What I Can't Stop Buying Right Now!

It's been awhile... but I'm back! In more ways than one and with glee! I'm back on a payroll... which only means one very good thing! I am back to more regular shopping trips AND I am back living in the city... soooooooo I have shopping at my fingertips again!

There are a few things that I can't seem to stop buying these days and it may just bankrupt me... but whatever.

1. If you don't live in the city you will not get to partake in a the delicacy of the Italian hero at Lenny's. Just saying.

2. J.Crew has finally mastered the beater! They are two for $20 these days and for the first time in my life I am wearing pink in public... they are that good! After my long protest of branded beaters, these are feminine, quality controlled and the correct length for pete's sake! Now was that so hard Jenna and Micky???!!P

3. The mani/pedi at Spabells is just perfect... if and only if they did not charge my rent for the service... but they last and they do an impecable job.

4. The 19 cent bananas at Trader Joe's... 'nuf said.

5. And if you are in the market for some very sexy or very cute lingerie... stop at Anthropologie ASAP! The boyshort has never looked better!

My Chase Card and I love being back!

A Friendly Printer Makes Me Happy

If you are in the market for a new printer... go directly to BestBuy and get the Hewlett-Packard Photosmart All-in-One Wireless Printer/Copier/Scanner Model #C4795. This model is exclusive to BestBuy and is being offered at $129.99. Besides the cute touch screen and (semi) wireless appeal... the sleek black and chocolate brown shell... the customer service set up was just short of IMPECCABLE that I received when setting up my additional computer! I had called the HP customer service with little confidence and was shockingly surprised at the amount of helpful information I received from my customer service rep, Anne. Anne, whom I was speaking to up in Toronto... was a bevy of information regarding my new printer, my old printer, the new Leopard operating system on Macs, (should I be buying a new computer anytime soon) and on and on and on. The most helpful piece of information that Anne was able to supply me with was in regards to my unused printer cartridges from my old printer. She told me I can write a letter to the HP headquarters explaining how many unopened cartridges I have and what the new cartridge is for the C4795. If all goes according to plan... they will send me the paperwork and packaging materials to do a swap out for what my new printer needs! Amazing! Stay tuned to see if this is actually successful.

Nevertheless, I love the new printer... Anne was fab and I am eagerly awaiting the replacement ink cartridges!

A little of this, A little of that... Oh and BOOOO!

Not much shopping these days, but a few purchases here and there... some personal shopping (free of charge) I thought I would share...

I recently purchased a very cute canvas tote for my girlfriends to use on our trip to Napa... the website is www.tossdesigns.com. The totes I wanted were sold out online so I emailed the customer service people and they had stock in their one shop so were able to ship me what I needed. Perfect and seamless customer service and the bags were exactly what I had seen, wanted and the for the price: $22.00! Love them and so did the girls!

EBay purchase of a pair of HUNTER boots proved successful... I wanted the HUNTER shorty boots but did not want to pay retail right now... EBay purchase

at half price and free shipping direct from the UK... I win! Details if you want the seller info. Still love the website when I need something just like wellies!

When a friend's mom came to visit from out of town and wanted to shop... they called me... she wanted to shop for shoes! (What's that music playing in my ears?? No problem, I'm your girl!) I knew what that we were not shopping high end and that we were not looking for just any deal out there. There was a purpose and there was satisfaction going to have to be guaranteed. Who cares where we went exactly... the point is that mom went home with a pair of UGG slipper/shoes that she can wear to walk the dogs, as slippers and possibly to work if need be in Lancaster, PA. She was thrilled! Under $65.00 because I found her the kid size and she did not have to pay tax since it was under $100.00. I'm good! She was elated!

Without telling you which Halloween costume I bought, this maybe a good website to keep on file for costumes and party ideas... www.prankplace.com

Happy leaf peeping!

Make Up For NEVER

About a month ago, my great friend Jenny and I were on a killer NYC stroll after our Fashion Week duties. Jenny had spoken highly of this cosmetic brand that a make up artist she worked with had sworn by. We paid a visit to the retail store in the West Village on our stroll. Before I expose the name and my distaste, let's discuss (from a women's point of view) what one expects when they are shopping for make up and/or shopping at all in terms of customer service.

1. Is it too much to ask for a greeting when I enter the store? 2. Is it also too much to ask for you to get up from behind the wrap desk to greet me? 3. Further "Is there anything that I am looking for?"

