Molly Bloom knows style

Walking out of my usual lunch spot I got an idea for a post. A woman asked where I got my bag. I told her I got it in Paris. I like telling people I got things in other countries because I know they won’t head downtown and buy the same thing, like that woman from fashion school did with my favorite pair of Frye shoes. Everyone who goes to Paris comes back with fabulous things. It’s the law. But back to my idea: I sat down to write this entry, checked my RSS feed and saw a similar post on Jezebel.

I wish people would pay a compliment (”Great jacket! Love the pattern!”) instead of turning it into a query (”Where’d you get the jacket?”) There is an underlying compliment in there but it’s not really a compliment. It’s more aggressive than a compliment, especially if you’re asking someone who takes pride in their style. On this site I have occasionally linked to items I own; usually I attach the disclaimer that if you buy the same color, I will cut you.

Jezebel’s post is problematic because I don’t think telling people wearing vintage or shopping overseas is smug or obnoxious; what am I supposed to do, lie? If someone has the nerve to ask where I bought something they shouldn’t judge me on an honest answer. It’s not my fault someone hasn’t been to France or doesn’t have the eye to shop vintage. I’ll admit it though: sometimes I pretend the question is a compliment and just say thanks. Especially if it’s a mass-market item that’s still in stores. I don’t want everyone dressing like me; that’s why I won’t do a StyleHive account. If you want me to shop for you, I will gladly do so. My personal shopper rate starts at $50/hour. Does that seem bitchy? Fashion is kind of that way. Air kisses!