Examine the Good Stuff
I’m back to New York City this weekend, and will make a point of visiting a few of the really expensive department stores. I do this once or twice a year. While I’m strolling through Bergdorf’s, I have a peek at the inside of the some of the wonderful designer clothing to see how the seams are finished. I also check out how the fabric feels and I try to pinpoint what little details make the pieces more interesting than what I’d find at the less pricey stores. My purpose in snooping is to educate myself so that when I’m rooting around the piles at my favorite secondhand haunts, I can recognize quality. Even though I started making clothing way back in junior high school, a periodic visit to the high-end stores keeps me up on new fabric, construction technology and styles so that I can examine any potential bargains with a discerning eye.