So here we go... Jenny and I walk into MAKE UP FOR EVER... a meek greeting of a glance and a 'hi'. I think we give her the impression that we are just looking, however I was in the market for a new mascara. Long story short, she shows me where the mascara selection is, but can only point out one mascara that is the 'best seller'. That is about the end of the customer service. I ask if I can test it and she says yes. At most make up counters there is someone there to apply the make up for you and speak to you about the product. I had to find my own application brush and when asked her if I could purchase it, she told me they were sold out. We left.

So... MAKE UP FOR NEVER is more like it! Bad customer service in this day and economic time? Really?

OBSESSION CONTINUED... SHARPIE ME!

If you have not read some of my previous posts, you may not be familiar with my obsession with personalization. If I can buy this, that or the other thing with an initial, a monogram or date on it... I will! I blame this obsession of mine on growing up with a unique name that never seem to appear on the personalized pencil rack or personalized ruled stand at the card store when I was in middle school. If I had a more common name like Jane or Kim, maybe I would be less compelled to purchase every item I see with the option to print my name, initial or monogram on it... you should have seen my wedding!

To add to my collection of necklaces, bracelets, picture frames, napkins, towel hooks, duvet covers, photo albums, totes, handbags, stationary, mugs, pint glasses, framed art, throw pillows, coasters, toiletry and cosmetic bags, t-shirts... I mean really???? Now there is the PERSONALIZED SHARPIE!!!! I am not sure about you, but I carry a Sharpie with me mostly everywhere I go. I am not sure why exactly, but it comes in handy at the most unusual times. Maybe I have a certain Terrell Owens thing going on, but I carry a Sharpie. So behold the personalized Sharpie! Pick a color- pick a font- pick an icon if you so desire- and then pick your message! Put your name, your initials... or "THIS SHARPIE BELONGS TO...". The going price is $11.99 for 6 personalized Sharpies. You can order more if you would like and there are 8 color options. Come on now... what other kind of marker do you use and why not make it your own? It is back to school season and all!

Betsey Johnson is currently sponsoring a Sharpie booth under the tents at 2010 Fashion Week here in NYC this week as well! You get a cute tote and t-shirt to Sharpie all over with your own designs and maybe ever bump shoulders with Betsey herself! Not for nothing... there is also a retractable Sharpie on the market... who would have thought?

So who wants my John Hancock? or my TO?

IT'S OK TO TAKE A NIGHT OUT!

Ok, so I have been M.I.A. for most of the summer, but honestly I have been searching for something... anything worthy of noting and there has been little that has impressed me in the past few weeks. So, here we are... BACK TO SCHOOL and the FALL 2009 season is upon us. Additionally, if you have not heard... Spring 2010 Fashion Week begins this week as well. With the arrival of SP2010 something BIG is upon us. HUGE one might say!

Ladies and Lads... this Thursday night is the first ever FASHION NIGHT OUT 2009!!!!! Let me explain what it is and then what it means for all of you in and out of the great city of New York. This is actually a global celebration of monumental proportions! More directly it is a "global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion, U.S. and international editions of Vogue are coordinating evening extravaganzas in their respective world fashion capitals" as described by the dedicated website itself. In my world, who really needs another excuse to go shopping??? But this is really great! I have always promoted the concept of supporting the local economy since the rebuilding of lower Manhattan after September 11th, 2001. This is really the essence of support that we need right now, more than ever!

With that being said... let the shopping begin! So here in the city the shopping events are plenty and endless. We will be able to shop until 11pm at most boutiques and department stores with plenty of discounts, cocktails and specials guests! The FNO website can provide details and a handy itinerary tool to plan your evening according to your own liking.

So if you are not in the city this Thursday night, I am sorry you are going to miss this tremendous event. I would however encourage you to make plans with your favorite shopping buddy and head out to your local mall and/or boutique to support your local economy... and tell them I sent you!

What would and event like this be without a t-shirt and a good cause? There are FNO09 T-shirts available for purchase at some of the participating stores and maybe available at some of those online stores as well. Proceeds from the t-shirt sales go to National September 11 Memorial & Museum. This weekend there is also going to be a clothing drive to support the NYC AIDS Fund that will distribute the collections to over 17 different AIDS charities around NYC. There was such an overwhelming response to the volunteer request, that they don't seem to need my help. I will however be able to donate... and so can you!

So go shopping wherever you are! This is a long time passion of mine and now for so many great causes!

Because we do need a little Christmas...

And we need it right this very minute! Or so the retailers are going to tell us this week. Per this article... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31967206/ns/business-retail/ regarding Christmas in July!

