Changing rooms can be dreadful. Actually, that is too polite a statement. Correction. They can make you want to slit your wrists at the worse of times. Poor lighting, terrifying queue systems, and just a distinct air of misery when you stand in line waiting for someone to dole out a plastic tag and then drag yourself in there to try on items that quite possibly will reduce you to tears (jeans…. always those bloody jeans!). I won’t point out the worse offenders but instead will concentrate on the good. Actually, it’s the unbelievably good…
The lingerie department at Le Bon March√© in Paris, has the cosiest, comfiest fitting rooms that put me at ease as soon as I stepped in when I was greeted by someone at a reception desk (yes, this changing room has a reception desk) and the process is much like checking in to a 5* hotel. Once inside, it’s soft but realistic lighting with a beautiful flower motif on the mirrors and a phone on hand to call discreetly for a different size as opposed to peeking out of the curtains in your bra and pants and waving for some help. The salesgirl who directed me to the changing room also immediately (in a scarily efficient way) appeared in the changing rooms reception when I came out after trying on my picks to help me make my final selection. Perhaps I was slightly lulled/hypnotised by the spritzed orange blossom perfume in the changing rooms and the subtle music (as opposed to being pounded into my ear drums) but I did end up spending a fortune on lingerie….
So in conclusion, I think changing rooms are the untapped source of revenue in a lot of stores. Take things up a notch and they could be making a killing!
Pretty
Bad changing rooms are the bane of my life. I especially hate the ones where the mirrors are on the shop floor and not in the changing room. Hello?! That’s why I tend to operate a Buy and Return policy whenever possible.
At least you have changing rooms! In Seoul they don’t even have mirrors in the so-called rooms, more like 1m by 1m cells!~ plus you have to step outside because the mirror is on the door and then you have to listen to the salesperson gabber at you commenting on your outfit, saying that it looks good no matter what when I know those grey-washed jeans make my thighs look fat- the frustration!
Wow I think that changing room is nicer than my room! The nicest changing room I’ve been is Ralph Lauren in Tainan, which strangely, contains a sofa and some sample perfumes.
Oh god, horrible changing rooms have left me in tears many a time, and had me going home convinced I was the least lovely person in the world. Especially the ones in most H&Ms tend to bring forth a multitude of sings: too small, lighting that makes you look red/blotchy, that brings out every vein in your body, and somehow shows every little hair on your body too. Argh!
Funnily enough, in GAP the other day, I caught sight of a sheet for the staff of how many people went into the changing rooms, how many purchased something after trying something on etc. etc.
I think the best ones, as you say, have great lighting, space for hanging and putting down your things, maybe a sit down space for a friend, a proper door that closes, not a flimsy curtain that’s not wide enough, and multiple angle mirrors.
Love the outfit! Very cute!
I’ve used some truely awful changing rooms when shopping;
One was a curtain slung over a piece of string at the back of the shop, I acidently went in too far and was greeted by a pile of dirty dishes in a sink, the woman who owned the shop then told me that she lived there, which would explain all the cats wandering around.
I also attempted to get changed in a changing room with saloon style doors, and basicly anyone who wasn’t particularly short and walked close enough to my door could peer in and see everything.
Changing rooms can really dictate your mood when shopping, so I get really frustrated when shops do stupid things like put mirrors outside the changing rooms and don’t use enough fabric to cover the doors. Baah!
I think lingerie places have to have the nicest changing rooms (and sweetest staff) as shopping for bras is hell on earth. rigby and peller and agent provoc have both made it much more bearable for me- so warm and one on one service! my god! and god bless marks and spencers for having the sense to put solid doors on their changing rooms!
That is stunning. My favourite changing rooms are those in Monsoon. The Bromley store has thick velvet curtains, I find myself stroking them for at least two minutes, they’re gorgeous. The changing rooms in the store in Bluewater have names! Each individual room is called something, it’s weird but fun.
I hate when the curtains don’t cover the front properly and when the light is so harsh it gives you a headache. Ugggh.
Changing rooms should be beautiful, as they are the final step before one decides to purchase, and the mirror should always be inside, any place else is just torture jajaja.
I’ve found the nicest ones in lingerie boutiques.
I am a fan of certain dressing rooms. Have you ever heard of Elle Muliarchyk? She is a model who turns dressing rooms into photoshoots, site: http://showstudio.com/viewers/5632
Lighting makes a bigggg difference. Really. I was just in a GAP with a really super changing room: nicely lit, big three-way mirror, call button, the works. What with this recent hoo-hah about the GAP collections in Europe, it makes me wonder if they’re stepping up their game.
random time, random place but you didn’t mention you’re in ID this month!!
i love your tote. who made it?
and thank you for moving me 🙂
I live closeby the Bon Marché but never tried the lingerie. I will do so this evening. Sounds good :o)
Mirrors not in changing rooms= BIG mistake – agreed!
Heather_L: Sounds similar to shops in HK…
Michelle Woo: Wow odd that they have perfume in Ralph Lauren. I find lingerie changing rooms always have the perfume on hand…
Astrid: H&M is awful isn’t it! I just buy stuff and go…. it’s a horrendous experience…
Esther Taylor: OMG – I hate those half doors…lots of vintage stores have them and I feel so naked when I’m in them…
EJ: Rigby & Peller is fantastico. Agent P is a little small though me thinks…
Lady Julianne: Ah…Monsoon…unlikely contender for fab changing rooms…must go and check them out!
The Clothes Horse: Thanks for the link…will do some perusing…
Lillian: Gap is surprisingly good! I agree!
SWD: The bag is a very old Vivienne Westwood…have used it to death.
Katrin: Oh you must seeing as you live by there!
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