Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Shoppin Time

After a long day at work, I was summoned to the boss’s office (i.e. my DW, or “dear wife” for those of you new to the world wide webs). She informed me that I would be guest blogging today. As my role in life is to help, nay, serve the every whim and wish of her and her little minions, I acquiesced and said, “yes maam” while mumbling something about needing to see some show on the DVR list.

So here I am.

Ummm…. So now what?

Oh, right. Time for a fashion hot tip. I believe someone in my last entry suggested that bloggers give fashion tips. Below is a surefire way for the guys to catch the ladies. This dashing ensemble was put together to woo my DW back in the single days.



Now where to buy you are likely asking yourself? From the DI. No, not your Dear Idiot, but the Deseret Industries. Or Salvation Army. Or Thrift Store. OK, I did find a decent website HERE for all your leisure suit needs.

OK, while I’m on the subject, every commenter to this post must put (in your opinion) what you believe the HOT, NOW place to shop is. It can be on the Internet or in the mall. That’s the fun part about my job – I track where people spend their money and what they are buying, etc. etc. However, since I’m fashion blind (or perhaps a trendsetter in a leisure suit??) I usually rely on people like my sister (her chic shopping tips are found
HERE) for what is cutting edge and possibly soon to be adopted by the masses. So indulge me with your thoughts, if you don’t mind.


Now, in these uncertain economic times you might be tempted to reply Wal-Mart or Target or Costco. These responses are off-limits. I know, the high price of everything has brought America to its knees and the average citizen can no longer rely on the price of his/her house to pay for that $400 handbag from Coach. We all know that few are going to Saks and Neiman these days. We’re going to lunch with the kids at Costco from the food handed out by old ladies in white hair nets. It’s a surprise every time! OK, OK I admit that might just be me because I’m too lazy to make Easy Crack, I mean, Easy Mac for the girls. In any case, Wal-mart/target/costco are obvious choices – too obvious.

Happy shopping!!

46 comments:

kara jayne said...

I'm lovin' the guest post!!

Since you took my favorite places out of the equation, I'll have to say good ol' Nordstrom.

Rhonda said...

Dress Barn, JcPenneys. I hate Wal-mart with all the passion I can muster these days.

I'm curious if anyone knows why they have oh....say around 43 check out stations yet only hire enough employees to work oh maybe four. I really don't get it. Surely they could have used that space to sell more crap from China or something but instead they waste the space with checkouts that are never. used. blechhh

Anonymous said...

I'm in Northern Cali and I shop at Macy's. Recently I bought some fall clothes for work. The total was around $400 for 6 items, but if I opened a Macy credit card, I got 20% off my entire purchase. When I got the card in the mail, I paid my $320 bill & took out the scissors & cut up the card.

BTW, your wife rocks! Whenever I hear someone whining about having a bad day over something trivial & idiotic, I say "oh no you're not, read a daily scoop. Here is a woman who has a right to have a bad day everyday, and she's an optimistic inspiration. Snap out of it!" Props to Steph.

Rachel said...

Great guest post, you've really got this blogging thing down. The places you mentioned are the ones I shop most often, but when I want to break the budget I go to Anthropologie!

Becky said...

Sorry, I have to say Target. Not because it's hot, but because it's NOW. As in, I'm already here and I need a new shirt, so I'll take...this one.

Your "dear idiot" cracked me up! (BTW, my hubby went to med school with Aaron, just to give you an idea of who I am.)

Stephens 8 said...

We live in very isolated western Wyoming so going shopping anytime is a treat. There are some outlet stores in Park City that are so fun to visit on our way down south. The Lucky Store, Nike and the like.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the link to DressThatMan.com - that site is a hoot! Growing up in the 70's it really made me reminisce over those groovy guys on the disco dance floor back in my younger days and party phase. I'm going to buy an outfit for my man to wear for the Halloween party. I can't believe that they have clothes from the 70's that have never been worn. Must have been hidden in a disco bunker just waiting for a revival. Great post!

Jenni Coberly said...

For guys I love to shop at Men's Wearhouse. They are always so helpful with putting the perfect outfit together. Granted some stores are better than others. We have a great one here in Colorado!!

What a nice refreshing post. I love your humor!!

by: Kim said...

We live in rural Utah and have no real shopping close so we do most of our shopping online. The ones we frequent are:

www.downeastbasics.com
www.holister.com
www.aeropostle.com
www.oldnavy.com

When we are in the city we hit the malls. Or the outlet mall in Las Vegas.

You are a wonderful husband and father. Keep up the good work.

EvaMarieva said...

great guest post and love the new look!

The Pea said...

I am shocked you didn't list Ebay as off limits but since you didn't ***EBAY!!**** I just got a new cell phone, my free one with the plan got dropped in the toilet. (the two year old has been caught and punished) Any who--- I got a slightly used one from Ebay for $45.00 where if I had gone to T-mobile it would have cost me well over $200.00

Amanda said...

You mean, there are places to shop besides Gymboree, Crazy 8, and Kid's Gap? GASP!

When I do shop for myself.. it's usually internet shopping, and I'm loving French Connection USA right now!

