Happy Halloween 2008!

Although Halloween has just passed and I'm sure everyone is still ruminating about all the shenanigans of the night it's time to start thinking about what to wear next year. While it might seem a bit premature when there are deals like this going on you can't turn them down! Especially the plus size ladies, right now Torrid is have a 50% off clearance sale and the Halloween costumes are $14.99. C'mon, Gangster, get your naughty on. If that doesn't do it for you there are about a million other places on line to shop for next year, or at least a little role playing.

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It's Been Too Long

Sorry for the hiatus =( Things were a little crazy and I couldn't be around but now I'm ready to get back to it!

Do you know what inspired me? Handbags of course. I might not have a job, and many bills looming on the horizon but I can still take solace in a good handbag, followed by a good shoe. That being said there are good handbags and shoes everywhere but the handbag that I picked out is ridiculously gorgeous and soon to be sought after.

Owner Pierre Dabagh (dad of a friend!) started Park Avenue International Handbags in 1982, and introduced the Pietro Alessandro line in 2004, with the fashion conscious consumer in mind. Fine leathers, imported from Italy, are used to craft unique and sophisticated handbags, which are then manufactured in the USA. And now, Pietro Alessandro has created a niche in the edgy, fashionable world of handbags, especially with this little gem that is being carried all over the place by Lindsey Lohan. I've got that one and a different style coming tomorrow for a fraction of what they sell for in stores... LOVE IT!

And if the wasn't enough to put me on fashion cloud nine. I also went a little shoe crazy at Target. Yes, you read right Target. I had initially gone just to do some reconnaissance concerning the Hollywould for Target line that just hit stores. Overall it was a bit flashy and a bit too high heeled for me but I did end up purchasing one pair of peep toes and then got distracted by all the other fabulous and inexpensive shoes. Like these little gems, in brown and black. They are just flirty enough to be worn out at night but comfy enough for daytime. Plus they remind me of these hot Dolce Vita skimmers that I was lusting over for a while. I also got a pair of plain brown flats because the cold weather is coming and flip flops just aren't going to do it, unfourtunately. All that for about $100! I'm so excited. And while I was looking on the website I noticed these boots which would be great for the winter with my brand new handbag!

It's so good to be back.

Named After Me!

The first US outpost of this posh Italian footwear manufacturer will be like stepping into heaven. All your favorite boys will be on display and ready to wear, from John Galliano to Marc Jacobs @ Iris 827 Washington St. (Gansevoort & Little W. 12th St.) Although I haven't yet been I couldn't help but be excited. I wonder if they will give me a discount.

Do It Yourself... Almost

Are you one of those people who loves the handmade look? Not quite able to pull it off yourself or just too lazy too? Well, I am the latter and I love it when I can find cute, unique, handmade items that will compliment my everyday wardrobe. Like these earrings although I could probably break out my crochet hook and get to it I'd rather just fork over the $50, wait a few days, and wear them out. Saves my fingers a load of pain. Same thing goes for these darling hair pins. Unless of course someone wants to make them for me...

Long Time Coming

I have been doing SO much research trying to find truly green products for the readers of She Spys The Buys after a request came in. And do I have some wonderful eco conscious fashions for you... First of there is the plastic bag problem. Although it isn't particularly about fashion:

• Worldwide, over one million plastic bags are used EVERY MINUTE.
• In the US, about 12 million barrels of oil and 14 million trees go to producing plastic and paper bags each year.
• About 4 billion plastic bags end up as litter each year.

Now that the stats have been established there are lots of plastic bag alternatives, such as reusable shopping bags and eco chic totes. The ones I have found are:

• First and most talked about is Anya Hindmarch's "I am not a plastic bag". Basically a totally styling alternative to the plastic bag and a super cheap $15.00 for designer fabulousness. It sounds too good to be true and it is because they are completely sold out everywhere. Plus, Ms. Hindmarch has decided to put all her attention towards growing her brand. You can still pick one up on eBay though.
  
