Shopping Blues

So I went window shopping this week.  Actual "window" shopping.  I wanted to take a gander at the window displays of the stores at the mall and the stand-alone stores.  Talk about underwhelming!  It had been quite a while since I'd done this.  I believe that stores have forgotten the art of the window display.  And, the art of the in-store display.  There were far too many headless mannequins with absolutely BORING clothes draped loosely on their form.  There was nothing that even remotely made me interested enough to purchase anything.  Nothing.  That is some sort of pitiful commentary on the state of retail clothing.  How are we supposed to decide what we want to buy?  How do we know what is 'in' or 'cute'?  I suppose that leaves us with sales fliers, magazine ads and tv ads.  Yuck. 

This creates a serious dilemma. Truly serious. Anything that you see in a magazine spread (and there are some good looking outfits) will be both unaffordable (have you checked out the prices, if they dare put the prices on the page) and/or no longer available.  They like to put loads of clothes on the models from the H&M store.  The problem with That is - you can't order H&M on line - each store carries a different  block of clothes - the item you see was only available at the store for one week because they don't re-order or restock the items they photographed - you lose.  You may love the piece, but you can't get it. And let's not get started on those prices!  I am not sure if many of these editors even 'visit' the real world.  The majority of people don't have access to an unlimited clothing fund.  Too many times I read about "affordable" outfits - and the prices hover around $400.  That is not affordable.  That is not reasonable. 

There are loads of stores on-line now as well.  You can have unlimited companies send you urgent e-mails notifying you of immediate sales on-line.  They tease you with adorable outfits, you quick-link to the site and find that your size is unavailable since they sold out of everything in a mere 15 minutes. You have no time to think about a purchase - you have to click and buy.  That is not shopping.  That is a stick-up. 

Then there are the sales fliers from your local stores.  Ho-hum.  I have looked at so many of them that I am blurry-eyed.  The clothes all look the same.  All of them.  And none of them are really fashionable, desirable, extra cute or unique.  It is your job as a fabulous gal - to be wondrous and unique.  That is a huge part of why I shop resale shops and thrift.  You will find what others won't.  You can put yourself together in such a great and inexpensive way that others have to take notice.

Let's get together for a shopping expedition.  Gather your buddies and contact me for a scheduled shopping excursion.  You will benefit, your friends will benefit and you will do it for pennies on the dollar!
Then be Amazing!

This outfit is a black spandex little top for $3.  People really like this very flowy,  lavender print Emmanual Ungaro skirt - $6.96!

Today I am wearing some plum colored J Vincent heels - $15.00.

A velvet, plum bracelet - $3.00.

God bless you richly.  I know that He has blessed me!