0 Louisville's Latest Shopping News: What to Shop and What to Skip

I love this little city of ours. And because I love clothes and fashion, I get really excited when new shopping ventures come to town.

There's been lots of retail news over the past few months: H&M, Nordstrom Rack, Simpsonville outlets, and most recently, Gilt's Pop-Up shop.

First, let's discuss the Simpsonville Outlets. Cue Debbie Downer.

Look, I'm all about a deal. Clearance sales, designer consignment, finding thrift store gold, etc. But I don't think outlets are a deal. Outlets originally began as a way for retailers to unload past season's and overstocked merchandise at major discounts. The stores made a little money off of previously un-saleable merchandise and customers snagged fantastic deals.

But outlets following that model are increasingly rare. Outlets are now big business, with retailers producing separate lines for their outlet stores. What you see at the J.Crew outlet was most likely never at the J.Crew retail store. Its poorer quality and cheaper fabrics for a slightly lower price. In other words: not worth it. And that's not just J.Crew, that's nearly all outlet stores. My advice? Spring for the real deal or check out consignment and thrift stores to pay cents on the dollar for the brands you like.

Now let's talk about Gilt.

Gilt, Gilt, (guilt?), Gilt.

Gilt sells a beautiful, glamorous lifestyle with an assortment of designer and luxury goods at modestly discounted prices. I don't know exactly what to expect from their pop-up shop but I can tell you this: I. am. excited. BIG TIME. Will the merchandise be priced lower than their online sales? I don't know. But I think its worth checking out. If I'm feeling brave, I may show up early on opening day. Maybe I'll see you there.


Debbie Downer image via Hulu.

0 "Inner City" Living

I live in Germantown, which for non-locals, is extremely inner city Louisville. Its far from the suburbs and very near downtown, which is the heart of any city.

But what does "inner city" even mean anymore? When I hear that term, I think of all those 90s movies that showed a white teacher desperately trying to save her minority students from a life of crime and poverty (with Gangsta's Paradise playing in the background, obviously). But that no longer rings true, at least for me. When I think of Germantown, which is supposedly "inner city," I think of bikes, good dive bars and restaurants, and people walking.

My favorite thing about living in Germantown is the intersection of people. The working class, creative class (often referred to as "hipsters" but I hate that word), and young professionals still paying off school loans all live here. It makes for an interesting dichotomy of food trucks, cigarettes, and unmowed lawns.

That's not to say that all is well. Our house has been broken into and there's a few off-putting characters around here. Here's an example: a trio of adults pushing a baby stroller that walk down the middle of the street, not the sidewalk, and threatening each other loudly. Its bizarre and I see them frequently. On the other hand, we have our much beloved neighbor who calls me Sam (?), has Christmas lights up year round, and always drunkenly reminds us to move our car during the sidewalk sweep. She's kind and odd and wonderful.

I don't see myself ever living far from the city center. Its where all the action is, good and bad, and is a bit dirtier and more soulful. I'm sure the suburb dwellers feel differently and that's okay. We'll both just pity each other for our living arrangements.

0 My Closet

This is my closet.

Please everyone, take a moment to be jealous of my folding skills and also that sweet red Columbia fleece.

Although I'm not tragically disorganized, I'm also not one of those people who has an innate knack for organization. I can't look at a closet and configure the best and most efficient way to organize it. Which is why I'm going to Sassy Fox's (free!) event today on closet organization with Lauri Arnold from 6-8pm. Also, they'll have wine, cheese, chocolate, and 10% off all purchases.

I'm counting on you, Lauri. You're my girl. I'll try to learn a few things and then maybe post a few "after" pictures.

0 Back From London

I didn't really mean to take such an extended break from the blog but between London and our computer dying, it was out of my control.

So London. How was it? Great, really enjoyed it. What was your favorite thing? Tower of London, fascinating history and a terrific tour. Are you happy you went? Yes, of course, but it was exhausting. I plan on laying on a beach for our next vacation (42 years from now).

Side Note: I knew a guy in college who would wear a shirt that said, "Break Was Good" after every Christmas/Fall/Spring/Summer break to avoid the inevitable "How was your break?" "It was good" conversation. I think we all need a shirt like that.

One impressive thing about Londoners is how they take pride in their appearance. These are people that walk a lot and take public transportation. So they have valid reasons to hang out in yoga pants and tennis shoes all day. But they don't. Everyone is making an effort, not necessarily being fantastically stylish, but making an effort. We Americans could learn something from that.

0 A Few Things...

First, Zara is now carrying maternity. I know. However, whatever expectations you have, lower them dramatically. They currently have a very small selection, with hopefully more coming soon. But, its a hopeful sign of things to come.

Second, I'm heading out to London this weekend and will have some cool blog posts coming out of that. I'm hoping to look at least ten times cooler than normal, so I'm prepping with a few London street style blogs.

Have a great weekend!


Photo credit: Stuck in Customs via photopin cc