Retail Adventures
Jul. 9th, 2005 10:47 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ellarienI went to the mall this afternoon, intending to look for shorts and maybe something to replace the late lamented silk shirt.
Now, the mall entrance nearest to the bus station is through the second-floor housewares section of a certain department store. I was heading for the down escalator when I noticed some 'drinkware' -- pitchers and glasses of various shapes -- that at first glance appeared to be part-full of colourful liquids, and on second glance to be coloured to give that appearance. Intrigued, I picked up a margarita glass -- and the bright-pink liquid slopped. I was sure for a moment that I'd made a mess, and was thinking that it was a stupid way to set up a display. Then I examined the thing a little more closely and realized that the liquid was in fact sealed within the double walls of the glass. The things were labelled 'freezable', so I imagine the idea was that you'd stick them in the freezer and the liquid would freeze and retain some extra coolness.
I was so disconcerted by this incident that instead of going down to womens' clothing I kept on through menswear and over to the bookstore next door. Then, having recently given myself permission to buy books ad lib for the first time in years, I went a little wild and came out with six paperbacks -- Alma Alexander's new duology, all three volumes of The Viscount of Adrilankha, and an Elizabeth George mystery. I really can't be making a habit of that sort of thing, but it felt good.
The sartorial part of the expedition went fairly well, too. Things were a bit picked over, making it hard to find my size, and there were some rather surprising garments on display. A-line skirts in paisley-print corduroy? Tiered skirts? What decade is it, again? Also, what's up with the allegedly size-8 pants that are as big around the waist as they are around the hips? However, I managed to find a pair of khaki capris that fit fairly well, some denim-coloured stretch crop pants, a pair of shorts that I have no intention of wearing in public, and four t-shirts that are slightly lighter and slightly dressier than the plain craft-store ones I usually go for. I can't remember the last time I deliberately shopped for casual clothes -- probably at least ten years ago -- so it was about time. Tomorrow I'll try and find time to iron the three dressier outfits I bought earlier in the summer, wore, washed, and put aside to await ironing. It's just been too hot for two-pieces, though; I've been living in half-a-dozen thin, washable dresses, some of them dating back to London days, for the last month.
Now, the mall entrance nearest to the bus station is through the second-floor housewares section of a certain department store. I was heading for the down escalator when I noticed some 'drinkware' -- pitchers and glasses of various shapes -- that at first glance appeared to be part-full of colourful liquids, and on second glance to be coloured to give that appearance. Intrigued, I picked up a margarita glass -- and the bright-pink liquid slopped. I was sure for a moment that I'd made a mess, and was thinking that it was a stupid way to set up a display. Then I examined the thing a little more closely and realized that the liquid was in fact sealed within the double walls of the glass. The things were labelled 'freezable', so I imagine the idea was that you'd stick them in the freezer and the liquid would freeze and retain some extra coolness.
I was so disconcerted by this incident that instead of going down to womens' clothing I kept on through menswear and over to the bookstore next door. Then, having recently given myself permission to buy books ad lib for the first time in years, I went a little wild and came out with six paperbacks -- Alma Alexander's new duology, all three volumes of The Viscount of Adrilankha, and an Elizabeth George mystery. I really can't be making a habit of that sort of thing, but it felt good.
The sartorial part of the expedition went fairly well, too. Things were a bit picked over, making it hard to find my size, and there were some rather surprising garments on display. A-line skirts in paisley-print corduroy? Tiered skirts? What decade is it, again? Also, what's up with the allegedly size-8 pants that are as big around the waist as they are around the hips? However, I managed to find a pair of khaki capris that fit fairly well, some denim-coloured stretch crop pants, a pair of shorts that I have no intention of wearing in public, and four t-shirts that are slightly lighter and slightly dressier than the plain craft-store ones I usually go for. I can't remember the last time I deliberately shopped for casual clothes -- probably at least ten years ago -- so it was about time. Tomorrow I'll try and find time to iron the three dressier outfits I bought earlier in the summer, wore, washed, and put aside to await ironing. It's just been too hot for two-pieces, though; I've been living in half-a-dozen thin, washable dresses, some of them dating back to London days, for the last month.
