I have a love/hate relationship with online shopping. I love access to all things weird and wonderful but I'm the analytical type, which means I research every last purchase until it's downright exhaustive.
If I think I want a new wallet and I have already seen one that I think will be adequate, I can't leave it alone. I have to see every comparable wallet made since 1965 to be sure that it's really the best choice. In my view, good enough is not good enough. I also rely on sites that have been edited to bring you a host of goodies all in one place so a search like "orange coin wallet" will show me options from umpteen stores all in one result. It's a like a Google search for OCD consumers, like moi. ShopStyle, Polyvore, and Boutiques all have amazing search results, but there's still one more—Pinterest.
Pinterest adds a new twist to shopping. You can create bulletin boards of all the photos and things you love, with direct links right to the original site. I can see the boards of people that like similar things or discover things I knew nothing about (my favorite part). An interior design magazine full of pictures of things that interest me and only me? Pinterest. A hundred photos of currently available black platform sandals? Pinterest. Seeing what my friend, Jennifer, in North Carolina dreams of doing to her backyard? Pinterest. Having all my bookmarks laid out visually so I don't have to click on them to see what the heck they are? Pinterest.
Pinterest is by invitation only so get your typing fingers over there pronto and request one for yourself. This is one time I won't be afraid of a stranger's thumbtack—come and join the fun!
Madeline Meyerowitz is the owner of enokiworld.com, a website specializing in vintage designer clothing.
