Most of it is too generic for my taste, but there’s a rather unique floral print dress for $148. It’s cotton, cap-sleeved, zips up the side, the skirt flares out and the hem hits at the knee. It’s cut to look like a wrap dress, with a neckline that dips low, but not scandalously so. The print consists of large black and white flowers on a dark brown background and the two breast pockets give it a bit of a safari look. I decide to purchase it and continue on my way.
In the mall, I find myself being magnetically drawn to a bag displayed on a small kiosk. It’s loaded with great details like a thin, leather strap, belted along the top of the bag and attached with a small padlock. Wondering who designed it, I open the bag to inspect, but it’s sans label. The young man running the kiosk explains that it’s a Hermés replica. “So it’s just some anonymous knock-off company?” I ask. He nods and points me to the other bags on display. There are versions of Pradas, Guccis, Dolce & Gabbanas, etc. He quickly assures me everything is legal because they don’t use the designers’ logos.
I am no purist. And it’s the bag I love, not the fact that it looks like a Hermés, honestly. It’s available in several colors but I’m already attached to the pale pink version. I think of it as a consolation prize since I couldn’t purchase the ballet pink peep toes. After a quick glance at myself in the mirror with the satchel slung over my shoulder, I fork over my $59 and move on.
Taking a quick pit stop on a nearby bench, I tally up my receipts. I’ve spent $266 so far, which leaves me with $234. I decide to hit Macy’s—I can always find something there.
At the Macy’s shoe department, I gravitate to the selection of peep toe styles. There’s one by Alfani—a cream sling-back embellished with black grosgrain ribbon. And there’s one by Style & Co.—no frills, basic black leather, also a sling-back. Both are three inches high and much easier to walk in than the pink peeps from Nine West. The cream Alfani is pretty, but the black Style & Co. are conservative and dramatic at the same time. I feel like Joan Crawford in these classic beauties. To top it off, they’re on sale for $44.25. Well, this one’s a no-brainer.
Okay, accessories are great and everything, but I need clothes for the office. So far, I’ve bought one dress, one bag, and two pairs of shoes. It’s time to get serious about shopping for clothes. I decide to resurrect my plans from the beginning of the day, and focus on fun, printed tops to accentuate my basics.
Ladies’ clothing is grouped by designers, and I explore Macy’s signature brand, International Concepts, first. There are loads of really lively tops in great colors, patterns, and prints, but I check the fabric tags on all of them and get the same answer. Polyester, polyester, polyester. Same deal at the Style & Co. section: the tops are all pleasing to the eye and offensive to the skin.
Frustrated, I move on to the Nine West section. This certainly seems to be a theme today. Nine West, don’t fail me now! I check the floral print top—polyester, the polka dot top—polyester, the striped top—100% silk. Hallelujah!
After trying it on, I know immediately this one’s a keeper. It’s rose and black striped silk, has cap sleeves, feels wonderful against my skin, and is marked at $69. Simple, yet sophisticated, it’ll look great with anything black. Done.
$120.75 left to spend.
Next stop: The Designer Consigner.
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