Friday 7 September 2007

Hats Off to Cast-Offs

As I sip lemonade on my sun-drenched deck, basking in one of the few remaining days of summer, bizarre visions of snow squalls and sub-zero temperatures drift through my wandering mind. This may sound rather peculiar, considering the thermometer reads 20 degrees and I’m sporting a tank top and sandals. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Chi-Chi and Muffy are parading through the house in attire suitable for an Arctic expedition. Just moments earlier, a scavenger hunt in the hall closet lead to the exciting discovery of treasures from a recent trip to the local thrift shop. Muffy is proudly toddling along in a cuddly, cozy red LL Bean bunting suit with the $2.99 price tag still attached. Chi-Chi is decked out in a smart navy blue Land’s End snow suit and matching Stride Rite winter boots. His complete outfit set me back a mere $24, which is a far cry from the $200 retail price (including shipping, duty and taxes). The true accountant in me surfaces as my lips form a wide, satisfied grin. I feel a deep sense of pride as I tally the savings in my head.

As the “baby” of the family, I grew up cringing at the mere mention of the word hand-me-down. I had little need or desire for my sister’s outgrown and unwanted leftovers. I hastily snubbed any previously owned article of clothing that snuck into my closet. Needless to say, the tables have now turned, and as a parent, I pounce on any opportunity to clothe Chi-Chi and Muffy in second-hand threads. No doubt, others may find it premature to be shopping for a winter wardrobe as we cling to the fading summer. Experience has taught me that this is a prime time of year for rummaging through second-hand shops and scanning eBay listings for super deals on cold weather apparel. Ninety percent of Chi-Chi and Muffy’s closet is comprised of gently-used attire. I frequent the thrift shops regularly, keeping my eyes pealed for a bargain. I’m rarely disappointed and my efforts are often rewarded with fabulous finds of high quality clothing in pristine condition.

Not only are hand-me-downs easy on the pocketbook, they are also friendly on the environment. Reusing and recycling second-hand items is a great way for families to reduce their ecological footprint and practice the “Three R’s” in day-to-day life.

In setting a positive example, my hope is that Chi-Chi and Muffy will inherit an appreciation for hand-me-downs and the benefits they offer. My dear mother is likely chuckling to herself as she reads these lines. My days of giving cast-offs the cold shoulder are long gone!

3 comments:

Unknown said...

hi,

i've been reading through all your old posts, and i have to ask - which thrift shops in the area do you scour to find such amazing prices and deals?!

Madame Melville said...

Most often, Value Village. Some days I walk in and I can't believe it is sitting there waiting for me. Other days I go in and find nothing but junk. It's hard to tell. I'm excited about the new store. It looks great.

I also do a lot of sifting through antique shops in the Valley. The messier the place, the better! You can always find something interesting tucked away in a corner.

Unknown said...

i am absolutely ecstatic about the new value village! it opens tomorrow, i believe, for the grand opening event. i will definitely be there. i used to be an avid vv shopper..i could not believe how many goodies i would find! like you said..some days, the trips were useless, but most times i would find a little something to bring home. i could not get over the beautiful baby girl clothing i'd found there when i was pregnant with my firstborn. so many beautiful cordoroy outfits with little blouses underneath :) i went last week, actually, to the old store down behind the pharmsave. it had a 50% off sale since it was closing out. i bought the prettiest fuschia knitted sweater for sydney, for $1.50! and a sweet cordoroy dress for $2.

i've never visited the antique shops in the valley. i can only imagine what treasures there must be! i went to acadia for four years. rummaging through that town was so great :) they had a second hand bookstore that was fanstastic. not sure if it's still standing.

you'll have to let me know where to look in the valley! we're planning a trip there sometime in the next few weeks.