I'm ruined!

[DonnaT]

My wife and I were shopping this weekend, and I was only after drab clothes. Problem is, I culd hardly find anything I liked (but did settle), and when helping my wife, I could easily find all kinds of clothes I would love to have.

And not having shopped in a long time, I couldn't believe how pricey things have gotten. Even at Dillards! I kept the shock to myself. Thing is, if I wouldn't have blinked if they had been fem clothes.

[Caith]

Sadly, sticker shock is not just about cars.

[Carol Ann]

Welcome to my world dear

[April Rose]

I know what you mean, Donna. I tend to wear my drab clothes until they are threadbare, because I just don't enjoy the process or expense of replacing them.

[Ralitsa]

I will resist the temptation of diverging into a discussion about inflation and monetary policy (for now anyway, but I might later )

Funny about that isn't it? I can spend $40 for a bra and not think it too expensive (as long as it fits nicely), and I will easily pay $100 for a nice dress, but $20 for drab pants is just way too much

There really is nothing enjoyable about boy clothes, they are BORING!!!!!
But a cute dress on the other hand....... I really do need to go shopping.

[LeeAnn]

I have been looking for the perfect little black dress in my size. I found one at Macy's I really wanted, that was until I saw the price, $130.00. Ouch I said. But I did spend a little less then that for the makeup I have. I really like the blue eyeshadow. I tried that yesterday with a cute outfit I found (less then $40.00) at Walmart of all places. The Walmart here is really bad with things as I consider it the one of the trashiest Walmarts. They never really have much in product. Sometimes I go to the town over to shop at Walmart or maybe look at the shops near Target ot Target itself. Those are much better in selection and quality.

[CharLee]

LeeAnn,

If there is a Goodwill store in your neighborhood go there to look for clothes as you are starting out buying. You can find some very nice clothes at a minimal price which will help you stretch your money further.

[Paula G]

I need some new work trousers as I have gone through the knee on three pairs in the last few weeks, but just can't bring myself spend the money, yet yesterday I didn't blink a buying two new(ish) dresses.

[Ralitsa]

well of course! who wants to buy trousers when they will just get all ripped up anyway, if you can buy some cute dresses instead?

I do really agree with the suggestion to shop at second hand stores like Goodwill or others. There are 2 consignment shops here in PA where I buy a lot of my things. Often they don't have anything I like in my size, but other times I find all kinds of nice things. Last time I bought about $80 worth of skirts and tops at one place where I hadn't found anything in the previous 6 months. But that only means that you have to go shopping more often, and who will complain about that?

[Paula G]

Being in the right place at the right time, oh yes and being the right size. The biggest frustration with charity shops (goodwill) is when you find something you really like, but it doesn't fit and of course they do' have it in any other sizes

[LisaK]

I agree. I will only add new boy clothes when it would be impossible to wear them. Now Fem clothes--yes !!

[MsJoann]

I like nice trousers if they fit correctly. It's tough when you don't have nice hips and fanny. I have so many clothes...most fit me/most don't.
Going to a dept store can be overwhelming.....the Goowill is easier on me.

[Anna]

I agree, drab clothing doesn't really interest me but SO keeps thrusting them upon me "I found these for you, I think they look really nice!" I'm not really interested, but of course I agree with her and say how "nice" they are. In the meantime I'm scanning ebay looking for really nice clothing i.e. femme clothing!

[Bernice]

Well, Donna...

Perhaps it's time you took up sewing. For me it's been worth every minute - most of which were spent removing stitches that ended up in the wrong places, and trying to find the hangups that cause the threads to break on the machine, and re-threading the needle.

My clothes aren't fashionable, but they fit, and they are comfortable.

Hugs,

Bernice

[Kyra]

For starters, men's clothing does not have to be drab. I do have some outfits (male) that look very good. If one takes the same approach to shopping for matching garments, the experience can be pleasant enough.

I have to admit, however, shopping for women's clothing is much more enjoyable! There's definitely more variety. Women's fashions cover a wider range than do men's and retail outlets realize this. Just count the number of women's clothing stores vs. men's clothing stores at any mall or shopping outlet. There's a shopping mall not to distant from my home, and they have two Dillards stores. One is for men's apparel and the other is for women's. Wanna guess which is larger and busier?

Shopping for clothing doesn't have to be expensive either. There are sales ads in the paper every day. When I go shopping, I always look at the clearance racks. You never know what gem you might find and sometimes the prices are a steal! Resale or consignment shops are a fairly popular alternative to the big chain stores. The tend to stick with trendier fashions, but I've been able to find things that are "age-appropriate" with little effort.

Happy shopping ladies!