Fashion
Just when I’ve vowed not to buy another pair of shoes, in this post, temptation strikes.
I’m going to tell you about the worst day I’ve had ever, in 2011.
I visited one of my favourite boutiques a while back- Christine, to wish her ‘Happy New Year’. For those who know me, or have read my posts about this amazing lady, you know just how much love, admiration and respect I hold for her. I’ve never revealed in my previous posts about the abuse she has given me in return. But this was the third time…the final straw.
As I admired her collections, encouraged fellow shoppers to ‘get those shoes’ and contemplated about which bag to buy my mom, Christine came up to me, red-faced and all, and said ‘I’m going to have to ask you to leave, I don’t feel comfortable with other competitors in my shop.’
Feeling misunderstood, hurt and rejected, I could only pray to ask God for strength and forgiveness. I don’t hold anything against Christine, but I won’t visit her boutique again, upon her request.
I turned to visit Miss Louise, a darling shoe boutique I’ve only read about in magazines but have never set foot in, for it is a dangerous place, indeed. Not only have they got the best range of designer footwear and bags, they also have a very talented team of very pushy sales assistants. After trying on 3 pairs of shoes, they tried every possible way (including asking me rather patronising questions and telling me to ignore the opinions of my husband) to get me to buy all 3 pairs, then 2…As I clung tightly to my poor credit card and what was left of my self-respect, I finally managed to escape from their emotional grasp with one shoe box containing patent caramel YSL heels.
So did retail therapy work? I felt more guilty after I bought these shoes. Despite them being comfortable, beautiful and practical shoes, I recently just wrote a post about not buying any shoes in 2011. So what resulted from the day was a broken promise and 2 shops to add to the never-visit list.
As I held back the tears that were dying to escape my eye sockets, I’m grateful that our boutique is well known for its welcoming and down-to-earth non-pushy attitude. And we always respect husbands’ opinions.
those shoes are WOW
detail on the heal – love.
Kira Lilly fashion blog
:( The first incident sounded pretty hurtful.
If the store owner/sales assistant asked me to leave unnecessarialy because of the simple fact that I’m a ‘competitor’. Then I would think twice before entering into the store again.
A customer shouldn’t be asked to leave the store because the store owner/sales assistant felt threatened by their competitor, unless they suspect the customer is stealing or has obvious bad intentions.
I don’t understand. If the two stores do not stock the same products, then isn’t the existence of your boutique actually cultivating more fashion forward thinking, rather than hurt her business? That is really quite appalling.
I do love those shoes though. Now the challenge would be to wear them and not taste the taint of that horrible day in your mouth.
i love that shoes. the colour is perfect!
muaaaa
CC, you are beautiful person and if anything these two stores don’t understand how businesses should be run. So what if Miss Louise stocks the most beautiful shoes from around the world in Melbourne. When customers go to buy shoes, it’s not only about the shoes it’s about the whole experience and service too. News will soon spread that this is how they treat their customers. No one likes to feel patronised into buying something…unless they are a pretentious fool themselves.
And being threatened by so-called competitors? Fashion and clothing is such a vast industry, everyone has their own niche and style…how threatened she must feel about someone younger, with fresher ideas and vision, to be able to work up the nerve to ask you to leave and abuse you.
Keep strong and keep doing what you’re doing, remember no one can stop you from achieving your dreams!
xoxo
Aww cc, what a terrible day. At least you have a great pair of shoes to take away from it >_<
I do believe in retail therapy. Well spent.. those shoes are gorgeous
lee x
oh CC… that is discrimination! Not all boutique owners are as lovely as you are. But unfortunately, business is more important to them than friendship :(
Gorgeous shoes though! xx
So cool :D
Cec, you are the best! So, don’t worry – enjoy these sweeeeet heels!
Thank you so much for your awesome suggestion! I plan to visit Australia, and it could be amazing to take some fashion lessons from one of the most creative persons :)
<3
That’s terrible that she told you to leave. What a shame since you were about to buy something! Otherwise, those new shoes are gorgeous but I guess you’ll be leaving your credit card at home next time!
Oh that’s horrible!
I don’t subscribe to the idea that competitors should be enemies. Competition is healthy! What was she scared of, that you might steal her ideas for merchandising? Pfft!
There are plenty of amazing people in this world; enough to ignore the others.
I’m so sorry that happened to you. I have absolutely no respect for people like that. You’re a beautiful girl Cecylia and sometimes shoe purchases are a necessity!!
woah, unreal ! <3
Thank you for your supportive comments guys, I hope that in the competitive world of fashion there can still be love, respect and care
With Christine’s attitude, you must be excluded from all stores in Melbourne, Cecylia. My goodness – I have only just found out about your store online, but from the gorgeous fresh examples I can see, I don’t think Christine has any worries about you ‘stealing’ her ideas. Yes, her store does hold a certain market, but that is strange diva behaviour. You are very gracious! Local stores should be supporting one another. I am coming your way soon to check out your amazing range of Repetto!!!!
[…] I knew it would be a girly arvo so I rocked up in a pink jumper dress from the local op-shop and my new favourite YSL heels, which were the reward after a horrible day, mentioned in this post. […]
[…] I knew it would be a girly arvo so I rocked up in a vintage jumper dress and my new favourite YSL heels, which were the reward after a horrible day, mentioned in this post. […]
1. just as i was about to compliment what an appropriate choice those shoes were, i see the heel and realize they aren’t as “staple” and “basic” as i thought. that makes them and EVEN more appropriate choice in a high end heel. 2. i’m glad i’m not the only one who shops after a crappy day. i got a tee by alexander wang dress because i’m in a slump. feeling slightly better :) and 3. that chick sounds certifiably insane. she’s also a complete moron- kicking out your competitor who could potentially buy something is a lose-lose. i’ll bet she flunked business 101 at least twice.
[…] What I wore: Karla Spetic blazer, vintage shirt and necklace, Paula Walden ring, vintage clutch, Wrangler jeans, YSL heels […]
[…] What I wore: Karla Spetic blazer, vintage shirt and necklace, Paula Walden ring, vintage clutch, Wrangler jeans, YSL heels […]