A Review: Aladdin Senja Desktop Mug

Usually I'm not one to dissect something as trivial as a desktop mug, but I figured that this product is just that fabulous and no, I'm not getting paid to do this! In all seriousness, or as serious as one can be regarding this matter, I have honestly been on the lookout for a coffee mug for quite a while now. Since a trip to Caribou became part of my daily routine (sometimes double-daily) I have been searching for something that just simply, made sense; For one, I am sincerely trying to reduce my footprint and this is such a simple way in which I can do that: I figure that using the mug will cease personal consumption of around 300 paper cups and paper sleeves, or more, per year.
Also, Caribou discounts 50 cents for each time one utilizes his or her own mug, which totals about $200 a year in savings. Reduce, reuse, RECYCLE. The mug is double-wall constructed, stainless steel (meaning rust-proof, odorless, tasteless) has a nonslip bottom, sturdy (welded) handle with a nice grip, BPA free, seal-tight cover that caters to both lefties and righties and did I mention the lagoon-esque color?! LOVE. My coffee, tea, hot cocoa, stays HOT for at least an hour and perfectly warm for around two. But, for how many of us does it actually take more than an hour to finish that 16 oz. coffee at 8:00AM? ....that's what I thought. Target. $15. Enough said.
For more information about Aladdin's products, visit http://www.aladdin-pmi.com/

black friday..

is for the crazies.

Black Friday, to me, is like going to an amusement park and having to wait in line for evvvvvvvvverysingleride. For 5 hours. It's just SOOO not enjoyable. I don't get the rush - I just want to punch people - acting like a pack of carnivorous wolves, awaiting that big old, juicy steak that is the giant 50'' plasma flat screen. OK, so maybe I am exaggerating a little..I take that back. Because I am nice, I accompanied my little brother on a trip to Walmart at 12am on Black Friday. The items that he wanted to purchase were, of course, not on sale - typical guy - but he wanted them right that night. Turns out he was given false information - that one of his sought after PS3 games would be half off - mmmmNOPE. AnyWHO, we got our goods and headed to the front of the store to wait in a massive line. The place was PACKED, which is a bit suprising for the small town of Litchfield, Minnesota, but I'm sure everyone in the 30 mile radius thought it would be worth their time to check it out. My sister took off on a trip to St. Cloud (about a 40 min. drive from Litchfield) at 3am and came back with nothing but boxes and a free snow globe. OOOoooAhhhhh. Nah, this girl would rather be sleeping. I have come to discover a veryyyy interesting personal trait of mine. After being involved with retail for a decent amount of time, I realize that I expect the best customer service, or else I get annoyed ppppreeettttyy easily. If you're not good at it, you shouldn't be doing it, bottom line. If I'm going to be pumping my money into a store, I don't want to be trampled, ignored, pushed, held-up, stressed or running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Props to those of you that ventured out on that evil, yet financially stupendous day.

Corporate Pedofilia

I tuned into Nightline, a couple of weeks ago and was infatuated by the segment that was done on Corporate Pedofilia. The idea is that these large, retail powerhouses are targeting tween girls (ages 9-12), based on what their celebrity idols are wearing (Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, to name a few). One of the main reasons why these companies signal out this age group, is simply because they have a very high disposable income - be it the result of allowances, babysitting, birthdays or other holidays - they got that dough, and more importantly, they LOVE spending it (to the tune of $43 billion, annually). Of course, young women imitating celebrities has always been the case, but compare the celebs of then to now. My mind wanders back to the contrasting times of innocence and Judy Garland - it's hard not to think of what the future has in store for our impulsive society. By observing what has been and what is now, it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is to come with teen/tween celebrities and their youthful styles, whether they are appropriate or not. One thing we know for sure, however, is that retailers will keep benefitting from celebs and their always contagious styles that move fluidly - as they are funneled from adults, to teens, to tweens, to children, to toddlers, to infants.
For your enjoyment, a look at teen celebs from backintheday to today.

men are from mars.

