ask (the manager), and you shall receive

So, a while ago I realized that I had been wearing the same 3 pairs of jeans practically everyday for the past 2 years. Though I do love my worn-in comfy jeansies, the crotches were wearing out, and I thought it would be a good idea to get one new pair. (If you haven't noticed yet, though I'm a designer and fabulously stylish, I'm also an anti-consumer....it tends to cause some serious inner conflict, btw).

I went to a certain trendy store. I brought my credit card since my cash allowance is only generous when you keep in mind I always shop 2nd hand.

I was very pleased to find a pair in the style I liked on the clearance rack because of a defect. I was not pleased when I looked at the price tag to see that they were only discounting them $2 for a missing button. $2 off $64, thanks. I talked to the clerk in the dressing room. No dice. So I went straight to the checkout with the jeans. I indignantly gave my thoughts about the insufficient markdown to the cashier. I dropped words like "rivet button" and "proper tools" and "lost fibers". Bingo! $25 off! I was able to buy them with my allowance cash!

I had no intention of replacing the rivet button, too much work. Instead, I sewed on an antique brass shank button. It won't last too long before I'll have to re-sew, but it has a little log cabin and pine trees on it, so it's totally worth it.