• If you like the idea of green living you can find great tips and products at Ideal Bite. Sign up for their mailing list and have green living emailed to you everyday. They definately subscribe to the idea of your own bag as opposed to paper or plastic so much so that they even have their own version. Spread the word and become a Biter!
• The lightest reusable bag on the market is the ACME bag. Yeah, you can rock out like the coyote chasing the road runner when you do your shopping. The best part is it conveniently folds up into a tiny little carrying pouch that you can put in your big purse.
• Last but not least there is my old eco standby Ecoist. They have their own set of 5 reusable bags that are colored to match and come in their own carrying case. With 5 different sets of 5 bags each there is something for everyone.
  

Now, maybe you're not doing your groceries your out on the town. There are plenty of ways that you can still live the green life while doing your everyday things.

• First place to shop is HER Design. With bags made out of linen, hemp canvas, organic cotton, vegan leather, silk, etc. It's easy to see that there is a little something for everyone. My personal favorite, The 'Iris' in any of the many different fabric options.
  
• Kim White specializes in handbags made from vintage automobile fabrics. Personally I really like the 1975 AMC Gremlin clutch. Reusing is the way to go. It keeps this stuff out of our landfills and is really a slap in the face to our unbelievably wasteful society.
  
• Speaking of keeping stuff out of landfills. There is always Ecoist and now Escama Studio. They make a bag similar to one on Ecoist but they use colorful thread to keep them together.
  
• If your looking for a whole plethora of organic and green things check out this online shop. They have a little bit of everything and all in that loving mother earth kind of way.

Crazy!

Hey pet owning fashionistas! How crazy in love with your pet are you? Crazy enough to spend hundreds on clothes, beds, food, toys, etc. that's for sure. But how about spending some money on memorializing them forever and taking them with you everywhere. Sounds good right... I suppose in theory this could be a great idea but what has been bought to my attention as a possibility of achieving this goal is less than ideal to me. Enter Catty Shack Creations, where you can have a purse made from yarn that is spun from your cat or dog's shaved fur. How do they do this you ask, well, first you would bathe the cat and blow out the coat to make sure it’s clean, fluffy, and tangle-free. Then they shave the animal down, carefully collecting each hair fiber. Then that hair is left to “cure” for a few days to remove all moisture. The hair fibers are then carded. The carded hair now enters the spinning process. At Catty Shack Creations they use two spinning wheels, yeah you read right spinning wheel. Once the hair is spun, the knitting can begin. Crazy? Not Crazy? You be the judge...

more at twiigs.com...

It's Getting A Little Out Of Hand

Target is right on the bull's-eye for its next designer collaboration, tapping Loeffler Randall designer Jessie Randall to create an accessories line which will debut in early 2008. The collection is being previewed to long-lead press Wednesday at the Target Studio on Seventh Avenue. Randall follows in the footsteps of Rafé New York, Devi Kroell, and most recently, Hollywould and Dominique Cohen, all of whom have designed more wallet-friendly product for the mass-with-class retail giant. And I'm all for capsule collections but after seeing the Hollywould product that is supposed to sell October 21, 2007 to January 19, 2008 I'm a little worried that we might get something not so fabulous from this newest designer collarboration...

That Time Of Year Again

With the warm weather quickly leaving it's time to think about fall trends. I have to laugh about it because you really see how quickly things make a turn around. And although one day your out within a few months you can be right back in. This fall you want to make sure that you stock up on:

• Some good denim! Trouser jeans are my new fave (I knew they were making a come back even though it took longer than I thought it would) but you could also go with some straight leg jeans if trouser doesn't quite work for you.
  
• The color gray! Gray is the new black this season from clothes to shoes to handbags. It compliments every color and look, in a subtle way. Gray is the way to go! I wish my Hollywould flats hadn't stretched out so badly.
• Menswear in general! Who wears the pants in your relationship? Or that crisp button shirt, or that fabulous trench coat. Show him that anything you can do he can do better!
• Ankle booties! I have been saving a pair of Steve Madden ones that I got last year on sale. And although they don't have them anymore because Steve never repeats anything (haha) these are perfect for the fall.
  
