Category Archives: value

Shop The Sales Like A Boss: Part II

Posted in clothing, how to, shopping online, tips and tricks, value, women's clothing tips by

10 Tips for How to Be a Smart Sale Shopper

Sales can be a fantastic opportunity to score some great deals, but they can also be overwhelming and lead to impulsive purchases that you might regret later. To help you navigate sales like a pro, we’ve compiled 10 more tips for how to be a smart sale shopper. Whether you’re shopping our latest “Accessorize With Color” collection or looking for other fashion steals, these tips will ensure you make the most out of every sale.

1. Don’t Trust The Size

Sometimes items end up on the sale racks because they were mis-sized by either the vendor or the store. When you are shopping sales, always look at the item and see if the size seems correct. When in doubt, try it on.

2. Check The Displays

Sales sections can get chaotic and shoppers do not always put things back where they belong. If you find a sales item that you love, but it isn’t in your size, check the other racks to see if it was put back wrong. It is also a good idea to check the store displays. Sometimes items get missed in a markdown.

3. Do Your Research

Research the regular prices of the items you’re interested in. This way, you can determine if the sale price is genuinely a good deal.

4. Check For Duplicates

Before you take your item to the counter, check the rack to see if the same item is also on sale in a different color. Compare the sales prices. If there is a discrepancy, point it out to a sales associate. You may end up getting an even better deal.

5. Examine The Item

Stores are motivated to move sales items, so be sure to check it over for damages. Are all the buttons there? Are the seams okay and not coming apart? Do the zippers work? Are all the hook and eyes attached? Finding damages can save you even more money.

6. Check Return Policies

Before making a purchase, familiarize yourself with the store’s return policy. This is especially important during sales, as some items might be final sale.

7. Avoid Asking For A Bundle Deal

If you are not shopping in a market setting where bartering is common, don’t try to barter. Most brick and mortar stores do not barter with customers, and it just makes sales people mad. The only legitimate way to get a further discount is because the item is damaged or mispriced.

8. Use Coupons and Promo Codes

Look for additional discounts through coupons and promo codes. During our live sales at Fashion Crossroads, we often share special promo codes that are only valid for the day.

9. Think About Versatility

When considering a sale item, think about how it fits into your existing wardrobe. Choose pieces that can be mixed and matched easily to get the most wear out of them.

10. Don’t Be In A Rush

Good sales shopping takes time. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to wander, look over the racks and the store so you don’t miss any good deals.

Check out our current sales

Speaking of sales, don’t miss our current sales collection online and in store. We have summer markdowns from 30% to 40% and winter markdowns from 70% to 80%!

Visit Us

Shop with us in-store at Fashion Crossroads, located in downtown Casper, Wyoming, or online at fashioncrossroadsinc.com. For expert help, call us at 307-237-9221.

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Stay smart and stylish with these sale shopping tips, and happy shopping!

Fabric Primer: The Most Common Fabrics Used In Women’s Clothing And How To Care For Them

Posted in clothing, quality, value, how to, How to spot quality, quality, tips and tricks, value by

One of the most frustrating parts about shopping is understanding fabrics and how to care for them. In our new world of fast fashion, a lot of manufacturers of cheaper clothing automatically recommend to hand wash and hang to dry their garments. This is to prevent them from being held accountable when the fabrics perform poorly in a washing machine. In my experience, the only time you should have to hand wash a garment is if the fabric is cheap or it has embellishments like sequins, grommets, and embroidery. But, to safely NOT follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions, you need to understand fabrics. That is what this blog post will help you to do.

The following information was adapted from: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/28-types-of-fabrics-and-their-uses. This website will give you a comprehensive list of fabrics, but I am going to just focus on the the most common ones you will have to deal with when caring for clothing.

Cotton: This fabric is made from the cotton plant. According to the masterclass listed above, “Cotton is primarily composed of cellulose, an insoluble organic compound crucial to plant structure, and is a soft and fluffy material. The term cotton refers to the part of the cotton plant that grows in the boil, the encasing for the fluffy cotton fibers.” These fibers are then spun into a yarn and woven into fabric. The cotton fibers are uneven. In better cottons, the fibers are combed which removes the shorter fibers and makes the resulting fabric softer. Cotton can be machine washed and dried, but it will shrink so unless your garment tells you the fabric is pre-shrunk (washed and dried before production), you will need to take care to prevent shrinkage. I usually recommend hanging it to dry and then using a machine dryer for a 10 minute permanent press cycle to remove any stiffness in the fabric. Cotton is durable, soft, and breathable. It is always a great choice in clothing.

