Notes of a shopaholic

2003-11-13T05:05:00.000-08:00

Off Bluefly, I ordered two more pairs of pants from French Connection (one camel stretch wool blend, the other grey-black velour) and one from Diesel. I've had about enough of French Connection. Their clothes look cheap! The quality of the fabrics is clearly below Banana Republic, although their retail prices are about 40% higher. The Diesel pants are fine. I wished they made more clothes without plastering their logos on everything.

2003-11-13T05:03:00.000-08:00

The New York Times says bold print shirts for men are selling well. This could generate an interesting dynamic. As women have long known, bold patterns don't have much staying power--you wear them a few times and then they start to look tired. Will men actually follow women's strategy and frequently update their wardrobes?

2003-11-04T06:18:00.000-08:00

Oh--I've been lazy about updating. I think the problem is not my own laziness (why would I want to blame that?) but the lack of a fresh shopping option. This season the big news is that J Crew, Brooks Brothers et al are promoting the 'classics.' I'm getting sleepy again.

Last week I ordered a blazer from French Connection off Bluefly. I've always thought French Connection was overpriced for clothes similar in quality (slightly hipper) to Banana Republic. This blazer seemed like a good deal for 79.99 (Bluefly price). As it happens, I would compare the quality to what you would expect from the International Male catalogue. Shoulder pads out to here, kind of yucky material.

I was much happier with an argyle sweater I snagged at Banana Republic for $50. A bit of a rip-off (although it fits nicely)--hopefully it will be marked down further before my ability to get the one time markdown refund ends.

Then I snagged a blazer from Hugo Boss on Ebay for $30 (what makes that especially sweet is that I had credit in my paypal account). Haven't gotten it yet, so can't comment.

2003-10-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

I have a great idea for a TV show: cheap eye for the strapped guy. Shopaholics who pay the full retail price and now face credit card debt would get a rundown on the rules of bargain shopping, like: Daffy's is well worth checking out at the beginning of the season (I found a pair of tweed pants from Block 60 for $40)

Don't underestimate Marshall's (where I found a pair of black wide-wale cordoruys for $30)

Keep an eye out for wearhouse sales (I picked up a pair of wool glen plaid pants for $30 at the Benneton's sale at a nearby Holiday Inn)

Stop at TJ Maxx's frequently (snagged a white sport shirt (I've needed one for ages) from Calvin Klein Jeans for $20)

And always stop at factory outlets when you're on the road (I picked up a green barn jacket at the Banana Republic Outlet at Concord Mills for $32)

Then our subject would have two months (because you can't bargain shop in a weekend) to makeover their wardrobe with $1,000.

2003-09-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

What's become of my fair city? I don't pay much attention to being 'cool' these days, since I'm 38, and am a little embarassed that I didn't get over trying to be 'cool' before my mid-20s, but still, the idea that a white supremacist has some sort of street cred in NYC makes me a little sick.

2003-09-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

Bluefly has a new look. What do we think? We'd be more impressed if they seriously marked down their mersh, so it doesn't sit around for years, like this sweater.

2003-09-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

I've complained at times about the local OffSaks, but yesterday they had some interesting stuff--some Prada, some Dries Van Noten floral velvet pants (curious how long it will take to move those). I picked up a Calvin Klein cotton blazer (60$ with a coupon I had) and a DKNY knit shirt (19.99)--which sort of shows how being around more interesting, expensive clothes can get you to open your wallet for more ordinary stuff. 1% of proceeds went fight breast cancer, which I guess means I made a contribution of about eighty cents. Not the most impressive fundraiser I've ever seen.

2003-09-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

John Bartlett experiences the 'straight eye for the queer guy.'

2003-09-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

A couple of new links--fabric8.com has lots of independent designers (we like those). Thanks to the happily titled nogoodforme.com

2003-09-13T17:09:00.000-07:00

Excellent article on the difference between the fashion industry and the music industry on the question of trying to privatize creativity (although the fashion industry isn't a saint in this regard). I actually made this point in a letter to the Times about two years ago, which they did not print. Thanks to www.myfashionlife.com for this one.

2003-09-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

Guy Trebay says fashion is no longer cool. I bet you could find an article on this theme every year for the last twenty-five years. Me, I'd settle for some moderately interesting men's clothes.

2003-09-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

Lucky has a guide to shopping for bargains in their new issue (VERY unusual for a fashion magazine) but fortunately they don't mention Yoox. They trying not to encourage a stampede by their readers?

