Balancing the Scales

I try to be an ethical shopper.  Not just for my own sense of peace but for the greater good.  I know that I am not perfect and I do not hold myself up as an example but I do feel a sense of responsibility. 

But I am finding in the way our retail society is structured, that is very challenging to balance all the scales and to reconcile all of my interests with one another.

Let me give you an example. 

Currently there is a huge nationwide boycott on against Target (and Best Buy) due to their funding of anti-LGTB rights politicians.

I fully support this boycott and have done zero shopping in there since it began.  For the past several months I have spent my money in other places when I've need an item. Not that I'm desperate but I loved Target so it's taken some adjustment to not default to shopping there. I mean, I remember the first time I went into a Target store in college and haven't stepped foot in a KMart or Walmart since then.  So to go somewhere else, I hope, has been impactful, especially if others are doing the same.

But I'm still tempted.

I was in the store on Friday night (I have a Target card and had to make a payment.  This pains me.) and for some reason decided to walk around.  I probably justified it in my mind as "looking for inspiration" that I would source somewhere else, but more likely I missed walking around the store and seeing what new cute things were there.

I bypassed all the clothes but did go into the tights section.  In 10 minutes I had 3 pairs of tights that I "really needed" and they were so cheap and right there.  What harm would come from spending $15 on some tights?  

I made it around the store, peeking at the Halloween stuff, cosmetics and stationary, and then put the tights back.  I left the store without buying anything. I knew it would be easy to get tights some where else and I will be doing that.

Yeah!  Good work and will power, right?  Well... not so fast...

I'm in another quandary and I'm going to use a particular example.  It does seem ridiculous to give give this so much emphasis but bear with me, I'm hoping for a larger discussion here.

I've been looking for and wanting a black patent purse for over a year.  Being somewhat particular about what I had in mind, I haven't bought anything yet.  I wanted a medium sized bag, simple lines, minimal hardware and cute.  Ideally, I wouldn't have to spend a lot.  Oh, yeah, and not be a knockoff as far as I can tell or be made of animal materials.

Got all that?  No wonder I haven't found anything.

Then I saw the black patent satchel by Mulberry for Target.

Yep, it ticked all the boxes, even the materials and price.  I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars at Mulberry, not that I cared about the brand, just the design.   So it's hitting most of my monetary, desire and ethical boxes.  Except one.

Target.

Sigh.  So what to do?  As I mentioned before, I'm not aspiring to be perfect but rather to do the best that I can.  I know that no business is going to be perfect, just like I'm not and I'm not looking for absolution.  Of course I can live with out the purse which would solve the dilemma. I haven't decided either way if I would get it or not.  All of these factor are still being weighed in my mind.  I thought this would be an interesting discussion because I'm curious how you make your own choices.  Do you give yourself a green light if an item has more pros than cons?  Or are you more absolute?

Apartment Therapy has a good article on The Ethics of Shopping Cheap which is a whole other layer to shopping criteria.

Final Days in NYC

So, to wrap up the almost week in New York, I ran around and did some more meets and greets and shopping (of course).

On Monday, I had the opportunity to meet Sarah from Style It and Beka from ReLyme for a quick lunch. It was so nice to meet more of my online friends in person, plus it gave me an opportunity to wear more of the ginormous amount of clothes I brought with me.

I finally got to wear my other vintage hat that I bought (along with the brown feathery one). I guess you would actually call this more of a fascinator rather than an actual hat.



Isn't it cute?

I purposefully bought a pair of cropped fuchsia gloves from Sermoneta to go with it. After meeting the girls for lunch and then finding another cupcake bakery, I made my way back to the hotel. Miss Wendy B. came by and picked me up and we went on our adventure down to Christian Francis Roth's studio so I could try on the fabulous kilt pin skirt. More on that in another post so you have to be patient!

Sadly, after being wine'd and dined by Wendy and Mr. B the night before, I had to get up and get packing to head back home (*sad face*)... but not before I crammed in some last minute shoe shopping!

Well, can you blame me? Barney's was having a sale!

Anyways, did you happen to see these cute Chanel booties in the March Harper's Bazaar as worn by SJP?




They're very cute, right?



Yeah, well, they aren't that great on me. (*another sad face*)


But I did get a pair that I'm going to share with you later (mainly because they aren't even online and I didn't take a picture. What a dope!)


What I did take a picture of are these:




Lime green Manolos with a super skinny, super tall heel. We are talking spindly here.

These babies are winging their way to me now. I also tried on the YSL Tribute Too pumps in black patent but quickly ran out of the store before I shopped more.

