Notes of a shopaholic

Saturday, February 15, 2003:

Emperor Xervandian of Zarvox, the 18th planet in the Klaator-Na quadrant: Shopaholic.
Steven Sherman // 5:11 PM

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According to the current issue of Vogue, some men are wearing women's jeans for the sexy, body-conscious fit. Shopaholic here goes on record in support of any trend that extends men's clothing options. However, in practice, women's jeans leave very little room in the crotch, which really limits things for some of us.
Steven Sherman // 4:44 PM

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Friday, February 14, 2003:

Another Ebay purchase tonight--a Donna Karan New York (top line) blazer for 8$. In other words, about 98% off retail price (slightly worn, slightly (1/4 inch hole) damaged). I've said it before--something doesn't quite seem right about Ebay. This jacket should be able to fetch at least $60 or so at a consignment store in a reasonably big city.
Steven Sherman // 8:34 PM

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Wednesday, February 12, 2003:

Fashion Week is a big deal in the business, but its not always easy for a shopaholic to work up all that much excitement. Pictures from the runways all kind of look the same. And the clothes don't have pricetags on them, which really takes away a lot. And anything you like won't be in the stores for about six months, and probably won't be on sale for another five. Perhaps samples will show up on EBay?

The Prada shirt came today. A wonderful stretch woven pattern, but a little tight around my love handles, leading to agonizing questions about whether to plow ahead and wear it or try to resell it on Ebay.

Scored a pair of DKNY red nylon pants on Ebay today for $25 including delivery. Fortunately, I pretty much know how DKNY stuff fits.
Steven Sherman // 6:19 PM

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Tuesday, February 11, 2003:

From Marilyn Kirschner's report on New York Fashion week, a "nice surprise:William Barrett's Blue Khaki launch: real clothes for real men- chic, elegant, and luxurious". Hope it get's sold beyond a couple of boutiques in NYC. full link.

Snagged a brown stripe shirt with a solid pocket from UrbanEvolution.com for $30 (plus tax and shipping comes to $39 (ouch)). I know I said I would spend less this month, but I am avoiding anything splurgy, and I really needed one more sporty shirt for spring.
Steven Sherman // 2:47 PM

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Monday, February 10, 2003:

Its always nice to encounter a someone selling Prada on EBay whose... completely insane: THIS IS AN AUTHENTIC PAIR OF PRADA MENS LIGHT WEIGHT BROWN COTTON PANTS. MEASUREMENTS ARE WAIST34" INSEAM33" LENGTH41" (FROM WAIST TO ANKLE). THE PANTS HAVE BLOOD STAINS DOWN THE RIGHT THIGH FROM A FIGHT I WAS IN ONE NIGHT IN DOWNTOWN FLORENCE ITALY, I GOT THE CRAP KICKED OUT OF ME... BUT I ACTUALY WON. SERVES ME RIGHT, TALKING CRAP TO A PROFESSIONAL BOXER. NOT MUCH HE COULD DO THOUGH, ONCE I FINALLY GOT HOLD OF HIM AND TOOK HIM TO THE GROUND. EVER SEE A BLACK BELT TRY TO SPIN KICK FROM A HEADLOCK WITH HIS FACE IN CONCRETE? (I DIDN'T THINK SO). I LIFTED HIM OFF THE GROUND WITH HIS LEGS WRAPPED AROUND MY NECK, AND EVERYONE GASPED AT THE DISPLAY OF MY POWER! SUDDENLY, I DUMPED HIM ONTO THE FLOOR, KNOCKING HIM OUT. BUT THAT IS WHERE THE CONTROVERSY STARTED? AS SOME FELT THAT I ACTUALLY PASSED OUT FROM THE NECK PRESSURE OF HIS TRIANGLE HOLD AND I DROPPED HIM INVOLUNTARILY full link
Steven Sherman // 4:17 PM

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Sunday, February 09, 2003:

Well, I won the Prada shirt I bid $35 on the other day--No regrets: as I recommended, never bid on an item for more than you are willing to spend. This'll be my first piece of Prada. I've often had mixed feelings about the empire Muccia has created. On the one hand, its pretty cool stuff, definitely a contemporary attitude. On the other, its a little caught up in the politics of status and celebrity clients for my taste. But $35 doesn't seem an unreasonable price for a taste. Hope it fits!
Steven Sherman // 7:20 PM

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Wandering around the mall today, I realized just how much Ebay has changed my perspective on shopping. At prices competitive with Banana Republic, you can find stuff from the most cutting edge designers. Furthermore, you see new stuff practically every day. In such circumstances, its hard to get excited about dropping $30 on another stupid cotton crewneck from BR.
Steven Sherman // 2:58 PM

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One cheer for Express: In its effort to get its Structure stores (now known as Express for men) back on track, Limited has started an advertising campaign with slogans like 'Broker by day/Hot commodity by night'. A fairly obvious rip-off of the Bacardi ads of the last couple years. Still, it takes some guts to focus on selling men clothing to go out at night in. For most men, the concept of dressing for 'night' doesn't exist. Go to almost any bar, and you'll see men wearing the usual Dockers and plaid polo shirts. Express' idea of dressing for night includes relatively outrageous tops, with embroidery and things. More cautious with pants, perhaps a completely lost cause. I admire Express' efforts, particularly since they don't seem to be intent on dressing men in some variation on contemporary teenage looks. If they'd improve the quality of their stuff a little, I'd give em two cheers.
Steven Sherman // 8:40 AM

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