There is nothing wrong with buying high end.

I've sold the stuff and can tell you that there are people that clearly buy what is going to get them attention, as in the exact item featured in the add or in a magazine layout. Just as there is nothing wrong with knowing celebrities, having them over your house or being related to them it is clear that there are folks that you'll meet who namedrop. They tend to be the same people who always seem to mention the type of car they have or brand of clothes they wear. Example "I need to take my car in for a tune-up" is never said. Instead it is "I need to take my Caddie in for a tune-up". "I need to have my Caddie washed" "I left my suitcase in my Caddie" etc.

They do it with everything; People, places and things. It is a sign of insecurity. Secure people would actually prefer it if you did not know what they had and who they knew because they don't want you buzzing around them like flys wanting them to lend you money or introduce you to famous folks just so they can make a damn fool of themselves.

Anyway, those red soles on Christian Lacroix shoes where copied by YSL for a reason. Once Lacroix started using the red soles exclusively the sales went up and up. Why? Was the design of the shoe more beautiful? Of course not. The flashing red sole announces to all the folks you walk past in the mall that you are wearing shoes that cost you a pretty penny and therefor you just must be somebody special. YSL copied the red soles not because their shoes would look better but because they wanted those women to buy their shoes in large quantities as well.

Anyway, not everyone who wears high end is motivated by their insecurities and need to be envied but such ladies are out there. They are a salesladies dream because you can sell them stuff that looks terrible on them and maybe even is just plain ugly; as long as it is on sale and "designer" they will never say no.

Anyway this thread isn't about them. It is about finding cool and flattering stuff for cheap and rating what is out there for fall. It is more about the clothes then a catty commentary on the people who wear them. (Although some styles will warrant a "who the hell will wear that and pull it off")

It is official, I am in love with the word "anyway" .

Deadflow3r said:

There is nothing wrong with buying high end.

I've sold the stuff and can tell you that there are people that clearly buy what is going to get them attention, as in the exact item featured in the add or in a magazine layout. Just as there is nothing wrong with knowing celebrities, having them over your house or being related to them it is clear that there are folks that you'll meet who namedrop. They tend to be the same people who always seem to mention the type of car they have or brand of clothes they wear. Example "I need to take my car in for a tune-up" is never said. Instead it is "I need to take my Caddie in for a tune-up". "I need to have my Caddie washed" "I left my suitcase in my Caddie" etc.

They do it with everything; People, places and things. It is a sign of insecurity. Secure people would actually prefer it if you did not know what they had and who they knew because they don't want you buzzing around them like flys wanting them to lend you money or introduce you to famous folks just so they can make a damn fool of themselves.

Anyway, those red soles on Christian Lacroix shoes where copied by YSL for a reason. Once Lacroix started using the red soles exclusively the sales went up and up. Why? Was the design of the shoe more beautiful? Of course not. The flashing red sole announces to all the folks you walk past in the mall that you are wearing shoes that cost you a pretty penny and therefor you just must be somebody special. YSL copied the red soles not because their shoes would look better but because they wanted those women to buy their shoes in large quantities as well.

Anyway, not everyone who wears high end is motivated by their insecurities and need to be envied but such ladies are out there. They are a salesladies dream because you can sell them stuff that looks terrible on them and maybe even is just plain ugly; as long as it is on sale and "designer" they will never say no.

Anyway this thread isn't about them. It is about finding cool and flattering stuff for cheap and rating what is out there for fall. It is more about the clothes then a catty commentary on the people who wear them. (Although some styles will warrant a "who the hell will wear that and pull it off")

I understand when some women buy specific designer items because it works for them. I myself do that with classic pieces that I know I can wear over and over and the item will wear well.

I also see people who pay too much attention to what other people wear.

I have heard of MANY women getting their statement bags on Newberry St. STOLEN while they sat and ate at the sidewalk cafe's. Its stupid....

...and how many men we know get more attention because of the cars they drive? Frog turn into Princes as soon as he drives by in a Bentley.