• Cropped jackets! Again, I picked up a totally awesome one last fall and have kinda been holding on to it till now but you should pick one up because they go with any outfit and are super comfy.
  

So that's my take on the fall, there are lots of things you might want to try out but these are key. You can build on them and use them in the future.

Sales...

Yeah it's a been a while since I have done this but, there are some totally wonderful sales this week.

• The notorious Jimmy Choo sample sale is here... shoes, bags, and accessories from 65% off. I went last year and the line was CRAZY. The deals and selection really depended on what size you are. If your closer to sample sizes there will be more for you, as is a guess to be expected. Get there early, that's my only word of advice. This Thursday, from 12-7:30 p.m.@ Warwick Hotel, 65 W. 54th St., at 6th Ave.
• Mulberry is up to 75 percent. All I'm thinking about is the beautiful beautiful bags. I'll definately try to stop by this Wednesday & Thursday, from 10-7 @ 140 W. 57th St., btwn. 6th & 7th Aves., ste. 9b.
• Charlotte Ronson's summer dresses for $75, wedge shoes for $45, and sweaters for $70. Great way to get ready for the fall. This Wednesday thru Friday from 10-6 @ 1071 6th Ave., b/t 40th & 41st St., ste. 301.
• Some of my fav Brooklyn boys Hayden-Harnett and they are doing it up for a good cause. Up to 80% off clothes, bags, and other accessories, with 20% of proceeds benefiting the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. This Wednesday thru Saturday from 12:30-7:30 @ Edge NY, 65 Bleecker St., btwn. Broadway & Lafayette St.
• Freebies like cocktails and Alpha Beta peels from MD Skincare (normally valued at $200) are reason enough to check out the Billion Dollar Babes shopping event. Here’s another bonus: and Cynthia Rowley gear is discounted by up to 80%. To register and RSVP, go to billiondollarbabes.com. They won't let you in if you don't RSVP. This Wednesday (8-8) and Thursday (8-6) at the Altman Building 135 W. 18th St., nr. 6th Ave.

Speaking of Shoes

The Big Apple has its fair share of designer shoe salons, but how many can claim their own ZIP CODE? Today, Saks Fifth Avenue unveils its new heel emporium on the eighth floor - a shoe department so big, it will be the first store floor granted its own digits by the U.S. Postal Service: 10022-SHOE. By the way, there will be stamps. But more importantly, there will be shoes about 10,000 pairs, nearly double what Saks used to carry on the fourth floor. Joining their current roster of 38 favorite designers, including Prada and Jimmy Choo, will be newcomers Alejandro Ingelmo, Azzedine Alaia, Brian Atwood, Costume National, Derek Lam, Gianvito Rossi, Jonathan Kelsey, Nicole Brundage and Sergio Rossi. And you will shop in glam, modernist style: The futuristic redesigned space with curvilinear displays and jewel-toned upholstery will feature a 70-foot-long curving wall of handblown Murano glass bubbles. There will be a shoe repair and refurbishing service, a Charbonnel et Walker chocolate café and a VIP back room for private shopping with an adjacent fitting room. An express elevator will whisk shoppers straight to the floor. That's my next stop after Hollywould.

Super Sale

I am totally obsessed with Hollywould shoes. And it is that time of the summer again, you guessed it, insane sale! Today, tomorrow, and Sunday from 11:30-7 @ 198 Elizabeth St. See you there!

