Eye-4-Style

I’m a curious person and like to know what people think; what their habits are. It is interesting to me that some people are very rigid in their habits. They may never set foot in Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus. They won’t buy from catalogs because of returns. They only shop at Target or Macy’s because they think they can’t afford or won’t find anything in a boutique or higher-end store. I say, don’t limit your choices. There are possibilities everywhere!

I’m a big catalog or on-line shopper. I like seeing clothing on models as it’s easier to visualize the outfit on my body. The larger retailers have made returning items very easy. You usually have a return label and an amount is deducted from your return amount. When I calculate time and gas, the amount to return the item is less than what I’d spend on the streets. Just be sure to try on the items right away; keep the original packaging; package the item the original way best as possible; return as quickly as possible. I’ve ordered a lot and returned a lot. I’ve also kept a lot. It is worth it to me when the stores I’m ordering from are further away or “on-line” has so much more to offer.

I enjoy going to the boutiques on Oak Street in Chicago. I purchased items from Juicy Couture and Kate Spade when I was there last November. They are fun to visit but there is a limited amount of space available to display their wares. If your time is limited, I’d go to Nordstrom or Saks, Bloomingdales, Macy’s. They will have your favorite designers and all under one roof. When I visit Chicago, I plan my time carefully. Some boutiques with some department stores. Also, Ralph Lauren on Michigan Avenue is a must. You will see it all in their flagship store. While some labels are out of reach for the average consumer, it is an adventure to see the fabrics and designs they are offering. Believe me, you will see that filter down to your price level in a different fabric, but it makes you aware of what is out there and a better-informed consumer. Also, RL (the adjacent restaurant) has the best cosmos I’ve had anywhere!

I remember many years ago when we were in San Francisco. My daughter and I visited the “high-end” stores to relish in the beautiful fabrics and displays. She is able to fit into larger children’s’, women’s petites and juniors. We had several departments to visit and there are always sales. We ended up buying some gorgeous clothing at wonderful prices. We paid the same prices we would have at Target or Bon-Ton stores or Macy’s. You just have to have an open mind and “hunter/gatherer” intuitiveness to search out what you’re looking for.  Don’t be afraid: Go there!  If you need help, contact me and I can help you reorganize your closet or shop for your spring/summer wardrobe.

Who do you trust when you go shopping? Don’t you wish those little “conscience” buddies you see on TV were sitting on your shoulders giving advice?

Your devil buddy says: “Well, you ARE going to lose those five pounds and it IS on sale, AND you might wear it to the cocktail party next month so go ahead and buy it!”

Your angel buddy says: “It looks like hell and it’s too expensive for your budget. You’ll never fit into it and it will sit in your closet. Move on! ”

So while we may listen to our devil buddy, we’re not getting good advice. Just look at a tired shopper. Her eyes are closed and her head or chin is resting on her shoulder. She’s almost in a trance. Don’t be fooled into thinking she’s taking a breather or contemplating her next purchase! Oh no, she is consulting with her devil buddy who is assuring her the purchases she made are perfect and she won’t regret a single thing when the billing statement arrives.

Unfortunately, most of the “advisors” we have on our shopping expeditions are in cahoots with our devil buddy. Salespeople are usually driven by numbers and want to make the sale. Our girlfriends don’t want to hurt our feelings or are afraid we won’t ask them to shop with us if they’re negative. Our daughters want the “cute dress in Juniors” and want us to hurry up so we can take our credit card to the Junior Department!

This is where I come in. I’m your angel buddy. I would tell you the truth. “Forget that, girlfriend. You can do better.”

We work hard for our money. Why buy something that ends up in the back of the closet (with tags attached); you take to resale; give to a girlfriend, or pass on to Goodwill? I feel satisfied parting with an article of clothing that just can’t take another wearing, a GOOD PURCHASE. Fun, reliable, fantastic.

So how does this work?  How do you get the advice and honesty you need?  Who doesn’t have a hidden agenda?

That would be me. I would be happy to meet you in Chicago, Milwaukee, Naples, West Palm Beach, Florida, or anywhere else for that matter, for an hourly fee plus expenses. That helps pay my mortgage!  Read my blog, where I hope to open the doors to your wonderful world of shopping. After all, you should have fun and LOOK FABULOUS in your purchases.

So, welcome to EYE-4-STYLE! I hope to hit on a range of topics, bringing you articles of interest, deliver practical advice along with a bit of humor. Happy shopping!

I have a soul-mate girlfriend. People ask if we grew up together. We finish each other’s sentences, laugh at the same things and enjoy shopping together.  Naples, Florida, or Naples, Italy. It doesn’t matter!  

We were in a shoe store in Naples, Florida. The young man waiting on us was the owner’s son and he was helping out at the store while his father was at their store in New Jersey.

My friend and I were trying on shoes. Selecting two pair of shoes each. The decision making conversation (abbreviated) as follows:

• You already have a similar pair; those aren’t that different.
• I like and need the silver pair but they’re a little big. They still might work though.
• The sale price is so good if I only wear them a season or two that’s fine.
• If I’m dropped off and picked up at the door, I might be able to wear them for a short time.
• They look great on you. You HAVE to get them. Your husband will love them. You look hot!
• The strap kind of cuts my toes right here.
• I can always return the shoes I bought yesterday if I buy these.

Our young salesman was beside himself when we made our purchases. He told us in all the years he’s been in the shoe business, he had never heard a shoe choice discussed at such length.

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