Wednesday, February 28, 2007

You Work Hard for the Money, So You Better Shop Online Right

When you've worked all weekend and have pulled some pretty late nights in the office, the only sensible thing to do once you finally get home is curl up with your laptop, slap a clay mask on that tired face, sip on a glass of cheapo Sauvignon Blanc and shop online!

My online shopping routine involves perusing and purchasing from the following:

  • Bluefly.com. I know, I can't stop referring to this website, but I really am hooked. I got a fabulous Marc Jacobs jacket on this site for $40 and ever since, I love.

  • Zappos.com. This is another one of my faves. It's easy to lose a good two hours here - and it is always selling that pair of shoes you found at some retail shop that wasn't carrying your size.

  • Girlshop.com. I don't know why I'm so drawn to this site, I have really only ever bought something at its offline sample sales, but I like feel of the navigation (even though it doesn't make too much sense) and the photos are done very well. Most importantly, I like to keep my finger on the pulse of what the kids are wearing these days.

  • Target.com. This is an offline powerhouse, indeed. But if you live in Manhattan the only options for the retail store experience are Bklyn (full picked through) and Riverdale and Queens, I think but am not even sure. The point is, the site is excellent for affordable work dresses.
What are your favorite online shopping destinations? Share, people, share.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Shoes, Glorious Shoes

When my man is out of town for the weekend, the first order of business is to head downtown to Century 21 - not the real estate company, folks, the discount department store!

I was first introduced to "Century's" by ACT back when we worked at the bank on Wall Street. El Century Veintouno opens at 7 am on weekdays so it was a great place to pick up those second pairs of stockings when we discovered runs on the subway rides to work...it was also a great place to blow paychecks every two weeks.

Oh Century, you sold me my first and only pair of Prada shoes, my sparkley Costume National pants (speaking of which, check out the CoSTUME NATIONAL website: it's hot), my Moschino Cheap & Chic miniskirt and the Milly dress I wore to the rehearsal dinner for my wedding. Unfortunately today you really didn't have what I was looking for, still I purchased two pairs of shoes from you.
And then I headed home, but on the way I remembered Anbar Shoes, which you may recall I highlight in a previous posting. Hello! All Winter shoes at Anbar were either $20 or $25. Well I bought three pairs at Anbar and then went right back to Century and returned the one pair that cost more than half of the three pairs at Anbar.

Top that day off with a visit to the Barney's Warehouse Sale (black wool Theory pants) with JK followed by a dinner at Caracas Arepas and you have yourself one perfect day.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Saleabration



This just in from the trenches - I went to the Rafe sale this weekend and picked up this little number which in addition to a cute wallet in the same style was under $200. If my previous posting didn't pique your interest in this sale then hopefully that information will!

Also, thanks to MS for reminding me about the upcoming Barney's Warehouse Sale - don't forget to check it out between February 15 and March 4. I owe a lot to that sale - some fabulous shoes, a great camel-colored coat. Oh the memories...I once tried something on, put it back on the rack and Amy Poehler asked me if I was taking it. Fabulous!

So I was thinking about the process of shopping and the whole concept of "retail therapy." That's a pretty cheesy way of describing an aspect of shopping I think is very real. There's something so relaxing about strolling around and trying things on at your favorite places - maybe you buy something, maybe you don't - but in the meantime you're mentally stepping outside yourself, while physically you're scrutinizing yourself very closely.

Of course when you're shopping with a friend it's very different, but also very comforting. You can talk through a number of topics with your friend from a number of angles while going from store to store and trying things on. You stroll around, have a good ol' chat, encourage each other - if that isn't therapeutic, I don't know what is.

Ok, before I get too "Deep Thoughts" on something that can also be very shallow and consumerism-focused, let me sign off and get back to another type of scrutiny - the review of Grammy Award outfits (love you, Mary J)!

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Hot or Not?

Hot

Rafe New York - source of the world's hottest handbags, is moving from its Bowery Street shop to a soon-to-be-announced new location (the woman working the store when I stopped in said they were deciding between two different locations). Their moving sale means 70% off. This is a crazy, nutso deal so get yourselves over there if you've ever coveted anything by Rafe. Apparently the sale will be going on through February until the inventory is gone, and it was a limited selection this past weekend so consider yourselves informed.

Not

Proenza Schouler for Target. All I can say here is "boo!" I was one of the truly desperate who stood in line for 1/2 hour on Saturday for a glimpse of this line at a preview sale at the store Opening Ceremony on Howard Street. I bought three items - a jean skirt, a blazer and a dress and I had to return the jean skirt (button popped off) and the dress the very next day. At least they allowed me to easily make the return, but the point is this line isn't as cool as others like Tara Jarmon, Paul and Joe (or - hey - Rafe!) for Target.