Goodwill

This is our new favorite store here in Annapolis. I have never been one of those girls who was ever ashamed of wearing 2nd hand clothes. After all, it was always new to me. Same philosophy for pretty much everything else, cars, furniture, etc. Occasionally, Clint and I would be able to find good deals in the local Goodwills in and around Kingsport. However, I have never, and I mean ever, been to a Goodwill with such a large selection of 1) my size and usually petite, 2) name brand--I'm not talking about Old Navy either, 4) current styles, and 3) great prices.

Working right next door to our amazing mall, and I do mean a sidewalk away, I was finding myself browsing through Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, J.Crew, Ann Taylor, ect. I was having a hard time even considering the sale prices. You know, being so practical and all. So, once we stumbled upon our local Goodwill, the lunch break mall trips were put to an end.

When I needed a few more interview outfits for my 2nd and 3rd call backs, I didn't go to the mall. No, I went straight to Goodwill. And I not only found one outfit, my size, no tailoring necessary. But, I found 2 and shoes to match. All Ann Taylor and all for $35. And I found out today, they keep the "good" stuff in the glass check out counter, Prada purses, Dolce and Gabbana shoes...

I realize some people are not okay with the thought of wearing other people's shoes. I am more picky when it comes to footwear and whether or not I will be wearing hose or socks. And know that I give all my second hand clothes and shoes a thorough cleaning.

I knew that Annapolis had a lot of residents with mega moola. But, what I didn't realize, is how many simply give away their top dollar clothes. I don't understand why you would, for instance, spend $150 on a Lilly Pultizer skirt and then give it to Goodwill the next year? It's a win for the gal who scores the same skirt for $8, but I guess I am too frugial to ever understand. I imagine for people who do this, it's much easier to drop off their donations rather than having a yard sale or dealing with a consignment store. Besides, they are probably on their way to the mall to re-stock their closets. But, I am grateful for these people. They have already saved my family a great deal. And for that, I say thank you to all the wealthy (or in debt) Annapolian housewives!

(P.S. Clint has benefited as well. He has bought some really nice Polo and J.Crew shirts, most still with the dry cleaning tags on them!)