Not that I'm not still thinking about them....

You are Invited

In the comments of my previous post, I received a number of questions about what is Gilt Group, especially given the fabulous bargain I got. there.



In the past year, a number of "invitation-only" shopping sites have popped up and Gilt Group is one of these. Some others are Rue La La and Ideeli. The stated purpose of these sites is to provide steep discounts on designer pieces for women, men, children and home fashions. I have seen Valentino (obviously), Kate Space, Diane Von Furstenburg, Doo.ri, Zac Posen, Missoni and more. Ideeli also does great giveaways pretty often. I've seen Prada and Jimmy Choo bags and more.

The sites post sales on a small number of goods for a short amount of time, usually 24 - 36 hours, with pieces and sizes selling out fast. This not only helps to clear out pieces but it helps to keep the cache of the brand intact through the use of manufactured "exclusivity."

I would say that there is a definite air of marketing in this. It's far better for a designer brand to be sold, even at a deep discount, through an invitation site than to be hauled off to a Ross or a TJ Maxx. I also have to say that I have not done a huge amount of purchasing through these sites. Usually I forget to sign in and see what is available and when I do get there a lot of things are already sold. Also, I just haven't seen a lot that I've sparked to.

Like any non-standard shopping expedition, there is an element of luck. I will still pop-in to check them out because you never know.

Here are the websites, if you want to check them out:

Gilt Group

Rue La La

Ideeli

If you are interested in getting an invitation, just email me your email and I will send it out. My email is princesspoochie (at) shoedaydreams.com

Tips from the Luxury Business Newsletter

For my work, I read a lot of information speaking to retailers, especially those targeting the Luxury market. But in this time of economic troubles, even the luxury research group can help provide some tips for "cash-strapped shoppers"

Expert Pam Danziger offers shopping tips for consumers this holiday season. Her credentials as a shopping authority include her latest book, entitled Shopping: Why We Love It and Retailers Can Create the Ultimate Customer Experience from Kaplan Publishing.

My business is advising retailers and marketers how to get shoppers to spend more money when they shop, but this year with shoppers feeling the economic squeeze, it is only right that I turn the research around to help the cash-strapped shopper," Danziger explains.

Danziger offers five tips that will make shoppers more effective this holiday season.

1) Don't buy it just because it is on sale: Finding things on sale is great and bargains give the shopper a thrill, but one of the best ways that shoppers can save money is not to get trapped into buying things they don't really need or want just because it is on sale. You can easily spend too much money if you focus on what you are saving, rather than what you are spending in order to save.

My rule of thumb about approaching items on sale is it is only worth buying IF it is something that you would pay full price for. My advice: Be watchful and careful when responding to sales. Keep your wits about you and only buy if it is really something that you would want at full price. If you wouldn't pay full price for it, than it probably isn't worth buying it on sale.

2) Don't be afraid to spend for quality: This is another trap for shoppers, especially those prone to shop only for sale items. It is often better to spend more, sometimes a lot more, for quality that will give you a lifetime of wear or use than to buy lots and lots of cheaper stuff. You definitely should spend more for an item that is a classic, that will always be in style and appropriate for all occasions. Sometimes you want to go for the cheap, but other times the smart shopper splurges for the best.

I have met shoppers in research who say they only buy something if it is on sale. That is simply a losing proposition because often times what is on sale is the stuff nobody wants anyway. Shoppers should never be afraid to pay full price or spend more if the quality and value is there. And this brings me to my next piece of advice…

3) Educate yourself about what quality is: Shoppers often limit their shopping trips to just the stores they usually shop in and never cross the threshold of a luxury boutique or department store because they feel priced out. Forget it! The only way to learn about quality is to experience it and that means taking time in upscale stores like Saks 5th Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman or Nordstrom to see, feel, touch and try on the better brands.

To be a smart shopper, you have got to educate yourself about what quality is. Then you can take what you learn and apply it to shopping in the mass-market stores, as well as in the manufacturer's outlets and discount shops.

4) Mass-market has never been better: This is the really big opportunity for shoppers today. The retail environment has never been better for shoppers with excellent quality products available at all price points. You can find outstanding quality goods that can rival the luxury brands in stores like H&M, Target, Gap, Banana Republic, J Crew, Ann Taylor, Macy's, the list goes on and on, if the shopper knows what to look for. Armed with education and understanding about the quality features of the top-notch brands, you can shop much smarter and more effectively in any store. You don't have to buy the well-known brand name anymore to get quality, but you do need to be smart when you shop.