Georgette: This fabric can be made from silk or from Rayon, Viscose and Polyester. Obviously, the price of the Georgette will reflect which source fabric was used. Georgettes are often crinkled, sheer and have a non shiny finish. Care of georgette will depend on the source fabric. If silk was used, you will need to take greater care in laundering. Synthetic fabrics like Rayon, Viscose and Polyester can often be machine washed, but Rayon will shrink so you need to be aware of that possibility.

Jersey: This fabric is a soft, stretchy knit fabric that is made from cotton, cotton blends and synthetic fabrics. Sympli, as an example, uses Jersey that is made with polyester. The fabric can be light to medium weight. Jersey can pill and snag. For this reason, it is not recommended that you wash it with zippers, velcrow, items with grommets, etc, as these can catch and snag the fabric. Sympli recommends their jersey be washed in cold water in the machine and then hung to dry. Because jersey is wrinkle resistant, it will usually dry wrinkle free.

Linen: This fabric comes from the Flax plant. It is known to be strong and lightweight and breathable. It is often used in clothing for hot and humid places because it allows air to flow through and helps regulate the body temperature as a result. Linen should be washed in lukewarm or cold water and gently dried. It is important to use medium heat when drying your linen.

Modal: This is a, “semi-synthetic fabric made from beech tree pulp that is used primarily for clothing.” It is a form of Rayon but is stronger. You will often find Modal in fabric blends, and it is considered a high end fabric because it is soft and luxurious feeling. It is important to point out that Modal is more expensive than cotton or viscose.

Polyester: This fabric is man made and originates from petrochemicals, including coal and petroleum. It is durable and doesn’t shrink, making it very useful in clothing. It is often blended with other fabrics, as it can be used to strengthen more delicate fabrics. The big downside to polyester is that it is not breathable and can become smelly when it absorbs sweat. Polyester can be blended with other natural and more breathable fabrics to help with this. It also acts to stabilize fabrics that are prone to shrinking when it is used in blends.

Rayon: This fabric, like Viscose, is a semi-synthetic fabric that is made from wood pulp. It also requires chemicals which keep it from being considered a “natural” fiber. According to Who, What, Wear, “one of the most common types of rayon is viscose rayon, which has a lot in common with cotton. It’s breathable, moisture-absorbent, and a popular choice for casual and athletic wear. It also shows up in dresses, blouses, and outerwear. Secondary types of rayon include modal rayon (typically made from beech trees) and lyocell (seen in everything from denim to dress shirts).” This website also notes what we all have experienced in that Rayon is not durable and machine washing can cause it to shrink, loose its shape and bleed https://www.whowhatwear.com/what-is-rayon/slide4. As a result, clothing with Rayon or Rayon blends will often require hand washing and line drying.

Satin: The word “satin” refers to a weave and not a fabric, just like twill. Satin is elastic, soft and silky with a beautiful drape.

Silk: Silk comes from the fiber produced by Silk Worms to make their nests and cocoons. It is known for its strength, sheen, and luxury. It is often used in formal attire.

Spandex: This fabric name is interchangeable with the words “Elastane” and “Lycra.” It is a synthetic fiber that is used to add stretch to clothing. It can also be blended with other fabrics for this same purpose.

Tweed: Tweed is usually made of wool and is woven into a stiff and durable fabric that is characterized by warmth. This fabric is usually used in jackets and slacks, particularly suits. It is typical for this fabric to be made with different colored strands that are woven to create different patterns.

Twill: The word “twill” refers a weave rather than a fabric. It is characterized by a diagonal pattern. They usually have a darker side and a lighter side. It is durable fabric that is not see through. Twill is typically used in denim and in chinos.

Velvet: This fabric is known for its soft and luxurious feeling. It is shiny and soft and is often used for dressy fabrics, especially those for holidays. Velvet can be made from Cotton, linen, wool, mohair, and synthetic fibers, but it was first made with silk.

Viscose: This fabric is part synthetic and part natural. It resembles silk because of the wood pulp that is used in its creation. This wood pulp gives it a very similar look and feel to silk. It is often used in clothing items that might have been made from silk like blouses and dresses, but it is much less expensive.

