TheFind Blog

Who's Boots Are Made for Walkin'?

I was out shopping a few weeks ago and found a pair of brown suede boots that I really liked, BUT the store didn't have my size. So, I went home and searched on TheFind.com and found them right away (no, I'm not kidding). I was really excited to find them for half the retail price, no shipping, no taxes. Imagine my luck! I ordered them and anxiously waited for their arrival.

I'll fast forward through the boring details. Basically two weeks passed, I called the company several times and was given story after story as to why my boots hadn't shipped yet. The last call I made, the customer service rep told me that the boots were no longer in stock. Needless to say, I was pretty shocked by this news. I politely asked the rep when someone was going to tell me this and he said he was wondering the same thing. He canceled the order so I wouldn't accidentally be charged at a later date; I let him know how disappointed I was in their company, and we ended our call.

Immediately after that disappointing phone call, I went back to TheFind.com to search for the boots yet again! I was determined to get these boots and wasn't going down without a fight (so to speak). I found them again from a reputable retailer that I trusted and the site showed that the boots were actually in stock in my size. I ordered them at full price this time (by this point, I don't care about the price I want the boots). The next day, the shipping email arrived and we were in business. The boots showed up today at my office and they're beautiful!

Here's where the story gets interesting...I was checking email tonight and saw a shipping confirmation email from the first retailer. Say what?!? (Yes, that was my reaction.) I clicked through to find that UPS claimed that they delivered boots to my house today. I walked outside and sure enough, there was a box behind the bushes. (OMG!) I opened the box and found the boots that I ordered. So, here I sit with two pairs of the same boots. What's a girls to do? Return the full price boots, of course!

The moral of the story: Patience truly is a virtue.

Happy Searching/Shopping,
Payton

Veteran's Day Brings More than Memories

It's no coincidence that many people become more thankful towards the end of the year. We launch into the holiday season with Veteran's Day, which is recognized today (Nov 12th). We're thankful for the military veterans who fought for our country. November 11th is the actual anniversary date of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. 

As with most things in life, people express their appreciation in different ways.  We all have our own ways and styles. I know some people who display flags for Veteran's Day, light candles, and have moments of silence or reflection. While others visit homes where veterans live and spend time with them and show their appreciation in person. And, some of us reflect while shopping. I know, it sounds shallow, but retailers are in full support of this type of appreciation. If they weren't, they wouldn't have such great sales, right? Check out the fashions below for some amazing sales!

So many fabulous trench coats to choose from this season. What color will you choose?

I'm really into scarves this season. They take any lingering chill right out of the air.

Long sleeved tunics are perfect under a trench coat. Spice it up with different colors.

You can't go wrong with dark denim skinny jeans. They go with everything!

And my very favorite addition to so many outfits...tall boots baby! What else?

That's right, all the links above point to hundreds of sale items. It's even better than shopping at the mall. They suck you in with the sales and you fall for the non-sale items every time, don't you? I know, we all do it. So, shop away and thank our veterans for fighting for our country and inspiring retailers to have more sales. Shop on!

Happy Searching/Shopping,
Payton

The Boots that Put the "Ugg" in "Uggly" -- No More

Despite the fact that Uggs became popular for their sheep skin boots, the company has branched out into new lines that aren't nearly as "Uggly" as their predecessors. You can now find suede and leather boots that are fashionably cute. Some of their latest creations even have high heels. Uggs still claim that these new lines of boots are very comfortable. I haven't personally tried any on yet, but they've definitely piqued my interest. I love boots, so I'm going to hunt them down and give them a try.

                 
           

What do you think? Would you try or buy the new Uggs? I think some of them are actually cute (unlike their predecessors. I know, I know, there are a ton of Ugg fans out there. I just don't happen to be one of them, that's all. No offense if you like them. We're all entitled to our opinion, right?

Happy Searching/Shopping,
Payton

Good Golly It's Almost October

What happened? I must have slept through the last week or something. I hate that! I think I just lived the Green Day song "Wake Me Up When September Ends." I missed "Talk Like a Pirate" Day (Sept. 19th) AND the first day of Autumn (Sept. 23rd). Man, I was really looking forward to "Talk Like a Pirate" Day too. I wanted to dress up for work, eat pirate food, and talk like a pirate all day. Could you imagine what meetings would be like? Aaaarrrrrrrggghhh!

