Boston-based off-price retailer TJX (home of the T.J. Maxx and Marshalls chains) invited the nation’s top fashion blogs to participate in a two-day event at their buying headquarters last week. The goal of the event was to share the company’s business model and strategy with the fashion blogosphere. Flattered and intrigued, the YLF team set off for the East Coast to hear TJX and meet fellow fashion bloggers.

First introductions between bloggers, Ogilvy Public Relations and TJX were made in the lobby of Boston’s palatial Fairmont Copley Plaza, where we stayed for the duration of the event. We met fashion bloggers from The Budget Babe, The Budget Fashionista, Nitro:licious, Shoe Smitten, Stiletto Jungle, Broke and Beautiful, Second City Style, 55 Secret Street, My Fashion Life, Mom Central and Style Hive as we walked over to Skipjacks for a casual evening of getting to know who’s who. People were dressed to impress (loads of black and cream, fabulous boots, statement coats and designer bags). After all, this was a fashion occasion and your style quotient had to be top notch.

Early the next morning a bus took us off to TJX headquarters in Framingham, MA, where we enjoyed a full day of education and hospitality. The agenda included interactive sessions with corporate marketing teams, a preview of holiday lines, a Q&A with the President (Michael MacMillan), a fashion show, “guess the price of this item” competitions, merchandise tours and store visits. The event was fun, informative and superbly run.

The “splurge and steal” fashion show (above) was a great way to see how ensembles from T.J Maxx and Marshalls could stand their ground against much more expensive options from full price department stores. Click the picture to see a larger version of the ensembles on the right and let us know in the comments which you think is which.

We learned a lot about TJX in the process. For example, one of their biggest challenges is the perception that budget store + low prices = low quality. Although their more than 1600 T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores cut costs to the bone, many of the items are high end, sometimes even couture brands. More than 85% of the merchandise is from the current season, and less than 5% is irregular. TJX buyers work hard all year round to find great deals, and the result is a rapidly changing range that varies from store to store. Although the stores can be hard to navigate, there are fantastic bargains hidden on the rails.

Bloggers enjoy a sneak peek at some of the upcoming TJX Winter merchandise.

No matter what your budget, everyone loves a bargain which means that T.J. Maxx and Marshalls should thrive in our tough economic climate. Their Fall marketing campaign “this season, smart shopping is the new black” tickled my toes. If you’re an expert merchandise scanner and can see past an untidy and less than glamorous shopping experience, you’ll score treasures at half the price for sure. You might even enjoy the treasure hunt.

Thank you for the entries to Friday’s TJX competition. We are evaluating your thoughtful suggestions on the T.J. Maxx and Marshalls shopping experience and will announce the winner after Thanksgiving.

Update: The competition is now closed. Thank you for your entries. We will announce the winner after Thanksgiving.

Update 2: Winner announced!

As many of you know, TJX (the company that owns the T. J. Maxx and Marshalls off-price retail chains) recently invited YLF and several other fashion blogs to an event at their headquarters in Boston, MA.

We had a wonderful time and learned a lot about the company’s approach to retailing. But before telling all, we thought we would have some fun with a competition. The person who gives us the best and most complete set of answers to the following five questions will win a $250 gift voucher for T. J. Maxx and Marshalls stores.

1. How many T. J. Maxx and Marshalls stores are there in the USA?
2. Does T. J. Maxx carry same-season merchandise, or do they offer low prices by selling items from the last season?
3. What percentage of the T. J. Maxx merchandise is irregular?
4. Does T. J. Maxx offer couture brands?
5. What are the differences between T. J. Maxx and Marshalls?

We will use one final question to break any ties: TJX is passionate about keeping costs low, but they are also on a drive to improve the shopping experience in their stores. What suggestions do you have for them in this regard?

Please submit your answers as a comment to this blog post (one per person). Earlier answers to the tie-breaker question will get more credit for their ideas. The competition will close at midnight on Monday 24 November (Pacific Standard Time).

