Mother Shops Best

My mom is all about pumping up the local economy, which isn't necessarily a bad idea since the recessions has hit and businesses seem to be closing left and right then... store fronts stay empty. Depressing. That being said, sometimes little local boutiques aren't the most cost efficient places to shop because the pieces are one of a kind and it's overall not the same nature as big business where when they cut their losses they cut them hard, I love you Target.

All that being said we went shopping because my teacher mom needed somehting to wear on a school trip and out we went to Loehmann's. Loehmann's is a great place to get serious deals on designer items, granted they are usually a season (or more) past but who cares if it's nothing too trendy. I had long since forgotten about the wonderment of this store because I lacked the time (and patience) to sort through racks of clothes to get the uber deal. But, while momma was shopping I definately had the time.

I got some seriously awesome stuff!!! Try a Marc Jacobs jacket $225.00 off, a Catherine Malandrino dress $425.00 off, gorgeous Wd-Ny skirt $90.00 off, and a gorgeous Atelier blouse $90.00 off! Total spent... less than $200.00!!! And my mom bought me everything except the Marc Jacobs jacket, we can't win them all but I totally feel like I made out just fine. Shop at Loehmann's when you have the time it's totally worth it!

I'm Back

Italy was great but I'm not going to lie if you could speak a language other than English you should do that the entire time your there and mask your American-ness. That's my two cents.

On another Italy note I got led down an ally at a street fair in Florence to a inexpensive bag heaven. After shopping all week for souvenirs I needed to do a little somehting for myself to celebrate my trip. The one of a kind bags that I found at the leather school in Santa Croce were way too expensive and all my hope rested on the fair. Going through booth after booth I thought I would never find anything for me. Enter crazy Italian lady dragging me to sales... I got two Avorio bags for $200, not Euros... bucks!

On my return home I was immediately inundated with Sex and the City stuff: posters, commercials, emails with offers. There are some things that I loved:

• First of all the bathing suit that Miranda was wearing on girly weekend when Samantha points out her bush (I know you've at least seen the previews) is fabulous! I wanted it but $350 is way too much for a bathing suit. I'm on the hunt now for a more inexpensive one.
• I found the love keychain that Jennifer Hudson was sporting on Shop Intuition because everyone needs a 18K gold plated keychain...
• Supposedly this bag was held by SJP aka Carrie in the movie but I don't remember seeing it. Good thing I'll probably be going again with my gf as soon as we can make a date. I'll be looking out for it. It comes in different colors on Piperlime... maybe green. I'm thinking I might make the splurge!
  

I need to get to work but... I'll be keeping my eye out for sales and deals now that I'm back!

For The Crafty Ones

Everyone knows the Kelly bag, made famous by the fabulous Grace Kelly. So iconic that Hermès is no longer producing them because of the staggering demand. If you can recall Samantha in Sex and the City lying to Hermès saying the bag was for Lucy Lui... Even if she had pulled it off, we can't. You can always get a used one on eBay but it will cost you a fortune. Print out the pattern, fold along the lines, decorate, and voila: your own iconic Kelly bag. It really is the only free thing you’ll ever get from Hermès.

Sales In The City

Here's what I hear from Daily Candy...

Wardrobe-NYC Designer Sample Sale
What: At a neat suite in SoHo, dig through racks of designer gems for ladies (Christian Lacroix dresses, Prada bags, DVF tops, Carolina Herrera gowns, Pucci skirts) and a selection of suiting for men — all at up to 80 percent off.
Why: This means war-drobe.
When: Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 80 Varick St., b/t Watts & Grand St., ste. 4c. R.S.V.P. to rsvp@wardrobe-nyc.com.

A.P.C. Overstock Sale
What: Madras sandals are $34 (reg. $76), cardigans are $60 (reg. $299), shirtdresses are $50 (reg. $213), men’s blazers are $100 (reg. $390).
Why: A.P.C. It’s easy as 1, 2, 3.
When: Fri.-Sun., noon-7 p.m.
Where: 35 Grand St., at Kent Ave., B’burg (347-381-3193)

Project Runway: On The Rise

With the fifth season of Project Runway airing in July all the fashionista can get their TiVo or DVR ready with blast from the past on HSN. That's right Season 4 finalist Rami Kashou has designed a one of a kind limited edition dress that debuted yesterday for SCOOP on HSN. It was the one year anniversary of Scoop Style which allows everyone all over the country to shop the fabulousness that is SCOOP NYC. Rami Kashou, might as well have been transported from ancient Greece with his chic draping style, and this chic little dress available in black, rich peacock, lime pop and vintage sea foam is a testament to that. Although the dress costs $280, with such a fabulous limited time offer, it has been wait-listed/sold out in the time that I am sitting on my computer and typing this up (no joke)On another note, Season Five will be the final season of Project Runway to air on Bravo, due to its future movement to Lifetime. The owner of Bravo, NBC, is filing a lawsuit against the Weinstein Company, producers of Project Runway, alleging breach of contract. I'm not sure the details but it doesn't seem like this is the best move for Project Runway, ick Lifetime.

