The hunger of the hunt...

Wow, what happened to the summer...and fall...time flies. I have written this post a million times in my head, finally it has spilt upon the pages of this blog. Thank you Millie and Mesia for the effervescent prodding for more Paupstar blog-age. Now on to my summer shopping safari.

So I have a story to tell and a perspective to share. Join me and take yourself there...it is a typical summer morning in the OC, it's 7am, Stephy and I pull into rock star parking at the South Coast Plaza Nordstroms. Ah, this is a sign of good fortune methinks. We approach the stairs leading to the entrance, the morning haze disappearing into the warm glow of store lights...promising me warmth from this cold, inviting me. Spend your money, use your credit cards, buy now - think later. Wait, but before you do, eat some donuts. Yes please, I think I will. Yes please, I think I will again. Despite the sweet temptation of free food (one of my major achilles heels), I am determined to be the FIRST one through the door. Well, at least one of the FIRST...thirty, one more donut.

The Nordstrom smell envelopes me as I walk in and my senses are instantly overloaded, with rushing voices, perfume, saturated displays. People everywhere with armfuls of merchandise, already - stupid donuts?! My first stop, Handbags. When I get there, this is what I see. Women, Women, Women with ten bags on each arm. I'm pissed instantly, I want only the bags that other people already have. Luckily, I did my pre-sale. But still. What is it that makes me so voraciously abhor that woman holding three Marc Jacobs bags? I stalk her, think horrible thoughts about her appearance, demeanor and wait for her to drop that python Stam. My mind is racing, what else am I missing by waiting for her to make a decision. Come on lady! She can't possibly buy all three...so I go in, 'Are you going to buy those?' I ask...'No,' she says, 'you can have whatever one you want.' I take the one I want, and forego the question of why she's holding on to so many bags...because I understand her, we are one.

Fast forward to a month later, Stephy is getting ready for the Nordstrom Rack Designer Event in Chicago. She has been exercising regularly, pilates, elliptical machine, treadmill and she has a game plan. She is ready...body, mind and soul! Stephanie enters the store and b-lines it to the Handbags. You are allowed only 2 bags...she's looking and a-looking...she finds what she wants and out from nowhere a shove and a big old man hand reaches out and takes the bag. She turns and quickly spots the small blond directing her man-crew. Oh no she didn't. Just as Stephy gives the guy an earful, the man-crew followed the small blonds words to their demise, wrong choice bizotch....security, fight fight fight!

I share these stories to demonstrate the reality of the underground bloodsport we call bargain shopping. You have got to be on your game, because it is a jungle out there. For $5 off, you may lose your arm. For $500 off, you gladly give your arm and the arm of your man-crew. And some times it's not even about the savings, its the pure and simple fact that just because someone else has it - you want it. It is animalistic, you can feel it...you know you've felt it! In these times of contentious consumerism, we must pause and consider WWJB.