And now, we're officially in the Fall/Autumn season, so it's time to go shopping for cold weather clothes! You can't go shopping for cold weather clothes without celebrating at least a few of the new Fall Trends, right? Hopefully, you live in an area where you can actually wear Fall clothing. We can't wear them here yet, but that doesn't stop us from shopping. It was rainy and cold over the weekend and now Summer's trying to make a come back. And, that's why we pretty much never pack away seasonal clothing around here. Layers are necessary year round in California. But, I've digressed.

Here are a few Fall Trends that I'll be indulging in for sure!

PATENT LEATHER, oh yeah!

         

I've already purchased a Kathy Van Zeeland black patent leather handbag that's very similar to this one. I definitely have my eye on this Michael Kors trench and these cute Cole Haan wedges.

SASSY DRESSES, not for the fashionably feeble

 

No matter your style, you're sure to win with one of these sassy numbers. I don't know which I love the most: the boldly printed mini, the clingy sweater dress, or the flirty shirt dress.

ANIMAL LOVER, wild at heart

   
   

I don't know what it is about animal prints, but I LOVE them! I don't really care which print or color something is, if it's animal, I'm all over it. I love this sassy and smart this zebra hobo -- too cute! And welcome to the jungle ladies, you're sure to make any man growl with these sexy Carlos Santana pumps, OMG! Not only am I wild about animal prints, but I'm a sucker for a cute v-neck tunic -- stick a fork in me, I'm done!

And, that's about all I need from the Fall Trend line this year. How about you...which trends are you excited about???

Happy Searching/Shopping,
Payton

New StyleGuide: Sunny Styles for Little Ones -- from A Bargain Boutique

It's never too late to buy Summer clothes, right? And what better time than when all the Fall fashions hit the racks and warehouses. Check out this warm weather StyleGuide for some of the hottest fashions for boys and girls. Take advantage of some "off-season" sales and ride the heat wave as we surf into Fall. Or, stock up on fashions for next -- adjust sizes accordingly.

Shopping Tip: Watch for the "sale" icon on the search results tiles. If you'd like to only see sale items, check the box next to the "sale" icon near the top of the browser page.

Happy Searching/Shopping,
Payton

Fashion Funk

I personally am not in a fashion funk, but I get to feeling a little funktified when I see certain fashions and fads that I don't like. I don't know what it is, but some fashions just put me in a funk. Am I alone on this?

Funktified trends (IMO)...

high-waisted pants/jeans
skinny jeans with anything but boots
plastic jewelry
sandals with socks
shoulder pads
turtlenecks
clashing prints & patterns
bubble skirts & dresses
pajamas in public
Terrycloth clothing
ankle high boots worn with skirts/dresses
super low waisted jeans that expose more than you want to see
acid washed jeans (let's leave these in the 80s)

So, there you have it...my random list of 13 trends. They don't call 13 an unlucky number for nothing, right?!? Are there any trends that put you in a funk? Chime in and let us know!

Happy Searching/Shopping,
Payton

The Trouble with Shoes...

One of the biggest challenges I face when packing for a trip is which shoes and outfits to bring with me. You've heard the saying, "So many shoes, so little time." Well, that's how I feel when I have to choose which shoes go with me on any given trip. It often depends on how long I'm going to be away...the longer the trip, the more shoes I bring. If it's a short weekend trip, I try to get by with two and then I coordinate all my outfits to go with the shoes I choose. The selection process is hugely dependent on the activities during the trip. Packing becomes a real challenge when you don't know what's in store once you arrive at your destination (as was the case when I went to Washington a couple of weeks ago). Regardless, cute shoes for going out on the town are important, but a good pair of walking shoes are always imperative! Chances are that you'll be hoofing it quite a bit while you're on vacation.

First, be sure you pack your walking shoes. I like several brands, but Puma Sneakers are often a first pick for me. They're really comfortable and come in fun colors!

If it's a long trip, I like to have a cute alternate to my really comfy walking shoes. These Blowfish Shoes are the type that you walk around in for hours and they look great with more than just jeans.

Another alternate to a cute walking (type) shoe would be something I can slide into and give my feet a break from the normal all-encompassing lace up shoe. Regardless of the style, Mudd Shoes always deliver comfort.

If I'm looking for a flexible, sensible shoe that look great with dress pants, skirts, dresses or nice jeans, then I definitely pack Manolo Blahnik Heels. These are especially good if I'm limited on the number of shoes I can pack since they're so versatile.

If I have extra room in my suitcase, then I usually pack a nice pair of wedge heels. Despite the economical price of Xhilaration Shoes, I've gotten a lot of wear out of these cute wedges.

For longer trips or special occasion trips, I make room in my suitcase for a classy pair of Vintage Shoes. They're the icing on the cake for just about any outfit in my opinion.

