Even though the shoot was cancelled, Lara wanted me to come in and help. Actually, she didn't want, she practically begged, and I obliged, of course. She told me I didn't have to stay long, but I ended up staying longer than either of us had intended. It's such a relief to be able to work there and not have to worry about rides or punctuality or traffic. When I came in the shop, we were once again mellow, and Lara predicted that because it was Sunday she really doubted that we'd have that many customers. So, with that in mind, I windexed all of the corners, even moving the items on them to different places so that their whole surface shone. I wasn't counting on a load of customers touching the glass with their grimy fingers and ruining that lovely gleam. Of course, such is the way of a shopkeeper apparently.
After I had windexed the counters a few people wanted my help and opinion on a few pieces, and I even went down into the basement to pick out some cute '70s dresses for a woman also attending the 70s party the upcoming weekend. My day was busy and filled with filling out sales receipts and greeting customers. Then, when I was folding a hot pink polyester autographed racing jacket I looked around and noticed a little girl who was now behind the counter. Her mother, the woman who was searching for the dress, yelled at her daughter and asked if she was bothering me. I said no and smiled, telling the little girl I liked her pink tights with flowers.
That day became my day of babysitting, which I can tell you is hard work in and of itself. I tried to pry Ava away from the other room where we were sitting and playing house, but she wouldn't be persuaded. So I gingerly sat on the floor and let her braid my hair, button the disco jacket she'd dressed me up in, and scold me for wearing shoes in the house. I even hugged an invisible boyfriend and let her take a few pictures with my camera phone, although she did try to figure out how to call the police before I finally got it back. I don't understand why kids sometimes do that, although I do recall that I once did the same thing myself.
At the end of the day the store was a mess and the men's section was a complete disaster. Luckily Lara had guitar lessons and so she said we needn't deal with all the details of cleaning up, because we'd get it the next time we opened. So I have that to look forward to. Before Ava's mother left, after many outfit changes and self doubts and asking our opinion on alot if her choices, she asked for my number in case she ever needed a babysitter. I gave it to her and then leaned against the glass door, thankful that this 70s party was nearly over and the day was most definitely done.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Oh my jesus.
Saturday was definitely a rush.
The store started off at a mellow, perhaps even slow, pace.
Then it picked up, and I was excited, because a lot of people were buying things, and the goal for Saturday is always 1,000 in sales. Lara told me that all it took was one person to buy some furniture and there, alone, was about $400 to $500 in sales. I was a little woozy at this price estimate. As I sipped some of the tea that Lara daily brings in to the shop, hot water courtesy of Corner Stone, I thought how nice this was, and how very very chill.
Oh how wrong I was. At around 1:30 the rush came in, and I was suddenly slammed by an influx of customers wanting my help, my opinion, my hand; the telephone was ringing, and it might have been Jason, so I had to answer that, I was ringing up one customer and there were two more waiting, I just couldn't begin to do it all fast enough. Lara, too, was slammed- she was helping a few people get dressed for the Ballet Met Party next Saturday, which had a 70s theme. I had no idea how very useful being trained in dresses could be. Go go boots and mini dresses? No, ma'am, that's actually 60s- you know, very Austin Powers. If you think 70s think more along the lines of that amazing movie Hair, and those long chic bohemian dresses. Lara jokingly pointed out the exact replica of a 70s dress her mom had worn to her high school senior prom, which fell to the ankles, with a creamy canvas like material and embroidered flowers. Many people merely browsed, getting our hopes up, and all my organizing of earlier that morning was ruined by a few sloppy men.
My highlight of the day though was a british guy with glasses who bought two pillows, and it was funny because Lara guessed he came from Abercrombie. Many people with british accents were abercrombie workers, she told me, in the industry of fashion. Mod is always going to be in fashion, and many designers got their ideas, she told me, from the very clothes we sold at Mad4Mod. So, she giggled as she told me I shouldn't be surprised if I saw a dress or shirt that looked like the one in the shop. I have been looking at Target and discovered this to be unnervingly true.
