Being in Style Starts by Being Informed

When I worked at Nordstrom, representatives from different companies would come in and educate sales associates on products. These sessions were voluntary and weren’t always well attended—any time off the floor meant the possibility of a losing a sale and a commission. But I tried to attend every one. I never turn down an opportunity to learn.

One time, a rep from AGL, an Italian shoe brand, came to talk about flats. Their flats cost over $300. Who is going to pay that much for flats, right? Honestly, until that day, I had never even bothered to show them to customers. I know that’s not the best sales tactic, but I didn’t know enough about the shoe to justify the cost.

The rep started by telling us that the company is still based in Italy and run by the three granddaughters of the original owner. Each shoe is meticulously handcrafted with a lifetime guarantee. In fact, she described each new shoe as being “born.”

The soles are made of organic leather, as is the rest of the shoe, but they use a “tanning” process to harvest the color and no two pairs of shoes are exactly the same. They are available in a host of different colors and styles.

There was a real story behind these shoes and people who made them.

So I tried a pair on and walked around the hard stockroom concrete.

They were heaven on my feet. Then I started to think:

“I can wear them any season and almost every day. They’ll be great for work—especially since I usually have to stand for over 8 hours. The craftsmanship is impeccable and they’ll likely never go out of style. If I take care of them, they’ll last for years.” (It also didn’t hurt that the shoes had a lifetime guarantee and Nordstrom has a flexible return policy.)

So, I bought them. The $300 flats I once thought were ridiculously overpriced. That was four years ago and they’re still in my closet and still as fabulous as ever. The leather has become even softer after each wear and the sole has molded to every curve of my foot. I buff them before putting them back in their original box for storage. Those babies still look brand new.

And the more I wear them, the better I feel about the price.

So, what’s the takeaway? Know about the item before you make the purchase—especially when you’re considering a high-end item such as a leather coat or an expensive handbag or premium jeans. Or pricey flats.

There’s probably a reason for that higher price tag.

Ask the sales associate: How is it made? How many seasons will I get out of it? Is it timeless? Will it go out of style? Can I do anything to help it last longer? If they don’t know (tsk tsk) then whip out your phone and Google it. Educate yourself on the product. The more informed you are, the more empowered you’ll be to make a smart shopping decision.

Ready to find some timeless wardrobe staples that work best with your style and your budget? Schedule a shopping day with me today!