SHOPPING April 21, 2015

40 Stylish People on How They Shop Now

by Style.com

Carine Roitfeld

Occupation: Editor in chief, CR Fashion Book; global fashion director, Harper's Bazaar; stylist What was the last thing you bought and why? A top "marinière" to go to Karl [Lagerfeld's] party, the boat party in NYC! The one I was hosting with Stephen Gan, Amanda Harlech, and Sébastien Jondeau for Karl…But unfortunately I had to cancel my trip. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Usually never! Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? Stores! I have never shopped online… Photo: Tommy Ton

Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez

Jack McCollough Occupation: Designer, Proenza Schouler What was the last thing you bought and why? I just got these Nikes—I know, they're so new! [pointing to shoes] A little rainbow moment? Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Whenever [Lazaro and I] go shopping at the same time, though, we always go separately so we don't get the same thing. We always come back, and we bought the same thing. [laughs] Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? I buy most stuff online these days, actually—I would say 90 percent. I've actually never liked shopping, like going to stores, trying things on. I always thought it was a drag. I love online shopping, and now you can order a bunch of things, and even if you're not sure about the size, order both sizes and they make it so easy to just ship it right back when you're done. [I shop at places] like Mr Porter, Barneys, and then little skateboarding shops and Nike, sneaker websites. I love all that stuff. Lazaro Hernandez Occupation: Designer, Proenza Schouler Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? I'm really old school. I still go to Barneys and go up and down the floors and see what's out there and just shop. I like going with my friend—I have a good friend that we always go together, every couple of months, and we just kind of shop and try clothes on. [I buy] whatever fits and looks good. Photo: Benjamin Lozovsky / BFAnyc.com

Linda Fargo

Occupation: Senior vice president, Bergdorf Goodman What was the last thing you bought and why? I recently went on a mini shopping spree. Everything I bought was bohemian! A mini wardrobe of fringe, embroideries, and ikats. Pieces from Talitha, Figue, and Isabel Marant. I'm quite caught up in this escapist and romantic trend. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? I tend to shop for a specific need—in this case, an upcoming beach getaway—but that always leads to so much more. I start shopping for the season ahead. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? Hello?! In-store and Bergdorf's, of course! Photo: Vivien Killilea / Getty Images

Jenny Shimizu

Occupation: Model agent and model What was the last thing you bought and why? Vintage Vivienne Westwood earrings and a pair of Minna Parikka flats. These were bought for my wife for a "spring has sprung" seasonal weather change gift. Air Jordan Super.Fly 3's for myself, because my b-ball league has started again—yes! Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Yes, I'm seasonal, practical, and always have an eye out for "unobtanium" that will make us both smile. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? Online. It is direct and to the point. Photo: Tommy Ton

Caroline Issa

Occupation: Chief executive and fashion director, Tank What was the last thing you bought and why? A Sacai bomber jacket when I was in Tokyo a few weeks ago. I had seen the bomber jacket at the show and then on a few women during the shows, and it looked amazing. So when I found myself in Sacai's hometown, I made a beeline to their shop and was relieved to find it, though not in my first choice color. Didn't matter—I snapped it up, plus a few other things. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? I love tourism shopping: buying fashion pieces usually in the brand's hometown—e.g., Dior in Paris, Jason Wu in NYC—on a trip that will remind me of that time and link my piece of clothing to a memory. But I do also love to browse online, then see it and feel it in the stores. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? I love both. I still love going into shops and browsing, and I love researching online what's new and available, and if on a whim or urgently needed, I will definitely shop online! Photo: Julien Boudet / BFAnyc.com

Jeremy Scott

Occupation: Designer What was the last fashion item you bought and why? I bought a pair of wayfarer Ray-Ban shades because I had left mine in a taxi and I felt naked without them! Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Yes! I shop more in an emergency mode than a pleasure mode…I’m not a big shopper, if truth be told! Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? I’m more in-person, as it’s usually spontaneous. I don’t have time to wait for it to arrive! Photo: Sam Deitch / BFAnyc.com

