What clothing do you have/need?

[MYellowRose]

First off, if this isn't the proper place for this post please move it, I wasn't sure just where to put it.

I just finished a load of clothes and realized that I could use some more so if I get the stimulus check I sent in the form for I'm going to hit a couple of GoodWill's and a Family Thrift to see what I can find.
Right now for bottoms I've got 2 pair slacks, 1 pair scrub pants, and 4 pair of shorts.
For tops I've got 6 button up blouses, 2 pull over tops, and 5 tee shirts.
I've also got at least on dress in storage with a jacket and one of my daughter's that I can wear.
I've also got a couple pair of sweat pants and a couple of sweat shirts for winter wear.
For outerwear I've got two windbreakers, one heavy jacket, and one full length coat with a zip out lining.
All of these items except the tee shirts have come from thrift stores.
I'm looking to get 3-4 more pair of shorts, a couple of plain button up blouses, 3-4 more pair of slacks, a couple pair of blue jeans, some socks, a pack of undies, at least 3 bras as I've only got two that fit half-way properly. I'm also debating on getting a couple more pair of sweat pants and shirts for the winter and I want to see if I can find a windbreaker with a hood if they actually make such a thing.
Is this a good amount of clothes or do you think I'll have too much of one thing or another. I'm looking to have at least 7 pair of shorts because we have shorts weather here longer than we have cold or cool weather.
I also need to replace my sandals and my tennis shoes as they're prety much worn out. I'll keep these tennis shoes for when it's wet and muddy out and I have to catch the bus. Since there's almost no sidewalk between here and the bus stop I don't want to ruin a new pair of shoes in just a couple of months or so. The shoes will be new as my RA has affected my toe joints and I need them to fit me. I will however keep an eye out for a pair of ankle boots at the thrift stores but won't worry if I can't find them.
Everything but my undies, bra's, and socks will come from thrift stores unless I can find something that cheap on sale at Wal-Mart and I doubt it.
Any and all suggestions are welcome from both ladies and gentlemen.

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Hi Rose. For that part of TX I'd say you have it pretty well covered. One item that I did notice missing from your list was a good pair of boots. I'm not talking snake-skin Tony Lamas or elephant Justins. :P What about a good pair of lace-up hiking boots?

[OzarkRidgeRunner]

Good call Daredevil. After reading over the post my first thought was a good pair of hiking boots, gortex or other waterproof type. Maybe a couple pairs of wool socks to go along with the boots for the winter. Cold weather can sneak up and bite you faster than hot weather. Looks like you are set other than that.

[MYellowRose]

Yep guys I want a pair of boots but I can't afford any really good one. As for wool socks the only way I can wear them is over a pair of cotton socks. I can't stand the itch of wool in socks or anything else. When I was in the army and had to wear my long johns I was miserable! I wound up wearing panty hose and a tee shirt under them and that was okay except for my arms since the long johns were long sleeve.
I'm going to keep my eyes out in the men's section of the GoodWill and the like for some good boots. I have a wide foot and most of the boots made for women are something I wouldn't be caught dead in!

[QueenoftheFlock]

Not sure about clothing but have done well with other used items - Craig's List.

Or Freecycle too.

[Katrina-Sisu]

Have you tried Kmart for hiking boots?

Believe it or not, I use their boots for my winter boots up here in Finland. Super good quality and not very expensive at all.

I got Route 66 men's hiking boots for 20 bucks. They came on sale for 12 bucks in the fall last year, so maybe this year too.

I have wide feet too so that's why the guy's boots are nicer. Also guy's shoes last alot longer which is weird lol.

Kat

[leera]

I've noticed that too,men's shoes and boots are better made to last for some reason. ???

I buy men's tennis shoes and boots as well.

