#2: Show Your Colors

I am normally a black purse person.  It seems to just go with everything and blends in to what I'm wearing.  But I discovered the power of color with a little help from my friends.  I bought the perfect bag (at Absolutely Her, of course) and it is the most interesting thing I think I own.  It is a beautiful teal-turquoise color with 6 standout flowers by Nicole Lee.  I have had so many women stop me and ask about it.  I love showing them and then telling them where I got it.  It is certainly one of my best marketing tools.  Funny thing is, I was in a car dealership about two weeks ago and even some of the men were commenting about it and wanting one for their wives.  To make it stand out even a little more, "the other Angela" tied a polka-dot scarf to it.  LOVE IT!







But the best part about having this purse is that the person who consigned it loves to buy her favorite things in multiple colors.  So guess what the next purse I bought was?  Her twin sister in yellow and orange! 

I guess my #2 is not a particular item, but more of a notion of adding color to your wardrobe.  It can be something as simple as a bracelet (today I have on a bright orange one), a scarf, a purse or anything you feel will give you that little boost of happiness. 




And on a totally different note, I have to share what happened this week.  One of my customers came in with her son because he had been in with her before, and found something he wanted to give her for Mother's Day.  He was so cute -  mom went to the other side of the store and when she was out of sight, he took me to the exact thing he wanted and then I gave him everything he needed to wrap it up for her.  He was so proud to have picked out the perfect gift all on his own.  He has great taste and I know she will treasure it!

Best part?  Another mom was in the store with her son and she let him pick out her present, too.  He was so excited I don't know if it will make it to Mother's Day - he wanted her to open it right there.

Happy Early Mother's Day to these two women - you are raising outstanding young men. 

#1 On My Journey

Most would think I was strange to list this as my first item on the One Hundred List of mine, but as I was pondering what it was that was my most "go-to" item, it popped into my head.  I have had this particular item of my wardrobe for so many years - almost eleven now.  It was given to me as a gift and has withstood the harshest and softest of elements.  I can't imagine not wearing it and I hope I never have to.  What I love the most about it is it's simplicity yet it is the most complicated of all things.  There's another one out there, too - not an exact match, but so close.

I don't know if Nina Garcia was thinking about it when she wrote her book (if it's in there, I haven't come across it yet), but she even said that you have to create your own list and not copy hers. 

So, my number one item is my wedding band.  It is so symbolic of any marriage.  Some days, in the right setting, it sparkles and shines - so bright it takes you by surprise.  And other days, well, it may take you by surprise by the wear and tear it shows.  Today it is a bright and shiny object that I am drawn to and can't wait until the work day is over and I can go home to see my husband.  I know that may not be tomorrow, but I can keep doing all I can to see the glitz and to make it his top item as well. 

The Journey To My Own One Hundred

I bought this book a while back called "The One Hundred...A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own" by Nina Garcia.  While I haven't gotten very far, it's funny how one thing reminds me of another.  Earlier in the day I wrote on the chalkboard at the store, "Fashion is what you're offered four times a year.  Style is what YOU pick out of that fashion."  And as I'm reading this book, she says, "Style is a deeply personal expression of who you are, and every time you dress, you are asserting a part of yourself." 

Today my style is pretty casual and reflects the hurried nature of the morning - too much to get done but not enough time to master it all.  Ok, to be honest I think I'm sloppy, but at least I remembered earrings to try to dress it up a little. 

When I go to my closet (which many people think I must have a wardrobe to die for because I own a clothing store - I don't), I spend way too much time standing there trying to figure out what it's going to be that day.  Do I feel confident and want to put on a skirt to show off my new spray tan or do I feel fat, frumpy and pale and want to hide it all or do I just not really know how I feel but I know when I put on those jeans, they will be my answer? 

Clothes seriously can make or break your day.  I hear so many women talk about their size.  And I tell them that it's not about the number, but it's about the fit.  FORGET THE NUMBER, ladies.  I know because owning a consignment store gives me great flexibility in the brands I have.  I am a small, medium, large, and extra-large.  I am a 6, 8, 10, and 12.  And anymore, I don't care.  If it fits and I feel good, it's mine (much to my husband's dismay).

So what's the point and how did I get from what the hundred is according to Nina Garcia to the size?  Well, I figure my one hundred should be whatever makes me feel spectacular and they should be things that can mix and match (kinda like garanimals) to make me feel confident every day.  Stay tuned as I go through this journey to my own One Hundred.

