Friday Finds: Catalog Shopping

Before Amazon.com became our go-to shopping destination for that elusive toy for our niece or nephew (Furby anyone?!), most of us received store catalogs.
Lots, and lots of store catalogs.
So many, that I opted out of any and all mailers.  I not only felt that I was tearing down a tree every time I opened my mailbox, I rarely, if ever, shopped from a catalog.
Everything felt old, stale, and definitely not current.  On the rare occasion that shopping replaced my late night borden, many products - actually most - looked better in the catalog than they actually did when I received the package in the mail.
The well written descriptions captivated my attention but were hiding the simple truth: "silky" was code for rayon blend, "soft" was usually a low quality cotton and anything that was a "must" was a bust.
Eventually I gave up, and only looked forward to the rare "peek" at every fashionistas favorite Holiday Catalog...

Neiman Marcus "THE Christmas Book"

Unfortunately for me, I couldn't convince anyone to buy me that Safari Trip to Africa.  Oh well.
Although I have found that online shopping is convenient, it has yet to replace my favorite jaunt.

Which one should I look at first?

On the flip side, the catalogs that are now showing up at my mailbox have recaptured my once lost attention.
From clothes that I could actually fit - and wear-, to better-than-real costume jewelry, the catalogs I now receive are from brands and stores I shop at.
Thank you marketing geniuses!  I like that brands are looking into my shopping habits.

I thought I was tired of Maxi dresses, but this fabric is stunning!
Michael by Michael Kors available at Bloomingdales.

Heck, I welcome them calling me and asking my opinion.  Because, as we all know it, I have one.
I can't wait for someone to ask me what I think about those hideously multi-patterned colorful clothes that are only made in size 14 and above.  Because, according to those stores and brands, "plus size women will only wear clothes that are a larger version of something that will not compliment our figures, or patterns so loud and obnoxious, it screams look at me...but not in a good way."
Any who, I was able to find a few things I liked.  Rather, loved...and can't wait to go to the store and try them on.
 

My jewelry obsession: Layering necklaces.
Maya Brenner for Stella and Dot 

If all else fails, I can always call the Catalog customer order number and order these Friday Finds.
Yes, by phone.
Who knew.  Old-School shopping can be so in.