Shanghai Tang is an upscale Hong Kong store that epitomizes fusion. Its offerings combine ancient Chinese designs with a contemporary and often humourous Western flavour. Other than ready-made and tailor-made apparel for men, women and children, Shanghai Tang also offers a wide selection of trendy home furnishings and gifts. With gleaming antique wooden furniture, modern artwork and pristinely presented sales staff, it’s a beautiful and very colourful store that’s well worth a visit just for its aesthetic integrity.

On our recent trip to my favourite city, Phoebe and I went to Shanghai Tang and perused their racks of exquisitely embroidered and superbly made, embellished clothing. We gasped at knitwear and handbags that were trimmed with jade and dresses that were sewn with gold thread (quite the laundry challenge). Their homeware area was rich with handmade silk-covered photo albums, silver plated dim-sum baskets, ornate chopsticks, vibrant picture frames and arty porcelain jewelry boxes. Shanghai Tang also offers a revolutionary line of watches and accessories with Chairman Mao’s image. Super funky.

As much as I’d like to have come home with a luxurious statement Shanghai Tang piece, it wasn’t on the cards. But their menswear range was fab and a lot more affordable. Greg came home with a hip top that he’s already worn several times. My gift was the cheerful pink and green shopping bag it was packaged in. The colours match our site.

That’s all for the Hong Kong series folks. We thoroughly enjoyed presenting these posts and hope that you enjoyed traveling with us. Stay tuned for the next global encounter.

Shanghai Tang was founded in 1994 by a Hong Kong businessman and now also has stores in Shanghai, New York, Paris, London and Singapore.

Dr. Martens, or “docs” as I know them, were a hip footwear option in the 80’s and early 90’s. My American friends say that docs weren’t as popular in the US as they were in Europe and British colonies at that time. Nike hi-tops were the American “it” shoe instead. An American friend tells the story this way: she went to London in the 80’s wearing hi-tops, but came back to the US wearing docs.

After an 80’s explosion the Dr. Martens brand lost popularity and became fringe fashion for 20 years thereafter. But docs have made a comeback along with the resurgence of 80’s looks this year. Their footwear range embraces both vintage and updated styling and is well worth a look if you fancy a tough edge to your style.

We recently stumbled upon a brand new Dr. Martens shop in Hong Kong and I was like a kid in a candy store. I had my eye on a pair of cream, patent calf-length docs (like the one on the right), but realized their impracticality for our rainy Winters. My black 20 eyelets would have to satiate my renewed Dr. Martens appetite. But we did come home with a hot pair of ankle boots for Greg. The men’s assortment was killer.

Understandably, docs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. The vintage boot style can look masculine and bulky. But it’s precisely this contrasting effect that I find appealing. Adding a rugged element like a pair of funky Dr. Marten boots to an outfit can be stylish if you stick to wearing one rugged item at a time. I wouldn’t wear my biker jacket with docs. I’d match them up with a pretty piece of knitwear, soft scarf and tailored jacket instead. I love mixing an ultra feminine outfit with a tough biker edge. We saw lots of HK ladies matching biker boots with pretty skirt and dress ensembles.

One of my European clients (late 40’s) bought a pair of docs after seeing the pair I showed in my post on grey footwear. We’ve subsequently created exciting feminine combinations with blouses, scarves, jeans, knitwear, skirts and dresses incorporating the edgy look of the boot. I was impressed with her grace, spunk and confidence in this look. Very fab.

Dr. Martens has a much wider range these days. In addition to more refined styles like the cream boot I had my eye on, there are the vintage boots in new colours…

…and with an expanded range of interesting hardware.

The Hong Kong store was bustling with younger Dr. Martens newcomers and veterans like us rekindling their relationship with the brand.