2003-09-07T14:51:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking lately about how much less stuff I seem to get at TJMaxx and Marshalls now that I shop a lot on the internet. Besides, it always seems as if they have very little in the way of brands more interesting than, say, Kenneth Cole or DKNY. So I just stopped in there today for a little look-see, and wound up finding a pair of jeans from Paper Denim and Cloth for 39.99. That's a better price than I've seen on Ebay. Fit well, with a kind of interesting front patch pocket design. Also got a black sweater with a fisherman's collar from Kenneth Cole for 16.99. And a striped stretch shirt from Express for 13.99. Especially since there are no delivery costs (admittedly, there is sales tax) hard to beat those prices on the internet.

2003-09-04T16:36:00.001-07:00

Anyone else find Gucci's baby-as-an-accesory ads annoying?

2003-09-04T16:36:00.000-07:00

Jeez... Looks like I haven't posted for nearly a month. Actually, I could swear I posted something about two weeks ago. Must not have gone through. Been busy with school starting. Not that I've done no shopping--A flashy forest print shirt from H&M ($25), A gray cotton shirt with stripes along the bias by DKNY ($25) from Marshalls, pants ($39) and a shirt ($35) both from Ted Baker, from Bluefly, although I think both may go back (poor Bluefly, I return so much shit to them).

2003-08-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

Check out Bluefly's Blue Sale! For once, really excellent markdowns. I got some Marc Jacobs pants for 39.99, some pants from Theory for 59.99 and a shirt from French Connection for 19.99. And while I fretted over making the purchase before a merchandise credit they owe me has been posted, it turned out the credit was already there.

2003-08-12T06:35:00.000-07:00

Writers are putting a lot of energy into pondering the significance of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Its a makeover show, people.

2003-08-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

An actual fashion website aimed at men! Not too much yet besides a discussion board, but keep checking back.

2003-08-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

Juicy Couture for men??!! Hmmm... Okay, I guess, as long as they don't inscribe 'juicy' across men's butts.

2003-08-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Is this any way to introduce mainstream Americans to the complexities of pronouncing the name Gigli?

2003-07-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

Can't say it's the most burning issue in the world, but does our president wear two for two hundred dollar suits from Today's Man?

2003-07-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

My free shipping order from Bluefly arrived. And it's a good thing it was free shipping, because its all going back. The Ben Sherman 'vintage-cut' shirt is too tight, the white French connection pants too white, and the Diesel plaid pants... For one thing, they fit around the hips, which kind of annoys me. But more importantly, the plaids don't match. To me, this looks cheap, and undermines the effect of the pattern. Don't you dare try to tell me 'it's supposed to be like that'. The simple fact is, it costs less to make them that way.

Since free shipping was still on as of Friday, I ordered the Ben Sherman shirt in a larger size, and also these French connection cotton/nylon pants.

2003-07-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

Bluefly has free shipping! Real free shipping, so you won't waste $8 if you want to try stuff on. I couldn't resist this, this, and this. And I'm tempted to pick up more today. Don't forget to enter GIFTBLUE55 at checkout to get 15% off.

2003-07-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

Go India!

2003-07-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I caught Queer Eye. Quite impressive. They do well at making over the straight guys without obliterating their personalities. It will be on NBC this Thursday.

2003-07-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

I was out of town this weekend, and we all know what that means. I picked up a pre-wrinkled shirt at H&M ($25) and an imitation Marc Jacobs jacket at the Gap that I've had my eye on, finally on sale for $30. Turned out when I got home that I unintentionally purchased the medium, rather than the large version of the shirt (H&M runs small) so it'll have to go back.

2003-07-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

A pill for shopaholism? How about a %50 off coupon for Yoox instead?

2003-07-22T06:06:00.000-07:00

What is LOHAS?

Shoppers are telling merchants that stuff in stores all looks the same. Who knew?

2003-07-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

Are malls going the way of the drive-in?

2003-07-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Record ratings for Queer Eye for the Straight Guy on Bravo.

2003-07-16T05:03:00.000-07:00

Supposedly Details is showing a dramatic rise in ad pages sold due to it's 'much awarded redesign and cheeky bisexual content.' I refuse to believe anyone is buying this hideous and unpleasant magazine. Perhaps they have slashed their rates for ads to attract buyers?

