Tips for Consignment

I recently introduced (yet another) friend to my favorite store, Second Time Around.  A fellow fashionista, she of course loved it!  She summed up the amazing-ness of the store by describing how it allows her to solve two problems in one:

First, “I love to shop!”  Don’t I know it.  And STA makes it possible to shop many designers at once, all at discounted prices. 

Second, “I have too many clothes!”  STA is great because it allows to keep your wardrobe space in check.  When you bring in the new, don’t forget to consign the old!

So, if you haven’t already started shopping at Second Time Around... what’s wrong with you?  Go this weekend!  While you’re at it, I recommend signing up for the STA e-newsletter (in stores or online).  They don’t bog you down with tons of messages.  I usually receive only a handful per month that either let me know about sales or special shopping parties with extra hours, snacks and drinks!

Every holiday weekend (Labor Day, Columbus Day, etc.), Second Time Around will have a sale with all merchandise at least 30% off, with some items up to 50% and 70% off.  Now is an especially great time to sign up because the holidays are almost upon us!  STA has a great Black Friday sale that I wouldn't dream of missing!

Consigning, most do not realize, is actually part science, part art-form.  The first thing you need to know is that walk-in appointments are not accepted.  You have to call in advance and reserve your own 30 minute time slot. The super-difficult thing is that appointments are only offered during the week days, with the latest available time slot at 6 pm.   So, plan ahead, get your consignment items ready using my tips and guidelines below, and make the most of it!

Basic Guidelines
- Only bring items that are in season.  Some things like jeans and tops are consignable year-round.
- Ensure your items are washed, ironed and otherwise in good condition.  Presentation is important.
- Bring a variety of items and brands.  You never know what will go!  Note that you're allowed up to 30 items per appointment.
- Don't forget accessories and jewelry.  STA loves jewelry, even and especially costume jewelry.  I've also consigned belts, clutches, scarves and shoes!

Further tips
- If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!  Sometimes, for whatever reason, an item that I think is perfectly consignment-ready is not accepted.  In these cases, I either try consigning it at a different location, or putting it away for a few months to try again when the seasons change.  What is accepted depends on so many factors that I am most often successful at getting these items consigned (and sold!)  It could that the store already has too many of what you're trying to consign, that the item isn't a perfect match for the clientele at that location, or even that your item just needs a little love and recognition from a different associate. 
- Get to know the sales associates!  I've been incredibly impressed with the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff at each of the locations I've been to.  There are always perks to being on good terms with the sales staff...
- If you can't sell something via consignment, all is not lost.  I donate monthly to charity and get a valuable tax credit for everything I give.  My donations go to Housing Works which is fantastic, because they also accept books, house goods, etc.  Salvation Army works the same way.  Don't forget to grab a receipt!

Be Your Own Stylist

Does everyone know what a stylist is?  I'm guessing yes.  A fashion stylist coordinates the clothing and accessories of his or her client, be it for the red carpet, a photo shoot, or every day life.  There's a reason that certain celebrities always look perfectly put together in the People magazine photos: they employ stylists to help them plan out every outfit, event the ones they wear on their "days off."

Now, not that you or I have paparazzi trailing us around, but I do love the idea of looking my best at all times.  Right?!  The great thing here is that you shouldn't need to pay anyone to help you style your own wardrobe.  You can DIY!  You just need a little bit of these two things: time and inspiration.

#1: Time

I love styling, but I'll be honest with you - I'm less than on point at 7:30 am when I'm rushing to get to work and am feeling stressed about looking good for a meeting.  Plan ahead!  Pull together your outfit the night before.  You may not even need more than 10 or 15 minutes, but the fact that you are doing this while your head is clear without the feeling of being hurried will make a huge difference.

#2: Inspiration

In general, there are a whole bunch of places you can look for inspiration: magazines, photo blogs, in-store mannequins, sales associates, friends, etc!  Other SohoShopGirl posts should also come in handy here!

So... Why should I care?

There is quite a bit of literature and documentation of the fact that better-looking people make more money.  Unfair, but true.  I would be willing to bet that the same logic applies to better-dressed people.  Think about it.  A well-dressed person means, well, business!  By taking the time and making the effort to present your best self at the office, you show your colleagues and your boss that you care.  By investing in your look, you are no doubt investing in your career and your future.

The SohoShopGirl Wardrobe

Being me, I of course take this one step further.  Every week, when I have an hour or so of time to myself, and am in a creative mood, I'll plan several outfits at once. My secret is these wonderful "outfit" hangers from Bed Bath and Beyond.  The bottom has a bar for pants or hooks for a skirt, while your top hangs as normal. I also drape belts and jewelry on the hook so each full outfit is ready to go.  A set of four is only $6.99!  The advantage of having several looks to choose from is that you can decide in the morning whichever is appropriate for the day's activities... or your mood!