So, we closed shop around 5:30, and my boyfriend even came to visit me and got two pairs of big glasses that Lara generously gave him a discount on. I'd never been so relieved to turn off the lights and wipe down the counters. Working there does teach a lot, and on Saturday I finally truly got the hang of the confusing adding machine and how to do the tax on an item. Yay for me!
Saturday was definitely a rush.
The store started off at a mellow, perhaps even slow, pace.
Then it picked up, and I was excited, because a lot of people were buying things, and the goal for Saturday is always 1,000 in sales. Lara told me that all it took was one person to buy some furniture and there, alone, was about $400 to $500 in sales. I was a little woozy at this price estimate. As I sipped some of the tea that Lara daily brings in to the shop, hot water courtesy of Corner Stone, I thought how nice this was, and how very very chill.
Oh how wrong I was. At around 1:30 the rush came in, and I was suddenly slammed by an influx of customers wanting my help, my opinion, my hand; the telephone was ringing, and it might have been Jason, so I had to answer that, I was ringing up one customer and there were two more waiting, I just couldn't begin to do it all fast enough. Lara, too, was slammed- she was helping a few people get dressed for the Ballet Met Party next Saturday, which had a 70s theme. I had no idea how very useful being trained in dresses could be. Go go boots and mini dresses? No, ma'am, that's actually 60s- you know, very Austin Powers. If you think 70s think more along the lines of that amazing movie Hair, and those long chic bohemian dresses. Lara jokingly pointed out the exact replica of a 70s dress her mom had worn to her high school senior prom, which fell to the ankles, with a creamy canvas like material and embroidered flowers. Many people merely browsed, getting our hopes up, and all my organizing of earlier that morning was ruined by a few sloppy men.
My highlight of the day though was a british guy with glasses who bought two pillows, and it was funny because Lara guessed he came from Abercrombie. Many people with british accents were abercrombie workers, she told me, in the industry of fashion. Mod is always going to be in fashion, and many designers got their ideas, she told me, from the very clothes we sold at Mad4Mod. So, she giggled as she told me I shouldn't be surprised if I saw a dress or shirt that looked like the one in the shop. I have been looking at Target and discovered this to be unnervingly true.
So, we closed shop around 5:30, and my boyfriend even came to visit me and got two pairs of big glasses that Lara generously gave him a discount on. I'd never been so relieved to turn off the lights and wipe down the counters. Working there does teach a lot, and on Saturday I finally truly got the hang of the confusing adding machine and how to do the tax on an item. Yay for me!
Thursday, took off. Friday I went in, because the store was slammed.
Jeez, so many people looking for so many things, and it is SO EXHAUSTING.
Jason called to tell me the Sunday photo shoot was off, which was a good thing, because I was too tired to have to model 25 outfits. Gah! Still, he asked me to come in because he and his wife Jen were in Cincinatti at a show of antiques and vintage furniture and clothing, although Lara told me that because it was advertised misleadingly, as a 'show' instead of a sale, she was worried about the actual sales that were going to happen. Apparently Jason was supposed to call if someone used a credit card, so that she could use our store's credit card machine, because they didn't have one with them, but he didn't call. She was very upset about it, but she thoughtfully pondered that perhaps everyone just brought a lot of cash with them, or checks. Which is a good point. Or the advertising wrong misled and hurt the store... well, we'll find out Wednesday I guess.
What I learned: don't advertise things in the wrong view, and always be available to help a customer unzip their dress.
Jeez, so many people looking for so many things, and it is SO EXHAUSTING.
Jason called to tell me the Sunday photo shoot was off, which was a good thing, because I was too tired to have to model 25 outfits. Gah! Still, he asked me to come in because he and his wife Jen were in Cincinatti at a show of antiques and vintage furniture and clothing, although Lara told me that because it was advertised misleadingly, as a 'show' instead of a sale, she was worried about the actual sales that were going to happen. Apparently Jason was supposed to call if someone used a credit card, so that she could use our store's credit card machine, because they didn't have one with them, but he didn't call. She was very upset about it, but she thoughtfully pondered that perhaps everyone just brought a lot of cash with them, or checks. Which is a good point. Or the advertising wrong misled and hurt the store... well, we'll find out Wednesday I guess.