without a doubt.
So, Jon had forgotten his workout shoes at home this past weekend. He decided that he just would rather get new shoes, because the other ones were shot anyway. Ok, I told him - but we didn't have time to go until about 8:45pm, since we decided that we would go to the Mall of America, we were cutting it pretty close, since they closed at 9:30pm. I had faith in Jonboy, because he'd been 'researching' online for a month or two and already had a good idea of what he wanted. We proceeded to get there at 9pm. Once we were greeted by an overactive sales associate/manager, I took my seat on the nice, comfy 'locker room' bench. After about 15 mins., he narrowed it down to 2 pairs - one the was ideal for lifting and another that was more versatile - didn't have the structure of a lifting shoe, but could be better used for running and agility (it's interesting that myself, along with thousands of other women, base decisions mostly on looks and brand - function of the shoe? ...eh, not so much). Comfort was the key term of the night, looks were a close second, brand wasn't so relevant. Anyways, time was ticking. . .after I shared my opinion and he agreed (most men will not buy anything that a woman doesn't first approve of) - of course, I didn't point that out to him, but it makes me smile most of the time. As we were about to decide, another sales associate almost secretively hands Jon a receipt that gives you $20 off a purchase of $100 or more. "Now this changes everything," Jon says. All that was going through my mind was, wowwwwwwwwwwwww, we are NEVER going to get out of here. He goes on to request his, what fifth? (i lost count) pair of shoes to try on..the $90 Pumas (apparently they were 'sick'). After brief disappointment, saying they weren't what he thought they were going to be, he decided to take the Adidas, weight lifting shoes. Since the shoes were only $80, themselves, Jon was instructed by the sales associate to add on (like music to a salesperson's ears) either buy one, get one socks or sole inserts, which would allow for better speed performance and would be more optimal for running. Jon opted for the inserts and we were good to go. It was now past closing time - around 9:45pm. When we got up to the counter to pay, the associate mentioned that Jon was 2 pennies under the $80 total and needed to buy something small to make up for the difference. Really? What the hell did the store have that was less than $5? - apparently shoelaces were popular...Jon, having no use for the shoelaces decided to get the socks and add on another $10...since they were buy one, get one, they would still be a steal. Everything was figured out, rang up and totaled. . . close, but no cigar. Insufficient Funds, read the computer screen....of course, my lovely bf didn't remember that transferred funds usually take 24 hrs. before spending could take place. . .Since they couldn't hold anything overnight, we decided we would come back tomorrow. After we stomped back to the car - me, drained by the whole experience (and men thought shopping with women was exhausting) a tiny, indecisive voice broke through the silence. . "You know, I'm not quite sure exactly which shoes I liked."

daily, weekly, monthly. . .

It doesn't matter when or how we get there, only that we do.

I finally finished Paco Underhill's Call of the Mall: The Geography of Shopping. I loved his first, Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping, so I just knew that I couldn't pass this one up. I would highly recommend it for anyone interested in shopping, spending time at the mall, architecture, visual merchandising, advertising, design, retail, in general - and the list goes on and on. I cannot wait to fall into his next and final book, for now, What Women Want. Now, although my background is in retail and soon-to-be more of the psychology of the consumer, as a consumer myself, I found this to be such a great read. We have ALL been in a mall, COUNTLESS times and, like the book mentions, I'm sure we have all had a few 'wtf/scratching the head' moments - mostly in reference to asking the question: what were those companies thinking? Or maybe that's just me? Nonetheless, Underhill puts everything into perspective for both the consumer and corporate minds in charge of all of these shenanigans; what works in the mall and what doesn't - and what should be changed immediately (small tweaks that could raise profits DRAMATICALLY). He refers to the Mall of America and Southdale (the first enclose shopping space, or mall, which help us locals paint a better picture. It also makes me so much more interested in consumers, in general, how they act and why and what these retailers are doing similarly and differently over the years that have been fool proof.

This book also brings me back (about a year ago) to working at a mall kiosk. If you are really curious, I sold calendars and games - at times, it was very insightful and interesting, on the other hand, it was boring and often times embarrassing (never thee ideal job), but really - I learned a lot from that job. I would stand there (yes, we weren't allowed to have chairs - even for the 9 hr. shifts) just observing/people-watching. To think back on it, I had a front-row seat to the mall, all of the action, especially during the 3 month holiday season, when our kiosk stood strong, and we did well, might I add. I would place items on the ground (we had a toy monkey that rolled around on the floor, laughing) or start playing with toys (bouncy balls, hand-held, wooden puzzles, ANYTHING) that would attracts kids to the stand. This strategy (although it was done mainly to keep my sanity) worked about 80% of the time - even if they wouldn't buy anything, it got them interested, asking questions and, ultimately, looking. This is just one of the many examples of an on-the-job activity that I would 'experiment' with while working in a retail setting. However, one could only stand there bouncing a ball for so long. Eventually, I got smart, went down to Border's and got lost in a good book.

Dear Wet Seal...