For All The Eco Chic's

Victoria’s Secret, which last December agreed to adopt eco-friendly alternatives for its mass-mailing businesses, is about to go one step further come spring, The Daily has learned. That’s when the brand, along with Victoria’s Secret Pink, a more whimsical line of lingerie and loungewear aimed at the younger set, will further their environmental awareness, launching mini collections of environmentally conscious apparel. Key items will include fleece tees, tanks, and accessories made from organic cottons. “This is definitely the right next step,” a spokesperson for Victoria’s Secret Pink confirmed to Fashion Week Daily. “Customers love our brand and are very aware of the environment right now. Everyone is conscious of it.” Don’t expect to see a “Pink goes Green” tagline, however. Though the pieces will be an ecologically sound option for consumers, it will only make up a small portion of the retail giant’s overall assortment. According to the spokesperson, the brand is still exploring other ways to enhance public consciousness. I guess it's a step in the right direction.

Celebs Are Just Regular People!

Look how Kate Bosworth rocks her $17.99 Libertine for Target T-shirt Dress. She's not pretentious and elitist she's just plain old Kate in her super cute dress which is still available on Target.com. Personally I would probably pair it with some leggings or jeans but I don't rock the same kind of Blue Crush body that Ms. Bosworth does. And it this dress doesn't float your boat check out the other great Libertine stuff.

Bubbalicious

We all know that I absolutely LOVE jewelry and I'm always on the look out for something new and innovative. Well now you can take a trip back to your youth, when the simplest things, such as blowing bubbles, in the backyard brought you so much happiness with this blown glass blowing bubbles necklace from dejarnette. I'm not so sure I can pull it off but it looks so cool and definately unique!

Would You?

While perusing the sales stuff, I found these Christian Louboutin wedges. They are strangely attractive and at the same time I wonder if I would have anything to match them. Now here is the question...

more at twiigs.com...

Bidding Wars!!!

Now that Christopher Kane is on his way to becoming a household name, he is giving back where he can. His latest gesture? Designing a leather tote with electrical specialists Comet, to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “I wanted to do it as soon as I heard what charity it was for,” said Kane, who’s best known for his neon-hued bandage micro minis. “I have learned so much about making bags, especially ones with so many sections!” Only four of the multi-pocketed carryalls have been produced, and will be auctioned off on eBay at the end of August. I can only imagine the ridiculousness that people will be willing to spend. It's a good thing it all goes towards a cause. Kane noted that he sought inspiration in creating the bag from his girl friends, many of whom, he laughed, were always losing their cell phones or iPods. “This bag has different sections for every gadget,” he explained. “You can carry your laptop, camera, battery chargers, and iPod in secure pockets while looking good at the same time.” Sounds perfect for the on the go lady.

Here's a Heads Up

What do French shoe label Repetto and Earnest Cut & Sew have in common besides being cult favorites of fashion insiders? Well, come September 1, the two are joining retail forces with a 90-day pop-up store within the denim brand’s Meatpacking District lifestyle and concept shop. The collaboration marks the first-ever retail initiative in the U.S. for Repetto, a dance apparel company that has come a long way since Rose Repetto designed her first ballet slipper in 1947. Since then, the simple slipper has gone from stage to street with the help of some of its most famous fans, like Brigitte Bardot. The temporary store will feature an extensive selection of shoes, boasting over 70 styles in 350 different finishes. In addition to the classics, Earnest Sewn president and designer Scott Morrison has created a one-of-kind Repetto Zizi “jazz” model that will be exclusive to the store. A number of celebrity supporters are also on board to add their names and signatures to a limited number of one-off artist-signed Repettos. And as if that’s not enough hullabaloo, as part of Earnest Sewn’s upcoming eco line Greencaste, two exclusive styles of the Zizi and the BB will be cast in organic canvas. Earnest Sewn will christen the collaboration with a party during Fashion Week, but as with all things pop-up, come December 1, both the installation, and likely the shoes, will be gone.

Sales

Even though there is still a whole month and a day left of summer you can find some great sales going on. One of my personal stops to shop right now is Banana Republic. Normally, there stuff is a bit to pricey for everyday purchases but with the end of season sale going in full there are tons of great things to wear for the remainder of the season. Like these:

• For $14.99 how can you go wrong with this trapeze top or this basic top
• A basic T-shirt dress works now and in the coming colder months with a cute cropped jacket.
• Any jersey dress no matter the color is worth it. They are so comfy! Perfect for the end of summer BBQ's.
• And if you really need to dress it up this embroidered dress will do the trick.

