Thread Conscious

July 25, 2011

Media Monday: Fashion Tech Mash Ups

Hello Fashionistas,

I’m wrapping up a week-long birthday celebration, but I wanted to take a breather to let you in on some very interesting fashion/tech news.  Here goes:

1.  Starting TODAY (7/25/11), Gilt Groupe, Banana Republic and Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant  offer you a collection of vintage-inspired pieces that even Don Draper would approve of.  See the capsule collection here.

2.  What’s in a name?  That which we call Avelle is now called Bag Borrow or Steal, again.  BBOS catapulted to fame in 2008′s Sex and the City movie, whose HBO series became the holy grail for aspiring fashionistas world-wide.   I never understood the name change (even after pouring over BBOS’s SEC filings for a graduate school paper- yes, I’m a nerd), but I’m glad Bag Borrow or Steal is back.  

3.  Rent the Runway has now partnered with ShopStyle, offering a one-stop shopping experience for women who like to try before buying.  “This partnership expands on this vision by allowing us to give women greater access to designer dresses and the flexibility to rent v. buy depending on her fashion needs,” explained Melissa Davis, VP of ShopStyle, US.  I’ve always been a fan of options, especially designer ones.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

March 24, 2010

Shopping at GW Boutique

 

Note: Check out my latest post about GW Boutique, published on Mar. 27, 2011.  

GW Boutique; 750 S. Main Street, Suite 125, Keller, Texas 76248 

817-741-6600 

Mon.-Sat. 9am-6pm; Sun. 12pm-5pm 

Hello! 

So I wanted to report back what I found at the GW Boutique in Keller, TX. 

On Saturday, March 20th, at 9:50am SHARP, yours truly and a friend arrived at the GW Boutique. We were going to stay in the car until the doors officially opened at 10am, as an ungodly cold front had descended upon north Texas, but one by one, women, no, our Sisters in Shopping, began to congregate in front of the store. Not wanting to miss out on the camaraderie (or be the last in line), we left the warmth and ventured out into the chilly morning. 

And We're Waiting...

 

Still Waiting...

 

In her excitement, one woman peered through the glass and several women at one time or another knocked on glass…do y’all remember that old Mervyn’s commercial where the shoppers are outside the store chanting “Open open open”? Yeah, women did that here too. 

Open! Let the Games Begin!

 

Finally, a store clerk opened the door and according to plan, I zigged left while my friend zagged right. I found some great winter pieces and she lucked up on some lovely summer dresses. 

Michael Kors jeans- for cheap!

 

I apologize that I only have a few pictures of the madness going on inside the store, but I couldn’t shop, hold my purse, balance a mountain of clothes on my arm AND take pictures! So I took a few pics while I was in line to check out. 

Check-out Line

 

Speaking of the check out line, it literally snaked through the racks and all the way to the wall- I highly recommend visiting on a week day, when there’s likely to be less traffic. It is, after all, a boutique and drastically smaller than the regular Good Will Stores. 

So here’s what I came home with: 3 Banana Republic Sweaters and a dreamy cream coat. 

Banana Republic in the House!

 

Banana Republic Bell-Sleeved Sweater

 

Banana Republic Striped Knit Shirt

 

Banana Republic Sweater

 

Piece de Resistance!

 

Sleeve Button Detail

 

Back of Coat

 

So here are the Tips for this Trip:
1. Don’t go on the weekend. If you do, go EARLY to avoid a crowded store. Within 30 minutes of our arrival the store was pretty full. I think there’ll be more breathing room during the week. 

2. There’s only ONE fitting room. Therefore, shoppers resorted to changing in the restrooms as a fitting room alternative to speed things along. The line to get a dressing room was still long however. 

3. The Boutique is small, so there aren’t any shopping carts. 

4. No shopping carts means you’ll end up piling clothes up on your arm, so if you’re looking for a particular brand, I suggest knowing how their sizes fit on you and skipping the dressing room (some brands run smaller or larger than others). 

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want these tips to suggest that the shopping experience wasn’t good. On the contrary- we had a great time! The entire Boutique was pristine, the staff was efficient and courteous and the clothing quality and prices were fabulous! (Coach bag for $30, anyone?) I just wanted to give you all a heads up on a few things so you can plan accordingly. 

Oh, and I do plan to go back- again and again. 

If you have any questions about my shopping experience, or would like to share your shopping experience from March 20th, please feel free to do so. Please also remember that by shopping at the GW Boutique, you are going green, giving back to the community and looking good while doing it! 

Fashionably Yours,
Nik 

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