Shiona Turini

Occupation: Consultant What was the last thing you bought and why? My last purchase was a black Alaïa dress that I found at their store in Paris. I walked in with my heart set on purchasing a white summer dress but found myself faced with this beautiful, sleeveless, knee-length, low-back black dress instead. It was perfect. Until I found another one a few days later that was even more perfect and had to buy that, too. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Yes. I don't do a lot of casual shopping. I try and focus on investment pieces. The day I arrive in Paris, I go to the Alaïa outlet religiously. It's almost like a ritual. The prices and selection are much better than in the U.S., so I know I'm getting a good deal. But what makes it the perfect shopping experience is the feeling of shopping in a "secret" Alaïa location where the saleslady knows my name, my tastes, and everything I've ever purchased, and is often brutally honest with me. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? Definitely in stores. I need to actually see, touch, and try pieces before I buy them. I love having a relationship with the sales associates, and a lot of the brands I buy are not always online, like Dior, or only offer a limited selection online, like Comme [des Garçons] and Junya [Watanabe]. I'm also one of those people who feels deeply connected with my clothes and accessories, and I always remember the moment I first found or tried something on in a store or sale, so brick-and-mortar is a big part of the experience. It makes it impossible to get rid of anything. Photo: Tommy Ton

Zachary Quinto

Occupation: Actor What was the last thing you bought and why? Hmm. My boyfriend has such great taste that I just steal all of his things. I don't know what the last fashion item I bought is. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? I like what I like and I like to be comfortable. It's a little bit of a pores kind of thing for me—sometimes I care about it more than others. I really tend to be more mindful of how I look when it's warm out, as opposed to my winter uniform of jeans and a parka. Photo: Billy Farrell / BFAnyc.com

Susie Lau

Occupation: Writer and blogger, Style Bubble What was the last thing you bought and why? The last thing I bought were two pairs of Gosha Rubchinskiy shoes when I was in Moscow. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? It's definitely how I shop when I'm in a foreign country. I always think about things that are native to that place—or in other words, "What can I buy here that I can't get back at home?" Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? 50/50. I do love doing sales shopping online just because you can browse everything at once and do a lot of price comparison. But nothing really beats going into stores when the new season has come in and you emerge with a physical bag in hand, or going vintage shopping in person and hearing the stories about the pieces you're buying. Photo: Tommy Ton

Sarah Rutson

Occupation: VP of global buying, Net-a-Porter What was the last thing you bought and why? My most recent purchases are a Haider Ackermann backless jumpsuit and a Victoria Beckham mid-calf cotton and linen skirt with leather belt. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? I aim to buy items that are timeless that I will wear constantly. I'm a practical shopper; I don't buy fads. My wardrobe works very hard for me, and my clothes have to possess a chameleonlike quality so I can get a lot of mileage out of them. I suppose, then, I would call myself a "considered" shopper! Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? I'm absolutely an online shopper, as I'm just too busy! Online shopping is what I do when it's 2 a.m. in the morning and I'm wide-awake with jet lag. I love a "shop" that's open when I'm free, and not the other way around. It suits my hours and needs. Photo: Joe Schildhorn / BFAnyc.com

Greg Chait

Occupation: Founder and creative director, The Elder Statesman What was the last thing you bought and why? I just bought a pair of Comme [des Garçons] pink pants for a very good friend's Studio 54 dance party. They're bitching! I bought them at Maxfield. Is that symptomatic of the way you normally shop? For me, I have such a limited wardrobe. I think that happens with designers—you get into a uniform. For some reason, recently I've been shopping quite a bit. Those pants were just awesome and they just took me back into the late '70s. Photo: Tommy Ton

Elizabeth Stewart

Occupation: Stylist What was the last thing you bought and why? The last thing I bought was a Nina Ricci blouse that I happened to see when I was in a store working on a job. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Since I am a stylist, I never shop specifically for myself, I just snap up things I spot on the job. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? I love to shop online because I can do it late at night, the only time I have a minute to spare. The sites make returns very easy! Photo: Billy Farrell / BFAnyc.com

