I generally consider myself mostly an online shopper, but the truth is, I probably shop 50% online and 50% offline. And it’s probably actually more like 75% offline if you consider all the SHOPPING I do offline & then BUYING online. For example, I went to Nordstrom today and spied these DV by Dolce Vita shoes, which I’m going to order from Endless (free overnight shipping, no tax :))
They’re really comfortable, lightweight, and cute, I think. (also available in quite a few other colors) I would have probably purchased them at Nordstrom today if I hadn’t checked immediately to make sure they were available on Endless. Sorry Nordstrom.
But honestly, I would never have looked at them twice if I’d only seen them online (they’re much cuter in person). I also wouldn’t have fallen in love with this bag:
It is TO DIE FOR. The leather is like butter. Yes, it’s basically a “version” of the Mulberry Bayswater or Hermes Birkin, but still different, a fraction of the price, and in leather I’d like to use as a pillow.
I also kind of like this L.A.M.B. bag…don’t you? It’s really lightweight, and with TONS of pockets; great for work or travel:
I totally need to go offline shopping more often; I know the deals are online, but I do still like to look & touch…what about you?
How often do you see something offline and buy it online? Or do you just buy it the moment you see it?
Wow, they are selling those Dolce Vita shoes at Urban Outfitters but only in three colors – pink, black and aqua. I mostly shop online these days. In part because I’m plus sized and most places that offer plus sizes only offer them online (like Old Navy) and in part because I’m lazy 😛
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those shoes are super cute! I might have to copy you :o)
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I am in love with that bag! Yes, it’s shaped a lot like the Mulberry Bayswater, but it looks so much less intimidating. I feel like I could be myself around that bag….
haha!! you’re right though…it’s very un-assuming, easy….
I saw those DV shoes in a lovely fuschia color at UO and was seriously tempted to get them. I haven’t come up with the right outfit yet to warrant buying them.
A lot of my shopping has happened online these days. I haven’t been in much of a shopping mood and try to stay out of the mall. If a store is along my route home and/or I want to check something out in person, then I’ll make a trip to the store to shop. I kind of like coming home to a package on my front step. 🙂
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I think it is really poor to take advantage of Nordstrom’s wonderful salespeople and then order it online to save tax … maybe the state can use that tax to help maintain all its services and roads it makes available to you. Really, how cheap are you? And then to brag about how clever you are
I’m becoming more and more of an online girl these days. Our stores in a middle sized town tend to be pretty “craptastic” or geared toward the elderly, and I don’t aspire to be either (well, elderly and mobile someday might be nice…in the future.). I love the shoes–You’re right, tho; I do miss the in-person experience. And as for the bags, the Liebeskind gets my vote. I always fall for the rich, buttery leather and I already told you I’m “strap-challenged” too.
Sorry, Gretchen, I really hate to call you out on this, but I have to agree with Carol. It’s pretty lousy to see/ try on a pair of shoes at Nordstrom and then order the exact same from Endless to save a latte’s worth of sales tax. What if *everyone* did this ? Do you value having a Nordstrom’s near you?
Hi Grechen, I’ve just discovered your blog and love it!! It is a tremendous resource, and I love your style. Thank you, thank you for sharing your sources, thoughts, and reviews. I also love that you are a libertarian, too, and your birthday is the same as my daughter’s. Election day!
Carol, I’m sure Grechen buys things at Nordstrom, pretty regularly in fact, but when there is a significant price difference between a brick & mortor store and an online store, if she wants to *think* about the shoes, and it’s easier to order them online after making a decision, then ordering online is her right and not considered being cheap which as you would know after reading GrechensCloset.com for some time, Grechen is not.. by definition! Grechen buys handbags in the $1000 range, drops $150 for a t-shirt, and is a huge supporter of independent boutiques so I seriously doubt that she is cheap. A better deal is a better deal and convenience plays a huge factor in many online vs. offline shopping decisions. Please consider learning more about a person before name calling.
carol, i do understand your sentiment, but no need to name-call. i’m also well aware what my sales tax money goes for; i pay a lot of it…i found the shoes cheaper online, simple as that.
as far as taking advantage of nordstrom’s salespeople – am i obligated to buy as soon as a salesperson offers to help me? am i taking advantage if i simply choose not to buy the shoes at all?
again…i get the sentiment. but honestly, not EVERYONE does this! and i don’t even do it most of the time. i buy a lot from nordstrom!! and i pay a lot of sales tax. but i do like to save a bit of cash here and there – if i’d simply said i’d found the shoes for $10 off online, would i still be called “cheap” (carol’s word, not yours)?
I have to say something that has been bothering me during this whole discussion about “should she/shouldn’t she”. Nordstrom is a BIG corporate entity: Their revenue last year was 8.57 BILLION dollars. That is no “Mom and Pop” store that will feel it deeply if Grechen goes to endless.com to buy her shoes. Also, endless.com is a subsidiary of Zappo’s. Neither of these stores are privately owned small businesses. We’re not talking David vs. Goliath, here, we’re talking Goliath vs. Goliath!!! A buck is a buck. If Grechen wants to save a buck, I’m all for it. Competition is the name of the game!!!