[jen_in_southtexas]

I think a good fitting worn-in pair of steel toed boots are good to have. I have to wear them for work and when i work around the yard i cant work without them. Well i pretty much wear them alot even when im wearing shorts...lol and i dont care what people think. They can be as cheap or as costly as you want them to be but just dont get an ill fitting pair. Since i have to wear them for work, comfort is a big deal for me so I have to spend a little extra for a good pair of them.

I also think a pair of coveralls/bib coveralls are good to have. I bought them at Academy about 4-5yrs ago for about 25-30bucks. It was their own brand and they are thick and warm. I only wear them if Im out hunting in the cold or if i have to go outside on one of those cold cold days. They are very warm,water and puncture resistant and just good to have. Academy has excellent sales when they are clearing their winter items/apparel.

I dont care about having name brand clothes except when it comes to my steel toed boots. They can make or break my day.

[Dawgus]

All my work clothes come from Goodwill, I refuse to buy new jeans when I'm going to get em greasy and worn out in a month or less. Boots for me kinda suck, I wear a 14, so I'm pretty much stuck between walmart $40 boots and redwing $300 boots. I had a pair of redwings once and I wore em out just as fast as the cheapies, no more of that!

[flatwater]

If I could get by with it I'd go naked but I'm sure there is a law about that. I tend now at my stage of life to get better clothing that will last awhile. I love my wool socks have about 5 pair of them and since I have to shop at the big and tall for shirts that will fit it can get a little pricey. I have a lot of cut offs and last years pants are this years cutoffs. I usually buy good shoes because I walk a lot and I like my feet to feel comfortable.
Flatwater

[MYellowRose]

Katrina we no longer have a K-Mart here, they left town many years ago.
As I said, I'll be keeping my eyes open at the thrift stores here for a halfway decent pair of men's boots. I have worn mens shoes when I did restaraunt work as for the longest time it wasn't possible to get women's shoes with the non-slip soles. Finally found a brand at Wal-Mart that I liked that would actually last me most of a year, then what happened. they quit carrying them. Otherwise I'll see what I can find at Wal-Mart. I get one check a month on the first and it's gone shortly thereafter. LOL Doesn't last long once you've got bills to pay. I'll be lucky if I have $50 left at the beginning of September.

[Suzy]

I have an awful time finding boots that actually FIT my fit and protect them AND are comfortable! I got a great rubber pair of men's boots at Wal-Mart for $12 that are great when it's raining but they are a little too big for me...

I'm hoping before winter to get a pair of good all purposed boots!

Let us know how your boot search turns out! (the only thing semi-small about me is my feet! :D

[walls0stone]

I can't go to any of those tores fo shoes. I have a very long foot and require the narrowest boot possible. Tossing around large stones all day means they normaly only last 6 months to a year before they are demoted. Boots and clothing is one place I won't skimp. If I have the right gear I'm happyer and I work longer.

And finnaly, Socks.. each year I get calls asking "what ya want for christmas?" Socks...

"and..." Socks....

"and??? ?" Boot oil.

Since I have narrow feet I do find my heals sticking out of the best worksocks. I don't keep them around when they become thin and when I'm out in bad weather or working long hours out of town, I change my socks at lunch time. Makes the afternoon a little easyer.

and it's not clothing, but I have a very nice little boot dryer. we used to dry shoes beside the woodstove growing up...but it dried out the leather.

This thing drys the inside of the shoe and didn't up the electric bill any. makes them last a little longer. On a cold morning I have nice, warm dry boots....then I put my house shoes on the boot drying during the day and when I get home.. toasty warm. Simple pleaseure are the best :)

[DaleK]

Shouldn't have any trouble finding rubber boots around here Wally, they get narrower every year. My wife thought she was helping me out by getting me the widest pair of size 13s she could find... I couldn't even get my toes into the heel. Put them up against an old wornout pair I had and they were at least 2" narrower.

I have to buy size 12 or 13 insulated rubber boots, take the liners out and put an insole in to get them wide enough. Gets kind of expensive considering with all the flexing when I'm milking, I go through a pair every 6-8 weeks.

