So Much for Economizing...

I rationalize this splurge because it is one of the pieces I've had my eye on all season. I feel the cold so I do wear jackets most items, save shoes, boots, sandals and cardigans. It's also very pretty but not too sweet.

I was very lucky and was able to pick it up from Lyell the day before their sample sale started as they had already marked down the new stock--just a stroke of shopping luck.  I'll report on the sample sale later today after I've finished writing my Japanese Horror film lecture, and write about my fun time with Marti, something she's already blogged about. But for now, suffice to say, I didn't find anything. Most of my covets were not going in the sale, had previously sold out in my size or were still way too pricey. Much as I like the matching tweed shorts, I don't really think I'd get enough wear out of them to justify the $100 sample sale price.

So my pants are on their way, I have some Jeffrey Monteiro finds and now the Lyell peacoat. Notwithstanding the Mayle drought, I do at least have some nice new finds.

Felled at the first post

 So much for my resolution. I saw Erica's post about the Stel's sale and couldn't resist getting these rachel Comey pants. I'd thought about getting them earlier in the fall, even though I've never seen them in any store. At a hair over $100, I couldn't resist, especially as I am very low on pants. Of course, I just hope they fit and look as good in real life.

Stel's sale wasn't the only threat to my resolution. It's the Lyell sample sale on Saturday and I'm meeting Caroline to see what I can find. I'd like to get one of the short sleeved cardigans from SS 09 if any are left, possibly the sleeveless sweater, and maybe a scallop peacoat (this would have to be the very last peacoat other than the one from SS 07 on my Mayle wishlist that will never turn up in my size). I am also interested in the wrap blouse if it fits and is cheap and the crocheted dress which I think may have sold out.  I very much doubt they will have much stock and expect I'll get very littl given that the press get the first bite. Besides her production was so limited this season that there won't be much to sell. I also suspect that a lot of the fall stock won't be in the sale. I got the final size 8 purple wool gathered skirt (which I wore today with my old Lyell polka dot blouse from FW 05 and a black J. Crew cashmere turteneck sweater), so even if it is reduced, it won't be in my size.

And I so need shoes. That one seems not to be happening.

Tomorrow, I get to meet up with Marti for lunch and shopping. It should be fun!

February Resolutions

This month, I'm vowing to be disciplined. I've kept my spending somewhat in check recently, partly as the sales haven't been sterling (except Jeffrey Monteiro), partly too because I haven't seen much that thrills me. It's February now and I still haven't found my winter shoes--I guess at this point, it's not to be.

So, my resolution for this month is to avoid spending on clothes and accessories (including little bits of J. Crew jewelry). Instead, I'm going to try to save and reserve any money for Mayle items on my long covet list. I've gone through a long dry spell with ebay recently, I haven't found anything at INA or other consignment stores in recent months. At some point, however, something I want is going to be out there and I will need the money that I could have frittered away on little accessories or additional cardigans.

My other resolutions include updating the blog more and getting more of my own writing done. Somehow these seem antithetical but I think I can do it. Both involve writing, after all.

Mayle Knock-offs

Not so long ago, I would be one of those people disparaging stores for knocking off Mayle. I'd be angered at the theft from a small label, the absence of creativity, the dilution of the brand and the sheer lack of ethics displayed. I've not changed my mind on these principles and firmly believe knock offs are wrong--I'd rather these stores (usually but not exclusively chains) employ creativity--and their own team of real designers. But recently, I've been tempted, given the absence of new Mayle collections (unless you are Swiss or have access to the SE collection--how I wish Jane Mayle had chosen to share these with a US boutique, be it Metier in SF or Brooklyn's Bird).

Recently, I've seen a rip-off of the Ziggy romper in Anthropologie and the Zora blouse in Urban Outfitters. Both are variants on a theme--but while they are not identical, they display more than just a Mayle influence...

Photo Courtesy of Monica's i-phone

My interest in the romper, in particular, shows how Mayle-starved I am right now. When Ziggy came out, I hoped it was a lovely blouse paired with some unfortunate pants. I still maintain a blouse would have been a far better idea--had it been a dress, I'd have pounced in a second. Despite my reservations, I tried it on at some point, wanting to like it because it was Mayle, and Mayle was nearly over. Much as I loved the print and the top, Ziggy looked like pajamas on me. Not the look I was hoping for.

Fast forward one year, I tried the Anthropologie version on this weekend. It is sleeveless, the pants had no cuffs and fell straight, the fabric is not silk and the print, while similar, is no lotus print. Some of these points seemed OK--the missing cuffs may even have been a plus. Clearly this romper did not resonate with Anthro's core customer. After many markdowns, it was just $19.99.

After looking at myself in the changing room mirror, I saw why. I tried to convince myself that it was easily worth $19.99, that I could always cut off the pants (leaving me with a fairly dull top). I imagined ways to style it, none of which worked. I generally have a rule--if you have to make excuses for a garment, justify how it could work and be something that it isn't, then you don't buy it. Another rule--such hesitation tells you all you need to know (don't buy--you won't wear it). Finally I always think of an item I own, and like, and think will I ever wear this instead of my one of my favorites? The answer here is clearly no. Then I asked the hard question--would I have liked Ziggy if it was by another designer? And given that the answer was no, why was I even thinking about a knock-off?

