goodwill hunting

So back in high school, my favorite store was Goodwill. Now, this was back when the whole grunge scene was going strong. And I thought it was really cool to dress like a homeless person. I bought lots of flannel, old man sweaters, and corduroy pants with random holes. Yes, an occasional hole in the crotch did nothing to deter me. And all of these for about $1 a piece! Such a steal to buy used clothes some stinky old man used to wear! I will give the caveat that I made sure to WASH these clothes. I may have wanted to look homeless, but I didn't want to smell homeless. And while I wore these awesomely fashionable clothes, I still did my hair and makeup, and bathed every day, so I can't say I was a "true" follower of the grunge movement. My mother actually told me that I would "look so butch" if it weren't for my "pretty face." Whatever mom. Okay, so she was right as it turns out. So to sum it up, I loved Goodwill and pretty much shopped there at least once a month. But I stopped going once I graduated from high school and haven't been back.

Until recently, that is. With our new rules firmly in place, and feeling not so new anymore, I realized I could really use a new pair of jeans. I won't even mention my post-baby body, but let's just say the old jeans just aren't as comfy. There is a brand new Goodwill right down the road so I decided to check it out. Let me just say that this store is miles away from what I remember in high school. Gone is the acrid smell of smoke, cats, and old man. The clothes smell fresh, and apparently they are laundered on site. The store is arranged in a very easy to navigate fashion, and sizes are clearly marked. I started perusing the racks and found a gold mine. I found a gap shirt, old navy jeans for me AND my husband, a couple of summery tops, and a cute shirt from new york & company with the tags still on (see picture)! I also got a couple of brand new jewelry sets (still in the box) as presents for the future. All of this for.... $50. It's true. And there was a lot more I could have talked myself into buying. I could not believe some of the name brands - if you are interested in that sort of thing. Seeing as how I shop at Target a lot, it really doesn't make a difference to me. But it's amazing the amount of clothing I came across that still had the original tags. Unbelievable!

On the other side of the store were racks upon racks of STUFF. I stayed away, I promise.

p.s. Oh, also, I still have my old man Izod sweater cardigan that I bought at Goodwill when I was 16. And yes, I still wear it all the time. And yes, it is back in fashion again. And no, it no longer smells like old man.