You would have thought I would have learned something last year after my rookie trip to this jewelry sample show.
As I accepted the brown paper lunch bag from the greeters at the door, I realized I had completely forgotten to purchase and pack a flattering light-up make-up mirror so that I could see how dozens of pairs of earrings would twinkle next to my green eyes.
Just kidding.
More importantly, I had not forgotten to show up later to avoid the stampede of suburban women who were in a hurry to scour the tables of necklaces, bracelets, pins and earrings from American jewelry designer Patricia Locke's collection.
If these were just the samples, her staff was scattering on row after row of banquet tables, I can't imagine what her warehouse is like.
So many twinkles, so many baubles, no wonder the women sitting on the floor around the room with their mirrors and over-flowing lunch bags of the loot, were having personal parties.
I had stumbled on the jewelry designer a few years back while shopping at Macy's. I was looking for a gift to take to my daughter's host mom in Spain. I was looking for something made in the USA, even better Illinois, to take to Elena as a thank you gift. Elena loved the bejeweled bracelet (which by coincidence matched the colors of her home) and did not take it off for the remainder of our visit. I hope she is still enjoying it.
I learned about the sample show by accident at TJMAXX last year. Almost punched another customer in the nose when she insisted imported costume jewelry in the case was similar to PL's designs, but of better quality. After she left the counter, the salesperson told me she too was a Patricia Locke fan and that there was going to be a sample show later that month.
Last year I bought myself a bracelet, similar to Elena's, that I can't wear without someone complimenting it. This year I received a card in the mail to alert me of the sample sale's date. I was so in. I invited a dozen of my friends to join me -- only two were brave enough to embark on the adventure.
I shared that it was better to drop in a little later so there would be no anxiety-filled line of women to stand in. Also, many lunch bags would be emptied back on the tables after the early-birds culled "the best stuff" and had headed out for margaritas at the neighboring Mexican restaurant to review their bounty.
Believe me, there may not have been much floor space to stake out for trying on the inventory, but there was plenty of inventory on the table to wade thru. Take that hoarders!
It always amazes me how many people are shopping at these events (cash and check only, please), even when the economy is rocky. Truth, you are probably not going to find this jewelry for less. And there were many followers in the room who would have payed RETAIL. Yes, I said RETAIL.
As I held the six pieces I was weighing on purchasing in my bag, I looked around to see what other women were holding onto. I was a minor leaguer. I decided to check out before succumbing to peer pressure and filling my paper bag.
In fact, I put back a set of earrings before stepping into the checkout line. I reminded myself I have worn the same stud earrings for 25 years. I am not really a jewelry person. Except for a few inherited sentimental treasures, I have little bling to flash.
Wednesday I added another bracelet to my collection; the rest of the twinkly baubles will be gifts. I also supported a woman-operated company that understands and helps customers match orphaned earrings (at a price). I kid you not.
The checkout clerk tallied the damage and put the jewelry back in my inconspicuous lunch bag. She accepted my check, stapled my bag shut, thanked me, and sent me on my way.
She said she hoped to see me next time. I made sure I filled out an e-mail notification card before I left.
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