Honestly this sale stuff is priced to move like normal prices at Gap and even the new Old Navy. But with quality that makes it all the more worth it.

Heidi Klum Is Taking Over The World

Heidi Klum is more than just a pretty face. A model, TV star here and overseas, designer, and the mother of three recently has just started on a luxury jewelry brand with designer Mouawad (think VS million dollar bra) But, that's not all she's working on. Besides her collection for Mouawad, she just finished designing her next silver collection for QVC which is available on August 7th (now I know where those clover earrings she always wears come from), and she also helped create a personalized makeup palette for Victoria's Secret. Having recently finished shooting the 4th season of Project Runway, which will air later this year, she is currently working on new designs for Birkenstock. She has also developed a skincare line which will be released soon. It's a good thing she likes to keep busy.

For Brooklynites

The borough president who helped bring Trader Joe’s to Atlantic Avenue (and gave hot cocoa to all those walking over the bridge during the transit strike) has set his sights on a new upscale target. He wants to bring a Nordstrom department store to B-town. “Now that [Trader Joe’s] is done, we can go to the next one,” Borough President Markowitz told The Brooklyn Paper several days after leading a jubilant parade from Borough Hall to the Court Street bank building where the gourmet grocer is setting up its first Kings County store. “Nordstrom would be awesome in Brooklyn. Now we have Trader Joe’s, Ikea, Whole Foods (where?) and all the other great retailers. That would complete it,” Markowitz said, still exuberant from his Joe’s victory lap. No wonder the rents are skyrocketing. If he keeps developing Brooklyn it's going to be just as expensive in the city, I mean it already is in some parts. That' s why I now live in the Bronx.

Call A Spade, A Spade

Not anymore. Kate and Andy Spade are leaving Kate Spade, the luxury accessories label they founded in 1993, to spend more time with their two-year-old daughter. The business was bought by Liz Claiborne Inc last November and the Spades' decision to leave their roles as designer and chief executive officer respectively comes as their six-month contract with the firm expires. "This is a hard decision, and I feel very emotional about it," Kate Spade told WWD. "But the emotions would be more about melancholy if I thought we weren't doing the right thing. We are with the right partners we wouldn't make this decision otherwise. This an opportunity for employees, the fabulous teams we have in place, to take the baton and run away with it." Kate will leave within the next few weeks, while Andy will continue to work until the end of the year. Both will remain members of the brand's board following their departure. It seems very surreal to think that your next Kate Spade bag will not have been designed by Kate Spade.

Happy Birthday To Me!

With my birthday about a week away I have been thinking about all the fancy wonderful things that I (can't afford) would love for gifts. I'm sure there are people who could use hints, so here it is. The List:

• I need a new mini-skirt, the ones that I have don't fit anymore. Isn't it a bitch, I lose serious pounds, get healthier, and I'm too broke to buy new clothes. (Size 14)
• I really like this tank top, a bit juvenile yes but still super cute... (Size L)
• I take after my mom in that I really love a good fragrance and Covet by SJP is something that I am, well, coveting...
• I also take after my mother in my love of really unique jewelry like these amazing earrings by Jane D'Arensbourg. V'ta will always have my heart but, these are so cool I've never seen anything like them.
• Trouser jeans are so hot right now and these are a nice affordable-ish pair. I've been waiting for this to come back for too long. (Size 14)
• I can't deny my extreme overwhelming love of handbags and this Libertine for Target bag is a perfect size for my normally overwhelming amount of stuff. What I really want are these shorts but good luck finding them in my size (15).
• On a non fashion related front, I need new Bare Escentuals, the bestest make up ever!
  
• Throw in a mani/pedi and I'm a happy birthday girl...

