W store. My T-shirts from that same store or from whomever sells my colours (never expensive), puffa jackets from Uniqlo, very occasional shirts from Amazon or e-bay. I do have a couple of nice tailored short coats that I picked up through end-of-season sales over the last three years. Swimwear I buy on line. Risky, but I found an American brand I love and the fit is good, plus I get to choose a colour I love, not a fashion colour, and they're really reasonably priced.
The other thing I try and do with stuff I love that's old is remodel it. It's worth it. New buttons, maybe a different length, darts, or darts undone. Shoulder pads or not. It's quite fun.
As we live at the cottage mostly, its old jeans, old sweaters, or leggings and old Lulu Lemon zip tops. Old everything really. No one to see me and what's with trying to impress anyone anyway? I have a messy dog, a messy garden - that's my life!
I absolutely love that you are only interested in Thrift stores, BettyJoyce! It's the thrill of the chase isn't it and yes! The quality is usually exceptional. It's the most fun kind of recycling I know. Thanks for being here :)
Sue, I just loved this post! I'm sitting in a comfy chair, eating cold canteloupe (so good), thinking all kinds of happy thoughts.
I 100% get where you are with clothes and shopping! I rarely go into retail clothing establishments, but when I do, I often think, "Who wears this?!"
I'm thankful that I can wear shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops to work, but when/if I dress it up a notch, I think of what my dad told me about what it was like for him, his 8 siblings, and Dutch immigrant parents during the Great Depression. New clothes were not an option, and with 6 brothers and 2 sisters, the clothes were circled around for everyone. My grandmother would alter everything to fit the next person. He used to say that his mom told him, "Your clothes are clean and paid for. Stand up straight, walk with confidence, be kind" when he and his sibs were embarassed by their clothes at school and church.
I also love your anecdote about Sephora, and your glowing review! I may just visit them. I've never been in one of their stores, but there's one close by-ish. If I ever have an hour or so to myself, perhaps I'll pedal over . . . Thanks for the rec!
As always, your writing is so clear and pure and honestly heartfelt. Reading your stuff is like sharing something with a good friend. Thank you for giving me a wonderful few minutes while I read and enjoy my melon (which is now gone, and Jim just gave me a small bowl of quartered apples).
P.S. 90% of my clothes are from a thrift store. Clothes are sold by the pound, so a fantastic pair of linen wide-leg pants or high-end jeans is usually $1.50 or less. I've researched how to clean all kinds of materials, new and vintage, from linen and leather to fine cashmere and silk. It's such fun! A fun new Substack would be "Look what I found at a thrift store". 😁
Loving that you and so many others are Thrifters too! And thank you so much, dear Mary B for sharing your family stories and kind thoughts. Your input is always a delight and I feel the same way about chatting to good friends. What a sweetie your Jim is, bringing apples now!
There are some great finds at thrift stores. I have a few. I don't clothes shop much because now that I'm out in the sticks, I rarely get a chance to wear my "nice, city clothes". That said, I just bought some slacks from the J.Jill catalog and I'll occasionally peek at Anthropologie for a cute top (that covers my midriff and then some!). I have 5 teenage granddaughters and am always rather shocked to see what they're wearing. Is that the old lady in me that once wore a mini-skirt with fishnet stockings held up by a garter belt? That was 1966. Thank god for the invention of panty hose and now the bare leg being acceptable...except isn't that why we all wear slacks now, at our age?
Thanks for the reminder of the days when I wore a miniskirt, fishnet stocking and garter belt. We thought we were pretty cute though maybe we looked awful!
Delightfully honest and relatable, Sue. "Death-Becomes-You-Beige" -- hahaha!!
I hate shopping, even online. I am a great fan of thrifted finds, but even those excursions have lost some luster with the advent of personal computers. It's rarer to score something just right and formerly pricey, either because the staff (or volunteers, in some cases) snag it for themselves or hold it in reserve for that perfectly deserving friend. So, I've decided that if I ever actually retire, I'll spend some of my free time working at a second-hand shop.