What I learned: don't advertise things in the wrong view, and always be available to help a customer unzip their dress.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Pondering
Walkabout has me thinking alot about my career.
Today's wednesday, yet another day in walkabout.
Last week was pretty chill, just getting introduced to customers and learning a lot more things, and I can tell they're really beginning to rely on me. Jason's a really nice guy and me and Lara like to gossip while we Windex the counter tops.
Back to the point though. Jason was telling me how he never would have considered himself getting into the business of selling vintage clothes. He went to school to be a realtor, and was a boxer for years, a fact which he still brings up with pride. The fact is, he stumbled onto this business, but it's really caught a hold on him. I just hope that I can find something that ignites as much passion in me as this has for him, so obviously.
I find passion in books, organization, writing, etc. There are so many options, so many choices. I know i'll explore careers eventually. Who knows what could happen, or what I could find? I don't see myself as a store owner, like Jason, but maybe a bookshop... who knows? It's just interesting to think about, to ponder when I have the time.
But, for now, it's back to work!
Today's wednesday, yet another day in walkabout.
Last week was pretty chill, just getting introduced to customers and learning a lot more things, and I can tell they're really beginning to rely on me. Jason's a really nice guy and me and Lara like to gossip while we Windex the counter tops.
Back to the point though. Jason was telling me how he never would have considered himself getting into the business of selling vintage clothes. He went to school to be a realtor, and was a boxer for years, a fact which he still brings up with pride. The fact is, he stumbled onto this business, but it's really caught a hold on him. I just hope that I can find something that ignites as much passion in me as this has for him, so obviously.
I find passion in books, organization, writing, etc. There are so many options, so many choices. I know i'll explore careers eventually. Who knows what could happen, or what I could find? I don't see myself as a store owner, like Jason, but maybe a bookshop... who knows? It's just interesting to think about, to ponder when I have the time.
But, for now, it's back to work!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Sunday, sunday...
Lord, Sundays are my least favorite part of working at Mad4Mod. Julie and I are assigned to a number of clothes, usually around 20-25 pieces, and while she photographs I model them. Some of them are positively hideous, and some of them are so tight I have to suck in just to get them on, and we have to take about 10-12 pictures of each piece. This Sunday was particularly difficult, since i'd been fighting with a friend of mine and I was really upset.
Lara and Jason tried to keep Julez and I upbeat, remarking over how cute I looked in this, or how bohemian in that, but I was tired and sad so I only cracked a few smiles. It was the end of the day I was looking forward to in truth. That's the part where me and Julie always pick up our bags and run for Subway. There, we sit and relish in this simple act of enjoyable company and a good meal. The people there are really nice, and they've come to know exactly what I want whenever I come in. It's reassuring and a nice end to a hard day.
As the outfits passed by I did muster up some general enthusiasm for a few- a genuine Valentino wool and velvet dress/coat, which I wanted to grab off the shelves and keep as my own; a Dolce and Gabbana corset inspired top which I got to wear with my favorite jeans; a Caroline Herrera dress from the 80s that all of us laughed at. When the day ended with a genuine Emilio Pucci outfit I was glad to call it a day. Just as we were packing Jason said we had $25 in store credit for doing such a good job, and as the day was windy, and I didn't have a hat, I spotted some very cute white furry ear muffs. With a final goodbye to Lara me and Julie left.
Lara and Jason tried to keep Julez and I upbeat, remarking over how cute I looked in this, or how bohemian in that, but I was tired and sad so I only cracked a few smiles. It was the end of the day I was looking forward to in truth. That's the part where me and Julie always pick up our bags and run for Subway. There, we sit and relish in this simple act of enjoyable company and a good meal. The people there are really nice, and they've come to know exactly what I want whenever I come in. It's reassuring and a nice end to a hard day.