Its all so crazy. I too sold high end clothing, but it was custom men's suiting, so the men were usually looking conservative and weren't flashy... you could only tell they spent 10,000 on a suit because of the working buttonholes on the sleeve and hand stitching. I myself bought a couple... it was an experience to get a suit custom made to your own size and details.

Its all how you roll ... some do it well so, I don't knock the ones that do because IMHO its just as tacky to be too concerned with other people wear also.

I do love to talk fashion though. I love seeing a hot pair of shoes and a man that dresses sharply.

I now have a appreciation for the bow-tie and braces because I met a man that ROCKED that look. He was from Louisiana and he's in Florida now.

[Edited 9/15/11 21:06pm]

BYW... Chico's has gone downhill in quality and is more expensive in price.

I liked Chico's for their more "frocky" things... they are good because I tend to dress like a gypsy.

Lately... they just dissapoint me.

I miss Filene's Basement. I lived in that damn store in downtown Boston... I have never been able to find beautiful panties like I did in Filene's.

paintedlady said:

BYW... Chico's has gone downhill in quality and is more expensive in price.

I liked Chico's for their more "frocky" things... they are good because I tend to dress like a gypsy.

Lately... they just dissapoint me.

I miss Filene's Basement. I lived in that damn store in downtown Boston... I have never been able to find beautiful panties like I did in Filene's.

I worked in Chico's while I was in Atlanta and also Louisiana. I can tell you I got down to pennies a wear with some of their stuff because I had it in the wash and back on my back every week! They had a travelers collection which wasn't that different from the new George stuff at Walmart. That is the stuff that took a beating.

While I was there in 2001-2002 we would occasionally get stuff that wasn't up to par, but we always took back returned merch. If it didn't hold up you can take it back and say that. "I washed it and the color faded or it shrank and I followed the washing directions!" At least you could back then.

THERE IS NOTHING WORSE

Then when a store or brand you have come to depend on for quality or funky style stops delivering. Either the quality is gone or the funky turns into skanky. It is a sad moment!

Deadflow3r said:

It is official, I am in love with the word "anyway" .

Don't you love it when you hit "post response" and then when you see it in print?

Cerebus said:

HotGritz said:

Erin said people who buy high end items and brag about it are sheep and devoid of personal style.

Ottie said such persons are not devoid of style.

As to bragging about high end purchase sand speaking poorly of those who don't....who does that? It wouldn't make any sense to do that. I think most people buy what they want and enjoy it whether its high end or low end.

No, they didn't. They made bold a section of what Erin said and replied with, "There are plenty of people here who buy tons of high end, I don't think it means they are devoid of style." That is clearly not what she said.

And as to who does that... are you joking? It happens here pretty regularly and it definitely happens in the "real world".

There are none so blind as those who will not see.

While I like some designer stuff, I refuse to talk around with honkin' labels. (I loved Coach for years. And then they splashed that godawful "signature print" all over everything. I haven't bought Coach since.)

If people want me to be a walking billboard, they can effin' pay me.

Genesia said:

Deadflow3r said:

It is official, I am in love with the word "anyway" .

Don't you love it when you hit "post response" and then when you see it in print?

I was so tempted to hit the "edit" button but it was just too Caroline Kennedy funny so I left it in, but had to at least let people know I could see it - I am not thaaaaaaaaaaaaat stupid .

paintedlady said

I miss Filene's Basement. I lived in that damn store in downtown Boston... I have never been able to find beautiful panties like I did in Filene's.

Filenes Bargain Basement was the holy fashion temple of those with Champagne tastes and kool-aid budgets! I would literally take the bus in from Provincetown to shop there in the 80's. That is what I missed. Back in the 80's between Filene's and Vintage clothing stores (there was one called "Strutters" in both Boston and Provincetown) I could walk around looking rather sharp for a girl who was a seasonal waitress in a resort community.

Now I am trying to get my finger on the pulse again. I have the feeling that it is the internet. I love feeling good about the way I look. I love when my look reflects my fun loving, irreverent personality.

