The beauty of the summer is that in the temperate weather, shoppers and consumers of all backgrounds can find just the peculiar object, whether it be clothing or other object, to purchase. The hectic nature of shopping may beckon you to make bulk purchases, but the real joy of shopping is in finding just the one thing that completes an outfit or your home.
I was shopping at a grocery store when I spotted a young female wearing a headband that was simply adorable. At first gaze, you might have been grabbed by the outfit or handbag or makeup or anything the person might have been wearing, but when I asked about the hair accessory, it seemed like we had that relationship that all consumers attain when pinpointing what you like. It was obvious that she had taken care to purchase it and matched it to perfection with her wardrobe.
It reminded me that sometimes it is not just mindlessly spending money or showing ownership of a particular product or item that may motivate shoppers. It is the choice or variety that abounds at a particular venue. Then it is the actual honing in and selection of the choices that most matter to you.
I don't mean to say run out and buy something you have seen on someone else, or because you think it would look nice on you. The whole point is to be aware of your tastes and fit them into your life accordingly. I liked that shopper's tastes, and we both were entranced by the bright red hues of the strawberries and bought those, but we made a connection based on sheer good taste.
I may never see the shopper again, but I understand myself as a consumer more and more each day because of subtle things like that. I will probably never even purchase the same head band or even a head band, for that matter, but the template for good taste was being formed right there at that point.
I was once approached by a woman who asked me about a shade I was wearing. It was a simple thing to answer, but I realized she noticed how becoming that color was on me.
It was the smallest of accessories, hardly worth a glance or notice, but it brought out something about me that was noticeable. I actually had purchased it on a whim or by chance, and it called to me from a little bin at the store. I used it sparingly from time to time, and I had even forgotten about it, until I really needed to wear it.
Shopping is a simple pleasure, and summer is the perfect time to find just the accessory to add to your personal wardrobe. If you are lost to the art of finding an accessory, or are otherwise a shopaholic, addicted to buying in bulk, practice going with a friend.
The first time I ever really did step out to shop was with a friend, we talked and walked together, browsing everything. When we finally left, all we purchased was one item that was the start of a trend, a new rave that was about to catch on. She let me hold the bag with the mere wisp of tissue and the item hardly weighed more than even a weather, but the fact that we knew we made a solid purchase never really did leave us.
Years later, I remember the item was taken, but I didn't obsess over it, because it was a preserved memory of a time when I really learned to look, listen, and experience shopping for what felt like shopping and not simply a duty or chore to endure in the race to obtain things we don't really value or with which we don't identify.
Before summer vanishes, try just this method. Either choose a friend or go solo. Browse and see what really catches your eyes. Practice solid or practical consumerism. Find out what appeals to you and then go with it. Don't get waylaid by
the fact that you have to keep up with someone or something, or choose something based on its price or prestige it may bring you at work or in your area.
Choose something because it is you.
When you do this, you start to set standards of good taste around you and for yourself as well. A friend from way back used to call this a sense of style, but I believe it is more than that.
Shoppers do create a culture around them. People can forget this in the daily grind of competitive shopping, and then we all lose what is essential to our well - being and necessary for survival as a culture.
Chicago does have the potential to be as regal as New York, Paris, and other major cities around the world. I encourage you as a fashion consumer and fashion - conscious person to take hold of your particular reins in this venture and uphold good fashion sense in our city. This will of course be very random, but if everyone does their part, then we will wear the beauty there is of our city on our person today.
I recommend something that has always been with you. Reward yourself with something you like or need for the time being. A watch, a scarf for an outfit, or even a pen that you need..a purse or even a shade you like?
I am merely thinking of hair accessories, because that is what I seem to be attracted to today, but that may change in the next month. Or browse through magazines like "In Style" or "Vanity Fair." Those models and ads of business are there not just to be models or celebrities, but to showcase some of the accessories created by artisans from all over the world.
The art of consumerism calls one to become a part of a renaissance in our city.
Let this summer be the start.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Copenhagen
Internationally!
The summer may keep you distracted by its many festivals, activities, and events, but if you're anything like me, you want to maintain a vested interested in fashion and look around to see what is going on globally as well as locally.
The Copenhagen Fashion Festival is one to keep your eye on from afar.
http://www.copenhagenfashionfestival.com/
This city's allure continues on in travel articles, stories, lore and legend, introduced to us by its greatest writers. Internet photos and articles abound about fashion from this region, and I know that I rarely meet anyone from there, but I am nonetheless amazed by Copenhagen and the citizen's stories.
Who hasn't cried when the Little Mermaid's body was stolen several times and then returned, because the thieves finally obtained a conscience?!
You can also continue to visit the blogs that fascinate you and keep you abreast of the latest fashion news from around the world.
http://www.swide.com/luxury-magazine
If you browse for a bit longer, you will find noted blogger, Liberty London Girl, already featured here before, and many, many amazing fashion reviewers. Liberty London Girl just endured the worst crisis ever, but she refuses to let the distraction affect her fashion coverage. Those who have some mainstay and the kind of coveted interest in the fashion world really invite our watching.
