J.Crew: the Etta

What is more gorgeous than statement jewelry?  A statement shoe, of course!  I am in awe of the Etta collection available now at J.Crew.  The Etta pump stuns with a mix of luxurious patterns and luscious texture.  I can't get enough.  Styles retail exclusively at JCrew.com from $150 to $375.  

Zara

Seattlites prepare for impact: Zara is to open at Westlake Center by the end of the year, and hopefully before the holiday season! Leave it to SeattleMet to update us with the latest and greatest, the news has been confirmed--Zara will open before the end of the year and the store will include fashions for men, women and children. Zara's styles are chic, contemporary, fashionable and affordable. Think: a few levels up from H&M (described as a "Spanish fast-fashion line").

On top of their generally affordable prices, they also have revolving sales (semi-annuals, end of season, etc.) that make for some outrageous deals. Wait, have I mentioned they have e-commerce opps on their website? Oh dear heavens.  So, shopping in your pajamas, on your couch, in your living room, is also very acceptable.  So do it!

In anticipation of the grand store opening, I have been doing some shameless (slightly obsessive) browsing of the Zara website.  I can't get over their selection of fun and funky blazers and trousers--not to mention their handbags.  Wowzers.  

Here's a few of my favorites:

1. Polka dot blouse

2. Printed trouser

3. Basic wide-striped sweater

4. Statement pinstripe blazer

5. Tribal print Fall jacket

H&M Roll Call

Find me on Pinterest

Fall is at our back door (dear God, say it isn't so!) and these new H&M pieces will help you transition from summer to fall with ease.  Plus, who can possibly say no to screen-printed kitties on a tank top?  What do you think of this summer to fall line-up?  I think it's pretty fab!  

The list:
1. A funky, statement blazer
2. Some vintage inspired sunnies
3. Rock-solid studs
4. Sexy, metallic sandals
5. A tank packing some major sass
6. A gold, under-stated bracelet
7. A utilitarian and roomy bag
8. Distressed boyfriend blue jeans

What's better?  All items shown above are less than $40 dollars a piece!  Visit an H&M store location near you to pick up these super cute essentials online with H&M's new e-commerce capabilities!  Amazing...

A Little Slice of Heaven

Question: Definition of heaven on Earth?  

Answer: J.Crew Factory online

Below is a good representation of what I'm going ga-ga over at the moment. Granted, space is limited so these are just a few of my favorites.

Also, why just browse when you can get 30% off using the code "SPREE" at checkout.  Hurry fast!  Promo ends soon.

1.  FACTORY RIPSTOP UTILITY JACKET; $98
2. STRAIGHT AND NARROW JEAN; $74.50
3. FACTORY NEON CRYSTAL FAN NECKLACE; $44.50
4. FACTORY PRINTED TEAGAN RUFFLE POPOVER; $64.50
5. FACTORY PRINTED PHONE CASE FOR IPHONE 5; $14.50
6. FACTORY VERO CLUTCH; $68
7. FACTORY EMERY FLATS; $68

7 Fall Finds Under $100

I am just ecstatic about this concept board.  Shall I dare discuss Fall fashion yet? xo

1. Earrings   House of Harlow 1960 - Sunburst Button Earring   $30.00

2. Blazer   Ark & Co. - Pop Blazer   $59.00

3. Ring   Sabine - Faceted Statement Ring   $24.00

4. Blouse   Collective Concepts - Color Block Blouse   $69.00 

5. Jegging   Free People - Biker Babe Legging   $98.00

6. Bootie   Michael Antonio - Moxby   $59.00 

7. Cuff   Hive & Honey - Geometric Stretch Bracelet   $28.00 

Find all of these fabulous finds at Piperlime.com! 

Lenscrafters

                                                       

Coach eyeglasses - Lenscrafters

       
I made a new eyeglass purchase this weekend, horray! This was my first experience buying eyeglasses from Lenscrafters and I have been more than happy with the whole experience. Bonus: I was lucky enough to have my parents with me to help pick out the perfect pair!

I was impressed by Lenscrafters in the following way(s):

Frame selection.  They carry so many stylish frames to choose from.  Some brand highlights: Coach, Tiffany’s, Ray Ban, Prada, Burberry, Tory Burch, and the list goes on. Also, during the frame selection process, they have cameras to snap photos of you with the frames on your face; providing both a front and side profile image.  This is a major bonus to help you select your favorite and most complimentary frame.

Price.  They seem to have competitive pricing relative to the quality of product.  They offer a discounted product with boutique-style experience.  It's quite nice! They take a variety of insurance plans and offer  discounts for members of AAA and AARP.  Watch out for sales!