As the outfits passed by I did muster up some general enthusiasm for a few- a genuine Valentino wool and velvet dress/coat, which I wanted to grab off the shelves and keep as my own; a Dolce and Gabbana corset inspired top which I got to wear with my favorite jeans; a Caroline Herrera dress from the 80s that all of us laughed at. When the day ended with a genuine Emilio Pucci outfit I was glad to call it a day. Just as we were packing Jason said we had $25 in store credit for doing such a good job, and as the day was windy, and I didn't have a hat, I spotted some very cute white furry ear muffs. With a final goodbye to Lara me and Julie left.
c:
Thursday and Friday were pretty fun as well.
Because I'd almost detected a hint of disappointment at my shaggy, curly hair, hoodie and jeans, I wore black tights, a red and black plaid skirt, and a bright red sweater. Lara immediately complimented my style and showed me a thermos that matched my skirt. We laughed about it for a little bit and then we started to get to work. This time, Lara gave me a crash course test on some of the merchandise- asking me whether I thought it was 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, or 80s. It was actually alot harder than you might think. Some of the items were what she called 'transition items' like a dress that appeared in the 70s fashion was actually the late 60s, when the trend was just introduced but right before it spread. We had a lot of fun, pointing out dresses, and I got 8/10 right every time. I was introduced to the different types of colors and patterns and I found myself laughing right along with Lara's enthusiasm.
Jason came in, then, and asked me to re-model some clothes for him which hadn't turned out on Julie's sweater. We shot against the brick wall right near our building and I did the standard poses to show off such an outfit. There was also a ridiculous 'sculpture' that I was modeling with as well, and we cracked ourselves up at some of the absurd poses I made with it. It was quite fun, despite the fact that it was cold, and Jason observed that I looked absolutely fabulous in leather jackets, which was quite nice to hear, since I adored some of the leather jackets I modeled in the previous Sunday.
After that I went back into the store, changed into my normal clothes, and started organizing the store as I saw fit. Color coordinating and whatnot, which both Jason and Lara said I was very good at. I noticed Lara rearranging the costume jewelry on the shelves and asked if she needed help. She explained to me her way of organizing things and how even though it looked as though it didn't have an order it really did; silver went to purple, went to blue, went to green broaches, for example. So she led me over to another display case and said I should move around a few things, make sure to hide the price tags so people would ask how much they were selling for. I was given the instructions: make it look fun and interesting but keep it organized. Now, I am a stickler for organizing, so this was a fun job for me, and I found myself hunched over the display case for quite a while, moving everything around and giving the whole cabinet a fresh vibe.
A woman approached me about some help for an opera ball; she desperately needed a dress. Because the upstairs dressing room was taken by a girl a year or so younger than I am who had a solo in her school's performance, I was told to take the woman to our downstairs basement dressing room. While she changed, I organized the racks, and had to help her with her zipper. Also, that awful question all women dread 'Honestly, does this make me look fat?' and the truth. I put it delicately, however, saying that the red dress had looked fantastic but that just didn't flatter her quite as well. She said she appreciated my honesty and asked me to hold the dress for her for a few hours, which I did and she came back a few hours later to purchase one. It was quite succesful. I even rang up a customer and filled our their sales receipt, though the 'adding machine' which looks like a calculator but is quite different, confused me.
It wasn't too bad, and Friday ran much the same, with people asking me about help and what this dress was. I managed to sweep up behind the cash register and the surrounding area, which was so dirty I wanted to cringe. Jason commented that I was like Cinderella, except I was inflicting the chores on myself, and I smiled and kept sweeping. It's true- i'm a neat freak.
Because I'd almost detected a hint of disappointment at my shaggy, curly hair, hoodie and jeans, I wore black tights, a red and black plaid skirt, and a bright red sweater. Lara immediately complimented my style and showed me a thermos that matched my skirt. We laughed about it for a little bit and then we started to get to work. This time, Lara gave me a crash course test on some of the merchandise- asking me whether I thought it was 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, or 80s. It was actually alot harder than you might think. Some of the items were what she called 'transition items' like a dress that appeared in the 70s fashion was actually the late 60s, when the trend was just introduced but right before it spread. We had a lot of fun, pointing out dresses, and I got 8/10 right every time. I was introduced to the different types of colors and patterns and I found myself laughing right along with Lara's enthusiasm.
