Aida ~

Neon and a Shopping Tip from Angie: a story in two parts

May 10, 2012

Part one: A fabulous shopping tip I learned from Angie
During the October Seattle YLF meet up while in H&M, Angie spotted a necklace she loved on a mannequin. Instead of looking around the store for it (and in this case, probably wouldn't have found it), she simply took it off the mannequin and bought it and wore it out, just like that. What a revelation! It had never even occurred to me that I could do this, but of course stores are using those displays to sell stuff anyway! This little tip has stuck with me (thank you Angie!), and I have since scored a couple of my favorite necklaces and even a top with this. So ladies, don't let the fact that something you love is only on one mannequin stop you from getting it :)

Part two: My Perfect Neon Lime Necklace
I have been looking for My Perfect Neon Lime Necklace for, ohhh, I'd say about 1-1.5 years now (I am picky). On Monday I was at Ann Taylor returning the pile of slouchy pants that didn't work for Una and me, and as I was walking out there it was, THE neon necklace I had been looking for. Seriously, if I could've designed it myself, it would look just like this, in exactly this color, AND it had a matching bracelet! It was nowhere else in the store, so I immediately purchased both the necklace and the bracelet right off the mannequin. My goodness, without having seen Angie do this back in October I'd simply have left the store and lamented for a loooong time afterwards not seeing those pieces "available" in the store!!

So here's my new necklace, thanks to Angie's fab shopping tip! I was perfectly happy with how neon it was INside (#1), but when I took it OUTtside (#2)? It GLOWS in the sun, ladies! Lights right up the most amazing shade of neon lime because the back of each piece is mirrored but clear (#3). I am in neon heaven :D

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Posted in the Shopping category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

43 Comments

  • sarah replied 11 years ago

    *smiling*

  • Jenava replied 11 years ago

    I love it! I am jealous...I wonder if it's online...(-:

  • christieanne replied 11 years ago

    That is Neon with the capital N on purpose :)

    My mantra: mannequins are the "silent salesperson".

  • replied 11 years ago

    Oh I so wish I could do that. I actually have gotten scolded a few times here for taking things off mannequins. Stores here want you to ask first. The GAP next to me NEVER takes anything off the mannequins because the displays are set by corporate and are supposed to stay that way, even if the item is sold out.
    I love the necklace. How fun!

  • Jonesy replied 11 years ago

    I love the tip from Angie, and I love that necklace! I actually contemplated it myself--maybe I would have pulled the trigger if I'd known that it glows in natural light :). That is awesome!!

  • Aida replied 11 years ago

    Thanks ladies ^^

    Jenava, I checked but didn't see it online. I got this at the AT in Redmond, perhaps they had more of them that they put back on display?

    Zap, sorry to hear that! Hmm I actually didn't ask the SAs, and I don't think they noticed me. Perhaps I should have? Or perhaps it's best that I didn't ;) I did leave Ms Mannequin her neon green belt, at least.

    Jonesy, I think you should track this necklace down :)

  • annagybe replied 11 years ago

    Awesome necklace. Club Monaco staff stripped a mannequin for me once that had the only pleather shorts in my size.

  • Sara L. replied 11 years ago

    Great story! I have a friend who always takes things off the mannequins, so I'm not completely unfamiliar with the tactic, but I very rarely think of doing it.

  • Amy replied 11 years ago

    Oh, Aida, that's the most amazing necklace!

    I usually ask before taking something off a necklace, but never have been denied, even in the Gap, so Zapotee's experience is perplexing to me.

  • Jonesy replied 11 years ago

    That necklace and another neon one (more of a retro shape to the pieces) were both online for a few days, until they must have sold out. I had one in my cart until I really thought about the price ($90 or so with shipping, as I recall) and how much of an investment I was willing to make. So ever since I have been trying to find a cheap but cute neon yellow necklace, to no avail...but you scored, Aida! Can't wait to see what you pair this baby with.

  • modgrl replied 11 years ago

    Great find! I've undressed mannequins plenty of times. They are always dressed in the smallest size, which is always the one I need. Great tip!!

  • Jaime replied 11 years ago

    So very interesting. In these parts it would be quite natural for someone to take something off the mannequin but much more likely to ask the salesperson to bring it to her. People expect and give more service and advice than I was used to, and being an anti-social shopper I am constantly shooing salespeople away. Even thrifting is a completely social situation.
    Regardless, great necklace but I want to see it with the full outfit!

  • Patty replied 11 years ago

    That's a pretty ingenious design and looks amazing on you!!!!

  • Aida replied 11 years ago

    Very interesting (and still interested) to hear everyone's stories on undressing mannequins, and the etiquette behind it! It seems it would benefit these shops to be accommodating to consumers who wanted to buy those items, right? Thanks to all who complimented the necklace and sharing in my neon love, too!

    Anna, the one time I've been to a Club Monaco they were happy to take items off a mannequin for me as well.

