Where You WON'T Find Me on Black Friday...

Today is Black Friday. It is a day when the masses flood the retail stores to snag great deals on holiday merchandise. A day for merriment and joy. A day for glee.

But you won’t find me joyfully shopping, and here are the reasons why:

* It interferes with my dedicated plans for laziness:
I know there are plenty of families who love to round-out a weekend of eating and napping with a high-energy tour of the malls (it’s like retail exercise), but I don’t come from a family like that. Instead, I have grown up in a culture that believes that the four-day holiday break is good for one thing: doing nothing. We sleep in. We nap. We watch movies. We leisurely eat a mountain of leftovers. I just can’t break from tradition. My family needs me.



* I’m a holiday-shopping-procrastinator:
In other words, I’m not prepared for Black Friday. Yes, I’ve typed up and emailed my Christmas list to everyone, but I’m nowhere near determining my lists for others (I may have just confessed to a series character flaw here....). So though I suppose I could go out to the stores, I would just wander the jam-packed aisles with no purpose.

And with no purpose we all know what happens--I end up buying an armload of absolutely adorable gifts....for me.


* Finally, it’s absolutely crazy out there!
I’m not telling you something you don’t already know. The one and only time I’ve ever ventured out on Black Friday I reached the parking lot before dawn only to realize that there were no parking spaces left.
Who are these CRAZY PEOPLE that get up that early and camp out in front of retail stores?!!!

Please...please...if you are one of them, tell me what I’m missing. Is it the deals? The adrenaline rush? The thrill of the sale? The smell of blood in the air?

Because I’m dying to know. I just don’t get it.


So today, when the sun rises, you’ll know just where to find me: in bed, sleeping.

Merry Black Friday. Now leave me alone--I’m trying to rest.

A Talk on Trendy Cattle (and being an original consumer)

I wanted to follow up Friday’s introduction (in levity) of planned obsolescence with a little more chatter on the subject.

As “the Detective” mentioned, planned obsolescence is when manufacturers produce items that are intentionally designed to fall apart or break down within a relatively short window of time. This intention is orchestrated for one purpose: to get us to consume.

Now, there is A Lot we could say about consumerism these days. Depending on who you talk to, it is either the bane of our civilization or the salvation of it. And although both of those ideas are very intriguing to a closet nerd like myself, what I want to focus on...naturally...is originality.

In my opinion, planned obsolescence works best when we fit the mold. In other words, when we predictably make purchases based on price (aka the lowest price always wins), and on trend. For instance, Old Navy can afford to make shoddy shirts (and let’s face it--they are shoddy) because a) they know we love a bargain, and b) they know that the trend will expire about the same time as the shirt will.

So am I saying that being original means you have spend more money and eschew trends? No, of course not. I’m just as eager to find the cheapest ruffled apparel I can get my hands on this season as the next lady. But according to an article I recently read in Time magazine, women today make 75% of the buying decisions in American homes. In other words, collectively we are The Consumer. And as a group, I’m remiss to say that we tend to behave like cattle. Trendy, fashionable cattle...but cattle nonetheless.

Being original, then, means that we need to exercise our “consumer identities” with some foresight and intention. This includes budgeting wisely, investing in quality, and wasting less. And if that sounds about as fun as a wet blanket, don’t worry--there are lots of clever ideas and conversations ahead that will spice up the concept, I promise!

But before all of that...what do you think? Are we more cattle or ranchers? Talk amongst yourselves...

Other Be An Original Posts:
Original Sweater
A Story...
Be An Original

The Case of the Faulty Hair Dryer

The following scene is loosely based on true events from my morning....

It was a sunny Friday morning when she walked into my office.

“Detective,” she said, “I have a problem.”

I put down my pen and looked up. The woman in front of me looked normal, wearing a fashionable brown dress (of the likes I’ve never seen before) and suede boots. But something was off. I couldn’t put my finger on it until she started talking.

“It happened this morning,” she continued. “I was getting ready for the day like I always do. You know--brushing my teeth, applying my make up, getting dressed. But then when I went to dry my hair, something went wrong. I started the hair dryer and instead of firing up like it usually does, it made a low, strange noise, and then just shut down completely.”


“How long have you had the dryer?” I asked politely, finally understanding what was off about her appearance. It was her hair--sadly flat and dull, she resembled a wet cat. Not flattering. Not at all.