The Jade Market is one of my favourite places to visit in Hong Kong. This magical market consists of rows and rows of vendors selling jade, pearl and semi-precious stone jewelry and trinkets. Our local friends say it’s a preferred spot for jade bargains. Of particular interest to me of course: the market offers a seemingly endless variety of shell pearls. These are the same durable material as cultured pearls, but at a fraction of the price.

Here is a great explanation from beadshop.com: “The shell pearl is laboratory made from the shell of an oyster. The process of making a shell pearl involves several different stages. The raw material for the base of the pearl is the sea shell, which is coated and polished to the final shape of the pearl. In order to produce a good quality pearl, a key ingredient is what we call a ‘mother of pearl bead’. This element adds weight, value and durability to the pearl.”

During our recent HK trip I took a good friend and client to the Jade Market and we had lots of fun. She was inspired by Sarah Jessica Parker’s long strand of pearls in the recent Sex and the City Movie, so we set out to purchase those as well as a shorter chunkier strand. After a pleasant experience and a successful bargaining strategy, Phoebe was over the moon and wore the long strand of pearls the very next evening out. She looked beautiful.

I was after another short, chunky strand of shell pearls. The vendor barely spoke English, but with sign language, a calculator and lots of warmth, we understood each other perfectly. The vendor sat me down after I’d selected the size of pearl so that I’d be comfortable as she threaded them to the correct length. The process took about 20 minutes. My final price was about US$26. Not bad for pukka manufactured pearls when the faux costume jewelry kind costs US$38 at Anne Taylor.

Shell pearls are the way to go if you can’t afford the cultured kind. They’re weighty and the correct colour. Fake pearls are often flimsy, cheap-looking and an off shade of cream. I’m partial to white pearls, but there were also exquisite black, brown, purple, pink and apricot pearls to choose from. Wouldn’t it be lovely if you could order direct from this sweet pearl vendor at the HK Jade market? But then again, there is something to be said for the enchanting one-on-one experience.

People in this city take personal presentation very seriously. Men and women of all ages are, for the most part, extremely well put together. They aren’t afraid to dress up, look smart or take fashion risks. You will see all the personas represented, from modern-classics and retro fashionistas, to funky bohemians and arty eclectics.

The weather was warm, but Autumn all the same. For the locals it was time to haul out Autumn fashions and the following looks were all the rage:

• Monochromatic palettes: Black, cream, white, metallics and grey textured ensembles were by far the most popular look. Colour was predominantly represented through accessories, footwear and handbags. Bright tops and jackets were in the minority, which was surprising to me. Perhaps locals shared my current neutral mood in the light of a changing season.
• Leggings with voluminous tunic tops, skirts and frocks: There were vast quantities of leggings – black and grey, short and long. Jewel-encrusted and lace detailing were popular. It’s an easy, comfortable and cost effective look that’s perfect for the HK climate. Also a big hit in Paris this spring, it’s interesting how leggings never gained as much popularity in the US.
• Skinnies and clamdiggers with blousy tops: One of my favourite looks and one I wore each day while I was there. There were loads of neck-tie blouses, lantern sleeves, empire cuts and tops with tiered hems. Blue denim skinnies and straight legs were the preference, but black and grey were popular too. I was inspired by the dark grey skinnies look and got myself a high-waisted pair at French Connection. I counted a total of six women in wide-legged pants all week.
• Layering T’s with voluminous cardis and shrugs: Funky embellished T-shirts worn under textured knits was a uniform with the younger crowd.
• Miniskirts, frocks and short-shorts with slouchy boots and booties: Mid-thigh skirts and short-shorts were everywhere (bare-legged, or with textured hose). The look was worn with calf-high or knee-high boots for extra coverage. Rugged biker boots and booties were also common and Dr Martens are definitely making a comeback.
• Cropped anoraks: lightweight, sporty anoraks with retro design details were abundant. I was inspired and brought back a little black trapeze style with a sporty cream stripe. It was put straight into circulation the moment I got it.
• Knee socks with heels and flats: A sweet school girl look that was seen on older women too.
• Non-black neutral footwear: Black footwear was not as prevalent as grey, metallic, pewter, cream, brown and tan footwear. Enthused, I miraculously found two pairs of comfy grey peds (over-the-knee flat slouchy boots, and studded patent one-inch chunky heels).
• Converse: It’s the number one casual shoe on the street. Both men and women wore black, grey, blue or white Chuck Taylors as if their lives depended on it.
• Large totes: most men and woman carry a large handbag during the day and many of them are designer.
• Accessories: generally, everyone was wearing either one, or all of the following: oversized watches, muffler scarves, chunky necklaces, sunglasses and funky eyewear. Cell phone ornaments are a must when you live in HK (more on that later).