Desperation hits us all, I guess. I left with a pair of tights and the recognition that there would be more consignment and ebay Mayle in my future. $20 may not get me much, but all those $20s add up and can go into my Mayle fund. Indeed, I may open a savings account for these purposes so I can watch those sporadic $20s grow.

As this is long, I'll comment on the Zora-alike in another post. And, yes, I am aware that Anthro and UO are owned by the same parent company.

Odalisque

During my Hollywood Up to 1960 class yesterday, we were discussing Orientalism, its influence on silent film and the representation of modern sexuality. One student asked about broader cultural practices, including the role of Orientalism in art. This reminded me of one of my favorite early photographers, Roger Fenton (I adore early photography). So I thought I'd share one of his orientalist pictures--he's better known, perhaps, for his more realistic work--war photography (the Crimean War), landscapes, images of churches, cathedrals and ruins. Apologies for the poor reproduction--the actual resolution is amazing--as it is in so much early photography. This reminds me that I want to talk to Caroline about her favorite pioneer photographers--maybe in conjunction with a visit to the Met, the ICP or some other gallery.

These landscapes are in a finer resolution, although jpgs hardly capture the quality of the actual images.

First week of classes

With the first week of classes over, I'm vowing that this semester isn't going to steal away from me like so many others. It is tough to write and teach, especially after the grading starts to get heavy, but I'm determined to accomplish a lot this time. The book has to go out in two weeks or less, I've got to get the proposal for the second book out this semester and I have my other goals to accomplish--hopefully by the summer.

It's early days yet, but my classes look like they'll be good. I'm happy about the syllabi I've drafted and excited to share some of these films with my students. I hope they'll enjoy them too.

So with time management and some luck, I'm hoping this will be my semester. I'm also hoping my Powerbook will last through the next few months, until Mac's next educational promotion--right now my power cord and battery are both on the verge of dying and I hope I don't have to invest in new ones as I do need to upgrade to a new Macbook Pro. Besides, I also want to save some serious money this semester as I have no idea what my employment situation will be next academic year.

Jeffrey Monteiro Sale

I meant to update on this earlier, but with the beginning of the semester, I've just been too swamped with work. I went to the sale Monday lunchtime--evidently it had been busy earlier, but it was quiet when I got there.

It was a small sale--all the stock was out, everything was neatly ordered by size (although I was told to check that the hanger and the garment were the same sizes). There were a few resort 09 dresses (about 8-10 in total), mainly in the same style, mostly in size 2 and 4, all for just over $300. The only size 8 was a navy gown--not exactly something I'd ever wear. The rack of fall 09 clothes was also heavy on the 2s and 4s. In the 8s (my size) there were some purple shirts (around $110), one slouch red dress ($195) and some purple coats ($295). There was also a dark purple dress that was supposed to be an 8 but seemed to fit like a 4. The biggest selection of 8s was in the older stock rack, which was where the real deals were--dresses for $80, tops for $50, coats for $100 (I think). Again, the 4s and smaller had the greatest range of bargains, but I did pretty well (I also pretty much cleaned out the dresses in size 8 and even got my most coveted JM dress in the 6, which surprisingly fit me perfectly). The sale had very little stock--I'd say in the range of maybe 100 items (or less), covering all sizes, so I did remarkably well considering only about 10 pieces were in my size.

These are my finds:

 

This dress is in cotton and fits me perfectly (much to my surprise). I thought it would be too narrow in the hips but it is just right. I love it and it makes me look so slim. It's also beautifully made--and, like all JM, made in the USA--which I love. I can't wait to wear this one out.

This one is possibly my favorite (although I love all three). I wanted it last year but I never found it in a size bigger than 4.  The fact that the 6 fits perfectly is an added bonus.

 

I got this dress in black. It drapes beautifully and has these amazing pockets. It has some nice detailing too--covered buttons and an embroidered ribbon trim. It was originally the most expensive of these dresses at $600 and it is really special.

So I did very well at this sale--like all good sample sales, I left with a few regrets. There was a jacket, blue trench coat and a little white silk shirt that weren't really in my sizes that I nearly went back for. I suppose that's the mark of a good sample sale--feeling that you did well but that there were pieces you shouldn't have left behind. That said, the stock was very limited--it was one of the smaller sample sales I'd been too. Had I been a 4, I'd have left a lot poorer. As it stands, I am very happy.

Also, looking at the clothes, I have a new respect for JM. Many are very well made. Sizes do vary and some pieces were not so flattering-the red slouch dress is a lovely color but it isn't the right cut for me. Overall, I found his sizing worked very well for my body--surprisingly well, better than most designers. I don't know if his future sales will be this cheap--I doubt it as this seemed to be mainly returned Steven Alan stock and true samples (his sample size is a 4, which doesn't work for me although a few of his outerwear pieces did fit me in the 4, hence some of my regrets). I liked a lot of what I saw, found his staff to be very nice and the sale was really well run too. Overall, one of the best sample sale experiences I've had--although nothing will rival the legendary Mayle sample sale from 2007. I have so many regrets about items I passed on from that sale (because I had already got a fair amount of pieces and didn't want to be greedy) that I wish I could go back in a time machine, revisit the sale and buy those dresses, shoes, tops and sweaters that I put back on the racks.