PRACTICAL VIEW : How to Replace Things You Can’t Live Without
It’s a harmonic convergence for shoppers when fit and style preferences meet in a single item. Be it a shirt, wallet or pair of shoes, perfection in the eyes of the owner can foster a fashion dependency.
Finding a replacement can be harrowing business. Often as not, the treasured item has been discontinued by the time the shopper goes back for more. But a couple of practical steps may help prevent disappointment.
First, train yourself to form attachments to what is always available, then buy in bulk--just to be sure. At I. Magnin, for example, a handful of women have been stocking up on a $185 wallet with credit-card holder by Paloma Picasso; it offers the rare combination of considerable storage space and surprisingly sleek appearance.
Most department and specialty stores accept bulk orders for an item, on request. And some manufacturers also assist replacement-hunters. Anne Klein II, for instance, operates At Your Service, a toll-free hot line--(800) 451-6900--that tells customers where to find merchandise in its latest line.
It may also pay to contact manufacturers about older items. Some companies repeat styles for years; others move dated goods to outlet stores. Navajo-style sandals introduced 32 years ago by Jack Rogers for Seminole Sandals are still available via mail order in a variety of colors and materials for $64 and up. Max Factor sells discontinued products in its Hollywood outlet store, which even accepts phone orders.
Some companies, though, may seem too big or indifferent to help individuals. In such cases, be persistent. “The Million Dollar Directory,” a volume found in many public libraries, lists the names and addresses of garment manufacturers. Send inquiries to the company’s public relations office or to its representative, if that office is listed. Sometimes the item can be shipped directly from the office. Or a company representative might refer you to local stores that stock it.
If you can’t live without a piece of clothing that is no longer manufactured or in stock, consider having a seamstress copy it. Be advised, however, that fit and fabric seldom match the original.
Some shoemakers can duplicate the style (and possibly improve the fit) of favorite footwear, handbags and other items. But custom work may cost far more than the original item did. Get an estimate before ordering.