Chicago
The "Taste of Chicago" has already started and gives you an excuse to visit downtown and view the seasonal fashion apparel in the stores. If you haven't yet walked through the stores, summer will be a wonderful respite. If you are the person who is already looking toward Fall 2010, you will enjoy both offerings, because the stores are gearing up for everything Fall.
I find that visiting with tourists and strangers about is an excellent venture, because you get the visitor's eye of the Fashion World. One year, my colleague(s) and I, as we only have our schedules timed by chance these days, found what appealed to the other was radically different from our own. While I focused on the live modeling from the Ford Model's (male) fashion team, my friend(s) lingered on aspects of the store designs and history. We were also able to collect excellent contacts at Ford for fashion modeling for my friend, an aspiring actor and model.
The changing store names became a matter of time and necessitated historical footage of the past to share with others still back at home. Furniture colors, shape and design, too, became an obsession. Seeing everything from a tourist's and consumer's eye somehow made everything seem original again for the first time. The Sears Tower that I had known existed here for years, was a looming tower of wonder. (Now, that it is Willis Tower, it will invite even more happy returns. :)
One night, another fashion colleague and I met models from around the world. We were able to be photographed with them. I was petite, standing next to one model from China, but that experience taught me people still want photographs anyway. Another year, going solo, I met a model that was showcasing hair accessories from a designer in Paris. I was able to keep in touch with her, as she knew how to model even the smallest design so that it added to the outfits that women wore. The hair style she had on complemented the accessory to a perfect match. I asked if she was a professional model, and when she answered no, I referred her to agencies in the event she ever wanted to photograph on page as well as live. Of course, I have a souvenir from the event that I normally would not have bought, had I not seen her model it. The accessory complements a gift from a relative in Florida. It is the exact tint and flower that is on my dress from Florida stores.
Becoming a fashion reviewer and consumer enables one to connect with people at an earnest level. Knowing what they like or do not like, and knowing what looks good on one, keeps you invested and alert as a shopper. Your tastes become sharpened as you compare, match, contrast, or dismiss. This process of election and browsing isn't a skill women take for granted, but it is easy to forget what is the true motivation behind an interest in a particular product. I also believe this helps when someone demonstrates or discusses a product to you. You can actually discriminate the "sale" from the "interest" and then determine how your interests coincide with the purchases or not, for that matter.
When you visit the city, travel with a Chicagoan, if you can. It is more than fun. If you're from another part, make sure you do meet some Chicagoans. In the summer, I meet Southerners in general, and they love the sunny disposition of our skyscape. I also love shopping with New Yorkers. They have discriminating tastes, and they know just what they want when they visit Chicago. It saves valuable time as their schedules are already full when they arrive.
Internet sites like Metromix or anything on Navy Pier may help also, if you decide to travel solo.
For savvy shopping and tourism, remember to dodge distractions from your shopping experience. These are pesky measures to get you to depart from your schedule and interests. You experience these by trial and error.
One Victoria's Secret's shopper was detained by security one summer. I was just a bystander watching, but I realized that had she been a thief, she wouldn't really have time to become overloaded with bags that weighed her down. I also think store security wouldn't have missed her heavy and weighted gait and packages. So,that was a ruse to get at her newly - attained purchases. She also was an older woman who was a Mom in appearance who seemed harried and tired from shopping to have enough nimbleness to escape with lingerie that wouldn't fit her, even. Those were probably gifts for people. And why three overbearing men for one tiny women?!
Undercover with no uniforms?
That is just one such example of some of the more serious distractions. You just have to have a type of aloofness that keeps you focused. I am not a secret shopper, or paid to be one, but you learn from watching amateur good - fellows and good - fellas.
Shoppers need to be given a warning on these malignant cancers to consumerism.
When in doubt, refer to an avid consumer from New York.
A woman's intuition is the next best thing!
Consumers with clout...etc.
A retired teacher once told me not to be embarrassed to ask for help. If there is someone shady about, ask a nearby officer or other male (in some cases, female) to look out for you as you walk down the street or approach an ATM. She says she is not really up to confronting the thugs, but people usually acknowledge her request. That was excellent advice for lone consumers without friends or friendly sorts around.
Happy Summer Shopping in the Everywhere and stay safe!
The summer may keep you distracted by its many festivals, activities, and events, but if you're anything like me, you want to maintain a vested interested in fashion and look around to see what is going on globally as well as locally.
The Copenhagen Fashion Festival is one to keep your eye on from afar.
http://www.copenhagenfashionfestival.com/
This city's allure continues on in travel articles, stories, lore and legend, introduced to us by its greatest writers. Internet photos and articles abound about fashion from this region, and I know that I rarely meet anyone from there, but I am nonetheless amazed by Copenhagen and the citizen's stories.
