New World Of Shopping

This new 21st century is littered with opportunities to buy. And that was a literal statement. The internet has become a wasteland of merchants and they're selling everything from cheap replica fashion jewelry to one of a kind custom fenders for your Ferrari. Aside from the dark web, most of the normal internet is filled with scammers too. These scams range from drop-shipping companies to  data collection marketing scams. All of which are technically legal, but still scam-like.

The internet has enabled companies to become scammers by using advanced economic theories on unsophisticated consumers. In finance you'd lose any of your series license for this under the penalty of being unethical. It's actually against FINRA and SIPC regulations to sell sophisticated investments to unsophisticated investors; or in other words, people who don't understand what you're selling them or how it works or who can't afford it. As far as the marketing goes, companies like StockX tells their customers that they're using a sort of stock exchange that matches orders for you. Then you try to sell something you get this funny response that says "Buyers have the option to Bid on your sneakers or buy them immediately" followed by "StockX is not an auction so sneakers are not automatically sold to the highest bidder; they're basically telling you they're front running your order.

Side Note: Front running is what big stock trading brokerage firms got in trouble for just 10 years ago. The firms discovered they could out trade people sitting at home by using super computers to watch their own customers' every move so they could jump in front of their stock purchases buying the shares at a lower price than their customers; then they'd sell the shares to their customers who were already attempting to buy because the firm knew the customers were coming to buy. All before you even knew it was happening it was already done; they called it High Frequency Trading (HFT).

In the past industries like Aviation have dealt with the internet of things by creating reservation systems that absolutely f*** their customers by using aggressive pricing and sales strategies called first degree, second and third degree price discrimination as well as misleading marketing and products that come with customer failure guarantees. Most people are used to being scammed in these ways and the scams seem so well thought out and hard to figure out that people simply accept them. For fear of not understanding e-commerce enough to stand-up for themselves the average consumer sees these scam-like pricing scenarios but they buy anyway because usually, these types of scams are reserved for rigged markets; Or markets that have participants who receive preferential treatment and prices compared to the public.

The aviation world there are airline consolidators, who act as wholesalers of airline tickets. They could be referred to as a broker and they usually sell tickets directly to the public alongside the airline. They don't have to buy the tickets because the seats are contracted out at a set rate. All the consolidator has to do is sell the tickets at a price profitable to their business. Now at this point you're asking yourself, "WTF does this have to do with the new world of shopping"?

The answer can be found at your local shopping mall. Nothing in the malls sells out. Hyped sneakers rarely make appearances at malls anymore and when they do they quantity is so low it doesn't even draw a major crowd (Nothing the mall cops can't handle). Nothing in the mall is rare and nothing in the mall is limited. You can assume that whatever is on sale right now will be on super sale tomorrow and then mega sale the day after that. We've all grown accustomed to the American sale cycles. With the emergence of e-commerce a new level of rarity is upon us.

Consumers no longer have the opportunity to decide if they really want those Off-White (If you don't know what Off-White is please keep reading this article is for you) bed-sheets. You have to buy them because you know you'll never get a chance to buy them off the shelf ever again. Yes, you heard that correctly, you will never be able to buy those bed sheets off the shelf ever again. They will be burned before they're ever sold again. The funny thing about these bed sheets is that they were sold at Ikea stores on 1 day for only 5 hours; not online and not in the Ikea catalog. It took 5 hours because store employees were moderating the lines and purchasing process. Without their hard work that time would be chopped down to 1 hour max. These sales dynamics so far from the internet are whats driving people to the internet. No one wants to stand in an Ikea line at 6:00AM in the freezing cold. But if you want the items and only want to pay their MSRP then you have to.

While this is going on, millions of people are buying cheap bed sheets from Walmart.com or Amazon most likely. Most people are addicted to cheap materials at this point (Now I understand what The Greats were talking about). Because of this now we have to fight for the quality. Manufacturers are now holding their best goods for the Internet's major wars; the drop date.

At any given time during the work while everyone else is concerned about putting food on their tables, the biggest brands and smallest all decide to release to the public some of their most sought after designs. From Nike to Supreme, all brands seem to have adopted an approach that requires their customers to have free time during the day. If you want a an Adidas sweatshirt that no one has and possibly never have seen. then you might have to buy it at 2:00PM on a Tuesday using PayPal only from a website you've never heard of. And if you make it past the product page to the checkout window you'd be considered one of the lucky ones. The sad truth is that more often than not the item will sell out before you even 

Typically customers are put in digital waiting lines called payment queues. This is a unique feature that allows e-commerce stores to put  customers in virtual queues that essentially turn their internet browser into a submissive to the website. During this time you can't refresh your browser or even open too many other windows leading to the same page; why? Because the merchant might ban you.

