Massive FashionBinge Savinz at jb and me -- For Reals, 40% Off!

Hey fwenz! My new fwenz at jb and me -- they're a mother-daughter boutique in Holland, Michigan, and they're expanding their online presence -- are relaunching their WHOLE site and just hooked us AWL up with a promo code for 40% off all original price items. Seriously.

Just use promo code: TAMAR (heeee!) from now until November 2nd.

A few things I'd recommend, nu?

($99, BCBG Girls, jbandme.com)

$59 with awesome promo code TAMAR! The mirrored heel is holiday footwear HOTNESS!

($130, Population, jbandme.com)

A VERY Catherine coat. Only $78 with promo code TAMAR!

($148, Free People, jbandme.com)

I love everything about this dress, and it looks like it costs a bathousand bucks! But it's only $88 with promo code TAMAR!

Now have AT IT, ladies!

Kooba Kooba Kooba!

Ladies of New York City, get thee to the Kooba sample sale! I stopped by yesterday at three (after they were closed for an hour, presumably restocking) and cleaned up. They had a bunch of current-season bags (like the Gracie) for around $175 or so, but the real deals were to be had in a tiny room off the main one. There they had boxes of sample bags going for $60, and a ton of belts for $20 each. Some of the bags were horribly stained, some were missing straps, and some (like the ones I got) just had minor stitching problems that can probably be repaired (or just hidden). For 10% of the retail price, I can deal with a little loose stitching on the back of the bag. Here's what I scored:



The Sydney shoulder bag but in black (couldn't find a picture of it in black). Looks tough. LOVE IT. And again, only $60! (Note: cat just found the loose thread. Must fix immediately).



The Sienna bag but in plum (ditto). As soon as I picked this up a lady behind me said, "Oh, I was going for that one." Oh, were you? Sorry! Mine all mine!



This one, the Avery tote, got away, which is to say, I stalked it on the arm of a fellow shopper hoping she'd reject it (which is how I got the black one), but no dice. Maybe tomorrow?!



This is a shitty picture of one of the belts I got, which retails for $200 but is sample selling for $20. So flattering.

They also had lots of leather jackets starting at $150, many with the oh-so-annoying cropped sleeve.

So basically that was a pretty fantastic use of a shitting-rain late lunch hour. Recommended!

Binge Beauty Buy: Laura Mercier's Black Gold Kohl Eye Pencil

($19, Laura Mercier, Sephora)

Laura Mercier's kohl eye pencil in "Black Gold" is one of my favey fave new (to me) prodz. It's a really light, subtle eye enhancer with nary a trace of Scary Mary trannybot, which is good because it ain't that kinda party. It's more of a light brassy bronze than either black or gold, and while it's referred to as a kohl, you most defs won't be getting a Cleopatra eye out of this. Like I said: just nice-n-easy prettiness you could even get away with during the day. Like that?

Coincidentally, one of my new favorite videos is CALLED "Black and Gold," and it's by Sam Sparro, who uses his powers for sexy, not evil. It's like an updated Falco but hawter.

Sweater I Need RIGHT This Second! Animal Bandido At Fred Flare!

It should be much more than obvious why I NEED this rainbow bright reversible magic pyramid sweater. It's $95, but really $47.5 per side when you think about it! It's by Barcelona brand Animal Bandido, and it's available at Fred Flare, where you can also read a lil moar about the brand.

It's like a cotdamn Tom Tom Club video come to LYF!


Also, I went to check out the opening of Fred Flare store in Greenpoint, and it was like retail Disney -- the happiest place on earth! And speaking of Disney, I picked up this Disney treasure chest ring for $44 -- I'd wanted it for forever:

($44, Disney Couture, Fred Flare)

I love it so much I slept in it...


... And I got these denture ice cube trays!

($10, Fred Flare)

So necessary! So best!

Oh yeah, Fred Flare ALSO carries JONATHAN ADLER products! LOVE! Come holidaze, I'll be goin' crazy bonkers coconuts bananas shopping there. Especially shopping for MEEEEEEE!!!! WEEE!