  
More Closet Solutions

Living in New York City, closet space is tight to say the least, so I also use these Chrome Slack and Skirt Hangers that allow me to store five- and four- on each hanger.  I also recommend these Real Simple Slimline Hangers which make you wonder why you ever used anything else!  They are thinner than normal hangers, to maximize closet space, and their unique texture keeps garments in place while protecting delicate fabrics.  Genius!

One Final Tip!

Usually before I start the process I'll identify a few pieces that I haven't worn recently and make sure that I focus on working them in.  These days, we all have so many clothes, shoes and accessories but often the same favorites get worn over and over.  Make the most of what you've got by focusing on these  near-forgotten items at the back of your closet!

You're already on your way to a better-styled self!  Look out for paparazzi...

Fashion for Action: Housing Works Designer Sale

Shopping is one of my absolute favorite things to do, but I also love giving back to the community!  

This November, you'll be able to do both at the same time by participating in the Housing Works Fashion for Action Sample Sale!  The event offers goods from over 150 brands at bargain prices, with the proceeds benefiting the HW cause, "to end homelessness and AIDS."  There is no entry fee to the sale, so shop away!

Event Details

Dates: 11/17 - 11/19

Time: 11am - 7pm

Location: Altman Building

Address: 135 West 18th Street

Shop, Drop & Give

In addition to the Fashion for Action Sale, Housing Works has a number of other great events.  Check out their calendar to find out what's happening near you. 

You can also visit one of their stores in NYC to shop fashion items and housing goods throughout the year!  Additionally, from the comfort of your couch, you can bid on amazing designer goods online via their online auction site.

Finally, if you love the shops and love the cause, consider becoming a member to do more for the HIV/AIDS cause and receive special discounts and tickets to members-only events.

Uniqlo's Fifth Avenue (Global!) Flagship

Look out New York, Uniqlo has launched its global flagship store on Fifth Avenue!  I went during opening weekend, and have some insights (and pix!) to share…

Despite the stores massive three levels and incredible 89,000 square footage, there was a line to get in!  Luckily, I only had to wait for a few minutes before heading inside, and what a sight it was!  Crowds, escalators, flat screen TVs, and countless employees... indeed, the amount of staff on hand made me feel like I was in Santa's workshop the week before Christmas!

I'll admit, I have never shopped much at Uniqlo but as I made my rounds of the new stores I discovered some strong points for the store’s product offering:

Intimates

This was my favorite section.  Uniqlo has tons of tights, shapewear, layering tanks, etc. that would be great additions to any girl’s closet.  "HEATTECH" also makes these items great for the colder months...

Colored Cashmere

If you are looking for a very specific sweater color, this is definitely your spot.  Uniqlo has walls and walls full of sweaters in every color and hue!  I do have a Uniqlo cashmere sweater (purchased, unsurprisingly, at Second Time Around) and I can attest to its softness and comfort!

Now for the fun stuff…

I loved this shorts-suit!  It will be fantastic with a white blouse and black tights and pumps.  Pants were also available for more traditional folks…

These HEATTECH vests were tempting…

And what kind of good Japanese clothing store would forget to include Hello Kitty?

Uniqlo Online

In addition to their new store, Uniqlo has some great things going on virtually.  Indeed, their website, though a bit spastic, has a lot of interesting and fun content.  For example, click here for a virtual tour of the new store, click here for the “Global Portrait Gallery,” or click here to learn more about Uniqlo’s charitable initiatives throughout the world.

Favorite Designer Quotes

Fashion is certainly one of my greatest passions.  Below, find some inspiration from a number of industry greats, as they weigh in on elegance, self-expression, modernity, and more...

Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.

- Yves Saint Laurent

The way you dress yourself is a form of self-expression, and a way of communicating to others who you are.

- Patricia Field

Fashion is a language that creates itself in clothes to interpret reality.

- Karl Lagerfeld

Attitude is everything.

- Diane von Furstenberg

The difference between style and fashion is quality.
- Giorgio Armani

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern; wearing head-to-toe designer has become a bit passe. It's a new era in fashion; there are no rules. It's all about the individual and personal style.

- Alexander McQueen

 
I don't design clothes.  I design dreams.
- Ralph Lauren

Elegance is the balance between proportion, emotion and surprise.
- Valentino Garavani 

Save Here, Shop There...

I love to spend my money on clothes, shoes, accessories, handbags… you get the idea.  Like everyone else, though, I have bills to pay, so my monthly shopping budget is pretty limited.  As I’ve gotten older, and even as my means have increased, I have actually become more frugal.  I love to spend on fashion – also dining out and traveling – so I make sure that just about every dollar I part with is well spent.  If you’re looking for some extra cash to invest in key fashion pieces, try some of my favorite tips below!