2003-07-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

A New York Times reporter spends a day with the five guys from "Gay Eye for the Straight Guy". Always a little tragic to see a free makeover wasted on someone whose never heard of Scoop. I have my doubts about Carson Kressly, whose designated by the show to introduce straight men to better clothing style. All the pictures I've seen suggest he perhaps epitomizes cliches about gay men and fashion a little too well--ascots, embroidered jeans, buckskin shirts, that kind of thing.

I finished Shopaholic Ties the Knot. So I've now read two of the three Sophie Kinsella Shopaholic texts. Although its impressive how everything is resolved in the end, this one doesn't have quite the snap of Confessions of a Shopaholic. Frankly, there isn't enough shopping.

I purchased another pair of shoes over the weekend, a dark brown pair of thin loafers from Reaction for just $40. Although--I only noticed this after I got them home--when did they stop making stuff in Italy? Anyway, they're nice shoes, great price, why am I complaining?

2003-07-12T05:38:00.000-07:00

R.I.P. Dead malls. Thanks to Counterpunch for that one.

2003-07-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

Looks like I forgot to mention a khaki v-neck sweater I snagged last weekend at Banana Republic for 18.00 with a discount postcard I got in the mail. A sweater like many others I've owned. Khaki sweaters, like green shirts... Just one of those things I'll probably keep buying over and over.

2003-07-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

A designer outlet mall opens in Italy. But really, between Bluefly, Yoox and Ebay, there's a lot of heavily discounted designer clothes out there so long as you have an internet connection. Aren't there better things to do with your time in Italy?

2003-07-03T19:56:00.000-07:00

The Fourth of July is here, and you know what that means, shopatriots--we've past the hump, and the markdowns should start coming fast and furious on Spring stuff. In that spirit, picked up a pair of jeans at Banana Republic for 19.99.

2003-06-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

I noticed that GQ, in their otherwise highly stimulating fall fashion preview, is advocating trucker hats. What gives? I thought GQ was supposed to be all about the classics, and intelligently integrating contemporary trends. I know they've been trying to get hipper lately, but this just smacks of desperation.

2003-06-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, broke down and purchased a few items from Bluefly yesterday. I hate to wait and then see the stuff gone. Anyway, three different items--this shirt, this shirt (somewhat risky for me--I decided to forego the army green one that I would typically purchase for this deep red), and these pants for a grand total of $91 including shipping. Can't beat that.

2003-06-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

When I saw these Havaianas thongs on Yoox, I was honestly not very impressed. They look like what we called 'flip-flops' when I was a kid, although the 'natural rubber' listed as the material was intriguing. But they've flown off the site--apparently they are this very cool footwear from Brazil. Who knew? Anyway, only a few left.

2003-06-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

At their stores, I always think French Connection is horribly overpriced, but when their stuff shows up at Marshall's or on Bluefly, it can seem like affordable fashion basics.

2003-06-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

Not too much to mention today, but I did want to note that bluefly sent me two coupons with my order: GIFTBLUE44 and GIFTBLUE22 both take 15% off your order, both expire 7/31/03.

2003-06-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

I think that well-dressed, well-groomed guy may be a metrosexual (not that's there's anything wrong with that).

2003-06-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

I was heading up to Northern Virginia on Wednesday, and of course that meant a swing by Potomac Mills. Since I'm kind of broke, I mostly focused on H&M--found a zip-sweatshirt that looks (but doesn't feel) sort of like denim, complete with orange stitching--for $9. Gap should watch its back, or they're going to get run out of business, since the combination of better prices and better styles could be deadly. I'm still conflicted over the Miu Miu jeans I got from Bluefly. They're kind of tight, but with jeans that's not necessarilly a bad thing...

I love these pants from Kenneth Cole. How come more men's companies can't be a little more fun with their designs?

2003-06-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

Is Abercrombie racist? What about Macy's?

2003-06-15T21:38:00.000-07:00

Well, the Diesel jeans arrived, and they are somewhat on the uninspired side. The paint effect isn't very dramatic, nor is the fade, and the embroidery on the back pocket is annoying. They will have to go back. Meanwhile, I blew the remainder of my credit on a pair of Mui Mui low rise-boot cut jeans for 42.50 after SUMMERFLY took 15% off.

2003-06-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

I had a Bluefly credit burning a hole in my computer, so I snagged these jeans from Diesel Stylelab with paint splatter effect for 49.99. Got free shipping with code PRADA42. Belatedly discovered that 'free shipping' means an eight dollar discount off your purchase, not free shipping, so if I have to return them I still get stuck with the shipping cost.

2003-06-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

I throw together some stuff from recent Times features on men's fashion, and am rewarded with the presumed love of my internet audience. Maureen Dowd does same and makes a mid-six figure salary. What's wrong with this picture?