So I have been absent from my blog for a bit of time because it is the second half of the year when sales are at the height of their game. From an apparel and accessories arena, spring and summer clearance is upon us and it is never a pretty time of year to be shopping. I often grapple with purchases during this time of year in particular. More so than post (true) holiday season for some reason. Shopping the summer sales always raise the question of "do I really need this just because it is a good deal?" Far too often I look into my closet and find that I have tank dresses, shorts, t-shirts and the like still with tags on them. I can always say what a great deal, but then what? So the concept of buying just because it's on sale has always been a struggle for me. I mean... I have always heard or seen the word SALE and my spirits are immediately lifted! Who does not love a deal? Especially in today's world?

So here we are... 160 shopping days from the big kahuna of holidays and just 5 days from the summer version. Retailers are going to try and get us shopping anyway they can. Before we even discuss the back to school deals, we are going to be seeing more of the 'Christmas in July' promotions. Clever! Kind of... I mean I never need a reason to go shopping, but I am concerned that this may turn some customers off. Consider everything people have going on in their lives and when they have to begin thinking about the holiday season six months out and spending money this early... who knows how this will play out. I am eager to see who will try this concept and how it will effect effect their businesses... if at all.

Take some time this week to deck the halls and consider some holiday shopping in an effort to get a head start on your gift giving, score some deals and bring a little cheer to an otherwise normal week of summer!

To West Helm... and Back FOLLOW UP- and back AGAIN!

So here we are.... June 2nd, 2009. So the schedule should goes we are slotted to have the "storage drawers" for our "storage bed" from West Helm this month. Much to my surprise, on Monday, May 18th I received a phone call from West helm that the storage drawers had become available if I wanted to come into the store and purchase them or call them to order them over the phone. So on Tuesday, May 19th I called the store to place the order (while waiting at home for another tragic customer service issue to be resolved for another piece of furniture... too many details to provide on that story) and here's how this went down...

My new friend at West Helm is  now Mike (not sure where Mary is). Mike was able to order the drawers for me, as I needed two sets BUT would not be able to use the $100.00 gift card they sent me because I would need to be present to redeem this gift card in the store at the time of purchase. What? You sent me the gift card in the mail. It has a number. Redeem it over the phone. No? Anyway, Mike then asked if I was going to need to schedule the installation of these drawers to which I had confirmed that I was told this would cost $35.00 and that we were interested in scheduling this once we picked the drawers up. Mike then informed me that there was an additional $120.00 to the $35.00 for blah! blah! blah! I declined the installation. Ok then he tells me that the drawers are no longer listed at the sale price that we were quoted when we bought the bed. I calmly told him that my previous friend, Mary at his lovely store had promised us the sale price given the circumstances. He decided this sounded familiar and that he would give me the sale price. Ok, fine. Transaction completed. They would call me on Friday, May 22nd when the drawers came to let us know when we could pick them up. 

Cut to 10 minutes later. The phone rings with the caller ID reading West Helm's name. It's my friend Mike. Mike tells me they will not have a truck on Friday, May 22nd due to the Holiday and the next shipment will not be until the following Tuesday, May 26th. Ok, fine. Speak to you next week.

Cut to Thursday, May 21st. The phone rings again... West Helm, Mike, no trucks making deliveries on Tuesday, May 26th. "His Bad!" The next truck will be Thursday, May 28th. Ok, sounds good. Call me when they come in! 

Cut to Thursday, May 28th. Voicemail from West Helm that my drawers are in! Yeah! Great Success! Really? Not so much.

Cut to Friday, May 29th. Voicemail from my friend Mike at West Helm telling me that "His Bad" again. He only ordered one set of the drawers and that he is very sorry for the delay, but he will get the other set of drawers to us by Tuesday, June 2nd... today. There was another voicemail when we got home tonight from a new friend at West Helm, but I did not catch his name. My patience and energy is wearing thin on this place. 

My husband and I picked up the first set of drawers last Saturday morning since we were going to have to make two trips to the store anyway, but still... I mean, really? First of all what happen to the intense commitment I had gotten from my first friend Mary? She seemed pretty hell bent on helping us out and I have not heard from her since the middle of April. Ok, whatever, now I have my friend Mike and now he is not even reputable. I just can't believe stores like this continue to stay in business. I remained extremely calm, cool and collected throughout this entire process (which is rare for me in cases that involve such extreme customer service issues), but this is really unparalleled. For the love of God I hope we have no quality issues with this bed. I will be beside myself if I have to deal with all of these new friends of mine again. 

Not to mention... I now have two $100 gift cards to use at West Helm... I barely want to say the store's name these days. let alone go shopping in the place. 

So to West Helm... and back... and back again!!! There has to be a better June shopping experience coming my way!

My Eye's Are Burning... And Not from Allergies!

