The best thing about shopping in New York:
isn't the massive flea markets on Saturdays, where you can buy anything from antique-Afghani-handmade carpets to someone's Grandma's old pearl necklace;
nor the jaw-dropping boutiques on 5th Avenue, with their jaw-dropping prices;
not even the crazy shop owners on Canal Street with their crazy cheap bargains, "I give you this, $5.00"!;
and certainly, not the plethora of Diamond Jewellery shops in the Diamond District, where you can drag a nervous looking better half...
Nope. The best thing about shopping is the beautiful, beautiful, lovely and independant shops hidden away in the nooks and crannies of the City, in places like Mott Street, where you disappear into a forgotten world as soon as you close the shop door after you. Lil' Shops in New York are therapeautic for the senses. Easy on the eyes, welcoming to the touch, inviting with their smells and enticing with their sounds.
Here's to New York and the lovely memories...
Wikipedia describes "Retail Therapy" as, "shopping with the primary purpose of improving the buyer's mood or disposition." To me, this includes: The Hunt, The Chase, The Discovery and then, depending on how the shopping has gone: The Bargain and then The Acquisition. This is what I like to call, "The Art of Shopping"
- The Hunt: This is when you know you want something. It doesn't have to be a specific item, just a desire to have anything new.
- The Chase: After you realize what it is you are lacking, ie. a pair of white oxfords, you begin your incessant search, catered to your own needs: price range, distance, how well the item matches the one in your head.
- The Discovery: Although, this is rare, it is so worth it. When you find that item that is perfect...It was made for you! It's a divine intervention, because only the Fashion Gods could have designed a match so perfect...You and Your Shoes. The ONEs.
- The Bargain: The cherry on the sundae. 'Cause let's face it, we'd all love that Birkin bag, but we all can't have it.
- The Acquisition: Nirvana. You have the shoes! Wear them!
And so, this is The Art of Shopping. Now, a lot of times, The Acquistion phase fails us. But, only true addicts of Retail Therapy know not to be deterred by this. They know that the Thrill of The Chase is half the fun, anyway.
Besides, there's always Window Shopping.
With black being in all the collections for fall '08, I am delighted to see designers throw in a little twist with the colored tights. Having recently moved to England from America, I've realized there's no such thing as "four seasons", well maybe, if you count: rain, wind, fog and a quick peek from Mr. Sun, as four seasons. It's such a relief to throw on a cute pair of leggings, not only to add that splash of fun color but to also keep me warm! Who says looking good should be painful?
Victor & Rolf stick to deep and dark hues.
I've always loved black and red together but, it seems so obvious and a little young. Seeing the combination on the runways really revives the look.
Betsy Johnson, I love her fun, eclectic and somewhat kitsch style. However, I always feel like she puts just a little too much of herself into her collection, so you end up feeling like you borrowed something out of her wardrobe, I like to feel like I have my own style, within a style. Still, I like her funky combinations and the ankle socks with tights. Very cute.
It's simple...I have a lot of opinions. I like to talk about these opinions and share them with anyone willing to follow whatever terrain of thought I've decided to wander along [see what I did there?].
Another thing about me is, I'm obsessed with pop culture and critiquing everyone and anyone who decided to step into the lime light of the papparazzis flashing cameras. I've realized that I have a lot to say about the clothes fashionistas decided to wear, the shows designers put on, and the generally crazy antics the celebs get upto.
Miraculously, I've found a simple way to combine all these "interests"...by blogging! Thank you, internets!
So let's get things started...and need I remind you all...
All great things start with a wish or two. Maybe three. Heck, who's counting. When it comes to fashion, my eyes are indeed bigger than my wallet. Luckily, right now, we're talking about wishing and wishes don't cost a thing.
Unless, you've got eBay.
What a wonderful way to make every wish come true with just one click. Bipidee, Bopidee, Boo!
Right now, I'm wishing for Alexander McQueen's Ready to Wear Fall '08 collection.
The looks are every kind of fierce and speaking of Fierce, I totally see where
Christian Sirano(Winner-Project Runway Season 4) got his inspiration for NY Fashion Week show! He seriously is (kind of) a big deal.
Left:Christian Siriano's Project Runway4 Finale Collection. Right: Alexander McQueen Ready to Wear Fall '08
Some would say the dresses are to die for, especially cause they define morbid. I love the black with white, it's so obvious yet, well done. The looks are begging for some Edgar Allen Poe.
I am now in need of a lovely black dress or two... although, not a LBD...everything about fall seems to be big, big and BIG.