AND another thing..

[elk]

I hear you. I too have spent the last couple months in a shopping frenzy as I lost weight and had to replace my regular and cycling wardrobes. At one point, my husband was also concerned about all the deliveries until I explained that I had to send back more stuff than I kept due to the size inconsistencies. Guys don't get that part. They buy clothes by body measurement, and for the most part manufacturers make the clothes to match the posted body measurements. Why can't they do that for us gals???

But yes, I am glad I have the gear. Take yesterday. I never would have ridden except I just had to know if I would stay dry in a cold wet windy drizzle in my new goretex pants and craft rain jacket. The clothes keep me healthy and sane, and I was careful to buy stuff I can also use for skiing or other outdoor activities. So I do think it is money well spent. And good clothes do last a long time, as long as our bodies don't keep changing size.

EXACTLY!!!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

All so true.

The fact is, the clothes I wear for cool weather biking (good quality wool stuff, leggings, boots, wool socks, base layers, vests, neck gaiter, gloves....) is (except for the chamois items and the hi-vis yellow safety items) all stuff that I just wear every day anyway! I often go for cold walks during my day, or out into the cold for errands, etc. It's all comfy breathable clothing that looks nice on me for everyday wear. It looks sporty, but not in a weird way. It certainly is not all skin tight lycra plastered with Tour De France or Lucky Charms logos. Looks more like stuff you might go cross country skiing or hiking in or sipping hot cocoa in or something.
Interestingly, I used to wear black leggings and stretch capris for years even before I got into biking, so the change was not dramatic. I'm just an aging beatnik.

[madscot13]

I head that when peopel quit smoking they eat compulsively. I think shopping compulsively may be a bit easier on the waist line, especially when it is for biking clothes!

And do you ever get tired of hearing congratulations?

[elk]

No...never get tired of praise...

its all so true...and all so good!! I even wore my Shak zip to school today
and I couldn't wait to get home and go for a ride in the cold...

[teigyr]

Elk, you've picked up a far better habit!

And, alas, my husband has taken to noting that even if he doesn't buy me presents, somehow they magically appear through the mail. I keep telling him you have to spend money to save money but, alas, I am not so sure he's of the same mindset.

Anyway, you must have cold weather riding clothes. I have some but nothing all that great. I'm not saying I'd ride if I had them because I'm a wuss but if I were to ride, I'd need them.

I love things in the mail though

[mimitabby]

Oh, I love things in the mail too. Thanks for starting this thread Elk!

[elk]

Oh, I love things in the mail too. Thanks for starting this thread Elk!

LOL...I listen for that special chorus of dog barks that tell me the UPS, FEdEx, DHL or mail truck is here....
Although I took a load of stuff to the UPS store to send back and think its prudent to figure THAT cost in too!!

Too bad Zappos doesn;t have better prices...shipping is free both ways. ANd actually..they WILL price match. hmmmmmmm

The JJill catalog just doesn't interest me much anymore!!!!

[Zen]

I keep telling him you have to spend money to save money but, alas, I am not so sure he's of the same mindset.

I'm sorry to be the fly in your punchbowl, teigyr but that saying is "you have to spend money to make money"
a small semantic difference.

[teigyr]

I'm sorry to be the fly in your punchbowl, teigyr but that saying is "you have to spend money to make money"
a small semantic difference.

but...but...are you saying when I get that receipt that says "you saved $xxxx" that doesn't count?!

I know, I know. I'm comfy in my delusion though.