Just this week, I crossed paths with a group photo of women across the age spectrum who were attending a baby shower. I gather the yet-to-be-born was a girl, because the women were mostly in shades of pink. Giant pink florals. Hot pink tiered ruffles, long and short, both of which put me in mind of a Barbie tent. It was a whole Hippie meets Prairie vibe and definitely not something I found appealing.
LOL "Barbie Tent!" And exactly! Another time of life when women are suggested to dress like giant babies themselves! WHAT is going on, lol. So glad that you too are a Thrifter although I totally agree with your analysis of getting-there-first. Thanks for relating xo
I loved this. I bought an actual shirt from an actual shop last month, and it was such a strange feeling. It is a cool blue and white woven stripe oversized shirt I found in a sports shop, perfect for the heat and I wear it all the time, but the price was such that I know it was made in a sweatshop so ithat makes me feel like crap. My thrifting options are not good (and I just can't do Vinted etc) so although I am all for thrifting in theory, in reality I build my wardrobe very slowly. I know what colours I like, and I've figured out the cuts that work for me, so when I find something that works, I repeat buy it. I'd rather buy one thing in the sales than several maybes. Most of my summer wardrobe comes from Not Perfect Linen, and I have had some pieces for seven or eight years. Oh, and I'm not a neutrals person :)
Thanks so much for this, Louise. Your shirt sounds perfect and I totally agree about building up the wardrobe slowly - especially with today's economy and prices. I love when things last too - now if I could only find them!
I'm approaching that age, well, I'm over 50, but I took out a pair of cut off hot pink shorts and though, "Dear god, I can't wear these anymore." And the weight gain. Good grief. Make it stop, please.
Funny stuff, Sue! And yes to thrifting! 💯💶It's the best way to find unique quality items!
Hooray! I just knew you'd be a Thrifter-Sister too, Lani. Thanks for this xo
I feel so uplifted. You are hilarious. You turned shopping for clothes into a comedy tragedy opera horror show biography, with food and drinks. Oh! And clothes. If you were a short round person like me you would probably have spent more of your life in Goodwill looking at random possibilities, and occasionally finding a surprisingly beautiful thing you keep for years. However you are tall graceful and distinguished, so you meet a higher bar. Brava!
You are pretty hilarious yourself - and certainly neither short NOR round!?
Truth be told, I *have* been at the Goodwill for years. A friend of mine who was the most consistently stylish dresser I have ever known put me onto it years ago when she mentioned that she bought all her clothes there! That was it. Thanks so much for the comment xo
Sue, this could very well be a personal best! I’m nowhere close to kidding. My own analytical pondering comes out as just that. Yours, however, have a lightness and a flavor of humor that would not have satisfied the APPLAUSE signs flashed for live studio audiences. Thrift stores can provide great finds. My wife once found a Medieval tapestry in a local one the sold for $5000 in an online auction. With fees for this and that the $5000 shrunk a bit. One of the best parts of this post is your description of boarding a train prior to Christmas to shop in - was it Toronto? - with an onboard meal (I’m known to make up facts when I forget them), choices of styles that actually appealed to your tastes, a break for a glass or two of wine. Are you still in touch with that person? Eye shadow and liner hold little appeal for me. I was never one to attend the late night theater showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, though some straight friends did to feel more a part of. Before I lose my train of thought, as dinner time has rolled around, know I eagerly await your next essay. All with perfect spelling and punctuation.
Thanks so much Gary for this newsy and detailed comment. So glad that you enjoyed the post and incidentally, my luncheon partner is my very best friend to this day, many decades later. We still like a glass of wine too! Your wife's tapestry score is incredible, she must have a great eye. I seem to recall that you collected Three Stooges stuff too. Thanks for being here.
