Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great start to their week! Today was very busy, as I returned to work from holiday. I missed the ladies in the office, the gorgeous shoes, and working with photos over my holiday, though it was nice to take a break and be inspired by Paris and Brussels!
I worked a bit late, though I never mind, as I hate to leave the office mid-task. After work I headed straight to Selfridges to sort out the lipstick mishap. Yesterday, I bought a tube of MAC lipstick, but arrived home to find they'd given me the wrong colour. When I left work I was a bit tired and a wee bit hungry, but if I didn't go to Selfridges tonight, I knew I wouldn't get around to it. I boldly walked through the entrance of the Louis Vuitton leather goods boutique in my walking shoes and North Face coat, ignoring the glares I was getting. I smized through my smudged eyeliner as my hair blew in the wind... and all in my face. While I usually try to look somewhat presentable when I go shopping, I didn't have the time and I really didn't care. Yesterday I was adorable and had the intention to shop all afternoon; today I just wanted to get rid of this lipstick and go home and eat my stir fry.
After walking through the death stares in the LV boutique, I arrived immediately at the MAC Cosmetics counters. I went with the intention to exchange the lipstick for the proper colour, but realized that wasn't going to happen upon arriving to the stand of lipstick. Around the lipstick and lipgloss counter was a flock of girls with designer bags strategically blocking out any other shopper who wanted to see the lipstick. At this point I knew I was too hangry (hangry: adjective describing the feeling of anger one reaches after a prolonged period of hunger) and impatient to politely fumble around them to find the shade I wanted. I decided on a new strategy: return the lipstick and go home because my tummy was rumbling.
I waited in line until I finally reached the till. I told the cashier what had happened, and she asked if I wanted to make an exchange. I replied I just wanted to return it. Apparently this was an insufficient answer, because she asked me again if I wanted to exchange the lipstick for the correct shade. Growing increasingly delirious from my hunger, I quickly said "No, I really have to go. I have meeting for work I need to get to." This would've been a great excuse if I were on my lunch break, but it was 18:45 and this response made absolutely no sense. The cashier gave me a confused look, but I kept cool and confident about my story- if I say I have a meeting at work, then I have a meeting at work (even if I don't). The cashier accepted this response, and began inspecting the lipstick. She commented on how gorgeous the colour was, how popular that shade was with women, and how they sold out of it all the time. I was confused as to why she was trying to sell me the lipstick I was trying to return. Yes, I know it's a gorgeous colour- because I already have the colour. Anyhow, she debited my account the full amount and I headed back home, but began considering the way salespeople discuss products with clients.
I've noticed in my experience with major retailers that salespeople say really ridiculous things, always in an attempt to make a sale. This, however, is not the problem. The problem is that customers believe them. Yesterday a woman at Selfridges told me a size 5 sandal didn't look too small. My big toe hung over the edge of the shoe and onto the ground. I once had a woman at Joe's Jeans in Raleigh tell me I didn't need the jeans hemmed despite them being long enough to cover my foot. I have seen too many feet stuffed into too-small courts and too many women in ill-fitting clothing to not speak out against this. Tonight was the perfect example: A woman trying to sell me the lipstick I had journeyed 30 minutes to return.
I dream of a day when salespeople seek out the interest of their customer, not just the interest of a sale. I couldn't sleep at night if I knew I'd convinced someone to intentionally buy an item in the wrong size because their size wasn't in stock. Size doesn't matter so far that all sizes are beautiful. Size does matter, though, when finding the best fit. Pieces that fit properly are always in style, more comfortable, and most flattering. I fear that consumers feel intimidated or pressured into purchases by salespeople, though this shouldn't be the situation. I have no problem telling a sales associate "no", even when it's awkward or they are persistent. To all my fashionators: the next time you are unsure about an item, tell the associate you want to think about it and are going to wait (even if you never return). If you're feeling bold, just tell them you don't like it. You are the one who is paying for it and possibly going to wear it, not the associate. I feel it is important that this power belong to the consumer, not the seller.
After I returned my lipstick, I strutted out of Selfridges and caught a bus home. I made a delicious bowl of stir fry: shrimp, bean sprouts, cabbage, edamame, and rice noodles in a black bean sauce. At that point, I wanted dinner far more than my lilac lipstick.
While in Belgium, I took a day trip to Bruges, a city about an hour train ride from Brussels. Most of the signs and menus were in Flemish, so I had an interesting day, but really enjoyed the quaint town! Here are a few of my favourite photographs from my trip.
Colourful Doors
Skylines
Street Musicians
Roads
Restaurants
Meadows of Flowers
xo
BJordan
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