Take the Subway

I LOVE the subway.  I take it almost all the time, unless I can walk wherever I’m going!  I think it's odd that so many people are under the weird delusion that taking a cab is faster.  Honestly, in my experience, it's usually not.  The streets of New York are clogged during work hours and throughout the entire evening as people go out to eat and drink.  This covers just about every living moment besides perhaps a short window of time in the middle of the night between 2 – 5 am.  And that’s the only time I take cabs.

My Other Favorite Store

It’s clear by now that my favorites stores are Second Time Around and Bloomingdale's.  But there’s actually one more: Trader Joe’s. Some basic calculations show that I save about 40% on my weekly grocery bill by shopping exclusively at Trader Joes – which amounts to a few hundred dollars a year!  Yes, there are almost always really long lines, but they move really fast, and you can use the time to check your Facebook feed, play Words with Friends, check in with Mom, etc.  As if you weren't going to do that anyway.

House Party

When I think of all the money that my friends and I spend in bars, I wince.  The mark-up is so ridiculous!  This is especially true for NYC, but also very much so in any urban area.  My solution?  Invite friends over for an evening at your place, and have everyone bring something to drink (and eat!), even if space is a little tight.  Instead a $50+ dinner followed by rounds of $10 cocktails, spend less than $30 each and I guarantee you everyone will have their fill to eat and drink.  I encourage you, of course, to check out the Trader Joe’s wine store on 14th Street!  You don’t have to buy “two buck chuck” but there is an enormous selection of great reds, whites, roses and sparkling wines for under $10.

Cut the Cable

When I moved into my own apartment just over two years ago, I made the big decision to forego cable.  And, honestly, I haven’t regretted it once.  I have a monthly $7.99 Netflix subscription which allows me to stream movies and TV shows onto my computer.  And, most networks offer their shows online for free!  I had a TV from my previous apartment, so I just use an HDMI cord to hook up my laptop to it, and voila!

LearnVest
Last year I stumbled upon this website that is geared specifically towards helping women with their finances.  Per the website, the mission of LearnVest is to "empower women everywhere to take control of their personal finances so that they can afford their dreams... by giving [them] the information, tools, and support [they] need to earn well, save well, and spend well."  Amazing!  By women, for women - this site has recipe ideas, discussions on important financial topics, "bootcamps" for intense learning, financial calculators, and more.  I subscribe to the daily email which never fails to deliver interesting and useful ideas.  Do yourself a big favor and sign up!

The Imperative White Shirt

Allow me to open with a quote from Carolina Herrera:

"There are endless ways of wearing a white shirt. You can try one in the evening with jewels and a skirt, or with trousers and a wonderful belt. You can wear it with shorts, or on top of a bathing suit, and it always looks fresh and very snappy and seductive at the same time."
- Wall Street Journal

I have to agree.  I love white shirts.  A staple for every woman's wardrobe, I advise you to always have on hand, not one but... five!  White shirts can go it alone in the summer, with a light sweater in the fall, under a sheath dress in the winter, and with a scarf in the spring.  There is no end to their usefulness.  And the great thing is, you don't have to spend a fortune!  Check out my picks below - seven options all for $36 or less!

SohoShopGirl Picks

• Mossimo Racerback "Bib" Top, $19.99, Target.  This back of this blouse is very unique and I also love the tuxedo detail on the front!
• Jaclyn Smith Embellished Dress Blouse, $17.99, KMart.  No one would ever guess where you got this intricately detailed top!  Keep your figure by belting or tucking it in.
• Poplin Stretch Dress Shirt, $26.50, Old Navy Online.  A pair of these would do well in any woman's closet.  Wear on its own, or under a sweater in the fall and winter.  Or, jazz it up with a beautiful brooch!
• Apartment 9 Essential Roll-Tab Sateen Shirt, $36, Kohl's.  The ruching along the button line will be ultra-flattering to the bust!
• Sleeveless Cotton Tunic, $16.90, Forever 21.  This sheer shirt is sexy!  Layer long necklaces in front.  For play, wear just a nude bra underneath; for work, layer a nude tank underneath and pair with a long cardigan as well. 
• Cherokee Relaxed Fit "Camp" Shirt, $17.99, Target.  Simple but classic, this three-quarter sleeved shirt with one pocket is a no-brainer.
• Worthington Bow Blouse, $30, JC Penny.  I adore this blouse!  White goes with... everything, so just add a cardigan for your finished professional look.

Special Cleaning Trick!

