The Real Reason You All Read My Blog
Yes, this post is about what you think it’s going to be.
Today was a bit of a horrid day. I was just really feeling unhappy and stressed. At about 5:45, Bart was heading out to get a haircut. Instead of leaving me home to make dinner and contemplate throwing all my dishes on the tile floor just to watch them smash, he suggested I come along with him. The hair cutting place is right next door to Target.
“Why don’t you wander around Target and spend $10, while I get my hair cut?”
Bart and I each have a monthly discretionary budget and I rarely spend the entirety of mine because, well, then it would be gone. So the offer of basically free money was rather tempting (even in the depths of my despair). I went along.
Now a little divergence, if you’ll indulge me. I do not love Target. I know this is nearly blasphemy to some of you – I know that many many people consider Target (and we won’t even mention SUPER Target) to be the happiest place on earth. And I agree that Target does have it’s place. But overall, I think Target is just too expensive. It seems not to realize that it’s only a slightly nicer version of Wal-Mart and prices items as if it were a lower-end department store. If I’m going to spend $20 on a shirt, I don’t want it to be from Target (I also don’t want to run into a thousand other people wearing the same exact shirt for which they also foolishly paid $20).
So, I only buy things from Target if they are on sale. And I mean big sale. Like 50% off sale.
Anyway, I went into Target and half-heartedly started flipping through the sale racks. Nothing, nothing, nothing. Well, at least I wouldn’t have to go to the dressing room (I hate changing rooms – pulling clothes on and off makes my hair static-y, the floors are usually gross, and your actual clothes get all baggy and ugly from being tossed on and off. Plus, I generally hate my own clothes after going in there).
I decided to have a quick look through the shoe section, even though I generally avoid Target shoes (for the above mentioned reasons). I came to the shoe section and saw three shelves labeled “75% off.” This might have been more exciting if I hadn’t been able to tell from 10 yards away that all the shoes on that shelf were children’s leopard-print slippers. But, on the top shelf, were a pair of boots.
In my size.
For $6.98.
I looked at the other shelves more carefully now and saw that there were indeed some other adult shoes. But they were all in sizes 9 and up. No go.
After carefully searching the regular shelves to see if any clearance items lurked there, I returned to the dedicated clearance shelves and realized that one of the shoe boxes marked “Size 10” actually contained a pair of size 6 pumps. They were even cheaper than the boots. I tucked them under my arm as well. (The picture at the top of the page is this pair as well).
I went to the checkout counter and they rung up my shoes. With the help of a leftover $4 Target giftcard, my total came to $10.36. For both pairs of shoes. My day was saved. One cannot be unhappy when one has just purchased two pairs of shoes for $10.
Oh, and I got a pair of shoes last week when I went to return something and had to get store credit instead. So behold my other new pair of shoes. I do not wear flats because, um, I think they are generally unattractive (I’m sorry!) but I liked these ones since they had a bit of a wedge heel and also were a nice pair of casual shoes.
I may not be anywhere close to Heidikins‘ unbelievable shoe collection of 176 pairs (covet!), but I’m working on it.
loving all of them, especially those red ones, and the PRICES, oh my!
Wow, you got a darn good deal! And I’m always jealous of good deals that I don’t find, which seems to always be the case, since I rarely go shopping. I especially love the pumps.
You truly to have a most amazing shoe collection. I desire one also, but frankly don’t have the energy for it. Could you keep your eye out for a size 6 1/2?
I especially love those last ones. Do you mind sharing where you got them?
Target has really changed their image. I remember when it used to be at the bottom of the shopping hierarchy, but then Wal-Mart came along and it had to create a new niche for itself. I think it’s a little pricey too, but they do have some cute stuff. And you’ve got to love those clearance racks!
*sigh* I really need some new shoes. You are a lucky lucky lady.
Also, do you notice that when you buy cheap shoes they tend to beat up your feet more than the ones you splurge on? Which is why I so rarely buy shoes..I’m unwilling to spend more on nice shoes but the ones that cost reasonable amounts make me bleed.
Life is hard sometimes.
PS I was totally thinking of you today and kept saying to myself, “I need to write her an email” but then Wes got fussy and it didn’t happen. Now I know I totally should have since you were having a bleh day!
First of all, your discipline amazes me. Second, I love the shoes!
I like the pumps. They are sassy. Toe cleavage.
I was at Target today, too. You’re right. It is a blaspheme not to like Target. I may never read your blog again.
wink.
I never shop at Target, but those pumps may have me reconsider!! Adorable! And boots for $6.00-something? Hello!
xox
Good for you! Cute shoes are fun on their own, but cute AND cheap shoes are even better.
First, I love love love that you said (wrote) “depths of despair”!!
Second, I love shoes. Especially those pumps. Awesome
Jealousy…is that a good trait or bad trait to have? Love the shoes! Also, I was going to ask you how you got your cool backdrop for your blog…mine is one of the generic ones which is kind of bland.
PS Did you find anyone with Season 1 or 2 of The Office? I feel as though it might be a little necessary to see those, not to mention, you won’t regret it…best stuff ever made!
And this is WHY I love reading blogs. It’s all about the sales, baby!
I love this story! I had something very similar happen to me. I love the shoe store Forever 21. I went to buy a pair of snow boots and was so pleased that they were on clearance. Then I found out that all boots were buy on get one free! While shopping around for my free pair of boots I had left my real shoes at the check out counter. When I returned, my shoes were nowhere to be found! The cashier was pretty sure someone took the box with my real shoes in them on accident!! It was a crazy feeling leaving the shoe store without the shoes I wore in and was now wearing my new boots I just bought. Later that day they called me and informed me that my real shoes had been returned and would give me a free pair of shoes for the inconvenience. I was thrilled, 3 pairs of shoes for 17$!! Definitely a bargain.
I am of the same opinion about Target, I am a Walmart shopper!
Wow! We managed to find some amazing deals on clothes recently, and it is the best feeling! I love calculating how much an entire outfit I am wearing cost me and seeing how low it can be.
Julie:
Your 3-shoe story is a classic! You’ll enjoy telling that one for many years.
Hey guess who I found! Wearing cute new shoes no less! Why, it’s non other than the fabulous, one of a kind, long lost, elfish friend of mine! Hip Hip! I collapsed under the peer pressure of the bloggers and I thought hmm… I’m pretty sure my Janssesn Previously-known-as-Gates has been blogging forever. I should find her! …Hi.
Jenae
I love shoe picture. And clothes pictures. And hair pictures. What fun!
Two pairs for just over $10? Now that is truly an amazing deal!