Last Friday the weather in NYC was amazing! It was sunny with

 a gentle breeze and it was a day off for me. I took the subway into Soho to do some "competitive" shopping. By competitive I mean 

I compare what I like and don't like as it relates to not only my own personal style, but what the world of fashion has to offer the variety of consumers in this find world we live in. 

My first stop was a store on Lafayette Street between Prince and Spring that is new to me and a must remember going forward called INVENTORY. This store carries mens and womens clothing and accessories all year round at sample sale prices. 

They basically take the leftover 'inventory' from small designers and showcase them in this 3500 square foot warehouse space in 

a boutique setting. The store is very hip and very easy to shop. 

Great store if you are on a budget and need/want something new and fashionable. I would say they are more heavily weighted towards clothing than accessories... which is good! There is a small vintage area in the back that is a delight to sift through as well... if you have ever tried to sift through a poorfly organized vintage area!

My next stop made my eyes burn and bleed and not because it was full of pollen and ragweed. The much anticipated opening of TopShop, the iconic British fashion store for both men and women made its delayed debut last month. I figured I had waited long enough for the excitement to settle down and today was my day to visit one of my favorite British stores on my own turf! Understand that when I shop at the TopShop's in London and Dublin, I leave with no less than 2 shopping bags full of fashion excitement to bring home with me. Make no mistake about the US version of the TopShop... it is just short of tragic! I walked in the front door and the wind in my sail was just taken from me when I saw the front and center merchandising of gross clothing. My friend Jen described the store perfectly when she said it was like H&M on speed. There is so much product in the store and it is so ugly. There is no other way to describe it. Not to mention expensive for what it is. A basic solid color knit dress (I think it was a dress) with a small zipper detail for $70.00? Why? There was a combination of things going on here that was something right out of fashion horror movie for me. It was a Forever 21, American Eagle, Deb (do people know what that is?) American Apparel, H&M stew... and the store was packed! There are 3 floors of this tragedy for the females and one floor for the men. I could not go to the men's floor... it was just too much for me. This is an ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK store. I would save your money. There are SO many better shopping experiences in NYC. Some people do say they have great shoes... again... I am at a loss for words on that section as well.

So I went to Madewell, Uniqlo and then Urban Outfitter. Madewell is such an interesting brand to me. It is owned by J.Crew and as I understood it was suppose to be a watered down version of the J.Crew girl and label in terms of product and price. Not so much I would say. They have the same priced v-neck tees and cardigans. The fit might be a little different and their assortment might have a few more boheiman styles. I do like it though and found a few additions to my summer wardrobe. 

Uniqlo was a bit overwhelming for me by this point in the day but I tried on a pair of long shorts in two different colors... one fit perfectly and the other was so unfortunate looking on me that it was perplexing. Oh well... I saved $30.00. Cute basic short which is what Uniqlo is perfect for. Affordable basics for all aspects of your life, from work to play for you and yours!

I could barely walk through Urban Outfitters, but I gave it a once over and then went home. There was really nothing that jumped out at me there this time around. What a day! My visit to TopShop really stuck with me though. I could not get over how truly disappointing it was on so many levels. I was perplexed that a bunch of creatives could sit in a design studio and hang these assortments up in agreement that this was what TopShop USA should look like. I still sit here and shake my head. I will have to revisit the store again in the coming months to see if maybe it was allergies. 

Note that all of these stores are on the east side of Broadway in Soho. I will have to do take another Friday and devote it to the other side of the street! 

Blog Me? Blog You!

It may be a little like the blind leading the blind in some weird way, but when a blogger blogs about another blogger... that's nice! At least for me! 

This past weekend was the sample sale at my current freelance job, designer Shelly Steffee in the ever popular Meat Packing District of NYC. I helped work the sale Friday and Saturday and met a handful of great people. One of which is an amazing women that is a shopping marathoner! Without disclosing her real identity (for which we have a true bond), she is the sole shopper and blogger behind SampleSally.com. "Sally" shops each and every sample sale in Manhattan and blogs about it. She has a full time career and does this on the side... for fun. She must work full time! It's a lot of shopping sister! Her website is a great source for setting up your own personal sample sale shopping schedule if you are going to be visiting from out of town (or even if you live here) and want to know where and when to hit the sales. Sally provides snap shots from all of her sample sale events and is very informative about the available merchandise, the prices and the overall feeling of sale from location to ambiance. Sally is my new favorite New Yorker and bound to be yours too! She is totally unassuming and as elegant a women as they come. 

True to her blog, Sally reviewed the Shelly Steffee sample sale on her website over the weekend. Additionally, mentioning me and my blog in her review! Yep, there, we did it... we blogged about each other.