I drive myself crazy trying to keep my whites clean.  It's so hard!  A few years ago I learned a great trick (thanks, R!).  Wash your whites in warm water, with nothing but a full box of baking soda.  You'll be surprised!

Something to Aspire to: Anne Fontaine

This amazing French brand focuses largely on the white blouse.  Each piece is intricately and beautifully detailed, and the cost reflects the dedicated manual labor, with shirts costing up to a few hundred dollars each.  Luckily, an eBay search has proved that there are lots of Anne Fontaine masterpieces ready for their second life as star pieces of your wardrobe!  For a peak at the Fall/Winter collection on Facebook, click here ("Like" to see).

Must-Have: The Fur Vest

The fur vest is, perhaps surprisingly, one of the most versatile yet fashion-forward items you could have in your closet for the next six months.  They come in all lengths, colors and various thicknesses, so there is a style to match every wardrobe and personal preference!  If you’re worried that a fur vest might cost too much or that you might not be able to incorporate it into your wardrobe, don’t be.  You'll find a number of inexpensive options below as well as specific outfit ideas down to the last accessory!

Go for Faux

Personally, I have no problem with real fur (or leather).  But there are more reasons than just animal rights to get a faux fur vest versus a real one.  First, a faux fur vest will be much less expensive than a real one (unless you've found the deal of the century!)  Additionally, faux fur made a grand entrance onto the high fashion scene last year when Karl Lagerfeld sent his models down the runway for Chanel's Fall/Winter 2010 show in all manner of fake fur coats, skirts and boots!  Lagerfeld noted, "technical advances are so perfect you can hardly tell fake fur from the real thing."  The point being that fake fur is not only accepted by the highest of fashion powers, it is encouraged and embraced!

Top Pick: Zara

I love this option from Zara for $79.99.  The fur vest is an extremely versatile item, so you will definitely get the value for your money here as you wear your vest night, day, this year, next year...  The neutral palette of this vest is great; it will blend in with any number of colors.  Additionally, I love the length, which will elongate the figure.  I’m a huge belt enthusiast, and this is perfect for belting which will also help you pull together your outfits with a final touch!

 

Additional Picks

I found a number of other great selections at Bloomingdales, Piperlime and FabulousFurs.com.  If you'd like to browse a selection of gently used but amazing pre-owned real fur vests, check out the consignment scene.  The Upper East Side location of A Second Chance has an excellent selection.  Finally, the streets of Soho have quite a few fur vendors!  Try Houston at Sullivan and West Broadway at Spring.

From My Closet

Last year, I used a $50 Groupon to Nordstrom Rack (bought for $25) to buy the $40 vest you'll see featured below.  To be honest, I’ll most likely upgrade down the road when I find the perfect real vest at the perfect deal, but for now this suits me just fine.  It’s super soft and has pockets which are endlessly useful.  Below find a few outfit inspirations from my own wardrobe.  If you like the look, click through the links in the description to re-create the outfits for yourself.

Outfit #1: Work Wear

Start with: pencil skirt + white button-up + fur vest + pumps

Finish the look with: thick belt + bangles

Outfit #2: Weekend Layers

Start with: jeans + sweater + fur vest + flat knee-high boots

Finish the look with: chunky necklace + big ring

Outfit #3: Out on the town

Start with: mini skirt + fitted top + fur vest + heels

Finish the look with: tights + belt + cuff + big earrings

Outfit #4: Versatile Chic
Start with: black jeans + feminine blouse + fur vest + boots/booties
Finish the look with: layered necklaces + statement ring

Store Guide: Anthropologie

In college I'd tagged along with friends to Anthropologie, but I never went by my own initiative.  I'd browse and sometimes find a thing or two that I liked, but I was always shocked by the prices. What could possibly be the justification for charging upwards of $60 for a fairly simple cotton top? And so on and so forth.  On top of that, the "Anthro look" - you know what I'm talking about - is very distinct, and on its own, it's really just not my style. 

Then, a few years ago I made a discovery...the SALE section!  Anthropologie has one of the best year-round sale selections of any store I've ever shopped at.  The location at 375 West Broadway (near Broome Street) in my Soho neighborhood is especially wonderful.  At around the same time, I also realized that although you'll never find me decked out in head-to-toe Anthropologie, the store really does have many wonderful pieces that - for the right price - I can incorporate well into my wardrobe.  

ANTHROPOLOGIE: BUY

I especially enjoy my relatively new relationship with Anthrolopologie because of the amazing success I've had with bottoms (skirts, pants, shorts, etc.)  I've always found shopping for tops to be so much easier than bottoms, so whenever I've had great success with a particular brand or store, I stick with it! The extent of my success in this category at Anthropologie became clear to me as I prepared this post.  I've gathered a selection of Anthro bottoms from my closet in a slideshow below - each bought for $19.95, $29.95 or $39.95.

