How a Not Great Review Told Me What to Do, Plus a New Look at an Old Skirt

Shoes: Guess, DSW

Bag: Worthington, JCPenney; Black bangle: Decree, JCPenney; Other bangles: B Fabulous: Butterfly ring: Mixit, JCPenney; Chartreuse ring: Claire's; Brown ring: Charlotte Russe; Purse charm: Michaels

Orange-Eyed Owl Necklace

Dress: Lula Roe

Bag: Elizabeth and James, Kohl's

Shoes: Coconuts by Matisse, Nordstrom Rack

Heart and Flowers Necklace

Sunglasses: JCPenney

Top: Jessica Simpson, Macy's

Tan Folksy Fringe Barrette

Skirt: Hollister, Marshalls

Desert Doodads Necklace

Top: Macy's

Bag: Olivia Miller, Amazon; Turquoise bangle: Mixit, JCPenney; Bows: Zulily; Fabric belt: Steve Madden, Zulily; Turquoise belt: Mixit, JCPenney; Turquoise ring: Michaels; Medallion and owl rings: Mixit, JCPenney

You already know that I love to shop.  But I also love reading (and writing!) product reviews.  Not only do they provide insight into what's on offer, they also let me peek inside shoppers' minds.  For example, I was perusing the Kohl's site (as I often am), when I got sucked into reading reviews for these strappy flip flops:

Sandals: So, Kohl's

They came in black, white, brown, pink, mustard, and multi.  One woman had purchased them in multi and was disappointed to find that they were "primary colored" and, in her opinion, "old-fashioned."  (Another shopper ordered a pair that arrived caked in dog poo, but that's neither here nor there.)  These "complaints" caught my attention -- in a good way.  Because if someone finds something too flashy or odd, then chances are I'll love it.  So I clicked add to cart and have been rocking the retro rainbow ever since.  As a bonus, they cost only $9.99 and are comfy. 

Then, in a not-so-seamless segue, there's this peasant skirt:

Skirt: ROSS

Although I didn't buy it after reading a rave (or grave!) review, making it mine made an impression on me.  I'm sure I've shared this story before, but that's not going to stop me from doing it again, maybe with a few extra details.  

I was twenty-five and on a business trip to San Francisco.  I was working as a medical editor, which could be exciting but stressful.  One day, when my duties were done, I took the scenic route back to my hotel.  And by scenic I mean the street with the stores.  Now, I know that when most people travel, they like to find off-the-beaten-path shops and restaurants that give them an experience they can't get at home.  Yet although I understand the appeal, no matter where I am, I'm drawn to the familiar.  So on that particular March day, after having been scolded for apologizing to a cabbie and saying nay to networking drinks, I was relieved to see the steadfast storefronts of H&M and ROSS.  Especially ROSS, because I had one at home.  And sure enough, that was where I found the peasant skirt.  It stood out from the staid blacks and whites that crowded the rack, as cool as a Caribbean sea.  In other words, just the post-convention palate cleanser I needed.  

Fifteen years later, this skirt is less vibrant than it used to be.  I've worn it with all kinds of tops in all sorts of prints and colors, to BBQs and, yes, to the office.  I even had to stitch a hole in it.  But I still love it.  It makes me as happy as it did on that West Coast day of retail therapy, worldly for having crossed the country and brave for having survived it. 

To that end, I'm still not sorry for saying sorry to that cabbie.  Anyone who can drive anyone anywhere will always get props from me.