Amberly said...

I'm really sorry, but when I first read the question my immediate response and note to self as to what to comment on, was Target. I shop there because it's cheaper, and getting more and more stylish. It also has more cutting edge styles for those who want that modern flare with brands like Converse One Star, and old favorites such as Mossimo and Xhileration. But, in my limited budget, when I want something I consider a style piece that's a little more pricey, I go to Old Navy.

Lame I know, but my husband and I are still students, and the economy IS bad so we don't have a lot of choice. In a couple years I'll be able to pay $400 for a dress at some fashion boutique.

Shanan said...

It's all about Old Navy! Great store.

TJMaxx has great options for men's dress shirts and nice slacks - for fairly decent prices.

Jonathan Waite said...

ah yes -- french connection UK -- I always thought the stores and its acronym were some explicit attempt by some dyslexic to swear at me. Shame on them!!

Anonymous said...

SAVER'S!!! it's the best thrift store. I found a Louis Vuitton bag...$20! also clothes, shoes, furniture, books and electronics!

Amanda said...

Just for the record Jonathan.. I do not own a shirt with any psuedo-explicit French Connection UK acronyms on it! Although I do remember being about 16 and finding humor in it!

I agree with Shanan - I've been into TJ Maxx a lot lately!!

Star Sweets and Treats said...

Here are my favorite places to shop: for kids-The Children's Place, for the husband- Aeropostale, for me- Old Navy or The Buckle. Online or in the actual store. Either way they're the best.

Laura said...

Great post! I'm impressed at your blogging ability and your knowledge of blogging lingo! :)
Man...I LOVE Target.
I used to really like Ross, but latley it's like picking through things at a yard sale in that place.
I like NY & Co. they have cute "mom" clothes to choose from.
For the kids I like Childrens Place...they have great sales! I also like Carters.

Sarah Anne said...

If I have an extra $20-$25 to spend on myself (and I rarely do) I like shopping at Forever 21 and Kohls.

Anonymous said...

Okay, I have been blog stocking for about 3 mos. now. I have loved reading you're blog, but never made comment because, well, I guess I have no words of wisdom or expertise in how to deal with overwhelming grief. Todays blog has got me out of the closet....I Do know how to shop! I moved recently from LasVegas to Utah and had occasion to pack. Yes, that most unpleasant task. Anyway, I counted how many skirts I had and to my dismay and shock I had 16 skirts in my closet! Jackets, sweaters and blouses to match. Now I ask you exactly how many skirts does one woman really need? I pondered that question and decided that I needed to retrench just for the sake of true decency. After all, you know there are people who wear loin cloths (I don't know what the women wear) in the world today. I felt extreamly guilty and worldly... Anyway, I quit shopping for clothing. It has been since April and I have not bought anything. Two years is my goal. I figure that my sixteen skirts will be worn out by then. It's a wierd expierment but one that I'm truely invested in. So my point is....think how nice it is not to worry about where to shop! It really is kind-of fun!

Jonathan Waite said...

Dear anonymous,
I believe you are not alone in your non-shopping goal. The difference is that many find themselves in the same position not by choice but due to extenuating circumstances. said another way, the paycheck just doesn't seem to be covering increasing costs. Anyhow, good financial discipline is always a good recipe against recession. My job is to observe the masses in a detached, amoral way and I find it truly fascinating. Good for you in having discipline -- i think America got itself in this shape because it lacked it.

Mel said...

I love Banana Republic, American Eagle, Buckle, and of course Dillards and Nordstrom but they can be way pricey sometimes. Let's face it girl's love to shop anywhere! (well most anywhere)

DEANNA said...

You guys are just the best!!!

I do 90% of my shopping on ebay..of course....

I love "Off the Rack" (Nordstorm's left overs) because frankly, I can't afford the air inside Nordstrom's.

I also do Victoria's Secret catalog when they have their semi-annual sale and their clothing is up to 90% off.

Have a great day!

Tamara said...

I love love love JcPenney's and can't believe I do! I also love Goodwill for Children's clothing because I can purcahse MAJOR namebrands and not pay an arm or even a finger for them!!!

LaRae said...

Jonathan - love your guest posts & want you to know that since your last guest post, I have made the "Harris family snickerdoodle" recipe 3 times. Yum!! Instead of making individual cookies, I made them in a bar pan & let me tell ya - way good and so easy to make. They come out thick & soft & delicious and are usually gone the same day I make them.

As far as the HOT, NOW place to shop - hmmm - I gotta say Target (even though you banned it) - why? quick, easy, reasonably-priced, buy-clothes-on-sale-for-5-buck-or-less, plop-your-kids-in-a-shopping cart, close-to-home kind of place. I like Old Navy & Marshalls too. I rarely find myself at the mall. If I'm really being extravagant, Ann Taylor Loft is always great!

Anonymous said...

Gotta love DI! :)

Hoskins Family said...

Fun post Jon...since I mostly shop for my kids, my answer will be for the 18 and under crowd.
10 and under Gymboree, Children's place.
tween girls love Limited too.
Teen Girls ask for things from Pac Sun, Areopastle, Anchor Blue and Holister.
Teen Boy- Pac Sun, Anchor Blue, Holister.