2003-06-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

You can't blame me for the drop in men's clothing sales. I was in NYC this weekend, and although I'm quite broke, I pulled out the credit card for a pair of red Camper-style shoes for $30, and a shirt at Zara for $33. I'm suprised the Spanish chain Zara gets less press than H&M. It offers quite cutting edge stuff for very reasonable prices. A lot of stuff there--including the shirt, which has a floral pattern printed over a plaid--seemed to be influenced by Commes des Garcons. They even had an evening wear selection for men, a concept nearly unheard of in the US. Meanwhile, I must be the only shopper in the US dissappointed that the new Barneys Co-op store in Soho has nothing for men.

2003-06-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

Guy Trebay says fashion-insider Ken dresses all wrong.

2003-05-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

Urban Outfitters now has a website. Which is a good thing, because their stores aren't really all over the place.

2003-05-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

This is kind of cool. Style.com lets you search through collections by designer, accesory, or trend. Women's only.

2003-05-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Another intriguing new show, this one from Bravo: " Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, a new series teaming fashion-conscious gay men with fashion-disaster heterosexuals, will bow in July". Reported on E!online (end of the article, I've reprinted all they had to say).

2003-05-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

The new TLC show, 'what not to wear,' could be fun. $5,000 makeover of the poorly dressed.

2003-05-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

Trucker hats? NO.

2003-05-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I decided to purchase a pair of sandals on sale at J Crew for 39.99. On the positive side, that's more than $60 less than the D&G sandals I've been eyeing on Yoox. On the negative side, this month is steadily drifting toward another $300 fiasco.

2003-05-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

Oh god--I haven't updated in ten days! I didn't say I haven't shopped, just haven't updated. The stuff from J. Crew arrived--loved the coat, which, with two belts--one around the waist, one around the neck--looks like some sort of rip-off of kind-of fetishy stuff from Gucci or Costume National. Only its cotton canvas. Cotton canvas never looks overly fetishy. I wasn't so fond of the batik pants, mostly because of the bland cut. They have gone back.

I finally made it to the new H&M in Potomac Mills. I love H&M, but they can go just a little heavy on the wild-prints-on-cotton-jersey. And they are very big on tunics this season. I have one tunic already, and its not getting out of the drawer much. Anyway, I purchased two short-sleeve button-front shirts--a cotton/polyester army green one (I've had sooo many of these) for $9 (not on sale, incredibly enough), and a striped shirt with diagonal stripes on the placket and pocket for $15.

I also snagged a pair of red-and-white-striped boxer briefs at the Gap for $6. How'd it happen that the Gap is practically the only place selling interesting underwear for men?

And I got five pairs of socks on sale at J Crew for $15.

Yoox is offering free delivery if you enter HAPPYBIRTHDAY@yoox when you check out, and you are a 'myyoox' member. They're also running various specials, like 30% off Roberto Cavalli.

2003-05-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

And one more piece of stressful-final-week shopping--a pair of gray Kenneth Cole stretch pants for 15.00, picked up as I was returning some Kenneth Cole pants from last month.

2003-05-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

Add a navy mock-neck canvas jacket. The old can't-resist-something-marked-down-from-$168-to-$20.

2003-05-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

Millard Drexler's big plan for J Crew is to go more upscale and older. Hmmm. Anyway, the plan is to clear out all this season's merchandise, and you know what that means. Think I'll pick up the batik pants for 14.95.

2003-05-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

Oh, I'm so tired this week. The endless march of grading at the end of the semester. The many mysteries of student minds (why do they hand in assignments for other classes as extra credit? Who do they think they are fooling? But I digress)... Still had some time for shopping. I guess we can consider this 'stress-relief' shopping. I snagged a lemon yellow polo at Banana Republic that came to just $5 with my $15 'reward' card. I also found a pair of Kenneth Cole pants with a kind of interesting seam down the center of the leg on sale for $50. Not so cheap. I've been buying too much lately. Maybe I'll return both pairs of Ted Baker pants--the jeans haven't made it out of my closet yet.

2003-05-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

The summer-footwear dilemma found partial resolution yesterday when I picked up a pair of Steve Madden white loafers for $50 at the SRI shoe Wearhouse. Definitely wearable without socks. Steve Madden seems a shade on the cheap side, but they definitely have some hip designs going on.

