Breast Cancer: Awarness VS Profit

So in case you didn't know my Mother died of a rare form of breast cancer called triple negative breast cancer.  I am such a strong advocate for breast cancer awareness, finding a cure, and promoting women's health in general. What i'm not a fan of is the use of the cancer as commercial profit for companies. Like a Valentine's display or summer set up mid September hits and the Breast cancer stuff begins to appear like it's on some retail calender. Not only is it a continual reminder for me of the way she died ( I prefer to remember her as the strong amazing woman she was) I feel like it degrades the struggle that every women who has been afflicted with this disease went through or is currently going through. Many products have a 2% of the profit of this item goes to Breast Cancer Awareness........ really is there a foundation called "breast cancer awareness"? (update there's a website but it a vague statement regardless) If packaging says 2% goes to Susan G Komen for a Cure that mean something to me.. a real foundation that impacts the community and continually is fund raising to find a cure for breast cancer. Since I recently got a cash back credit card I have become very aware of how long it takes 2% to add up to anything remotely measurable. However the amount of profit for these mug companies still greatly outweighs any donation. Even my favorite brand of chips puts a pink label on for October. I do think there are some benefits..... maybe every time a women sees a breast cancer mug she'll remember to do a self examine. Maybe every time they use their pink pen at work they'll think of the struggles so many women have endured. Maybe one day a young girl or boy will see that display and ask "what's breast cancer?" then grow up to be the scientist who finds the cure... but for now make sure you really look at the product your buying this October and try to remember the awareness aspect of this upcoming month and not it's commercial value.


This chic agrees with me http://feministatsea.wordpress.com/2010/10/13/october-breast-cancer-fest/

Styles of Shoes Styles of Men.

At work I often have a lot of time to just think since there is usually a point in the day when you have done all your tasks, talked to all you coworkers, and still there are no customers. Also the women's shoe department has the highest percentage of straight male men and it's right across from me so inevitably it comes to mind from time to time. Now I noticed each guy in the department has not only their own unique personality they also have a unique way of interacting with the customers and coworkers. Each a little different with their pros and cons but essentially all the same "product" at the end of the day- men.

The Gil- The Espadrille Wedge: is a shoe that is still exciting because it's high but it's also more comfy then a stiletto. It's cute and fun for a casual day out but it's not something you wear everyday. If you date a Gil you will have fun and flirt but there's no long term commitment.
The Dale- The Ballet Flat: is the least threatening shoe it's like the best friend of footwear. You can wear it anywhere with anybody sure it can be sexy but mostly you feel safe knowing you won't fall. If you date a Dale you may lack excitement but you will always have a solid footing.   
The Kevin- The stiletto heel: when you put on a pair you feel sexy your legs look long and fine and you are ready to party. Sure they are fantastic but only for about an hour then they kill and you would do just about anything to have any other shoe on your feet. If you date a Kevin it will be a roller coaster kick ass time until he gets bored and moves on to something sexier.
The Freddie- Classic Sneaker: you can't go wrong with a piece of footwear that is timeless, easy, and hassle free. If your looking for a no frills easy going relationship and on occasion a few compliments thrown in then date a Freddie.
The David- Patent Leather Pump: under the guise of being sexy patent leather usually looks a little cheap. You get a nice one liner and wink from time to time but that doesn't really end up satisfying you when all is said and done but maybe you don't want the commitment anyways??
The Don- The Bootie: Sure it sounds dirty(picture Sir Mix A lot) but it also sounds innocent (little babies wear booties right??) that's what you get when you date a Don you get both sides, someone who gives off the vibe of being tough and sexy but really is just a softie at heart.
The Matt-Knee High Boot: This is a classic stable item every women should own it's not only practical but sexy too. When you date a Matt it may seem simple and understated at first but it also comes with the surprise wow factor when you least expect it.. and it will blow your mind.

Now some women have a staple piece of footwear they never take off...some like to switch it up depending  on the occasion or their mood but ladies never forget there are as many men as there are styles of shoes....choose wisely! ~S~

Giving Them What They Want VS What You Want to Give Them

So one of the few perks of my job is seeing people do what they do best...be people. I once had a conversation with a good friend about gift giving. Usually there is a disconnect in what you want to give the person vs what they actually want. He brought this concept up to me after one Christmas and I never really saw it's power until now. For instance I see this at least once a week in watches. A man comes in to buy a watch he says "I want her to have this one but I know she'd like this better.....I'll go with the first one" It never fails they almost always pick the one they want to give even when they know it's not the one the recipient will prefer!!!! It's crazy lol A man literally said to me "She likes plain simple things never wears any bling but I want to give her a bling watch because she deserves something pretty."Although that was a cute sentiment it's just going to upset the receiver because now she feels obliged to love it. Except when the L(lover) factor comes into play.This is how the L factor enters into the equation: They will like the item more because they really like the person who gave it to them. Now I have heard this as well "it's not really my style but my boyfriend picked it out and it was so thoughtful so I love it can you size it for me?" Bam you have now reversed the whole situation. You have turned an item they don't actually prefer into something they cherish damn you played your cards and it worked out well.... or "My boyfriend got me this watch it's totally not my style we broke up he just really doesn't understand me can I exchange this for one I actually like?" (true quote) and that folks is the risk you take. I hope you can learn something from these real life scenarios...next time you are buying a gift for someone you care about really think about what the result of your gift will be-not just the gift itself- if your girl prefers leather to diamonds maybe it's best if you just go with something you'll know she likes. It will save her from faking her happiness and me from dealing with the return :) follow my advice and you will be a champion gift giver. Don't forget it's always nice to get or give a gift just because :) ~S~

The "Aspirationals"

         If you know me you know that I love meeting new people, studying them, and trying to figure out what makes them tick. One thing I have learned since entering the corporate retail world is the idea of the aspirationals. These "aspirational" people don't have "it" but they certainly aspire to. For instance if you can't afford $300 sunglasses you probably should not be shopping in a high end store (the logical assumption). However we will market to these people and they will come in and buy said sunglasses and the either A- not pay a bill/ buy necessary items or B- buy them wear them realize 300 is there car payment and return them a few days later. I see this EVERYDAY!!!! I think why??? why do you do this to yourself?!?!? I don't even go in stores right now because I know I can't afford it (logical reasoning) not to mention I develop strong emotional attachments to things like "I NEED that bag"- really I don't and neither do the "aspirationals." Then again don't I want to have those nice things, luxury handbags and high end fashion? Sure... but at what price when is too much- too much?
     I then expanded this thought to LA in general there are the people in this town (why do we call it the town... it is a CITY???) who have "made it" and of course everyone else who is trying. This whole town is full of "Aspirationals" literally everyone I meet is aspiring to something bigger then what they are. Not that it is a bad thing because it is what makes people strive and have goals. Of course I am an aspiring film actress and I aspire to be happy- aspiration is what makes us work for our future but I really don't think we need to aspire to shop at high end stores.