STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

I visited the LA branches of both these new chains today.

Cusp: Everything I hate about Neimans doesn't exist here (the lack of personality, the snooty old lady SAs, the general pretentiousness, the *we take American Express and NM cards so the rest of you can shove it* policy, and goof grief the SMELL). The SA's are very knowledgable and soooooo nice. They saw me eying the YSL Muse and all of a sudden I had four people fawing over my trying to help. All of them gave me honest critiques...basically I was looking at both sizes and everyone agreed that even though big bags are everything, the oversize Muse was just too much. Also, the store is laid out so nicely. It's a bit small but it has the best of everything. Really, those SA's were so nice even when all I walked out with was a Shu mascara. Speaking of which, the Shu mascara was $23 ($4 cheaper than Sephora and in line with all the other mascaras on Earth).

Madewell: Great SA's...a bit pushy, but very nice and knowledgable with good opinions nonetheless. I had multiple SAs trying to help me out even though there were at least ten other shoppers in the store, but it seemed like everyone was getting the right amount of attention. The clothes are really basic, but as it was J. Crew's little sister, that's what I was expecting. No luxe fabrics like cashmere, but all the t-shirts and jeans and blazers you could ever want. The stuff I tried on was definitely worth the price and well made.

Their jeans are really great...they're JUST like APC but at half the price (cheapest pairs were $69.50). No obvious branding, no fading, nothing crazy which is so refreshing. The skinny jeans are really nice...I am probably going to invest in a pair after I lose some weight if I don't get the YSL Muse. There's also a great trouser jean that is so inky (much like the Editor trousers), it could be worn to work.

LA girls: the new stores are in Century City...it might be a bit clinical, but the recent makeover seems to be attracting so many new chains. I think if this keeps up CC is going to be the premier mall out here.