Deadflow3r said:

Genesia said:

Don't you love it when you hit "post response" and then when you see it in print?

I was so tempted to hit the "edit" button but it was just too Caroline Kennedy funny so I left it in, but had to at least let people know I could see it - I am not thaaaaaaaaaaaaat stupid .

Christian Louboutin = red soles.

just1lousydime said:

Christian Louboutin = red soles.

I'd give anything for pair of those...

Genesia said:

Cerebus said:

No, they didn't. They made bold a section of what Erin said and replied with, "There are plenty of people here who buy tons of high end, I don't think it means they are devoid of style." That is clearly not what she said.

And as to who does that... are you joking? It happens here pretty regularly and it definitely happens in the "real world".

There are none so blind as those who will not see.

While I like some designer stuff, I refuse to talk around with honkin' labels. (I loved Coach for years. And then they splashed that godawful "signature print" all over everything. I haven't bought Coach since.)

If people want me to be a walking billboard, they can effin' pay me.

Again, and I ask this of both of you..."who brags about fashion labels and speaks ill of people who don't buy those same brands?"

Cerebrus bolded his comment about that type of behavior happening here (meaning the org) and the real world regularly and I just don't see it. I mean is there somebody either on or off the org saying "I just bought Dolce & Gabana and fuck you if you didn't!"?

Seems to me the people who make the biggest deal out of designer clothes are not the ones wearing the duds but the one lookers and fashion critics. Most people, IMO, really do mix high and low end. At the end of the day its about what looks good, fits right and works with your budget right?

paintedlady said:

BYW... Chico's has gone downhill in quality and is more expensive in price.

I liked Chico's for their more "frocky" things... they are good because I tend to dress like a gypsy.

Lately... they just dissapoint me.

I miss Filene's Basement. I lived in that damn store in downtown Boston... I have never been able to find beautiful panties like I did in Filene's.

They always made the prettiest jackets. The kind you could wear to work and a cocktail party. Some of their other stuff is a little "mature" IMO but sitll nice. Ur right painted, they have gone up in price.

What do you think of their jewelry?

ThruTheEyesOfWonder said:

just1lousydime said:

Christian Louboutin = red soles.

I'd give anything for pair of those...

Thanks for the . They are beautiful shoes, the tops of them, the detail sometimes . I got very turned off by the way they began to show up everywhere as nothing more then a status symbol.

It saddens me when the craftsmanship and beauty of something is no longer appreciated, just the status of owning it. I begin to block that brand out of my head, which may be equally unfair.

HotGritz said:

paintedlady said:

BYW... Chico's has gone downhill in quality and is more expensive in price.

I liked Chico's for their more "frocky" things... they are good because I tend to dress like a gypsy.

Lately... they just dissapoint me.

I miss Filene's Basement. I lived in that damn store in downtown Boston... I have never been able to find beautiful panties like I did in Filene's.

They always made the prettiest jackets. The kind you could wear to work and a cocktail party. Some of their other stuff is a little "mature" IMO but sitll nice. Ur right painted, they have gone up in price.

What do you think of their jewelry?

The clothes are basically cut for an older and wider figure.

Even at half off, constantly updating the wadrobe was impossible for most sales help so the pattern was to stick to the basics and go to town on the jewelry. I know you weren't asking me, but the jewelry was what was used to keep the line current.

This is the thread that is going to make me finally learn to post pics!!!! It needs pics desperately!

Deadflow3r said:

ThruTheEyesOfWonder said:

I'd give anything for pair of those...

Thanks for the . They are beautiful shoes, the tops of them, the detail sometimes . I got very turned off by the way they began to show up everywhere as nothing more then a status symbol.

It saddens me when the craftsmanship and beauty of something is no longer appreciated, just the status of owning it. I begin to block that brand out of my head, which may be equally unfair.

I get what you mean. But I'm just in love with how they look. I don't give a crap hoot about status really...

ThruTheEyesOfWonder said:

Deadflow3r said:

Thanks for the . They are beautiful shoes, the tops of them, the detail sometimes . I got very turned off by the way they began to show up everywhere as nothing more then a status symbol.