2003-05-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

As it was the 1st, the day my Saks coupon went into effect (and why do they mail such bulky coupons? I had to carry mine around while shopping, since it didn't fit into any pockets, and nearly lost it twice), I made it down to the nearby Saks Outlet. A couple minutes in the fitting room made it clear that the irridescent teal cotton-nylon shirt from Theory was the clear winner, superior to a Ben Sherman paisley shirt, a theory tunic, and some of those upscale Levis. With the coupon I thought it would cost $63, but when they rang it up it came to $53, go figure. I have succeeded in resisting any other shopping today, although I noticed a jacket at the Gap that looked very Marc Jacob-y. Will have to keep an eye out for when it is marked down to $30.

2003-04-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

I went to the mall tonight just to get out and about, and found I couldn't resist a frame buckle belt at Banana Republic for 9.99. And a pair of green cotton-linen trousers at J-Crew for $30. I have been wanting a pair of green pants for a while. Anyway, my credit card bill came tonight and its actually quite low. Lots of Yoox returns, plus my Bluefly order was mostly covered by earlier credits. So things don't look so bad. On the other hand, I've been thinking about the month ahead. I could use a pair of sandals (some nice ones on Yoox for $100). And there is a linen/resin coated coat that is now $89 at Banana--it will be $45 with my gift card and a credit I have that's trapped in my car while its being fixed. Plus I would like a pair of sunglasses (approximately $90). Plus there is my purchase tomorrow with my coupon at OffSaks, which will probably be between $40 and $70. So we seem to be looking at another $300 month. Hopefully I can make it back on my much delayed spring-cleaning sale on Ebay, but I have to wonder how this happens.

2003-04-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

Shoptart has another excellent monthly installment at hintmag here. I suppose the key find is the cloven hoof sneakers from Martin Margiela--you definitely won't be mistaken for just another hipster in campers-or-some-variant. But don't miss the new menswear line, ICR vs. Deth Killers, supposedly created by rival motorcycle gangs who stopped fighting and started sewing after 9/11. A much saner response to that tragedy than our president's, I have to say .

2003-04-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

I've been sick all week, just hiding out in my apartment, bored out of my mind. Tonight, sufficiently sick and tired of being sick and tired, I decided to go out and do a bit of shopping. Actually, since I feel as if I've spent about enough this month, it was more in the spirit of a preview for May 1st, when I can use the Saks 30% off coupon. Sadly, the Diesel Stretch jeans have been marked down, and my size is gone with the wind. And much of the stuff from Earl Jeans is gone. There is an interesting white stretch linen/viscose tunic from Theory that would be $70 with the coupon. Also a really cool irridescent shirt, also from Theory, although would I be able to actually fit that into my wardrobe? Or, less expensive, a stretch nylon navy polo from Theory. Or sunglasses from Prada.. Anyway, it was good to be out and about again.

2003-04-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I posted a link to an article suggesting that color was revitalizing retail. So why does Banana Republic's men's selection look like this?

2003-04-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

Woo-Hoo! Off Saks finally sent me a special offer--30% off any one item (excluding dotted and stickered merchandise blah blah blah..) between May 1 and May 4. This is good timing, since I always feel less guilt shopping at the beginning of the month, more as the month winds down (like now). Perhaps the Diesel stretch jeans will still be available? Perhaps they'll have something new, maybe a pair of Miu Miu sandals? (dream on)

2003-04-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

Guy Trebay says color is the new black, and generating interest in stores again.

I got the Ted Baker pants today. The plaid pair is definitely not for the casual wardrobe, as indicated on the site. They are also too tight. The velour jeans look good, although I'm wondering what sort of lint magnet they will turn into (my home is like a lint factory). Why do these jeans fit fine, while dress pants by the same company are too tight? How complicated is sizing? Is there any possible aesthetic logic in trying to trick people into wearing stuff that's too tight?

2003-04-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

Well this is just the must-have of the season.

2003-04-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

Wonderful page of oddities put together by an electrician who works in a thrift store. Best of all, if you're feeling broke, nothing's actually for sale.

2003-04-20T05:44:00.000-07:00

After my first effort to 'win' a diesel t-shirt on Ebay for $15 failed as a result of someone bidding with 3 minutes left (I hate the online auction--its a stupid idea), my second effort scored me the same for $12.50.

2003-04-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Today I purchased two pairs of pants (one cotton gray-green glen plaid, the other velour-effect jeans) from Ted Baker, for a total of $109.80 at Bluefly. I'm always tempted, when placing an order with Bluefly, to get a good deal of stuff to defray the $8 delivery charge. I'm guessing I won't want both--but I'm very curious about 'velour effect' jeans.