5) Think strategically before you go to the store: One of the most profound changes my research has found among shoppers, especially younger shoppers, is how strategically and business-like they approach shopping. They plan in advance by researching over the Internet the products and brands they want and the stores that are their destination before they head out to shop. Impulse shopping takes a back seat, while shoppers become more careful, more strategic and let their left-brain lead when shopping.

The simple fact is retailers play to emotion and pepper their store with powerful emotionally-laden cues and clues that encourage the shopper to indulge, buy and spend. The best strategy for shoppers to block these efforts is to keep their left brain in control and use discipline when entering the retail environment.

Danziger concludes, "Armed with these strategies, shoppers this season can take advantage of the wonderful shopping opportunities available in this recessionary environment without digging themselves deeper and deeper into debt buying more stuff that ultimately may not be worth it. Today's shopper needs to keep focused on value – getting the most value for the least amount of money. Often times that may mean turning away from poor-quality stuff marked down to fire sale prices and trading up to a more premium, higher quality brand that will offer years of use and enjoyment."

About Pam Danziger and Unity Marketing -

Pamela N. Danziger is an internationally recognized expert specializing in consumer insights, especially for marketers and retailers that sell luxury goods and experiences to the masses as well as the 'classes.' She is president of Unity Marketing, a marketing consulting firm she founded in 1992.

Advising such clients as PPR, Diageo, Waterford-Wedgwood, Google, Lenox, Swarovski, GM, Orient-Express Hotels, Italian Trade Commission, Marie Claire magazine, The World Gold Council, and The Conference Board, Pam taps consumer psychology to help clients navigate the changing consumer marketplace.

Her latest book is Shopping: Why We Love It and How Retailers Can Create the Ultimate Customer Experience (Kaplan, $27) is in the bookstores now.

Her other books include Let Them Eat Cake: Marketing Luxury to the Masses-as well as the Classes, (Dearborn Trade Publishing, $27, hardcover) and Why People Buy Things They Don't Need: Understanding and Predicting Consumer Behavior (Chicago: Dearborn Trade Publishing, 2004).

She has appeared on CNN's In the Money, NBC's Today Show, CNBC, CNN International, CNNfn, CBS News Sunday Morning, Fox News' Your World with Neil Cavuto, ABC News Now, NPR's Marketplace and is frequently called upon by the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, American Demographics, Women's Wear Daily, Forbes, USA Today, Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune for commentary and insight.

Covering the 3 C's of New York

On Wednesday of last week I found an amazing rate to New York and I quickly convinced Miss_C to join me on an impulsive trip northward.

We got up very very early on Saturday and in just over an hour we touched down at the airport.



One of the main reasons for going to help celebrate the Gala and Nubby Virgo Birthday Extravaganza at the Strawberry Fields area in Central Park.

I just have to say that it was a very very warm day and had rained the day before. After walking around all morning (Lacroix store, Barney for shopping and lunch at Fred's) I was very happy to get to the Park and sit down and celebrate with a cupcake!

There was a HUGE group of people who showed up for the fun so you will find tons of coverage and photos of the event. Check out the following:

- Gala's post

- Nubby's Post

- Gala's Photo Set

- Nubby's Photo Set

I also got to meet several of my favorite bloggers in person, including Gilda and Marie, as well as meeting a few new gorgeous ladies like Doe Deere (who was totally adorable - you have to look at her pictures of her outfit!)

There are a ton of shots out there, including mine, Gilda's and Marie's, as everyone was taking pictures, including some great portraits done by Bianca (see Gala's post for a sample).

I can never show up at a party empty-handed, so I had to bring the girls a birthday gift... what better than a pair of "wedding rings". Gala's is a pinkish orange and Nubby's is clear.

Of course there had to be a ceremony!

And cupcakes ("C" #1) from Sugar Sweet Sunshine. They were delicious and I don't say that lightly!

Okay - not my greatest picture ever, and I had to change out my cute Corso Comos for flip flops at this point, but here I am with Marie. I was a big, literally, hot mess! I wore my JCrew stripe skirt, a white v-neck, my Paraphernalia chicken foot necklace and the aforementioned Corso Comos (which Nubby was also wearing!). And crazy giant vintage pink sunglasses.

Miss C was hanging out on the blankets we swiped from the airplane.



We even had cute pups there with us too.





Later that night we ate at Rare, which was the restaurant in our hotel. After eating veggie burgers, cole slaw and fried Oreos (not me!) we went up to the room and passed out for the night.