[MYellowRose]

* Found a nice pair of boots at Wal-Mart this past weekend. *Not at the one near us but at the next closest one. *They are Earth Spirit, the same brand of sandals I buy, and they were only $15, I think, though there were two different styles and the others are probably at least twice that price. *LOL * Just my luck the ones I really want will cost the most, I'll probably get them anyway as they will last me 3 or 4 years since I seldom ever need to wear them.
I've been keeping an eye out at GoodWill but most of them, boots that is, have high heels on them or are small. The two pair I found in the men's shoes were 11's which is well over what I need. LOL Oh well, I'll get something eventually.

[kerryms]

Mswoman and I hit the jackpot! I recently went to Mich, to see family,one of my aunts asked if I needed clothes! We got 5 garbage bags full of everything.There is enough clothes for the both of us and my Aunt said she'd "finish" cleaning her closit! I sure do like when someone goes on a diet! Otherwise we're pretty much set.

[Katrina-Sisu]

I LOVED my Earth Spirit hiking boots from Wally World! I wore them in our lovely totally freezing -25F winters up here and stayed warm.

They lasted me 5 years and since I'm chunky that's amazing lol.

Kat

[MYellowRose]

Thanks Katrina-Sisu the style I prefer is $23 which is about $7 less than I was guessing. I'll try both styles on and see which feels better on my feet and which I prefer once they are on. LOL
I also ran across some more clothes I'd forgotten in my daughters closet, not much, just a couple of women's pants suits and a couple pair of slacks and a blouse or two. DD was going to buy me a pair of Old Navy jeans last Saturday when they had them on for $12 a pair but never got around to it so I'll just keep an eye out for jeans at the Good-Will. I want to see if I can find another full-length coat with the zip out lining as I need a smaller size. I'll pass the one I have on to my daughter as it fits her find and she may need it this winter as she'll be riding the bus to drop the 6 yr. old off at school then go to school herself. It can get kinda windy here in the winter.

[silvergramma]

there is a great church here locally that puts clothing in their basement for those who need,, if you will send me your size and preference i will see what i can get for you i also scrimmage through thrift stores for stuff found a great pair of boots for hubby for 5 buck..s deals are still out there

[Bootz]

I live on a very low income, but buy most of my clothes new. I own very little, but the best. Sometimes if I'm given a gray or dark colored item I'll use it instead of the black listed below.

4 pairs black cotton/synthetic yoga pants
6 black cotton short sleeve t shirts
10 pairs black/dark boy cut cotton undies
4 black sports bras
6 pairs thin cotton black socks
1 pajama bottoms

black fleece zip jacket
black windbreaker
black snowpants
1 pair Keen hiking boots
black leather gloves
black knit hat
bandana
1 pair flip flops

I think that's everything I own :-0

I wear THIN socks with my boots, because I wear them inside and year around and I have wide feet. Boots made for average feet fit wide feet better with thin socks. I don't really get cold feet. Tight shoes and wet shoes cause cold feet!!

Keen boots are very adjustable and have a nice wide toe box. I highly recommend them for wide feet. Also make sure to buy boots long enough. If you suddenly start walking a LOT your feet spread up to a whole size and you find you need enough room so that your toes do not touch the end EVER. I buy shoes a whole 1 1/2 sizes bigger than I did 3 years ago.

I often walk 10 miles a day and can only do that because I have the right gear.

Combining a fleece and a windbreaker works as a winter jacket, but can both be used alone in warmer weather.

I also have a backpack with an internal frame built to fit a small woman and paid almost $200.00 for it on sale. I've had it almost 2 years and it looks like it's been through a war and needs to be replaced...but it was worth it.

I do not own a couch, TV or real bed. I own almost nothing, but I spend money on the things that keep me mobile, mentally okay and cut my daily expenses.