Diletta Bonaiuti

Occupation: Stylist, Luisa Via Roma What was the last thing you bought and why? Last thing I bought was a pair of super-wide-leg jeans from the Kenzo SS15 show. I love denim, so when I find something particular, say jeans or a skirt, I can't do without it! Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? I always tend to buy bottoms. Trousers, shorts, long, or miniskirts are never missing from my wardrobe. As I said before, denim plays a huge part in my everyday life. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? I work for Luisa Via Roma, so I should say, "Online, of course." However, I prefer to touch and try on what I buy, so I end up doing most of my shopping in person. A big part of this is also because I love to hang out with my friends and find new shops with unique stuff, like a vintage store or small workshop selling handmade shoes. Photo: Tommy Ton

Narciso Rodriguez

Occupation: Designer What was the last thing you bought and why? Acne jeans. I love Acne jeans, they're really the best jeans. I buy them often. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Pretty much. It's a uniform at my house. Photo: Angela Pham / BFAnyc.com

Leandra Medine

Occupation: Founder and writer, Man Repeller What was the last thing you bought and why? A pair of navy blue, suede Rosetta Getty clog slides because my friend Claire [Distenfeld] who has a store uptown called Fivestory Instagrammed a photo of them and they are really, really cool. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Yes, I tend to buy what her Instagram tells me to. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? I like shopping off of other people—things tend not to come to life until you see the multifarious ways to style them. Photo: Joe Schildhorn / BFAnyc.com

Olivia Wilde

Occupation: Actress; spokesperson for H&M Conscious Collection What was the last thing you bought and why? I bought some stuff at a flea market—Brooklyn Flea. I bought some cool jewelry made by some girls there and some bottles that I'm making into vases. That's what I bought [laughs]. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Yeah. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? Shopping online's great because you have access to brands that may not be in your neighborhood, and I think that's wonderful. And that's actually an important point: that all the brands that conscious commerce has curated here are available on [H&M's] site, but also through—there's more brands available on the Spring app. Photo: Billy Farrell / BFAnyc.com

Veronika Heilbrunner

Occupation: Cofounder, Hey-Woman.com What was the last thing you bought and why? Acne Studios flared white denim pants. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Totally. I also invest first in summer pieces that I know I will wear literally every day, while I go for more special pieces at the end of the season—which is opposed to what makes sense, I know—to pick the pieces that I really love after having worked with them for shoots. With this system, I end up having a good selection in my wardrobe. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? I do love going in stores to see the pieces in their surrounding and enjoy the idea behind the concept, but to be honest, online shopping is what I end up doing in reality, as I rarely have time while shops are actually open. Photo: Tommy Ton

Andrew Richardson

Occupation: Stylist and founder, Richardson; editor in chief, Richardson magazine What was the last thing you bought and why? A G. Lorenzi oyster knife and glove from Bergdorf Goodman, because it is well made and thoughtfully designed, as was everything from the now-closed G. Lorenzi. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Yes, I normally buy things for those reasons. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? Both are good. I like online because I can find exactly what I'm looking for no matter where it is. There are some shops I go to regularly and have gone to for years, like Budd in London, and still find new essential items every time I go there. Photo: Olivier Zahm

Charlotte Stockdale

Occupation: Fashion director, Garage What was the last thing you bought and why? A lot of Sacai! Because I always wear what I buy from Sacai, so it makes me want to buy again. Sometimes I buy, but it doesn't work. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Yes. I rarely buy just one thing. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? Definitely in stores—or when I'm lucky enough to preorder directly from the designer. That's lovely because you forget about it, then suddenly five months later it's the new season and a bag of stuff arrives, like a surprise present to yourself. Photo: Bertrand Rindoff Petroff / Getty Images