Did That Really Just Happen?

I love learning new things.  Especially when it comes to the store.  I get excited and energized again and again - even more so when I am able to see the results in one day.  On Friday morning I attended a class put on by Next Move Marketing in Bellevue.  It was about making videos and using them to drive more traffic to your store and to help with your placement on google searches and YouTube. 

Within one hour of that class ending, I had my filmed my first video, optimized it, posted it on YouTube (AbsolutelyHer815:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RZk3WbZfuE).  In the next hour it was being "promoted" on my Facebook page (thanks again to Next  Move Marketing) and on my website (www.absolutelyherstore.com). 

I'll admit that I checked Face Book a lot during the day to see how many saw it and all the other stats on it.  But, I was completely surprised and taken aback by a post on FB 24 hours later.  Next Move Marketing was watching and now when you search in google, Absolutely Her is on the first page when you look for "Women's Clothing Papillion NE".  I am on the first page of Google!  Never been there before - was on page 4 or 5 before.  And when you search "Women's Shopping Papillion NE", I am number four on that first page.  Go ahead..search "Women's Consignment Papillion" or Women's Consignment Omaha"...right up there either at the top or near the top.  AMAZING. 

This isn't a post to brag (though I am so excited), it's a post for you to see what these guys can do to help your business.  They will be hosting more classes, so I dare you to go to one and see the results.  No, I DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU!

www.nextmovemarketing.com or check them on Facebook.  I guarantee you'll be excited and energized as well!

The Other Side of Retail

I love watching people shop.  Especially sisters and friends.  They are brutally honest with each other without hurting the other's feelings.  One says something and then they both burst out laughing.  It makes for such a fun day in the store. 

The other day I was watching two women trying things on and getting the other's opinion.  They were in here for about 45 minutes.  Typical friendly banter between the two and again, the honesty.  The one gal came up to check out and the other was still right there, advising her about how to accessorize one of the outfits.  We finished up her sale and she turned to the other and said, "It was so nice to meet you - have a good day."  I was dumbfounded for a moment.  I honestly thought they knew each other. 

For so long I shopped at the "big box" stores and it was rare to have any kind of conversation with anyone.  Since I opened Absolutely Her, I've seen the other side of retail - the great side of enjoying the atmosphere of smaller shops and meeting women who inspire me in ways they probably never even imagined. 

That One Thing

Thrifting has become a new way of living to some, but I've been doing it for a while.  Now it's the anticipation of what I might find and then the great price I'll pay for it.  For me it's about the hunt.  It's become a game of chance.  Right now I know exactly what I am looking for.  It's nothing special to most, but for some reason, I want one.  Do you have that one thing?  I put a quote in the last newsletter..."Somewhere someone is looking for exactly what you have to offer".  

It is fun to hear someone tell me what they are looking for and they "have been to all the stores in the mall" and can't find it.  The fun part?  Many times I can go over to a rack, pull something out of it like a magician and abracadabra...it's "exactly" what they wanted. 

That's what consignment here at Absolutely Her is about.  Not only do we take classic pieces and things that are currently in style, but we like to listen to what our customers are looking for and we keep our eye out when new items come in.  Our "Wish List" feature in the computer system helps us even more.  So if you have that one thing, please let us know so we can help you find it.

And if you're wondering about my "one thing", it's called a quaffer or a double-bubble shot glass.  It could get me into a lot of trouble, but what can I say?  Sometimes I like trouble. 

Stop and Take a Minute

Did you know I have 3 step-daughters or as someone else says, "bonus daughters"?  I came into their life over 10 years ago.  We've been through some devastating times and some incredible times.    I don't always have the time to see them or check in with them, but they are constantly on my mind.  Today Stephanie, the youngest one, is celebrating her 25th birthday.  Kristen, the middle daughter, and her husband, Ryan, are getting ready to have a little girl (Baby Concetta) join their son, Levi.  And the oldest, Lindsay, is getting ready to embark on her own journey.  They have been a blessing to me.  And some days I wonder if they know how much they really mean to me. No matter what.

Do you have those in your life whom you love dearly but aren't always sure they know?  Make sure they do.  Stop and take a minute to let them know.  You never know.  Today may be the day they need it the most. 

Girls, I'm not sure if you will even see this...I love you.