Most Hilarious Thing Ever

When you don't live in Manhattan like some fashionistas you have to search for places to buy your fab designer duds. Alas, you can't just run down to the Meatpacking District or 5th Ave. but I myself can run to The Westchester and shop it up the myriad of shops from Neiman Marcus to Louis Vuitton. Though, Yesterday if I approached the Westchester I might have run in the other direction and this is why. Naked chic's don't exactly beckon me to shop it up. PETA definitely made their point... Burberry BAD, topless chicks GOOD!

Wish List

I want these shoes... end of story. Good heel height, good price, probably comfy, plus I'm addicted to stripes and polka dots!

I Wish I Was Rich...

For many reasons naturally but, I have just found a new one that is pretty close to the top. Right after graduating, paying off debt, getting a good job, buying a house, etc. You know how it is... Anyway back to my original point, when I get that fab house after the job and graduation I know exactly where to splurge first. Following in the footsteps of Victoria Beckham I'm getting a super fab place to put my ever expanding wardrobe. Here are some of the things that the closet in her new LA pad is supposedly going to have:

* a leather floor
* Baccarat crystal chandelier
* $80,000 Andy Warhol shoe print
* a computer that tracks when she wears items of clothing
* a camera to give her a 360-degree "cat scan" of her outfit before she steps out.

How very Cher in Clueless...

Why?

Call it French dressing with a flourish? I don't think so. Naomi Campbell steps out in another crazy fashion, a feathery concoction by Giambattista Valli, at Cannes on Friday. She looks like she taped so drowned cats to her body...

You Can Save Me...

Well, not me but Gap, Inc. We all know that Gap, Inc. has had it's struggles in the past and has recently fallen on more bad luck but with the recent addition of present Go International designer Patrick Robinson to the team, they might be able to stay afloat. Mr. Robinson has been at Giorgio Armani, Anne Klein, Perry Ellis, and Paco Rabanne. Yesterday he was named executive vice president of design for Gap Adult and gapbody. Robinson will oversee all elements of design for the $6 billion retail brand’s women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, and intimates lines in North America. We'll see how that goes!

Random Wish

I love Born shoes! They are so freaking comfortable!! I would buy them in every color they made them in if I had the money!!! That being said I want these immediatley if not sooner. I swear they are going to be one of the first things I buy when I have a more steady flow of income!

More Target...

Alice Temperley is the latest designer to be tapped by Target for Go International. The limited-edition holiday line is set to hit stores in October. Temperley joins an illustrious line of designers who have guest designed for the red-hot retailer, including Luella Bartley, Behnaz Sarafpour, and Proenza Schouler, whose heavily marketed line became an instant international sensation and was even sold at Paris retailer Colette. Those clamoring for an instant fix of Target’s designer offerings, however, can snag a piece of Patrick Robinson’s collection, in stores now, or wait for bicoastal label Libertine’s designs due out by Labor Day.

Hello Kitty!

John Demsey, the group president at the Estée Lauder Cos. who oversees the M.A.C Cosmetics, Tom Ford Beauty, Estée Lauder, and Sean John Fragrances empires, has a new title on his polished resumé: fiancé. Demsey proposed to his girlfriend Anouschka Izmirlian over the weekend in the kitchen of his apartment at the Museum Tower in Midtown. However, unlike Demsey’s well-executed product launches, his engagement wasn’t without a hiccup; the ring wasn’t ready in time, so the bride-to-be was presented with a Kimora Lee Simmons Hello Kitty ring by her quick-thinking beau. Naturally, she said yes. “We’ve known each other for over a decade,” Demsey, who first met his fiancé in an elevator, said. That's fairy tale true love!