Irina Lakicevic

Occupation: Blogger, A Portable Package What was the last thing you bought and why? The last thing I got is a pair of cropped jeans from Lemaire. I absolutely adored the vintage-y, rich blue color and high waist. The fact they were cropped resulted in a really cool fit. It just feels like the special piece that stands out due to the cut, but it's still summer denim, which you can wear basically everywhere. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? I think that my latest purchase absolutely categorizes the type of shopper I am. I like those pieces that are iconic in terms of type—a pair of denim, a blue shirt, etc.—but that there is something about the cut, the fabric, or color that really makes it a standout piece. On the other hand, I am not an impulse shopper, but I like to think it saves me from buyer's regret. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? Online. I do love to feel the fabric and see the cut, but I also like to be able to see the garment thousands of times before I commit. If I would do that in-store, I would end as the awkward lady that constantly hangs around. Photo: Tommy Ton

Steven Kolb

Occupation: CEO, Council of Fashion Designers of America What was the last thing you bought and why? These glasses are Morgenthal Frederics. I didn't buy them, but they are my last fashion item. I have a lot of glasses, maybe now 80 pair, and these are crushed titanium with a buffalo horn. But what I love about them is the white accent on the inside. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? I have a lot of glasses, but my main collection is my owl collection. I have over 1,000 owls—I just bought an owl in San Francisco. I bought a 1970s clear glass owl. I'm a collector. Photo: Neil Rasmus / BFAnyc.com

Aliza Licht

Occupation: SVP global communications, Donna Karan International What was the last thing you bought and why? I bought this dress on Saturday at DKNY. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? I did a closet check recently and everything I own is so occasion-driven, so I'm trying to build up my "casual" options. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? I only shop in-store for myself. I have to try it on. I'm super old school like that. I'm completely the opposite with home. I have no problem buying a dining room table and never seeing it in person, but a dress? No way. I need to touch that. Photo: Neil Rasmus / BFAnyc.com

Elisa Nalin

Occupation: Stylist What was the last thing you bought and why? I bought a wonderful round and glittery pair of Miu Miu sunglasses at an airport shop—I just could not resist them, they were screaming my name out loud. It seemed like they had been made for me. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? More or less. I'm not at all a big shopper, or even less a shopaholic, but when I find something that to me is really special, with which I fall in love instantly, then I normally buy it immediately. Otherwise, I have learned from past experiences, I would keep thinking about it, won't find it anymore, and end up regretting it for a while. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? In stores, definitely, with no doubt. I'm too retro in a way. I need to feel, touch, see the clothes or accessories in real life. Photo: Tommy Ton

Eugene Tong

Occupation: Style director, Details What was the last thing you bought and why? A Supreme x Undercover trench in black. I thought it was a cool collaboration, so I wanted to own a piece from it. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Yes, I tend to buy less but better these days. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? In-store. I'm impatient by nature. Photo: David X Prutting / BFAnyc.com

Jane Herman Bishop

Occupation: Cofounder, Jean Stories What was the last thing you bought and why? I recently bought a pair of heavyweight-heeled Reed Krakoff ankle boots because it was the kind of shoe I wanted to wear with boot-cut jeans and Amo denim's kick style. The combination is very flattering—look, longer legs! Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Totally. Everything I buy goes with my jeans. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? I like them both equally and for different reasons. Shopping online is so efficient—the best, if I know what I'm looking for. But when I have the luxury of time, just looking at things in stores can be enough. Photo: Courtesy of Jean Stories

Linda Rodin

Occupation: Founder, Rodin Olio Lusso; stylist What was the last thing you bought and why? A Thom Browne shirt was the last thing I bought because I love men's shirts and I think they look good with everything I wear—jeans, trousers. I bought a denim Saint Laurent shirt that laces up the front like a cowboy shirt. It's denim, so I couldn't resist, and it's a style I know I had the original—I'm sure I had that shirt in the '70s. It just makes me feel good and back to the beginning. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? I like to just see what's out there, because I don't need anything but I like to just meander, and I think that's the fun part. Do you prefer to shop online or in stores? In person, for sure. I hate going to the post office to return things and nothing ever fits online, so I'd rather do it personally. And I love the experience of shopping, I think it's really fun. I buy certain things online that I know are the right thing, but if it's something fashion-y or something that I want to see and touch, I like to go [to stores]. Photo: Matteo Prandoni / BFAnyc.com