 

1) This green A-link skirt with a silk tie has pockets too!  The fresh, bright hue is amazing in the spring and summer. 2)  The cargo-green skirt with brass buttons gives me a fun way to jazz up a pencil skirt for work.

3) Super-unique, super-cute gray cargos with a bunch of zippers and pockets.  Great for a lazy day when you need a break from your jeans!  4) I.  Love.  These.  Pants.  The red color is amazing during the fall but I've worn them in every season.  The perfect, trim fit make them great for both work and play.

5) This purple skirt is cool because of the asymmetrical detail on the front.  Purple is one of those bold hues that goes with surprisingly everything!  6) These lightweight, straight-leg cargos are incredibly comfortable.  The faint violet color and tie-waist makes them playful.

 

7) These khaki Bermuda shorts are my God-send for work in summer.  I personally love the shorts-suit, which I think women can totally get away with, if done properly.  I wear them with heels and a blazer for a cool (literally) and different look.  8) The light khaki pants are amazingly versatile.  I've dressed them out for a fun night out look by rolling them up to capri-length and pairing them with an ultra-feminine top and heels.  

An additional reason why I like Anthropologie is that they have an excellent return policy.  There is actually no time limit for when you can return, as long as the item is unworn.  With your receipt, you'll always get your money back (versus store credit).

ANTHROPOLOGIE: DON'T BUY

Don't buy items full price if you cannot determine what is driving the cost up so high.  An intricately beaded shirt, yes, should cost more.  The plain cotton "Artful Layering Tank" for example, should not cost $38.  In fact, stay away entirely from the "Basic Layers" category.  Please, buy your basic layers at Target or Old Navy.

FINAL TIP
If you  pay frequent visits to the store, you'll find that every so often, sale items are an extra 25% off... a true shopping victory!

Bergdorf's Shoes About Town

Here's your next fashion/social media tid-bit. Bergdorf Goodman's blog, 5th/58th, has just launched the coolest online initiative for shoe-lovers everywhere!

Shoes About Town is an interactive map of Manhattan that features user-uploaded Instagram photos of women's shoes at "their" favorite locales. Examples so far include a pair of Chanel booties at LADURÉE* on Madison Avenue and Jimmy Choo platforms spending time on the Highline.  When users upload their photos via Instagram, the geo-locator is used to assign the proper location of the shoes to the map.

My next project: add a photo of my Louboutins hanging out in Soho. Where do you and your shoes hang out?

If you are big into designer shoes, and don't mind tantalizing yourself a bit, you can also download Bergdorf's iPhone app, "Today's Shoe."  Every day users are sent a new pair of shoes, from the store's collection of very-high-end designers like Brian Atwood, Lanvin, Christian Louboutin and Miu Miu, to name a few.  [Lucky people who don't need to to pay rent] can click to buy straight from the app. Brace yourselves, prices start at about $400 and don't stop at the $1,000 mark!  Perhaps just for inspiration...

*If there's one thing you can afford to buy from this post, it's a macaron from LADURÉE!  This famous French store from the Champs-Elysées in Paris has just opened it's first U.S. location at 864 Madison Avenue near 70th Street.  Stop by for a macaron in one of the unbelievable and imaginative flavors offered, such as Madagascar chocolate, Black Forest Cherry or Caramel with Salted Butter.  It won't enhance your wardrobe, but it will be French and fabulous.  Enjoy!

Luxury Must be Comfortable

Coco Chanel once said, “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it isn’t luxury.”  She has a point.  

Although we all can't always run around in head-to-toe Chanel (or similarly luxurious labels), comfort should still be a priority.  This does not mean that I'm giving you the "okay" to run around in sandals with socks and a hoodie!  But, I don't think anyone wins if you're fashion decisions leave you bleeding or bruised.  What's the point of looking fabulous if even you can't enjoy it?  There is a happy medium.

On the topic of comfort, I must say that footwear has always caused the most problems and pain for me.  Read on for lessons learned about how to put your best (and comfiest!) foot forward.

Fear of Heights

Figure out what heel height suits you best.  I do very well in about a 4” heel.  I’ve learned that anything taller, no matter how striking the shoe may be, is useless because I basically won’t be able to stand for more than ten minutes.  Gwen Stafani’s brand, L.A.M.B., devastates me because I’m obsessed with her bold, playful footwear but the heels are insanely high.  

If you love height but your feet don’t, look into wedges and platforms.  The overall distance from the ground is higher, but the slant of the arch is less so.  Many wedges can actually be quite versatile. In the summer, wear them with bare legs, but they'll also look awesome during the colder months with tights.  