These days when the kids go to birthday parties...these are the places the kids say they want gift cards to. HTH
Have fun in your research.

Shanan said...

The real question is, Jon, have you kept this dashing emsemble of yours??

Jonathan Waite said...

Daleen -- you better get all the Limited Too you can. They are going to all be shut down and converted to Justice stores (owned by same company). Another chain victim of the economy.

Shanan -- sorry -- I swiped that ensemble from a roommate who promptly swiped it back (can you blame him?)

Anonymous said...

World Market and Kohl's.

Mariah said...

I also have been a blog stocker. I enjoyed the post. It's very similar to the kind of thing my husband would come up with if I gave him the same task. So here's my research data for ya.
Kids: Carter's for "nice" clothes. Stains come out easier too.
Wal Mart is banned, but I can't beat shirts and shorts for 3.50...brand new. And, when they end up in a huge pit of mud, etc. I don't get too upset. Boys will be boys.
JC Penny has cute Easter suits for boys every year.
Husband: I have no idea he shows up with new clothes every now and then and they look good on him, so I just say good job.
Mama: Marshalls, Dress Barn, Eddie Bauer (tall shirts) Anne Taylor loft, every now and then Talbots has something nice.

Sue said...

You are very funny! :)
Hmmm...I like Old Navy, Gap and Mervyn's(on the central coast of CA).
From another blog-stalker:)

Nicole Hunt said...

I have been reading your blog for several weeks now and I always find myself checking in. I love reading Stephanie's posts and I think she is awesome. The previous post about talking with Sabrina just melted my heart. So sweet! Thanks for sharing.

My husband & I have 6 children (does that scream LDS?) and I find myself shopping mostly in the clearance area of my favorite stores: Kohls, Old Navy, and JC Penny.

P.S. I LOVE Walmart! Sorry, I had to say it. ;)

Susan Anderson said...

Nordstrom's Rack, TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Kohl's and Mervyn's for me! Due to my growing distaste for shopping excursions, however, I also like buy from more and more catalogues...

Amanda said...

I'd have to say I check Marshall's first then end up going to Dillards.

Chelsea said...

I LOVE LOVE Naartjie (naartjie.com)for my girls. I don't think too many people know about it, but its my FAVORITE! Online doesn't do it justice, you have to see it in person:)

Anonymous said...

Hi Jon (and Steph),
Don't know if it's a public co. or not but around here SIGG aluminum water bottles are a hot item. Do you know about them? Even in this recession stores are selling out of them faster than they can get them in and they cost at least $16 each!!! They are the latest "green accessory" that everyone wants and is actually useful. I sucked it up and bought one for all 4 of the kids and myself and I have to say I haven't regretted it...they're great. I've given them as gifts to family members too and all have loved them. Check it out. Anything green is definitely big right now (as I'm sure you already know.)

Lori said...

You are HILARIOUS Jonathan. I totally love it when Stephanie has you blog. You are the perfect couple. Your ability to laugh & make others laugh must be a real blessing in your home. My daughter loves Charlotte Russe & said "I had to go." It was way inexpensive, cute stuff, not Macey's, but fun if you're on a budget.

Chips and Salsa with Beans said...

Hands down it would be... Anthropologie!
www.anthropologie.com

Do I shop there? Nope, can't afford it. Would I, if I could? Good Gravy, yes!

Marleen said...

Was that a picture from Halloween? I am totally stoked for the Holiday now, thanks.

My favorite places to shop right now are Anthropologie and Shabby Apple. Oh yes, and when my wallet is feeling tight I shop at good ol' Marshalls.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jonathon, Thanks for the request for shopping ideas. Mariah (my daughter) gave me good ideas where to shop for her for Christmas . . . oh wait, she's expecting, guess not after all, they don't have maternity at those stores. Kids have been great for her. She has found out why I didn't buy for myself when she was growing up, the kids get it all. I shop any where that has sales, the prices are still too high even then. I am also starting to sew for myself again. Tired of trying to pick out seams to tailor clothes to fit my voluptuous figure . . .and hopefully will need to take them up over the next few months.

Anonymous said...

Okay I'm late but I want to play too....

From this list you may think I have a lot of money, but NO, I'm just really good at finding a great deal!

Janie and Jack
Boden
Anthropologie
Nordstrom

I mostly like these stores because of the quality and especially the uniqueness of the pieces.

ps I HATE Walmart, everything about it, but I do love Target!

Aaron Waite said...

Dear Jonathan.

My favorites are Walmart, Target and Costco. I thought everyone went to Costco for dinner/samples on Saturdays.

Anonymous said...

Welcome back Jon!!

That suit looks perfect for loving 70s music rather than 80s. I'm thinking Abba....just add some sequins.

Love

Jane

Anonymous said...

Shanan and Jon -

I still have the suit, and it still rocks! However, it doesn't fit me as well as it used to. My wife put it into storage for now. When the time is right, I will present it to my son, and the tradition will continue...

As for shopping, I get my shirts for free by signing up for credit cards at the mall.

- Rico, Jon's old roommate