So now let's imagine that we live in a world where the majority of the merchandise on the racks at the box stores are 10 or even 20 years old; and let's also imagine that the same brands don't send those same stores any of their up-to-date cataloged merchandise. And lastly let's imagine you live in world where you have less than 30 seconds to buy what you want. Sadly enough, that's the world you live in. A world where brands only want to sell us trash in-store and force us to play their games online just to get a decent product with some design elements included. Now the only question I have  is, Why?

The New Age

It's been some time but finally we have some drip for you to pick up. 

The last time you were speaking to you people we were serving up the latest in music, fashion, art, and finance. It's time we take it to another level. Culture Trap will be getting a makeover soon but don't worry, we won't change. New lashes, new wig, but the same Culture Trap.

In addition to the topics we've always covered we will now have pages dedicated to current events, shopping and beauty.That means more content, better content and more engagement. At any time we could be posting a Culture Trap exclusive discount to your favorite make-up brand;and at the same time, on another page, we may be providing sneaker-heads with important shoe drop information. 

Either way, stay locked in to Culture Trap to catch all the vibes.

Culture Trap's objective is to bring all the latest topics of interest to the culture oriented consumer. Please don't forget to sign-up for updates to receive emails and notifications about new posts.

 

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Baselworld 2015's Best Watches

Longines Pulsometer Chronograph

Longines packed an automatic monopusher chronograph into a streamlined 40 millimeter steel case and then added a 1920s-style dial with a bright red pulsometer scale (used by doctors to take a patient's pulse). Vintage-style chronograph at an affordable price.

Hermès Slim d'Hermès

These might be the best watches to come out of Baselworld 2015.There are both dual-time perpetual calendar and time-only versions of this watch.Both are powered by thin automatic movements (wound by a micro-rotor) that are made in-house by Hermès. 

TAG Heuer Carrera Caliber 18

You could almost fool someone into thinking this is the original Carrera. The domed sapphire crystal, faded grey markers, and sharply angled lugs (not to mention that old-school Heuer logo, sans TAG) are all spot-on.The new Caliber 18 Carrera looks almost exactly like the original model from 1963.

Sarpaneva Korona Northern Lights

Whoa! Thats all there is to be said about this wrist-format time keeping instrument. This watch comes from a Finnish watch maker, Stepan Sarpaneva. Stepan Says you can leave it on your bedside when you go to sleep and it will still be visible in the morning. 

H. Moser Funky Blue Perpetual Calendar

Perpetual calendars customarily involve a pile of windows and subdials pointing out four or five different measurements of time. Moser's perpetual calendar has a pared-down display, and this dial is astonishing. This is high-end watchmaking without the pretension.

Glashütte Original Senator Observatory

Classic German watchmaking with an aesthetic update.Germany earned its watchmaking stripes by making crazily accurate chronometers in the 19th century for merchant ships and scientific use.This watch takes that tradition and reinterprets it in a way that's thoroughly modern. 

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711R

This is the one Patek-lovers are probably waiting for. Sure, it's all gold, but this is as easy to wear as a watch gets. No one will mistake this for anything but what it is.

Chopard L.U.C Regulator

A regulator is the perfect platform for a dual-time watch. The L.U.C line can compete with the likes of Patek and Vacheron, though it has its own, slightly less-traditional vibe.The time for classifying Chopard as a "jewelry watch" brand is long over, and this watch is further proof.

Omega Dark Side of the Moon, Vintage Edition

Out of four new editions of this watch, here is one of the most unique. Following up on its popular Dark and Grey Side of the Moon watches, this week Omega released a series of four new variations. It's the big black watch for the guy who hates big black watches. 

Laurent Ferrier Traveller Black

Forget bright colors. The black enamel version of this watch is incredible. Maps on dials can be a controversial subject. This new version of Laurent Ferrier's dual-time Traveller watch (that window at 9 o'clock shows the hours of your second time zone), has a two-tone map that's a silver dome covered in black enamel that's worn away to reveal the continents. Ferrier's micro-rotor movement could be the most beautiful automatic caliber ever made.

