I’ve been cooped up way too long. I’m not saying I haven’t been out at all this year. I’ve met my responsibilities: picking up the grandkids after school, babysitting, and managing grocery shopping because the cupboard was bare—but with added effort.
To save my sanity today, I went shopping.
A new pair of boot-look shoes to go with my jeans with at least a two-inch heel has been on my mind for some time. Nothing I saw last year appealed to me.
This was a bad day to let me loose. At Marshall’s (yes, we have one this side of the pond of late), I went on a rampage. Not only did I fall (hard) for a pair of the perfect shoes (exactly as I dreamed), I ended up wondering around the purse department where I snapped up not one, but two, purses. No black bags for me. One was mustard—I know, I know—but it was so s-o-f-t. Athough not real kid leather, it was so bright and cheery! One stroke, one touch and I wasn’t about to let go.
The second bag, which jumped out at me, was shiny, big, bold, and brassy turquoise. How could I say no? The heck with white or tan for summer and black or brown for winter nonesense. Isn’t that for boring folks? Certainly not for me ever again. I’m going for a new trend: whatever makes me happy—hopefully for longer than it takes to get home after laying my money down.
A third possibility grabbed my attention: a glossy tan number, which hung over my shoulder comfortably—just so. Lucky for me something whispered in my ear to try the zipper. I like purses with zippers because nothing can fall out and I feel secure that no sleight of hand might slip nimble fingers inside and slip something out. Thumbs down; the zipper was stuck. Anyway, who needs three new purses in one day? Not me.
By the time I arrived at home with two purses, a pair of shoes, a refillable (Keurig) filter cup (that’s a story for another post), and a padded carrier for my notebook, I felt I’d made up for the past two-and-a-half consuming months.
The sun finally shone on me. My mojo did a little dance…made a little shopping love…and got down to it tonight today.
Now, I need a nap. Sheesh.






I LOVE colorful purses! My favorite is orange. But turquoise is a close second.
Ah yes, the old retail therapy, can’t beat it! Marshall’s, I’m trying to remember that from when I was in the States, is that a TJ Maxx/Burlington Coat Factory type of store? Like end of line/last season branded stuff? We have T J Maxx here in the UK, except it’s called T K Maxx over here! It’s the same store though, same branding and everything. Anyway, good for you on getting out there and shopping!
Yes, you are correct, Vanessa, from the comments I’ve received. This is the first time I’ve actually spent time there although the store has been here for less than a year.
Nothing like a little retail therapy. I love the Marshalls/TJ Maxx/Home Goods company – I refer to it as my Mecca. If I’m feeling better this weekend perhaps I’ll get me some.
Be blessed!
We’ve had Marshalls since last spring or summer. This is the first time I’ve spent time there and, of course, opened my wallet and left with a spring to my step. Hope you had a good session too.
I know you are feeling better now after successful shopping and a nap. Now go strut your stuff!
You bet, Patricia. It’s been ages since I’ve exercised shopping therapy. Best thing I’ve done in MONTHS.
Nothing like a little retail therapy to lift a girl’s spirits, Tess. Have fun with your flashy new things…
Thanks, Laurie. This is the best I’ve felt since last fall. November and December did me in. I guess I should know my limits. I love my mustard purse. Don’t know when I’ll take out the other one. Yay.
Shoes can happen that way


you just look at them, and they scream – Me! Me! Me!!
As for the purses, I was looking at some nice bags the other day. Until I saw their prices and I decided that I’d really rather not go there
Glad you had fun shopping Tess – if it’s not something you do often, it really does have therapy value
Enjoy!!
I bought TWO, Ghia, because they didn’t cost an arm and a leg. I’m much too penny-pinching for that. As I mature I’m enjoying another kind of revival: a little bit crazy and a little bit rock’n’ roll. I’m not going to analyze it.
You go…Love love love colored purses. Love perfect shoes. You are so awesome.
After my purchase, finally had to go out today. Felt like a million bucks and felt stared at because I felt so (colourful) good. My heart sings when I look at that mustard bag. Who knew?
I love them on other people, but confess to being a bit boring in the handbag stakes myself!
I used to be average, I mean boring, until about ten years ago. Every once in a while, I surprise myself. If it feels good, I say what the HECK now. I don’t worry about what other people think anymore.
Nothing like a successful bit of retail therapy. Always a bit of a risk because if you come home with nothing it all feels like a huge waste of time and effort.
This New Year started off so crappy, I forgot what colour can do for a person. Thanks for coming by, Optie.
Colorful bags are so fun! I love carrying a red one. Goes great with everything.
I know I’m getting younger because I’m having lots more fun than I did thirty plus years ago. Of course, I was a single mom then but that’s no excuse.
Shop til you drop. Enjoy it
BTW I and my computer have both been receiving care and attention and I am pleased to say I can now read and comment again. Long may it last…….
Thanks, Roly. Glad to hear you’re in good hands too! Nice to hear from you. Hope your day is awesome.
Wish I were you!!! Sounds like a blast!!! Congrats and the feeling lasts a long time, so enjoy!!
Every time I look at my mustard purse, I smile from ear to ear. Thanks, BuddhaKat.