16 Comments
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LP's avatar

The best way to ensure that I looked cool enough to teach teenagers was to have my own teenagers select my outfits!

LP's avatar

In the 1990's, when I lived in central MA, I was asked by the school committee to teach a semester of high school honors English—just one class a day. The only problem was I had no clothes that seemed suitable for the job. So my whole family went with me to a thrift store in Hadley. I stayed in the dressing room and the family roamed the racks and brought me their finds to try on. We left the store with my whole teaching wardrobe for the semester—and for very little cash.

Joan Livingston's avatar

Great story and shopping experience. As I recall the Salvation Arm or Goodwill that was in Northampton (and close to where I worked in a newsroom) moved to Hadley. I was sorry it did.

Cris Carl's avatar

Boy, I totally relate! More than half my furniture and 80 percent of my clothes are second-hand. And you are always styling! My best find was a sheerling winter coat. Nearly new

for FIVE bucks! It sometimes helps to be a shrimp.

Joan Livingston's avatar

Yes, we bargain hunters could form a club. That's a great find! Yes, size does matter.

Christian Nelson's avatar

Ah, the thrill of the hunt. Do you also go to tag sales hoping to find treasure? I found a numbered chapbook of Basho’s writings translated by Gary Snyder and was thrilled. Ha!

Joan Livingston's avatar

Not really. A lot of it's junk and I don't like disappointing someone if I don't by anything.

Colin Devonshire's avatar

Go shopping with my two, you’d enjoy it.

Joan Livingston's avatar

I so enjoy fellow bargain-hunters. Are you one, Colin? Wait until a future post on how acquired my first edition book collection.

Colin Devonshire's avatar

My wife does all my shopping, new or secondhand! Our children love scouting 2nd hand stalls.

Joan Livingston's avatar

I am married to a man who loves to shop, even more than me. Scouting is a good word to use.

Wendy  Gray's avatar

Love this piece, Joan! I am also one to shop second hand! Add to that: yard sales, estate sales and vintage shops. I am really not one who likes to shop department stores. Might that be there is more excitement in finding a FIND? Or, as my husband likes to call it: A Deal, DEAL! This post of yours has sparked some excitement for getting back out there to treasure hunt, it has been years! I do hope there are still some good shops around here. The Austin area was once a great place for it! Blessings to you in your next shopping excursion! MUCH LOVE! ~Wendy💜

Joan Livingston's avatar

Ah, yes, finding a Find! A great way to put it. Happy treasure hunting. Love back at ya. J

Teresa Dovalpage's avatar

Pieces was one of my favorite stores in Taos! I got there a beautiful necklace with amber elephants...a treasure! I am sorry it closed. After reading your post, I was just thinking of dropping by.

Joan Livingston's avatar

I spend to many. many hours there. The one for CAV was pretty good too.