Okay, NOW Purple Has Definitely Gone Too Far

Yesterday's post (and today's purchase) notwithstanding, I feel pretty confident that these purple boots will NOT be purchased by me or anyone with a modicum of taste:



Charles Nolan "Kelsey" boots, $148. I am going to go on record and say that any type of ruffle at the top of a boot is unacceptable. Go ahead, contradict me! I bet you won't.




Chloé paneled shoe-boots, $895. A classic hot mess.




Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti ankle boots, 370 pounds. Where to start?




Marc Jacobs butterfly shoe-boots, $895. For Mariah Carey, NOT for you.




Steve Madden purple suede boots, $149.95. Again with the butterfly!




Georgina Goodman "Felix" ankle boot, $947.95. Who? Wha? How much?




Sam Edelman "Utah" boots, $199. We've already established the Binge's position on fringe, so this commentary should go without saying: no.




Jump "Bjork" boot, $128.95. Not sure which is more hurtful to my senses, Bjork's screeching or these monstrosities.




You by Crocs "Fabulous Fashionista" boots, $280. Still don't get Crocs' high-end line: A company that brought you $30 rubber shoes is trying to now sell me $300 boots? I don't think so.


And now, so that the last image I leave you with doesn't have you retching, here's a not-totally-hein pair of purps:



Aldo "Froling" booties, $130. Better yet: You can get 'em in gray.

Has Purple Gone Too Far?

Or are these, possibly, the latest in a seemingly unending stream of totally covetable boots?



Amethystine boots, $134.99.

UPDATE: I bought 'em. And don't forget, if you decide to buy anything from the supercute Modcloth, we still have a working coupon code that'll get you 10% off your order: BINGE10. Yay!

Gap: Everything Must Go!?

On the boot-cut heels of The Gap's recent announcement they'll be closing more U.S. locations to instead focus on retail locations abroad and that they're cutting TV ad dollars (yet again) to focus online, I passed a Gap on Fifth Avenue tonight (I think it was the one at East 53rd), and either they were revamping and getting ready for the holidays, or they were stripping the place down to the hangers:

Coincidentally, I just tried accessing Gap.com, and it was down for maintenance. Where will we get our most boring, severely overpriced white button-downs and Blockbuster Video khakis?


* In other shitty U.S. economic news, this Onion headline is pretty much the fucking gospel: Dollar Bill On Floor Sends Wall Street Into Frenzy.

Three Cool Coats (And One Ridiculous One)

As Tamron so astutely noted, it's effin' cold out! I need a new coat. One of these, maybe?



Soia & Kyo zigzag wool coat, $380. Love the big ol' asymmetrical collar, which might helpfully render a scarf moot. Soia & Kyo actually make a ton of cool coats — enough to warrant their own post, even. Stay tuned!



Tahari wool melton walking coat, $135.90. I love the straight lines and the unusual emerald color. And it's on sale, whee! I might get this....



Guess by Marciano barrel-shape coat, $148. Love the little feminine touches, like the slightly poufy shoulders and front pleats. Alas, even the model doesn't look too excellent in it, so it's a bit suspect.

And now, for the stupidest "coat" ever created:



Convertible wool jacket, $135.90. No designer, apparently, because no one wants to put their name on it. To be fair, it does have a detachable (attachable) bottom half...



...but who in their right mind wants to walk around in a coat this cropped? As the description notes: "Individualist." Yeah, that's it.

Warm Up! Grey-Day Accessories! Plus: Fred Flare's New Store!

The weather went from pleasant to fucking February in like a week. Here are some warmy woolies and stuff in lovely neutral greys to stay warm in, kay?

($14, Lulu's)

Berets aren't usually my thing, but this one does a nice job of straddling that dangerous line between "oui oui hee hee!" and hackeysacking.

($20, Fred Flare)

The sweet pom pom makes me wanna do snow angels, and the wooden button keeps this grey-day hat from a.) flying off yo damn head and b.) being too cutesy-cute. ALSO, you can save save save on shipping with promo code "STORE CUTE." Why? Because FRED FLARE is opening their first-ever brick-and-mortar! FINALLY! Also, I wrote a lil story about it for Metromix New York! Read, believe, ACHIEVE! It's an interview with Chris and Keith (the brains behind Fred Flare), and two sweeter souls don't exist in this world, with the exception of my boyfriend and my cat. Wait... not my cat. He's a total jerkface. Anyway, you MUST go check out the store in Greenpoint and go spend your bucks on Jonas Brothers wayfarers and bags like this... oooh or this We Are the Superlative Conspiracy bag... or this bustier dress in black or red...