From My Inbox

This seemed really cool so I figured I would pass it on. It makes me want to go bar hopping!

Dying to be in with the in crowd, or at least have somewhere to show off your new party frock? Strap on your Balenciagas and catwalk over to these fashion-forward bars and lounges to party with the fashionistas and drunkorexics who mean it when their jeans say “Rich and Skinny.” Sip decadent (yet lo-cal, of course) cocktails while debating serious issues like the Nina Garcia-Elle Magazine fallout.


1 OAK
453 W. 17th St. (9th & 10th Aves.)
Meatpacking District 212.242.1111
Assuming you’re on the list to get in—you probably won’t get in otherwise—you might find that this exclusive, overpriced Chelsea club is “1 joke”—but nonetheless, this hotspot attracts rich boys and the models who adore them. Celeb-gawkers come here to crash parties by the likes of Stavros Nachios, Jay-Z, and Kanye West. Just don’t leave your mink coat lying around here—regular Lindsay Lohan has some serious klepto tendencies.

Cellar Bar @ The Bryant Park Hotel
40 W. 40th St. (5th & 6th Aves.)
Midtown 212.642.2260
When fashion week descends on Manhattan, this hotel bar is the place to see and be seen between shows. The rest of the year, only the beautiful and the couture-clad are granted entrance to this high end cocktail den. Prepare to shell out the same amount of cash that you paid for your cocktail dress for a few of the bar’s pricey signature drinks like the Cellar Sling—Bombay gin, homemade lemon sour mix, and candied black cherries.

Runway
4 E. 28th St. (5th & Madison Aves.)
Gramercy 212.677.6016
Is your catwalk more fierce than those newbies on America’s Next Top Model? Strut your stuff at this headshot-adorned nightclub featuring a long runway down the center for drunken walk-off competitions. Anyone wielding a Blackberry can get past the doorman, so unless your job pays your dry cleaning bill, watch out for the vodka-sloshing Jersey frat boys who frequent this nightclub on weekends.

Stitch
247 W. 37 St. (7th & 8th Aves.)
Garment District 212.852.4826
By far the hippest bar in the Garment District, Stitch is the after-work watering hole for the fashion set. Stylists and designers congregate here to compare notes and outfits and discuss all that’s too hot to trot in the fashion world. The go-to spot for private events hosted by designers like Rebecca Taylor, this enormous bar and lounge always has something going on—check out its calendar of live music events.

The Dressing Room
75A Orchard St. (Broome & Grand Sts.)
Lower East Side 212.966.7330
While most Lower East Siders stumble around in search of crepes and dumplings when they’ve had one too many, the fashion crowd heads to The Dressing Room to shop ‘til they drop. In addition to a full-service bar, this emerging designer co-op and vintage boutique has a selection of unique garments running the gamut from $3 to $3,000. Spend according your level of alcohol consumption, or try bartering the Manolos off your feet for a one-of-a-kind dress made by a recent FIT grad.

The Hanger Bar
217 E. 3rd St. (Aves. B & C)
East Village 212.228.1030
Spend too much money on couture to afford all those fancy cocktails? The Hanger Bar and boutique understands your priorities—here you can shop for Chanel while enjoying $4 drink specials. Can’t afford to pre-order Halston for fall? Console yourself with “The Halston” at the bar instead, one of the many delectable cocktails named after the icons of fashion and sure to get you fashionably drunk.

For Deals (This Week)

The POSH Sale has been New York's leading fashion fundraiser for over 35 years; and this year I hear it's more exciting than ever! The 2008 sale includes fashions for women, men and children from the likes of Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Jimmy Choo, Oscar de la Renta and more! On May 14th-17th (today-Sat) celeb chair Kim Cattrall invites you to shop and get a peek at donations from Joan Rivers, Lauren Bacall and Matthew Modine, to name a few. Proceeds from the POSH sale benefit services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Fill a bag for $30, and with a student ID you can get in for $5! Maybe this will be my last huzzah as a student... If your not tickets for one day are $10 so it's not breaking the bank and you can get your tickets in advance. We'll see how I feel about spending more money, this might have to wait till next year, good thing it's an annual event.

If you have been saving up your pennies for a high end designer bag, this might be a better investment. Why pay full price if you can get a gently used, looks like new bag, at a serious discount? I have a limited edition color, no longer manufactured, Louis Vuitton bag that was previously owned but in mint condition that was a quarter of the cost because of that fact. Shop the largest collection of CHANEL bags assembled outside of CHANEL, a 30 year collection of many one of a kind pieces, never before seen, many from runway shows in New York, Milan, and Paris! Featuring LadyBag International the LARGEST collection of new and mint vintage designer handbags in the country! Friday & Saturday Only!May 16, 11-8 & May 17, 9- 6 at the Holiday Inn, Fort Lee (2339 State Rt. 4 Ft. Lee, New Jersey 07024)

Shop It Up & Make It Your Own!

