So I did a little shopping this week. I probably shouldn’t have but sometimes, I can’t resist. Good thing I’m super cheap because nothing I bought cost over $30.
I figured I would spread my frugality and give you a peak at some cool things that I’ve bought/ seen / heard.
H&M fluorescent peep toe flats, $12 – They almost burned holes in my eyeballs, and I fell in love. I was looking for girly summer shoes and these are the girliest and most summery. Epic win.
After spending a couple days in Boston, and from past trips across the border, I’ve noticed a distinct difference in customer service, and this bothers me.
Of course there are some retail outlets in Canada that have exceptional service but not many. In the U.S. it seems to be a norm.
In a study by the Manton Group, Canadian companies were rated in terms of customer service, and scored on average around 40%. Not so great. For a people stereotypically known for being friendly and polite, this doesn’t reflect well on our image.
If we’re speaking anecdotally, I went to a retail store in Boston, and tried on a pair of pants. I happened to say that they were a tad bit wrinkly and hence could not see if they fit well. As soon as this was said, a sales associate jumps up and offers to steam them for me. Keep in mind too that this pair of pants was on the sale rack so commission was not too high on the item. And what if I didn’t buy them? They risked no sales to steam my pants. Even if they were obligated by the rules and regulations of said clothing store, it’s still more than I’ve experienced in Toronto.
Shopping in Toronto, I’ve been in and out of stores without a simple greeting from store staff. Most are too busy trying to make their daily quota in sales that they don’t bother to go above and beyond to retain customers. Though not beneficial initially, customer retention is what increases sales in the long run. What should be awarded is sales associates who foster repeat customers.
I’m important, damnit!
For your viewing pleasure, the talented folks at Improv Everywhere. Perhaps they’ll show up in a busy mall on good ‘ole b-day?
This is a piece I wrote for l’ecole on shopping vintage for the first time. For those of you who are vintage virgins, it may be helpful 🙂
Worn out. Smelly. Old Fashioned. Unwanted. Used clothing tends to have a stigma attached to it. Some women won’t be caught dead in a vintage depot and others have an inkling of curiosity but do not know where to start.
Let’s clear the air about shopping for vintage clothing. Throw away your prejudice of the pre-loved and embrace the past!
Fashion moves in a cyclical motion. Although decades past had distinct style staples, they were all influenced by previous designs. The re-emergence of past trends like biker jackets and acid wash jeans, oversized blazers and leggings makes it clear that old items still have value and more importantly, fashion credibility.
The key to finding vintage treasures is knowing where to look but huge, often cluttered stores can be intimidating. Where to begin?
The Plan
Patience is a virtue but often it’s not enough. Fashion Blogger for The Katie Girls, Randi Bergman suggests you plan ahead before going to a vintage boutique. “Only go in there for certain items of clothing.” Have a clothing item in mind and a similar piece will stand out once you start looking.
“If you go for something like a dress, it’s all one look, you don’t have to pair things together.” Bergman Says. “Pick out the ones you like, pick out the ones you don’t like. See the colours and the fabric you like and then go from there.” Continue reading
Romi Says 