Far fewer people wore jeans. Leggings, skirts, frocks and short-shorts were more popular at this time of year. This encouraged my purchase of two fab Autumn dresses (a solid black 60’s go-go frock, and a retro 50’s style in a Winter floral).

Effortlessness is what makes HK streetwear especially stylish. You wouldn’t expect this from a society that commutes on foot and in public transport, and spends time in hot, crowded places. Dressing well in HK is expected. It’s a killer fashion culture that I find exhilarating whenever I’m in town.

(1) Chunky pearl necklace and an all black ensemble. (2) Miniskirt, ruffled sling bag, grey pullover, slouchy boots. (3) Voluminous tunic with leggings, stacked gladiators, chestnut handbag.

(1) Black skinnies, sleek knitwear, pumps, designer handbag, chunky neclace. (2) Clamdiggers, blousy top, neutral tan pumps, olive hobo handbag. (3) Short-shorts, voluminous animal print blouse, knee socks, distressed flats, oversized tote.

(1) “The” slouchy boot look, worn with frocks, skirts and short-shorts. (2) Mid-heel olive green pumps (one to two inch heels were the most popular heel height for daytime). (3) Funky Dr Martens (worn with a mini dress in this case).

(1) Wide-legged pants, cream necktie blouse, slouchy tan hobo handbag. (2) Skinny faded jeans, voluminous tiered blouse, designer patent handbag. (3) Skinny distressed jeans, T-shirt, moto jacket, oversized man-bag, cap, beaded bracelet, oversized watch (and Converse that you can’t see). Cool dude! (4) Skirt over leggings, knitted top, muffler scarf, chunky heeled pumps, frame handle handbag.

I battle to get shirts that fit my dainty frame, longish arms and regular length torso. When I do find them I usually end up paying premium price. This was true of the two Anne Fontaine shirts I bought in Paris earlier this year. It would be a wardrobe dream come true if I could replicate the fit of my Anne Fontaine shirts in different colours and fabrications. Unfortunately, my experiment with a custom made shirt from Sam’s Tailor in Hong Kong didn’t work out this way.

The problem began at the very beginning of the process. I adore fancy fabric and have had my heart set on a luxurious, iridescent stretch silk pewter shirt. It would be a timeless piece in my clothing mix. Within minutes of arriving at Sam’s I was thrilled to find a swatch of exactly the fabric I had in mind. I briefly thought about going with a more conservative black stretch silk, but ultimately decided to follow my first instinct.

The next day I returned for the fitting and knew the shirt wasn’t right the moment I saw it. My heart sank as the fitting confirmed my fears. It was cut too wide on the shoulder, torso and upper arm, resulting in a matronly look that wasn’t at all the sleek profile of the Anne Fontaine original. The shirt was also about an inch too short on the center front. The only way to solve all of these problems would be a clean start. A shoulder line can’t be narrowed because the armhole is already cut, and it is impossible to lengthen the front. We had a big problem.

Manu Melwani (the “Sam” of “Sam’s Tailor”) was very polite, but argued that the change in fit was unavoidable given the new (stretch) fabric. He insisted that the fit was still fab. I became the nightmare client.

