Unique Thrift

Andrea calls it a ritual. We do it on certain days (Monday or Thursday) and a certain time (the stroke of 9:30 am). We wear special clothes ("try-on" clothes).

We’re off to the land of plenty in Silver Spring, Maryland - Unique Thrift and Value Village all in one magnificent building!
Andrea goes as therapy. She falls into a kind of meditative state - "the zone". It has something to do with "having it all". Today her zone focuses on curtains. If she could only find the perfect curtains then she would have the perfect home and the perfect life.

I’m more practical. It started with a need to replace my ripped pants. At that time my thrift store mentor was Enid. She modeled "thrift extravagance" by purchasing a crystal candy dish to keep lipsticks in and a white leather jacket. Eventually I too became extravagant. I indulge in color - pink, green, even orange! I could stock up on cute skirts! Have a summer bathrobe AND a winter bathrobe!

The good news is that it’s no harm to the earth, poorly paid laborers or my bank account. And I get to visit with Andrea.

Here’s what I bought:

• funky patchwork jacket to replace grey shroud on the back of my office chair
• moo- moo for Hawaii trip (not yet scheduled)
• pink cotton nightgown from Macy’s with tags still on
• 2 camisoles: 1 basic white and 1 glorious rich plum
• Andrea-type skirt - black and maroon
• green and white capri pants (I will look very Bethesda in these)
• tres elegant black silk blouse for concert attire
• flamenco dress - black with swirls of spots and lots of flounce

This wasn’t cheap. It set me back $45.

Since this is the first "Thursday Chronicles" posting I should mention, the blog is not going to be about thrift stores, but like thrift store finds, "Thursday Chronicles" might be:

• a bunch of junk
• a treasure hunt
• a little imperfect
• absolutely perfect

Thanks for reading!