To Brighten My Mood

Continuing to comb through e-mails I am thrilled to learn that Due Farina, one of my fave shoe companies, has launched a new diffusion line, called Le due, just in time for summer. While the parent brand is all about luxe Italian materials and sexy after-dark drama (like my cheetah print snake skin pumps), Le due is geared toward a funkier girl-about-town, with lots of fun, quirky platforms and wedges. There are even a few flats thrown into the mix, and all at prices that won’t break the bank. New York-based designer Marina Rosin (such a sweety!) and her Italian-based design partner, Fabiana Rigamonti, decided to jump into the diffusion-level fray with three dozen fashion-forward spring 2007 styles that use less expensive materials than their signature collection and are made in Brazil, where manufacturing is less costly (Due Farina, which they've put on hold until the Resort 2008 season, will continue to be produced in Italy using higher-end materials and will retail from $450). “Due Farina is our more sleek, fashionable point of view, and it’s for a slightly older, more sophisticated customer,” Rosin told The Fashion Informer. “Le due is a more funky look, with a lot of bottom interest - patent platforms, wicker wedges, thick stacked wood heels. Our original collection is more chic and glamorous, and Le due is a bit more rustic and earthy.” Le due found a lot of support from buyers from stores such as Nordstrom and Anthropologie, who placed huge orders when the line was unveiled at last year’s WSA trade show in Las Vegas. For fall, Rosin and Rigamonti have continued to refine Le due, with sumptuous purple suede slingbacks, cap-toe paisley pumps, woven leather knee-high boots, and topstitched, snap-buckle maryjanes with a chunky cone heel. You can buy them at Tani, and Nadine and David in Manhattan.I'm super excited for them and I can't wait till it's on sale in the showroom!

Good Mourning!

I'm checking my email like I do every morning inundated with fashion news, jokes from friends, and spam (of course) and I find a sale e-mail from Elizabeth Showers. Happy news indeed! I buy tons of gifts for family and friends (and occasionally myself) from her fab vintage collection. Wait, think again... This 20% off sale is heralding the closing of elizabethshowersvintage.com, where the true sales are! And all because of the launch of her 18k gold collection, like I can afford that. The "sale" goes until June 4th, so take advantage of the deals (that aren't even that great) before they all go away forever. I'm not bitter...

For Lyn...

Perpetually embattled songstress-natureforce Courtney Love has shed a few pounds recently by some means or other. Now, she's shedding her old large stuff, like this pair of size 8 Marc Jacobs pink and black pinstripe pants, via eBay. Yeah, spring cleaning! $99 might seem like a lot to pay for a pair of slacks that have contained Courtney Love and all her craziness, but all proceeds go to the Chrysalis Organization, an organization that helps homeless people and ex-cons find jobs. That's right Courtney Love is a big humanitarian! Well, not as big as she used to be...

The Real Life Devil Wears Prada

We all know that the New York Times Best Seller, The Devil Wears Prada and it's subsequent movie interpretation were based on Vouge magazine's ice queen of an editor Anna Wintour. Now, she has decided to capitalize on the opportunity to set the record straight although it remains to be seen which direction it will go in the feature-length documentary chronicling the making of Vogue's September issue. It's well on it's way and the cameras were rolling at a tea party Lauren duPont and Amanda Brooks threw for Thakoon Panichgul at Bergdorf Goodman recently, where one of the film’s field producers revealed that 500 total hours of coverage will be filmed, with just an hour-and-a-half making the final cut. “The staffers at Vogue and Anna Wintour have been very cooperative,” said the source. “They're used to the cameras and the attention by now.” Filming will end in July and then all the less waiting to see how things truly are at Vogue.

And You Thought Top Shop Was Going To Be Crazy...

Kate Moss will be nude at Christie’s this month, but it’s not what you think. A series of photographs depicting the supermodel sans clothing will be auctioned on May 31, including a 1996 print by Irving Penn ($44,000) and a 6 x 6-foot image by Albert Watson (30,000) In addition, a set of six prints of Moss without makeup, taken by Chuck Close, is estimated to sell for up to $40,000. An unpublished photo, being auctioned by one of the 33-year-old model’s friends, is expected to sell for about $12,000. And the list just keeps on going. Yuka Yamaji, head of photography for the auction house, in a statement called Moss “a cultural icon and arguably the most influential model of our day.” I'm not sure if that is 100% true but it seems many people (with lots of money) might disagree with me.

