Thursday, September 10, 2009

Fantasies and Window Shopping

How many times have you walked by a shop and stopped because a selection of merchandise caught your eye. Whether it be clothing or shoes or jewelry or artwork or home furnishings doesn't matter. You stop. You take a second look at whatever intrigued you, musing over the color, line, material, whatever. Pretending that price doesn't matter you contemplate its purchase. Sometimes you walk in and examine the item closer. A few times you might even take it home. More often you put it back down on the display deciding that today isn't the day. At times you regret leaving it behind. Others not so much.

Boutiques embody the "love~hate" thing for me. Depending on my mood or location I can find boutiques either intimidating or enticing. They tend to be small in space with clerks who hover. None of the above are condusive to 'invisible' shopping. What I mean is I like to enter a store, acknowledge the salesperson then quietly discover what treasures are to be found by myself. Undisturbed. I expect the prices to be higher as these specialized stores have more overhead than a large chain. Don't mind that. I like the little guy.

Sunday I was in the vicinity of the Pine Tree Barn just south of Wooster, OH (www.pinetreebarn.com). Ever been there? You must go. Sits on State Route 226 amid a few houses and farmland. Started out as an actual barn remodeled to offer country accessories back when that was the trend of the day. They also grew and sold Christmas trees on the surrounding acreage. After several years of morphing I find this place to be extremely exciting - the inventory is endless, the mix sophisticated, the vibe energizing. Every twist, turn and room captivates. On the lower level is a womens clothing and accessory area. Not large but great variety, color and style. My eye was drawn to an unusual top displayed on a three-drawer chest. Never had I seen anything like it. I was pulled over to it by some undeniable gravitational pull. (Go to: www.magicscarf.com) Totally unique this fabric origami is a work of art on two levels. When it is lying flat there is such a incredible sculptural quality to the intricate design that you feel compelled to hang it in a lucite frame as a captivating wall decoration. But when worn the unseen, thus unexpected, second color is exposed which draws the eye in a most dramatic fashion.

Now the surprise. The icing on the cake. $23.95. Let me repeat that: $23.95. I expected a much higher price. Truth be told I was hesitant to check the price tag. I was shocked. Better yet... thrilled! I plucked that gorgeous garment right off the display and walked with firm purpose to the dressing room. Could not believe how delightful the light-as-a-feather fabric felt against my skin. Only one word came to mind: Mine.

Moral of the story? Let your eye discover what it will. Follow that serendipitous path. Treasure may well sit at the end of the trail.