The next day we trekked down to the LES and had blueberry pancakes at 7A. We were going to go shopping around that area but it was even hotter and more humid so we scrapped that idea and went to the Museum of Natural History. Ahhh, several lovely hours of air conditioned museum.

After that we went to the Boathouse in the Park for Champagne and cheese (the other 2 important "Cs") and once we had our fill there we moved on to Flute for more appetizers, Champagne and cheese.



The next day was very leisurely until we went to the airport to head home.

I didn't do a whole lot of shopping - we spent most of our money on food and drinks - but I did get two things... macarons and Louboutins!

I got these delectable Barbie-pink Simple Pumps. I can't wait until they arrive so I can wear them. Compared to the Manolo store, I felt the Louboutin store was a bit simpler but the associates were very nice and helpful.



And more macarons from Maison du Chocolat. Gah! They're soooo good. Luckily the hubby doesn't like them so I get to keep them all for myself.



That's it. A quick trip but a good one. But next time, I'm going when it is not so dang hot!

Earth to Poochie. Come in, Poochie

Hi everyone!

I haven't been abducted by aliens or under house arrest or anything the past few days, I've just been either running around or exhausted. That's why it pays to jump on the Twitter bandwagon and follow me. Because I have to tell you, my life is totally that interesting!

Seriously!

Thursday night we went out for a belated B-day dinner with some friends. I got the cutest plaque as a gift which I now have to hang up on my closet door. I'll take a pic of it as soon as it is up, but for now you will need to remain in suspense.

Then on Friday I was at a conference all day. How riveting was it? Does the fact that I was taking pics of my shoes under the table tell you anything?

I mean, they are cute, but it was a long day.

Then I had to go get another rabies shot at the hospital. Always a good time. And then I went to Target and Michaels.

Saturday I loafed around watching The 10th Kingdom all day when I should have been productive doing work (I blame all of this distraction on Wolf, if you know what I mean.), and then making cupcakes for our Backyard Movie Night.

Today the hubby woke me up with a delicious breakfast of eggs from our chickens, veggie sausage, toast, jam, hot tea and fresh pineapple. I caught up on all of the online world stuff I'd missed out on the past few days (darn you guys can Tweet!) and did all the dishes.

When we finally got our act together we went out to do the returns I needed to do and went on a multicultural spree.

My shoes today - love these green Sperry Topsiders - via TwitPic

I got two large bottles of green tea, pocky, poppadums, a tiffin tin to carry lunch, Indian snacks & Hello Kitty biscuits in chocolate and strawberry.

Now I need to get some work done before I can post some more! I'm so slack, I know!

Back to School

School Supplies by Mon Solo

I'm not sure what it is about school supplies and the back to school time period that I like so much. I was in Target tonight and they were just starting to put out all of the school supplies and I had to take a run down the aisles. I know it's kind of dorky but I just love all the paper, folders, pens and notebooks. I have way way way too many notebooks.

But I also love the prep school/school uniform look. I'm pretty fond of plaid. I think nine years in a parochial school will do that to you. Now I when I see plaid skirts or school boy jackets I just can't resist.

I just got two blazers that I found on sale for 50% off. I wasn't familiar with the BB Dakota line but they're awfully cute. When I did a search to get some images, I saw my cute blazer was in WWD.



It was the Beetlejuice-iness of the stripes that made me jump on it. B&W graphic stripes. Yes please!









There were not a lot of images on the site I bought it from so when it arrived I was pleasantly surprised by all of the detail on the jacket. It's a little long in the sleeves but that is pretty typical for me. It's also a bit loose in the torso but I think I can always get it taken in, or even corset up the back with some ribbon.

I also got this jacket for 50% off and it's also by BB Dakota. This one is navy with white edges.




Here's my favorite surprise detail - both jackets have these giant safety pins at the cuff rather than buttons. Gah! Adorable!









I got both jackets for less than $100 bucks. Quite the bargain! I'm sooo pleased.

Hello! Anyone Home?

So, I've been bad and slack about updating everyone on my New York trip. But I have good excuses, I promise.

1. I was staying with a friend and did not bring my computer, so all my "stuff" wasn't available. I really needed to pack 6 pairs of shoes and about 9 outfits for a 3 night trip. So room was at a premium.

2. I started to feel a bit crummy on Friday and actually paid to fly back a few hours early. I got home and just crashed. I think it was staying up past 3am most nights but still getting up at 6-ish, plus way more food (and alcohol) than I was used.

3. We had to go to a wedding out of town yesterday. On Friday night and all day Saturday I was unpacking and doing the "Seasonal Switch" then I had to get ready for the wedding. We didn't get home until late.