After much discussion and many alterations, my pewter shirt is still not perfect. The changes they did manage to make (narrowing the fit around my torso) threw the look off balance because of the things they couldn’t change (wide shoulder line and upper sleeve). The center front was correct, but by the time we got back to our hotel it had contracted back to the original shorter length. And while even my $69 Club Monaco shirt has French seams, Sam’s tailor used plain overlocked seams. Disappointed, I agreed to pay only the cost of the fabric and that was that.

What did I learn? First, changing the fabric from a soft non-stretch cotton organza to a rigid stretch silk was not the best idea. I’m pretty fabric savvy and should have known better. On the other hand I would also expect an experienced tailor to give me guidance on the choice of fabric. Second, it is important to find a tailor that specializes in ladies garments. Swirl’s conclusion based on her own experience (see yesterday’s comments) was that Sam’s is a good option for men’s suits, but not for ladies garments. Maybe I should have taken more notice of the fact that there were very few ladies on Sam’s wall of fame.

Having shirts custom made is not cheap (at Sam’s you should expect to pay something between Banana Republic and Anne Fontaine, depending on the fabric you choose for your shirt), but nothing ventured, nothing gained. It was an interesting experience and, unlike the shirt, the new jacket Sam’s made for me is fabulous. As for the pewter shirt, the fabric is absolutely gorgeous so I’m taking it to my alteration lady down the road to see if anything can be salvaged. I’ll keep you posted on how it turns out.

Welcome to our 2008 YLF Hong Kong extravaganza! Birthday celebrations recently took us back to the world capital of stylish streetwear and we have lots to share. This is the first in a series of blog entries that we will do over the next couple of weeks.

Copying garments or having them custom-made is popular in Hong Kong. After growing up in the city and working with garment manufacturers in the heart of its rag trade, it’s odd that I had never done this before. While we were living in Hong Kong my late mother had all her frocks, suits and maternity wear custom-made. I remember her tailor visiting our home several times a season. They had a great relationship and understood each other perfectly, despite the fact that they had to communicate using sign language and broken English.

On our recent trip to Hong Kong I wanted to experience custom tailoring for myself. There are literally hundreds of tailors to choose from, but we eventually decided to try world renowned Sam’s Tailor in Tsim Sha Tsui. Sam’s has been in business for decades and has made suiting and formal attire for people like Bill Clinton, Kate Moss, Nelson Mandela and David Bowie. My goal was to base new garments on two of my existing pieces: I wanted to duplicate a retro H&M jacket in a better-end fabric, and I wanted to capture the exquisite fit of my classic Anne Fontaine button down shirt.

The tiny shop front is located on lively Nathan Road. It was bustling with tourists, at least ten attentive staff members and endless rolls of stacked fabric. The floor was filled with people being measured, picking fabric, fitting clothing and negotiating prices. Sam himself, who’s real name is Manu Melwani, was very charming.

Even though I was trying to capture the fit of existing garments, I too was re-measured after selecting my fabrics and agreeing on a price. Service was fast and I was in and out in twenty minutes. My first fitting for both items was scheduled for the next day. I was excited and a little apprehensive.

My new, fully lined jacket turned out beautifully. I was impressed with the speed and skill of the tailor. I chose a wool blend “Chanel-esque” false plain basket weave fabrication in black and cream. The fabric is a similar weight and texture to the original H&M jacket and this turned out to be a key ingredient in the success of the process. After a minor center-back waist adjustment, it was perfect. The monogrammed inside label is a nice touch.

Based on this experience I think that using a good Hong Kong tailor to reproduce the fit of an existing garment is fairly flop proof if you stay true to the style detailing and the fabrication of the original. Things go horribly wrong as soon as you get too clever. I found this out the hard way with a failed attempt to replicate the fit of my favourite Anne Fontaine shirt. More about that in part two tomorrow.

I was given a beautiful white ceramic Michele watch for my birthday a few months ago. I could wear a black dustbin bag with my new white watch and still feel fabulous. That’s how much I love this statement piece.

