Senior Day at Goodwill

To say our mother was the queen of shopping is an understatement. Her ability, and her endurance was nothing short of impressive when she was on the hunt for the perfect party dress, smartly cut wool suit or summer day dress.

She had a keen eye for fabrics and an enduring appreciation of a garment well made. Her ability to spot an inferior zipper, inexpensive lining, irregular fabric dye, or cheap buttons from a distance was like watching a jeweler inspect a stone for authenticity.

This talent was not limited to clothing. She had an unbelievable knowledge of cookware, dishware, and silver. An abiding appreciation for cosmetics, creams, lotions, and moisturizers. And we think she surely deserved some type of award for her ability to find fabulous shoes that fit her crazy-narrow feet like a glove.

Beth and I both remember taking special shopping trips from Lansing to Detroit for one purpose; to visit Hudson’s Department Store. With mom in the lead, all four of her girls would follow her like a row of well-behaved ducklings, gawking from side to side at all the beautiful baubles. Mom would be in her element, shopping like the pro she was.

But it wasn’t just high-end shopping my mother loved. It was shopping, full stop. New or old, vintage or brand new. Bring three or four items together under one roof - our mom could shop it.

Which brings me (and Beth) to our own love of shopping and shopping thrift.

Beth and I are big time shoppers, and bigger time thrift shoppers, and always have been. My mom gave us the lessons on how to shop thrift as girls. And we haven’t disappointed her as women.

With this emphasis on thrifting, Beth and I are proud to say most of what we wear is thrifted. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

So, thanks mom, we love you. When you were passing on sensitive stomachs, long, narrow feet, nervous energy, and inappropriate laughter, you also gave each one of us the wonderful joy of high/low shopping.

Oh, and the title of this blog? Well today is Tuesday. 30% off for seniors at the thrift. And I have a list.

We’d love to hear your thrifting stories. Best find? Favorite shop? What about online?

Tell us everything in the comments.