Walton's

I work in the Divisional Offices for one of the leading, high-end fashion retailers. Our offices are in one of our stores; not an off site building. This means that I have to dress with this in mind every day. Even in the offices, it's important to show that you keep up to the minute with the latest styles. Don't get me wrong, they don't discriminate against people who aren't dressed in Haute Couture. Dressing au courant is just highly encouraged. Even with the generous employee discount, buying clothes from my employer is still quite expensive. Working in the Corporate Satellite offices, you have to keep up appearances. You know, help set the example. Unfortunately I cannot nor do I want to spend a great deal of money on clothes. Who says that I can't look fashionable and trendy without paying a disgusting price tag? So I shop at 'Walton's'. This is my secret code name for Wal-Mart. I purchased an adorable brown sweater dress yesterday for $17.00 at 'Walton's'. A comparable dress from my employer would be in excess of $100.00. So when someone at work stops me in the hallway, compliments my outfit and asks me where I got it, I just say Walton's. It's not lying, really. I just altered the name a little. Sure makes Wal-Mart sound fancy, doesn't it?
What I don't understand is why it's so expensive at the department store. Both products are 'Made in China' or who knows where; both from the same or similar material. So, why the hefty price tag? It can't just be the name of the person designing the clothes, can it? But, I guess if some people are willing to pay a pretty penny to wear someone else's name on their body, then who am I to say that's wrong.
For now, I'll just keep smart shopping for the latest fashions at Walton's and spend my hard earned money on things like food and my children's education. You won't tell anyone, will you?