I hope this has helped to demystify fabrics for you to some degree. Understanding fabrics helps us to know how to care for them properly so they last a long time. It helps us choose fabrics based on the environment we will be in and the level of care we are willing to be subject to. It also helps set our expectations of how fabrics will perform. Additionally, when we comprehend the pros and cons of certain fabrics, we are able to understand the fabric blends that we often find and how those blends might perform in our day to day life as well as in the laundry.

Typically, less expensive clothing will be made of synthetic fabrics, semi-synthetic fabrics or fabric blends whereas more expensive clothing will have more natural fabrics or a greater quantity of the natural fabric in the blend. For example, if you have a Rayon/Cotton blend, the fabric will likely be more durable than a Rayon/Viscose blend.

Personally, I have a cold water dirty clothes basket and warm water dirty clothes basket. My only clothing that goes into the warm water basket is underwear, pajamas, yoga wear, denim jeans, sweatshirts and tee shirts. Everything else gets washed in cold on delicate and hung to dry. If the fabrics dry stiff or wrinkled, I put them in a permanent press cycle just to soften the fabric and release the wrinkles. I always put a 1/4 of vinegar into my washing machine. Not only does it clean the machine and act as a natural softener, it also helps set fabric dye so I get less fading of colors.

If you’d like more information on this topic, you can watch me live on Wednesday, March 6 2024 at 6 p.m. Mountain Standard Time for a live video on this topic. Watch that video here. If you miss the live video, it will be added to my YouTube channel as well.

Discover the Artistry of Anuschka Hand-Painted Handbags: A Fusion of Craftsmanship and Style

Posted in handbags, How to spot quality, product review, quality, value by

In the realm of fashion accessories, there exists a realm where art meets utility, where every stroke of a brush tells a story, and where craftsmanship intertwines with creativity. This realm is beautifully epitomized by Anuschka hand-painted handbags, where each piece is not just a bag but a canvas of expression, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans.

Artisans: The Heartbeat of Anuschka

At the core of Anuschka’s ethos are the artisans whose hands bring life to each handbag. Hailing from a tradition of fine craftsmanship, these artisans infuse their passion, expertise, and cultural influences into every stroke of their brushes. Each handbag is a testament to their dedication and artistic prowess, making every piece a unique work of art.

Quality of Leather: Unparalleled Elegance and Durability

One cannot talk about Anuschka handbags without mentioning the exceptional quality of leather used in their creation. Sourced meticulously and treated with care, Anuschka handbags boast not only luxurious elegance but also unparalleled durability. This ensures that each handbag not only serves as a fashion statement but also stands the test of time, becoming a cherished companion for years to come.

Craftsmanship: Where Precision Meets Creativity

Craftsmanship is the backbone of every Anuschka handbag. From the initial design concept to the final finishing touches, each step in the creation process is executed with precision and attention to detail. The intricate hand-painted designs seamlessly merge with expert stitching and construction, resulting in handbags that are not only visually stunning but also impeccably crafted.

Fashion Crossroads: Your Gateway to Anuschka

Located in the heart of downtown Casper, Wyoming, Fashion Crossroads stands as a beacon for fashion enthusiasts seeking the finest in handcrafted accessories. With one of the largest selections of Anuschka hand-painted handbags in the Rocky Mountain states, Fashion Crossroads invites you to explore their exquisite collection.

Whether you prefer to experience the allure of Anuschka handbags in person at 228 East 2nd Street, Casper, Wyoming, or from the comfort of your home through their online store, Fashion Crossroads provides an unparalleled shopping experience. Simply follow this link to discover the captivating world of Anuschka hand-painted leather handbags: Fashion Crossroads – Anuschka Collection

Conclusion

Anuschka hand-painted handbags are more than just accessories; they are a celebration of artistry, craftsmanship, and individuality. With each handbag bearing the mark of its creator’s imagination, owning an Anuschka becomes more than owning a bag—it becomes owning a piece of wearable art. Discover the magic of Anuschka handbags today and add a touch of elegance and creativity to your everyday ensemble.

Gifting Radiance: Why the Ari Heart Pendant from Kendra Scott is Valentine’s Day Perfection

Posted in Buying the perfect gift, Gift Guide, How to spot quality, Jewelry, product review, shopping online, value by

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the hunt for the perfect gift intensifies. Whether it’s for your significant other, best friend, or even yourself (because self-love matters too!), nothing captures the essence of love and admiration quite like jewelry. And when it comes to striking the perfect balance between elegance and personality, the Ari Heart Pendant from Kendra Scott emerges as an unbeatable choice.