Leith Clark

Occupation: Stylist, founder, and editor in chief, Violet What was the last thing you bought and why? A Saint Laurent dress on Matches Fashion, right before I fell asleep late Saturday night. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Yes. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? Online. Except Miu Miu. I love shopping in Miu Miu shops. Photo: Courtesy of isabelleoc.co.uk

Michelle Harper

Occupation: Business consultant What was the last thing you bought and why? I recently bought two very unique, deep-red, marvelous pigeon's blood rubies from Burma—one to be set in a ring for my wife and one to be set in a ring for myself so that we can both have a pair of matching rings that last forever, are personal in style, and are beyond trend. I also bought myself a vibrant yellow vintage Valentino Garavani "jacket" for the spring. I have loved the brand forever. It is a house that is as amazing today as it was when founded. And lastly, I purchased a special "backpack" of sorts from my friend Niels Peeraer, whom I have supported from the beginning, as he is just genius and keeps getting better and better. A bit of a shopping spree, but when amazing items come along, if you really want them and they are not something that will just sit there, you have to decide if you really value them and can buy them, then you do need to get to it. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Not in the sense of constant shopping sprees, but yes in the sense of looking for diverse, unique pieces that inspire me and endure because of their innate style rather than trend. I love to combine the creation of custom pieces with heartfelt meaning, purchasing one-of-a kind vintage items, especially from the great visionaries of fashion, and I always seek out and support incredible new talent that display originality, coupled with the execution of pieces made with great quality and craftsmanship. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? I prefer to handpick and buy my items after I really look at them, try them on, and assess them. So although it is not always a "store," it is not online shopping for the most part. Photo: Tommy Ton

Natalie Hartley

Occupation: Fashion director, Glamour U.K. What was the last thing you bought and why? The Céline ballet pump style heels in white because I am obsessed with a white shoe. Even though it would be a nightmare to keep clean, they make anything feel more modern. Plus, I love the simple shape of them and the heel height that is so comfortable. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? I look for comfort in everything—yes, this is how I shop. I look to update my wardrobe staples like my jeans with simple pieces like a great shoe or bag. It's what I really spend my money on and always in a minimal way. I don't really look for print or embellishment block colors. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? Personally, I love to try things on and enjoy the experience in a shop. Shoes and bags are easier to buy from online websites, as I am quite impulsive, and if I love something, I would just get it, so online works well for that! Photo: Tommy Ton

Lawrence Schlossman

Occupation: Senior editor, Complex What was the last thing you bought and why? The last thing I bought was a pair of suede Chelsea boots from a menswear shop down in Soho run by my buddies' [brand] Carson Street. It had been a long time since I had a new pair of "proper" footwear—I have a sneaker problem—and went about remedying the situation. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? That purchase more or less sums up my shopping habits, even though I am probably the least frequent shopper of anybody I know who works in fashion. And, no, it's not because I get so much free stuff. I'm just that lazy. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? When I do happen to shop—which is usually online because I am extremely aware of how my favorite brands and labels fit me—I usually gravitate toward footwear. I could gain or lose (read: gain) all the weight in the world, but shoes and sneakers will always fit. That's how I justify building my outfits from the ground up and never, ever, under any circumstances, working out. Photo: Tommy Ton

Yaz Bukey

Occupation: Designer What was the last thing you bought and why? The last thing I bought was a Hervé L. Leroux dress that I love, the purple one. Right now I'm into purple. I've never worn purple before. I've been wearing it for three to four weeks now. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? I went to the store and I tried it on. I love dresses that if you have a belly, it disappears your belly if you don't have a butt. I got it in the store at 32 Rue Jacob. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? I never do online shopping because I like to see the fabrics, etc. I will shop Hervé [Leroux], at Alaïa, and I will shop for shoes at Prada, and maybe I will buy a specialty at Comme des Garçons, like a coat. I like to stay more and more into signature looks. Photo: Billy Farrell / BFAnyc.com

