If you’ve ever wondered “I need something I may only wear a few times and have lots of time to browse. Where can I find a massive Claire’s?” I have an answer and it’s Charming Charlies.
I had the pleasure of being able to catch up with a friend/sorority sister while I was on the road last week. She was getting her hair did and the window front of Charming Charlie’s told me they’d be a good place to kill a couple minutes while I waited for her to finish up.
This place is bananas, but not necessarily in a good way. First, they quickly welcomed me and asked me if I had been there before. I said “no” and their only advice was “Well, we’re organized by color.” I could figure that out. What I couldn’t figure out was where to start. I have a large threshold of tolerance for shiny things and digging for treasure, but even I was overwhelmed.
Basically, there are tall table displays with shelves underneath that hold jewelry, purses, tops, belts and knick knack patty whacks. Each table has a common color. There are multiple tables for each color. I picked up a purse or two and quickly realized they were not something I’d purchase, but I could see someone younger carrying it. For example, there was a rattan clutch that looked promising. However, you noticed when you picked it up that it doesn’t line up or close well. Plus, it had a silver chain in it to carry it not as a clutch. They shouldn’t encourage that type of behavior style. You really have to search for the good eggs within their store. It took a lot more time than I thought it would and I definitely found more bad than good.
They try hard to be trendy.
More lime than Chippendale
Kind of mint colored
There we plenty of the Claire’s staple – cheap prom jewelry.
However, there were some winners.
This was also in red.
These are my purchases:
The bracelet set was $7.97, the blue bracelet was $9.97 and the earrings were $12.97.
My friend, Bethany, agreed that it overwhelmed her and she had to come in looking for something specific. She also told me there’s one in Green Hills mall. Once she said it I realized I had walked by it a few times but never ventured in. Now, that I know what it is I am surprised it is in the mall. I don’t know if I’ll go again. I currently have no plans to revisit. You need to commit some time to it in order to appropriately dig, go for something particular (certain color or type of jewelry) and go without any high expectations.
Have you been to Charming Charlies? Does is always seem overwhelming? Any good finds?
Read Full Post »
