Once I realized that none of the stores in Wisconsin were receiving shipments for the limited edition, I jumped online to Gap where I found the entire collection available. I selected my items and completed my order. Or so I thought. I didn’t receive a order confirmation email from Gap, so I contacted their customer service for assistance. To my disappointment, my order was never processed, possibly due to the extreme traffic on the site the day of the launch. When I checked back on the site, my favorite item from the line, the cream colored moto jacket designed by Wang, was no longer available.  My only hope now is find the jacket listed on eBay for under $200! 

Were you one of the lucky ones who scored your fav items from the current Gap Design Editions, or are you shopping on eBay to find the sold-out items? Send me your thoughts, are you disappointed that Gap didn’t include your store on their distribution list?

To my disappointment, the H&M store near me only stocked about half of the collection. The Williamson display included some of the swimwear selections, a couple styles of tunics, sunglasses, and a couple of dresses and sleeveless tops from the line. Where were the colorful jeans and beaded vests and tunics? I spoke to a salesperson who confirmed to me that they would not be getting any more shipments of the exclusive collection.

Even though I was lucky enough to find the floral dress that I had wanted, I would have like to have seen more of the collection available. A couple of years ago the same thing happened with Madonna’s designs for the Swedish retailer. I had been waiting for the must-have trench coat and other items from the singer’s line. Then I discovered that my local store only stocked a few pieces of the entire collection, which did not include her trench coat.

Some of the Williamson items that were not available in the store are now available for a hefty price on eBay. I saw a pair of the turquoise jeans on auction for almost double the original price. These days many of us are looking for ways to save money while we shop.We are very selective of our purchases because we want the items to carry us beyond next season or even next year. The incentive of a capsule collection such as Williamson’s, is that recessionistas like myself have the opportunity of owning a piece of unique fashion at an affordable price. A designer dress for $300 is not fashion on the cheap!

The demand and the excitement grew for Williamson’s line over the last few months. However, the supply was definitely limited when the clothing was finally shipped and available to eager shoppers. It is a shame that the items that we covet the most are only available to us if we surrender to a mark-up in price. Maybe the next exclusive collection will be better distributed to all of the H&M stores.

Tia Carrere at the Grammy Awards

Actress and singer Tia Carrere wanted to make a fashion statement when she walked the Red Carpet at the  2009 Grammy Awards in Los Angles on Sunday. The lovely musician won her first ever Grammy for Best Hawaiian Music Album for “Ikena” in affordable style.

Carrere stated that her entire outfit for the glamourous evening was less than $100. Her ensemble included a tight-knit black dress, which she bought on eBay for $30 and a pretty clutch that she found at a shop in LA. Even her earrings and bangles were only $45! The singer proudly said that her outfit was “her statement during the economic times.” She collaborated with celebrity stylist George Blodwell to create her look which impressed many fashionistas. Carrere happily offered her advice for looking good these days. “Look fabulous and feel fabulous at any price.”

Congratulations Tia on the Grammy win and proving that you don’t need to spend a ridiculous amount of money to look amazing!