Amazon - Q the Stylist https://www.qthestylist.com/tag/amazon/ Wardrobe Stylist: Personal, Brand, and Commercial Wed, 04 Dec 2019 21:16:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Spotlight https://www.qthestylist.com/2019/09/04/spotlight/ Wed, 04 Sep 2019 02:25:17 +0000 https://www.qthestylist.com/?p=5387 The post Spotlight appeared first on Q the Stylist.

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Backpacks for Goldilocks: The 2019 Awards

Recently, a client called seeking approval on an incredibly expensive backpack she purchased, explaining she got carried away while at a work trip to Las Vegas.  Sadly, I did not approve.  Small fortune aside, the shape was all wrong for her style and the material, though high quality, didn’t look rich. It had to go back… for store credit only (gasp)!  However, she was more upset that she had been looking for a backpack for a while and she felt this was the only one that came close.  She wanted one that was professional enough to carry into C-suite level meetings, but with enough room to hold a laptop, notepad, wallet, phone and charger, small makeup case, and occasionally a change of shoes or a bottle of water… no small request.  The good looking backpacks were too small and the big ones didn’t look professional. The one she found in Vegas fit all those items and was a high end, so why didn’t it work?  Because it made her look like a teenage mutant ninja turtle when she put it on. 
Around the same time, another client sent me this frank text, “Backpacks. Are they cute or trash?”    

Great question. The truth is, I am really into function. I always have been and living in NYC reinforces this every day.  However, this rules out most backpacks on the market because they are too small to hold a wallet, a water bottle, and a pair of shoes at the same time.  And if a backpack is that small, just get a purse.  Your belongings will be easier to access and you won’t be vulnerable to someone walking close behind you and unzipping your backpack looking for your wallet.  This happened to me on a trip to Rome, I’m clearly over it.
 
The other truth is, I’m equally into form.  So this rules out a lot of backpacks that don’t move the needle for me on the style scale.  Hence, now that 95% of the backpacks on the market have been ruled out due to form or function- here are the 2019 Goldilocks Backpack Awards, because they aren’t all trash.

Best In Show: The all around winner for form and function is Italic’s Barlett Pebbled Leather Backpack which comes in just black or navy and a choice of silver or gold hardware.  They thought of everything with this bag. It’s roomy yet tidy, unfussy while thoughtful, and the leather has a beautiful hand.  Tie a colorful scarf around the top handle and everyone will think you’re Amal Clooney.  Bonus! They plant a tree with every purchase. $195

Minimalist Award: The Graf Lantz Convertible Bedford Backpack is made from stain-resistant, lightweight felt in beautiful neutral colors and where most convertible bags look wrong when not worn as a backpack – this bag looks awesome as a tote or crossbody. $345

Mary Poppins Award: Lo & Sons Rowledge is so large that it could likely hold everything you need to be practically perfect in every way and it will still keep you organized with all of its sleeves and compartments.  It fits over a suitcase handle and offers a choice of hardware and interior colors to keep you looking fresh wherever the wind takes you. $225

Designer Collab Award:  J.W. Anderson’s Reversible 2-Way Bag for Uniqlo is so darn cute and functional and only $20… I wish I needed it.

Fashion Award: State’s Kane Backpack comes in a variety of colors but the silver mock-croc is a total standout. $120

The Look for Less Award: Italic’s motto is Luxury without Labels, this Faux-Leather Backpack from Coofit on Amazon is that bag, for even less.  This economical option looks much more expensive than it is and is surprisingly spacious. $24

Goldilocks is now the very happy owner of both the Italic Barlett and the Graf Lantz Bedford, proving that you don’t have to pay a fortune for style.

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]]> 5387 Budget Shopping Online: From A-Z https://www.qthestylist.com/2013/03/22/budget-shopping-online-from-a-z/ https://www.qthestylist.com/2013/03/22/budget-shopping-online-from-a-z/#comments Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:41:09 +0000 http://qthestylist.com/?p=2181 Dear Q the Stylist, What stores do you recommend for a 30-something online-shopper on a budget? The older I get, the more I loathe shopping in stores (sad, I know). I have depended for years on Nordstrom.com (free shipping & returns make it so easy!) and Anthropologie.com, but lately both are disappointing me (Nordstrom’s quality […]

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What stores do you recommend for a 30-something online-shopper on a budget? The older I get, the more I loathe shopping in stores (sad, I know). I have depended for years on Nordstrom.com (free shipping & returns make it so easy!) and Anthropologie.com, but lately both are disappointing me (Nordstrom’s quality seems to be going down, and Anthro is a bit too hippy for me lately and outrageously expensive for what you get)– any new suggestions?? I want to be trendy, but not break the bank, and ease of return is huge. How do I stay on fashion pointe without looking too young (20ish clothes) or too old (40ish)? Dressing as a stylish but not rich 30-something is increasingly hard!!! Would love to hear your suggestions!

From, Lost Online

 

Dear Lost Online,

Agreed!  Keeping up with trends on a budget is difficult, but I’m here to help.  Nordstrom and Anthropologie are great resources, however, there are many more options to find stylish, inexpensive pieces for your wardrobe.

Amazon

It’s not the first place you might think of, but Amazon is an up and comer for online shopping.  It’s best if you know what you are looking for, as it is not conducive to browsing.  For example a search for “Paige Hidden Hills Straight Jeans” yields more than result at a few different prices.  Prime members receive free shipping and free returns.  Another tip about Amazon is they offer great Contemporary jewelry pieces at lower prices than competing online retailers.

Asos

Asos.com leans more towards a younger age group, but good pieces can still be found for you.  Check out jackets, skirts, and jeans on this site.  Free shipping and free returns is offered.

Bloomingdale’s

Bloomingdale’s just added free shipping on online orders over $150 and free returns.  The inventory is always filled with an assortment of brand names and sizes, and with over 100+ designers Bloomingdale’s will never disappoint you.

Madewell

Madewell is the sister site to J.Crew that is a little less expensive.  Polka dots prints, stripes, colored jeans, blazers, and denim are popular items.  The shoes are casual and made well (ha!).  Free shipping is offered.

Piperlime (Gap Brands)

I rely on Piperlime for basic wardrobe updates for myself and clients.  The site offers the latest merchandise from top lifestyle designers and highlights picks from Rachel Zoe, Aimee Song, and Olivia Palermo – all women with their finger on the pulse of fashion.   The option to shop for the whole family with the latest men and kids apparel is available on Piperlime, and I will usually check out Gap and Banana Republic’s latest offerings while I’m at it.  Their simple one “cart” checkout, along with free shipping and free returns on all orders makes transactions a breeze.

Zappos

I do recommend Zappos for a great selection of shoes.  However like Amazon, it’s best to have an idea of what you are looking because a lot of time can be wasted navigating their options.  Apparel and accessories have recently made there way onto the site, but it’s currently hit or miss.  As always, free shipping and returns apply here.

Zara

Yes, this major European retailer has finally added online shopping!   Zara offers more inexpensive modern and basic pieces that can be taken from day to evening wear.  The prices are extremely reasonable for fashionable pieces that can be interchanged throughout your everyday wardrobe.  Free shipping and free returns on all online orders.

I hope this guide helps you become more efficient online shopper.  There are other sites I could talk to you about that have minimal shipping costs, but the sites listed above are my go-to’s that have the easiest shipping and returning with a comfortable range of price points.

Many Happy Returns!

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