Post-Election Shopping Therapy

I don't know about you, but I felt DRAINED after the election. All those angry TV commercials, angry debates and angry news headlines. I needed a lift. Something totally hedonistic, anti-intellectual and gratifying. It was either chocolate or shopping therapy. I decided on shopping since it was A) better for the economy and B) better for my hips.

I had no particular destination in mind and wandered along Germantown Avenue, finally honing in on Green Street Consignment. Unlike most other consignment shops, Green Street puts a lot of energy into merchandising, arranging a brown suede handbag next to a pair of shoes, a scarf and a belt that coordinate perfectly. This not only makes it easier to shop, but it creates the illusion of an upscale shopping experience. If you didn't look at the ridiculously low prices, you'd think you were in a stylish designer boutique.

I started cruising the sweater rack. Very dangerous. Who doesn't need another sweater after Hurricane Sandy?  The selection was good, a mix of consigned items from the closets of fashionable women and new clothes. That's what makes Green Street a little different. Because they have so many branches, they are able to purchase brand new stock directly from manufacturers and department store close-outs.  

I tried on two sweaters. A dark brown pullover with a cascade of ruffles that was very tempting at $20. And a black and white graphic cardigan that was unlike anything I'd ever owned at $16.  It looked and felt brand new. If I wanted a "lift" - this was a rocketship. Sold!

Waiting my turn at the cash register, I gazed longingly at a gleaming black handbag being bought by a young woman. I didn't need a bag. I didn't want a bag. But I was dazzled by its unusual texture. It looked like a $5,000 bag. It was $34.  She did very well. So did I.