($22.50, Alloy)

Yeah, so I really love this grey scarf too.

($21.50, Victorianbird, Etsy)

Stripy fleecy sweatshirty scarf! Sing huzzah!

($9.99, Target)

I like how these heart gloves are like stop-light inspired. JUST THINK of how much funner driving would be if the lights were HEARTS instead of just circular-lights. Of course, then we'd probably just get sick of them and never notice. Ahhhh ennui.

($12, Lulu's)

Perfect winter socks for boots or bummin' around the house. I like to put on some super warmo socks WITH my slippers, for extra-warm crumb bum effect!

OH YEAH: coming soon -- a big-ass scarf post by a special guest poster!! Until then, control your parameters. 'Kay nighty nite!

My Quickie 'Mad Men' Purchases From Target!

I popped into Targz when I was home the other week (and by the way, I must say, the Hilltop Virginia Beach Target was spifftacular to begin with, but with its recent facelift, it's even nicer!), and I picked up a few items to hopefully make my outfy more formal-looking when I attend a wedding this Sunday (at Steiner Studios!), which I just found out is formal. EEk!

Firstly, I'm wearing this Christopher Deane dress:

($163, Christopher Deane, Revolveclothing.com)

The dress is much more fanco-lookin' in person -- silky and pretty pretty. But I still fear it's not necessarily formal attire, you know? So, these are the Target items I hope to fance it up a bit with. They sorta Mad Men-inspired (Mad Men being my second biggest style obsession next to peacocks!), but hopefully not TOO costumey.

($44.99, Anya Hindmarch for Target)

Impulse buy of the CENTURY, but it's certainly beautiful and certainly worth the price. From the VERY same Anya Hindmarch line that MkHo DISPARAGED!

($44.99, Mossimo, Target)

Usually I DON'T advocate the tenty swing jacket for myself at least, but this one has a cute little cinched waist, and it's a nice heavy wool, for in case it's Arctic out, like it is tonight.

($21.99, Target)

These are far daintier and cuter in person.

ALSO, I've got an appointment to get mah hairs all did up nice by Matthew James at Sam Brocato Salon (formerly Oscar Bond) in Soho. The doll-faced Amber at Beauty Blogging Junkie has gushed like a volcano over this man, so I can't wait to see what he achieves with my hair.

Hopefully the whole look isn't too costumey -- the jacket and gloves are just for transporational purposes. It's just mainly going to be the dress, the bag, and the fun hair. Not like I'm gonna roll in smoking a cigarette from a long holder, and wearing a pill box hat, waving like Jackie O... OR WILL I?

Anyway, thoughts, pleaze? Is the outfit formal enough for a black tie-optional wedding?

marimekko for AVON: Art For Your Face!

Observe these flowery pretty palettes for your already-pretty-as-a-flower facey:


Finnish fabric company marimekko (remember when they did that line with H&M?) lent their dreamy poppies to Avon. The result? Four palettes -- two all-over palettes and two eye shadow palettes in rosy mauves, pinks, purples, and blues. Not at all my colors (YOUR COLORS ARE PINK AND PINK!), but more power to you if they're yours. Besides, they're almost too perfectly pretty to use. Best part: they're recession-friendly at just $10 each! Affordable art for your face! YAY!

Tuesday Need: She-Bible Scarf/ Hoodie Top + Free People Jeans!

HAI guyze! Back from cruisin' for a bruisin'! Highlights: family time. Lowlights: family time! JK! (sometimes). More highlights: drinking!

Anyway, missed you SO so, so much to brog about!

But first, let's jump RIGHT into stuff I WANT!

($95, She-Bible, Bonadrag.com)

I LOVE me a dramatic neck AND a top with a banded bottom. And not-too-wide stripes to create a dizzingly slenderizing-ifying effect? YAY!

