RETAIL DETAIL | I have suspected for sometime that the skinny jean fad was another one of those made-up fashion crazes. And now, the Dallas Morning News has confirmed it. The DMN writes that retailers are having to mark down skinny jeans to push them out the door — hopefully for good.
It’s amazing that the media frequently reports that an alarming number of Americans are overweight and the average woman is a size 12. And yet, mainstream apparel retailers decided that “skinny” jeans would appeal to the masses when they only look good on women size 3 and below.
A good friend of mine, who I consider skinny (or slender, if that’s more flattering), bought a pair and then a friend asked her if she had developed an eating disorder because the jeans made her look too skinny.
Speaking of denim, I am working on a story about premium denim — a trend is alive and well. I’m looking for fans of PD, so send me e-mail if you’re one.

RETAIL DETAIL | In case you didn’t read this Sunday’s business section, here’s a link for a story I wrote about East Bay Malls. The opening of Westfield San Francisco Centre isn’t sending shivers down any mall manager’s back on this side of the water. Which is your favorite?

SPOTLIGHT | I went to Kmart today for the first time in years. I headed there do some reporting for a story I am writing about layaway and it is one of few retailers that still offers the program.

I remember shopping at Kmart when I was growing up and how quickly it fell out of favor when I discovered the local mall as a teenager. There were only two large stores in Pasco, Wash., my hometown, and the other was a locally owned store called Grigg’s. No one ever realized Kmart was inferior until Target came to a nearby city. In the last decade or so, Target has symbolized “cheap chic” and Wal-Mart has championed “everyday low prices,” leaving out Kmart like a worn-out pair of shoes that used to be your favorite.

Kmart is the frequent butt of jokes like, “What do birds say when they fly over Kmart? … Cheap, cheap.” (That’s come classic second grade humor for you). But, when I ventured there today, it didn’t seem so bad. The merchandise seemed typical for a big box retailer and the prices really were low. I found some men’s tank tops on clearance for 50 cents. My reaction was, “You only see prices like that at yard sales!” Granted, the tank tops were yellow and yellow tank tops are on my list of items no man should EVER wear. But, I digress. Kmart is cheap and basic, but somehow managed to appeal to people like Martha Stewart, who sells a line of housewares there, and Jaclyn Smith, who’s name brandishes women’s apparel. (Smith, by the way, became famous after appearing on the 70’s TV series Charlie’s Angels, a fact I was unaware of until today because, yes, I am under 30).

Perhaps Kmart just needs some kind of brand-makeover so that it can “redefine” itself like all other retailers pretend to do. I don’t think Americans have an issue with buying cheap stuff, but they need something to justify it. Ross Dress for Less, for example, makes shoppers feel as though buying left-over items from department stores is like finding a treasure. Who cares if the packaging is torn or the tag is ripped off? Kmart’s approach has always been “we’re cheap.” But shoppers don’t want to feel “cheap,” they want to feel savvy and clever, even if they are buying something cheap.

RETAIL DETAIL | I’ve been working on a story about East Bay malls that will be running in this Sunday’s paper. One of the malls I’m including is Stoneridge Shopping Center in Pleasanton, which is making some major enhancements like a new P.F. Chang’s and Cheesecake Factory. Nordstrom will move into a new building once it’s built, which could take another a year or year and a half.
Anyhow, here’s a shot (from my snappy cell phone camera) of what’s happening at Stoneridge. Don’t forget to check out Sunday’s paper for the full report!

Construction on the upcoming Cheesecake Factory.

RETAIL DETAIL | Ross Stores, a pusher of “treasure hunt” shopping, is still keeping mum on where it plans to set up new shops. The company, based in Pleasanton, sells “off-price” goods, which translates into “expensive stuff that didn’t sell full-price, so now you can buy it cheaper.” I went to Ross last weekend and bought two skirts for $23 (score!).

Ross operates more than 700 namesake stores in the country along with dd’s DISCOUNTS, a chain of 25 stores that sells less expensive “off-price” goods than you would normally find at Ross. So, instead of finding say, Macy’s and Nordstrom leftovers at Ross, you can find Target and Kohl’s type leftovers at dd’s.

Ross said recently they planned to take over 46 Albertson’s locations, but did not say where the locations are and will likely not reveal that info until January. Last June, Albertsons said they would close 11 locations in the East Bay, including stores in Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Fremont, Brentwood, Concord, Danville, Pittsburg, Newark, Oakland and Hayward. It’s possible some of those stores may end up in the hands of Ross.

