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.