Jason came in, then, and asked me to re-model some clothes for him which hadn't turned out on Julie's sweater. We shot against the brick wall right near our building and I did the standard poses to show off such an outfit. There was also a ridiculous 'sculpture' that I was modeling with as well, and we cracked ourselves up at some of the absurd poses I made with it. It was quite fun, despite the fact that it was cold, and Jason observed that I looked absolutely fabulous in leather jackets, which was quite nice to hear, since I adored some of the leather jackets I modeled in the previous Sunday.
After that I went back into the store, changed into my normal clothes, and started organizing the store as I saw fit. Color coordinating and whatnot, which both Jason and Lara said I was very good at. I noticed Lara rearranging the costume jewelry on the shelves and asked if she needed help. She explained to me her way of organizing things and how even though it looked as though it didn't have an order it really did; silver went to purple, went to blue, went to green broaches, for example. So she led me over to another display case and said I should move around a few things, make sure to hide the price tags so people would ask how much they were selling for. I was given the instructions: make it look fun and interesting but keep it organized. Now, I am a stickler for organizing, so this was a fun job for me, and I found myself hunched over the display case for quite a while, moving everything around and giving the whole cabinet a fresh vibe.
A woman approached me about some help for an opera ball; she desperately needed a dress. Because the upstairs dressing room was taken by a girl a year or so younger than I am who had a solo in her school's performance, I was told to take the woman to our downstairs basement dressing room. While she changed, I organized the racks, and had to help her with her zipper. Also, that awful question all women dread 'Honestly, does this make me look fat?' and the truth. I put it delicately, however, saying that the red dress had looked fantastic but that just didn't flatter her quite as well. She said she appreciated my honesty and asked me to hold the dress for her for a few hours, which I did and she came back a few hours later to purchase one. It was quite succesful. I even rang up a customer and filled our their sales receipt, though the 'adding machine' which looks like a calculator but is quite different, confused me.
It wasn't too bad, and Friday ran much the same, with people asking me about help and what this dress was. I managed to sweep up behind the cash register and the surrounding area, which was so dirty I wanted to cringe. Jason commented that I was like Cinderella, except I was inflicting the chores on myself, and I smiled and kept sweeping. It's true- i'm a neat freak.
Last week was my first week of Walkabout. On the first day Jason set me to organizing the men's section, which required alot of rehanging, buttoning, and color coordinating. When he left Lara took me on a grand tour of the tour, explaining designers and their importance and what to say to customers who were skeptical. It was a very accomplished day. I really liked the designs of Lilli Pulitzer especially, who is known for hiding her first name in all of her garments. We had a good time just laughing and talking, though it was a slow day. We tidied up, windexed counters, and only a few people came in but didn't buy anything. Wednesdays are usually slow, as she explained to me.
It was a really fun time actually, although there was a remark that I didn't look at my most vintage that day, which is understandable since I haven't had money to support my love of vintage in a while. However, as Lara explained to me, I am allowed to wear anything in the store while working. Well, practically anything- no silver tipped fox fur coats, for example. I didn't get too upset about that, and I just nodded and said I understood.
Lara and I discussed Walkabout and my needs, and she said I could come help out on Saturdays if I wanted more hours, as well as coming in on Sundays to model. She was so nice and thoughtful, and watching her in action is so funny. I was given the speech about Mad4Mod loyalty when a woman approached me about modeling and Jason said I was already taken by Mad4Mod. It didn't really bother me at all. All in all, it was quite a good day.
It was a really fun time actually, although there was a remark that I didn't look at my most vintage that day, which is understandable since I haven't had money to support my love of vintage in a while. However, as Lara explained to me, I am allowed to wear anything in the store while working. Well, practically anything- no silver tipped fox fur coats, for example. I didn't get too upset about that, and I just nodded and said I understood.
Lara and I discussed Walkabout and my needs, and she said I could come help out on Saturdays if I wanted more hours, as well as coming in on Sundays to model. She was so nice and thoughtful, and watching her in action is so funny. I was given the speech about Mad4Mod loyalty when a woman approached me about modeling and Jason said I was already taken by Mad4Mod. It didn't really bother me at all. All in all, it was quite a good day.
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