Monday, March 9, 2015

Upscale

I get to do a lot of different things in my job as an independent market evaluator.  Today was one of my favorites; I got to shop in a very upscale boutique where some of the items can cost as much as a house payment.  In real life I'm nowhere close to being able to afford the merchandise in the store, but I can act a role well.  The most important thing is to look the part.  I don't want to stand out by being flamboyant or showy.  Instead, I try to go for an old money, don't-need-to-look-wealthy look. 

The last time I played a role like this the weather was much warmer.  When I looked in my closet I discovered I needed to add some appropriate cool weather pieces. I went to several thrift shops until I found a designer black jacket, which I put over a satiny top.  Instead of dress pants I wore my nicest jeans, which have an expensive women's brand label (but mine came from the outlet mall).  I added a strand of fake black pearls and earrings that coordinated with the shirt, polished my black shoes, and swapped out my fabric Vera Bradley purse for a slouchy black model.

Yesterday I scrubbed the garden dirt out from under my fingernails, filed them into shape, did some cuticle maintenance, and removed and replaced the peeled polish.  This morning I spent extra time fixing my hair and doing my makeup.  Cleaned up from top to bottom, I got in my car and drove to the store, where I had a great time looking at all the things I wouldn't be buying. 

Five years ago today: Adventures In Cooking

16 comments:

  1. This job sounds like fun for you!

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  2. This sounds really wonderful! I wish I could do that. However, here in Hawaii it's mostly t-shirts, tank tops, shorts and capris.

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    1. So, if you did something like this I bet the instructions would be a little different.

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  3. You're like a private detective, a super spy. What fun. Would have been interesting to see if you got the Pretty Woman treatment had you not dressed the part.

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    1. Thanks for reminding me about Pretty Woman! I haven't thought about it in a long time. Now I'll have to find it and watch it again.

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  4. Oooh, that sounds like lots of fun. You are so fortunate to find thrift store clothing that fits. I have trouble finding clothing even in the upscale stores that fit my odd shaped body.

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    1. It was! I have better luck finding tops than bottoms at thrift store. (Thank goodness the low-rise fad seems to be running its course.)

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  5. Hello greetings and good wishes.

    Very interesting how you dress up for your job.

    Showmanship is important in many jobs. To dress up smartly, to put on a smile, to be pleasant and courteous, wearing well polished shoes and neck tie, clean finger nails and shaved face etc. are part and parcel of a selling career.

    Job change our appearance and mannerisms although we may not be comfortable with it.

    Very enjoyable post.

    Best wishes

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  6. But ...... did you stick your nose in the air? Fun work!

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  7. I'll never forget a customer (at my mom's asian antiques store) who told me that she popped into a Mercedes store to buy a car. With cash. The salesman took one look at her running shoes and dismissed her. She went next door and bought a Volvo from a lovely attentive chap.

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    1. What a GREAT story! If I had the money to actually buy a Mercedes (or Volvo) in cash I'd like to be like that woman.

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  8. Love it - look like old money. So wow, what in a boutique costs as much as a house payment? I can't even imagine. A piece of furniture? - fancy jewelry box?

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    1. I can't mention names, other than saying it's a brand you HAVE heard of.

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