Friday, April 30, 2010

Sale Alert: Foley + Corinna Sample Sale


The Foley + Corinna sale started yesterday with up to 75 percent off handbags, clothing, and jewelry from 2009, plus one-of-a-kind archive samples. While your waiting for the fabulous fall collection you can add the fabulous $200 tie-dyed leather Mid City tote (reg. $444) to your list of spring fashion essentials. Through Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at 186 Orchard St., btwn. Houston & Stanton Sts.

Finally...

It has taken long enough but, Coach has released a bag this spring that I am actually in LOVE with! I used to be a huge fan of their classic but, sometimes quirky style and I purchased enough of it from them that I used to get those customer appreciation 20% off coupons... yes, I had a problem but, I digress.

Point being, recently I had I fallen out of love with Coach because at some juncture I looked at their products and didn't really see where the classic but, sometimes quirky style had gone. It felt like they were trying too hard as they re-designed the classic C on some bags and released the mostly fabric Poppy collection. I don't know what they were thinking!!!

But, they are getting back on the right track with this bag! While the shape is great I am also really liking the fact that although there is some embroidery. It is subtle and almost needs a second glance. Also, the ivory/eggshell color works perfectly into a spring wardrobe. I don't like the giant shiny silver Coach tag because that looks a little China Town to me but, either way I would carry that bag all the time! Hopefully just enough people don't feel the same way so that there is a glimmer of hope that I will be able to find this at the outlet (since $498 is a little rich for my now responsible self)but, I honestly doubt it...

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Sale Alert: $3.98 @ Fashion Bug

While browsing blogs I came across Deals for the Short and Curvy which I'm loving. While I am not a short person per say, I am curvy and proud of it!!!Bianca (the author) alerted me to the $3.98 sale going on at Fashion Bug online only. There are some great basic tops totally worth the small price tag.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Really FOX?

I was shocked to hear about the controversy surrounding a new Lane Bryant Cacique commercial. It seems to be on the back burner in the news but, you can read more about how FOX and ABC refuse to play the ad because it shows to much cleavage? See the original commercial that they banned.

Yeah after the smut that runs on FOX... and on top of the fact that they are airing the new Victoria's Secret commercial for The Nakeds! It makes me think that maybe they are not very accepting of a normal looking woman and that is sad since more women in America are rubenesque as opposed to waifish. How do you feel about this?

This Weekend: Crafts On Columbus

You might have gotten the hint that I love totally unique handcrafted items, whether it be clothes, jewelry, or housewares (although most of the time it ends up being jewelry) so I am super excited for Crafts on Columbus taking place on the Upper West Side for the next three weekends! To get more details click here. If you happen to go don't forget to stop by the Carnelian Knoll booth, they have some of my fav jewelry!


I'm so excited for the beginning of many more craft fairs and farmers markets to come now that the weather is gettin warmer!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

It's Not Easy Being Green - Happy Earth Day 2010

How are you celebrating Earth Day? This was my small contribution twoards the movement... If you are thinking of shopping green you should check out this guide, summarized below. Not everything is what it seems when it comes to green as most companies have started green-washing their images to fool the public. One of my fav eco shopping sites is ecoist and right now they are offering 20% off any item for Earth Day. Lots of retailers are offering discounts to help out the earth, check them out here and have HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Vegetarian / Animal Free: products that have been made without the use of leather or animal tissue products. Examples are shoes and bags made from “vegetal leather” using Amazonian rubber instead of animal skins or other recycled or man-made materials.

Ethically Produced: Ethical fashion is fashion that has been produced with respect for people and the environment. Although there are existing certifications for Organic and Fair Trade, we want to encourage companies who are taking significant action but don’t qualify for certification. This might include companies producing locally or on small scales in developed countries, who might not qualify for Fair Trade certification or companies working with farmers to transition to sustainable crops but who might not yet qualify as Organic (which takes a few years). The “Ethic Chic” section of each brand profile should have details on the specific steps of the brand’s ethical production.

Craft / Artisan: products that have been crafted using artisan skills such as embroidery, which preserve the perpetuation of ancestral traditions.

Custom or Tailor-made: also called demi-couture or made-to-order. This is a way of encouraging quality and “slow fashion” over mass-produced disposable fashion.

Fair Trade Certified: an organized movement that promotes standards for international labor (such as reasonable work hours, no child labor, the right to unionize, a fair living wage), environmentalism, and social policy in areas related to production of goods. Fair Trade focuses on exports from developing countries to developed countries. Some Fair Trade certification organizations include: FLO www.fairtrade.net, IFAT www.ifat.org, TransFair (Canada and US) www.transfairusa.org and www.transfair.ca.

Organic: natural fibers that have been grown without any pesticides and other toxic materials, preserving the health of humans and the environment. The process of organic growth can be certified by various organizations.

Recycled: anything that has been made from already existing materials, fabrics, metals or fibers. These are often reclaimed from previously made clothing and accessories and reworked into new ones. Fibers can also be re-purposed from pre-existing fabric, re-spun and reused for new garments.