Bookmark her website:

www.samplesally.com

Visit Shelly Steffee while your at it... her collections are trully works of art and are designed for real women with real bodies:

www.shellysteffee.com

To West Helm... and Back

One would think that if an item is advertised as a 'Storage Bed' and you go to purchase said item... it would come with all of the parts needed for the 'storage' aspect of the bed. Not so much. 

After a valiant study and research effort to find a bed frame that both my husband and I could agree on appearance and function... we set out to West Elm this past weekend to purchase their Storage Bed. Apparently a very popular item this bed has become since being introduced over a year ago. We were interested in purchasing the king size storage bed. The bed and the headboard were both on sale! Of course they are, everything is. We thought that we were winning already. Mary, our lovely sales rep came back to us after about 10 mins to tell us that she had some good news and some bad news. This was interesting. So, what? They had the bed and not the headboard? Nope. They had the headboard- check, the bed- check, BUT NO DRAWERS FOR THE BED! WHAT? Mary, in her calm, lovely voice proceeded to tell us that she was calling the other stores in the area to find the drawers for the bed and then disappeared. We, mainly me, remained calm... but I mean really? Where are the drawer? If you have the bed, where are the drawers? It's a storage bed, that's how it comes? In my world, that's like selling a belted dress and not having the belt to go with the dress. So where did the drawers go? You have 3 king size storage beds and headboards in stock and no drawers? Ok. What now?

Scene #2: We are now walking around West Elm (we have not reached the real depth of disappointment yet) for about 45 mins waiting for the lovely Mary to find us the drawers... that don't exist. We go to the checkout counter where she is on the phone and has the store manager with her to find out what the hold up is. Bottom line is there are no drawers in the tri-state area and we will have to wait until June 15th for the drawers to come it. Now, they did find the drawers in Florida if we would like to pay to have them shipped to us. So, we are at a flagship store, where we are picking up the bed in our own car so that we don't pay the $125+ in shipping cost to bring our items 3 blocks. We are getting ready to spend a significant amount of money in this store and we are supposedly in a 'recession'. I asked if they would be able to do an in store transfer of the drawers to save us the $400 on shipping so that we would be able to pick up the drawers at their store... the store manger (whose name I will leave out, because she is not worthy) launched into a 5 min dissertation about freight forwarders and suppliers, and how shipping works within warehouses, blah, blah, blah. Awesome. I looked her in the eye and calmly told her that I was leaving my name and my phone # with them and when she decided what the right thing to do was to make this purchase easy for my husband and I, to call me with her best offer. I thanked her and we left... with no storage of anything. (PS- my husband is standing over my shoulder shouting at them that we are just going to go Pottery Barn! Nice, since they are owned by the same company... thanks husband).

We received a phone call about 15 mins later, to no avail, they did not solve any of the issues regarding the drawers. The lovely Mary said that she would continue to do her best in trying to find these items for us, but will not be able to wave the shipping fee for us and would understand if we would like to take our business elsewhere. I further explained my disappointment with the company policies given our long and extensive search for the 'perfect bed' and explained that we would still be purchasing the bed and headboard and that she should deduct the price of the drawers from the purchase, yet honor the sale price once the drawers become available in June and document this all in writing.. and thank you!

So, my feeling about West Elm... To (West) Helm and I have to go back... in June! I am really perplexed about where the drawers could have gone though. Am I alone in this? It is advertised as a Storage Bed, so why would there be no drawers to go with all of these frames? (As I sit here and shake my head)

PS- the bed frame chipped when we pulled it out of the box... we super glued the chip back into place. 

Wisp This!

I am pushing a product this time. Colgate is sending Oral B back to their labs these days. About 4-5 years ago, Oral B introduced the ever so clever finger sleeve travel tooth freshener thingy. I loved these thing! So much so that I think I included them in my wedding welcome bags. Yeah, I really liked them. So handy. Well, Colgate has now trumped that little finger condom with the newly introduced WISP! See inset photo right... this thing is that much better in so many ways. Let me explain: So it is about 3 inches in length with a mini brush at one end with a breath mint bubble that refreshes your breath with saliva activation... at the other end is a little toothpick! 'Nuf said! It's disposable, compact and totally effective! No water needed, so cute and much classier to use than shoving your finger in your mouth... although I did enjoy watching people use the Oral B socks for their first time, so I would bring enough for everyone at a table we would sit with at a wedding and make them all brush their teeth after our meal just see them all shove their fingers in their mouths at a formal event!!! Good times, good times! 

Check out the Colgate website for more info on the WISP:

www.colgatewisp.com

Look for these in your local drug store or buy them online at drugstore.com... be sure to check retailmenot.com for discounts on your online purchases first though!!!

