Shopping Tips Online

Remember when Tommy Hilfiger was 90s cool? When having a giant, very identifiable red, white and blue logo across your chest, and your belt under the leather tag on your jeans meant you were all-American prep with a bit of a wild side? As the years went on, Tommy clothing started showing up in discount stores and we were suddenly over it. Even in this article, Hilfiger himself admits it.

“It was a classic case of overexposure,�? he conceded. His clothes, which were sold in almost 2,000 American department stores and discount outlets, got “lost in a sea of mark-downs and sales�?.

Well, Tommy now wants to reverse that trend, and has begun by completely revising the collection to appeal to a more upscale audience. He’s moving out of the kids department and the department store, and into his own chic retail spaces, including one in London.

For Fall of 2007, Hilfiger appears all grown up. He calls the collection “Pop Elegance,” and describes it this way:

This season is a modern study in contrast, celebrating a luxurious spin on our classics. It is about American prep meeting European sophistication. The charm of the past meets the modern chic of tomorrow.

My favorite fabrics – tweed, herringbone, tartan, Prince of Wales, gray flannel and Donegal – done in unexpected shapes and pops of color. A sailor dress in wool glen plaid; a silk nylon dress under a man’s toggle coat. A woman’s black watch oil cloth cape with reflective lining paird with a pony hair pump.

My take on the collection was that it was a little stuffy, a bit like raiding one’s grandfather’s closet. Yes, there are items I would wear, but it would need to be tempered a bit, mixed in with more modern things to keep from looking too much like a costume. You can go to the Hilfiger website to see the whole collection.

As for the brand itself, here are my questions:

• Can a “Tommy” suddenly become a “Thomas?”

• Can a brand be reinvented by glen plaid alone?

• Will the “right” demographic be able to get past the fact that the Hilfiger brand has been anything but upscale?

• Will the mid-scale consumer “get it” and aspire to the new upscale look?

• Does anyone care about this brand any more?

Our little Tommy is growing up. I hope he did his homework!

Tommy Hilfiger, Fall 2007

Traditional Valentine’s Day gifts like flowers, candy and diamonds were used as the “roadmap to romance” by Wal-Mart. The retail giant released a ranking of the top, and bottom, ten states based on last year’s sales in these three categories. See if your state made the list:

The National Retail Federation estimates that total spending will be $16.9 billion this year, an increase over last year. Men will spend about $156, nearly double what women will. And they do tend to give flowers (58.3%), candy (42.9%) and jewelry (27.6%). While the sentiment is what really matters here, if you want suggestions for gifts that are a little more creative, check out my previous posts on the subject.

My state made none of the top, or bottom, ten lists. But that’s not because Wal-Mart isn’t pushing the sweetest of all holidays. Being one of the 127 million people who shopped at Wal-Mart this week I can say that it was Valentine’s Day sensory overload at our local store! The Bob and I have agreed to exchange cards and share a nice sushi dinner. I will probably have to get him some little token, however, just in case he finally understands that “don’t get me anything” actually means “what are you going to get me?”

Valentine’s Day, Romance, Flowers, Diamonds, Candy, Wal-Mart

A lot of guys decide to pop the question on Valentine’s Day. According to one source, approximately 10% of couples who get engaged do so on February 14th. If you’re planning to propose next Wednesday, chances are you’ve already read all the articles about how to buy a diamond, and may have already made your purchase. (If you haven’t you better get on the ball!)

In the countdown to Valentine’s Day I’ve made some suggestions for switching up some of the more traditional gifts, hoping to inspire people to be a little more creative than the usual box of chocolates. So, in light of that, here are a couple of ideas that are “diamond-related” that could be a neat way to add to the big night.

Why not propose over a lovely glass of red wine? These Waterford Waterford Lismore Nouveau Deep Red Wine Glasses have gorgeous diamond-patterned detailing. They are also stemless, making them a nice twist on the traditional wine glass. They retail for $100 for the set of two. Personally, I advise against the old “ring in the wineglass” trick, only because that last swallow could mean you’re proposing in the E.R. Just hand it over the old fashioned way.

Another idea for a surprise proposal is to fool her with a jewelry box like this cute silver plated one. Have her name engraved on the top, and present it as if this is her “big Valentine’s Day gift,” but of course hide the engagement ring inside and watch her eyes light up when she opens the box.

There are plenty of resources online for other neat ways to make your proposal meaningful and memorable. Good luck, guys!

Proposals, Diamond Rings, Wine Glasses, Jewelry Boxes, Valentine’s Day

When I am sick and tired of all the heavy wool pants, tweed jackets and big sweaters, I start dreaming of lightweight fabrics, fun little tops, and the possibility that some day soon my arms will be uncovered outdoors without searing pain. That day is today.

This year, they say green is the “it” color for spring. In shades from light to bright, green is showing up everywhere.

