So, I have a few friends that work at (currently - not when they close permanently) Barneys NY, and one of the biggest questions that they had was ... where the heck were the celebrities showing support to NOT close Barneys???? I can tell you that pretty much every time I was either in the Madison or BH store, there were celebrities there. Not that any one of them could buy it, but quite a few shopped there .. so, they could put in some vocal/written support for not closing the business!
Agreed, I think being able to search the Internet .. especially when things have gone on sale has really impacted many of the retail stores. Only the true "fashionista" needs to have the item immediately when it comes out. I was like that in my 20's and 30's, but now .. I don't really care if the item was from last season or even last year! Plus, I NEVER pay full retail anymore - NEVER!
Probably not, when you consider what it costs to maintain the look of a certain lifestyle. The more you spend the less you have even when you make loads of money. TBH, its gets a bit silly when one must purchase certain brands or as asked to push certain brands to support that brand or fashion house because they want to attract certain people. There are only so many places one can wear certain togs before it is a waste and hassle to store. SJP is in the same boat as many who made a fine income yet was likely advised to diversify to offset any hits to the longevity of her earning potential as a movie star, hence hawking her own line of shoes. Let's see who else was has diversified in fashion:
Last season maybe worked ohhh 15 years ago, not so much anymore as there is such a blend of fashion. Besides, Ebay along with Real Real, etc are undercutting retail stores and I know for myself, I tend to hang on to classics to drag out over and over.
I agree with everything you've said AND I think even those who are millionaires are also over extended, it's a house of cards. TBH, we never recovered from the 2008/2009 recession, the quality of the fabric has not recovered since 2008/2009 yet prices have crept up. Much of the luxury is being pushed to 20 somethings with trust funds. The truly rich can get bespoke items we never see at Barney's or Neimans etc.
I do the same.....I learned long ago to invest in the classic pieces; shoes, bags, coats you name it.
Indeed, my cobblers and seamstress help me look decent. I rotate my shoes through the cobbler once the season is over or if there is substantial wear. To a degree, I can get away with clothing repairs, I sew. As for purses, I love the same two-three coach styles which I hunt on ebay. I'm loving totes surprisingly because I can carry my purse, mobile, spare shoes, camera etc in them, consolidate on trips. I've settled on Orla Kiely, though I need t stop buying bags/totes.
I initially shopped Barney's for Vincent Longo and Aesop. First Aesop was no long stocked then roughly 10 years ago Vincent Longo was no longer a staple, he sales direct and has great sales. The best foundation and blush I've every purchased. I noticed the last time I needed a Mason Pearson brush, they had to special order due to stocking issue and that was roughly two years ago.