Speaking of Summer...

That's right, dreaded swimsuit shopping is here. Whether your a big girlies, skinny twig, or just that amazingly Gisele-esq perfect curvy bitch we all hate it's tough to find something that works perfectly. My personal favorites are Coco Reef bikinis. Now, up until last summer you wouldn't have caught me dead in a bikini because (not to brag) but I have very ample bosom and they just don't make suits for that plus I was way more chunky but, I digress. At least I thought they didn't make suits like that until I found them @ Macy's. So exciting!

If you are on the curvier side and are looking for more coverage you can check any major department store for a one piece to suit you. If your looking for something in the plus size department that isn't something your grandmother would wear then definitely check out Torrid. They have some really cute, flattering pieces for the real women with curves!



Lastly, if you are one of those perfect bodied people that we all hate you can probably get away with wearing this craziness. Which is unfair because it's so freaking cheap and you have a perfect body! Although the one pieces look kinda funky the separates look like you could make them work for most body types and at $10 a pop why not give it a try.

A New Addition

I know that summer is really just around the corner and spring is winding down to a close but that doesn't mean that you (and I) can't still so some spring cleaning! In general my rule is that if there is something in your closet that you haven't worn in a year then chuck it. Also, if you are holding onto things because you "might one day fit in it again" you should reevaluate and give most of it away. Not to say that you should give up on losing weight or getting healthier but be nice to your closet and do your current body some justice. Hold on to one or two special pieces and buy things that will make you feel good about where you stand currently, no matter what that might be. There is always more shopping to be done and it's so much fun to go out and buy all new tiny clothes once you drop the weight! If the things that you are looking to get rid of still have some value in your mind then sell them on eBay. Everyone is looking for something on eBay and one woman's cast offs are another woman's couture. That's the route I'm going, enter She Sells! Check it out in the Links section and maybe you'll find something of mine that you just must have (it's all cheap), or you can just stalk me, whatever. And if you want me to sell something for you because you are far too busy in all your fabulousness drop me a line.

Back

I know, I've been MIA forever. Sorry for that but non shopping duties called. Now that I'm sitting down at the computer and typing to you fashionistas out there it makes me realize how much I've missed you! I have so much to tell you but I'll start with something little.

Today, I went shopping with a friend of mine to help her pick out strappy sandals for a cocktail event this Thursday. Now, we were leaning twoards the "probably never going to wear it again, super budget" side of things and made our way to Payless. As much as I would never shop there regularly sometimes it can come through in a pinch, like today. She managed to get one time use black strappy things, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! But, on our way over to Payless we developed a new mission: quick fix shoes for your truly. Today was a sad day. I have worn my fav pair of Hollywould flats to oblivion. I will consult with the shoe guru this weekend (aka my fab cobbler) and see if they can be fixed but I needed something so I could stop tripping over my own feet. Thankfully Payless saved me with these super comfy flip flops. Looks like Crocs, feels like Crocs, but are not Crocs! And thankfully so because not only are Crocs cliche but they are expensive. For a mere $14.99 I feel like I'm walking on clouds in the same skater girl style I rocked back in the day. O yeah...

GIVE AWAY!!!!

That's right, we at She Spys The Buys are doing a GIVEAWAY! Sign up for the mailing list (don't worry we won't stalk you or sell your info to anyone), in this box right above where you are reading and shortly after confirming all the details you'll get an email from me personally asking for your mailing address and I will send you a small "thanks for your interest" thing. It's nothing crazy but, you know you want it so SIGN UP!

Nothing Stopping You Now

Remember how I said that you would need to give yourself at least a half an hour to tie your Monif C convertible dress... well not anymore! The ladies have added an instructional video online at the request of customers who have purchased the dress and in hopes that those who haven't will now as there's fears are allayed. So there are no more excuses: buy it, wear it, love it! I'm going to start practicing now... when I get really good maybe I will be able to buy the yellow one without feeling the extreme guilt.