Neiman Marcus is one of the finest retail stores in the world. In existence for over a century, the store is usually found in large cities. Which is why I was surprised to hear that they just opened one on Long Island, where I live.
I visited it today. Full of designer goods, the store is the kind of place where you ogle clothes and products but walk out empty-handed because the prices are astronomical. I saw a nice men's jacket for $1,750, a pretty woman's dress for $1,750, and a cute cardi... wait for it... for $1,750. That's a popular price at this store.
Of course they do have more expensive goods. Believe it or not, they sell a men's jacket made of real crocodile that costs $120,000. House or jacket? Hmm... Here are some other items I saw.
This Sachin & Babi Noir’s jacquard dress
with a high-low hem, cut-in shoulders and jeweled neckline
is a mere $1,050
Would you pay $105 for a tube of lipstick?
How about if it contains soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter
and chamomile flower oil for ultra-creamy texture?
Made by Tom Ford
These cat-eye sunglasses have glittery butterflies
sculpted onto their frame by Anna-Karin Karlsson, $865
Your boyfriend having a birthday?
Get him these Maison Margiela duck feather sneakers
with multi-color dyed feathers for $2,180
And, finally, to prove I wasn't lying,
Stefano Ricci's crocodile jacket for $120,000
Have you ever heard of this store? They do a fabulous catalog each year for the holidays.
Well I must say that seeing a jacket made of crocodile makes me ill. But that is me.
ReplyDeleteThey opened a Saks in the downtown yesterday here. Nordstrom is coming in another few months. We already have Holt Renfrew, a Canadian version of high end goods that makes me feel woefully inadequate.
These kind of stores fuel the fire of excessive consumerism and further separate the haves from the have-nots.
How did you feel after you left the store? Happy?
I'm curious.
bisous
Suzanne
Good question. Actually, I felt depressed. I was anticipating shopping there to be a joyful experience, but being unable to afford anything -- even a simple skirt -- made me sad and feel deprived. I earn enough to qualify for inclusion in the top 1% of Americans so, if I can't afford this store, who can? Besides, there's no justification for charging $105 for a tube of lipstick: it's simply excessive.
DeleteI think it depends on your motive how you feel. If you genuinely thought you might buy something, you would feel depressed at not affording it.
ReplyDeleteI tend to approach these stores more with the mindset of a museum. To ooh and ahh, or laugh at the ideas and workmanship of this strange society.
Then you can leave with a smile having had your brain stretched!
Works for me anyway :-)
Xo Jazzy Jack
I understand your approach, JJ, and often adopt it myself. This time, however, I was looking for a birthday gift for a friend and became saddened when I realized there was absolutely nothing I could afford.
DeleteDid you get to visit the shoe department? They treat you like royalty there. Best customer service in the shoe dept. That's where I've purchased my Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks. But I don't think I'll be buying shoes that expensive anymore ;)
ReplyDeleteIt really is a beautiful store. It's clean, expensive, and shiny. I love it and I hate it.
xo Azu
You're right: stores that cater to the rich and offer luxury goods usually have the best service. It's a way to lure people into overspending. I stopped by the shoe departments and browsed. In the men's department, ordinary sneakers were $700 and fancy ones were a few thousand bucks. I walked through the women's department and saw many designer names (including Blahnik); sadly I don't believe I could ever ask for assistance there.
Deletethey are nice actually. I love the inspiration coming from the pieces however that's the shop I generally can not afford
ReplyDeleteThe post is fantastic! I love it so much:)
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend!
theprintedsea.blogspot.com
I have obviously only heard of the store ... we thankfully do not have one in South Africa. I would approach it the same way that Jazzy would ... I did go into a store in one of our upmarket malls one day where the prices are also ridiculous and walked around as if I could well afford what was on offer and giggled at the prices.
ReplyDeleteLike Suzanne that crocodile jacket makes me sick. It definitely does not look worth the price though. That photo looks like the guy just came out of the garage.
The only times I remember going into Neiman Marcus was with friends in high school to try on things that we definitely couldn't afford and laugh at the price tags. Now, it's a little depressing since I have a perfectly good job and still can't afford anything there.
ReplyDeleteMe too -- and I'm a lawyer!
DeleteOh I've heard of the store and been to some, but, like you - I just find the prices astronomical, so I just use it for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I would pay $150 for lipstick even if I had the money. And those dang sunglasses are awesome but they better have wifi for that price.
ReplyDeleteWell, this post basically broke down the many reasons why I don't shop in this store :) Those are some ugly shoes... and I can't with that jacket. I will have to keep an eye out for their holiday catalog. I have a thing for receiving them in the mail (I guess because it's a dying trend nowadays, isn't it?).
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Are these handmade by artisans paid a skilled-labor wage? Otherwise I cannot see how they justify the cost! (Even though they are quite unique items... but not one of a kind, I'm guessing, since they're in a high-end chain store.)
ReplyDeleteAh, but you went to the wrong floor! It has been years since I have been to one, but I assure you there is a floor with less $$$ merchandise!
ReplyDeleteI know this feeling, the designer flagships are all around me, and I am across the street from Bloomingdales.
The price tags do boggle the mind. I buy second hand, children's, or go to the less expensive floors.
Still those feather sneakers are quite an eyeful!
I visit these stores as I visit a museum, and leave the wallet at home.
I have read that this sector is slowing, btw...
great, thoughtful post!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
Those sunglasses are sensational! I don't know if I could ever come to peace with the idea of ponying up nearly a grand (US!) for a pair of sunnies, but I have no qualms with admiring them all the same (and now wondering what sort of DIY job could be done with a cheap plain pair and some cute craft store butterflies :)).
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
I think a DIY version would be grand! It's a cute idea.
Delete