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What’s Your Shopping Experience with BeachMint?

December 21, 2011 By

No surprise that I’m a fan of the BeachMint family:  JewelMint, StyleMint, BeautyMint, and the newest member ShoeMint.   My closet is packed with StyleMint Ts and my daughters love the interesting accessories that JewelMint turns out each month.  But if you follow any of these Mints on Facebook, or have had personal shopping experiences with them, you may have noticed that the customer service department doesn’t quite have its act together.  (As a business owner myself, I have one thought for the Mints:  Get with it guys…)  There was the bungled launch of  StyleMint Cashmere last week, and it seems that all the Mints are having supply issues.  Personally, all my shopping experiences with them have been fine, BUT, my recent order with ShoeMint ran into some challenges.  After ordering the Pauline’s in Wine, I received an email notifying me that they were out of stock and would I like to be wait listed.  Yes, I would.  I placed my (waitlisted) order on December 2 and finally received my shoes on December 20!  Snaps to the customer service peeps (maybe they are reading the comments on FB) they included a little sumptin’-sumptin’ from JewelMint as an apology for the delay, and my shoes and I are now becoming acquainted.  

I will say this for the quality of the shoes:  It’s really good.  Granted the heel height is absurd.  I mean seriously, I’m almost 6’2″ in 6″ heels, and who really has the kind of day that warrants that kind of wedge (?), but for the random day that I feel the need to rock my inner Gabby Reese, I’ll take it.   They fit true to size and the quality of the leather and craftsmanship is excellent.

I’ll be interested to see how the second month of ShoeMint goes.  My impression is that the inaugural month was a tough one.  And I’m sure that there is a segment of the shoe buying population that would love to see some diversity in the heel height options.

Overall I’ll give the Mints 4 out of 5 stars.  I love the concept and the quality of the merchandise, but if they are going to keep me a captive customer they are going to have to up their game in the selection and delivery departments.

What’s your Mint shopping experience?  Leave us a comment and let us know…

Filed Under: Affordable Fashion, Fashion Advice, Shopping Tagged With: , , , , , ,

H&M Uses Fake Models

December 16, 2011 By

 
 I came across the following article on Mashable yesterday.  According to the site, H&M has been using virtual models that are computer generated, to model clothing on its website.  According to the piece:

“…Swedish fashion chain H&M admitted to using computer-generated models to showcase a range of collections on its website. The virtual models look completely human, but if you look closely, they all have the same body shape and pose. The real model’s head has been superimposed on the body and the skin tone has been digitally altered to match her complexion.  Swedish website Aftonbladet first noticed the uncanny similarities of the models. Hacan Andersson, a spokesman from H&M, confirmed this by saying:

“It’s not a real body, it is completely virtual and made by the computer. We take pictures of the clothes on a doll that stands in the shop, and then create the human apperance with a program on a computer.”

This method has created some controversy among netizens who have criticized H&M for creating a false reality for its customers and creating an unrealistic body image for women to live up to.

Andersson argued that the choice was made because it simplified the process of the photoshoot and also that customers can focus on the clothes rather than the models. He explained, “The result is strange to look at, but the message is clear: buy our clothes, not our models.”

 
 The more I look at the pictures the creepier it becomes.  What do you think?  Is this weird, or misleading to you?  Would you be less inclined to purchase an outfit if you knew it was superimposed on a computer generated image?  Let us know what you think by leaving a comment.

 

This article originally published at PSFK here.  Images courtesy of Mashable via H&M

Filed Under: Fashion Advice, Random Info, Shopping Tagged With: , , , ,

Wild Times

December 15, 2011 By

In keeping with my “I Love All Things Animal Print” philosophy, check out these new watches from Timex:

 

There is something so reassuring about a Timex watch.  They last FOREVER, are easy to repair if the battery dies or the band needs replacing, and they are classically elegant.  I love the easy to read dial on these styles.  Styled with some simple bangles and bracelets, you have a statement look that is chic and goes from the playground to the office to a night on the town.  The picture below makes me want to buy one of these watches and start pulling together outfits!

Image courtesy of notesfromthedressingroom.blogspot.com

These Timex watches cost around $60 each and are available at most major retailers, and on line at Piperlime.   One more word about animal prints and animals…consider adopting an animal in need this winter.  Local shelters have so many wonderful creatures that need good homes, so back up your fashion sense with some good old fashioned love and bring the wild into your home!  You’ll be glad you did…

Filed Under: Accessories, Fashion Advice, Jewelry, Shopping Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Foul Weather Fashion Conundrum

December 14, 2011 By

Taking a break from frantic holiday shopping I find myself in yet another fashion conundrum.  Exhibit A:  Hunter Wellies.  The ultimate in practical, sloppy weather footwer, and available in a rainbow of colors to suit your climate or your mood or your outerwear.

Image courtesy of poshglam.com

Exhibit B:  Hunter’s Gabby Lace-Up High Heel Boots.  The not so practical (ergo the high heel) solution for sloppy weather.