All my wash is black so I only have to do one load. I do not have a car. I walk and use public transportation only. Spending money on clothes saves more money in the long run.

[MYellowRose]

Just lost a long post here because I didn't know I was no longer logged in, frustrating believe me.

Hi Bootz, I'd opt for the black clothes myself if it wasn't miserably hot and humid for most of the year in south central Texas. That's the reason I stick to beige and tan or the like though I do have some other colors. For winter I wear long pants with leggins under thenif I'm going outside since like you I use public transportation and the wind cuts right through most clothing. I've learned to layer clothing so if I start to get hot while inside I can take something off. Summer wear has become a tee shirt or lightweight short-sleeved blouse and capri pants. This summer I'll have at least 5 pair of shorts/ cutoff jeans thanks to my next door neighbor passing on a box of clothes, mainly mens stuff. There was a pair of khaki pants in it that are a perfect fit andworn enough to be comfortable, I love them.

I still haven't bought myself a pair of boots though I am keeping an eye out for some I like and can afford. I want to put aside $20 a month so that when the winter stuff comes out, about August or September, I can buy a pair while there's a good selection. Winter doesn't usually arrive here until November but it will be nice to be prepared for it early. I need to have my winter coat and liner cleaned and the outside waterproofed again.

The church I go to the first Saturday of each month allows you to get clothing and household items as well as the food they give out. This month I picked upa couple of microwave safe plates and a glass baking dish with a woven holder for it. Next month I'll be looking for pots and pans as well as a few dishes. I'm trying to get the items I need to set up housekeeping on my own in a few months. I'n not beyond using second-hand items until I can save up for new, if I ever do.

I've got a friend at church that says he can get me any furniture I need along with having it delivered and set up. Otherwise I may wind up ike you with almost no furniture, just whatever DD leaves when she moves out. One thing I won't let her take is the mattress I now sleep on. She can have the bunk bed frame if she wantsbut the mattress is mine!

I was wondering where you bought your Keen brand of boots as I've never heard of them.

[NCLee]

I HATE TO SHOP FOR CLOTHES!!!!!

I'm very short, a bit over weight, and have small feet. So clothes shopping has always been a problem. It's even worse now.

Due to the drive time involved, I spent the better part of 2 days last week trying to find a pair of work shoes and a couple of outfits suitable for church on Sunday. One trip resulted in buying a bottle of water. Considering the gasoline and the time, that was one expensive drink.

Since I usually wear WalMart jeans and shirts, I rarely ever go shopping for clothes beyond those. Frankly I was disgusted with most of what I saw last week. What ever happened to plain simple clothing at reasonable prices?

My toe is sticking out the side of the last pair of sneakers that I bought. Time to get a new pair. :) Because my feet are small, I'm stuck with the kid's sizes. Impossible, so far, to find a leather shoe that'll serve as a work shoe. The sneakers are ugly junk -- who needs air bubbles in the heel? Who needs black sneakers with "bling"? :mad:

On another note, decided that I may need to pull out the sewing machine again for some "Sunday" clothes. Used to make most of my clothing. So..... I took a quick look at the pattern books. (Old patterns are too small.) Couldn't believe the price of patterns. Used to buy them for a dollar or so. Almost dropped my teeth when I saw them selling for $15-$16. :eek:

And, the same thing has happened to patterns. What ever happened to plain simple clothing patterns at reasonable prices?

Well, one more shopping trip is on the agenda. Set aside a whole day (due to drive time) to go to a large shopping center/mall to see what I can find that doesn't cost an arm and two legs. Hope I can do more than buy a bottle of water, while I'm there.

Even though I try to find things at second hand stores, it's rare to find anything that fits other than jeans, sweatshirts, and such.

