I tell ya'. The stores are getting mighty clever with their marketing tactics these days. Drawing people in with a provocative window photo; huge, obnoxious, yet enticing, SALE signs; and perfectly styled outfits for those people who buy off the mannequin. Recently, I became victim these marketing techniques. Victim only because it affected MY bank account.
However, I was drawn in because of their stark white pallet and bright colored clothing. The colors reminded me of summer and you know I love me some summer. If you've been to New York and Company recently, or have even walked by, you know what I'm talking about. Vibrant yellows, happy greens, and kicky magentas just begging to be taken to the fitting room for a chance a finding a home in your closet. Well, it worked, and it worked three times!
The first time was with one of my best friends in San Antonio. I was helping her freshen up her wardrobe because she felt her collection was a bit tired and old and needed to spice it up a bit. We were at La Canterra, the local outdoor mall, strolling along when the NY&Co. window drew me in and it drew me in fast. I made my moves by pulling items while Meg entertained her son Connor on the playground out front. A clothing store is no place for a kid when I'm on a fashion mission. Give me a few minutes and he'd be my assistant holding tops and scarves. A sight I'm sure his father wouldn't find amusing. We had a successful trip and she got some great items that she can mix and match with her 'old' and new wardrobe. I even got her to buy a blue polka dot shirt that she was very hesitant about. VERY HESITANT (it looked ADORBS on her). I haven't heard if she actually kept it or not. Note to self: Investigate location of said polka dot shirt. Regardless, she looks great and now owns some punchy colors to jazz up her work day and weekend wardrobes. I've since received several texts about her making additional purchases. She was bit by the fashion bug and I couldn't be more proud.
The second time I was left to my own devices at the Houston Galleria. I wanted to find some work pants because I felt my rotation was getting a little ragged. I remembered how the clothes fit Meg and thought it might be a good starting point. Oh, it was a good starting point AND ending point. The fashion gods were smiling down on me because not only was I successful in the fitting room, I was successful at the register too! Well, I guess that's relative. Get this: they were having a sale where you buy one item and the second is 50% off!! So any fashion savvy gal would have done what I did and cash in on this deal. It felt like a clothes buffet! I pulled yellow shirts, hot pink cardigans, green skinny jeans, bright red cigarette pants, and floral dresses. The brighter the better. I left with a sack full of fun. I was in a rush so I knew I would have to reassess the sitch when I got home to make sure I was 100% happy with my purchases. The only item I decided had to be returned was the red pants, and that's only because I liked the green better:-)
This takes us to the third visit to NY&Co. While it was supposed to be a simple return, it never ends up that way. This is when I need to invest in blinders.
Why can I not walk into a store, complete my return, and walk out? Why? Why?!?! The simple answer is because I'm a woman. The complicated answer is also because I'm a woman. No need to expand. This time I decided to hit up Memorial City for a 'quicker' trip. I walked in and of course I was sidetracked by stuff I hadn't seen at the other store. DAMN! I filled my arms with loot and hit the fitting room. I ended up exchanging the pants for a white silky shirt that will get a lot of use. However, now my problem was that I found some eggplant skinny jeans I really liked and a pair of dark wash boot cut jeans that actually fit. I didn't know what to do! Any girl knows when you are faced with this predicament the only thing you can do is BUY THEM BOTH! I mean, when the hell will this happen again?!? But I was trying to be a good girl so I took my shirt to exchange but held on to the jeans just in case I had a weak moment or a miracle happened...which it did. Just as soon as I walked out of the dressing room I saw the sign out of nowhere and it read: 'buy one pair of pants or jeans and get a second for FREE.' Done.
So, now I've got my arsenal of color, ready to face the world. My advice to all the fashionistas out there: if you're feeling blue and want a little pick-me-up, go out and get yourself a little rainbow to brighten your world and the world around you...just be careful for those tricky marketing tactics;-)
Love and shoes,
Kim