These have been my go-to wedges this summer.  At $60 from piperlime.com, they were a steal - especially considering I've probably worn them at least twice a week in the three months I've had them. 

Click here for a list of over 100 wedges for under $50 at piperlime.com right now! 

Good, Bad & Ugly

Remember the brands that work for you.  In my FootwearPhilosophies post, I mentioned that I continuously invest in Guess shoes from Bloomingdale’s because they fit my feet perfectly and hold up very well.  I also make note of brands that I’ve had horrible luck with, like Steve Madden – ouch!  This will vary greatly from person to person because everyone's feet are different.  Make mental notes about which shoes feel great all day long, and become at repeat customer of that brand! 

Use Protection

Dr. Scholl has already anticipated every possible shoe-incited foot ailment you could encounter (read: bring upon yourself).  Using those gel pads makes a huge difference!  They can be a little pricey, so I recommend visiting Payless during one of its BoGo sales which seem to occur once every few weeks.  The “buy one, get one half-off” sale also applied to their foot care items which includes a helpful selection.

Bring Flats!

There are a lot of options these days for on-the-go flats that pack up tightly to fit in your handbag or oversized clutch.  I even found these flats in gold, silver and black at the drugstore for only $8.99!  Amazing!

A Slam Dunk

Did you know that Cole Haan was owned by Nike?  Not necessarily an obvious portfolio choice, but one that has led to a life-changing development for comfort-seeking, heel-wearing fashionistas everywhere.  Cole Haan shoes are made with "Nike Air Technology" that give the brand's flats and pumps an extra level of comfort.  Because it’s Cole Haan, everything is of course super cute and classy as well!

For deals, check out DSW, which usually has a number of Cole Haan styles in stock (for both men and women!)

Final Words
There are two last items in my artillery of foot preservation tricks.  First, I always have Band-Aids on me.  I only buy fabric ones because they stick to your skin so much better.  The special blister ones are also a blessing and I highly recommend investing in a box!  Finally, I keep at least one pair of flats at work in case...you never know.

Go forth and be fashionably comfortable!

The Real Deal: Fashion versus Fakes

These days, our lives are filled with fake, especially in terms of personal presentation.  People die their hair, bleach their teeth, inject their lips, spray their tans, etc.   And, sometimes, it’s okay to fake it.

However, sometimes it’s best to stick with the real thing.  I’m talking about knock-off handbags and other counterfeit designer items.  Of course I understand the appeal of buying the new celebrity “it” bag for one zillionth of the actual price.  But see the list below of reasons why you should steer clear of Canal Street and other fake fashion sellers.

Reason #1

It’s illegal!  Doh.

Reason #2

If you are a true lover of fashion, your interests will lie with top quality products coming straight from the real designers.  Counterfeit bags are usually poorly made and are also usually pretty recognizably fake to others. All too often I see cheap-looking bags with interlocking G’s – the way fake bag makers combine Coach with Gucci.  Ugh, not cute.

Reason #3

The fashion industry is about creativity and originality.  Counterfeiters mess with this process by replicating goods that have been created by someone else.  Think about it – not cool!  This is a huge problem with global high fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Burberry, of course, but think about how it affects young designers who don’t have the resources of a billion dollar brand to fight for their designs.  

Reason #4

Are you really saving money?  First of all, counterfeits are usually very cheaply made.  This brings us back to the question of price and value; if something breaks after a few uses, is it even worth the cheap price you paid?  Also consider that the government loses millions of dollars of tax revenue to under-the-table counterfeit goods.  We certainly can’t stop the government from collecting taxes, so we surely make this up in other ways.  Finally, the government spends quite a bit of money going after counterfeiters...wouldn't it be nice to put this towards, I don't know, education or health care instead?

Reason #5

A much lesser known but more shocking reason not to buy counterfeit, is that one illegal activity is usually linked to other illegal activities.  The fake fashion goods industry is no exception, with scams having found to be linked to child labor, drug cartels, prostitution, and other criminal activities.

Reason #6

Buying knock-offs undermines the economies of countries developing the goods, like France, Italy and the U.S.  Last time I checked, times were tough, and these countries - the U.S. very much included - are not really in a position to loose out on GDP and forgo tax revenue.  (National debt, anyone?)

I'm hoping that these six reasons are enough to convince you that buying fake just won't do!  Don't worry, though, there are lots of great affordable and real options out there!

What Are Your Options?

If you want a new bag, but can’t afford Fendi and Prada, get a real bag in a lower price category!  There are so many handbag brands that make options in the $350 - $500 range.  Some of my favorites are Marc byMarc Jacobs, Rebecca Minkoff and Cole Haan.