Wisp Away!

The Madness of March

I mean... where have I been????? Well, it's March and that means... MADNESS! And if you do not know what that means... then ask the closest man in your life that is a sports fan. It's March Madness which means two things in my world: 1. a lot of face time with my TV and 2. a new handbag!!!!! Let me explain....

The #1 means that the National Collegiate Athletic Association hosts the ever exciting and tantalizing men's (and women's) Division 1 National Basketball Tournaments. The beginning of the month of March is full of the conference championships... setting the stage for what was is to be the 'road to the dance'... hence the 'madness'. Following the crescendo of championships, there is a special little Sunday evening where college basketball teams, coaches, trainers, cheerleaders, band leaders, mascots and fans alike gather around the TV with pen and paper in hand (are you with me?) to scribble out the set games to big the NCAA Tournament. Which brings me to the second part of my own personal madness this month...

I have taken it upon myself to rename the NCAA Selection Sunday to HANDBAG Selection Sunday! This is the 2nd part of why March has become so maddening... wink, wink! On that special Sunday evening when my husband and I sit down with pen and paper in hand, I have already done my own research on the teams that I think are going to dance there way through to the championship. Additionally, I have done my research on the latest and greatest of handbags that I would like to add to my collection. So, I pick 4! I assign them to each of the 4 division of the basketball bracket and... may the best designer win!!!!!!!

Last year I played the tournament a bit differently. There was a pool involved. I try and jump on the office betting pools whenever possible to help fund the handbag purchase. So last year... if my bracket paid out... new handbag for me! All I have to say is THANK YOU KANSAS JAYHAWKS!!!!

So for all my lady friends who are not getting enough face time with your man because its March Madness... print out a bracket and play along! It's spring time and you need a new accessory!

Is Love in the Air?

It's the Tuesday before Valentine's Day and maybe I missed something, but I am not feeling or seeing the love in the air. I have seen the poorest showing of greeting cards present in the few stores that I would expect to see the best. The retail store windows in and around Manhattan have barely shown a trace of red hearts, cupid and anything resembling the concept of LOVE. Come on people!!!!! In the absence of anything positive these days, let's fill our hearts, minds and lives for just one day I ask you! Make is look like you care like you did in years past! SHOW THE LOVE for Pete's sake! I beg you!

In an effort to SHOW THE LOVE this coming weekend... do this... hunt down a card, any card, for anyone... buy it and give it to someone, anyone. Cards are expensive. Go the distance. Support the economy. 

Ok, so if you are a dude and you read my blog and you are in search of a small token for lady in your life... let me introduce you to Elma Blint of Baubles & Thorn. I met her over the weekend at the local flea market. In a sea of jewelry vendors, Elma has a small ring that is the perfect gift for this upcoming holiday of affection. A silver band with your choice of stone (I would suggest the one of your lady's birth month) is only $60. I love it! It looks great with my wedding bands and it is so classic and clean. Note to self... if she likes it... and you have babies... you can stack up their birthstones in the years to come! Just a thought. She has other beautiful pieces that are a bit more pricey, but this is a true gem... wink wink!

Ladies... what to buy your man... well you are not going to like this one, but I bought my husband a toy this year, so I am not certain that I am in a position to give advice or suggestion. In any event, this should be holiday where you give a card and receive a gift maybe? You can never go wrong with a good book or a comfy t-shirt. I was in Brooklyn Industries over the weekend and they have great t-shirts... a bit pricey for a graphic tee, but clever designs. 

www.baublesandthorn.com

(incidentally the ring is not pictured on the website, but if you contact Elma directly, she will be happy to help you)

www.brooklynindustries.com

Happy Valentines Day and Show the Love for Someone OR Everyone!

Who Wins This One?

I think that my career and my personal infatuation for the fashion world may be getting the best of me during these tumultuous economic times. The question 'who wins this one?' has a struck a cord with me this week. For no other reason than I am the one who 'won' and the store and the designer have lost, and that has never been upsetting to me before this time.

The Story:

Last week on my way home from work I stopped at one of my favorite boutiques, Calypso, with the intention of purchasing a birthday gift for my sister-in-law... (she definitely did NOT win this one!). The sale sign in the window has been staring me in the face for weeks, maybe months now and I finally lost control and faced the racks of deals that were sure to not reflect well on my checking account. So the sales sign read... an extra 50% off would be taken on your purchase should two or more items from the sale rack be purchased. Depending on what the sale prices were... two items was sure not to be problem. Long story short, I left with 2 dresses, 2 pairs of leggings and one leather jacket totaling $227.50. I left Calypso feeling exuberant and well serviced. I had won again! Another triumphant fashion purchase! The two dresses were seasonally versatile, you can never have too many pairs of good leggings and a cute cropped leather jacket always a timeless basic... especially for this price. I had even said to the sales girl that I felt bad for the designer of the jacket. 