    Jonesy, I hear you! I actually didn't even look at the price of either piece because I figured I've been looking for so long and they were So Perfect, that I knew at AT prices I could not pass them up. And then was stoked to find while paying that AT was running a buy one get one 50% off! For starters, today I'm wearing it with the JCrew avocado silk shirt ^^

    Rita, yep that is what I've found as well. Very handy especially since those small sizes often sell out so quickly.

    Shevia, I also usually shoo SAs away because they interrupt my focus. I'll share the full outfit on Friday since I'm in the middle of a mini-challenge, sorry to be a tease :D

  • Deborah replied 11 years ago

    Beautiful necklace and I love the way it glows outdoors. Such a vibrant and beautiful color.

    I often ask for things off the mannequin if I can't locate them in the store, no one seems to mind here :)

  • nancylee replied 11 years ago

    Love the shopping stories. And LOVE that cool neon necklace. What a cool find!

  • Jewell replied 11 years ago

    Fab necklace! I for one am constantly asking the SA's to remove clothing from the mannequins for me- those gals seem to always be wearing the last of my size- lol

  • replied 11 years ago

    I ask but I don't think there is a rule. I probably had back luck. I can recall three incidents in the past year. BR and a raspberry trench I took off the mannequin - and the mannequin just had it laying on top - The rep told me to ask next time, GAP and a striped tee they refused to take off because of the corporate issue as well as H&M and a hat that was on display in the front window. Same thing, they told me they could not change the store display. These are all in the midtown / rockefeller area.

  • Angie replied 11 years ago

    I know this necklace! It has a bracelet to match! It's KILLER. Same colour as my jacket :). Love it, Aida.

    A gal has to strip a mannequin when a gal has to strip a mannequin. No dilly dallying about.

  • christy replied 11 years ago

    LOL! I totally remember that Aida! :) Great necklace - I can't believe the way it glows in the sun. You better get out there and wear it this weekend while we have some sun to enjoy! :)

  • Aida replied 11 years ago

    Thanks ladies! And thank you for sharing your mannequin stripping experiences :}

    Jewell, I run into that quite a bit as well! Always better when they're willing to share, eh?

    Zap, well shoot I hope you have better luck with it in the future! I haven't tried at any of the stores you mentioned except the H&M story above. Maybe because it was the front window?

    Angie, I bought the bracelet too! Just couldn't pass it up since it's my favorite neon shade, and has been so so hard to find in jewelry that doesn't look cheap nor cost a fortune. I have definitely adopted your mannequin stripping mantra :)

    Christy, ooh good idea. I'm hiking on Saturday, but Mother's day seems like an appropriate place for some neon right??

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    *clapping hands wildly*

    This is gorgeous and soooooo you Aida! That Angie is full of clever tips, isn't she? Now let's see this beauty in action!

  • rae replied 11 years ago

    Oh, WOW, I love that necklace! Great score, Aida. Our fearless leader does not lead us astray!

  • velvetychocolate replied 11 years ago

    What a gorgeous necklace, and I love the shopping tip to just remove whatever it is you want to buy from the mannequin and saunter on up to the cash desk. :)

  • ManidipaM replied 11 years ago

    Ooh, FABulous!

    Sadly, SAs here have, several times over, refused to strip any mannequins for me :-( (and that makes me sound quite pervy...!)

  • ironkurtin replied 11 years ago

    Whoa. That is AMAZING.

  • soobee replied 11 years ago

    LOL at ManidipaM. Love that necklace on you Aida, it's just your style! It is hard to find nice necklaces that are affordable, glad you found one that speaks to your heart :)

  • Makrame replied 11 years ago

    I often have to ask for clothes to be taken off the mannequins at Macy's. I usually have to wait for a special SA who knows how to take them apart (their arms come off etc.). One time I even helped the SA select/create a new outfit for the mannequin.

    Great necklace!

  • Aida replied 11 years ago

    Thanks Shannon, Rae, VC, and Manidipa!

    Shannon, you'll be seeing it plenty I promise! Starting this Friday when I post this week's outfits, hehe!

    Rae, I am happy to finally be a member in the far far way out there outskirts of the citron kingdom ^^

    VC, yep that's essentially what I did. I suppose if you were after clothing it might be a bit more difficult to be smooth/discreet about it ;)

    Manidipa, that is unfortunate. What is the reasoning you get from them?

  • Jem replied 11 years ago

    I love your story and necklace! I think this might be it if someone is still looking for it:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ann-Ta.....500wt_1192

    and in pink, which I love: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-AN.....919wt_1175

  • Aida replied 11 years ago

    WELL thanks also to IK, Soobee Makrame, and Jem who commented while I was commenting! Thanks ladies :D

    Makrame, how fun to get to help restyle a mannequin! I bet you did a smashing job!

