Recreational Shoppers

Wednesday after work Leah and I had already gone to most of our favorite stores in Knoxville, and I wanted to go home. “Yeah that’s fine,” Leah said then added, “This has been an unsuccessful shopping trip. It’s not a successful trip unless I buy something.”

After teasing her about her materialistic mind-set I turned toward a shopping center that included Ross and T.J.Max. “Well I’ll try to make this trip a success for you.”

We walked into Ross where Leah laughed and made fun of me as I began talking myself out of buying things. (My friends know that I save my money, but I am weirder with Leah, because she is my sister, and because it makes her laugh.) If Leah is there I talk myself out of buying things out loud and my explanations (to myself) are very detailed. This is apparently very droll.

Leah has redefined her trip as a success; she bought 3 things:

1) A long A-line khaki skirt with studs (Too big for her, but on sale and maybe it will shrink)

2) A pink top with white polka dots (A Little too small, but maybe it will stretch)

3) A long blue button up shirt with white polka dots ("Perfect!" she said..)

She has fifty cents left to her name. It was definitely a successful trip for her.

I have more than enough cute clothes already, but still I bought 3 things:

1) A tiered hanger-it holds four skirts (If I return to my shopping boycott my closet won’t need hangers that fit multiple items. Hmmm)

2) A pink shirt with a white mock lace camisole (Poor quality, but cute.)

3) A black and off-white A-line skirt (It matches my black blouse with off-white lace-Yay!)

(See Josh--I do spend money.)

I think we could have just each bought the one item that was perfect for us and skipped the others. But is buying unneeded things really a big deal? Surely wasting a little money is ok. I have plenty to waste, but am I setting a bad example for my little sister?

PS: I shop with Leah to spend time with her--it’s a sister bonding thing, I guess. I boycotted unnecessary shopping for about 2 years (Still felt as if I went shopping all the time for birthday presents…) She told me we needed to start shopping again because it was our alone time together.

Edit: If this is your definition of recreational shopper, then that title suits neither Leah nor I, even though I do chat with the sales people.