There are shops that coo and shops that just let you be. I far prefer the latter.
The coo-ing shops are the ones were the SA's fawn over you and exclaim in a disturbingly over-excited way that everything looks 'Goooooorgeous' on you even though you could be wearing an acid lime green satin corset minidress. This usually has some correlation to the labels they stock; super girly, glamourpuss and FHM-sexy things that customers will be coerced into buying because 'It's SOOOOO you!'.
The shops that let you be are the ones that give a bit of credit to the customer. A brief hello and a smile and away you go. Nobody is standing by ready to pounce on you. You know the labels through and through. They are the sort that don't need a hard sell because you're already familiar with them and they're usually not the trend-led flash-in-the-pan kind either.
Two See in Covent Garden London thankfully belongs to the latter kind and with the kind of selectiveness that Anthony Stephenson, the store manager/buyer applies to the labels they stock, basically, it's a 'Susie' shop. The kind that I have to limit myself to visiting because I'd end up buying something for sure... Preen, Jean Pierre Braganza, Patrik Rzepski with some quirky touches from Jean Charles de Castelbajac make up a lot of the offereings on the new online store which I think is still under development as a lot of images aren't up. However, what they lack in quantity, they make up for with quality....quality that is very tempting indeed....
The other plus point would be dragging the boyf in as well. Actually, correction. It's not dragging. We happily walk in together because there's Dexter Wong, Baader Corp (Patrik Rzepski's menswear line which I rarely see in London!) and new menswear designer Eric Lebon there to go spending happy. Online stores popping up before Christmas are a little cruel as you are supposed to be thinking of others but I'm a little on the greedy side so self indulgence is in order. Especially when the store is 'soooooo me'.
Hello there. I know you have previously professed love for Jessica Ogden: the new SS08 collection is in preview -it's heaven xx
http://libertylondongirl.blogspot.com/2007/11/jessica-ogden-for-fred-perry.html
Posted by: Liberty Girl | 13 November 2007 at 17:42
An acid lime green satin corset minidress? That sounds just like what you normally wear!
PS: I enjoy your blog very much.
Posted by: emma | 13 November 2007 at 21:41
agreed!
A brief hello and a smile and away you go.
that's the best!
Posted by: joni | 13 November 2007 at 21:55
hello, you have a lovely site! hey, i was thinking you might like to check out this super site i came across... you get really nice stuff for a great deal. its called www.getheavenly.com. all the clothes on it sell for only $16. its a fab deal... anyways, cute site! take care!
Posted by: hc | 13 November 2007 at 22:08
I completely disagree with the correlation you made between the labels people stock and the attitude of the people in the store. In fact, many people feel it is 'snobby' or East End 'trendy' stores that feel they are too 'cool' to talk to people. I don't really think it has to do with either, more just the management style of the store. I also find a vast difference between North American store management and English store management which tends to be a lot more hands off. Quite frankly I think a middle ground is preferred. People can be helpful without cooing all over you, and thats my personal ideal.
Posted by: meg | 13 November 2007 at 22:41
ps meant to ALSO say though that the store looks great and I've never run into it. the site is down for me at the moment but I love that print skirt with the eyes and mouth on it!
Posted by: meg | 13 November 2007 at 22:42
After being an SA, you kind of learn the patterns of people. Some like the in your face cheeriness, while others, like Susie, enjoy looking at the clothes on their own. You learn to work into their grooves, and put on a different face for different customers.
Posted by: Eli | 13 November 2007 at 23:27
gosh, this amongst other reasons make me wish i was independently wealthy...
that monster skirt is cute huh?
Posted by: lady coveted | 14 November 2007 at 01:31
Is that link right? my computer doesn't think so.
Posted by: j | 14 November 2007 at 04:18
ahhh, i feel so lonely when no one talks to me. i hate it when the shopgirl is just looking at her mac....shopping is so much funner when there's a nice shopgirl who'll chat with you.
Posted by: fauxfauxreal | 14 November 2007 at 05:10
More detailed replies later but for now...I think I may have bought the Two See Life site down.... it isn't an incorrect URL....
I'm pooing my pants...
Posted by: susie_bubble | 14 November 2007 at 09:21
Oh my gosh those blue skinny trousers are a treat. x
Posted by: Gem | 16 November 2007 at 21:48