Picture this: a heart-shaped pendant adorned with Black Drusy and Dichronic Glass, exuding an aura of sophistication and charm. It’s not just a piece of jewelry; it’s a symbol of affection, crafted to celebrate the bonds that matter most in our lives.

What makes the Ari Heart Pendant truly special is its versatility. Whether your style leans towards classic sophistication or trendy chic, this pendant seamlessly fits into any wardrobe, adding a touch of glamour to every outfit. It’s the kind of accessory that effortlessly transitions from day to night, making it a wardrobe staple for any fashion-forward individual.

But what sets this pendant apart from the rest? It’s the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Kendra Scott is renowned for. Each piece is meticulously crafted with love and care, ensuring not just beauty, but also durability. It’s a gift that not only sparkles on Valentine’s Day but continues to dazzle for years to come, serving as a cherished reminder of the love and appreciation shared between two hearts.

Now, you might be wondering where to find this exquisite piece of jewelry to make your Valentine’s Day dreams come true. Look no further than Fashion Crossroads, nestled in the heart of downtown Casper, Wyoming. Located at 228 East 2nd Street, Fashion Crossroads is more than just a store; it’s a treasure trove of style and elegance.

If you’re in the area, step into Fashion Crossroads and let their expert staff guide you through their curated collection of Kendra Scott jewelry. Feel the weight of the pendant in your hand, admire its intricate details, and envision the smile it will bring to your loved one’s face.

Can’t make it to the store? Fret not! Fashion Crossroads has you covered with their online Kendra Scott Collection. Simply visit their website at Fashion Crossroads Kendra Scott Collection and explore their range of exquisite pieces from the comfort of your home. With just a few clicks, you can have the perfect Valentine’s Day gift on its way to your doorstep.

This Valentine’s Day, go beyond the ordinary and gift radiance with the Ari Heart Pendant from Kendra Scott. Whether you’re professing your love, celebrating a cherished friendship, or simply treating yourself, this pendant is more than just jewelry—it’s a symbol of love, appreciation, and everlasting elegance.

Calling All Denim Devotees!

Posted in clothing, clothing, quality, value, dressing your figure, fashion, personal style, product review, Trendy at any age, value, What to wear, women's clothing tips by

Hey there, denim devotees!

Let’s talk jeans—specifically, the Royalty For Me Vintage Stretch High Rise Skinny Jean. Now, before you sigh and think, “Just another pair of jeans,” hold on a sec. These babies aren’t your run-of-the-mill denim. Trust me, they’re game-changers.

First off, can we talk about that design? These jeans aren’t just about looking good; they’re all about making you feel fabulous. Picture a fit that not only flatters your shape but supports it like a trusty sidekick. Say goodbye to jeans that squish and squeeze in all the wrong places—these are designed to move with you. How, you ask? Well, they’ve got this secret weapon called LYCRA fiber that makes them not just comfy but seriously easy to bust a move in.

But wait, there’s more! Ever wished your jeans had a built-in magic trick for that waistline? Say hello to RFM jeans! They’ve got these clever built-in panels and special construction at the waistline that’ll make you wonder why all jeans aren’t this thoughtful.

Now, let’s talk aesthetics. We’re diving into a darker wash here, consistent throughout the jean. But here’s the kicker: a slightly darker brushing design at the front hip. It’s like a subtle nod to style without screaming for attention.

And here’s the exciting part: You don’t need a treasure map to find these jeans. Head over to FC Outlet in historic downtown Casper at 216 East 2nd Street, or simply give them a ring at 307-268-8720 to secure your pair. But hey, if you’re all about that online shopping life (like me, in my PJs right now), no sweat! Click here to add these stunners to your cart.

So, if you’re on the hunt for jeans that make you look and feel like a million bucks, your search might just end here. These jeans aren’t just denim; they’re like your trusty fashion sidekick, ready to conquer the world (or at least your wardrobe). Trust me, once you slip into these, you won’t want to take them off!