Vintage/Second-Hand:vintage is a generic term for new or second hand garments created in the period from the 1920’s to 1975. However, the term is often used more generally for second-hand clothes or up-cycled clothes (second-hand clothes that have been given a new life through some sort of customization).

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Two Tees To Check Out

I know you love my alliteration... Anyway, I've been over it before... I LOVE T-Shirts!!! Just because they can be very schlumpy doesn't mean they have to be. I love the ones below and can think of many different places to wear them and be acceptable. The one on the left is on sale now for $9.99 at New York and Company. I would without a doubt pick it up in black for a night out with the girls. The one on the right is on sale at JCrew for $19.99 not as good of a deal but, I would totally wear this to work!

On the T-shirt note I want to thank Retail Me Not for their awesome $25 Threadless gift certificate. One of my favorite t shops for sure!

tees

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Sale Alert: French Connection Sample Sale


In The World Of Fashion

Jenna Lyons is doing something very, very right. J.Crew Group Inc. has just announced that Lyons, formerly creative director, has been promoted to executive creative director for J.Crew, and she will receive a $325,000 bonus. This comes six months after Lyons received a $1 million bonus, which was awarded on the condition that she must pay it back in full should she leave J.Crew within 2 years or pay back in half should she exit the brand in 4 years.

Chairman and chief executive officer Millard "Mickey" Drexler will also benefit from a cash payout of $2 million, part of the a series of bonuses paid out by the company's compensation committee to reflect J.Crew's strong performance. Other beneficiaries include Tracy Gardner, president of the retail and direct businesses, who will receive $425,000, chief administrative and financial officer James Scully, who will get $250,000 and executive vice president of factory Libby Wadle, who will receive $200,000. In 2009's extremely challenging climate, J.Crew’s total income more than doubled, with a revenue increase of $1.58 billion. I am absolutely schocked that they did so well...

Friday, April 16, 2010

More Into It

Perhaps you recall a few days ago when I was discussing my feeling of dread in relation to swimsuit season. I tihnk today I am embracing it more especially since I stumbled across an absoluetly amazing selection of retro style swimsuits on ModCloth. They are affordable (in my opinion) and the red/wine colors remind me of the Nomal Kamali one that Miranda was rocking in the first Sex and the City movie. Yay affordable option, however many years later...

retro bathing suits

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Sale Alert: Lee Angel Sample Sale


Lee Angel, fantastic jewelry designer if you didn't know, is offering 75% off on their sought after accessories and are giving quick-fingered shoppers a chance to own a head-turner from their $5 fashion bin. Today from 11AM to 7PM and tomorrow from 10AM to 5PM at 524 Broadway, 6th FL (at Spring Street). They had me at $5 fashion bin...

Sale Alert: Ann Taylor Loft 40% Off Clearance

Here are some of my picks (other than the necklaces below) Get them while you can, the selection is limited...

ann taylor loft clearance finds

An Affordable Statement Necklace - Part 2

Ann Taylor Loft is having an amazing sale right now... additional 40% off the already reduced clearance prices. Among the plethora of items they have for sale are these necklaces below. While they originally retailed for around $50 each and are now about $15 so I would get on that before they sell out!

affordable statement necklaces

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Sale Alert: UO $5 Sale

It only happens a few times a year but, Urban Outfitters is having their big $5 sale. You can save yourself the trouble of having to deal with all the hipsters and shop it online. Here are a just a FEW of my picks. Remember sizing and selection are already limited so if you see something you like grab it now.

Friday, April 09, 2010

Smooth Sailing

While we are talking about swim season here's a tip on how to save money (and the environment) by making your own shaving cream!

Ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon sunflower oil
1/4 cup unscented glycerin soap
Double broiler
A cup or mug

In your double boiler, melt chunks of the glycerin soap. Stir in the sunflower oil. Move the mixture into a mug as soon as all of the glycerin chunks are melted. The “cream” will set quickly. When you’re ready to shave, simply work water against the soap until a lather builds and apply.

Not My Favorite Thing

Swimsuit season is upon us and I could not be more unhappy... I LOVE the warm weather but, there is something about putting on next to nothing and walking around that makes me less than happy. Maybe it's that fact that it's socially unacceptable to wear such little clothes in most other day to day activities so I'm not used to it? I'll keep working on the reason but, I think I found a great swimsuit option which makes me much less unhappy about the whole prospect. The ShapeFX All-Over Control (because that's what I need) Bandeau Suit.


It has a power-mesh lining controls all over, the shirred overlay slims and defines torso, and the sweetheart neckline emphasizes bust! I'm not a giant fan of the color but, peridot is my birthstone.... If you are going to go for it I recommend sizing appropriately or up because the power-mesh lining is no joke. I bought a dress from them that was on the smaller side of things and I swear I thought I was going to suffocate. Right now this (and most other) suits on the site are less expensive then they would normally be because they are doing a preseason sale so if you are interested I would pick it up. Take the plunge...

