Reading the recent Compass article about the secondhand clothes shopping boom in Cayman, I was reminded that I’m well overdue to go thrifting.
When I was a kid growing up here, one of my greatest joys was when Mum would take us to the Humane Society thrift store. Back then, it was located in a small building behind the George Town Public Library. The idea that I could find a few choice outfits, wedge heels AND a handbag for next-to-nothing seemed impossible. And yet, there I was, walking unsteadily – yet happily – in those flowery wedges towards the cash box, clutching my newest exciting acquisition: a 45” record of Christopher Cross’s ‘Sailing’. It was one of my favourite songs at the time, and the record looked brand new – not a scratch on it. Talk about a treasure!
That thrill of the hunt is what it’s all about, no matter what age you are. It’s not like walking into a clothes boutique, shoe shop, jewellery store or any other purveyor’s establishment, because thrift shops are like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates: You never know what you’re gonna get.
I faithfully followed the Humane Society’s place as it moved from location to location. I just had great luck there. In the old days, people weren’t as au fait about designer names as they are now. No internet, no cable TV … so if I really went scouring, I might find a high-end item for pennies. I specifically remember spying an Aquascutum trench coat squashed between some old jumper and uninspired jeans, hanging on the rack. They only wanted $5 for it! It was too big for me; I had no need of a trench coat; it wasn’t really my colour. Did any of that matter? No! Because it was $5! It absolutely made my day. And, in fairness, I DID wear it on a couple of trips to the UK. There I was, some young detective wandering the countryside.
There was the stereo system, where the radio only worked on AM, not FM, but that didn’t matter. I wanted it for its tape deck. I just had to ensure no one touched it, because if they flipped the switch to ‘Radio’ and foolishly attempted FM, it let out a bloodcurdling screeching sound, no matter at what level the volume was set.
I couldn’t understand why anyone would have wanted to get rid of this beauty!
Hilariously, my friends became so familiar with its quirks that if someone new came around to the house and started making a beeline for its buttons, they would all yell, in chorus, “Don’t touch the radio!”
Now, decades later, after watching Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’, I wonder if that old stereo’s FM channel was – in fact – a conduit for aliens trying to make first contact. I can imagine the intelligent life elsewhere in the universe slapping whatever passes for foreheads, bemoaning how their advanced technology ended up in the hands of such a moron.
“Maths! The screeching is maths, you cretin!”
In those days, I think part of the reluctance for some to buy in local thrift stores was based on the chance of them bumping into the original owner at some point. Hey, it’s a small island. There they’d be, mingling at a party, wearing a spangly number they picked up just that afternoon for $10, and a person would walk up to them, yelling, “Oh my goodness! You bought it! I got that at Neiman Marcus, but I … ” Cue the crimson cheeks of the new owner.
Nowadays, buying secondhand is considered the realm of the savvy shopper. With environmental causes taking a front seat, the ‘reuse and recycle’ mantra makes it downright fashionable to purchase ‘previously loved’ stuff.
Honestly, the marketing people who come up with these terms must be the same ones who penned ‘Loss Prevention’ as the title for hotel security; one of my favourites. Of course ‘previously loved’ sounds so much better than ‘another person’s trash’ … I doubt the latter on the awning of a shop would bring customers running. Although, you never know in the UK. They’re quirky like that.
I can just hear the conversation.
“Nice top! Where’d you get it?”
“Another Person’s Trash in Soho.”
“Respek.”
[End scene]
Right now, there are multiple Facebook sites in Cayman that allow residents to sell anything from cars and baby gear to high end designer clothes and handbags. On the one hand, you can’t really ask if they’ve got that lovely dress in your size, but by the same token, you’ll find a wealth of variety unmatched in retail stores.
Beyond items to add to your wardrobe, you can browse furnishings and home decor until your eyes water. I have bought so many pieces for my house that would have cost a fortune if I’d got them new. Of course, one must have patience. Maybe you want a mirror for your wall, and there will be lots posted, but they aren’t the right size or colour. But just like the infinite monkey theorem, where primates are smacking away at typewriters until they produce the complete works of Shakespeare, if you wait long enough, at some point a mirror will come up that works for your wall.
Bed frames, side tables, dressers … I’ve scored many times. Of course, I’ve also been so dazzled by a bargain that I’ve bought impractical things still looking for a spot in a room. Take the two standing lamps, each with metal slightly-bendy posts leading to a cluster of eight light globes. The bases are made from such heavy marble, that they can only be carried about a foot at a time. The globes are blinding bright – perfect for a home with a 3,000-square-foot, 30-foot ceilinged living room … which I don’t got. Right now, one of them is sitting in my bedroom closet, because the main light went out. Every time I stamp on the pedal switch, I have to shield my eyes for a moment. But finding anything in there immediately becomes a breeze, right down to the needle on the floor.
The other is standing at the corner of my bed, meaning I have to squeeze past it to get to the window. Why would I put myself to that inconvenience? See: “only be carried about a foot at a time”. I can’t face moving it to another room.
Fine, the lamps were an aberration; I accept that. But they certainly haven’t curbed my thrill of the hunt on those secondhand sites. I have three drinks trolleys in the house, in case we have to hold the King’s Birthday celebrations here one year.
I rest my case.
Thrifting, buying secondhand, searching for previously loved – whatever you call it – is fun, satisfies a craving, and saves money. There are some real bargains to be had out there.
For example, I’ve got two fabulous standing lamps for sale, perfect for lighting any home; make me an offer! “New owner must remove …”
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