Discover the Elegance of HOBO Handbags: Quality, Craftsmanship, and Style

Posted in dressing your best, fashion, fashion trends, handbags, personal style, value by
Hobo Handbags

Welcome to the world of HOBO handbags, where elegance meets craftsmanship. Here at Fashion Crossroads, our customers have fallen in love with the genuine leather handbag line for its exquisite beauty, soft textures, and unmistakable quality that you can both feel and smell.
HOBO isn’t just another handbag brand – it’s a second-generation, family-owned and operated company that prides itself on the artistry of leather craftsmanship. Working closely with select tanneries, HOBO ensures that the leathers used in their creations are tailored specifically for their designs. The result? Premium, full-grain leather that sets these bags apart, offering a distinctive touch that’s hard to find elsewhere.

What makes HOBO stand out even more is their commitment to ethical practices. No animals are raised or killed solely for their hides. Instead, HOBO works with materials sourced responsibly, promoting sustainability and animal welfare.

Each HOBO piece is a testament to meticulous hand assembly, a process that showcases dedication and attention to detail. From the custom linings to the carefully chosen hardware, every element of a HOBO bag speaks volumes about its superior quality.

Exciting news for all the fashion enthusiasts in Casper, Wyoming, and beyond! You can find these exquisite HOBO handbags at Fashion Crossroads, conveniently located at 228 East 2nd Street in Downtown Casper, Wyoming. Can’t visit us in person? No worries! Simply give us a call at 307-237-9221, or explore our selection online at https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/collections/hobo-handbags

Join us in embracing sophistication and style with HOBO handbags – where the blend of quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and timeless design awaits you. Elevate your accessory game with a touch of HOBO elegance today!

Gift Guides: Safe Gifts For The Acquaintance

Posted in Buying the perfect gift, clothing, clothing, quality, value, fashion, Gift Guide, how to, tips and tricks, value, women's clothing tips by

My fourth and final gift guide to finish off this month’s series is Safe Gifts For the Acquaintance. After covering Sentimental Gifts For The Tenderhearted, Bougie Gifts For the Diva, and Practical Gifts For the Pragmatic, I have saved this one for last because, honestly, it is the hardest.

Buying for someone you barely know is probably the most head scratching, self doubting, truly difficult gift to buy. There are just so many land mines to avoid. If you are considering buying clothing and/or accessories, here are my top six tips:

  1. GET THE RIGHT SIZE: Make sure that you quiz either the person you plan to buy a gift for or someone that knows them well, so you know their size. The answer will likely be a size range such as a small to medium or a size 10 to 12. Shop at a store where the person helping you knows how the items in the store fit. Do they run big or small, for example, so you have the best chance of choosing the correct item. For example, if the person you are buying for is a small/medium, I would likely choose something that runs big in a size small or small in a size medium.
  2. CHOOSE A FAN FAVE: There are a few clothing items that have widespread appeal, but one that does is sweater cardigans. I know very few women who don’t like them. They are ideal for an extra layer in winter but can still be removed if needed. They work very well to change up a wardrobe, allowing women to wear an older top and bottom. By adding a new cardigan over the top, it refreshes and updates an older look. Additionally they are forgiving in fit and are more likely to work for a variety of women and sizes.
  3. PRINTS ARE PERSONAL: I love prints and am in no way dissuading you from choosing a printed item, but be very aware that prints are quite personal. I usually recommending paying attention to whether the person wears prints, and if she does, what types of prints she wears. Typical prints are floral, paisley, southwestern, plaid, Camouflage, geometric, animal, and abstract. If you can categorize the prints she wears into a few of these categories, it will really help in choosing a print she will like.
  4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOR: Research shows that most women choose an item by color first and then look at fabric, style and price. Getting the right color is essential. Again, this can be made easier by some careful observation. What colors does the woman you are buying for seem to gravitate to. Look at the last few years of pictures or check out her Facebook and see what she posts and what colors she wears. Generally, if you stay in the same color family, you will be fine.
  5. CHOOSE VERSATILITY: Especially for someone you don’t know very well, it is always better to go with something that is toned down and easy to pair with many things. Mixed metal accessories are a great example here. Because these necklaces and earrings combine gold, silver, copper, and bronze, you naturally cover all of your bases so you don’t find yourself having to choose gold OR silver.
  6. MAKE SURE IT IS RETURNABLE: Even the most conscientious gift giver gets it wrong sometimes. Get a gift receipt, and be sure the item is returnable after Christmas. With a gift receipt, the recipient of your gift will know the store you purchased it from and how to return or exchange it.

Giving clothing as a gift is thoughtful. It takes time and effort to choose the right item, and this effort communicates “you matter to me.” Yes, it is easier to give a gift card, but it is so much more personal to give an item that required you to really consider the person and what she might like.