In addition, I never leave home without some comfy slippers (or at the very least, slipper socks) and a pair of flip flops to wear while I'm relaxing. What kinds of shoes do you pack for vacation? Do you think I take too many pairs or not enough???

Happy Vacationing/Searching/Shopping,
Payton

Supersize Your Shoes

It can be a real challenge finding the right shoe, let alone finding a shoe that fits. There are so many factors that go into finding shoes: color, style, fit, heel size, just to name a few. If you're a woman with very large feet, the challenge becomes 10-fold. Enter Barefoot Tess to the rescue! I think this is pretty incredible, Barefoot Tess' normal stock of shoes range from size 5 to size 14 and these are all women's shoes! I don't know of any other shoe company that carries such a wide range of sizes for all their women's shoes, do you? Payless Shoesource carry a small selection of women's shoes in size 11, but I've never seen anything larger than that.

I happened upon Barefoot Tess while shopping for shoes for an upcoming event. I also found some other fun shoes that I would consider buying, especially if I had something cute to wear with them. What do you think?


     

Shoes are fun and cool, but I couldn't imagine needing a size that you can't find at most stores. How frustrating! Whether I need the products or not, I am appreciative of the innovative companies that fill needs that are lacking in the marketplace today. It's hard to believe that there could still be gaps in the marketplace given all the retailers that are out there. But obviously, there are still opportunities to fill the needs of people big and small.

Happy Searching/Shopping,
Payton

Time Keeps on Slippin'...

Do you remember the song "Fly Like an Eagle" by the Steve Miller Band? I woke up with a start this morning when I realized that today is Friday AND it's already the end of June! I swear that yesterday was Monday and last week, I scheduled all my bills to be paid online. Anyway, after this disturbing realization, the song "Fly Like an Eagle" came to mind. The lyrics start with "Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin' into the future." I never knew what that meant until this morning. (I guess I'm just slow that way sometimes.)

It seems like time passes by faster the older and busier you get. It's kinda crazy! I remember chatting about this very subject several years ago with my Dad and Grandpa. My Dad reinforced my fears that time felt like it passed faster than usual. My Grandpa assured me that it would continue to speed past me at faster rates every year. He was in his late 80s when we had this discussion and he told me that each month felt more like one day to him. Scary!

I used to think it was lack of caring, but I can definitely appreciate how people get stuck in certain fashion fads or stuck in a decade, if you will. If time passes by faster with each passing year, you might wake up and be in a new decade, right? Thank goodness for magazines and fashion blogs! Shopping frequently helps keep you up to date as well. But imagine the poor souls that stay at home all the time and don't go shopping. How would they ever keep up?

If you can't keep up with fashion, how would you ever keep up to date with hair and makeup? They seem like such subtle things, right? But really, think about it, in the 70s it was all about blue eyeshadow and long, straight hair or oversized afros. In the 80s, it was all about multi-colored eyeshadows (lots of colors at one time) and big permed hair with big poofy bangs! What was big in the 90s? Man, I lived it but I don't remember anything really distinctive besides grunge (not a look I went for, BTW). Makeup and hair moved toward a more natural look for most of us though. You get the idea, right? 

If you are stuck in a particular decade or if you're looking for a costume, you can probably find what you're looking for here:

70s blouses

70s bell bottom pants

80s sweaters

80s pants

90s jackets

90s flare pants

So, am I the only one who feels like time keeps on slippin'? It's kind of freaking me out to be perfectly honest. I just can't keep up with the days, the weeks, and the months. Before I know it, I won't be able to keep up with the years! Good grief!

Happy Searching/Shopping,
Payton

Hairspray Crazy -- Use It, Abuse It, & Clean It Up!

Hairspray is one of those things that many of us use everyday and never think twice about. You style your hair, spray it with hairspray and run out the door, right? What else do you do with it? Anything??? If you're not, you might want to consider a few of these options...

1. Remove ink or lipstick stains from clothing (not suggested for silks and delicate fabrics). Saturate the stain and let it sit for several minutes, scrub the stain until it disappears and wash as directed.

2. Comb through eyebrows for a more controlled look.

3. Spray on drawings to help preserve them.

4. Spray on the insole of any shoes that your feet slip around in to prevent slipping.

5. Help preserve fresh by spraying the underside of the leaves and petals. To dry and preserve flowers, hang them upside down in a dark closet until they dry. Once dried, spray the top of the petals and leaves.