What the hell are you thinking?
I just recently started reading Paco Underhill's, Call of the Mall, after reading his first book, Why We Buy and lovvvvvvvved it. In the book, he mentions how he visits the malls when he is bored and has nothing else to do, merely to observe and find new breakthroughs in the retail realm. Although I do not have the prestigious Retail Anthropologist title, I love takin' a stroll in the mall when I have nothing else better to do. YESssss, even when I'm broke as broke can be. Anywho, I decided to check out Wet Seal - which has always been a list topper for my frugal self. I know I came upon the same situation last year, but it really grabbed my attention this time. I'm sure many of you have noticed that they have been sucked into the pure slinkiness of Halloween. What I really found interesting was on Wet Seal's website - in regards to their target market:

Wet Seal - Our Concepts.
Wet Seal is the junior apparel brand for teenage girls that seek trend-focused and value competitive clothing with a target customer age of 13 to 19 years old. Wet Seal seeks to provide its customer base with a balance of affordably priced fashionable apparel and accessories. Wet Seal stores average approximately 3,900 square feet in size and in fiscal 2007 had average sales per square foot of $314.

Should a company that is using keywords like junior, teenage girls and 13 to 19 years old, be trying to sell Halloween costumes that look like this?

Although the very thin - underdeveloped-looking - models are covered pretty modestly over their chests, their premature, sexual poses are a bit concerning. Last year, I found myself working at a stupid Halloween costume shop, for $7 -freakin'- .25 an hour. WHAT was I thinking. Anyway, being in that environment, and being asked to wear these slutty, downgrading costumes made me feel like an object. We would be selling costumes, like these, to girls in middle school - which may have had something to do with why I walked out on one of my shifts. I simply do not agree with it. Sex already sells - the real question is - why are we marketing sex to 13 - 19 year olds? Another inspiration: what the hell am I going to be for Halloween? I heard as long as I show enough skin - anything goes. :/

http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/category.jsp?categoryId=199 - ATTENTION TEENAGERS - Visit the site for more deets, on how you can "Get the party started," and more importantly, get your 'slut' on.

OHhhhhh...the Androgyny: take 2.

Retailers may be more responsible for gender norms and stereotyping than they think.
As I was walking to school the other day, I came across the cutest, most eye-opening, thing. A few blocks in front of me, I noticed a mom pushing a stroller, with an infant in it. Since I love babies, I am never hesitant to get a closer look. By mama's side, I saw a little one pushing a cart with a 'baby’ doll in it. To my surprise, the little one turned out to be a boy. I couldn't help but stare, as I saw this boy (no older than 4), mimic his mother. He was looking as boyish as he ever could – sporting camouflage, cargo shorts and a Mohawk.

The stroller was definitely pink - all pink. Unfortunately the image (to the right) is not of the actual situation, but you get the gist. Ever since I took a women's studies course at Minnesota State University, Mankato, I have been extremely in-tune with the concept of tom girls and sissy boys; the psychology behind what children play with and why, fascinates me. Also, when I was a child, I always played tractors with my brother, and in return, he played dolls with me. So what's the deal? Are the parents and environment responsible? Why wouldn't that little boy rather be pushing a toy car down the side of the street? I don't really know for sure, but I like it. There shouldn't be any sort of norm for a child - what they play with, or what color they are wearing, and the list goes on. But, sadly, there is. I’m sure everyone can recall a different story when they think of gender norms.

Currently, there is a back-to-school television ad, for Target, that features the song Free to Be … You and Me. The tune, performed by The Seekers, in 1972, echoed the sounds of equality and individuality. It has been called the anthem of the 70s, because it helped fight against the misconceptions of gender stereotypes. Ironic is what I would call the ad, as triplet sisters are able to ‘express’ themselves through Target’s current fall trends. On that note, Target is currently under speculation regarding their monetary support of Republican candidate for Governor of Minnesota, Tom Emmer, who is against gay rights. Large companies, like Target, are sometimes unaware of the impact they can have on society and must take responsibility for their actions.

Advertisements are obvious messages to the public. If they are not cohesive with what the company is doing in a more private setting, they are bound to gain negative buzz. On a more personal note, we all must play our own parts; society must not be naïve to current events and remember what we have worked so hard to gain – freedom of expression, equality and the right to do what we want, when we want. I was proud, that day, when I saw the mother with the little boy pushing the doll in that ALL PINK stroller. Our children are the future – what we teach them today is what they will teach their children, tomorrow.
Photo via Google Images

Trashy...!?! More Like FLASHY!

Trash Couture - - the hip, new trend - - that is making its way out of garbage cans and into our closets.

Fashion is constantly evolving, as new trends are created, the old ones are out (a reference to Miss Heidi Klum). Although most trends seem to be brand new, they are usually just reinventions of the past. I find it eerie, yet amazing, that I enjoy snooping through my mom or grandma’s closets and usually find something that I would wear, just because fashion does repeat itself and most of the styles that were worn twenty years ago have come back into the mainstream market, probably a few times. A new trend caught my eye when I was watching an episode of MTV’s The City. The episode featured Ke$ha, who is a current pop star, prepping for a photo shoot for Elle Magazine.

