*Update* Stores That Shop For You, Final

So it's official: I am not impressed with the shoe selection from justfab.com. I tried, I really did! But they just didn't nail it for me. Pumps that bordered on "hooker" heels, cheap looking boots, and otherwise boring stilettos didn't do much to tickle my fashion fancy. However, all is not lost...there was a tab I didn't notice at first...
Under BagFabulous an entire array of satchel-shaped goodies were waiting for me! Anyone that knows me knows I have a huge weakness for accessories, including bags. It I had a dime for every new purse I bought, I'd have enough bags to carry all that change.

I think I need that gold sequin one...

I have a feeling this BagFabulous tab may get me into some trouble :)

Image(s) courtesy of my boutique at justfab.com

*Update* Stores That Shop For You, Part 2

I'm sure you're all anxiously waiting to hear what the Just Fabulous store picked out for me the second time around. As you'll remember from my previous post that the first options shown to me weren't thrilling under any circumstances. After all the questions I answered, and images I saw, I thought for sure they'd find some items that fit my idea of my own style. Well, the new options have come in and I'm feeling underwhelmed...again. Check it out:

The boots from the new selection

It's not that I'm against these boots. In fact, they have some characteristics that I do actually like. The one on the left has an interesting design detail around the top of the shoe but the low heel and cheap looking leather give the shoe a juvenile appearance. The one on the right has a nice flat sole and I like the wrap-around buckles at the top. But the color is drab and I'm not a fan of shoes that have a "suede" finish, unless of course they're real suede. Sorry to say, these boots were nixed. Next up:

Pretty pumps for sale

What I like about these shoes are the lower heels and simple shape. Ever the minimalist, I enjoy the less cumbersome side of design. However, the left shoe is so boring I'm practically asleep looking at it and the right shoe is darn near perfect except for that awful peep toe. And though they both have that suede finish, it works here because not as much material is used. As you might have guessed, these shoes were also nixed. Last but not least, a winner!

I know, this shoe (almost) goes against what I've said like

This was listed under the options that have sold out in my size (an issue that comes with having an average sized foot I suppose). If I was in the market for a cool pump, this would be it! I love the shape, I love the texture, and I love the juxtaposition of the studs in the platform against an otherwise simple silhouette. Now, the heel height still gives me some anxiety but having the platform there is a blessing.

All in all, I'm not totally sold but I'm not ready to walk away just yet. How about one more chance? Let's see what I get in another 3 to 5 days...

Image(s) courtesy of justfab.com

*Follow-up* "Stores That Shop For You"

As some of you dear readers know, I wrote an honest yet mildly defensive blog on an interesting new trend in online shopping: stores that shop for you. Well what I neglected to tell you was that I signed up and I did indeed create my own boutique. As a personal shopper, I'm a bit ashamed. But in my defense: I prefer my own retail therapy to be a "relaxing" hunt. Plus, I wanted to give them a chance to see if they could really do what I do best... the verdict is still out.

Here's my reaction to this: meh. It's not all bad though! I like the middle, patent nude pump a LOT but the other two, really?! The far left is just not my kind of shoe and the far right has a heel with an eating disorder. I'm 5' 9" honey, I need a little more stability than that.

So, they got 1 out of 3...I think they've got a ways to go. However, a glance down the side panel showed me I could request a new set of options! All I had to do was rate each shoe- which was fun because this is their rating system:

 

- and they would be happy to send me a new list of items more catered to my tastes. Truthfully, I can't wait to see what comes next. The fact I could be brutally honest and select "You're Joking?" as a means of communicating my dislike for a shoe was liberating. It also gave me a little more respect for the company.

 

We'll see what arrives in 3 to 5 days...

Image(s) courtesy of my boutique at justfab.com

New Online Trend: Stores That Shop For You

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: being a personal shopper/stylist in the Bay Area is awesome. There's so much style everywhere it's inspiring! Plus I'm a confessed shopaholic, whether it's online or out on the street, so my eye never settles as I'm constantly on the hunt for the next best thing. Imagine my surprise when I started coming across websites designed to do what I do; shop for you! I feel a little like Captain Picard on the USS Enterprise facing the final frontier. Except this time, the ship can steer itself.

I can sense your apprehension, Captain

The concept is relatively simple: you go to said site, set up an account- which is just like adding yourself to a mailing list- answer a few questions as to whether or not you find some items and people in different images "more my style" or "not my style", and sit back and let the website do the shopping for you. You'll receive email updates when your "boutique" has new items in it to entice you to shop and viola! you've just established your own virtual personal shopper and boutique all rolled into one. It's all a little weird, isn't it?

So many options, so little time

Sites like the much hyped boutiques.com (owned and operated by Google) and justfab.com boast that they've cut out the middle man (ahem!) to make our shopping lives easier. The "tastemakers" used at boutiques direct the recognition software used within the site to add various items to your store while justfab relies on their style experts, Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr (aka founders of whowhatwear.com), to choose the best pieces for you. With both sites backed by huge internet power players, you can expect to see more websites following suit. At least, that's my prediction.
(You can read more about a boutiques.com here. It's a fantastic article.)

This could be me and you, finding fabulousness together

But speaking as a personal shopper, I'd like to offer a rebuttal to this seemingly amazing new break through. I read recently in InStyle magazine that based on a poll of readers, over 94% had never used a personal shopper. I was shocked but not blown away. I know that the prices revolving around these types of services can be steep. It is after all considered a "luxury" service and we are in a recession. However, the pay off and benefits are more than worth the money. The one thing we do that no online site ever will is make a personal connection to our clients. We are physically there with you, working through the emotions your closet has held onto, and we're there holding your hand as we help you find that new you in the dressing room. That sort of process can be life changing. What website can claim to do that? Without us, these websites are nothing more than cold, flat images on a screen assuming they're your taste. With us, you have a sounding board and hopefully, a friend. 

Image(s) courtesy of callcenterguy.wordpress.com,  fashionweektampabayblog.com, thsstyling.com.au