Shop: 11th Moon

Every blue moon or so, you find yourself completely home in a foreign land. I don't often find myself in Southern California; yet when I do, I am happy to find the air relaxed. My body knows the Hollywood hills, and the beach towns almost intuitively. When in California; its as if I remember exploring the streets in another era. 

I jive with the west coast vibe; that of prominence, patience, and perseverance which personifies the OC. The shops have a unique vintage feel with a modern elegance, the food is healthy, and the people are friendly. A quick get a way trip to Laguna Beach, never feels long enough. I barley ever have time to relish in all the beauty I wish to explore. Whether it is losing myself completely in the words of Bernard Shaw or exploring the  fashion boutiques on the south coast highway. I could spend an eternity, alone, admiring, and devouring the textiles, looks, styles, and beautiful garments at 11th Moon.

The boutique earned its name through the proprietors love of Astrology. Under Hindu philosophy; the 11th moon is symbolic of enjoyment, pleasure, and comfort. 

11th Moon, is an eclectic modern fashion emporium. The owner, has impeccable taste. Her style is casual glamour. 11th moon is stocked with some of the most beautiful dresses, jackets, bags, and decoration jewelry that I've seen. The store is decorated with local art, and new aged crystals. The store is peaceful, calm, and vast. I feel in love with 11th Moon, the minute I laid eyes on its window display. 

The staff is knowledgable, and product quality of 11th Moon is superb. The staffat 11th moon are friendly, and helpful. I was amazed by their intuitive ability to match colors, looks, and cuts perfectly with patrons. 11th Moon knows fashion, and genuinely want to help their clients look their best. 

With the unique designs, wicked fashion buys, and great customer service; I know I will be shopping at 11th Moon again. 

11th Moon can be found at 1259 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach; or online at: http://www.11thmoon.com 

A Nation of Shop-o-holics

Nothing good ever happens past midnight, the so called witching hour. Growing up, I received countless lectures on the dangers of the so called trouble hour. Legend has is it, that a midnight, things change, people change and impulses are mythically heightened. The day no longer belongs to us. What happens though, when the witching hour changes and transforms itself into a daylight intoxication? The heightened impulse of  midnight has found a new time to dominate and a new venue for seduction.

The once; exclusive fashion sample sale, has been moved online and made accessible to any person with a accesses to the Internet and a valid credit card. In the US Internet shopping is a $111 billion industry. Thoutnet.com, net-a-porter.com, ruelala.com, and hautelook.com, are just a few of many online flash sale sites that offer shoppers amazing discounts on high end goods. 

Statistics Canada indicates that most common purchase online are Travel Services, Entertainment products, and Fashion related goods. Flash sale sites, confuse us on the concept of value and price. The massive variance between sale and non-sale items leaves us with a constant feeling of cognitive dissonance (buyers remorse), and an urge to click. The lure, of the sale and the anonymity of online shopping is addictive; there is adrenalin associated with the feeling or believe that you have beaten the system. 

Psychology Today, did an article about the seduction of and appeal of compulsive shopping. The research suggested that the Internet is a strong trigger for compulsive buyers. The variety of products and the ability to purchase on-observed and the instant gratification is the hook; the fear of missing out an amazing buy further compliments the seduction technique of online shopping. 

Over the past five years, with the advance of and mass acceptance of E-shopping, credit card debt has risen. In the US, with a population of 330 million, there are more that 610 million credit cards issues. The average person of age to own a credit card has 3-4, all with a 14% or higher annual interest rate.  It estimated that the average credit card debt in the states is $15,799, and that many card holders use the available finds from one card to pay off the debt on another. 

Consumer protection groups have recently began to lobby against flash sales sites and other online shopping retailers. It is believed that in the near future, online shopping will be accompanied by "responsible shopping," adverts and promotions.