While this dress from Rena Lange is lovely, the money tree in my back yard would have to bloom before I could afford the $4,000 pricetag. So, I am looking at a few green items a bit more reasonably priced that stand a better chance of making it into my closet this spring.

For some reason I am coveting these L.L.Bean Casco Bay Boat Slides in “Green Tea.” Not only are they green, but they play off another trend for spring – nautical. I would pair these with white jeans, and an offbeat “twinset” consisting of this baby cable cardigan (also from Bean), and a lighter green pima camisole.

So, while I look out my window at snow, slush and gray skies, I can get online and start ordering myself up some spring green clothes!

L.L.Bean, Rena Lange, Spring Clothing Trends

On February 18th, 2007, the Chinese calendar will change from the Year of the Dog to the Year of the Pig. People everywhere are gearing up for a big Chinese New Year celebration, so sales of pig-related merchandise is on the increase.

Here are some things I found that are fun, and will break the piggy bank.

From Pearl River, these ceramic piggy banks are fun, and run from $4.50 for a 6″ bank to $21.50 for a 12″.

Then, decorate your digs with a strand of embroidered pigs, also from Pearl River, for $19.50.

Make a pig of yourself with some cute pig chocolates. Available from Chocolate Fantasies, the pig lollies are just $2.50 each and come wrapped in a cellophane bag.

I am a cocktail napkin fanatic (seriously, it’s almost an obsession), so I may have to snag these myself. They’re from Party America, and they’re just $1.99 for a package of 16. While you’re there, be sure to check out their other Chinese New Year party supplies.

Celebrate the Year of the Pig with cute, cheap pig products!

Year of the Pig, Piggy Bank, Pig Chocolates, Pearl River

Believe it or not, online shopping may be hitting its peak. This article reports that Internet sales climbed an amazing 24% to hit the $100 billion mark in 2006. Now the experts are saying that within four or five years, the sales gains will likely be only 4-5% per year. Why? Partly because everyone who is going to be shopping online probably already is. Which means that Internet retailers are scrambling to figure out how to increase their market share, or increase business with current customers.

One key opportunity which retailers are becoming more interested in is what I call “word of mouse.” Web sites and blogs like this one spread the word about good and bad shopping experiences, and help our fellow users find the best stuff.

Called mavens by The Tipping Point author Malcolm Gladwell, these are “inherently helpful” people who gather and share product and style information with their friends and social peer group. Their influential advice is spread to eight times as many people as the average person. So some retailers are trying to insinuate themselves into the social networks where these people hang out, including photo-sharing sites MySpace and YouTube. A study released by Yahoo! Inc. estimates 43-million people fit the description and influence $1-trillion in retail sales.

Here’s my take on this.

The tricky part for retailers will be how, when and were to “insinuate” themselves into social networks. We online shoppers are no dummies, and we know a blatant commercial when we see one (”Drink more ovaltine!? A lousy commercial!?”). We can also spot a fluffed up product review vs. an objective one, making it easy to see if a “maven” has been bought off. Social networks work because they are an open forum for sharing ideas and reviews, and as soon as they become overly commercial, we will find other places to hang out.

Online Shopping, Online Retailing, Social Networking

Right now on Amazon you can preorder “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” for $18.89, saving $16 off the list price. Preoders are through the roof on the last installment in the series about the boy wizard. Amazon reported their preorders, which started on Friday, were more than five times those of the last book. At Barnes and Noble, the book is on sale for $18.89 for members only, $20.99 for non-members.

The book is due out July 21st, and there is lots of debate and speculation about which characters J.K. Rowling has decided to kill off. Die-hard Potter fans believe that Rowling may have left a clue as to the identity of one of the characters who will meet their ultimate demise when she signed a statue in her high-dollar hotel room after she finished writing the novel. For more news about all things Harry, check out Hogwarts Herald, another great blog in the 451 Press network.

Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, Preorder, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Just this week I spent a little time (okay, quite a bit of time) online shopping. I love to scour the sale pages to find bargains. I have my personal favorites, and those are the sites I frequent the majority of the time. There are a ton of online retailers, but it takes time and effort to search them out, and when I’m just looking for a pair of tennies or a cotton tee, why bother with all that?

According to a report on InternetRetailer.com, most people shop online with well-known brands that have been around for years. And, their unique visits remain pretty constant year to year.

The Top 10 apparel and beauty sites, with unique visitors in millions and percent change from a year ago, as reported by Nielsen/NetRatings, are:
eBay Clothing Shoes & Accessories, 11.17, -7%
LLBean.com, 5.91, 9%
VictoriasSecret.com, 5.88, 13%
eBay Jewelry and Watches, 5.46, -14%
Old Navy, 4.73, 7%
Zappos.com, 4.66, 42%
eBay Health & Beauty, 4.62, 7%
Lands’ End, 3.96, 4%
The Gap, 3.49, -5%
Avon, 3.08, -2%

Obviously, Zappos enjoyed the biggest increase from a year ago, but the rest are within 14% plus or minus from last year.