6. Stiffen the end of thread to easily thread through the eye of a needle.

7. Spray Sunday comics with hairspray to create a shiny homemade wrapping paper.

8. Make static cling fall away by spraying the clingy spots with hairspray.

9. Tame static-infused hair by spraying your brush before using it in your hair.

10. Use hairspray as a quick-dry for nail polish. (This works best with an aerosol hairspray.)

After all this hairspraying, you may find that you need to remove it off surfaces in your house. The best way to remove hairspray from walls and floors is to use Goof Off, Goo Gone and/or Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser. Be sure to test an inconspicuous area to ensure that the paint does not come off in the process.

Do you know of other uses for hairspray? Let us know!

Happy Spraying/Searching/Shopping,
Payton

Get Beach Ready -- For Dads, Grads, and More!

Summer's almost here, so why not get Dads, Grads and everyone else that you need to buy gifts for ready for the beach?!? You can create a gift basket, a gift bag, a stack of gift boxes or any other way you come up with to present all the cool stuff needed to go to the beach!

Picture this, purchase a cool beach bag or ice chest and fill it with the items listed below to suit the needs and tastes of the person you're buying for. In addition to gifting cool things for the beach, you could even throw in a gift card to a tanning salon or include a bottle of self-tanning lotion so whomever you're gifting to can get a jump start on a tan (not suggested for children).

For Dads:
6-pack sized ice chest
beach towel
bathing suit
beach hat
flip flops
sunscreen
water bottle
snacks
6 pack of beer

For Grads:
women's beach bag/men's beach bag
beach towel
women's swimsuit/men's  swim trunks
women's beach hat/men's beach hat
women's flip flops/men's flip flops
sunscreen
water bottle
snacks
self tanning cream

For Kids:
kids beach bag
kids beach towel
girl's swimsuit/boy's  swim trunks
girl's beach hat/boy's beach hat
girl's water shoes/boy's water shoes
sunscreen
water bottle
snacks
shovels
pails
sand castle molds
beach balls
bubbles
frisbee

Pick and choose from any of the items listed above and/or add some of your own. This is a fun and easy gift to put together for someone you really care about. Just think of all the use they can get out of it. If you pack it right, they'll be able to just grab it and go to the beach!

Happy Searching/Shopping,
Payton

These Shoes Were Made for Walkin' (Dad)

I don't know about you, but it seems to me that Dads get basically the same type of gifts year after year for Father's Day. Think about all the gifts you've given your Dad over the years...ties, t-shirts, baseball hats, coffee mugs, books, and golf accessories. Am I wrong? Does that more or less cover the list? I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with these gifts. I've given plenty of them myself over the years.

I thought I'd kick off some Father's Day gifts with something traditional, but perhaps not such a traditional gift. When was the last time you bought your Dad a fabulous pair of shoes?!? Have you ever bought a pair of shoes for your Dad? Is he fashionable or is he the kind of guy that wears the same pair of shoes all the time? This is your chance to contribute to his fashionable side or take him to the next level and introduce him to his second pair of shoes! How fun is that?!?

Let's move forward with shoes that might appeal to your Dad's individual style...

My Dad's a sporty and/or casual kind of guy:

      

My Dad's a fashionable kind of guy:
   

My Dad's a preppy kind of guy:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
   
   
   

No matter what kind of guy your Dad is, I'm sure you can find him some really cool "kicks" for Father's Day. What kind of shoe would you buy for your Dad?

Happy Searching/Shopping,
Payton

Best Friends Week -- More Things to Do

Okay, so yesterday I introduced the concept of this week being "Best Friends Week," right? I gave a few ideas of things to do with your best friend. Well, now it's time to get down and dirty and create a list of things to do with your best friend! You're welcome to comment to add to the list (and I will), so please feel free to contribute!

