Over the weekend I made my very first pilgrimage to Mardens. I’ve lived in Maine for over 3 years but it was the first time I ever set foot in the store. I guess I assumed the stores were the type of place you’d go to buy patio furniture or a replacement coffee pot. But after hearing stories about finding Pucci leggings and Cole Haan boots, I thought, let me see if the rumors are true. I wonder if there is some fashion to be found there!

First of all, HOLY HUGE! I decided to pop into the Mardens in Scarborough (Payne Road) and I was shocked at the racks and racks of clothing ahead of me. I thought it would surely take me hours to find something great in all of it. Within minutes of walking into the store, this gray Jackie O inspired jacket and black, low back maxi dress caught my eye (both Talbots brand). Huh, I thought. These are VERY cute.

Now at this point, a $10 dress marked down from $219 is pretty darn thrilling. The thrifter in me is getting excited.

I make my way to the next rack and STOP IN MY TRACKS. Hello, Cynthia Rowley wool coat. SO NICE TO MEET YOU.

What’s that? You’re $22? SHUT. UP. At this point I start talking to the women next to me, proclaiming that I can’t believe it’s my first time. They look at me as if I’ve been living under a rock. Apparently, I have.

Then I found this kelly green pleated maxi skirt. For $6.

AND HUNTER WELLY SOCKS FOR $7.49! Now my breathing starts to become shallow.

Then I realize I haven’t made it to the shoes yet. . .

Bass Oxford shoes for $20. I die. I may have even shed a tear at this point.

And then…

I had eyed these Kate Spade shoes for months. And here they were for over $200 off the original price. My friends, shopping at Mardens is nothing short of a shopping miracle.

Now tell me: is it always this good or did I just have a good day? What’s the best thing you’ve found at your local Mardens?