Don't Risk Waiting
No. 45
Welcome to Style / Substance, a weekly newsletter about personal style and confidence, the business and psychology of fashion, with features on outfit ideas, styling tips, product, and brand recommendations - all to make your life easier and to ensure you present your best self. You can subscribe here and follow me on Instagram at @LauraKSawyier + subscribe to my YouTube channel here. Thank you!
We've become accustomed to instant and conditioned responses. You can largely thank Amazon, Apple, and Google for this mammoth behavioral shift.
A client was sharing a story recently about her husband having a suit altered within a 6-hour window for an important event later that evening (a very official government event, hence, the pressure was on). This happened over a decade ago. While it is still technically possible, this quick turnaround is becoming less likely these days.
One of my male clients reached out earlier this month, needing a suit for an out-of-town wedding in February. I shared with this client last fall that any suiting needs should be articulated with notice, especially given the personalization requirements and time constraints that come with suiting. He understood that and reached out accordingly. But after a few days and finally selecting the suit, it didn't just land in his hands "off the rack" from the store. A week passed while he awaited its arrival in town before custom alterations could begin. This experience is a more common occurrence of slow fashion. Although some places can turn a suit within a day, fewer and fewer exist, and those that do often lack quality.
In another instance, a client wanted to procure gifts for her friend—a handbag and wallet from the recipient's favorite designer—which could have taken 1-2 days with shipping calculations, based on what websites told us. However, this was not the case. Although the bag was purchased from the retailer's website, it sold out immediately, and our order was ultimately canceled. I contacted the general manager, who called in a favor at a neighboring store, and luckily the bag was ours. What's important to note is that while the client reached out ten days before their gift deadline, stuff happens. Miraculously, I was able to get it done... in those ten days.
TL;DR Supply chains are a sh*t show. We're becoming used to the fact, but more and more shopping experiences will be delayed. So, you have two choices: become a better planner, or hire me ;)
Know someone who would enjoy this newsletter? Fashion is for all. Spread the love and share with them by clicking the link below.
10 V-Day Gifts Under $50
Something sweet and special for that special someone in your life. Let’s include yourself, too. xo
3 More Things
Don’t miss out on Wednesday Wardrobe: Every other week, expect a womenswear and menswear outfit mood board inspired by fun fashion, travel, and frequent styling questions from clients and subscribers. Email me (reply to this) to inspire the next edit!
Art in Bloom at St. Louis Art Museum is back in-person! The most popular weekend in all of SLAM’s programming is returning on March 2-5, 2023. Join in on the fun and flowers!
Lather & rinse: The last step in my shower routine, esp. on these cold, dry winter days (including the pseudo snowstorm in STL this morning). I cannot get enough of the subtle scent and the silky-smooth skin I’m left with.