How cute would this look under a little slim denim jacket or black cropped jacket with some black skinny jeans or even some black wide-legged jeans or your new favey dark jeans? Like so?

($68, Free People, JBAndMe.com)

Perfecto at an even more perfecto price, no?

OKai, more soon, I swearsit!

Checking In at the W Store

Well, this is a little weird: There's a "warehouse sale" at the W hotel store. Odd. But good for shoe lovers! Especially ones like me, who happen to love these brands....



Seychelles copper "Boogie Down" heel, $42.99.



Sam Edelman "Caleb" flat, $39.99.



Sam Edelmen "Cyprus" flat, $39.99.



Seychelles "Tryst" flat, $35.99.

There's also a ton of nonsale stuff on the site for all you retail-paying fools:



iPood onesie, $26. Tee hee.



Wavy hoop earrings, $97. Wear them straight or wavy, supposedly.



Oversize flower tank, $204. Gorgeous!

Tuesday Blues

Seems like a lot of hot bags these days are available in an unusual color: navy blue. To me, it's a hard color to wear, especially in fall/winter, mostly because it isn't going to go with your black coat (or if you're like me, your yellow coat...and black boots...you get the drift). But it's undeniably a richer, more interesting hue than that old basic black. I'd still rather go for a brick red or eggplant, but these are pretty tempting, huh?



Treesje "Avalon" tote, $595.




Rebecca Minkoff "MAB" bag, $630.




Rachel Nasvik "Patricia" bag, $561.




Matt and Nat "Praha" shoulder bag, $136.




Martine Sitbon cuffed patent-leather bag, $448.




Marc by Marc Jacobs "Totally Turnlock Teri" bag, $428.




Lauren Merkin "Frankie" tote, $350.




Anya Hindmarch for Target large shoulder bag, $49.99. (Actually I think this one is kinda heinous, and ditto the rest of this line, but am including just in case y'all like 'em.)

Ugg Goes Metallic

As long as I can remember, I've been firmly against Uggs. Too trendy, too ugly, too expensive. (I happily paid a much more modest sum on eBay for one awesome pair of vintage fur-lined moonboots that served me well for a few years in New York's unkinder months.) And yet something about one (and just one) of the new metallic shades of the world's most ugsome boot is kind of calling me. Uggs in soft gold -- is this maybe, just maybe, okay?



Ugg Classic Short boot in soft gold, $150.

So what do you think: Does the soft shimmer impart a certain, dare I say it, sophistication to the odious Ugg, or is a pig in gold lip gloss still a pig? Do let me know, gentle readers.

Gone Cruisin'!

And with that, I am off on a week's vacation! My parents, sister and I are about to set sail on a cruise to the Bahamas on our first family vacay in almost a decade (a trip to Granville, Ohio doesn't really count).

Some cruisewear I will NOT be wearing but I am sure I will see a lot of:


I am not, however, too proud to eat enough to necessitate elastic waist pants. No shame.

Okay, the able Mary-Catherine Hops will hold it down. See you next week, and enjoy these klassic krews klips -- Gwyneth Paltrow and Huey Lewis' "Cruisin'" is included, natches! How that gemmy gem evaded Oscar is just beyond me...

MAJOR RAGER Savings at Urban Outfitters With This Promo Code, Y'awl

The other day, in an informative entry entitled Things I Want And Do Not Want Catherine -- or Ekatarina, as I like to refer to her, as though she were some wispy, sad, hollow-eyed Eastern European ice skater -- posted up this STAPLE of a skirt:

$58, Urban Outfitters

And I REALLY wanted it. And it was like 10 on Friday night, I was at work, and I was like, you know what, Tamron? You've been workin' your sweet little butt off. Time to cover that butt up in that skirt right there. Because you deserve it. So then what'd I do? Never one to settle for paying full retail, I found this little promo code: LUCKYBREAKS8, and, true to its namesake, it was indeed a lucky break, as it saved me effing 25%, knockin' that sucka MC down from $58 to $43.30. Serious as a heart attack! Saved my tired lil ass almost $15. Lucky doesn't have to know I haven't even picked up this month's issue. That'll just be our lil secret, 'kay?

