Shopping for clothing at Goodwill – when it is not an economic necessity – is not universally appealing. I get that. I also get a Liz Claiborne shawl collar cardigan for $4.99! I recommend inspecting every inch of the garment, shopping on half-off certain colored tag days, and always, always trying pieces on.
If you are not inclined to poke around Goodwill, here is a colorful tip about Lands End Inlet. Last winter, I was in search of a robe to replace my ratty maroon old-timer with the broken zipper. I learned I could get an additional 20% off the already discounted price if I selected an item that had been monogrammed. Monogrammed? Always intrigued by unique ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle, I kept an open mind and found my new best friend, “Patricia.”

“Patricia,” as she proclaims from below my left shoulder, is my red fleece hoodie robe. She falls about mid-calf and zips up the front. My family teased me at first, but have come to accept Patricia as an honorary member of the family.
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