2003-04-17T11:19:00.000-07:00

The Moschino Cheap and Chic jacket I purchased on Ebay is too small. How complicated is it to size men's jackets? Why would a Hugo Boss jacket fit so differently--we are not talking about nuances of cut, but dramatic differences in size. This one is going back on Ebay...

2003-04-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

Fashion with a cause: Agent Provocatuer reports that:

Burning Bush

In support of the Anti-War campaign Agent Provocateur collaborated with artists Damian Hirst and Paul Fryer to produce a series of evocative and apocalyptic window displays revealing thoughts and fears on the present war.

In addition our much talked about Bush Knickers are available in stores; the Agent Provocateur signature tie-side with the sentiment ‘The Only Bush I Trust is My Own’ emblazoned across the front.

Join our alliance, we are offering a pair of Bush Knickers to the best letter sharing thoughts on how you would wear your Knickers to raise awareness on this current crisis. Please e-mail bush knickers (enquiries@agentprovocateur.com) before May 1st with your ideas to claim your prize.

One more reason to shop AP, rather than their pale imitators, the sweatshop pimps of Victorias Secret.

2003-04-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

Ties (and logo t-shirts) are the spam of on-line shopping. Bluefly has about five pages of Zegna ties today before you find a few new jackets from Ted Baker. Do people really spend sixty bucks on ties? Why?

2003-04-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

Just doing a little stop by TJMaxx while I'm out thing today, when I came across a really cool DKNY Linen/Nylon blazer, kind of shiny with leather highlights. $80, shoulders would have to be taken in a little... More a Marc Jacobs or Dolce and Gabbana rip off than a Prada rip off, like 99% of their stuff. I was sorely tempted.

2003-04-11T21:26:00.000-07:00

Careful what you bid for, you just might win. That's what I always say about Ebay. When I purchased some stuff at the vintage store yesterday, I figured that I wouldn't win the Moschino Cheap and Chic Blazer I had a $50 max bid on. Surprise, surprise, guess who had the winning bid of $41? Things will be balanced out if someone would just pick up this Prada shirt for $35. Its really a nice shirt. A bargain.. What are you fools waiting for??!!

2003-04-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

I stopped by a little vintage store I've been hearing good things about today. Quite an impressive selection, albeit awfully cluttered. Sort of looked like walking into a Marc Jacobs showroom--I mean when you see a lot of vintage clothes, you realize just how much his look owes to them. Since I can't afford to pay $199 for striped pants by Dolce & Gabbana on Bluefly, I snagged a pair for $10 at this store. Also picked up a plaid blazer thats more ultra-prep than used car salesman for $12. A little boxy, but I could taper it. someday.

2003-04-09T16:45:00.000-07:00

Whose clearance rack did Bluefly clean out? Really cool stuff from Dolce, like these awesome striped pants , Marc Jacobs, Neil Barrett...

2003-04-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

Trina Turk is the kind of small, casual designer we need more of. She now has a men's line including lots of colorful print blazers (not the sort of thing American companies often offer to men) and shorts that might actually look good, but its available exclusively at her Palm Springs boutique :(. Check it out here.

2003-04-06T05:23:00.000-07:00

I've been doing some spring cleaning clearing out of my closet this weekend. It can be an anxiety producing experience filled with regret--what did I ever see in that shirt? How many times did I even where those pants? I have A LOT of stuff from Banana Republic--have they really changed for the worse, or have I?

2003-04-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

I was out in Greensboro, where I work, for a book sale this morning. I don't usually have time during the week to poke around the shopping locales, but I figured while I was out there... First up was SRI shoe warehouse, which had a really excellent pair of Robert Wayne sort-of-ankle-boots in the distressed leather I like so much for $60. I was very torn, because I liked them a lot, but had no plans to buy anything of the sort. So I decided to hold off for a week. Then at the mall, Dillard's had a heavily reduced rack, including a pair of Kenneth Cole pinstripe rayon/polyester trousers. Plus a Ralph Lauren v-neck alpaca/wool (fairly lightweight) houndstooth sweater that looked really good for $35. It reminded me a little, strangely enough, of Martin Margiela, as did a cardigan with leather patches they had at the Ralph Lauren warehouse sale. Not the first designer I would think would influence the folks at Polo. I picked up the pants, but when I got home I decided they're a little too tight around the waist, especially when I sit down. So they'll have to go back. I might yet pick up the sweater, which I only passed on because I won't be able to wear it for about six months.