Ben Stubbington

Occupation: VP of men's design, Theory What was the last thing you bought and why? The last item I bought was a long-sleeve T-shirt from a store in L.A. called Apolis. I had just returned from a camping trip and needed something new since everything I owned smelled like campfire. I liked the store and the attitude. Working in menswear, I tend to have a kind of uniform and I keep the shopping to a minimum. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? I buy basic things, but they need to be unique or tell a story. I'm a believer in investing in things and becoming attached to them—I'm probably this way with most things in life. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? The experience of shopping in a store cannot be replaced. That being said, when done right, online stores can evoke a similar experience to being in a real brick-and-mortar. I prefer small and well-curated stores. It's all about the connection created between you, the store, the content, and the attitude. Photo: Getty Images

Mira Mikati

Occupation: Designer and co-owner, Plum What was the last thing you bought and why? A set of ethnic beaded necklaces by Clash because I'm obsessed with beads, charms, and colors. Each of those necklaces has a Native American symbol that has its own meaning, like the forward-facing palm that encourages us to spread love. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Yes, I tend to buy items that are always full of colors, positive energy, and happiness. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? I prefer shopping in stores, to experience the excitement, falling in love, trying it, touching it, but online shopping is the best way for me to find things that I missed in stores. Or I preorder things to not miss out on them. Photo: Dave Benett / Getty Images

Ana Kras

Occupation: Artist What was the last thing you bought and why? A pair of silver slippers. I was walking around Rio de Janeiro and I saw an old shop that sells orthopedic shoes for the elderly. I've always had a thing for old ladies comfort slippers. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? No, I almost only buy something if I see it without even looking and feel strongly for it. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? If I need something particular, definitely online. I don't like the loud music and the bright lights in the stores and all the shopping chaos. But my favorites are little stores I see along when I travel, or open-air markets, like back home in Belgrade. Photo: Joe Kohen / Getty Images

Anne-Sophie Mignaux

Occupation: Event director, Galerie Perrotin What was the last thing you bought and why? I just bought a beautiful Drew mini blue bag from Chloé. I had a crush on it—the color is perfect for spring/summer and the mini size is cool. I also bought an organic bathing suit from Luz collection on lanecrawford.com. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? I'm a shopaholic. I always want what is new. I have basics—black tuxedo, white silk shirt, jeans, and leather pants—but I love to have strong pieces to add colors to my look. I always need new shoes, new bags… Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? Honestly, I shop a lot online, it's so easy…I don't have time to shop in stores, and I don't like to wait and try things on in stores. Online, it's delivered at home or to my office; I try the pieces when I want; and if I don't like my order, I can return it easily. Photo: Bertrand Rindoff Petroff / Getty Images

Florence Kane

Occupation: Cofounder, Jean Stories What was the last thing you bought and why? Frame Denim's Le Boyfriend shirt, because it's a shirt shape I didn't have, and the oxford-blue color goes great with so many of my jeans! Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Yes, I'm a separates woman these days, and have been for a while. (I can't remember the last time I wore a dress.) I wear denim every day, so everything I buy, from shoes to jackets, must work with jeans. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? Online, mostly because it's easier to hunt things down. And I'm on the computer so much anyway… Photo: Courtesy of Jean Stories

Raphaëlla Riboud

Occupation: Designer What was the last thing you bought and why? Beene by Beene by Geoffrey Beene, on Amazon. I wanted to discover his work. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? I have always found that shopping is more fun when it takes you out of your comfort zone, when it allows you to discover and explore. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? Online, definitely. I feel more adventurous when I know I will be trying the clothes on at home and taking the time to decide whether I was right. Photo: Bertrand Petroff / Gegtty Images

