Oct 9, 2013

meet my choos, er shoes!

The other day after an early morning appointment, I decided I needed some retail therapy.  So off I go to NM LastCall since it's been awhile. Weekdays are the best to be at the store, no crowd and I have the aisles all to myself as I go through the rows and rows of shoes.

Ten minutes in, I was thinking how I must have come at a wrong time as the pickings were slim. It turned out to be quite fruitful and I am so happy with my haul (who wouldn't be at 70% discount?) .  The best part is the Husband approves! ;-)

Sep 17, 2013

buying vintage

This post stems from the previous on the topic of "thrifting" as I scour numerous online sites looking at "pre-owned" items.  I have a new found to appreciation for "vintage" stuff that are being offered for sale.

I showed the photo of a pair of vintage Ferragamo pumps that I acquired from a thrift store awhile back in the previous post.  I remember that when I received it, I was rather fascinated with the construction of the shoes.  I did a little bit of research to figure out the age of this model.  I am guessing it was circa 1980s when Ferragamo made that particular model yet the design seems timeless.  It was never worn but it kept so well.  I have heard about soles of shoes separating from the upper part even though they were never used and were kept in storage for awhile.  I guess there is some degree of truth when people say they don't make things like they used to.

I've always love the idea of bespoke fashion (not to be confused with haute couture!) as it really brings out the talent of the craftsmen.  My "fetish" deepened when I read "Acquired Tastes" by Peter Mayle.  While he wrote about bespoke shoes and shirts for men, I decided women can also enjoy the same pleasures.  Those were the days, things were made to last and you occasionally bring them back for "maintenance".  Which is why many of these items still exists today and are sold on Etsy or at vintage shops all over the world.

Jun 27, 2013

thrifting

It's been awhile since my last post because June has been a very busy month since it's Summer Sale!  The shopping frenzy has tapered off for now as everyone is sitting on their hands waiting for the Fourth of July Sale.  Which is also the time department stores run "second cuts" or "further reduced" sales.

A pair of vintage pumps
Apart from busy fulfilling your orders, I have also taken up a new "shopping hobby" recently.  I've been somewhat inspired by some of the stuff I read online and started to explore "thrifting".  There are many online communities by avid thrifters sharing their haul everytime they go thrifting.  Some of the gems they uncover are quite remarkable.

I have made a few "field trips" to Goodwill stores and Salvation Army Thrift store.  I must say buying pre-owned items may not be everyone's cup of tea.  It also takes a lot of patience to go through racks or piles of stuff (clothes, bags, shoes, furniture, etc.) and they usually don't smell the nicest but if you think about it, items get recycled so that is less harsh to the environment.  Items usually sell for a few dollars and if you donate items, you get a tax refund receipt.  There are also those who will go to garage/yard/estate sales to pick up "treasures" which the owners have regarded as "trash".
White patent loafers

Thankfully for me, there are websites that enable thrifting in the comfort of my couch.  I usually look for items that are never worn even though they are "pre-owned".  We all have that purchase that we stashed at the back of our closet, never see the light of day since we brought it home from the store.  So far I've scored quite a few neat items and "flipped" them on eBay because I believe one person's mistake can be another person's treasure. ;-)