Hair Saver

I have pretty difficult hair to deal with... I know everyone says that but, seriously it is. I have relatively thick hair which used to be down to my mid back and very curly but, had recently been cropped short to my chin and straightened. Either way it is somewhat dry and frizzy and for the better portion of my life I have tried product after product to make it more soft, shiny, and generally manageable. For a while it was Sebastian Laminates Drops and Detangling Milk but, those became unavailable in stores and I was again stuck searching for a way to deal with my hair.

The end of my quest came to me as a free sample with an order from Sephora: Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment! My hair had been a bit brittle since the Keratin and no matter what I put in it vaguely resembled straw so when I read that I could use this product as an overnight deep conditioning treatment I gave it a whirl and I was hooked!! My hair went from brittle and dry to shiny, soft, and smooth and we've been together ever since. You can also use Ojon as a leave in conditioner and to tame loose fly aways. I will warn you it has an odd smell like chocolate and something else weird but, you won't notice it once it's in your hair.

I recommend if you're going to try it out get the smaller size because you really don't need much to achieve the kind of amazing results I'm talking about. I picked it up from Sephora about a year ago and am still using the same one. So on top of being effective and amazing it's economical too! If you're feeling really adventurous you can try their full line of products. I have been toying the idea of the dry shampoo. If I pick it up I will let you know how it turns out...

Thursday, April 08, 2010

Zac Posen for Target Pop-Up Shop

Che Target has everything a girl could want right now including a new capsule collection with Zac Posen launching nationwide on April 25th. Luckily for the people living in NYC they will have 24 hours to shop the collection 10 days early (April 15th @ 11pm - April 16th @ 11pm) at a pop up shop located at 481 8th Avenue (at 34th Street) The whole 24 hours thing is definately a first... The event will channel the ambiance of a party, with the temporary shop offering the entire collection not just certain pieces like past shops. I know that certain sizes will sell out quickly, so if you see something you want in the lookbook stay up late or get up early to indulge!


Capsule Collection: Eugenia Kim for Target

We have talked about my love of Eugenia Kim (and hats in general) before. I am so excited about her collection for Target which will hit stores April 18th (the same day as Cynthia Vincent) and start at around $16.99! That is a drop in the bucket compared to her full price line and even the one she did with Urban Outfitter. For a look at the whole collection click here...


Clearance Find

When I am bored I love to peruse the clearance sections at my fav stores online. If you have been perusing past entries or checking out 260 Days, No Repeats you would almost instantly realize that one of them is Target! While checking out the clearance dress section I came across this one which I have instantly fallen in love with both for it's style and it's price. It's definitely not summery but, for $13.98 I wouldn't mind sticking it into my closet until next year's chilly seasons!



Monday, April 05, 2010

Sneak Peek: Foley & Corrina Handbags 2010


When I got a glimpse of the Fall 2010 collection I could not help but, be drawn twoards this bag. It still has the classic shape of the mid city tote but, the attitude of a total bad %&^. A defintine want when the season comes to pass but, for now I am enjoying this gorgeous warm weather!

Sunday, April 04, 2010

Friday, April 02, 2010

Capsule Collection: Cynthia Vincent for Target


Since the weather is getting warmer I'm super excited to bust all my strappy warm weather shoes out from hiding and celebrate the season change! In my opinion this is the perfect time for the new Cynthia Vincent for Target capsule collection. Among her many accolades, Cynthia Vincent is the designer behind one of last summer's "it" shoe, the towering, zip-front Luella wedge sandal. It has staying power for sure because the Luella is destined to be super hot this summer, too, for it's leg-lengthening, wear-with-everything brilliance. For those of us who can't drop $400 or more on the Luella, we'll be able to get our hands on Target's version for just $29.99 come April 18th. For a look at the whole collection click here.

Thursday, April 01, 2010

260 Days, No Repeats

I have started a second blog called 260 Days, No Repeats. Don't worry I'm not abandoing you! I will still be posting the deals and steals that I find but, will also be talking about something slightly more practical. Because I have a pretty ridiculous amount of clothes, shoes, and accessories and I really need to put them all to good use. My goal with this is not to show off how much clothes I have or even that I can put a stylish outfit together. It is simply to show myself and others that you can make great things with what you already have not just "make-do" You don't have to go to the store and buy a whole new outfit for an event (even though that is fun) you might be able to find a dress in your closet with the tags still on it (yes, that has happened to me). And for all those times that you throw up you hands and say, "I have nothing to wear!!" I want to show that you probably do have something you haven't seen all the potential in the things you already own. Another thing that I want to show myself, and I suppose everyone could learn from it, is the use-value of my clothes (ex: basic black ballet flats that cost $12.99 are much more valuable than a prom dress that costs $199.99) I can agree that there are basic pieces that should be of higher quality because you will wear them more but, the trendy stuff that you could pay a fortune store in designer boutiques is better purchased somewhere like Target because it will be out of style next season.

Please check that and see how my experiment/challenge is going!!!!