Audrey Marnay

Occupation: Model What was the last thing you bought and why? I recently bought a black Eres bandeau bathing suit from Net-a-Porter to wear during my next holidays. Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? Yes, I tend to shop according to my needs of the moment. That way, I avoid impulse buys that end up hidden at the bottom of my closet for seasons on end. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? I don't always have time to go out and shop, that's why I love online shopping, at Net-a-Porter, TheCorner, The Webster, and L'Exception for French brands. They're so easy to access from anywhere. Also, there's such an enormous range: You can shop major brands and also young up-and-comers, like Monographie. Photo: Foc Kan / Getty Images

Catherine Lerer Anderson

Occupation: Assistant buyer, Bird What was the last thing you bought and why? I was thrilled to find—and immediately purchase—a second color of my beloved Lauren Manoogian knit jumpsuit through the Instagram feed of a local Greenpoint boutique, People of 2morrow. Lauren is one of my favorite knitwear designers, so I grab her pieces when I can, since we always sell out quickly at Bird! Is that symptomatic of how you normally shop? No, Instagram purchases are not my typical shopping m.o., but I do follow a few designer and resale boutique feeds and have bought a handful of items this way in the past year—as long as they list designer, size, price, and material right there in the post; "call for more info" is a death wish. I'm definitely a self-confessed eBay addict and online power-browser, though, so I suppose Insta-purchasing seems like the next logical step in the "I might miss this one thing in my size from my favorite designer's Spring/Summer 2013 collection that sold out in stores" fear-logic shopping… Do you prefer shopping online or in stores? At this point in retail, you can't have one without the other. I continually shop online, if only for the breadth of selection, but I certainly like to be inspired by a luxurious brick-and-mortar experience when I can. The truth is, I interchangeably use both resources before making most buying decisions—especially since I'm trying to practice "less but better" spending with fewer impulse purchases. I have to know, love, and trust a brand's fabrics and fits before I commit to it online, but I equally enjoy researching a product online before braving the downtown, mall-like crowds or heading uptown to multiple floors of options. But at the end of the day, both are still a thrill. I love walking out the door, crisp shopping bag in hand, having experienced great customer service while finding the piece I came to buy as much as I love receiving a swiftly sent online find with well-designed packaging—systematic shopping success. Photo: Courtesy of Dorenna Newton / whatwelikenyc.com

The question has never been more relevant for retailers around the world: What actually motivates people to shop?

Stores, of both the online and brick-and-mortar kind, are scrambling to find an answer in an ever-changing consumer landscape. The signs are in the shake-ups of late. First there was Net-a-Porter’s merger with Yoox, with the aim of creating the largest online luxury retailer in the world. Presumably part of the thinking is that the Yoox Group’s proven logistical and organizational capabilities can help turn Net-a-Porter profitable. Then came Saks Fifth Avenue replacing its president just 15 months into her tenure. And just earlier this week, J.Crew made headlines for its reported $607.8 million losses in a single year, which was magnified by fan outcry against the cool-girl styling Jenna Lyons has brought to the brand. (As an aside: J.Crew might not have had the $607.8 million to lose if Lyons hadn’t put the label back on people’s radars.)

Elsewhere, a more crowd-sourced model seems to be booming, at least as far as potential investors are concerned. Farfetch, which uses a global marketplace model allowing stores to use its interface to create online shops, is valued at $1 billion, and Etsy, whose IPO is rumored to happen this week, has an estimated value of $1.78 billion.

But back to the original question: In the emerging but still turbulent landscape of online shopping and the declining market for the in-store shopping experience, why do people shop the way they do? Rather than make speculative pronouncements on the big picture, we took a more grassroots approach. We polled stylish people around the world about their shopping habits for a glimpse into the psyche of shopping—find their answers in the slideshow above.

This article is part of Style.com’s Fashion State of the Union week. Read all of our stories from the series here.

—Steff Yotka, Style.com