When I was in high school, I loathed the apparel choices of most of my peers. Much to my Mother’s chagrin, I hated buying what I saw as “department store conformist garb” and instead opted for Goodwill, Salvation Army, and of course, Cheap Thrills.

Painting courtesy of Paul Guyer

Cheap Thrills is a Sacramento institution (and I realize that the word “Institution” gets thrown around a bit too much but it’s appropriate here). I remember discovering this place and ALWAYS finding something that I wanted to wear, sharply in contrast to perusing the racks at an Aberzombie & Bitch store, where I never (and still have never) found anything I was willing to buy.

A few months ago I read in the Sacramento Bee that Cheap Thrills was closing its doors for good. On my way to dinner one night I walked in and as usual, “Uncle Fred” Smith, longtime proprietor, was shuffling around.  Cheap Thrills is much like an old used book store, only the shelves are replaced with racks and hangers.  Surrounding you is a century or more of history, told through flapper dresses from the 20′s and leisure suits from the 70′s.

I bought this suit, from another era.   It looks like something Sy Devore might have made for Joey Bishop.  Its immaculate condition, slightly irregular buttonholes, narrow lapels, and hand-stitched construction reminded me of what I love about clothing.

A suit like this comes from an era when everything was made to last. The weight of the wool is quite heavy by today’s standards. We’re very much spoiled these days by tropical weight high twist wools that are as light as the silks of yesteryear.  You would never see a suit with wool this heavy in a clothing shop today.  Except maybe at a UK haberdasher.

The construction of this garment is superb.  There is hand-stitching everywhere.  The inside is quarter-lined to balance out the weight of the wool and makes the jacket lighter and easier to wear. A jacket lined in this manner requires substantially more hand-tailoring than one fully-lined.  This was made to be WORN.

I had a cinderella moment when I put on the jacket.  It fit perfectly.  And the pants have no belt loops, only buttons for braces (which I love).

This purchase was meant to be.  I find it to be a fitting tribute to everything that Cheap Thrills has offered over the years.  Thank you Uncle Fred, for years of public service.

- M