Gabby Lace-Up High Heel Boots $195 at Shopbop

I just can’t see reaching for this when the puddles get deep and the roads get slick.  On the other hand, I have spent many a happy snowy day in my Hunter Wellies, provided I’m wearing the fuzzy liners to keep the frost at bay.  Not to mention that these Gabby Lace-Ups are kind of fugly.  They seem to work a bit better in black with a taller cut:

Part of me screams “NO WAY!”, but the part that loves heels and has several pairs of wedge and stacked heel winter “dress” boots says “WHY NOT?”  So I’m going to put this one out there to you, our Fashionable audience:  Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down on Hunter Wellies with Heels?  Leave us a comment and tell us what you think…

 

Filed Under: Outerwear & Coats, Shoes Shoes Shoes!, Shopping, Winter Fashion Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Shoes To Inspire A Spree

December 9, 2011 By

Have you reached that point in your holiday shopping where you just can’t stand it any more?  The practical stuff, the gifts for weird family members, the stocking stuffers…sometimes I just get a brain cramp from it all.  Generally, I love shopping, and I usually subscribe to the “one for you, two for me” rule when I’m on a gift buying mission, but there is SO much pressure attached to holiday shopping that I put it off to the last possible minute and then end up wishing that I had been more organized and thoughtful, and well,  you know where this is going…

However…I came across these shoes, and they are so radically outrageous and wonderful that I am actually INSPIRED to grab my wallet and finally find the perfect gift for everyone on my list:

Christian Louboutin Alex Pump $4,995

Check out the glittery heel...

 

Now if only I could afford these shoes I’d be all set!

Filed Under: Accessories, Gift Ideas, Shoes Shoes Shoes!, Shopping Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Very.com Launches U.S. Site in Time for the Holidays, YES!

November 18, 2011 By

I think that this is the most exciting British invasion since The Beatles! Well, since I wasn’t alive during that British invasion this one will just have to do… what am I talking about? Ladies and Gents, I am talking about the launch of Very.com’s US website just in time for some amazing holiday shopping moments.

When I visited Europe one of my favorite places was most definitely London and not just for the history and architecture. The British have a great sense of personal style and also some absolutely fabulous gear that you obviously might not find in the states. This is why I am so excited about the launch of Very.com for US shoppers. We get access to fashion-forward exclusive British ranges, trends and designer brands but without major international shipping charges. What is not to love?

They have great offerings for both women and men; great tops, jeans, jackets and even lingerie means that Very.com has got us covered. Also, I have to admit that sometimes I am tired of wearing something that I know almost everyone else probably has. Very.com’s selection is impressive and that is the truth. I assure you that I have spent A LOT of time browsing and still haven’t made it through everything yet.

I have put together some of my favorite looks for the Holidays from Very.com to show you how great a selection they have and because there is always a party to dress up for or a reason to look good, am I right?

Joe Browns Waistcoat, $61.00, South Boyfriend Cardigan, $26.00, South Petite Fluffy Jumper, $43.00

Holly Willoughby Cowl Neck Knitted Dress, $77.00, South Two Color Bow Dress, $54.00,  South Crinkle Short Sleeve Embroidered Dress, $43.00,

Fuse by Preen sequin and rib dress, $60.00, Holly Willoughby One Shoulder Dress, $101, Drama Queen Cowl Hooded Dress, $66.00

Besides the shopping (which should be enough, right?), I am also looking forward to keeping up with the latest British trends via their “Street Style” blog, where they have promised to be out on the streets of London to get the inside track on what’s hot with normal gals of the UK!

But if you still aren’t convinced and my approval isn’t enough (yeah, right), America’s very own Whitney Port (hello from The Hills and The City?) has partnered with her own Whitney Eve range. She obviously recognizes and appreciates the site’s value and voice enough to put her stamp of approval on it… and I happen to think Whitney Port is very, Very stylish.

Anyhoo, I am planning to hit the site up for some awesome goodies for myself and possibly for my sisters (if they stay on my “nice” list) because I am already feeling ready for the Holidays and Holiday shopping!

Fashionistas can explore the new online shopping site immediately at www.very.com. AND from what I have heard they have some very special promotions coming up really soon in honor of their site launch so if I were you, I would  Like them on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter to keep in the know!

*This is a sponsored post but our opinions are our own. We truly are excited to shop!

Filed Under: Affordable Fashion, Shopping Tagged With: , , , ,

ShoeMint.com Launching on Black Friday!

November 16, 2011 By

Image courtesy of Jewelsandmint.blogspot.com

The “mint” e-shops, which include the T-shirt destination StyleMint, the jewelry store JewelMint and the new skincare site BeautyMint are about to welcome a new member, ShoeMint, hosted by style icon Rachel Bilson.  Those in the know have been getting teaser alerts via email and Facebook for the past few weeks about the pending launch of ShoeMint, and now it’s official.  According to  InStyle.com ”… now here’s one more thing to get excited to shop for come Black Friday 2011—Rachel Bilson’s new ShoeMint footwear collection! InStyle.com just confirmed that the wallet-friendly line will launch on Friday, November 25th. Bilson, star of the new CW show Hart of Dixie and an InStyle contributor, teamed up with stylist Nicole Chavez and industry vet Steve Madden to create the lineup.   Each pair will sell for $80.  While you wait to shop, sign up for alerts at shoemint.com.” 

I’m so excited to see what the site has to offer.   The quality and selection of goodies on the other Mint sites has been great, so I have high hopes for ShoeMint.  Have you shopped at any of the other sites, and what has your experience with them been?  Leave us a comment and let us know.
Filed Under: Affordable Fashion, Fashion Advice, Recommended, Shoes Shoes Shoes! Tagged With: , , , , , , ,