If you’re dying for the crème de la crème, save up!  Take a look at your budget, and see how much you could put away on a monthly basis (click here for more info).  If you could squeeze in $50 per month, you’ll have $600 in one year.  Instead of buying new, visit online discount retailers like BlueFly.com or check out vintage resellers on eBay.com.  One of my best finds ever was this vintage red leather Fendi clutch for $125!  Let me know if you can find a Fendi clutch these days for less than about $1,000.

The steals are out there, and you don't need to go fake to get an amazing handbag (or dress, or belt, etc.).   A few more ideas to look before you go: overstock retailers like Marshall's, T.J. Maxx and Filene's Basement and of course my go-to, consignment stores!  Shop away!

New Store on the Block: Aritzia

There's a new store on Broadway in Soho, called Aritzia.  Haven't heard of it?  Me either!  When new chain stores come to town, I usually have heard of them before and am anticipating their arrival - as with H&M, Zara, Top Shop, etc.

When stores come over from Europe, I believe New York City is usually their first stop along the way.  Not the case here.  Aritzia is from Canada!  The store has already opened in a number of U.S. cities including (unsurprisingly), Chicago, San Francisco and Portland.

Overview

The store seems to be the offspring of Anthropologie and Abercrombie.  The clothing was largely soft, "drapey," cotton pieces mixed in with a large number of basics and a few plaids, chunky sweaters and cargo jackets. I was not enthusiastic about the prices, which were at about a Banana Republic level - with no sales that I could see.  Although I'm not feeling exceptionally impressed after my first walk-through, I did find a few notable items:

My Favorites

I love animal prints.  These warm weather accessories are amazing!  The hats ($25) are reversible, with a solid color on the inside.  The mittens ($18) make the set absolutely irresistible to me!

Other Picks

The items that caught my eye were intimates and accessories.  Aritzia has a number of special bras that are perfect for layering and coming to the rescue in difficult strap situations.  The first collection is lacy, and comes in several colors and neutrals.  These are actually amazing because they are essentially intimates that can be (partially) shown without looking cheap. They are great under a sheer blouse, or peeking out from a strapless one.  I recommend a black and neutral one for everyone...plus a favorite color.

The second collection was plain, and came in mostly neutrals. These are great  to wear in place of a regular strapless bra, or even over one - for better support and more seamless layering.  They are suuuper comfy too!

Both sets were reasonably priced at $25 and $22 each, respectively. Although not blown away by Aritzia, my random talent of always being able to find something to buy has held up.  I will stop by again in the coming months to see if new goodies catch my eye!

Michael Kors is All That: Part II

Reason #2:

His New Blog

I am proud to say that my love affair with Michael Kors began long before he became a household name, through his role on Project Runway alongside Heidi Klum.  I noticed his classic, classy clothing and accessories years ago and quickly became a convert (At Filene's, in Boston, before Macy's devoured my former favorite department store).  These days, Michael Kors runs a veritable fashion empire, with three separate lines, stores in 58 countries, and a huge product offering that now includes jewelry (see post "Part I").

A few weeks ago, to top it all off, Kors launched a travel blog called Destination Kors.  The blog is fantastic, with links to the Michael Kors Kors YouTube channel, photos of each look from his new collection, pictures and blurbs from his "Travel Diary" and more. I especially love the Weekly Style Tip and the street style photo roll, "How do You Wear MK?"  This fantastic blog was clearly the next move in what has been a career full of growth and success: 

About Michael Kors

Michael Kors now has a whopping 83 "lifestyle" stores in the United States, that carry his Michael Kors, MICHAEL Michael Kors and KORS lines of ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories.  This is not even including the countless specialty and department stores that carry Michael Kors, or outlets.  Michael, Michael, everywhere!

You know a designer has made it big when the Council of Fashion Designers of America presents them with one of its annual awards.  Last year, in 2010, Kors won the CFDA's Lifetime Acheivement Award, an incredibly prestigious honor whose past recipients include Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, Diane von Furstenberg and Caroline Herrera.  The Lifetime Acheivement Award is presented to designers who have offered a "lifetime" of consistent, creative influence and dedication to fashion.  At 50, Kors is the youngest ever to win.  I love how each winner brings something different to the fashion forefront.  As far as Michael Kors' contribution, I will always adore his simple, structured handbags, modern women's wear and affordable/beautiful watches.

For Value-Seekers
For economically-minded shoppers, the MICHAEL Michael Kors line of handbags especially offers incredible value.  Full sized bags range from $178 (totes) to $498 (satchels), with a selection of clutches and cross-body bags for between $68 and $198.  My favorite picks for this fall are the Small Saddle Messenger Bag in Peanut ($198), perfect for roaming around on the weekends, and the top-handled "Margo," in Luggage, soo amazing for a polished professional look.  An MK bag, given the proper care, can be used for a lifetime!  For the best deals, monitor sales at department stores where Michael Kors is sold. 

