A Failed Saturday Mall Trip
The silence throughout my neighborhood was suddenly broken by the peak of the sun and the birds chirps. The wind whistled in my window and tickled my toes, bringing me fully awake. It was the end of summer, the last days before fall.
The end of summer is always a great time to shop for deals on fashion pieces you've been eyeing since spring. Rising early on a Saturday morning like this always presents the opportunity to be one of the first few people to get to the mall, especially before those who come in groups.
Easing into my morning, that thought sunk deeper into my mind and a nostalgic flicker started to light up into some of my favorite mall memories….
Being a Girls Scout and spending the night at Oakland Mall to earn a badge…Spending almost every Saturday with my mom in Limited Too, which later rebranded into Justice… Discovering exclusive pieces in various, luxury department stores like Hudson's and Lord & Taylor. It was always an adventure when my mom said, 'We're going to the mall.'
Back story on how I fell in love with fashion and how it mostly started because of mall trips with my mom:
The last days of summer, for whatever reason, always make me feel as though I need to wear the color white and other vibrant, light colors before “time runs out.” So for my outfit of the day, I wanted to wear something cute and comfy, but vibrant enough to match my mood, and for me…that's a challenge I'm still overcoming considering I normally wear all black.
Oh yes, just what was needed to brighten up my mood even more and do my favorite Saturday morning style search.
As I headed out on my journey, I first made a quick stop at the Salvation Army to drop some clothes and other things off. I’m a firm believer in getting rid of things to make space for new things to come, so when I’m headed out on a shopping trip, most of the time, the first thing I do is donate clothes.
Watching the traffic pass as I waited to pull out of the Salvation Army parking lot, I gained a sense of peace. Something different to feel before a shopping trip because I normally have excitement and creative ideas flowing. As I pulled out onto the street with no traffic in sight, it started to dawn on me…the malls that I was headed to… I know what they have to offer. Not much of what I’m really looking for when it comes to key items like shoes, outerwear and accessories.
Lakeside Circle was the first stop and when I finally rode around the entire circle, I was left feeling empty, disappointed and dumbfounded because I totally keep forgetting that the mall is coming down completely and being remodeled into something quite innovative.
So anyways…I grabbed a bite to eat from Shake Shack and headed straight to Partridge as soon as I pulled out of the lot.
When I arrived, I realized I was ready to go home because what I was in search of didn't exist - Luxury Department Stores - Saks, Nordstroms, Bloomingdales - department stores that actually house designers and brands who design for those who love a unique flare of luxury in their wardrobe.
Partridge Creek was always one of my favorite hidden gem shopping spots. I used to make my rounds from Nordstrom to Forever 21, Express to Victoria's Secret and Pink, Aerie by American Eagle to Charming Charlies, White House Black Market to H&M, and finally ending up at Parisians (which later rebranded to Carson's). It was a time, but now Partridge is mostly for key essentials and entertainment (and some of the stores listed above are still thriving there today).
So what's next?
I know I said this was a Failed Saturday Mall Trip, but reaching the end of the story, I've come to realize the trip wasn't a fail. Instead of a lose-lose type of thing, it's honestly a lose-win because I still understand the next best solutions to shopping no matter the dilemma, and these solutions can help you too:
To continue shopping locally, visit Boutiques and Showrooms
Shop Online with key items in mind, or add to your wishlist. Explore new sites through social media that have high-standard policies and great reviews about customer service.
When the time is right, book the flight! Seasonal out-of-town shopping is always a win because even though some stores may be the same as the ones you have in your hometown, buyers who know their niche demographic will always sell pieces you don't see everywhere else.
Bonus tips for shopping in tense/under pressure situations:
Know your sizes from head to toe
Understand the fit of fabrics, i.e. polyester and elastane - stretchy vertically and horizontally
I want to hear from you, yes YOU reading this. Now that you've made it to the end of this post, comment below some of your favorite local shopping spots and solutions that work best for you.
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