As I was hastily putting on my watch yesterday morning, I fumbled with slick hand-creamed fingers and it fell hard onto the tiled bathroom floor. The ceramic strap shattered into a hundred pieces. I felt ill at the sight of my smashed watch on the floor. I wondered whether I’d be able to get a new strap, or whether it could be fixed at all. I could scarcely believe what had happened.

I gathered the pieces and went immediately to the Nordstrom watch counter where the watch had been purchased. I told the sales attendant that I had a watch crises and explained how I had clumsily dropped my watch. I asked whether there was anything they could do and went on further to say that I would need my watch back by Wednesday because I was going on a trip on Thursday. I knew that I was pushing my luck.

The sales attendant replied: “Oh! I’m so sorry! Please don’t worry. If we can’t get you fixed up with a new ceramic strap by Wednesday, we’ll give you a brand new watch today”.

I gasped. “Really? Nordstrom would do that? But I dropped the watch.”

“Of course we’ll do that”, she said. “We want you to have your watch on your trip.”

I was speechless.

It turned out that my watch would take six weeks to fix, so I was wearing a brand new Michele watch a few hours later. I thanked the sales assistant profusely and she said: “Sure! I’m glad you’re happy. That’s a great watch and you should not be without it”.

This must be the best customer service in the world. I can’t imagine it happening in any other retail store. There would be little empathy and certainly NO replacement. I’ve been a loyal Nordstrom shopper for a long time, but this experience takes my loyalty to a new level. Thank you, Nordies.

Do you have a great customer service story to share?

Mark your calendars if you live in the US, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on Friday 18th July. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the event, it’s when Nordstrom previews their new season merchandise (Autumn 2008 collections) and offers it at insane prices for two weeks only. Prices are marked up again after the sale period. This event officially kicks off the American Autumn retail season (my favourite shopping time of the year).

You’ll score if you approach the sale with a plan. It’s an ideal time to purchase high ticket statement pieces for less. Make a beeline for the following:

• Premium denim: Get to the T.B.D. department and look for brands like Seven for all Mankind, Paige Premium, Hudson, Citizens of Humanity, Lucky and L.A.M.B.. You’ll find loads of styles at 40% off.
• Designer pieces: Look for unusual investment pieces in the Individualist, Savvy and Via C departments. I like to look at brands like Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Nanette Lepore, ISSA London, DVB, Chloe and Theory.
• Coats: The Narrative department stocks a fabulous assortment of coats, both casual and dressy. But coats are scattered throughout the store so be sure to look at all departments. Don’t come home with a black wool coat. The look is tired and impractical.
• Jackets: You’ll find a variety of sensational jackets in every department. They’re the perfect Autumn layering piece over Summer knitted tops and blouses.
• Shoes and Boots: Stuart Weitzman, Donald J Pliner, Frye, Cole Haan, Max Studio and Kate Spade suddenly became a little more affordable. Take a look at those brands first and then move onto the rest.
• Handbags: Most handbags at Nordstrom are designer. If you covet a particular brand, now is the time to get a good deal. Don’t ignore the cheaper in-house “Nordstrom” brand either. I’ve got a cracked cream patent flat tote by “Nordstrom” that’s a favourite.
• Scarves: I’ve learned to spend time in this accessory area. Airy, lightweight cashmere wraps that I use as scarves are usually quite expensive. There’s always a good assortment at Anniversary Sale time.

Each Nordstrom department will have a selection of sale items. From cosmetics and lingerie, to active wear, home wear, watches and petites. Basics and bridging pieces are on sale in each clothing department too, but you’ll find those everywhere throughout the season. It’s not a train smash if you bypass basics and stick to statement pieces.

The first few days of the sale are chaotic and Nordstrom stores will hold special Anniversary Sale hours on 18, 19 and 20 July. Doors open at 7am at the downtown Seattle flagship. You know where I’ll be tomorrow morning.