In the spirit of the move to Colorado and the impending trip to house hunt and meet my hubby's new co-workers, we stopped by a local "Pack & Paddle" shop to search out some potential duds to wear for the occasion. Dh's new boss mentioned that everyone will be dressed pretty casual - as in Birkenstocks & t-shirts casual, not business casual - for their mountain retreat to which our family is invited next week.
This store was supposed to be THE place to find mountain culture clothing and misc shoes for the entire family. And it was. However, the only jacket I found to be somewhat coordinating with my new clothes for the trip was on SALE for $225...WHAT??? I just spent a little more than that for 2 sweaters, a skirt, a pair of dress pants and a white button up shirt at Eddie Bauer and had trouble deciding whether to keep it all or not...
Who knew hippies could afford to dress that way? My prejudging has just manifested a whole new level of wrongness. Sloppy looking skirts over $180 bucks; already-worn-looking shirts over $100; let's not even mention the shoes and boots that would require a second mortgage to outfit our 4 kids with. There's this brand that totally discribed the way my stomach was feeling: Uggs (or something). I didn't bother to look at prices for those boots.
Needless to say, we're still Patagonia free and headed to Target and Goodwill to get some last minute jackets and long sleeves as none of us own many after living here 7 years.
My husband, ever the optimist, quipped as we loaded up our aging mini-van, "We'll have to Google Goodwill's in Denver."
Apparently, dressing down is out of our league. Who knew?
Comments
Sep. 16, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by mamaduso
That is hysterical. Yes my dear, Hippies are pretty well off. Don't let the look throw you. You better get used to shopping in sporting good stores also. REI, Columbia, Patagonia, Hind, Northface, Birkenstocks, Simple, Dansko's (love these shoes, have four pair myself), Croc's, Chaco's. These are all the names you will be looking for! LOL have fun in CO. You will love it I am sure. It is beautiful, very outdoorsy, athletic, casual, etc. The dessert is something that you will have to get used to I am sure. I am sure it is much dryer, and browner than where you are. Good luck finding a home.
Susan
Sep. 16, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by nsremom
Yep. Welcome to the new gentlemens hobby. Hiking and mountaineering. My hubby's coat was an outrageous $250. (Which we DID NOT pay....I found the same one on ebay....hooray for cheapskates like me!)
Every little doo-dad is specialized for outdoorsy kindof people and it's gotten extremely expensive. Even the dang water bottles are like $15!!!
goodwill here we come! I hear ya.
Sep. 16, 2006 - Yikes!
Posted by homeskoolmom
I guess I'm living in the dark ages-- who knew. And I'm too cheap to be a hippy. There's no shame in goodwill, I could never and I mean never bring myself to spend $250 on a jacket. Hummm, maybe I'll reconsider my desire to move to Colorado Springs. We did find a pretty nice Goodwill when we were there last year. What's vacation without checking out the local thriftstores?
God bless you as you get ready for your big move,
Christine
Sep. 19, 2006 - I know of at least three
Posted by Heidistjohn
thrift stores in colorado springs. I'd say I've been to them all but that would be , eh, embarassing!!!
Great post, I'm still smiling!
Enjoy your move
heidi
Sep. 19, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Prncsstefy
Well I didn't know it cost so much to be a hippy. But it's good to know in the event that we ever move to CO. Which is actually on my husbands short list for his next set of orders.
Sep. 25, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by eyecorn
Well, we rednecks in NC just don't go for that fanc hippy look....in fact, it'll buy you some very odd looks at Chubby Bar-b-q (actualy name of bar-b-q restaurant in our town). If it ain't flip flops, camo shorts and a hunting related tshirt, well, ya' just best not wear it. No, the hunters and NRA folks around here don't go for the pantagonia look.
Well, I never knew hippie stuff was so expensive!
Sep. 25, 2006 - Yep!
Posted by EEEEMommy
My sister and her fiance registered for their wedding at REI. Ridiculous!
I pray the house hunting goes well!
Nov. 22, 2006 - What happened to you?!?
Posted by EEEEMommy
Are you in Colorado? Do they not have internet there? LOL
Eagerly waiting for an update,
Angel
Dec. 4, 2006 - seeking help
Posted by LearningGlory
I am seeking advise on dealing with a rebellious child. I would appreaciate you reading my post and offering any ideas! http://homeschoolblogger.com/LearningGlory/249893/
Blessings from Maine,
-Tammy