I mentioned before there is all this graduation and growing up stuff going on. The first thing I had to do, in terms of graduation, was get a dress. I was successful yesterday at the BCBG outlet in Woodbury Commons. Thanks to the help of my friend Alex and my knowing what works for me I was able to find this beautiful brown dress with gold sequin trim, it was a little more expensive that I wanted to spend ($100) but I'm only going to graduate once... I'll put pictures up maybe so you can see it.

With the purchase of the dress came the need for coordinating shoes. I didn't really have anything that matched =( which was a little frustrating considering I have so many shoes, I didn't want to spend anymore money but luckily there was a Target in close proximity... or so I thought. Frugalicious calls Target the Century Store, I didn't understand because although I could see her point I go there all the time and manage to keep my wallet closed. That is until yesterday.

First, lets talk about the shoes I got.

They are really comfy which is key and on sale so woo hoo. The only problem was they weren't metallic enough to match the dress perfectly but I was determined and decided that I would channel Tim Gunn and make it work. When I got home I took a gold metallic paint marker and painted the beads surrounding the tortoise shell like center beads gold . It totally worked and they look amazing and match perfectly!

While I was in the shoe department I noticed some cute gladiator sandals. Since it has become such a major trend I have been trying to find an affordable pair because who knows if next summer will be such a thing. I was excited because after going to DSW and not finding anything I was worried that I wouldn't be able to find an alternative to the more expensive ones. Target came to my rescue with these Issac Mizrahi sandals! Then I wandered into the Women's department and I found the illusive khaki skirt! And another skirt, both of which will be great for my trip to Italia at the end of the month.















As much as I think every piece was carefully thought about and necessary I wasn't quite ready to be spending so much money in one day. Now I know to be aware of the Century Store and guard my wallet!

On The Hunt

You would think with so much safari stuff out in stores right now I would have no trouble finding a practical length, professional khaki skirt! But alas, I am. Which really irks me because even without this safari trend, khaki is so ridiculously classic this shouldn't be that difficult. When I did a quick Google search, this was the first thing I came up with but, I have those child bearing hips so pencil really isn't great for me and even though it is $89.00 marked down to $43.99 it's still a bit much and my search continued.

I came up with more and more as I searched longer and longer. Here are some of the runner ups:

• I love New York & Company but I'm not sure I like the shade of khaki in this skirt for the occasions which I have to wear it. Plus, the seam down the front is not my thing, it makes it look too casual.
  
• Speaking of weird shade, this Simply Vera by Vera Wang skirt is practically white, who knew the term khaki stood for so many colors. Also, it's kind of pricey.
  
• And speaking of casual this one from Chadwick's is that for sure, much more than what would be acceptable for business but super cute for a picnic or other spring outing.
• Finally, I figured that Old Navy might be able to save me especially with it's majority safari spring collection but all I could find was this piece in linen which is really way too casual.
  

It's so frustrating when you have an idea in mind and money to spend but you can't make the two meet in reality! In the end I did find one that might work, but since the picture is probably not doing it any justice I might actually need to get to a JC Penny to try it on. O, the sacrifices we make to look good.

Freak Out, In A Good Way

As I mentioned before I have alot of shoes. I will continue on and say that I have a greater or equal amount of handbags. That really was my first fashion obsession! But, now that I have amassed such a significant and well rounded (I would like to think) collection and put it on display in my apartment I have become extremely selective about what I spend my money on. Because as much as I want to be the Imelda Marcos of bags do I really need another black purse? I've learned to not buy everything in front of me even if it seems like a deal, to wait for things that I'm kind of interested in to go on sale, and to remember what I already have in my possession so I don't buy more of the same thing.

One of the brands that I have been very critical of is Coach. I love Coach bags, I have a bunch but... the past season collection was not very attractive to me, and even the season before that. My boyfriend's brother in law told me that prices in Coach stock were falling and all I could think was that it was because there bags were so unattractive! And I'm sure it didn't help them that I hadn't been buying them, how lofty of me. I digress, I was at the mall yesterday getting some odds and ends and I wandered into to Coach to look at some shoes that I had seen on their website. The giant flower scared me in person and I was again disheartened by what I was seeing. But then a wristlet caught my eye... and then, the bags! I am so in love with the big one. I literally had a mini freak out moment of happiness to the point where my boyfriend noticed and commented that there hadn't been a bag in a while to make me act like that. He's such a good one, and knows me so well! I hope he cataloged that in his brain for future gift giving.

Skin: The Original Accessory

All I've been talking about is the warm weather and how it is on our doorstep. Everyone can go out and buy the 'bare all' clothes and strut their stuff but if your like me and you don't frequent a tanning salon over the colder months or are petrified of sunless tanner then you're probably pretty pale. Well, what to do? I wasn't sure until I was wandering around the super market and found this absolutely fabulous product that I just have to share with you! Jergen's Natural Glow Moisturizer for body and face is a great way to get some completely natural looking color in about a week! I was skeptical but for less than $15.00 it was worth a try. And I can honestly say that it was totally worth it because I have actually had people ask about my tan and comment on how great it looks when I tell them that it's just a moisturizer. Plus it comes for different skin tones which means that there is somehting for everyone!

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.