What does this mean? I believe shoppers go to online stores the same way they go to brick and mortar stores – retailers that we trust to deliver a consistently good product at a decent price.

Internet Retailer, LLBean, Land’s End, Zappos, Unique Visitors, Top Ten Apparel and Beauty Sites

In January, Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation formed a new group called Global Brand Concepts (GBC), commissioned with developing new brands for specialty and department stores. A month later, they have announced a new deal with JCPenney to launch a new Ralph Lauren brand called American Living. The exclusive line will consist of clothing for women, men and kids, intimate apparel, accessories and housewares. American Living is set to launch Spring of 2008.

Everyone at JCPenney seems pumped about the deal, including Myron E. Ullman, III, chairman and CEO, who said “American Living will be an exciting new lifestyle brand for JCPenney, offering America’s families inspiring style and great quality at smart prices.” They did their homework, too. Ullman also said, “Our customer research clearly tells us that substantial opportunity exists within the traditional and classic lifestyle category. Bringing brands like American Living into our merchandise assortment is a key part of JCPenney’s strategy to accelerate our growth, and we are looking forward to introducing it to our customers.”

Ralph Lauren said, “There’s a strong need in the marketplace for individuality to drive traffic into stores. We will meet that need by partnering throughout the process on quality design, operations, marketing, merchandising, and advertising.”

All sounds great, right?

Here’s my take on the deal.

To start with, “American Living” sounds like a lifestyle publication for seniors. There is no life to it, no excitement, no punch. It also seems a bit condescending. I don’t need Ralph Lauren to tell me what “American Living” is.

The bad brand name notwithstanding, for JCPenney, this probably makes sense. They are a middle of the road department store, and they are looking for a way to keep up with the competition. Kohl’s, one of their main rivals, already sells a Ralph Lauren line, Chaps.

For Polo Ralph Lauren, I see this as further weakening their overall image. If you can buy Ralph Lauren at Kohl’s and JCPenney, the name has a heck of a lot less caché. They have a ton of brand names already, including “Polo by Ralph Lauren�?, “Ralph Lauren Purple Label�?, “Ralph Lauren�?, “Black Label�?, “Blue Label�?, “Lauren by Ralph Lauren�?, “Polo Jeans Co.�?, “RRL�?, “RLX�?, “Rugby�?, “RL Childrenswear�?, “Chaps�?, and “Club Monaco.”

Will I buy American Living products? Possibly. But not because the products are connected with the Ralph Lauren name. I buy products that are unique, fit my lifestyle, and are priced right. If American Living lives up to those standards then I will consider it.

Gosh, I do wish they had asked me about the name.

Ralph Lauren, JCPenney, Polo, Kohl’s, American Living

There are some gifts that might seem like a good idea at the time. I know from experience. And there’s nothing worse than your sweetheart opening his or her gift on the special day and seeing them try very hard not to roll their eyes or burst out laughing. Just because it’s available in red, or has a heart motif, does not mean it’s a good idea for Valentine’s day. Here are a few examples.

For the Guys

Heart shaped playing cards. No matter how much The Bob likes to play poker, these are not going to come out of the drawer when his buddies come over. No way. I suppose the only time they would see the light of day (so to speak) is if you used them for a game of “naughty poker” on Valentine’s day. Then they would go in a drawer somewhere and eventually be discovered by an inquisitive niece or nephew. They are from Fred Flare, and they retail for ten bucks.

Silk boxers. I tried this one time, years ago. The silk Valentine’s boxers are now the universal signal that it’s time to do laundry because they are the very last pair to come out of the drawer. If you must, however, these are from Nordstrom, and they’re $25.

For the Gals

I Heart Your Name Tee. Guys, as much as you might like to see your name splayed across our chest, it tends to make a girl feel a little self-conscious. We love you and all, but it’s like being branded. This will go in the drawer, at the bottom, and when you ask us “why don’t you ever wear that tee shirt I gave you” we will make up an excuse and change the subject. Now, if you simply have to give your woman an I Heart Me shirt, you can order them from Cafe Press.

Trashy underwear. Do I really need to explain this one? Maybe I do. There’s a difference between sexy and trashy. If you need help determining the difference, ask a woman. If it’s got faux fur anywhere on it, it may be trashy. Don’t waste your money. It’s obviously a gift for you and not for us. Think of the per-wear cost. However, if you simply must go there, this thing with faux fur top, was available at Siren’s Secrets.

Valentine’s day is supposed to be a special, romantic occasion. Let’s not screw it up with bad gifts this year, okay? When in doubt for women, think simple, elegant, classic and thoughtful. For the guys, think like a guy. Good luck!

Valentine’s Day, Bad Gifts, Silk Boxers, Nordstrom, Fred Flare, Trashy Lingerie