Here's the 'but'... had that designer ever known that the price of the jacket would ever be what it was, would she ever taken orders and produced as many as she had? Had she been paid for those orders on it yet? And how is that designers wholesale business? I ask these questions to myself because I know what it is like on the inside of that jacket's label and it's lining so to speak. I know what went into making that jacket hang from the hanger that I took off of and I had felt like I stole it. Not to mention Calypso's business plan. They took a bath on that jacket and these other items as well. Here is how the prices broke down:

This is what the original price was, the sale price and then the price after the 50% (which is the price that I paid). Note that there were several markdowns on some of these items before the sale price.

Dress #1: $275.00 Sale: $99.00 Discount: $49.50

Dress #2: $325.00 Sale: $199.00 Discount: $99.50

Legging #1: $65.00 Sale: $29.00 Discount: $14.50

Legging #2: $65.00 Sale: $29.00 Discount: $14.50

Leather jacket: $1200.00 Sale: $99.00 Discount: $49.50

TOTAL: $1930.00 Sale: $455.00 Discount: $227.50

So after I got home and explained the purchase to my husband and really looked at the receipt and did the above breakdown, I had a truer vision of just how tough our economic environment is. I spend a good portion of my work days trying to manage the wholesale business of the current designer that I work for so I am seeing these fashion troubles first hand. For some reason being on the consumer side was really more astonishing. 

With the above experience being said... I still encourage the shopping to continue! I encourage the deals to be sought out and I encourage those who need a 'pick me up' to support the economy wherever possible. There are great boutiques all over the great United States of America that need our support now more than ever and they are having sales! 

Keep shopping and deal hunting! I will too!

Sometime You Can't Always Get What You Want

But if YOU 'buy' sometimes, you get what your need. Or at least that is how I would like to think that it can work. With the holiday season behind us... (pause for a sigh and some reflection...) and I can't believe that I was only able to blog twice during the season... that is disappointing! So if you did not get everything, or anything, that you wanted for the holidays...  For the first time in years the deals were just as good, if not better, before December 25th as they where after. In any event the deals keep coming! With that being said there are a few noteworthy websites that people should keep in their 'shopping favorites' list (make one if you don't have one and keep adding as I suggest... good idea right?) and be sure to reference when attempting any online or in-person mall type purchases.

Take note on 

couponcabin.com

retailmeknot.com

Here is the short on how it works: log on to your ISH and navigate your way to either of these two sites. You can either type in/click the category or the name of the store/website that you are looking to do your shopping for or at and see what kind of discount codes or printable coupons you can collect before you begin your shopping. Easy! SIDE NOTE: Be sure to check for free shipping on all websites. It seems that everyone is offering this even after the holidays just to keep the customers coming back. There maybe promotional codes on the two websites that I listed above for the free shipping as well.

So if you have the post holiday blues... do what I do and partake in a little retail therapy!!!! 

Muffle Man FOLLOW UP- I WIN!

Today I shopped victoriously! REALLY victoriously! Sometimes... good things do come to those who wait. 

As I had mentioned in the earlier weeks, it is sample sale season here in I Heart NY. As I have also mentioned in earlier entries, the Metropolitan Pavilion plays host to many of the best sample sales in the city. In the past 3 weeks have been to 3 sales... that will remain nameless at this time. Today, I attended the LeSportSac Sample Sale. A sale that I missed the first time it came through the pavilion over the summer and that I was determined to attend this holiday season. Today was day 2 of the sale. 

One of my first blog entries was about the LeSportSac Guys and Mens (they are two separate lines at two separate price points) assortment of products that are now available in stores. I was pretty hyped up on the Muffle, as coined by me... the 'Man Duffle' for those of you who are just joining me now. The retail price for the Guy version was $108... sample sale price $23.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WIN! I WIN! I WIN! Perfect holiday gift for my sister-in-laws new boyfriend! I WIN! I WIN! I WIN! Incidently, the Men's version was also at the sale with a retail price of $198 and the sample sale price was $58.00. 

As I am sure you could imagine, I was not only there for the Muffle. LeSportSac also puts out a collaborative collection with Stella McCartney. Enough said on that. Merry Chanukkah to me!!! This is a designer that I admire and brand with an amazing heritage. 

I am sorry for anyone who is not able to attend this sale, but I will be happy to take phone orders on Wednesday when the sale will extend the discount to 90% off should you need anything... desparetley.