2003-04-05T05:09:00.000-08:00

From the New York Times this morning:

Calvin Klein Seeking Substance-Abuse Help
By CATHY HORYN

he fashion designer Calvin Klein said yesterday that he was seeking professional help for substance abuse, nearly two weeks after his erratic behavior during a Knicks basketball game at Madison Square Garden briefly forced a halt in play.

The incident, in which Mr. Klein seemed to try to engage Latrell Sprewell in conversation as the Knicks player was about to throw the ball in-bounds, raised questions about the designer's health and his role in his company.

Since the episode, captured by newspaper photographers and television cameras, the fashion industry has been buzzing with speculation about Mr. Klein's health and whether it would have an impact on sales of his apparel, home furnishings and many other products.

"Something like this creates a lot of damage for a designer because people don't respect that kind of behavior," said Kal Ruttenstein, the fashion director of Bloomingdale's. "I see damage because Calvin opened his first in-store boutique at Bloomingdale's and customers know him from personal appearances. I see damage on all levels, from underwear to ready-to-wear."

A number of analysts said they saw little long-term damage to the Calvin Klein sales. "What he did at the Knicks game was really harmless and a little embarrassing, but it doesn't take away from the clout of the Calvin Klein label," said Jennifer Black, an analyst for Wells Fargo Securities. "I think it's positive that he's getting help — that's what people want to know."

It is an interesting question--would you trust a guy who talks to Latrell Sprewell during a game to make your underwear?

2003-04-05T04:13:00.000-08:00

Belated Monthly totals for March:

Marrio Matteo plaid blazer (Yoox.com): $78 (returned)
Gigli tweed overcoat (Yoox.com): $78

Romeo Gigli Apple green cotton pants (yoox.com): $42 (returned)
Block 60 plaid pants (Yoox.com) $23 (returned)
Diesel gray pants (yoox.com) $22. (will sell on Ebay)

Marrio Matteo Tweed Blazer (Yoox.com) $78 (returned)
Block 60 Plaid pants (Yoox.com) $23
Earl jeans black jeans $60
Donna Karan New York tweed blazer $75

Marc Jacobs style vintage shirt $15

Polo Ralph Lauren Striped wool cardigan $50

Monthly total (stuff not returned or to be sold on Ebay): $300 (yet again, ouch!!)

Yoox has obviously captured my interest, and, for now, more or less marginalizes brick-and-mortar stores.

My new orders from Bluefly and Yoox came yesterday. Everything looks good. My summer wardrobe is just about complete. Which kind of sucks, since as a shopaholic, the pleasure is in frequent shopping, not definitively putting everything together. I suppose somehow I'll determine something else I need.

2003-04-02T18:40:00.000-08:00

After about seven phone calls, and two or three e-mails, my order with Urban Evolution has finally been resolved. They are out of the item I ordered. If anyone owns a store out there, can I make a suggestion--don't start selling stuff on the web unless you are fully prepared to promptly deal with customer queries. Better to avoid it altogether than generate negative feelings among potential shoppers at your brick-and-mortar store and future web-shoppers.

2003-04-02T16:37:00.000-08:00

The New York Times has an article on the big fashion sweatsuit trend, saying it will replace denim as the key fashion casual. I don't know. Before it was a big fashion trend, denim always looked pretty good. But I can't say the same about sweatsuits. Some of my students have been trying the fashion sweats look. Can't say for sure, but I suspect they are wearing the Guess or Old Navy imitation rather than real Juicy Couture. Even with that caveat, I remain skeptical of the look. These young women too easily blend in with their classmates who aren't making any effort and are just wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt. Old standbys, like black slacks and a button-front blouse, a tank top with a skirt, or a dress work much better (even when obviously pretty inexpensive clothes) at looking well-put together. Perhaps I should announce this in class.

2003-04-02T16:31:00.000-08:00

Didn't notice these D&G shoes when I was shopping on Yoox yesterday (just log into on another window, and the link will work fine). Its pretty unusual to ever see men's shoes made of anything besides leather, suede, or canvas. Will have to think about it, especially if some of the purchases yesterday don't work out.

2003-04-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

As I said, I was aching to do some shopping once April began, so in addition to my Bluefly order I put in an order with Yoox: A diesel t-shirt (at $28, pretty much the same price its getting on EBay), Diesel linen-cotton sky blue pants ($53), and a striped long sleeve shirt from B.Sbee, a company I'm totally unfamiliar with. Total was $125 dollars.

