Page 386 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

shopping. I watched her bypass the tables of long-
sleeved shirts and racks of dresses in deep colors with

names like “pumpkin” and “eggplant.” On a clearance

table, she found marked-down shorts and tank tops in

tropical colors. Then we went to the men’s department,

where she expertly searched through a picked-over

display of short-sleeved shirts and khaki pants to find her
husband’s sizes. Buying clothes at the end of the

season, she says, lets her buy twice the clothes at half

the price.

Unlike the bargain hunter, a pleasure seeker shops

because it feels good. Shopping is therapy, celebration,
and comfort. I admit to being a pleasure seeker. If I am

feeling down, the cure is a trip to the mall for

aromatherapy at Lotions and Potions. Placing

strawberry-guava shower gel, cucumber-mint facial

masque, or mango-honey lip pomade into a wicker
shopping basket, I feel my mood lift, and by the time I

present my Visa card at the register, I am feeling

downright cheerful. Celebrations call for a soft velour

dress or just the right pair of earrings. Even an ordinary

Saturday becomes special if I can pick up a novel or a
few magazines and stop by Candyland for a treat to

enjoy as I read. Shopping is always a mood enhancer

for me.