How nice to read your response Sue Sutherland-Wood. Enduring friendships are to be treasured! My Three Stooges stuff today are memories of the light-hearted times watching them after school. Eight track and VHS tapes have not withstood the test of time. Of course I could say the same for my overall health. Being on the right side of the grass at 77 isn’t that soddy, er, shoddy I suppose. Always glad to be here!
Cheers Gary - n'yuk,n'yuk,n'yuk!
😲😬🌞
Honestly (ánd I know this style is not for everyone), Eileen Fisher has saved me. Expensive but her pieces have lasted me for over a decade or more. Neutrals but then accessorize with the best scarves and statement jewelry. And for everyday I live in LL Bean black perfect pants (cotton, inexpensive, and indestructible) ánd one of too many black cotton T shirts (maybe with an EF blouse thrown over.) Occasional jacket (not dresses) from Zuri. I too hate to shop.
I'd forgotten about Eileen Fisher to be honest, a good recommendation especially for the quality bit. Thanks for chiming in Susan, we're all in this together I think!
I loved this ! Probably because I just shelled out for a pair of black cotton shorts (but not Britney shorts) and I was feeling sensitive. Your description of the neutral colors they market to our demographic had me crying with laughter. Thanks for this!
Amy, this comment made my day! Thank you. So pleased that I am not the only one that cannot abide those bizarre "neutrals" since I have no colour in my face that does not come out of a tube, lol.
My favorite was “unbaked pastry.”
So on the nose I found a lovely pair of pants. soft loose flowy elegant.The waist started at my armpits I would need to trim of at least a foot off and the price made me gasp.At least with thrift store finds "alterations"don't hurt as much. Look forward to more of your writings
Some of my best finds have been thrifted - for sure!! Waist at the armpits is never a jolly thing, haha. Thanks for sharing this, Jen. Miss you xo
Do you hear the kindred spirit bells? 'Cos they're ringing! Shopping? Hate it and yet feel I have to try on in person with jeans and bras. That alone makes a city trip intolerable. I follow a couple of online stylists and the current war cry seems to be 'Size-up, ladies, size up, you'll thank me!' Maybe they're right. Looser is certainly comfier, but what if one is only 5'3'' and swamped in fabric? Sigh...
I would love to shop thrift but even that becomes tiresome, although I have purchased brilliant secondhand stuff on e-bay, even shoes.
Age is immaterial to me, I like what I like, even if fashion says I shouldn't. We need to shop together, you and I, I think we'd have a ball! XXXX
I DO hear those bells and I like it, Prue! Totally agree with you about bras and jeans, absolutely impossible to get right except in person. (And often not even THEN, lol). Yes sigh wouldn't that be a great day to out to shop with you. You always look fabulous though so I suspect you're doing everything right already xo
You're very kind, Sue. But do you know what? I mostly wear what I love. And I rarely ever shop expensive any more. With my lifestyle, its pointless.
So my jeans come from a normal and reasonably priced jeans' supplier, my shorts generally from a Big W store. My T-shirts from that same store or from whomever sells my colours (never expensive), puffa jackets from Uniqlo, very occasional shirts from Amazon or e-bay. I do have a couple of nice tailored short coats that I picked up through end-of-season sales over the last three years. Swimwear I buy on line. Risky, but I found an American brand I love and the fit is good, plus I get to choose a colour I love, not a fashion colour, and they're really reasonably priced.
The other thing I try and do with stuff I love that's old is remodel it. It's worth it. New buttons, maybe a different length, darts, or darts undone. Shoulder pads or not. It's quite fun.
As we live at the cottage mostly, its old jeans, old sweaters, or leggings and old Lulu Lemon zip tops. Old everything really. No one to see me and what's with trying to impress anyone anyway? I have a messy dog, a messy garden - that's my life!
I’m past fashion & only interested in thrift shops, particularly because the clothes are often better quality and more fun to wear.
I absolutely love that you are only interested in Thrift stores, BettyJoyce! It's the thrill of the chase isn't it and yes! The quality is usually exceptional. It's the most fun kind of recycling I know. Thanks for being here :)
We did look cute!