If that planned shopping trip doesn't pay off, I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Catalog / on-line shopping is iffy at best due to the same fitting problems. While I can alter some of my old sewing patterns, that doesn't help the footwear problem. (sigh)

Lee

[Gracie]

Lee, Just read your post, and found:
http://shoes.about.com/od/large_small_narrow_wide/a/w_size_small.htm
they have listed sites on the internet for shoes from size 1-3, and size 4 and up. Looked @ zappo's.com and also Shoes.com and they have some really nice looking ladies shoes, they have sandals, flats, high heels, low heels, even saw some tennis shoes that I'd wear in a heart beat, except...they didn't come in size 9!

For your dresses, have you considered checking out E-Bay, I too have trouble finding dresses that fit right, so have purchased from them, and payed far less than retail. It takes some time browsing through all they have but I found it well worth the time. Also, if you crochet or knit, have you given any thought to c/k with the summer weight yarns, say a shell, or top with short sleeves, perhaps even a c/k tunic (I really like crochet tops, as you crochet them to fit your frame, have done this in the past, and you have a one of a kind top) and sew up an altered skirt (or dress slack) pattern that would look pretty with your sweaters. Then tie a coordinating light weight scarf round your neck, or wear a pretty necklace, or pin on Great Aunt's lovely old brooch and you're ready to go!

Know am just old-fashioned, but to me there is elegance in simplicity. The more basic the cut of the pattern, or top & skirt, the more options you have when dressing it up or down, depending on the occasion. I'd rather go to the dentist (and they make me more nervous than a cat trying to cover up a pile of you-know-what, on a hot tin roof), than try to buy clothes or shoes.

Hope this somehow helps, FWIW,

G

[NCLee]

Thanks Gracie for the time you took looking up that link. I'll go a sploring in a bit. When I was on the clock 9-5 I used to order dress shoes from a company that's no longer in business. (sigh) Their shoes fit.

I do crochet, but tops aren't a problem for some reason. Have a bunch of those and those were about the only thing I saw that was "decent" when I went shopping. It's everything else, in terms of outerwear.

If that upcoming shopping trip doesn't turn up anything, I'll have to order shoes and keep my fingers crossed with regards to fit. For the rest, it'll be pull out the sewing machine and alter existing patterns. And make patterns from some threadbare clothing that does fit.

I'm kinda rusty at it, as it's been a while, but I've altered patterns and made a few simple ones in the past.

Know am just old-fashioned, but to me there is elegance in simplicity.

There's one thing that fits me to a T! I couldn't have said it better, myself, about me. :)

Thanks again for the link, advice, and your thoughts. Much appreciated from several standpoints.

Lee

[MYellowRose]

When I was going through the clothes area of the church I visit early each month I found two croched tops, one in beige and one in green. The latter one is a little tight where the sleeves are attached to the top itself so I may donate it back to them. I've worn the beige one several times with the Gap jeans I got from the neighbor, I love the combo. I also now know that I wear a size 36-30 in men's relaxed fit jeans from the Gap. I'll be keeping an eye out for more of them since Ilike them so much.

I too like the plainer, more traditional clothes that don't hve lots of frills and don't fit like they're painted on.

[Mesquite_Bean]

Lee -- Joann's and Hobby Lobby both have frequent sales on patterns. Usually for $1 but sometimes $1.99. I've found thrift shops to be the best for finding patterns... hard to beat 10¢. ;)

Yellow Rose -- For socks and undergarments I've found Ross Dress For Less to be much cheaper than Walmart and the brands/quality to be far superior.

[GoodDaughter]

Hah, dh and I have a joke currently going on about the so-called bargains at Ross.. I bought a fitted sheet there that has 5 corners on it. Wish I could take a picture of it. The first time I tried to put it on the bed was a real revelation. I will never waste my money there on 'bargain' linens again.