4. I actually didn't take photos of my purchases yet. I need to do that RIGHT NOW so I can give you the complete download, which is up next.

Updates to follow asap!

Luv,
Poochie

Virtual Window Shopping

So after a crap-tastic week, I needed a little virtual window shopping to cheer me up (or depress me with longing even more. It depends on how you look at it, I guess). These are some of my new favorites. I need to figure out how to get these into my closet.


Oh Deer! Jamocha - Zappos - $119

I love the mix of sequins, metallic leather and red suede heel. This is one gorgeous shoe with great vintage style. Perfect with jeans, floaty dresses and killer party outfits.


Stella McCartnery Tassle Pumps - Barney's $275 on sale! (limited sizes)

For a faux leather shoe they have a real organic feel and the shape of the wood platform is great. I like the modern school girl vibe too.


Derek Lam Clara - Barney's - $595

These pale creamy pink sandals are so snuggly looking that I would wear them right now with warm tights then, in the Spring, they would be a great chunky neutral shoe for all the floral dresses coming out.


Manolo Blahnik Catalina d'Orsay - Neiman Marcus - $655

How much more girly and perfect can you get - bright pink and black with feathers. And the curvy d'Orsay makes your feet and legs look amazing. I would wear these constantly.


Manolo Blahnik Pumamod - Barney's - $645

This patent peep-toe heel is why I love a white shoe. I know a lot of folks don't but how classy and adorable are these?


Marc by Marc Jacobs Double Strap Mary Jane - Barney's - $440

Patent. Red. Mary Jane. 'Nough said.


Manolo Blahnik Sedaraby - Barney's - $665

I have the camo Sedarabys and I just adore them but this peacock color (one of my favorites) is stunning too. This is an amazing shoe. A classic piece that would never be out of style. I've worn mine with jeans and dressy.

That cheered me up a bit. Now I'm distracted and scheming versus mopey and a big sourpuss.

Store Focus: Design Archives

The other day I went to a great vintage store here in my area. I hadn't been there before and actually didn't even know it existed. My friend found it and we had a good time going there, sifting through all racks of clothes, trying stuff on and seeing all of the cool possibilities.

Design Archives is located in downtown Greensboro, right near the college campus, so you get a great mix of items and clients. They are a little high in terms of price, especially compared to eBay but they do have a lot of great things. They especially had a great selection of dresses, including some gorgeous 50's prom dresses covered in frothy tulle.

We were there for a while and at one time I had my arms filled with dresses, coats and robes. But I tried to be frugal and pick out only my most favorite of the pieces. I finally ended up with a vintage nightgown, a great red trench and this amazing sheer dress which I have big plans for.

Here is the nightgown. It's a rayon gown that goes to shin length. The lace is in pristine condition. I can't tell that it was ever used. Here's the front view.

And the back:

The bodice is covered with lace and there is lace edging along the arm and back v.

There is even a small lace edge along the bottom. It's so comfy, pretty and delicate.

My second item was this great red trench. It's a great lipstick red, fits perfectly and is in great condition.

What's hard to see here, but that you can see in the enlargements, is the stitching adding definition to the coat and a design element to the belt.

Like the cute pockets and the pretty buttons?



The cuffs are neat too. They kind of have a french cuff look to them which adds a nice finish to the sleeve. This is going to be my new suit topper. A black top and skirt, red heels and red trench.



Here is my favorite item. It needs a little explanation. It's a sheer dress with an elastic waist and a sash belt. I can't imagine how this would have been worn in the past. Maybe over a strapless dress? You have to pull it over your head to get it on as it is right now.



It's very floaty and ethereal. I love the portrait collar and, of course, the light blue-grey color.



A neat detail is that, at the shoulder, they added this poofy cap sleeve elemant to add some extra volume to the sleeves.



The cuffs, with two pearlescent blue button, come in tight to the wrist.



You can sort of see the elastic at the waist and then the big floppy sash bow. My big plan for this dress is to actually cut it down the middle and make it more into a wrap. I hope to have an event to wear this to. I'm thinking some strappy sandals and a silvery or black slip dress, which this tied as a wrap over it.



This is another reason I got this. Look at the tonal embroidery along the bottom quarter of the dress:



It looks very Art Deco-ish to me.



Given all of the sheer elements coming for Spring, I'd love to find more ways to work this into my wardrobe. It may be a bit much for my small office, though.

All in all, a successful vintage trip. I still want to branch out to the stores in other towns as well as some vintage stores. So, more hunting trips soon.