It saddens me when the craftsmanship and beauty of something is no longer appreciated, just the status of owning it. I begin to block that brand out of my head, which may be equally unfair.

I get what you mean. But I'm just in love with how they look. I don't give a crap hoot about status really...

They truly are beautiful, I can't take that away from them.

Deadflow3r said:

HotGritz said:

They always made the prettiest jackets. The kind you could wear to work and a cocktail party. Some of their other stuff is a little "mature" IMO but sitll nice. Ur right painted, they have gone up in price.

What do you think of their jewelry?

The clothes are basically cut for an older and wider figure.

Even at half off, constantly updating the wadrobe was impossible for most sales help so the pattern was to stick to the basics and go to town on the jewelry. I know you weren't asking me, but the jewelry was what was used to keep the line current.

I totally see it. My mom gets the Chicos catalog and I must say the jewelry definitely makes the outfit. The commercial ads are typical; they feature a tall and slender model but when you look at the sizing, you're correct in that they seem to cater to a wider and even taller frame. Also they don't seem to offer a lot of dresses and what they do offer seems rather long and modest. A hem just above the knee with long sleeves. I guess that's what made the clothes seem mature to me - they cover up a lot.

HotGritz said:

Deadflow3r said:

The clothes are basically cut for an older and wider figure.

Even at half off, constantly updating the wadrobe was impossible for most sales help so the pattern was to stick to the basics and go to town on the jewelry. I know you weren't asking me, but the jewelry was what was used to keep the line current.

I totally see it. My mom gets the Chicos catalog and I must say the jewelry definitely makes the outfit. The commercial ads are typical; they feature a tall and slender model but when you look at the sizing, you're correct in that they seem to cater to a wider and even taller frame. Also they don't seem to offer a lot of dresses and what they do offer seems rather long and modest. A hem just above the knee with long sleeves. I guess that's what made the clothes seem mature to me - they cover up a lot.

If I was fairly young and had at least a modest amount of $$$ to spend I would check out their newer store "WhiteHouseBlackMarket" I have only seen the adds in magazines but the line looks classic with a twist. They also have waistlines on their clothes. It is a Chico's inc store.

Deadflow3r said:

HotGritz said:

I totally see it. My mom gets the Chicos catalog and I must say the jewelry definitely makes the outfit. The commercial ads are typical; they feature a tall and slender model but when you look at the sizing, you're correct in that they seem to cater to a wider and even taller frame. Also they don't seem to offer a lot of dresses and what they do offer seems rather long and modest. A hem just above the knee with long sleeves. I guess that's what made the clothes seem mature to me - they cover up a lot.

If I was fairly young and had at least a modest amount of $$$ to spend I would check out their newer store "WhiteHouseBlackMarket" I have only seen the adds in magazines but the line looks classic with a twist. They also have waistlines on their clothes. It is a Chico's inc store.

Soma Intimates is also part of Chico's FAS. I have quite a number of friends and former colleagues who work in the creative groups of the various divisions.

HotGritz said:

paintedlady said:

BYW... Chico's has gone downhill in quality and is more expensive in price.

I liked Chico's for their more "frocky" things... they are good because I tend to dress like a gypsy.

Lately... they just dissapoint me.

I miss Filene's Basement. I lived in that damn store in downtown Boston... I have never been able to find beautiful panties like I did in Filene's.

They always made the prettiest jackets. The kind you could wear to work and a cocktail party. Some of their other stuff is a little "mature" IMO but sitll nice. Ur right painted, they have gone up in price.

What do you think of their jewelry?

I loved their clothing. Their jewelry was too cute but too overpriced for their pearls and beads. I prefferred going to odd shops in Harvard Square and in Chinatown... they had "hole in the wall shops" that had great real silver jewelry... later on shops like Silver Nation would emerge and gain a following from gypsy wanna bees like me.

I did buy beautiful scarves from them though.