You can get more information on this topic as well as see examples when you watch my live video tonight at 6 p.m. MST. You can catch that video here: https://www.facebook.com/FashionCrossroads.

What is Wardrobing?

Posted in clothing, dressing for work and dressing for an interview, how to, tips and tricks, travel, travel clothing, value by

For those of you who might not be familiar with the term, wardrobing is a method of mixing and matching your clothing to maximize the number of unique outfits you can create with the smallest number of pieces possible.  It is how you shop, travel and dress like a boss!  The concept is simple really, but perhaps no one has ever taught you how to do it.  That is the purpose of this blog post, and my live video coming up on Saturday, February 24th at 10:15 mountain.  You can listen in on the video by joining our Fashion Crossroads Fashionistas Group Page.  I’ll be giving away a Treska necklace at the end of the video.  To get entered to win, just comment on the video while it is live by telling me something you like or even asking a question.

Wardrobing is the art of combining bottoms, tops and cover-ups in multiple ways by layering the pieces and adding accessories to change the look.  I’ll be using Sympli to demonstrate this tomorrow, so let me use some of their pieces to show you how it is done.  Take a look at the pictures above: Let’s call the leggings on the left picture 1 and the cropped top on the right is picture 4.  Assuming the model is wearing pants (and not leggings) in picture 3 and 4 and the white top in pictures 3 and 4 is the same top, how many outfits can you create with these 6 pieces?

Playing Jeapordy music now…..

How many outfits did you come up with?  Let’s see if we found the same number…

  1.  4 outfits as pictured
  2. Dress over leggings
  3. Dress over leggings with crop top
  4. White top under dress without leggings
  5. White top under dress with leggings
  6. White top under dress with smock over top without leggings
  7. White top under dress with smock over top with leggings
  8. Black crop top under dress without leggings
  9. Black crop top under dress with leggings
  10. Smock over dress with leggings
  11. Smock over dress without leggings.

That’s 14 outfits with 6 pieces.  Now, imagine we added into the mix a tunic and a jacket, like the ones pictured below.  I’ve demonstrated the concept, let’s see how many more outfits you can come up with?

Honestly, just adding the jacket over the outfits creates another 5 possibilities.  If you put the tunic over the dress and leggings, you get another 2 possibilities.  The tunic with the leggings and the pants, another 2 possibilities.  Now, with only 8 pieces, you have a possible 21 options.  And we haven’t even discussed adding a few accessories like a kimono, a couple of scarfs and a few necklaces, and a belt.  This adds an at least 15 more outfits.  It’s like a puzzle, and it is a heck of a lot of fun to see how many combinations you can create.  This is wardrobing, and it is a handy little tool when you need to stretch a work budget, pack for a two week trip with a carry on, or just simplify your closet.

Want to see it in action?  Join me tomorrow, and I’ll show you how it’s done.  Be sure to join the group prior to the start of the video so you can watch.

Sympli

 

What Is Cost Per Wear and Why Should I Care?

Posted in clothing, quality, value, how to, quality, tips and tricks, value by

cost per wearI’ve been in this business my whole life.  When I was three, I was here at the store sleeping under racks while my parent’s worked late into the night re-modelling.  I started working at the store when I was thirteen, and worked my way up the chain from the stock room to now being co-owner.  Over the years, much has changed in the clothing industry.  One of the most significant changes is the “throw away” clothing epidemic.  Does the word “epidemic” hit you as too harsh?  I’m not sure it is, and let me explain why.

I have customers tell me stories about how their mothers and grandmothers shopped at our store when having at least one “good” dress was expected.  It was their Sunday best, and they knew they would have to spend a little more, but that dress would have them looking their best when they wanted to “put on the dog,” so to speak.  The ideology was that when you wanted to look your best, you never settled for inexpensive or poorly made clothing.

Those generations calculated the value of an item of clothing on cost per wear.  This term provides you with the amount of money it costs you each time you wear the item, and it is a great tool for demonstrating why it isn’t always better to buy inexpensive clothing that you know you will have to replace in a year or less.   For example, let’s say you spend $60 on a blouse that is from a good brand that has a reputation for quality.  Any quality item of clothing will last you at least 3 years if you care for it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  If you wear it 2 times per month and expect it to last 3 years, then the cost per wear is $2.50.  Here is how I came to that number: 2 wears a month X 12 months in a year = 24 wears in a year.  If the top lasts for three years, you will have 72 wears.   $60 divided by 72 wears = 81 cents per wear.  Now, conversely, let’s say you spend $20 on a top that is cheaply made that will likely only last about 6 months if you wash it in cold water and hang it to dry.  Using the same formula, that top will cost you $1.67 per wear (12 wears in 6 months / $20 divided by 12 = $1.67).  So you can see that it actually costs you more to wear the cheaply made top than the more expensive one.