The stylists were informed beforehand that Ke$ha wanted to showcase her infamous ‘trash couture’ look, as she has been quoted saying, “My favorite stuff that I’ve ever found has been from trash cans,” as well as, “And I bought this incredible vest off a homeless guy recently.” So, off the stylists went, as they scrounged the streets of NYC and hit up the grungiest boutiques to find the perfect accessories for the ‘queen of trash.’ After searching high and low, Elle stylist Olivia Palermo found the perfect, ‘trash-bag shoes,’ which are, as their name describes, sky-high heels, with immaculately woven, trash bag rosettes placed on top.

It was love at first sight, for the singer, and she was later quoted saying, “I wanted to make a dress for the Grammy’s out of garbage bags, but no one would let me.” I find this to be funny, because even fashion forward starlets are being told what to wear and how to wear it. However, it was definitely a sight to see these prissy, Elle fashionistas, awkwardly positioning themselves in such unfamiliar territory. You didn’t think that Ke$ha would settle that easily, did you? Pictured to the left, she was spotted, last night, at MTV’s Video Music Awards, wearing none-other-than that garbage bag dress she just couldn’t wait to show off! Now, how is that for current?!

According to my research, trash couture can be defined as combining elements of trash to produce couture clothing - simple enough. But what exactly makes someone dumpster chic? The answer to that question is really, sort of, up-in-the-air. When it comes down to it, the trend is very young, as it’s only in the introductory stage of the fashion life cycle, and isn’t even close to maturity yet. Only a few, brave souls are now rocking the style. Also, like any other trend, wearers don’t hesitate to add their own, unique elements into the equation. Fashion designers like Gary Harvey and Nancy Judd are known for producing both immaculate and imaginary garments, using recyclable materials. By using familiar objects like old jeans and wedding dresses, condoms, VCR tapes, shopping bags, aluminum cans, junk mail and bottle tops these creative (to say the least) individuals are able to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Celebrity frontrunners of this trend, include Ke$ha, Alison Goldfrapp and Lady Gaga. All of these famous faces are known for pushing boundaries, in multiple ways, and stirring the ‘fashion pot,’ so to speak. One cannot help but wonder if their love of trash is really just another ploy to gain attention and get people talking. For many reasons, I believe that it is just a matter of time before this trend goes mainstream. As I was wandering in the mall, the other day, I couldn’t help but be surprised at the lack of retailers hopping on the ‘trash couture’ bandwagon. Although the trend is fairly new, you’d think someone would step up.

Okay, I admit, the trend is definitely out there, as far as edginess is concerned, but isn’t every trend at some point in time? Celebrities, admired and mimicked by millions, are donning garbage bags and cardboard boxes, causing uproar, increasing their popularity and, ultimately, gaining interest. It’s a bit crazy to see that retailers, being slightly blind, are not even incorporating small pieces of the trend into their current inventories.

Is the recession causing retailers to be more cautious and less avant garde when it comes to what they carry in their stores? Definitely. Are they missing out on satisfying consumer demand and extra profits? Most likely. Trends spread like wild fire and if your business is the first to carry that, oh-so-in-demand, garbage bag dress, you are likely to reap the benefits. That little fish or consumer, in the sea of many, is waiting to catch the bait, or a new trend. Retailers must be ahead of the trend, in order to become the trend.

In these current times, the economy is suffering and is in a very negative state. The United States is still, actively involved in war, which has contributed greatly to the national debt. Jobs are harder to come by, since many businesses cannot afford to keep all of its employees. People are focusing their money towards what they need versus what they want.

Also, the concept of recycling is ‘in.’ Companies like Plato’s Closet and Goodwill are as popular as ever. Both online clothing swaps and clothing swap parties are becoming increasingly popular. Trash Couture makes the concept of wearing old, worn clothes trendy, as well as digging through your trash (to an extent), to accessorize, extremely acceptable – plus, it doesn’t get much cheaper than that! I believe that consumers will embrace this trend, simply because, everyone’s got trash, everyone likes to be unique now and again, and celebrities are doing it. How many more reasons do retailers or consumers need?

Images courtesy of:

The Slog

MTV Style

Inventor Spot

MashCeleb

Why We Buy. . .

The Science of Shopping.
Quite possibly the most inspirational, most eye-opening, personal favorite of all time!
If you are in retail, and have not read this book, you will not survive.