When Devlin and Gabrielle attend a concert, Devlin insists on picking up an outfit at a second-hand store, although Gabrielle resists. What did you think of this scene? Do you shop at thrift stores? Why or why not?
This scene made me so uncomfortable. I understood Gabrielle’s perspective as I would figure I would never find something second hand! I was happy for the result. Perhaps I can learn to be more flexible!
I would be up to go thrift shopping. Before I gained weight I would go there for most clothes. Now that I wear a bigger size, I don’t have much luck.
I don’t do thrift stores. It’s not because I feel weird about wearing used clothing - not at all! - it’s that I get easily frustrated by the lack of order, and I don’t enjoy shopping at all. I like to run in, spend about 5 minutes looking, grab what I need, and go. You can’t do that at a thrift shop, you need to carefully look at pretty much every item. I find that maddening!
I thought this scene was interesting. It brought to mind the different views in my own family. My mom grew up very poor, with most clothes second-hand. She always bought new for us and for herself. I remember a neighbor offering me some clothes from her sister when I was a young teenager. My mom had been reluctant to even share the offer but did not want to offend the neighbor either. I knew the neighbor’s sister as a young professional woman I looked up to, so was happy to have some of her clothes. Ever since, I have felt positive about second-hand clothes and the women who wore them before me! At a thrift store, I know nothing about these women, but I can use imagination and see other lives touching mine. I still wear both new and thrift store clothing.
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I wasn’t surprised by this action on Devlin’s part. It seemed the logical thing to do in the circumstances, given the spontaneity of it all and the fact that neither one of them had excess money to spend.
I buy vintage clothing myself and also shop consignments. It stems from the fact that I myself take lightly used, quality clothing to Good Will and know I’m not alone in doing so.
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I thought it was a perfect way for the author to give another example of how different Devlin and Gabrielle were. Devlin was much more of a free spirit that enjoyed the unexpected and finding the joys in the unknown. When I am shopping, I am looking for something specific so “browsing” thru tons of clothes is not enjoyable for me so I do not shop at thrift stores.
I liked this scene and the fact that she also bought an outfit even though before she thought no! I have many friends that shop at second hand stores and I am amazed at some of the beautiful outfits they purchase. I do not shop at second hand stores. I am not really a shopper so I like to go to well organized stores. Also I am sorry to say a have a germ phobia! .
I have never shopped at a thrift story. I’m not a fashion person, so I would be unsure of what woudl be “cool” and not “dated”. Just not that confident I guess.
I liked this scene at the thrift store and found it ironic in the sense that Gabrielle restored used violins. I love thrift stores, not so much for my clothes but for books, kids clothes, games, and household finds. I donate lots of items. I like to donate items that I may not have a use for. I like making great “finds” and hope that some of my donations have been someone else’s great finds.
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I loved the scene and thought it was, as Jackie_Dupey said, the logical thing to do under the circumstances. I don’t shop a lot now but I still can’t pass a good upscale consignment shop! They are well organized and sell quality items in very good condition. When I was younger I went to a few black tie events yearly. So I had a list of consignment stores that sold nice long gowns. The excitement of a unique find was wonderful. Besides, it was highly unlikely you would run into the same dress at an event which is not uncommon when you shop department stores. For less money I was able to wear one dress once every three years!
Thrift stores are different. You have to be patient to find a gem so I rarely looked for clothes, unlike my sister and mother who had a knack for finding nice things. When I went with them I usually only looked at CD’s and books and sometimes purses.
Back to the book: I was pleasantly surprised that Gabrielle found something she liked. But I was super disappointed that Max called her out for wearing an old used dress. I don’t think she would have bought a dress that looked obviously used. Therefore I did not find his comment realistic and made me wonder if the author was actually familiar with “thrift store” shopping.
I thought this scene showed their differences on a different topic. I do shop thrift stores.
I love thrift stores, not for clothes but for books, crystal wine glasses and anything unusual. Some people find the idea of buying something that has been used by others as abhorrent while others welcome the search for a great buy at a cheap price. Delvin and Gabrielle differed in how they viewed a thrift store item.
I have never been much of a thrift store shopper, but could never get my sisters out of one! I don’t enjoy shopping, so didn’t want to spend the time looking through so much merchandise. But we grew up quite poor, and were always excited when our aunt came with a box of dresses for us (in the 1950s) which she had collected by various thrift shops, etc.
I don’t shop at thrift stores or consignment stores but I also don’t like shopping for new clothes. I just don’t like shopping at all. I did understand Devlin getting a second hand outfit since he didn’t have any money and wanted to look his best.
No, I’ve never been a thrift store shopper – but could NEVER keep 2 of my sisters out of them — and they found some wonderful prizes. It just never had been my thing. But I was happy for Gabrielle when she found such a perfect gown for her special evening.
I have never bought clothes at a thrift store, but I keep mine for a long time. At my age, I am trying to pare down items in my home, but I think it was perfect for their circumstances. They had no dress clothes with them and probably thought they would not see any one that they knew at the concert.