By a show of hands, how many of you have ever gone shopping and ended up buying something completely different from what you had originally intended to buy?
*Raises hand*
Good. I’m glad we’ve had this talk.
So, last summer I was acting/ directing/ choreographing/ costuming a really cool play with an incredibly awesome, inspiring, talented group of people. This is because I am arguably the luckiest person in the world.
Anyway, moving on. I went to the thrift store to see if I could buy some antique oil lamps, I believe. Actually, I may have only been pricing them out. Small matters.
People who are serious about thrifting know that there is an intense psychological-battle that accompanies each and every serious thrift store shopper.
One cannot appear too excited about a purchase or rush towards an object because, in doing so, OTHER shoppers might spot and grab said item FIRST.
And, as it’s a thrift store, there isn’t exactly replica inventory lying around.
It’s an intense battle, my friends.
Also: one cannot build one’s hopes. The size might be off and then you’re just setting yourself up for failure.
So, I casually meandered towards the shoes. I took stock of their attributes.
All-leather, not bad. Ridiculously cute detailing, hmmm. Peep-toe for vintage appeal. Mary-Jane strap.
And: the wedge heel.
Until this point, I had never owned a wedge.
My mother, however, once had a favorite pair of shoes that were wedge heels. I know this because whenever she spots a pair of wedge heels it conjures up the memory for her.
“Oh wow,” she says, “I used to have a pair of wedgies. They were my favorites.”
So, here’s the scene: I hadn’t exactly planned on buying new shoes. I hadn’t exactly budgeted for new shoes. But, here were REALLY CUTE shoes.
Outcome: I bought them.
(Come on, man, they were second-hand!)
You only live once.
Buy the shoes.