I'm clueless about this stuff. I think I'm splashing out when I go to this store called 'Fox' and spend 600 baht ($20) on a t-shirt. I wear mostly t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops so if I was ever interested in fashion I'm not really anymore. Funny thing is though, several women (my wife, sister in law, friends) like to go shopping with me and give a lot of weight to my opinions and suggestions. Maybe womens' fashion is a bit more interesting here to me, since for what I wear most of the time there's just not so much you can do with it, so I've just kinda switched off about looking for stuff for myself with any real enthusiasm. I think Thailand must be a great place for female tourists to get great shoes for about $5-$20. MBK shopping centre's chock-full of cheap shoes of all kinds and my missus loves to go there for heels and boots.

Fauxie said:

I'm clueless about this stuff. I think I'm splashing out when I go to this store called 'Fox' and spend 600 baht ($20) on a t-shirt. I wear mostly t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops so if I was ever interested in fashion I'm not really anymore. Funny thing is though, several women (my wife, sister in law, friends) like to go shopping with me and give a lot of weight to my opinions and suggestions. Maybe womens' fashion is a bit more interesting here to me, since for what I wear most of the time there's just not so much you can do with it, so I've just kinda switched off about looking for stuff for myself with any real enthusiasm. I think Thailand must be a great place for female tourists to get great shoes for about $5-$20. MBK shopping centre's chock-full of cheap shoes of all kinds and my missus loves to go there for heels and boots.

That is when it is fun, when you can afford a whole bunch of great looking crap and not be worried about it not holding up because your not financially invested in it.

As for women wanting your opinion, I think that is common. We all know women like my mom who really dressed more for other women but most women want to be attractive to men. They are not interested in being a fashionista like Lady Gaga. At the line where most men who are not gay would find you scary looking well that is the line that they don't want to cross. Your opinion keeps them away from crossing that line.

Deadflow3r said:

Fauxie said:

I'm clueless about this stuff. I think I'm splashing out when I go to this store called 'Fox' and spend 600 baht ($20) on a t-shirt. I wear mostly t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops so if I was ever interested in fashion I'm not really anymore. Funny thing is though, several women (my wife, sister in law, friends) like to go shopping with me and give a lot of weight to my opinions and suggestions. Maybe womens' fashion is a bit more interesting here to me, since for what I wear most of the time there's just not so much you can do with it, so I've just kinda switched off about looking for stuff for myself with any real enthusiasm. I think Thailand must be a great place for female tourists to get great shoes for about $5-$20. MBK shopping centre's chock-full of cheap shoes of all kinds and my missus loves to go there for heels and boots.

That is when it is fun, when you can afford a whole bunch of great looking crap and not be worried about it not holding up because your not financially invested in it.

As for women wanting your opinion, I think that is common. We all know women like my mom who really dressed more for other women but most women want to be attractive to men. They are not interested in being a fashionista like Lady Gaga. At the line where most men who are not gay would find you scary looking well that is the line that they don't want to cross. Your opinion keeps them away from crossing that line.

They need a straight guy with a limited, rather basic understanding of fashion to ensure they're not so fashionable that only the gay guys can dig it? I'm pretty sure the women I'm talking about aren't thinking about it that way, but it's very funny nonetheless.

Deadflow3r said:

This is the thread that is going to make me finally learn to post pics!!!! It needs pics desperately!

You mean these?

728huey said:

Deadflow3r said:

This is the thread that is going to make me finally learn to post pics!!!! It needs pics desperately!

You mean these?

You could wear those with so many vintage styles! Does any company rip them off, or should I say be inspired by them, for a third of the price or less?

Them triangular sparkly shits on the toe look so tacky though, just all wonky like they're glued on with prit-stick by an industrial accident victim missing some key phalanges.

Fauxie said:

Them triangular sparkly shits on the toe look so tacky though, just all wonky like they're glued on with prit-stick by an industrial accident victim missing some key phalanges.

This is also why your wife takes you with her shopping. You make her feel better if she can't get it......."oh, you didn't want that ugly shit anyway".