How to Dress like a Queen

We are a nation of waste, conspicuous-consumerism. The state of the world is due in part to the change from the thrift of our elders to the waste of the Gold Card generation. The more it costs, the more it impresses, seems to be the guideline.

But there are many of us on restricted incomes. I receive disability, which I am thankful for and respectful of, and the funds don't quite stretch to haute couture. . . or much beyond the charity clothing given free.

Now, I never was a fashion maven - far from it. Clean and tidy was always good enough for me. However, if you have an open mind there is a way to have nice things for next to nothing. Women today shop thrift stores or resale shops where they can get name brands for a fraction of the store cost.

Let's take it a step further. Goodwill - come on - get that scowl off. IF you are a thrifty and patient shopper you can dress well and furnish your living space for next to nothing. I am not saying to go in and grab the first thing in sight. It takes looking and discarding and careful inspection to find the real bargains.

Goodwill has tables that hold piles of clothing. Now we all know where they might have come from, but let's have a reality check here. Goodwill has so much clothing that they cannot hang it all - and the bins are priced at $1.29 per item, except for coats and jeans, which are $2.50.

Before you tune out, let me say that these bins or tables are a wonderland of everything from treasures to junk. Last winter I found a Pacific Trail jacket that looked brand new. The store down the street from me sells them for around $70.00 - I paid $4.00 and no one ever knew it wasn't new. In fact I had more than one person in my low-income housing building look me over and say they wished they could afford a coat like that. So I told them how they could.

A trip to Goodwill is a treasure hunt. I do not take just anything. Everything I buy there has to be in good condition, clean, without flaws. You must inspect things carefully. Look inside pockets for tears, examine zippers. My 'sheep shirt', which is a full length sweatshirt with sheep on it, not only delights me, but is my favorite around the house and sleeping garment. It was brand new, with a tag on it. I paid $1.29!

While I was there yesterday I noticed a wonderful ceramic chest of drawers in Picasso style. It is curved and has a huge ceramic cat atop it. It was within my budget because it is Goodwill. I have gotten socks there for years, $1.50 or less. Used books three for a dollar, computer software, movies - you name it. There are certain things I will not buy used, and I am sure you can figure out what. However, if they are new with tags and obviously not ever worn, I can be flexible. Goodwill is given merchandise from stores to take a tax cut, so you never know what is there.

I may be disabled and poor, but I can dress well. In fact the manager of building and many other well to do women buy at Goodwill. For you executive types they carry top name brands at great prices, but you have to look and search to find the best bargains.

So, open your mind instead of your checkbook and take a trip to your Goodwill store. You may be surprised at what you can find. Max out your wardrobe instead of your credit card! See you there.