My figure is a bit hard to fit also--large bust, very small waist, long legs and a nice round backside. Most size 12 misses jeans (the ones that aren't those stupid muffin top jeans but that's another rant altogether) fit in the hips and seat but the waist just absolutely gaps and the thighs are too loose (they feel like clown pants must feel) and the legs often a bit too short. I can't buy tall ladies jeans though because those are a bit too long. I hate hate hate shopping for jeans! Regardless of if I go to a resale shop or buy them new, I have to just keep trying on different brands till I find some that fit well, and even then I sometimes have to hand sew darts in the waistband to keep people from seeing down the back of my pants. I hate it. It seems most jeans are made for women who are either very thin and have no curves, or they are made for plus sized women and cut proportionally. Hard to find something in-between.

About the only clothing or items I can think of that I need are a pair of some kind of work boots. I loved the leather lace up boots that were so popular about 10 years ago. Hard to find them now that don't look like glorified leather sneakers or ninja boots.

[AlchemyAcres]

The only new clothing I buy is underwear and sweats...on very rare occasions...a shirt!

My Mother has a habit of finding all sorts of clothing for me a rummage sales, thrift stores, etc....she loves to do it, and I'm happy with it!! LOL



~Martin

[machinemaker]

my employer supplies us with uniforms, seven per week. Since I work just three twelve hour days a week. I take home the extra sets for working around here. I figure every dollar saved is a dollar earned.
kent

[GoodDaughter]

My mother is 71, and she still buys me clothes too, mostly from resale shops. I got my resale addiction from her, no doubt! She finds shirts, sweaters and an occasional coat or jacket, and she knows just what kind of stuff I like. And I have to admit, I look forward to my Christmas and birthday presents from her, because I know she always gets me socks or underwear. Sometimes she gives me dishtowels too, which is awesome because I use so many. Like you say, she's happy to do it and she never spends more than a few dollars at a time, which makes me feel better about her doing it. I'd rather she not do it at all, but she really does insist. I think it makes her feel like a 'mommy' still, and it's very sweet. After all, I'm her "baby" and I'm mid-40's (:^O

[CapeCMom]

I have a mother like you Gooddaughter. I rarely buy stuff for myself-mostly wear hand me downs even to work. I used to buy very expensive clothes but not any more! I still have friends that do, and they know I am frugal now, so they give me their stuff when it no longer suits them, lol. No problem with that!
DH gets a uniform-he wears it even on his days off-jeans and a logo shirt, so he hasn't bought himself clothes in quite awhile either. The older boys get some things at the holidays but they buy their own if the mood strikes them-but they are like us-don't see the need for it. The younger one gets a few things but still wears hand me downs from friends. I am amazed at the bags of stuff I get for him. They are like brand new!

[NCLee]

Yesterday, I dropped off some things for the upcoming yard sale at the church. It was amazing how many clothes donations had come in. There were several racks hanging full, a couple of banquet tables loaded with sweaters and jeans. Boxes and boxes that hadn't been sorted yet.

Growing up I wore a heck of a lot of hand-me-downs and second hand store finds. With a bunch of cousins, Mom and aunts were always trading clothing that the kids had outgrown. One of my aunts, especially, loved to go thrift store shopping. She'd come by and pick up Mom for a day of it. Remember one store where grocery bags filled with clothing were a dollar each. Used to like it when Mom let me fill my own bag! :)

Anyway there's going to be some bargains at the church yard sale. Saw some nice things yesterday. Doubt there's much I can wear, but I sure can appreciate what's available for others. And, just maybe, I'll get lucky, too. :)

Lee

[MYellowRose]

Lee I hope you go early so you get a chance to find things to fit you. Odest GD found a sock earlier that she thought was hers. I put it on and showed her it fit me fine, boy was she upset. I've bought 2 packs of socks this year, one held 6 pr., the other 10 pr. When I washed and paired socks last week I found a total of 10 pr. many of which are older socks with the tops stretching out. I'm going to start keeping my clothes separate from DD's as I'm down to 6 pr. of socks and 4 pr. of panties.

I'm going to save up and buy panties and socks when the school clothes sales start in July or August so I won't spend quite as much.