Michael Kors is All That: Part I

Reason #1:
His new jewelry line!

Jewelry can be tricky.  Cheap jewelry breaks or turns your skin green, and expensive jewelry is, well, expensive.  I think it's important with every element of fashion to mix high- and low-end items, but this category proves to be especially difficult because a mid-level product selection has been hard to find, in my experience.

Michael Kors has solved this problem for me with his amazing new line of jewelry, which includes rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets in both gold and silver.  Prices fall largely between $45 - $195, with a handful of more expensive items.

The reason why this line of jewelry is awesome is the same reason why Michael Kors in general is awesome: he offers simple, beautiful things at great prices.

I especially find these two rings to be fabulous: Silver Buckle Ring ($45) and Golden Chain Ring ($55).

The line is also carried at Bloomingdale's, so if you're looking for an even better deal, watch the sales and use your Bloomie's card to be eligible for greater discounts.

One note to say that I do wish there was a bit less logo with some of the pieces, but if you stick with the subtle and classy ones (no big "MK's"), you'll do wonderfully in my book!

Retail Store Credit Cards

Caution, shoppers!  Retail store credit cards, just like regular credit cards, can lead to a giant, sticky financial mess.  But if you can carefully evaluate your options and take into account your shopping preferences and the level of benefits offered, you can save.  I don’t have the resources to provide a thorough analysis of all store credit cards offered and the pluses and minuses of each (though a Google search will yield great results), but I can walk through my own store card history to offer some insights.

Past

Over the years, I’ve had a number of store credit cards.  My first two were Express and Victoria’s Secret.  I don’t regret opening either; I was probably 18 when I opened both of them and they helped me build my credit score, which is very important!  My parents raised me to be responsible with my money, so I only ever bought what I could afford and paid my bill in full and on time.

My tastes have changed, of course, and I don’t have either card anymore.  I haven’t shopped at Express for years, so that was the first to go.  For those of you that haven’t read up on your credit 411, cards will automatically shut themselves down if they go unused for a few years.  Click here for more tips on how to maintain a good credit score.  Your best bet is to cut up the card, monitor the account to avoid fraudulent use, and wait.  Unfortunately, it actually costs you points on your credit report to call and close them, so if you can wait, do it.  As for the Victoria’s Secret card – yes, I do buy underthings – but I don’t shop the store’s catalog extensively, as some of my friends do, and didn’t see the point, so I put that card away years ago as well to close on its own.

Present

Currently, I have two store credit cards – Bloomingdale’s and Old Navy.  I know, they see to be on pretty opposite ends of the spectrum, but both offer amazing benefits and I use them all the time!

I opened my Bloomingdale’s card during the summer of 2006, on a trip to New York City, while I was still an undergraduate student in Boston.  I was at the 59^th Street flagship location with a friend in the Marc Jacobs designer handbag shop.  Bloomingdale’s always offers 10% off your purchases for the day that you open your card; but, during certain sales, they offer up to 15% or even 20%!  I spotted this awesomely enormous, luggage brown bag that was marked down.  With my new card discount, I paid just over $400 – a steal for a $1,000+ designer bag.  This bag has been a staple for my wardrobe, and the credit card has been a staple for my shopping!

Bloomingdale’s cardholders receive a number of great benefits:
*Free shipping on online orders of $150 or more, all the time
*Additional discounts during "Private Sale," for cardholders only
*A point system with rewards certificates that can be used like cash
*Membership in the "Shoe Club" with 25% off a full-priced pair of shoes for every five pairs that you buy
*Advanced access to sale items through "pre-sale"
*And more!

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I opened my Old Navy card two years ago.  I had used a friend’s card before (thanks, C!) and already knew how great the discounts and rewards were.  Sometimes I really wonder how Old Navy makes any money because their products are so inexpensive to begin with and my card offers additional discounts!  Old Navy also has a reward points program, and I love redeeming the $10 certificates that I receive in the mail.  Also, twice a year the "Stuff and Save" sale offers cardholders 30% off the entire store! 

Another great benefit is that I can use my Old Navy card at Gap, Banana Republic and Piperlime.com as well, since they are the same company.  Every Tuesday, I can receive an additional 10% off purchases at any of the four stores!

Future

My tastes and shopping preferences will surely change as they have so far, so down the road I will likely open new accounts or close the ones I have.  No matter what, I will always keep in check the number of total accounts I have open and only ever go for ones that provide top notch benefits!