It would be hard to estimate how much money I’ve wasted on eBay.
Most of my mistakes have been minor, thank goodness. Others—a Coach purse, some Timberland boots, and a handful of cameras—I’ve been able to resell.
But a couple of my eBay purchases have been so hideous that the only appropriate response was to throw them away.
I’ll spare you sordid story about the ill-fitting Speedo triathlon suit (except to say that donning it involved copious amounts of BodyGlide, and removing it required the help of at least two able-bodied adults).
Then there’s the tale of the espadrilles.
They weren’t exactly my style, but they looked cute enough in the photo. Plus, they were only $8.99, and I did need some brown shoes for work, and it wouldn’t kill me to look a bit more feminine, and …
Anyway, I was thrilled when my new shoes arrived. They fit perfectly and—joy of all joys—they made my feet look tiny. I pranced around the living room for a minute or two, delighting in my newfound girliness.
But when I wore them to work the next day I discovered a horrible, horrible flaw: If I walked more than a few steps or strode with any sense of purpose, well … see for yourself.
My colleagues and I had a few good laughs over my fashion “faux paw.” Then I went home to change into something a bit more, um, sensible.
In hindsight I wish I’d hung onto the shoes, if only for the occasional laugh. But at least I still have the photo—and the comfort of knowing that it’s just a matter of time before some pink velour monstrosity shows up on my doorstep.
As Weird Al would say, “I bought it on eBay.”
That is so funny! I always do stuff like that. Stamp chump on my forehead right now.
I *refuse* to stamp “chump” on a fellow eBayer’s forehead. We can’t help ourselves, right? Sometimes the prices are irresistible. And other times, the item photos are … well … irresistible! I’ve finally accepted the fact that I’m going to end up buying some stupid stuff every now and then. But if I can get a good laugh out of it (and if I don’t spend much), it’s totally worth it. Thanks for reading!
Sorry, H. I feel your pain.
I never would have pegged you as the pink velour type!
You’re right about my not being a pink velour type — but it’s not entirely out of the question! I have a history of making late-night, ill-advised impulse purchases. Sometimes they’ve panned out (like the 100% angora coat I wear every day, all winter). And sometimes they’ve been crushing disappointments (like the evening gown that unfortunately left half my torso totally exposed). But I suppose a gal could have worse habits than shopping on eBay …
Whoa! That…interesting! 🙂
Whoa, this is the first time I’ve seen toes rearranged this way in sandals. Ebay has some good things on sale, but beware if the one-size-fits-all cliche isn’t known.
Never before have my toes garnered a “Whoa!” Thanks for the laugh. Grin.
so funny!
Most women want to be beautiful. I prefer to be funny instead. Thanks for the compliment! 🙂