Style Trends of 2015

This year we will be seeing quite a few new fashion trends making their way from the runways to the streets. In this post we will take a look at what will be the new styles to wear as we go into 2015.

As the winter turns into spring we should start to see the rise of the fancy aprons. They don't have any practical use other than being fashionable.

As the aprons come into the play the skirts with the fringes should be making their way around to the closets of many girls.

When cuties aren't trying to be too sexy they'll be switching into some denim which is making a strong come back this year in the form of jumpers and extra-lose fit jeans and shorts.On the brightest and most beautiful days we can imagine people wanting to dress how they feel so expect to see shirts and blouses with solid checks that remind of us summer picnics.

 

When the days turn in to evenings expect to see the most stylish girls wearing embroidered and lace flower designed shirts and dresses.

The lace flowers go well with re-emerging Bohemian style dresses and blouses.






As the summer gets hotter and hotter start looking for 1 shoulder shirts which seem to be on every designers 2015 style checklist.

When the summer starts to set in the west and the colder winds blow in expect to see ladies wearing Kimono style Trench Coats which are making a huge mark in the fashion world this year and will most likely be one of the most worn pieces this year.

 

Color of The Year

So Pantone LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, is the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries. Pantone has chosen 2015's color of the year and the color is ... Marsala. It's a naturally robust and earthy wine red. 

This is important to anyone who actually wants to make their shopping easier this year as you will probably see most fashion designers and boutique housed lean towards this color and varying tones. If you already know what types of styles look good on you then this is your chance to find out which of those styles looks best on you in Marsala. This will add color and formality to your closet. If you did  this year after year what you'll eventually have is a closet full of clothing styles that look best on you and in their best color on you. Nothing more nothing less; So don't say I never taught you anything. 

Perfect Last Minute Valentines Day Gifts

So Valentine's Day is drawing nearer and I know some of  you might be new at this holiday and you've procrastinated about buying your Valentine a gift. For those of you who have actually planned ahead you might see something you like so you should read it too.

If you plan on going out to a movie or dinner on Valentine's Day these Christian Dior Loafers might be the perfect gift to give to your guy.

They can be found at select Christian Dior Boutiques. Check their website for more details. 

If your guy isn't in to fashion then at least buy him something that makes him smell like he is. Why not go to dinner and a movie with a guy that smells like a french hotel? Prada has the perfect cologne for that.

 Prada's Luna Rossa Extreme is the way to go. This fragrance can be found at most major fashion retailers and on the Prada website.  

Now we all know that Valentine's Day is really about girls so let's talk about them for a minute. 

If you want to look like you actually spent time on getting your Valentine a present try buying her some clothes. This shirt could get you lucky if its her style and she likes the color blue. 

This is the "Ejustere" Viscose Blouse by BOSS Orange of Hugo Boss. The sheer blouse has mesh shoulders and opaque pleated chest pockets. Perfect for a Valentine's Day Date or just a nice day out. This shirt is available on the Hugo Boss website. 

If you want to get your lucky lady a gift that will make almost any girl eat your Valentine's chocolate then try this new Perfect Zip Hoodie from Pink of Victoria's Secret.

 This super comfy hoodie is must-have length and cute slim fit. Made of super soft fleece this will be sure to keep her warm enough for cuddling. You can find this hoodie on the Victoria Secret website.

Good luck to you if you haven't already bought your 50 Shades of Grey tickets and your Steak House reservations.

Ms.Leri

As the late morning drifts into the early afternoon in Philadelphia where I am and Houston where she is Cherae Leri tells me about her next moves that'll earn her some Flyer Miles. Soon she'll be splitting her time in between Houston, Atlanta and Las Vegas . A long ways from her home of Columbia, Missouri. The singer, model, and Aquarius loosens up and soaks up the attention as the afternoon warmth settles in.

"I can never turn down a good debate, if I have my facts and I have my proof...you know" Cherae Leri, 20, tells me after I ask her what she would want to be doing if she wasn't making music and performing. "I would have liked to have been a lawyer." Cherae has come a long way from mid-west to land in the Houston, Texas where she assures me she won't be for too much longer. "If I'm not barefoot I'm in a pair of heels," she says. "I'm a country girl at heart but the city has definitely... persuaded me to think and explore otherwise."

