Fashion + Beauty
Sunday, November 29, 2009
How NOT to Feel Like a Loser at Saks
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- by Suzanne, on Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:05am PST
Is it just me, or does anybody else feel like they stick out like a
sore thumb when browsing the racks at Saks Fifth Avenue? It’s
almost as if an invisible sensor at the door alerts the entire
planet that some poor schmuck from the wrong side of the mall has
accidentally wandered into a store that she clearly doesn’t belong
in.
It’s not that
anybody else makes me feel like a loser, I
self-impose that lack of worthiness
all by myself.
And with that lowered self-esteem comes a heightened sensitivity,
so every side-glance I get
feels like a knowing look (i.e.
they know I should be shopping at Macy’s instead).
I know, I know...my shrink and I need to tackle those nasty
self-esteem issues. But until then, I’ve developed a few
strategies to diminish the size of the big “L” that I’m pretty sure
is planted up there on my forehead whenever I muster up enough
confidence to shop at Saks:
- Always check your clothes before entering Saks for stains, pet
hair, applesauce, spit up. Click
here for some great on-the-go stain removal tips.
- Apparently, it’s not likely that a price tag has a typo, so
don’t ask the salesclerk if the decimal is misplaced (i.e., I
mean, this hoodie should be $30, right?).
- Always act like you’ve got lots of experience fondling $2000
handbags. For instance, don’t poke it with your finger like
you’re trying to determine if it’s alive after it accidentally flew
into your sliding glass door and landed on the counter at
Saks.
- Don’t go to every make-up counter and ask for free
samples. (I had to learn this one the hard way).
- If you happen to accidentally wander into the uber expensive
designer section - don’t panic. Slowly count to 10, catch
your breath, and carefully place one foot in front of the other as
you make your way out of the danger zone.
- Spot a price tag that’s clearly out of your range (except maybe
if you’re shopping for a car)? No worries, this is a perfect
time to use that poker face you're so good at. But
whatever you do, don’t gasp loudly enough for anyone to hear,
prompting them to ask, “Are you alright?”
- Smile a lot. Not in a, Oh my gosh, I can’t believe
how beautiful it is in here, kind of way, but more of a,
I'm happy to open my wallet and dump all of its contents
directly into your register, kind of way.
- Make eye contact with the salesclerks and respond nicely when
they ask if they can help you. Don't mumble and stand up
straight. Be sweet and charming and people will be drawn to
you…big “L” on your forehead notwithstanding:)
~tcb
www.thatcoolbroad.com
Related: shopping, self-esteem
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Posted by Wifey Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:01am PST
I've only been in Saks 2 times...One was to buy my first prom dress...It was a $300 designer dress from Tadashi...And the second time was to look for my second prom dress which I didn't find in that store...Both times I was in there I looked around a little and was sticker shocked at everything I looked at...Almost everything I buy is under $20 so that's definitely not the store for me...
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Posted by cindy Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:19am PST
LOL, a few years ago, I was bored with my infant son and was wondering around the mall and ventured into Saks. LOl I must have looked like such a smuck, I did everything wrong. Thanks for the reminder...:) I do know better now.
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Posted by Brenda, Shine Community Manager Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:28am PST
Thatcoolbroad - I LOVE your posts! You bring such great content to our Shine community.
Your smile tip works! I also found that wearing decent clothes helps enormously. They don't need to designer, but torn, stained, sloppy hoodies are a no, no. It's the same rule of thumb as not wearing ratty jeans to a 5-star restaurant. Also, displaying buying confidence is HUGE. If you look like you belong, they'll naturally assume the same ;)
Best,
Brenda, Shine Community Manager
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Posted by Darkness Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:31am PST
How funny i know exactly what you mean, it's like you walk in there with a stamp on your forehead that says "i cant afford anything in here" but I am a label lover and dreamer so i'll look around and smile as i daydream about using a credit card at the register hehe
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Posted by a c Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:36am PST
Seriously? That was advice? Here's mine... if you really, really like something ask for a discount. I always ask and I almost always get. I say the same thing every time too "Excuse me, I really love these * *, I just can't afford them, do you think you can knock 10 percent off?" Everyone always feels more comfortable in their own skin. I don't pretend to be rich and snooty. I am just a barging hunter with good taste.
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Posted by MochaMama42 Wed Nov 12, 2008 11:08am PST
LMAO!!!
Very cute post. I say regardless if you're in Target or Saks, smile. They will be friendly no matter the store.
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Posted by bansheegirl Wed Nov 12, 2008 11:49am PST
I was in Saks with my parents a few years ago looking for a wedding gown and my father was apparently so overtly out of place that undercover security followed him around.
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Posted by Sweet T Wed Nov 12, 2008 12:02pm PST
I've repeatedly received poor and snotty service at Saks, therefor, I don't shop there! I didn't go in dressed to the nines, but I was well-dressed, and those evil saleswomen must have about broken their necks trying to look down their noses at me. Sad they didn't realize the power of word of mouth, b/c now none of my friends shop there because of my bad experiences. Too bad for them!
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Posted by KL Wed Nov 12, 2008 12:07pm PST
I have had my moments. One day I went into a competitor store with a little sample of eye cream I thought was wonderful. I amusingly assumed it would be somewhere in a normal price range. I took the box and asked the price. Instantly I paled and gulped. But then I see two other women there give each other the knowing looks of "Loser at the counter". I could not afford that cream in any way, but pride jumped in and I don't remember being able to actually eat for three weeks after buying it, head held high.
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Posted by giggy_18 Wed Nov 12, 2008 1:30pm PST
How about remembering that those people are sales clerk, they probably earn a lot less than you do, and part of their income is from what they can sell to you, so if they treat you poorly, take your money somewhere else?
Sales at Saks dropped 20% last month, Neiman Marcus dropped 27%. In this current economic climate they cannot afford to be snooty.
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