I’m Bored Therefore I Shop

I love fashion. I love to shop. I love to get dressed in clothes that make me feel special and different. So obviously when I’m bored one of my go to activities is to shop. Most often I don’t get my butt up off the couch so online shopping is ideal for me, but when I’m feeling really motivated (or really bored) I do actually go to the stores. Now you’d think that since I was bored enough to get off the couch and go to a store I’d want company, and sometimes I do, but most often it’s a solo adventure. See, I’m a serious shopper. I can go for hours, whereas most of my friends will browse, maybe try on one or two items and be done. Not me! I can look, try on, go back and look some more and repeat. I guess I love shopping so much that being by myself doesn’t bore me. ?

When I’m shopping, I look for pieces that are unique and, in my mind, architectural. When I say architectural I mean interesting shapes and usually oversized. While I know many of my oversized pieces makes me look larger, I’m just more comfortable in pieces that are not too fitted. I always get frustrated when I see photos of myself because of how big my clothes make me look and then I say I’m going to start buying more fitted pieces, but I never do. When I’m shopping I gravitate to the same oversized pieces, but my wardrobe never bores me!

Some brands I love include, (but are so not limited to):

Lurdes Bergada: This is one of the first designers I discovered on my travels. When I was in Barcelona about five years ago, my husband and I were walking around and came upon a store with some cool items in the window. We went inside and I was instantly obsessed! The mom, Lurdes, designs the women’s clothing and her son, Syngman Cucala, designs for men. I love the uniqueness and comfort of their clothes. While I do look to see if I can find them in different stores when I travel and they are available online, I recently found that Lurdes Bergada is carried in a few stores in the United States. I was so happy to find that one of the stores, Still Point Gallery, is local to me. While you can’t shop online at Still Point Gallery, if you’re in the Cleveland Heights area it’s worth the trip!  

Alembika: Once I was introduced to Alembika clothing I hit the ground running! I love so many of their pieces and I’m finding lots of local stores and online sites that carry this Israeli clothing line. I think their pieces are great for all sizes and body types, and are just so much fun. One time when my husband and I were in the city (New York), we walked over 6 miles so I could shop at Rootchi Alembika. We could have taken a cab or the subway, but we used this as an excuse to get some steps in! Anyway, while I do like to visit them when I’m in NY, I was so happy to discover that two local boutiques in Ohio, Juma in Shaker Heights and Find Me in Chagrin Falls, both carry Alembika. Yay!

Ruti: Ruti is one of my favorite brands/stores to shop when I’m in California. With five stores in California and more opening around the country (including Dallas, Scottsdale, and New York City!), this American Israeli fashion designer is beyond cool. Her clothes are flattering, comfortable, and practical. Ruti also carries Alembika, and, for me, that just adds to the shopping experience in their store or online. 

Sun Kim by Comfy USA: Sun Kim by Comfy USA is another great line with “architectural” style clothes. Plus they’re great for travel as they are lightweight, super comfy, and unpack pretty much wrinkle free! I have some really great dresses and skirts from Sun Kim that can be worn for day or dressed up for night.

Staci Snider: The incredible designer of SNIDER Collection is one very cool lady! I had the privilege of meeting her at Kilgore Trout, a local store here in Cleveland. I had purchased a few of her pieces prior to meeting her, but once I met Staci I understood her design ethic. To me SNIDER Collection is leather and lace, feminine and fierce, and so architectural. I can’t wait to visit her atelier in Saratoga Springs, NY. (I have to be honest here, I just learned the meaning of atelier! And in case are you’re not as knowledgeable as I am now ?, an atelier is where a designer has a store or show room in front and a work space in the back.) In the meantime, I will shop SNIDER designs online and at Kilgore Trout.

Nanushka: Nanushka is a brand/store I fell in love with when my husband and I were exploring Budapest a few years ago. Nanushka’s clothes are edgy yet feminine, timeless, and very comfortable. I feel very European when I wear my purchases from Nanushka. I just found out that they are now available in the United States, including a local boutique, Haven in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. You bet I’ll be there before the week is out. Why not? It beats sitting on the couch being bored! Or I guess I could shop them online at Farfetch, My Theresa, or Net-a-Porter. Beat the boredom without having to leave the couch amiright?!

SOME PIECES I LIKE FROM THESE BRANDS: