One Girl's Trade-in

Have you ever wondered why people give up the amazing things* that are for sale at thrift and consignment stores? This weekend I found a leopard faux fur coat, an item I have wanted badly for AGES and AGES. So much so, that I almost considered throwing away $90 on one. Luckily another girl decided to throw hers in the trade-in bin on the way to Rag-o-Rama, and I grabbed it right up without even trying it on. It even had burgundy lining. Enough said, right? I could barely even talk when I took it to the register. The sales girl said, "this coat, like, takes it to a whole new level." I widened my eyes and nodded emphatically. Very emphatically. I wonder what type of social anxiety disorder she thought I had. I stared at the coat from counter to bag without blinking to make sure it was in there. To make the situation more awkward dramatic, I waited until I was walking away to say, "you cannot imagine how long I have wanted a coat like this." Then she nodded emphatically. We were on the same page. Everything was cool.

I also got this amazing purse. I have wanted one like this for awhile. This is a common rationalization I like to use to make purchases. Some examples: "I've wanted this ever since I was 12!" "I saw this at Target 2 years ago and then it was gone but now this is JUST LIKE IT, and I have to have it!" "This has a cat on it!" This means it has accrued sufficient emotional net worth that outvalues any financial cost attached to the item and demands that in order to balance my emotional checkbook I purchase it. This purse was one of those items. It reminds me of my Grandma, of The Sound of Music, and at the same time of the current floral trend and my favorite fall color palette. I could add a crossbody strap, and it has the texture of curtains (see, The Sound of Music).

In honor of the purse, I dressed a little bit like an old person.

These guys were made for each other.

Shirt: Fossil, $28
Sweater: Old Navy, $14
Corduroys: Old Navy, $20
Necklace, Dakota J's, $14
Boots: Fossil via Finder's Keepers, $40
Purse: Rag-o-Rama, $12


*Some other time I will tell you about all the other incredible things I have found at thrift stores. Or I will slowly reveal them one by one. To force you to read my blog.