1. Shop online (at TheFind.com, of course!)
2. Shop at the mall
3. Try a new restaurant/cuisine
4. Go to the movies (try a premier or opening night of a really hot movie)
5. Check out a "B" movie
6. Get a makeover
7. Go to the salon together for new hairstyles
8. Clean out your closets and swap clothes (donate the rest to charity)
9. Buy new furniture and assemble it together
10. Have a garage sale
11. Host a tea party
12. Go out and support your favorite local band
13. Attend a concert
14. Try a new sport
15. Join a yoga class
16. Join a gym (and actually go workout regularly)
17. Go ice skating or roller skating
18. Learn how to play ice/roller hockey
19. Go rock climbing
20. Train together for a running, walking or cycling race
21. Train for a triathlon
22. Join Weight Watchers or a diet center of choice
23. Attend a monster truck show
24. Go check out Nascar
25. Get in the driver's seat and race go-carts
26. Hang out at the beach
27. Host a bon-fire party at the beach
28. Adopt a puppy and enroll in puppy training
29. Take your dogs to the dog park (after they're trained)
30. Buy a right hand ring
31. Go wine tasting
32. Go beer tasting
33. Hang out in a biker bar
34. Take tennis lessons
35. Take cooking classes -- sushi anyone?
36. Take a jewelry making class
37. Take a pottery class
38. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
39. Tackle house work (or spring cleaning) as a team
40. Write a story or book together
41. Go golf or learn to golf
42. Make fondue
43. Go out and sing karaoke at a bar
44. Play laser tag or paint ball
45. Have a TV or movie marathon at home
46. On a rainy day, go out and stomp through puddles
47. Learn how to knit or crochet
48. Join an online community and get involved
49. Join a dating service (if you're single)
50. Go on a blind double date (again, if you're single)
51. Have a spa day
52. Go for a manicure & pedicure
53. Be an animal/mammal trainer for a day at a participating zoo
54. Go on a ride-a-long with a cop
55. Tour a fire station
56. Have a sleep over and stay up all night
57. Host a game night (play all night, if you can)
58. Go to San Francisco and play chess or checkers against someone on the street
59. Play pool with pool sharks
60. Go to Coyote Ugly and dance on the bar (among other things)
61. Go out for a nice dinner and a play/musical
62. Go out for a nice dinner and the opera or ballet
63. Go to the flea market and haggle 'til you get what you want
64. Sell things at the flea market
65. Host a "Cook for the Cure" dinner (Susan G Komen foundation)
66. Take a trip to the wine country
67. Go camping in the Sierras (or destination of choice)
68. Go horseback riding
69. Make crafts and sell them at a craft fair
70. Host a cookie exchange
71. Paint ceramics and give them to one another
72. Sneak "drinks" into a movie theater (21 and over only, pls)
73. Create match.com profiles for one another
74. Brush each other's hair
75. Shop for engagement rings
76. Ghost or Guest blog on one another's blogs
77. Redecorate a room in one another's house
78. Host a poker party
79. Create a time capsule
80. Scrapbook together and/or host a scrapbooking party
81. Go to farmers market
82. Create a secret sorority or fraternity
83. Give each other nicknames
84. Make a comic book of your adventures
85. Host a pleasure party
86. Host a fake bachelor/bachelorette party
87. Learn how to fly a plane/helicoptor
88. Go skydiving
89. Take a beer or wine making class
90. Visit a convalescent home (take your dog)
91. Have a belching contest
92. Make Christmas ornaments
93. Take a Santa picture together
94. Make chocolate truffles
95. Scrap each others cast off clothes and make a quilt
96. Shop for books for one another in a used book store
97. Find a festival (music, art, wine) to attend
98. Go hot tubbing and/or skinny dipping
99. Take pole dancing classes
100. Take a spontaneous trip without luggage
Reader Contributions start here...
101. Hang out drinking a great bottle of wine
102. Go surfing
103. Watch sports on TV all day long

So, what do you think? I'm sure there are plenty of things on the list that you have done, but are there any you haven't done? Do you have more ideas to contribute? Comment now and let us know!

Happy Adventuring/Searching/Shopping,

Payton

Shoes that Fit Your Lifestyle

Ladies and gentleman, you can now wear comfy dress shoes! I'm loving Cole Haan Nike Air collection, it is fabulous! Finally, dress shoes that fit your look, your lifestyle and don't kill your feet. There are very few dress shoes in the world that you can wear all day long and still be comfortable. Think about all the dress shoes you have...there are the ones that look good, but feel horrible (they're really just meant to be looked at). Then you have your 2 hour dress shoes, your 4 hour dress shoes and so on. When was the last time you spent all day and most of the night in the same pair of dress shoes without suffering? It's a rare occurance. If you have shoes that fit the bill then consider yourself lucky!

Cole Haan Nike Air shoes are just what they sound like -- dress shoes with Nike Air technology to cushion your feet, ahhh. In addition to comfy dress shoes, you can also find comfy (Nike Air) casual shoes, but don't expect to find your typical Nike Air sneakers among the selection. Instead you'll find sandals, clogs, slides and more for both men and women!

Here are a few that I really like for men:

And, here are a few that I like for women:

   

Has anyone else tried these shoes? If so, I'd love to hear about your experience. Do you love them, hate them, feel indifferent???

Happy Searching/Shopping,
Payton