Shopping Buddies, Every Girl Needs One (or two)

It is no secret that The Kid does not like to shop, that is unless a large box store with a super sized tool department is involved.  He dislikes shopping so much that after one of our moves he threatened to advertise in the local paper for a "shopping buddy" for me.  And yes, I do believe he would have acted on that threat had I offered the least little bit of encouragement!

Now me,  I am not one of those women that derives great pleasure perusing the aisles of department stores on a regular basis, but I do enjoy a good shopping trip now and then.  Especially when I have a particular need for something.

Last week I found myself with such a need.  My high school reunion is coming up later this month and I don't have a thing to wear.  Seriously, I don't.  When your life is lived in a world of perpetual summer, fall clothing is not a wardrobe staple.  I definitely had a need.

The good news is I'm not in Kansas any more (not that I ever was),  and here in the Land Where the Dandelions Grow, AKA the BAA, shopping buddies abound.

A call went out.

The troops were rallied.

A date was set.

And early last Friday morning the three of us set out on our  mission to find me something suitable to wear.

Upon entering the first store of the day we were greeted by the clerk with these words "everything in the store is 40% off today, including already marked down items."  Three pair of eyes lit up like Times  Square on New Years' Eve.  The helium voiced clerk tried to be of service, but who needs a stranger when you have two friends willing to offer their unbiased opinions? No rack was left untouched.  Items were collected, tried on, exchanged with each other, oohed and ahhed over, laughed at, and eventually purchased.

It was on to the next stop.  Who knew the season ending close out sale at Macy's coincided with some of the new fall merchandise sales?  Even better with a coupon for an additional 20% off if you used a credit card.  Once again the bees swarmed.  Items were both rejected and approved.  I was told that I absolutely could not wear that shirt with that jacket so put it back and keep looking.  We may or may not have all purchased the same article of clothing.  We were having such a good time that one of the clerks commented on our silly behaviour, camaraderie.  In the end more purchases were made and credit cards exchanged because someone, who shall remain nameless, does not have a Macy's card and couldn't get the additional 20% off without one.

The process was repeated again and again until finally we realized that it was now 2:00 PM and perhaps some sustenance was in order.  Lunch brought more giggles and guffaws and an opportunity to refuel and charge our batteries for the home stretch.

It was a grand day of estrogen overload.

We arrived back at the lake just in time for the dinner hour, exhausted and elated from our shopping foray.   With the aid of my peeps I found just what I needed....and then some.

Shopping Buddies.

Every girl needs one (or two).

P.S.  To Steve:  Sorry about your Macy's bill.   Hopefully I will be able to find employment before the payment comes due.