There is a false perception that when you spend more money on clothing, you are just paying for the name brand.  The reason certain brands cost more is because they have earned a reputation for quality.  That reputation comes from a consistent use of better quality fabrics and better construction.  These two together translate into clothing that stands the test of time.

I was fortunate to watch how this mindset transformed one of my employees.  When she first came to work for us, she was in her late twenties and had completely bought into the throw away clothing mentality.  She told us, “I never spend a lot on clothes, and I don’t expect them to last.  When they fall apart, I don’t feel badly because I didn’t spend that much to buy them in the first place.”  Over time, she began buying our brands.  She started to see how better quality fabrics and construction really do make a difference in the way an item looks and feels on the body and in how it holds up to repeated washing and drying.  Being financially savvy, she also started to see that she was actually spending less money on clothes by buying better quality.  It was the cost per wear epiphany.  After working for us for the last several years, she has come to understand that there is a reason some clothing is more expensive and that that expense is not arbitrary but directly tied to quality.

Our grandmothers knew what they were doing.  They understood that a good dress made them look their best because it fit properly and had quality workmanship.  They also knew that spending a little more was necessary to accomplish this end.  Have some fun calculating the cost per wear on some pieces in your closet.  It is really eye opening.  It is also a great buying tool.

 

 

 

Behind The Scenes: Treska

Posted in beauty, color trends, fashion, how to, Jewelry, personal style, product review, trends, value by

After being a women’s clothing store manager and owner for eighteen years, I was so excited to get to see the behind the scenes process of one of my favorite jewelry vendors – Treska.  On a recent buying trip to Dallas, Texas, my mom and I had the opportunity to tour Treska’s warehouse and get an up close perspective on the jewelry making process.  We also got to shop straight from the warehouse shelves – we were like two kids in a candy store!

The process Treska goes through to design their jewelry is meticulous and time consuming.  First they begin with inspiration.  I found this inspiration board outside the bathroom (probably because that is the place everyone would see it multiple times a day).  It was such a great example of how an idea blooms into something tangible.  Take a close look at the items included on the board.    IMG_4192You can see how it represents themes, colors and textures for a group of jewelry. This particular design is playing off earthy wood textures and the soft tans and pinks in sea shells.  What a beautiful combination that represents the soft pinks and neutrals so popular in fashion right now.   It also appears this group might have some feather accents as well.  Won’t it be fun to see the finished jewelry that arises from this inspiration board?

Even more fun than the board was meeting Treska’s chief designer.  She was a Bohemain mama, dressed in colorful cottons and a graphic tank and seemed right at home in a jewelry design office.  IMG_4207She took the time to show us some of the pieces they were currently working on and how every necklace begins in a box as a conglomeration of colors and textures that are then formed into a unique necklace.  IMG_4210

While we were in the design room, we also got to see a Treska employee doing appoxy on some pieces.  This process requires hand painting metal pieces with a cue tip to create a patina look.  As you can see in the picture, each one is done by hand.  IMG_4206

Once a design is finalized, two master copies are made.  One is then sent to China where Treska has their necklaces assembled.  A production sample is sent back, approved by Treska, and then that sample is used by the Chinese to make the individual necklaces which are then shipped to the United States.  It’s quite a lengthy process requiring Treska’s designers to work ahead.  While we were there, they were working on Spring 2018.

Outside the air conditioned design room, the warehouse sprawled.  There were rows and rows of shelves with boxes of beads and bobbles.  Readers,  I am telling you, there were hundreds of thousands of beads.  It was mind boggling.

As we made our way back, we came to more shelves with completed necklaces available for sale.  This is where all the fun began!  Up and down the isles we wandered, grabbing necklaces, earrings, and a few bracelets of beautiful Treska jewelry.  IMG_4194

In the end, we came home with a whole bag full of Treska priced with a special discount just for you!  It is out and on the floor, so you will want to hurry in to get the best selection! IMG_4258