“Oh, for less than a year I think.”

“Well, these things happen, ma’am. Perhaps you’ve just worn it out. New hair dryers aren’t that expensive, you know.”

“Well, yes, I see your point. It’s just that this is the second time in a month that this has happened.”

“Really.”

“Uh huh. The first time was more dramatic. I was using a different hair dryer--one I use for travel--and suddenly it started making strange noises. Then I heard a Pop! and a shower of sparks burst out from the outlet, turning into flame. I could have been harmed.”

“I see. And how long had you had this dryer?”

“Oh, for longer I suppose, but I didn’t use it more than a handful of times a year.”

“Well, ma’am, I think what we have here is a case of planned obsolescence.”

“Planned what?”

“Obsolescence. It’s when manufacturers create products that are designed to break down within a short period of time.”

“But why would they do that?”

“Well, to make money, of course. And to save money. They can make a product with cheaper parts, keeping the item at a lower cost, and also design them to fall apart quickly so that you keep coming back to purchase another one.”


“So you’re saying that my hair dryers are basically designed to be disposable?”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

“That doesn’t seem right.”

“I don’t make the rules, ma’am. I just solve cases.”

“Well, thank you for your time, Detective. I guess I have to go buy a new hair dryer.”

"Good day, ma'am. And good luck with your hair."


Though this story is obviously dramatized, planned obsolescence is real indeed. And we'll talk more about it as our pursuit for originality continues.

And for the record...I am having a terrible hair day.

Have a good weekend!

Be An Original

Many of you know about my little “Target problem.” Like how I can’t resist the latest fashions in the Converse line, or their newest shoes, or Thomas O’Brien’s linens. Well, recently added to my Target problem is my ever-expanding J. Crew problem...and my rapidly budding Pottery Barn problem.

It’s a sickness really.

It’s a sickness that I was thinking about this weekend as I tried to keep myself out of the stores and away from spending money. I was standing in my living room looking out the window and trying to decide which new shade of Maybelline lipstick I liked the best when suddenly I noticed my throw pillows.

They were lined up on the window seat in an array of colors and patterns, and they looked so nice under the gray light cast from the cloudy skies. It occurred to me then that what I liked most about the pillows was that they were original--meaning that I made them myself, from my own designs.

And then this small mental sidetrack about originality began to snowball. I started to think about all of the other things I own that I appreciate for their uniqueness. Like my thrift store armoire, and my handmade coverlet, and the new sweaters and dresses I’ve been crafting lately. And I realized that as much as I love J. Crew and Target, there was just something special about an original item. As if they have “Stephanie” labels on them--fit just for me.

My thinking didn’t stop at “stuff,” either. Soon I was contemplating originality as a goal for living. Yes, I suppose that it is a bit cliche--like the earnest goal of a teenager trying desperately to be different--but I enjoy a good cliche every now and then, don't you?

So I thought that I would spend the next several weeks talking about Being An Original--about the pursuit of our originality expressed through our choices.

As you might guess, I’ll be sharing some original design projects with you all (starting tomorrow with my newest dress!), but I’ll also be talking about originality expressed in other areas too, like interests, intellect, and character. I'm excited to see what big-picture thoughts are stirred up by this series, and of course what unique projects are uncovered too.

And as always, I love to hear your thoughts and comments. What makes you An Original? What is your favorite unique item, or recent alternative decision? Share anytime by posting your comments here, or emailing me at shillberry@stephaniehillberry.com!

See you tomorrow!

Box Store Boycott

Now, I have nothing against box stores. In fact, I love Target. Love it. Have-to-keep-myself-out-of-the-store-so-I-don't-spend-away-my-retirement Love it. But...what I don't love about the box store empire is that by tantalizing us with cheap prices and pretty packaging, we've forsaken originality and craftsmanship. Plus, our houses all start to look the same.

So, I thought I would do a little tantalizing today by featuring a few selections from the handmade marketplace, Etsy. Each of these items is either vintage (aka recycled) or handmade. And oh so pretty. For example,


Chakra Pennywhistle is one of my favorite shops. I love the folksy/natural look of this Tulip pillow, and can imagine it sitting neatly on my bed or sofa. I also love the antique moneybag pillows offered in the store, too--they're so charming, and remind me of my days as a banker.