2003-04-01T06:19:00.000-08:00

Looks like some of Bluefly's buyers have been shopping in interesting places. This morning on the men's side they have a whole mess of interesting stuff from, among others, Michael Kors, Martin Margiela, and Costume National. I still just wound up purchasing the charcoal sharkskin Theory pants I've had my eye on for a while. But I really like the Miu Miu belts.

Two points about shopping on Bluefly this morning: SAVE20 got me 20% off, and when exactly did they raise their delivery charges to $7.95 per shipment?

2003-03-31T19:44:00.000-08:00

Yoox now has a promo section for people who register and click on myyoox... Looks like today's special is 10% off leather. More interesting stuff on the women's side than the men's--I especially like this top by pinko, which has a real 'they can do that with leather?' quality to it.

2003-03-31T14:33:00.000-08:00

Faithful readers of this blog may have noticed that my posting has been more erratic lately. Like everyone, I've been a little preoccupied with the war. Not to put too fine a point on it, I'm against it. But I don't believe a war is cause for excessive somberness, austerity, etc. On some level I think if American men would learn to worry about their looks and the pleasures of new clothes, they'd be less prone to working themselves into a psychological frenzy about kicking some butt (vicariously, of course, watching on CNN, no one is actually rushing to volunteer to hang out in some desert and get shot at). So long story short, I have still followed my favorite web sites closely, and plan to make some purchase or purchases tomorrow (it being the first of the month, and I decided a couple of weeks ago I'd spent enough for March already).

Looks like Yoox is down today. Grrr. And I still haven't gotten the shirt I ordered from Urban Evolution over a month ago. Double Grrr.

2003-03-27T18:31:00.000-08:00

Readers of this blog may recall me whining about how complicated the Yoox return process. Today I got emails from them confirming my returns, and I have to say--quite prompt. I think they were faster than Bluefly.

2003-03-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

I'm a little skeptical of the designer sneaker trend, but these trainers from Duffer of St George are cute...

2003-03-20T19:12:00.000-08:00

Got a cute catalog from a home design company I hadn't heard of West Elm. Very zen modern, and excellent prices (frex, a totally cool low sofa for $699, really interesting pillow covers for $19 to $24...). Basically cooler than Crate and Barrel. Unfortunately, it looks like they don't have online shopping, but you can order a catalog through their website.

2003-03-19T19:51:00.000-08:00

Shoptart at Hintmag calls our attention to Aloharag, a Hawaii based online store with Martin Margiela stuff, among others (albeit not at discounts).

2003-03-19T18:31:00.000-08:00

Apparently Benetton is planning to embed impossible-to-remove radio chips in their clothing!

2003-03-19T18:27:00.000-08:00

I picked up the aforementioned Ralph Lauren striped cardigan (which has a little bit of Marc Jacobs flavor) for 50$ at the nearby Ralph Lauren Warehouse sale, which has quite the selection of excellent sweaters... Got rearended on the way down there. Trunk taillights, totaled. But shopping takes its toll...

2003-03-18T09:46:00.000-08:00

Bluefly's finally got some interesting new stuff this morning--including a windbreaker from Helmut Lang and a corduroy peacoat from Theory.

2003-03-14T10:02:00.000-08:00

Readers of this blog know that lately I have been raving about Yoox.com, the Italy based discount designer site. Today I have been putting together some returns to them--and here we can see some of their limitations. To return items, they have a lengthy thing about how everything needs to be perfect, and a web-based return form that takes their site about 20 minutes to process! Plus all sorts of 10 digit numbers to insert in the proper place on the UPS form. Certainly could be easier...

2003-03-13T08:16:00.000-08:00

This week I went down to Athens GA for a book sale (selling books on Amazon is a great way to channel shopaholic energies profitably). I decided to skip a slightly-out-of-the-way trip to Discover Mills, which has a Neiman Marcus outlet. One, I was tired of driving. Also, I don't like to make trips to outlets--I feel pressure on myself to buy something. Better to just stop at them when they are between destinations. Besides, I've already spent about 200$ or so this week, since I will probably pick up the sweater from Ralph Lauren. I did get a vintage shirt at a store in Athens for $15. I don't wear much vintage, but this looks nice--it has a wheat pattern that reminds me of some stuff Marc Jacobs does, and also of a shirt from Diesel I wanted on Ebay but didn't get. Doesn't look escessively like 'look at me, mr. ironic vintage man!' Fits well, too.