Weirdest Shopping Experience - Ever
Approximately one year ago I decided to avoid fast fashion and cheap high street stores because my wardrobe and closets were full to the brim with junk. Earlier this year I finally cut back on purposeless vintage shopping as well. An important part of my shopping rehab experience was to get rid of all the useless things so during the spring I sold and auctioned off three fourths of my clothes. Finally I can proudly say I’m stuff-free!
Yesterday, at long last, I went shopping. I had with me a shopping list of truly indispensable items and money to burn. Funnily enough, I came back empty handed. I couldn’t find anything that would have made me 100% satisfied. The clothes I tried on were somehow off; they felt impersonal or they were of poor quality. Back in the days these things wouldn’t have prevented me from buying some of these items since the clou of shopping was always the event of purchase or the image or the look I was after. Suitability or quality were completely secondary issues for me. But not yesterday.
It seems my blossoming shopping addiction is finally dying back and I’m slowly beating the stuff problem. Yay! Kudos to me! Today I will travel to Helsinki to see what the capital has to offer. This time I’m ready to make the effort and I won’t be content with something less than perfect. As Madonna once put it (well, she was talking about men but it fits for clothes as well): You deserve the best in life, so if the time isn’t right then move on. Second best is never enough, you’ll do much better baby on your own.
Sanna 26. June 2008 | Shopping | Comment [4]
For Sale: Vintage Nokia Rubber Boots
I wanted vintage Nokia rubber boots so bad that I actually managed to bid a pair that is way too big for me. I have tried everything: thicker wool socks, extra insoles, you name it. Unfortunately I have to auction off this lovely pair seen above on eBay, and hope they will find a new owner who loves them even more I do.
Click here to find more info on these vintage Nokia rubber boots!
You can find these and other vintage Nokia rubber boots here.
Sanna 9. March 2008 | Beautiful Things Shopping | Comment
It's Just Me and My Miss Dior Chérie
I’m pretty picky when it comes to fragrances so I was very happy to find Christian Dior Miss Dior Chérie eau de parfum. The fragrance has notes of mandarin, strawberry leaf, violet, jasmine, caramel popcorn, wild strawberry sorbet, musk, and patchouli. Despite the fact that Miss Dior Chérie is inspired by a Dior dress of the 1940s called Chérie, the fragrance is calculated to attract a notably modern customer: I did not want to rebrand a classic, nor would the new Miss Dior want to wear a re-bottled Miss Dior. As fashion evolves so must its scent, she needs to have something that captures her in the moment of today, John Galliano commented at the launch.
I’m a fan of slightly sweet fragrances so no wonder Miss Dior Chérie pleases me. It stays sweet and fruity right through to the end, but it is not a heavy or too sugary fragrance by any means. The overall effect is very young and trendy, which I reckon is what was intended.
What is your favourite fragrance at the moment?
I got inspired by Minttu and decided to give StrawberryNET.com a go. Free shipping worldwide and free gift for all new customers sounds cool.
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All you Finnish readers, don’t miss Buttermilk Bisquits’ Bourjois drawing!
Sanna 19. February 2008 | Beautiful Things Shopping | Comment [2]
Best Second Hand Stores In Dublin?
I’m going to enjoy my newly found freedom and spend next weekend in Dublin with me mates. I’d love to do some vintage hunting while the guys are cheering for Smashing Pumpkins and I’ve heard Temple Bar is considered as Dublin’s second-hand clothes mecca. But where else should I go? Any tips for a fellow thrifter and vintage lover?
Sanna 5. February 2008 | Shopping | Comment
January Sales Are Here
January sales started right after Christmas and they have hit high street stores big time. There are some brilliant bargains on offer as the department and designer stores slash up to 70% off their prices. I decided to steer clear of sales this time around as I simply suck in sales. I have to admit I’m one of those people who go for “nearly there” items just because they are on sale. I have a nasty tendency to chose purchases based on their reduced price more than anything else which is so not good. There are, fortunately, a few tips that can make anyone – even those hopeless cases like yours truly – a wiser and firmer bargain hunter.
Bargain hunting is shopping taken to the next level. The key to successful sale shopping is to choose wisely. You should come away with a couple of key pieces, not 6 pairs of shoes, dozen of ill fitting blouses and 4 bags. Instead of purchasing the whole damn lot, you could think about going for a couple of classic items.
Another great tip is to go for excellent quality pieces you possibly couldn’t afford before. If your wardrobe is 99 per cent Hennes & Mauritz, Zara and Topshop – think accessories. One fabulous bag from a posh designer store can lift an entire outfit, same goes for shoes.
Always, always know your size. Ill fitting clothes are a huge fashion faux pas and you really don’t want to be seen in unflattering outfits. Resist the temptation to buy one size smaller you usually wear no matter how gorgeous the item is. Better stick to what lays nicely on your body. Repeat after me: Smooth lines, smooth lines, smooth lines. . .
Finally, you will need some support while queuing, fitting, swearing and sweating in crowded stores. Take a fashion-minded friend with you and leave your boyfriend/husband/live-in lover at home.
Did you already hit the sales? What did you find?
(photo via mètrogirl)
