The art of passive shopping

If you read my previous post, then you know about my recent shopping trip with my brother. The intent of our trip was to update his wardrobe. So, with that in mind, as soon as we got to the store, I headed straight for the men's department, bypassing all the cute boots and cardigans, ignoring the shimmering accessories, and refusing to notice the red-tag mark-downs that taunted me with every turn.

We were on a mission, and this time, it was not about me. This trip was for my brother. So, I stayed on task, rummaging through sizes and styles and piling the cart full of men's jeans, jackets, t-shirts, and button-downs. At last, it was time to head to the dressing rooms. Being the ever loyal and attentive sister, I stood, waiting to provide comment on our finds. 

After what seemed like forever, my mind strayed, I thought I heard the clearance racks calling my name. No, I was not going to move from my post. As I held vigil outside my brother's dressing room, I started to watch people. I watched guys and girls go in and out of the dressing rooms. I watched them dump their rejects in a pile on the rack next to me. That's where I noticed a pair of gold jeans. 

Now, I have been wanting a pair of gold jeans, so I nonchalantly reached over and picked them off the reject rack to check the size. Ooh, my size! Into the cart they went. Then, I noticed a girl evaluating a brown sweater vest in a 3-way mirror. Wow, what a cute sweater vest! That would go great with the gold jeans. So, I watched that girl like a hawk. Was she going to buy it, or not? Come on, make a decision. Yes or no? Finally, she hung the vest on the reject rack. A no for her, a yes for me! As she rounded the corner and was safely out of sight, I scooped up the vest and threw it in the cart. And, that's how I learned the art of passive shopping.

Brown sweater vest by United States Sweaters: $7.00 (Plato's Closet)
Gold jeans by Mossimo Supply Company: $9.00 (Plato's Closet) 

Author: Monica Meagher; Photo credit: Marjie Nye