    Jem, yep those look just like mine! I bet the pink is fun in the sun. Prices look about right, too.

  • goldenpig replied 11 years ago

    Love this Aida! I'm glad you grabbed that necklace because it's perfect for you! Can't wait to see more outfits with this necklace!

    I definitely would strip a mannequin if it was the last item left. I did that once at Macy's (had to ask the SA for help)--it was for a faux leopard coat, the only one in my size (I had checked their online stock and drove all the way into the city for it). Unfortunately after all that, I ended up having to return it after DH hated it. However, once I was at H&M looking for the floral pants (actually I was checking for Una) and the only one they had was on a mannequin. I was just checking the size tag when a SA came and snapped at me, "You can't have those! Those are the last ones and they're on hold already". Sheesh! Backing away slowly with my hands up...

  • MsMary replied 11 years ago

    WOW! That necklace is FANTASTIC!!

    I have purchased a scarf I grabbed from a mannequin, and my Desigual party dress was also purchased after it turned out the only one in my size in the store was on the mannequin. The SA was happy to take it off the mannequin and let me try it on and buy it!

  • christieanne replied 11 years ago

    It's not really easy to get pants off full (esp. old fashioned) mannis but nor impossible and I think the "corporate" rule was an excuse Zap - esp for GAP where they have high turn and encourage turn. There are always substitutes.
    I just asked my DH (he used to work work visual at GAP) and he called BS (his term) on that store.

    It's totally easy to pull accessories and even tops off so please strip those mannis :) I would ask for help or expect hep to come running with taking clothes because those displays are easy to break and could hurt if they fall on you....

    I want to see the necklace in action too - had to run off earlier so forgot to say that!

  • Mona replied 11 years ago

    What a lovely necklace and interesting story! In the past, I have been asked by salespeople several times if they can offer me the size that is on mannequin. I can't wait to see how you style this beauty.

  • Astrid replied 11 years ago

    Great story and fabulous necklace! I normally ask salespeople if something on the mannequin is available in the store and they always strip the mannequin if they don't have it elsewhere. I once bought a skirt off the mannequin because it was the last one available in a small size.

  • replied 11 years ago

    Good insider info there Christianne. I am thinking it was laziness. Rather sad because I never saw the striped shirt again. BR did not refuse, but requested I ask next time. I guess H&M is different since it was the window display.
    I think I need to be sneakier next time.

  • Jjsloane replied 11 years ago

    Chiming in late to say FAB necklace and now I must go peek at my store just in case they have one.
    I did Visual merchandising and it's true it's a pain to undo something, but the point of putting it out there is to sell it. If they are so worried about corporate they have noone with any vision of their own to redress the mannequin (in hopes to sell out another set of items) Corporate would likely be happy they had been so successful in their merchandising as to sell something out. I agree with Christianne's DH - BS on all of them who won't let you have it. I always ask first, but would definitely cause a fuss if they said no I could not have it.

  • Sarah A replied 11 years ago

    love this necklace! cant wait to see how you wear it, and how awesome it will look styled. i love the mannequin story... i would have never thought to do this! I typically dont take that small of a size for clothing so i have never considered it i suppose, but those "ladies" could be hogging up all the best accessories! When I lived in a different town 10 years ago had a friend who liked to look nice but felt totally not up to mixing items herself so she would buy the outfits on the mannequin (or the identical off the rack) and hang them that way in her closet never to be remixed ever! She always looked great and it worked for her... i have never heard of anyone else who does that to the extreme though.

  • Laura replied 11 years ago

    OMG. I can imagine mannequins around the country being stripped by empowered YLF shoppers :) Hilarious! I love that necklace, Aida, and tried it on in store a while back. It reminds me of big Chiclets!

  • Sylvie replied 11 years ago

    Love the necklace! I've never thought of stripping a mannequin.

  • Aida replied 11 years ago

    Thanks everyone for sharing your mannequin stripping stories both good and bad, and especially to Christieanne and JJ for the insider scoop! Sounds like overall most stores are accommodating to us stripping their mannequins and that the most proper protocol would be to ask for assistance, especially if it's clothing we're after. I will say that I'm not-so-secretly glad I didn't ask in this case because, well, I would have been mightily crushed if they'd said no :)

    Zap, I hope you have better luck with future stripping missions! ^^

    Sarah A, I've heard that there are ladies who do that but haven't ever known any myself. If it works for her, more power to her! I know there are also people that will buy separates, come up with the outfit they wish to wear it in, and then hang that full outfit up in their closet. I would be very intrigued to see one of those closets!

    Laura, hah! That does paint a very amusing picture, I would imagine on meetup shopping trips those poor mannequins won't even know what hit 'em :D And YES about the Chiclets! My sis immediately commented that she wanted to eat my necklace when she saw it, and now that makes a lot more sense!

  • Lisa replied 11 years ago

    Fab new necklace and a great shopping tip too!

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