West Coast Travels

Musings from the Editor’s Chair, ElegantPlus.com

It’s been awhile since I’ve had a chance to post in the blog. Things have been very busy as we change over to Spring, warmer weather and upbeat, pretty and flirty fashions.

Over the last week, I’ve been on the road, traveling the other coast (west). It’s partly been a time to take a little break and enjoy the gorgeous California scenery, good company and change of pace. But, I’ve also taken the time do a little research and business.

As some know, I’ve an expertise in ancient Mediterranean jewelry that has led to an interest in both hand crafted modern and ethnic jewelry. The beginning of this trip found me immersed in a beading class taught by a Native American craftswoman who exhibits in places like the National Museum of the American Indian. Good stuff. I’m looking forward to taking my new found beading skills and cache of pretty bead finds home to combine with my smithing skills and cook up some new projects. I’ve also recently learned a Turkish felting technique, and am starting some textile surface design courses soon - including silk painting. I’m begining to be in desperate need of studio space for my “projects”……. when I’ll find time to do it all, in and around editing, management and design on Elegant Plus is anyone’s best guess. But I love the creative process and learning from acomplished artisans, so…… Stay tuned!

Back to the trip. A stop in at the San Francisco NORDSTROM gave me the opportunity to check out the selling floor compared to their on-line offerings, experience customer service first hand, and indulge in a little shopping for myself. I had a slim companion along who wanted to do some shopping of her own, so we began a customer service experiment.

First we went up to the Fourth Floor where “Encore” (the plus size section) was located - directly next to the Bistro. I’m going to try not to dwell too much on the potential meaning of the strategy of the location. The section was reasonably sized, well laid out and stocked. Dresses were scarcer than on-line, although they did have a (mostly black) formalwear section. But they did have the mosaic print dress I’ve had my eye on for awhile and it was even prettier in person (See the “Splurge” selection from the Feb 28 Fashion Finds on the main website). Since I have a cousin’s wedding to attend this fall, it was a serious contender for a purchase that afternoon. However, I instead fell in love with a beautiful Asian inspired pastel print satin jacket that will get more use. Dress it up to attend a wedding function with dress pants or a long lean skirt, or toss it on over jeans and heels for a more casual look. Unfortunately, it is not a style currently on-line. Who knows, I may yet return for the dress when I get home. It is still calling to my closet. Customer service was solicitous and stellar. The sales clerk opened dressing rooms, ran for alternative sizes, offered knowledgeable fit advice and helpfully got me settled on the catalog mailing list at check out. Several shoppers in the dressing room oohed and ahhed over eachother’s fashion parade, creating a fun and convivial clothes shopping experience. It was the urgings of several fellow shoppers that settled me on the jacket, actually. We were starting to see why NORDSTROM was known for its customer service. I felt welcome and cared for, regardless of my size.

Next stop, straight sizes for my friend. She had much more selection and her shopping was located on a lower floor, right next to the petite section. But the clerk there was just as helpful as the one I had encountered. In fact, it didn’t seem to matter which section we were browsing through, clerks greeted both of us and made eye contact. This clerk made sure I was comfortable and settled me on an overstuffed seat, included me in the fitting conversations with my friend and even hopefully asked if I’d be interested in browsing for myself while waiting? It didn’t seem to occur to her that her section didn’t fit my curves - a rather pleasant mistake, if you ask me. I did notice while browsing through the racks, that there were several fashionable styles that I had already seen upstairs in the plus section - including the jacket I had just purchased. While, I will still be mostly an on-line shopper with NORDSTROM since we don’t have one on the East Coast in my area, and I appreciate the quick shipping and excellent customer service that way, it was wonderful to experience a brick and mortar that treated every customer with solicitous respect and care.

My stay in San Francisco also included a stop into the headquarters of another on-line plus size shop known for excellent customer service, Igigi . It’s one of those rare shops that can have a formal gown to you the next day if you need it. And they have some of the best formal gowns for prom, informal weddings and bridesmaids going in plus sizes up to 32. My behind the scenes meeting and tour included a look at the total operation, previews of some upcoming styles and a good up close look at many of the dresses ready to ship. For more everyday wear, we still like the knit wrap dresses that can work for both business and more casual occasions. New are some pretty peasant and gypsy styles that come with sleeves or matching shrugs that allow you to go bare or covered. For any boutique owners looking for wholesale, remember that’s available from them too.

Less than a day left, and then it’s a long flight and drive back. It’s been great to be away, but I’m ready for my own bed.

Popularity: 4% [?]