Retail Therapy
I’m a firm believer in the need for balance in one’s life. And that extends to one’s blog — or at least my blog. Therefore while I was considering sharing some realizations I came to through the course of my day yesterday, I’ve decided to instead opt for a lighter topic — namely my latest product obsessions.
I am a dream consumer. If I find something I like, I will not only buy it, but buy multiple quantities of it, and extol the virtues of said product to everyone who will listen. That said, I don’t do so broadly — a product has to really impress me.
Right before Christmas, I experienced the joy that is Jo Malone products. It came about because I ended up having to kill about 5 hours in Heathrow Airport, ended up playing in her store there (with the help of an enthusiastic sales associate!) and voila, I ended up spending way too much money on fragrance. Still, despite the expense, I find her products totally worth it. How cool is it to mix your own signature fragrance? And the quality of her products are top notch. (By the way, my signature fragrance? A combination of Amber & Lavender and Nutmeg & Ginger. I’m a spicy sort of gal. Though it is entirely possible I’ll decide to revisit this combo once the warmer weather months hit.)
Now my latest beauty/cosmetic obsession appeals to a different side of me. While Jo Malone appeals to my sense of class and extravagance, Lush appeals to the rock chic within. I think of it as sort of a cooler, more modern, edgier Body Shop. The products are unique, all natural, and cleverly packaged. The product descriptions were fab. I think my favorite was “Goth Juice”, a hair gel that claimed to contain the essential ingredient of the tears of Robert Smith (how I loved him once upon a time!) There seems to be a real emphasis on making your shopping experience an interactive one. (I got a great hand massage from the young man who asked to demo a scrub on me, which was just lovely and not weird at all.) The product names are delicious too. Who can resist the thought of Angels on Bare Skin? Or Silky Underwear? Textures are varied and unique too, which is great for those of us who like to touch everything and appreciate a tactile experience. The online store is fun, but if you have an opportunity, check out one of their retail locations in person. I haven’t had so much fun since I discovered my first Sephora store.
Finally, I resisted the trend for quite some time and swore I wouldn’t give in, but after several days of wearing shoes that destroyed my feet, and knowing I had much more walking time ahead of me, both by necessity and by preference, I broke down and bought a pair of crocs. However, I did not buy the clog looking ones (which I’m sure are quite comfortable, however there would be no way I could get away with wearing them for business meetings). I bought a pair of cleos which really do resemble a pair of simple strappy sandals. And oh my gosh my feet are happy. I finally “get it”. The appeal, that is. I feel as though I could walk for twice as long with these babies on my feet, and find an extra spring in my step. Happy feet make a happy girl. I admit it, I’m a crocs convert. And aside from the fact that these are the most comfortable shoes ever while still looking pretty cute, I love the fact that crocs is a company with a conscience. So I actually feel good about spending money on them (even if they were significantly more expensive in Australia with the current exchange rate than they are in the US.) So I guess this is my formal apology for any former disdain for crocs. Any company that makes shoes for the purpose of happy feet while having a social conscience and actively participating in bettering communities around the world is a company that gets not only my business but is worthy of my shouting from the rooftops how much they rock.