If you will it... it will go on sale! I win!

www.lesportsac.com

One Gram of Tradition

The age old tradition of monograms always brings a smile to my face. I have an appreciation for the classic fonts and fixation for the modern interpretations. When someone can combine these two... holy euphoria!

Iomoi.com makes it happen for me. This website is a monogram enthusiasts comfort zone. Stationary, paperweights, home accessories and other related categories. I have ordered many things from this company and have never been disappointed. I have also received gifts from Iomoi and highly recommend their products. Their pricing is a bit off in some of their categories, but it is all relative to how much I guess you are looking to spend and if you have a similar comparison in that category. 

A side note... don't brush off the idea of a paperweight just yet. I know this may seem like a passe item to purchase. I suggest taking a look at the assortment of designs the Iomoi has to offer and reconsider this is a gift option for you and yours. Even though everyone might be 'going paperless'... these pretty little items still make a nice gift and make a great desk accessory for those who may need a little pick me up when they get to work or are about to pay their bills! Just take a look and 'way' the options!

www.iomoi.com

Containing Your Inner (or Outer) OCD

For those of you whom are clinically and/or self diagnosed, this is the store for you. The Container Store is a 'can't live without', 'how did I manage before this existed?' store. Aside from the fact that it is always a pleasant shopping experience and I rarely leave the store without something I don't need. This store is there to make my home and my life stay organized. 

Every room, every closet, drawer, shelf, cabinet and... piece of luggage is covered at this store. With the holiday season in full swing the Container Store has a wide range of stocking stuffers and small gifts for all of your family and friends needs. The luggage ID handle tags are pretty ingenious. The most popular luggage color is black and there is always the 'is that one mine?' question at baggage claim... let's just hope everyone does not get the same ID handle tag for the holidays! There is the gift wrap section that puts Hallmark to shame and a shipping supplies area that will help you get what you need to prepare the gift for mailing... (they should consider a post office kiosk!)

All of your travel needs are covered, your office, your kitchen, the laundry room, the dorm room... have you not been to this store? There is a website, so if this store has not yet reached your hometown... consider the ISH.

Get organized! 

www.containerstore.com

What's in the bag?

Move over tin foil, there is a new kitchen accessory in town! Behold the pizza storage bag! And why did no one think of this sooner? I mean really. We had the plastic, we had the copyrighted and the knock-off Zip-lock mechanics, we have the education in geometry... what was preventing the invention of this bag until now?

So here is how I found it and then I will tell you how to find it. Yesterday I was walking through Soho doing some research on a few different subjects in my personal and professional life. I was able to cross pollinate some store visits to satisfy multiple subjects (something I learned from my college advisor!). 

SIDE NOTE: If you do not have an Urban Outfitters within a 10 mile radius of you, then I truly apologize for the absence of joy that this store brings to almost everyone that I know. With that being said, sign up for their email distribution and be sure to visit the nearest location the next time you travel. I will be happy to help you find that location, should you need assistance. 

My preferred location, and the one that I have frequented and been apart of the many transformations since my early college years, is the Broadway and Houston location in NoHo. It is now 3 floors (use to only be 1) of romantic and cavernous merchandise. They have really expanded beyond the apparel and accessories realm. They are not afraid of offending anyone about anything and they are consistently trying to bring you back to your youth while keeping up with every uber hip trend. On the third 3rd floor, which is mostly about making your home look the way you dress... is where is found the pizza bags... tucked away in a corner. With no fault to the merchandising team for hiding this small wonder... this is a HUGE store and if you have ever been in it or in any UO, you know that they are chalk full of gadgets and gizmos a plenty (hello Little Mermaid!). With that being said, not everything can be front and center, highlighted and item of the day. BUT... these, these are something else in my book... or blog. At first I grab one pack. They were 6 for $6. The one to one ratio was not great, but come on... great idea. I could find a way to re-use there right? So I grabbed a pack for me, a pack or my mother-in-law (because I have seen that refrigerator all too many times full of leftover pizza) and a pack for my sister-in-laws new boyfriend... because he is going to need a gift under the tree from us and he is a dude... who has a roommate... so they have leftover pizza, right? 

So where else can you get them? I Googled these little wonders and it looks like people are selling them on eBay of course. But the company that is making them is Mama Fresco's Pizza Saver. They have a website that lists the many stores that they are selling them to, but here are a few that maybe in your area in case there is not an UO, let alone an UO that sells the pizza savers.

www.mamafrescos.com

or check your local Bed, Bath and Beyond, Gracious Home or Fortunoff.

Can you stocking stuffer for the college student? Single guy? Newly weds? Family? 

Pizza Pizza!