Friendly sales staff.  The sales staff made my experience very enjoyable.  There was no “bait and switch” activity happening (which can often happen in these purchasing environments).  They appeared to maximize the use of my medical benefits by calculating different pricing and promotional alternatives to get me out the door with the best possible price. The sales associate that helped me even walked me to the door at the end of our appointment (a very sweet gesture).

Quick production.  My glasses were finished to perfection in less than 8 hours.  Need I say more?

Technology.  Lenscrafters is the only retail optical store that utilizes a high-tech system to accurately fit frames to your face (private or boutique stores also use the same technology).  They pop out the plastic showroom lenses and apply the frames to a sensor mount and then apply the frames to your face and then take a picture.  The sensors sync with computer software making sure the lenses/frames are in the accurate spot.  If I can remember correct, the system can measure up to a tenth of a millimeter in accuracy!

Insurance coverage.  You can buy insurance coverage that protects your purchase for up to a year.  Their policy covers all damages except for being lost or stolen.  Upon damage you pay $25 to get a completely new pair of glasses.  So, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can do a direct exchange within 90 days of purchase (frames, lens quality, etc.).  Talk about being covered. 

Needless to say I highly recommend Lenscrafters for your next eyeglass or prescription sunglass purchase.

A Flash Sale!

Ideeli Boutique: Designer Faves

I was first introduced to the world of online discount boutiques when a sorority emailed me an invitation to join Ruelala.  I was a die-hard Ruelala fan for about a year and a half until another friend referred me to Ideeli.  Ideeli's boutiques boast incredible designer products at discounted prices.  Each day a multitude of product offerings are featured.  Ruelala also offers daily product offerings but their daily offerings are limited to just a few designers in comparison to Ideeli's.  

How to join?  It is simple.  All you have to do is provide Ideeli with your email address and you can either opt in or out of receiving daily notifications that provide information on the newest sales and discounts. 

Ideeli's return policy is very transparent.  However, you must be aware of the return policy for each product because policies do change in variation from one item to the next.  Ideeli allows you to keep tabs on your favorite designers and seasonal trends.  

My two cents about the whole thing... Don't get too caught up in the urgency of the sale.  The online discount designer boutique phenomenon remains a successful business tactic by creating a sense of urgency for online shoppers to make a purchase immediately. I say this with all honesty: it is okay to just look and still be satisfied by the sale.  If you are not ready to buy now, surely they will have a similar item to purchase when you are comfortable spending the money.   

A taste of Ideeli brands: BCBGeneration, Paige Denim, Betsey Johnson, Steve Madden, Burberry, Sienna Rose, London Times... and a million more to mention!

Brand Junkie

I'm a brand junkie, guilty as charged.  

I admit it, I can be a serious sucker for brand name or designer clothing. Thankfully, 6pm.com can help me sustain my brand-name buying addiction.  

From outerwear brands such as Patagonia and Merrell to designer shoe brands such as Vince Camuto and Miss Sixty, you simply can't go wrong.  With savings up to 80% MSRP, you'll be in discount designer-wear heaven!

Vince Camuto, Kira $67.99

Vince Camuto, Kolby $32.90

Vince Camuto, Cassandra $59.10

BONUS:  My favorite and admired feature of this website is the "video description" tab on nearly each product sold.  So, you get the see the product featured on film and worn on a model/sales person before you make the purchase.  You are even delivered a pretty convincing sales pitch!  A cool and innovative way to sell online product if you ask me.

Browse the site.  I promise you will not be disappointed. 

Brandwashing

  

A fascinating article in Fast Company was released earlier this month examines the length some well-known companies go to "prime" their patrons for purchase. 

The article specifically highlights Whole Foods' promotional strategy.  What may seem like originally crafted chalk boards next to produce section are actually mass-produced and designed by their corporate office, located in Texas.  How about the watermelons that haven't been unpacked from original boxes they arrived in?  Well, they could have easily directed an employee to unpack the fruit, but what's the point?  They're trying to create perception that the customer is getting their produce "straight from the farm" fresh; adding value to their purchase.  

Perception is an elementary and fundamental marketing concept that many successful companies are emphasizing in their marketing efforts.  The primary goal?  To create a unique experience for the customer and set themselves apart from the competition.

Whole Foods is definitely not the first company to adopt the concept of perception vs. reality --but they are a great example of a company with vision and excellent brand strategy.  They give customers what they want (or think they want): an unforgettable and rewarding shopping experience.

Interested in this marketing concept? Read.

Brandwashed by Martin Lindstrom (2009)