1. BCBGirls, 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs

IT’S MY MONEY | A few weeks back, I wrote about a pair of shoes I’m obsessed with: black, patent leather ankle-strap platforms made by Marc Jacobs.

Well, I’m still thinking about them, although I have dropped the idea of paying more than $300 for the real deal. Instead, I am considering buying a knock-off (not counterfiet, however) version made by BCBGirls, which are $79 on the Macy’s Web site. I can also get a 15 percent discount if I use my Macy’s card to buy them, which brings down the price to $67.50 plus shipping.

I guess I should be excited to experience a real-life Splurge or Steal purchase like in Cosmo. But, as with any compromise, there are caveats. First, the BCBGirls version comes in black leather, but not black patent leather. Second, the heel on the steal version is not as high as on the splurge, although that could be a plus should I find myself walking around in them all day.

So, the debate remains, is second best ever enough? According to Madonna, the answer is no, “You’d do much better, baby, on your own.” (That’s from my fav Madonna song, Express Yourself).

What do you think?

RETAIL DETAIL | Gap is generating some buzz these days because it plans to launch an online shoe store called Piperlime on Tuesday (tomorrow). The site will sell shoes from well-known brands such as Mephisto and Taryn Rose. Gap says its selection will offer only the best shoes so that you don’t have to click on page after page of crappy shoes as you might on a Zappos.com or Shoes.com.

The strategy is interesting because they are basically saying, “We know what’s cool, so shop from us,” where as other online retailers say “We have everything, so shop from us.” Who’s got the upperhand? We’ll find out.

Another thing is that Gap is adding yet another division to its lineup of stores (Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy and Forth and Towne), except Piperlime will be on-line only and will feature brands that Gap doesn’t make. Both ideas point to the fact that the Gap has struggled lately and needs to add some spice to their soup mix– outside spice. No, those edgy Audrey Hepburn commercials for the black “skinny pant” aren’t doing the trick (Audrey and ACDC together = more confusing than cool).

For me, buying shoes online is a pain because finding the right size and fit is hard unless you can try them on. The only time I think it may work is if you’ve seen the shoe in person and know what size you need, or you just can’t make it out to a shoe store and are desperate, which, believe it or not, has happened to me.

IT’S MY MONEY | I was having one of those afternoons when my morning caffeine had worn off and I needed a jolt but, instead of eating or drinking something, I decided to do some online shopping. I went on to Esprit’s Web site and stumbled upon a fall sale. Bingo! I then spent almost an hour perusing shirts, shoes and dresses. I bought four shirts for $66 including shipping — not bad, I thought to myself. I rarely shop online. I first tried it in college when I didn’t have a car nor the time for shopping at the mall and found that a lot of stuff looks way better on a screen than on me. Bummer.
So, I was on edge for almost a week as I waited for my package from Esprit to arrive. I kept telling myself that the delayed gratification I forced on myself would be worth it in the end. Well, I was half right. Two of the shirts didn’t fit and the other two are cute, but not as cute as a I imagined. Luckily, Esprit included an easy-to-use return slip and pre-paid shipping label. Shopping’s always a gamble.

RETAIL DETAIL | I decided a few months back that it might be interesting to write about men doing more shopping now that being a metrosexual is cool and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy has proven that with a little guidance, even the manliest man is secretly craving to be have style.
I was surprised to find that the metrosexual fad is more of an advertising ploy created to make men think they need to spend a lot to be more like women. After I discovered that the world is not being overrun by men with perfect eyebrows and wearing fitted bootleg jeans, I was afraid that my story idea was a flop.
I decided to keep digging and what I found is that indeed, men are not converting to the faith of shopping slaves in droves, but more of them are comfortable shopping and releasing their inner fashion king. Click here to read my piece.

TIP JAR | I know it’s only October and most people are thinking more about Halloween costumes than Christmas gifts, but I don’t think it’s such a bad idea to get started on Holiday gift shopping now.
The Wall Street Journal reports that online retailers are starting promotions now to get people buying online.
I was just in a Ross store the other day and noticed a wide selection of clearance items and toys. I’m thinking I’ll come back in a few days to stock up on gifts for my neices, newphews and Godchildren so I won’t have to battle angry parents for the last Hello Kitty doll next December.
I’ve heard from experts that early fall is a great time to shop because we are in between the frenzied back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons. So, if you are like me and don’t like crowded stores and low inventories, it’s probably smart to hit the stores now.