Fashionably Kate

This past Thursday I was lucky enough to be able to work, attend and volunteer at the Local Motion fashion show at the James Centre which raised money for Family Services of Western Pennsylvania. The fashion show included 80 models, all of which were gorgeous in every way, shape and form. The hair stylists recognized this; the volunteers; the audience; the designers; the only ones who didn’t were the models themselves.

I was shocked to say the least. How could most of these beautiful women lack confidence and a positive self image? I observed a woman who started crying because her hair looked “dreadful”. I observed another model pinch miniscule love handles on the sides of her bony, empty hips. And another who kept running her finger up and down a small bump on her nose as she looked in the mirror with disgust.

Were these women struggling with the same issues that I struggle with everyday? Insecurity? Self doubt? Inhibition?

I couldn’t believe my eyes. It hurt me to know that so many women struggle with negative self images and low confidence every day. It doesn’t matter your size, height, skin color, ethnic background, we are all women and we all have insecurities.

To say the least I did a lot of thinking after I left the show. I wondered what would have to happen to change the sadness and self doubt in so many women’s eyes when they look in the mirror.

I gained a new respect for models in general that day. They are not untouchable. They are emotional human beings who can be sensitive and who are very susceptible to the ideas and judgments of others.

So I bet many of you are wondering about what this anecdote has to do with shopping in general. Of course, there is the fact that this event included only local designers and models but looking at a bigger picture I thought it was important to discuss what affect shopping has on the mind. A survey that USA today completed stated that of 1,001 women finds that when they try on clothes, they’re not only deciding whether to buy the outfit, but they’re also critiquing their bodies and finding flaws. Most (88%) say a trip to the clothing store has made them re-evaluate their bodies, and if they could magically change one part, 42% would target their waist; 23% hips and thighs; 10% rear; 10% chest; 4% arms.

These numbers are astonishing. Shopping is supposed to be fun not a full day critique and judgment session of everything you should change about yourself. Buying new clothes, make up and accessories should be about finding things to enhance your beauty and should make you happy. It shouldn’t make you feel inadequate, unhappy and as if you want to hide. Something is wrong with society that this phenomenon is occurring so frequently.

Yes, it’s normal to get frustrated when things aren’t fitting perfect, but instead of getting down on yourself, we all need to begin appreciating our inner and outer beauty. Clothes are merely here to enhance that.

“All women’s dresses, in every age and country, are merely variations on the eternal struggle between the admitted desire to dress and the un-admitted desire to undress.” Lyn Yutang couldn’t have said it any better. Whether you choose to admit it or not, this raw statement, is the truth. From my experiences and my personal opinion, women look for 4 things when choosing a dress: sex appeal, femininity, originality and practicality. I see it firsthand every time I work. It is independent of the age, event, status and appearance of the customer. Mother of the brides, wedding guests, gala attendees, high school girls, and all others alike are all searching for those exact things.

Lintons, a self proclaimed “upscale fine ladies specialty store,” helps women of all ages obtain that feeling. They provide one on one service and go above and beyond the normal retail experience. Lintons carries brands from Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Nicole Miller, Jovani, ABS and countless others. However, I must admit, I am somewhat biased as I am employed there but I am surprised every single day at the level of service they provide for their customers. The women at Lintons not only act as sales associates but stylists, best friends (in terms of their honesty towards their clients) and therapists.

I remember my first day of work I watched as the customers would come visit the store asking for their favorite sales girl who had called them earlier that week to tell them that a new sweater, jacket, or cocktail dress came in that they might like. It is almost like having a personal shopper.

I remember my 3^rd or 4^th day of work a young girl came in, anxious and panicked. She had just opened up the bag which contained her dress for her sister’s wedding, which was in one hour (seriously), to realize that it had a huge stain down the front. I calmly asked for her size and began pulling dresses off the rack that she might like. She was so grateful and decided on the second dress she had tried on after only ten minutes. The purple and gold Nicole Miller looked absolutely gorgeous with her fair complexion.

It is my opinion that stores with the high customer service standard exist because they are family run or run by someone who has a burning passion for what they are doing. It is important that you utilize these resources that actually care about their customers and how they feel. Especially at this pivotal turning point in our country’s economy it is important that we support local business owners. Products contained at these places are usually more special, better made and the customer service is a thousand times better than a department or chain store. How would you feel as a local business owner who works seven days a week and has an immense love for their store and their purpose in these uneasy financial times? For these store owners its more than making money its about living out their dreams.

Peace, Love & Shopping,

Kate

Yves Saint Laurent stated, “I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity- all I hope for in my clothes.” In my opinion, Yves Saint Laurent speaks the truth. As most of us know, good jeans are hard to find. Sometimes it can even become quite stressful finding the perfect pair. You have to factor in length, inseam, wash, fit, comfort, material, etc. Many chain stores such as American Eagle, Abercrombie and Old Navy contain a very limited array of washes, fits and styles and to make matters worse the sales associates are uneducated about the merchandise. Last January, I was in a desperate search for the perfect pair of dark wash skinny jeans. I looked everywhere imaginable and was still unable to find the perfect pair. I finally took the time to visit Pittsburgh Jeans Company which is located in South Side on 2222 East Carson Street, and fell in love. The jeans they carry at Pittsburgh Jeans Company are somewhat of a splurge; especially for a college student’s budget but they are so worth it. The quality is unbeatable and after spending hundreds of dollars on mediocre jeans which lost their appeal and shape after one wear, I decided it was time to make an investment. Upon entering the store, I was greeted by a friendly sale associate who was eager to help me find my perfect jean. She recommended dark wash skinny jeans which would flatter my figure and then proceeded to get me the sizes I needed. She then gave me her honest opinion, an opinion that a friend would give you, and was more concerned with making the customer happy than earning commission. The store contains over 40 brands of jeans for men and women, and has been featured in Lucky Magazine. Brands include: True Religion, Seven for all mankind, Paige Premium Denim, Rock and Republic, Splendid, Diesel and 3.1 Phillip Lim. Basically, you name it, they carry it. The Pittsburgh Jeans Company truly offers a unique, personalized and relaxing shopping experience which anyone would appreciate. Although the price tags are somewhat steep, they will become a staple in your everyday wardrobe, like they have in mine. So, I dare you to splurge or at least visit this specialty store in your pursuit to find the perfect jean.

Below, Nicole Richie in Paige Premium Denim, a popular brand which Pittsburgh Jean Company carries.