A Want! A Need? Maybe... Probably Not

Anyone who knows me personally knows I really don't need one more pair of shoes. Even if I got rid of a few pairs I don't need more shoes. Even if I got rid of half my shoes, I still don't need more shoes. Now that you understand that, there are some shoes that I am in love with. I have always loved ombre, which is basically refined tye-die or dip-dyeing, and now they make shoes like that. EXCITEMENT!!! So the Franco Sarto Acre shoe is gorgeous, but $89.00 is a bit much... $24.99 sounds much more in my budget, thank goodness for Target!

















There were other similar shoes I found on the cheap from Payless.

There were also some flats that I saw but $112.00 for basic flat with weird sole, no. $19.99 for better looking basic flat with noral sole, yay! Now the only question is which one to buy?

For Deals

A few sale opportunities are going on that I wanted to let people know about... first SOS Sample Sales is doing a C&C California summer dress & top sale along with their regular designer denim and clothing sale. You always need denim, hoodies, and such but right now with the warm weather on our doorstep (except today) you need to stock up on those summer items and if you can do it for 40-90% off retail why wouldn't you. Tanks and camis $10, top $15, dresses $35, going on now till Saturday from 11-7. Also, tonight there is a two hour shopping event at Lola and Maria with 20% off new items champagne and cupcakes from 7-9. If I wasn't in the middle of Finals crunch I would totally go for the food, booze and the 50% off clearance. But since I can't you definately should, 175 Rivington (btwn. Clinton and Attorney)

On a not sample sale plus note I wanted to make an announcement, there is an all the time sale going on and all you have to do is email me! I got a pocket money job at the For Joseph showroom in midtown right now there is a sample sale going on at 250 W 39th St Suite 509. I got the Pentina blouse in black featured on Shop Robertson for $26 (50% off wholesale) because I work there, but you can get it for $52 which is still more than 50% off retail. If you can't make it call/email me and you can look around. There are some awesome deals, $40 dresses/$20 blouses/$50 leather jackets!!! Yeah, you know you wanna come.

New Beginnings, New Focus

Hello All,

Things have been ridiculously crazy with the whole graduation and job thing. Oh, to go back to the days of playground fun... I digress. My whole focus for this blog is changing as I reach this new juncture in my life.

Originally I wanted to talk about designer sample sales and high fashion happenings in this blog but, for me at this point that is just noise. Without an amazing job to financially back me and student loans looming in the distance I have found myself in a new place. Some might call it the "real world" I'll just call it the next step. This is not to say that I don't adore high fashion it more means that I need a whole new wardrobe for my next step and I need to build it with a necessitous, frugal person's savvy.

I mentioned previously that I am shopping on the more thrifty side of things and I wanted to share some deals and notices from my personal inbox. If you can look like a million bucks without spending it (or anything close), why wouldn't you want to?

• The Iridesse sample sale is this week. I walk by this store all the time when I'm at my fancy mall but I've never gone in. I know that it's so ridiculously out of my price range. Now, this would be the time to get a classic piece of jewelry for 50-60% off retail. At some point we all were that little girl wearing her mother's pearls, why not grow it up a bit. That seems to be my mantra now. Head over to the Warwick Hotel (65 W. 54th in the Oxford Suite) Monday (11-7) or Tuesday and Wednesday (9-6).
• Today I might be headed to the Carnelian Knoll booth at Crafts on Columbus. I'm all about unique pieces of handmade jewelry for the right price. Julie Siegmund will be there this weekend, as well as, May 3-4 and May 10-11. The booth is in its customary location, on 81st Street between Columbus Ave. and Central Park West. The fair is open from 10-6 but if you can't make it you can always contact her for a private show.
  
• Lastly, I was searching for places online to get sweet deals. There are always the old standbys like Target, New York and Company, and Old Navy. But, new beginnings and a different budget calls for this change. So I came up with MoxieBee.com, created by the thrifty lady behind So Frugalicious. They have great deals on basics and a few trendy items. My only problem was their lack of larger sizes (me being a 36DD and all). When I emailed them about it they let me know that the brand Unyx ran larger. I'm skeptical but it's good to know. Anot'her online shop that I found was Martin and Osa, some of the items are really expensive but there are other more affordable options if you just look. Lastly, there was an old standby, Chadwicks. When I was younger I used to read my mom's catalog and think, that's only stuff for old ladies. They've changed quite a bit and have some really cute stuff if you search.

Let's Talk About Shoes Baby

First of all let's talk about a new an upcoming exhibit that I am totally excited to see. Christian Louboutin's first solo exhibition this spring, courtesy of FIT. "Sole Desire: The Shoes of Christian Louboutin," will be on view at The Museum at FIT from March 13 through April 19. The exhibition will showcase examples of Louboutin's work from both the collection of The Museum at FIT and his own. Louboutin's passion for footwear started before he was even a teenager; by the age of 11, he was already sketching shoes. In 1988, after freelancing for design houses like Maud Frizon, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent, Louboutin joined Roger Vivier. In 1989, he took a leave from fashion to work as a landscape designer (haha bet you didn't know that), and returned to the industry in 1992 with his first collection, which integrated Asian influences with garden inspirations. I can't wait, there's something to do over spring break!

Now onto more affordable shoes, my two fav brands. First of all apparently Dolce Vita has a boutique on the Lower East Side that I was not aware of at 149 Ludlow St. ( btwn. Stanton & Rivington) When did this happen!?! I must go shop... Also another fav shoe brand Seychelles has a serious coupon code discount going on right now! 30% of anything in their newest collection. SEYDC, love it!!! All so tempting...

A Leap Into Luxury

Since I have been unemployed and shopping on the more frugal side of things (aka Target, Steve and Barry's, Kohl's o yeah!) when shopping at all I have been shrinking away from the super high end, luxe side of things. But, when I heard about Louis Vuitton's newest line I couldn't help but start scheming a way to get my hands on it. I'm thinking graduation gift, really, hint hint. And no cute stuff... the real deal. I mean if you check out the Damier Graphite collection I think you would agree that it is totally worth the splurge. It features a shift from the classic Damier pattern to shades of black and gray, accented with palladium hardware, thus injecting an urban and modern look to it all. Most of the initial pieces are more for the men I'm hoping that by the time it hits the stores in August there will be more on the women's side.

Under Cover

When talking about a perfect outfit some would say that it has to start with a perfect undergarment. On Tim Gunn's Guide to Style Tim and Veronica always shock the ladies in question by telling them, quite matter of factly, "I need to look in your underwear drawer". Can you imagine, your granny panties on cable tv! I'd rather not. And then, after the shame, off they go to find the perfect undergarments. Well, since I don't have Tim and Veronica here to guide me (plus I used to work at Victoria's Secret and I'd like to think I remember something) I forge on alone in my search for the perfect undergarments. Enter Spanx Bra-llelujah! I, like most plus sized girls, or pretty much all who don't want panty lines swear by Spanx they are a million times better than anything you could buy at the drug store, department store, or specialty boutique and super study so you can use them over and over again. And if they could get any better with all their body slimming stuff they now make a back-fat blasting bra... It really does sound to good to be true! For me it is... ahem, not in my size, ahem. But, if anyone gives it a try let me know how it goes, I'm still intrigued.

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!