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.

Quick Calendar

There is alot of good fashion stuff going on in the next couple of days and I want to make sure that you are aware of all of it! So here it is, as short and sweet as I can make it:

• This week Loehmann's opened a new location (Broadway @ 73rd st.) in Manhattan, which is great because this is one of those places where you can strike GOLD. Granted it requires frequent visits and a bit of luck bit of luck but, if you have time on your hands or are looking for something specific and basic it doesn't hurt to check this out.
  
• Going on now till Sunday CALYPSO Christiane Celle semi-annual warehouse sale. Save up to 80% off retail prices on women’s, children’s and home accessories. Check locale details here.
  
• Another one going on is The Art of Shopping denim and stuff clearance sale. Details here. (they have good music, "I forgot that I might see so many beautiful things..." *I'm singing)
  
• Starting today Torrid is having a MAJOR clearance sale in stores and online. Only this weekend though so, shop now and get the deals.
• Tomorrow dunkxchange will be taking place in the city (T New York, 240 W. 52nd St., btwn. Bdway & 8th) from 1-5. As founder Gary Hughes says, "Our monthly shows feature great shoes, great music, great food, and a fun, friendly atmosphere. Meet other sneakerheads and see the newest, rarest, hottest kicks!" Here's an article about one in the past if that description didn't help you get the idea.
  

Meat Packing Spring Trunk Show

Head to the Meat Packing distric today from 2-5 and celenrate the arrival of spring with Veuve Cliquot Rosé. Several boutiques like Catherine Malandrino, Diane von Furstenberg, Girlshop, Rebecca & Drew, Yigal Azrouel, and 16 other shops will offer new spring merchandise during this special event. And as the name suggests, lots of champagne will be served.

I Was Always Worried About This

How badly do you think people want fake Louis Vuittons? Badly enough to get held hostgage in a chinatown basement? That's what happened to twelve tourists this week who were held for two hours when peddlers were too afraid to let them out of there underground shop, in fear of police finding them during a raid. Those LV people are all over Canal street with there walkie talkies spreading the word when the fuzz rolls around. The place was eventually raided and police found thousands of knock-off bags, wallets, and, of course, customers. The tourists were let go with a warning and a good story about their trip to the big city. That's NYC for you.