This life she's living out right now--lady, music, city, plans-- could be that of a character from a Darnell Martin or Salim Akil film. As a young beautiful woman who sees her self as a complete artists she has the confidence fill the roll of such a main character and carry the soundtrack. "I always had the dream of becoming a performer, not only a singer but an artists--modelling, Acting, Fashion Designer, Jewelry Designer." She doesn't have the typical 20-something year old rise to fame story to tell. Coming from a family of 2 sisters and 4 brothers Cherae knows what it takes to standout, nearly losing her birthday to one of her older brothers is a constant reminder of how easily we can all get lumped together."Let me tell you a funny story; Let my momma tell it I was born January 25th, My older brother's birthday is January 24th but I noticed on my birth certificate it says January 24th. LOL"

Her work ethic and motivation can't be questioned and she has started to make herself noticeable to an impressive group of acquaintances from legendary music circles-- Erykah Badu, Patti Labelle, Kelly Rowland, Leela James, and Snoop Dogg--which was impressive enough to land her self a deal with ET Management International in August of this year.

She appreciates the warmth of fellow musicians giving her encouragement and those small doses of motivation and that has molded her ambitions for her personal and professional life, which she considers one-in-the-same. "I just want to be able to understand and feel my fans and connect with them." she confesses. "I want to be the artist that can say you know, I've been through that, I made it out, and not only do I understand I've felt the way you're feeling right now."

The child of a dj which whom we never agreed on whether she'd been in the game for 30 or 40 years, Cherae started her performing as a young girl showing off her beautiful smooth voice to family and friends at local events and family gatherings.

It's safe to say she's always known what her purpose on this earth is. "I'm an Aquarius, we ask questions for understanding. You can't tell me to do something and expect me to know what you're talking about or I understand why you want me to do this. You need to tell me why you want me to do this; why what's the point?" she explains. "I feel like everything and everybody has their own purpose. You know, what's your purpose and why are you asking? LOL". Ironically her latest song is named "Mirage" which is available on iTunes and Google play. Seeing as how by definition a mirage is a naturally occurring optical phenomenon in which light rays are bent to produce a displaced image of distant objects or the sky. Maybe Cherae has so far only shown us a displaced image of her yet to be complete artistic form. Well just know in contrast to a hallucination, a mirage is a real optical phenomenon that can be captured on camera.

Dressing Like A Trader

So it seems to me that a lot of people have a horrible misconception of what a trader looks like. Most People have this idea that we all show up to work wearing a $2,000 3 piece Hugo Boss suit...

or some perfectly tailored Ralph Lauren ensemble 

I think that's because most people have no idea what a day of trading is like. The only time I'd ever wear a suit is when I have to be in front of clients or maybe senior management/executives for an important meeting. When you mention casual some assume you mean dress slacks and a dress shirt.

...with a tie

Being a trader isn't what most would consider a physically demanding profession but it does require a great deal of mental activity along with awesome hand and eye coordination all while controlling your breathing (lol). If you think we want to be in an office from the hours of around 6am - 5 or 6pm wearing pants that squeeze your intestines, a silk collar, and shirt that attracts what I eat for lunch; you're effin crazy. For 1 you're sexist because women trade too and they don't usually wear neck ties and secondly because Hugo Boss Dress Shirts cost to much to play around with my Baconator so I can ruin my outfit while I try to replenish my nutrients. 

To be honest when I trade I try dress as casual as possible and depending on who I'll see that day may determine how nice my casual wear might get. Now don't get me wrong; I'm a brand whore because I just think that quality brands make you look better than you would if you were wearing some bullshit. For example: On a Monday when I know I wont see anybody who expects me to look beautiful I'm going in with some simple pants and  

... and a polo. 

If it's cold I'll throw on a hoodie. 

 If you tell me I might see something pretty during lunch or after work then you can assume I'll step it up a little (lol). I'd probably switch to some darker colors and maybe throw on a casual button down shirt. I think Burberry has some of the nicer ones this season.

Now shoes are fun. My favorite shoe company for all around success is Cole Haan because of the whole Nike Sole thing and really just because they look good. If its a slow day I'll wear some simple black sneakers that are easy to ignore. 

 or Burberry Sneakers

If I know I might be around someone who might actually care about what I'm wearing on my feet then I'll blow their mind with some disrespectful loafers.

 or

Last but not least we can't forget our accessories. Everyone needs something to carry their papers and computer in and since I'm not 30 yet I stick to backpacks (lol). In my opinion there's only 1 way to go when it comes to professional stylish leather goods...Louis Vuitton.

But                                            If you're not on that level yet, Cole Haan will due.