When I started writing WST back in October, I certainly didn’t think this blog would turn into my own personal (and public) confessional, but wouldn’t you know it – it has. For some reason, I find it very easy to own up to my many sins by confessing them to hundreds of strangers (that means I have something else in common with Usher, in addition to our killer dance moves, of course). So far on WST, I’ve confessed to both cheating on my memory work and cheating in a colouring contest. But both of those crimes were easy to share, as they were committed by a younger Julie. This time, I’m taking it one step further, and confessing a very recent transgression. It starts with this outfit:
You’ll see I added a palette to this post. That’s because I originally intended to spit out some nonsense about how I pulled all colours for this outfit from that thrifted necklace I’m wearing, and blah-blah-blah I’m making it work with my new thrifted skirt, and blah-blah-blah lime green is a hard colour. Honestly, I intended to distract you with circles and bright colours so you wouldn’t notice I said nothing about that blue tee I’m wearing.
“Why’s that?” you say. “Why, Julie, wouldn’t you say anything about that blue tee? Surely it’s just another basic find from the t-shirt rack at The Salvation Army? Right? RIGHT?”
Wrong. This tee came from – *dramatic pause* – Zellers, which is Canada’s version of WalMart, and recently bought out by Target. It’s not thrifted. It’s brand-spankin’ new. And therefore, it broke all the rules I set out here. I’m so ashamed!
For those of you new to the blog, I swore off shopping at malls and big chain stores for a whole year. I skipped right past the half-year mark a few months ago, and on all accounts, the transition has been easy. I don’t miss the mall at all. I’m more satisfied with my closet than I’ve ever been, and I’m saving more moola too. So what gives? Why did I let some boring ol’ blue t-shirt tarnish my perfect record?
No good reason, really. Zellers is on its way to being shuttered for good, and it’s a depressing barrage of clearance signs and flickering neon lights. I had some time to kill before a meeting nearby, so I lingered amongst the poorly organized “everything must go” merchandise. I found nothing, but before I could turn and go, I remembered that I still needed something to wear for a Blue Jays game the next day. So, I shut off my internal monologue, grabbed this four dollar tee, and checked out. And the guilt has plagued me ever since. I’ve even taken to wearing this tee every other day in vain attempts to justify my moment of weakness.
Instagrammed proof of my transgression. You could follow these moments as they happen, you know. Username: julievanhuizen)
The tee, at least, served its function. I wore it (with a thrifted red bandana – does that help?) as the Toronto Blue Jays handily defeated the Tigers (fun fact: baseball is awesome. You just get to drink beer and eat hot dogs and everyone cheers and it’s so exciting!). But back to the confession: Friends: I cheated. I’m sorry about it. I know I may have let you down, but I do think we can work past this, and begin to trust each other again. I’ve come clean, and I’m ready to move on. There are thrift store to pillage and treasure to unearth. So, let’s get to it.
Phew! A weight has been lifted. That feels good! Now it’s time to open up the floor: anything you want to confess, dear readers? Any mild mistakes gnawing away at your guilty conscience? Tell Aunty Julie all about it. I promise I won’t judge, but I might turn your stories into a platinum R&B record. Just bein’ honest.
haha, cute colorful outfit, even if there’s a little guilt attached! it happens🙂
LikeLike
I wouldn’t be too hard on yourself🙂 The outfit looks great, and most of what you’re wearing is thrifted- no harm, no foul in my book!
LikeLike
I like the way you think!
LikeLike
Aw, heck, I would totally count a discounted shirt at a store wide clearance sale still thrifty! It might not be entirely within the rules, but it’s gotta be a loophole or something at least, right?😉
(Besides, that outfit is worth it. Adorable!)
LikeLike
Definitely. The “Clearance Sale Everything Must Go” loophole. That was totally in the fine print!
LikeLike
I appreciate your honesty Julie. But let’s not let this happen again, agreed?! Haha. I recently got really frustrated at a retail store and thought, “I wish I could be like Julie and write off the mall.” But then I realized my thrifting abilities are at a 2 on a scale of 1 to 10. And I also realized I just don’t need anything new in general, thrifted or not. But then I thought, “I really want some boyfriend jeans.” Typical.
Hannah
LikeLike
I love the combination. :))
LikeLike
Thanks April!
LikeLike
I swore on my blog I wouldn’t buy any more handbags for a year. Well…that didn’t go as planned but I have bought way less. : )
LikeLike
Haha! That’s the problem with internet accountability eh?
LikeLike
Dont beat yourself up about it!! No one is going to judge you except yourself! We are here to embrace your style🙂 thrifty or otherwise
LikeLike
nice colours! I bought a pair of jeans for $3.50 at the zellers liquidation that actually fit! (it’s hard to find for short people too, hehe). they’re basically giving stuff away – it’s hard to resist! love you julie!
LikeLike
Michelle my Belle! You are a sucker for freebies too! That makes me feel better. I miss you. Let’s hang out again soon!
LikeLike
Loving the yellow colour pop skirt – pretty!
LikeLike
Just because you look so fabulous, I will forgive you. Being a Blue Jays’ fan though…that will never be forgiven.😛
xoxo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/
LikeLike
Haha! Our inlaws are Tigers fans, so they would side with you on that one Laura😉
LikeLike
Julie, you are too damn funny!
LikeLike
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you so much, However I am having problems with
your RSS. I don’t understand why I cannot join it. Is there anybody
having the same RSS issues? Anyone that knows the answer will you kindly respond?
Thanks!!
LikeLike