Sunday, September 5, 2010

Goodbye, Old Friends

nextel 0021 I said goodbye to a couple of old friends recently.  The first to go was my Motorola Nextel radio.  After more than 10 years, I finally got fed up with the quality of my Nextel two-way service.

When I first signed up for Nextel, I was amazed at how much easier it made my life.  For a flat monthly rate and with the push of a button, I could talk all I wanted to all I of my subcontractors and suppliers.  I didn't have to use precious cell phone minutes or wear a pager, and I never had to beep someone and wait for them to return my call.

In its heyday, Nextel revolutionized the construction business.  At 7 o'clock in the morning, I could be enjoying a cup of coffee in my robe and pajamas and give instructions to the framer, painter or roofer.

My sons and their friends used to mock me.  "Hey, Billy.  We need a load of lumber up on Lot 51.  10-4."

In the end after Sprint bought out Nextel, the quality of the service began to rapidly go downhill.  I couldn't have a conversation in the comfort of my kitchen without losing the connection, so I finally decided that I could take that $50 a month and add it to my cell phone plan, which has always been with a different carrier, and still be ahead of the game.

talbots0001With the arrival of the September catalog, I also decided that it was sadly time to say goodbye to Talbots.  I have worn Talbots way longer than I owned a Nextel radio.  In fact, I used to order from their catalog long before they had a store in my town.  I hate shopping for clothes in department stores.  I wear petites, and department stores never have much of a selection.  What they do have is crammed in a haphazard mess into a small corner of the store that's hard to find.

But over the last couple of years, Talbots began changing the focus of their marketing to attract the "thirty-somethings" and kicked Granny to the curb.  When their September catalog came about a week ago, I didn't see a single thing that looked like me.

Scan_Pic0002Look closely at this description of their "Heritage Fit" pants.  It says, "Sits comfortably at the waist."

Wrong.  Did you know that Talbots takes the fabric that they used to put at the waist of their pants and adds it to the length?  True.  So now the petite pants that used to fit me perfectly have to be cut off 4-6 inches in length.

Truthfully, I like my pants to sit slightly below the waist.  However, even though I'm in construction, I do not want to look like the plumber when I bend over.

So it's goodbye to Talbots and hello to J. Jill.  Now I just have to figure out what I'm going to do with the $10.74 credit on my Talbots account.

FAVORITETHINGSBUTTON I know it's probably cheating to link up with Laurie's Favorite Things, since these "old favorites" have dropped out of favor.  But I'm going to cheat and do it anyway.  Be sure to visit Laurie where you'll probably see lots of things that bloggers really do love.

14 comments:

susan said...

I dabble one day a week in clothing retail (Steinmart boutique) It seems some designer and manufacturers are listening to all of us boomers--just keep looking. There is nothing worse (to me) than someone wearing something designed for someone 20 years younger! I feel your pain on the petite issue :)

Unknown said...

Yeah, I'm in process of doing that here. I've been looking at my house lately and saying, "This stuff is just junk and I don't need it." There's some good stuff in there, but really---10 year old dead computers? Clothes 70 lbs too small? An entire linen closet full of "double" sheet sets (I don't own a "double" bed, they're all "queens").

Nothing as dramatic as your Nextel, but then, there you go.

Sarah Frost said...

Kathy, you and I are definitely on the same page with the Talbots catalog!! When I got mine and flipped through it this week I had to call a good friend and we decided our Talbots days are OVER!!! Love that J. Jill!!!
So funny!!!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Those are good-byes to things that have been in your life for a long time. J.Jill is very nice. Change is good, right? I'm not good at it!

Keetha Broyles said...

I especially HATE it when places that I have LOVED for shopping, because I always LOVED what I found there, change and only cater to toothpick teens who are green behind the ears.

It is just soooo disheartening.

I LOVE the changes you've made to your blog - - - the header is awesome, and so glad you STILL have the picture of you going for a piggy back ride.

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Sometimes it just time to move on! Thanks for your sweet visit to my table. Love your last "makeover" you showed us on the bathroom - great job!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

I think talking about a brand that was previously your favorite can certainly be a part of Favorite Things Sat. NO brand comes in my size!! Don't know what the size is, but short and very chubby would be a kind description. I need to find a label I love. Thanks for linking up. I know you had a great game watch party. Go Hogs! laurie

Sarah said...

Kathy, I've felt this for some years now. Eileen Fisher seems to fit the bill for me most of the time. I have a certain pair of pants in her line in at least 5 or 6 colors. Hope you are enjoying a nice Labor Day. ~ Sarah

Candy said...

Favorites come and go...the times they are a-changing.
But you say no change at the Matterhorn...have you been there recently?
Thanks for leaving a comment...been a while since I've seen KBeau.
Blessings.

xinex said...

I do remember the Nextel days, Kathy and I can imagine how it could have helped your business. I used to like Talbots too and just like you, I wear petite sizes, Large but petite, lol....Christine

Joyce said...

ha-loved your comment on my blog. We moms are always looking, aren't we : )

Sue said...

My husband has bragged to me about those Nextel phones for years...He had one when he worked for Lowes and swore they were the best things since sliced bread......I told him that I didn't want to out and about and have him call and have everybody around hear our conversation...luckily he retired...became deaf and now we just sit on the couch and scream over at each other....As for the new pants style...Daughter was just complaining that they are even making kids pants low rise with extra long legs...Not good when your toddler has chubby legs and a chubby butt...

The Walkie Talkie said...

Aunt Kathy...I'm playing a little catch up on the blog world. I'm a consistent reader, though not always good at commenting. However, I wanted to offer my assistance in taking of the $10.74 on your Talbot's account since I am a part of the 30 somethings they are trying to attract. :) If it makes you feel any better, I've said good-bye to Target (I refuse to be a double xl) and hello to Ann Taylor Loft, as well as Talbot's.

Anonymous said...

I loved your "say goodbye" posting..
I hate change..I tell everybody I would still be wearing tassel-Weejuns if i could find a pair..but life goes on..I love JJill-she had me at Hello...and her birthday discount. Anon Sis in law, Susie
(ps I didn't know Talbots had gone
30 Something..You, Margie and Mema were the Talbot queens..i bet they
will MISS you.)
Quick thinking, JB.:>)