This Smile Letterpress Poster from Roll & Tumble Press is fresh and simple. I love the chunky black frame (not included) and can picture it hanging perfectly in my entryway. And the message is not too cloyingly sweet thanks to the no-nonsense font and retro camera image. You won't find the likes of this letterpress beauty at any box stores, I guarantee!


This is Mrs. B's Yellow Teapot. Hello, Mrs. B. Would you like to come over to my house? Why thank you--you're so kind.
From Modern Nest, this vintage pot is just the shade of yellow I've been craving lately. Check out the rest of the store for other fun retro housewares as well!


I think these Vinyl Kitchen Labels are ingenious. You can customize a set of 6 generic canisters with these stickers in minutes. From Studio JK, they would make a great wedding or housewarming gift for your favorite nester.


Finally, speaking of vinyl stickers, wall decals are quickly becoming all the rage in home design these days. And though I'm still a little torn about them for main living spaces, I do think they're adorable in nurseries. This Safari Animal Stack by Single Stone Studios is so fun, and would make a great baby shower gift for a modern mom.

All together, handmade and vintage stores offer a great way to break out of the cookie-cutter mold and into fresh, fun design. And these five items are just a sampling of the home design alternatives available out there. I hope you're tantalized! Happy browsing!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Previous Related Posts:
Five Things You Need
Plotting More Patina
From Cookie Cutter to Custom

Is it Wrong to Make a Profit? Part 1

I know I've said this recently before, but reading the news lately can be a bit alarming.  I particularly find the economic situation to be distressing, especially when I read about families that are struggling under a lot of debt, and about people in other countries struggling to find food.  

Of course, while I'm reading these headlines and hearing these reports, I'm also busy trying to get my fall collection together for the beAdornable boutique (my online store).  Here I am making throw pillows and accessories--frivolous items in the grand scheme of things--and trying to sell them during a time when people are losing their homes.  I had to ask myself: is it wrong to try to make a profit on pretty things during these economic times?

I feel like it is important to wrestle with this question.  After all, I'm encouraging us as women to support micro-businesses in our community.  And A Lot of micro-business is providing goods and services that aren't "necessary for life," like cosmetics, clothing, consulting, tutoring, and the like.  Can we in good conscience promote our products, or are we being irresponsible for asking people to spend money on stuff they don't need?  I'll start with the economics today, and finish up next time with culture.

As for economics, on the one hand, we are being strongly encouraged to spend right now.  That was, after all, the whole point of that government stimulus check we all received.  The word on the streets is that if we quit spending our money, the bottom really will drop out of the economy.  Businesses would be hurt, people would lose jobs, and recession would no longer be a debate.  So, by encouraging spending of any kind (bonus if it supports micro-business), we are supporting economic growth during this slump.  Right?

Right.  Communities need people to keep spending money.  Businesses of all sizes need to continue to make a profit so that we can collectively keep our jobs and keep paying our bills.  And now, maybe more than ever, we need micro-business owners to be successful in the marketplace.  So selling during these times is a good thing.

The other side?  Well, selling and buying is a good thing, up to a certain point.  And what is that point?  Right now I'd say it is the line between cash and credit.  Even though banks and lenders are telling us that we need to keep spending, what they really mean is that we need to keep spending money we don't have.  Their financial survival, unfortunately, depends partly (if not completely) on us borrowing from them.  And that is not a good thing.  

It is a common selling strategy to convince people that they deserve something new--that they've earned it, or that they can't live without it.  As a good retailer, I would probably be wise to adopt that strategy.  Especially since spending is the new patriotism.  But the truth is that people don't need my boutique items, at least not the way they need food and gas.  And I hope that those who need the money for food and gas won't spend it instead in my boutique.  I never want my boutique items to be a part of the reason women are stressed about getting their credit card statement in the mail.  Sure, I'd love to see my pillow on their sofa, but not if it means that collection agencies are going to call them everyday for the money they used to buy that pillow.

So, am I irresponsible for selling boutique items during this economy?  No, of course not.  We all have to make a living.  But I am being irresponsible if I tell you to "just put it on your credit card" if you can't afford it right now, or if I tell you that you've earned a splurge you can't really afford.