Who hasn't cried when the Little Mermaid's body was stolen several times and then returned, because the thieves finally obtained a conscience?!
You can also continue to visit the blogs that fascinate you and keep you abreast of the latest fashion news from around the world.
http://www.swide.com/luxury-magazine
If you browse for a bit longer, you will find noted blogger, Liberty London Girl, already featured here before, and many, many amazing fashion reviewers. Liberty London Girl just endured the worst crisis ever, but she refuses to let the distraction affect her fashion coverage. Those who have some mainstay and the kind of coveted interest in the fashion world really invite our watching.
Chicago
The "Taste of Chicago" has already started and gives you an excuse to visit downtown and view the seasonal fashion apparel in the stores. If you haven't yet walked through the stores, summer will be a wonderful respite. If you are the person who is already looking toward Fall 2010, you will enjoy both offerings, because the stores are gearing up for everything Fall.
I find that visiting with tourists and strangers about is an excellent venture, because you get the visitor's eye of the Fashion World. One year, my colleague(s) and I, as we only have our schedules timed by chance these days, found what appealed to the other was radically different from our own. While I focused on the live modeling from the Ford Model's (male) fashion team, my friend(s) lingered on aspects of the store designs and history. We were also able to collect excellent contacts at Ford for fashion modeling for my friend, an aspiring actor and model.
The changing store names became a matter of time and necessitated historical footage of the past to share with others still back at home. Furniture colors, shape and design, too, became an obsession. Seeing everything from a tourist's and consumer's eye somehow made everything seem original again for the first time. The Sears Tower that I had known existed here for years, was a looming tower of wonder. (Now, that it is Willis Tower, it will invite even more happy returns. :)
One night, another fashion colleague and I met models from around the world. We were able to be photographed with them. I was petite, standing next to one model from China, but that experience taught me people still want photographs anyway. Another year, going solo, I met a model that was showcasing hair accessories from a designer in Paris. I was able to keep in touch with her, as she knew how to model even the smallest design so that it added to the outfits that women wore. The hair style she had on complemented the accessory to a perfect match. I asked if she was a professional model, and when she answered no, I referred her to agencies in the event she ever wanted to photograph on page as well as live. Of course, I have a souvenir from the event that I normally would not have bought, had I not seen her model it. The accessory complements a gift from a relative in Florida. It is the exact tint and flower that is on my dress from Florida stores.
Becoming a fashion reviewer and consumer enables one to connect with people at an earnest level. Knowing what they like or do not like, and knowing what looks good on one, keeps you invested and alert as a shopper. Your tastes become sharpened as you compare, match, contrast, or dismiss. This process of election and browsing isn't a skill women take for granted, but it is easy to forget what is the true motivation behind an interest in a particular product. I also believe this helps when someone demonstrates or discusses a product to you. You can actually discriminate the "sale" from the "interest" and then determine how your interests coincide with the purchases or not, for that matter.
When you visit the city, travel with a Chicagoan, if you can. It is more than fun. If you're from another part, make sure you do meet some Chicagoans. In the summer, I meet Southerners in general, and they love the sunny disposition of our skyscape. I also love shopping with New Yorkers. They have discriminating tastes, and they know just what they want when they visit Chicago. It saves valuable time as their schedules are already full when they arrive.
Internet sites like Metromix or anything on Navy Pier may help also, if you decide to travel solo.
For savvy shopping and tourism, remember to dodge distractions from your shopping experience. These are pesky measures to get you to depart from your schedule and interests. You experience these by trial and error.
One Victoria's Secret's shopper was detained by security one summer. I was just a bystander watching, but I realized that had she been a thief, she wouldn't really have time to become overloaded with bags that weighed her down. I also think store security wouldn't have missed her heavy and weighted gait and packages. So,that was a ruse to get at her newly - attained purchases. She also was an older woman who was a Mom in appearance who seemed harried and tired from shopping to have enough nimbleness to escape with lingerie that wouldn't fit her, even. Those were probably gifts for people. And why three overbearing men for one tiny women?!
Undercover with no uniforms?
That is just one such example of some of the more serious distractions. You just have to have a type of aloofness that keeps you focused. I am not a secret shopper, or paid to be one, but you learn from watching amateur good - fellows and good - fellas.
Shoppers need to be given a warning on these malignant cancers to consumerism.
When in doubt, refer to an avid consumer from New York.
A woman's intuition is the next best thing!
Consumers with clout...etc.
A retired teacher once told me not to be embarrassed to ask for help. If there is someone shady about, ask a nearby officer or other male (in some cases, female) to look out for you as you walk down the street or approach an ATM. She says she is not really up to confronting the thugs, but people usually acknowledge her request. That was excellent advice for lone consumers without friends or friendly sorts around.
Happy Summer Shopping in the Everywhere and stay safe!
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