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
This job sounds like fun for you!
ReplyDeleteIt is!
DeleteThis sounds really wonderful! I wish I could do that. However, here in Hawaii it's mostly t-shirts, tank tops, shorts and capris.
ReplyDeleteSo, if you did something like this I bet the instructions would be a little different.
DeleteYou'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.
ReplyDeleteThanks 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.
DeleteOooh, 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.
ReplyDeleteIt was! I have better luck finding tops than bottoms at thrift store. (Thank goodness the low-rise fad seems to be running its course.)
DeleteHello greetings and good wishes.
ReplyDeleteVery 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
Joseph, thanks for your kind words.
DeleteBut ...... did you stick your nose in the air? Fun work!
ReplyDeleteNo, I'm not one to put on airs :-)
DeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteWhat 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.
DeleteLove 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?
ReplyDeleteI can't mention names, other than saying it's a brand you HAVE heard of.
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