FashionBinge Beauty Dupe: MAC's Manish Arora Eyeshadow Versus Pop Beauty's Lid Neon

Every piece of MAC's new truly, truly, truly outrageously, brilliantly bright new Manish Arora collection sold out in a hot siggity second. A shame, sure, but most everything looked pretty much like Fafi and Heatherette ('specially the lipsticks and glosses) anyway, which just means they'll parlay these colors into a future collection faster than you can say "Layin' Low."

($38, MAC)

BUT, if you're tippin' toxic for the sold-out eyeshadow six-some, which is quite pretty, take a looksie daisy at Pop Beauty's Lid Neon palette:

($22, Pop Beauty, Sephora)

You don't get the bejeweled packaging or the muted yellow that MAC packs, but you do save $16. Which doesn't go far these days but doesn't mean you shouldn't still save! Even if it's just for Pop Beauty's amazing nail polish, whenever the hell it finally launches in the States!

Redonukulous Beacon's Closet Scores!

While waiting about 14 bajillion hours the other day at the Park Slope Beacon's Closet for the girls to go through my potential sales (can't blame them -- economy sucks, everyone be sellin' their shit!), I poked around and then I FUCKING! SCORED!

First, I nearly asphyxiated on the spot when I unearthed this Hayden-Harnett black cardigan with leather epaulets (I guess you'd call 'em that?) and leather tipped belt tie. Wait wait... let me repeat that... It's a black Hayden-Harnett cardigan with leather epaulets and leather tipped belt tie. For... $24. AMERICAN dollars. Yes. I did. I did that. I really did. I did that.

Now it's got a little bit of pilling on the sides, to be sure, and it's got a few errant fuzz balls, but a trip to the cleaners (where it's currently residing), should clear that up, and soon it'll be living a brand-new life, just like this vintage Sasoon jacket, which is the happiest little jacket (except I got Red Mango on it, so it's currently at the cleaners too). Otherwise the cardi's in TIPPY TOP shape and fits like a glove. Actually, it's a TEENSY bit tight, but hopefully some desperately needed better eating habits will avail me of that distress in general. Anyway, I'm happy as a pig in shet. The leather epaulets look especially sick.


THEN I found this super fun Luella top:

$14 for a fun, Pink Ladies-style button-down with a weird print of skulls that look like a bizarre amalgam of jockeys and hot air balloons. It doesn't close over my ample-chestedness, but I can easily wear it with a black shirt underneath for almost-maxium cuteness. Yay!

So between those and the $9 pair of turquoise wayfarers I picked up, everything was about $47, which was about what my traded-in clothes came to, and they ended up paying me like 14 cents or something. Wee! Of course, it'll all be for naught if that amazing Hayden-Harnett cardi has bed bugs or something. Then I'll really be fucked, y'awl.

BAD Kitty!

($5,495, Judith Leiber)

Even if the economy were NOT in the shit pit, there'd still be no excuse to sink five and a half Grover Clevelands into this tacky cat box.

(Apprx $133 USD, Yumi Rose, HouseRocker.com)

Much less offensive in the cat-fashion department. And that boy cat in the middle must be the MACK, because those she-kitties looked STOKED.

($216, Kenneth Jay Lane, Queenbeegirls.com)

Even more subtle yet!

And because he is the ultimate Mack Katty, here's Rory/ AKA Roris/ AKA Rorsbard/ AKA Butterscat, cold lampin' on the bed:

• Mark Morrison
• New Music

Fashion Binge Says NO To Fringe!

Unless you are Cher circa '73, you SHOULD NOT be wearing fringe. I cannot make this clear enough.

Case in point:

($389, La Rok, Singer22)

Fringed hoodie? I think not. No, wait. Actually, I KNOW not.

($78, Urban Outfitters)

0% love for this.

And as much as I LOVE Hayden-Harnett, I'm torn betwixt barely and not even making an exception for their Wyeth fringed hobo:

($475, Hayden-Harnett)

Eh? Yay? Nay? I'm sorta like 60/40. But in general, wearing fringe on your person, again, unless you are Cher or wrangling steer is SUCH a nein.

Live Blogging From The Office: My Co-Worker's Amazorz Vintage Nicole Miller Heels

One of my VERY fave people here at work is Hilary, who I like to refer to Hilzorz or The Hilz. Today she rolled in these reeeeeedangdonkulado vintage Nicole Miller silk rainbow heels that she rescued from Beacon's Closet in Williamsburg for $40:

SCORE!

And then lookly how cute and unexpectedly modest the whole thing is with her prepster look -- total 9-5 (or 10:30 - 8:30 'round these here parts) on top, secret raging cokefiend on the bottom! Not that The Hilz is. But the look totally suggests it. Wee!

Anyway, if you, like I, want 'em, you're SOL, unless you know Hilary and you can convince her to sell them to you. Otherwise, check out eBay's limited selection of vintage Nicole Miller heels, or hit up your local thrifty.

PS: My co-worker Sarah would like everyone to know that SHE picked them out and gave them to Hilary only because they weren't her size. And now you know.

Also, here's me and The Hilz LOLzin' at a partay:
Those be mah favrit earrings from Etsy seller I'm Your Present. Just $10! What what?

Norma(l) Happiness

Please don't stone me, but I actually just bought something at Wal-Mart, of all places. A couple of things, actually! My curiosity piqued by the Frisky, I checked out the online offerings, which now include a bunch of Norma Kamali stuff. Most of it is jersey and fairly boring, but then there are a couple pieces that are decent. And then some non-Norma stuff I liked, too. Weird! But so effin' cheap! Check it:


Metro 7 jacket, $24. Pretty cool shape, I think. Not bad, eh?

Norma Kamali organic cotton long-sleeve henley, $10. Why the model is feeling so kicky, no one can know.

Norma Kamali athletic batwing cardigan, $18. It's possible wearing Norma's stuff just makes you feel like gettin' down. Look at her go in various shades of this batwing cardigan, $18. I got this in black even though it's kinda kooky. We'll see.

Things I Want and Do Not Want

Because sometimes fashion is just that simple.

WANT:



Urban Renewal leather miniskirt, $48.



Brooklyn Industries cute swingy sweatshirt, $78.



Tretorn toggle rain boots, $154. 'Cept I hate rain boots because they're rubber and therefore make my shin skin sweat. NOT COOL!



Cheap Monday bow blouse, $75.



DV "Skye" pump, $74.95. I saw a similar pair, just the perfect rounded-toe pump, maybe a two-inch heel, in Shoe Market in Williamsburg. By Seychelles, I think. Should have tried on, didn't, etc. But I can't find it online! Inexplicable! These are pretty good, too, though.

DO NOT WANT:



Triple Five Soul harem pants, $34.95. Gee, I wonder why these are on sale? I love how they're sheer. All you need is baggy underpants to complete the look!



Jessica Simpson "Layla" pump, $55.27. Um.



Irregular Choice "Buckle My Shoe" pump, $97.27. Good ol' Irregular Choice. Still churning out utter crap. God love 'em!

Rebecca Minkoff Bread And Wine Bag Equals I Know What You Did Last Night

($185, Rebecca Minkoff)

If the other side of this market bag had a compartment that said "cheese" and one that said "circus," and a little mention somewhere of Real Housewives of Atlanta, then it would perfectly capture everything I did last night. As it is, the Bread & Wine bag is everything I WON'T be doing tonight during Yom Kippur. Sadness!

The Rebecca Minkoff market bag's a widdle pricey for gimmicky bag, but it is leather, and 5% of the proceeds benefit the Earth Foundation.

Anyway, happy fasting!

Two Words, Michael Kors:

Taste. Level.



KORS Michael Kors Slicker Lace-Up Rubber Boot, $295.

Stila's Three New Talking Eye Palettes

HEY LAYYYYDEEEEZE!

Stila just announced the launch of three brand-new talking eye palettes, which I've displayed in order of my desire. I love the Complete Night to Day Look palette because it's got lip color too, and the middle one -- The Sapphires smokey eye palette -- looks beauts, but would it looks fearful with my already blue eyes? I don't know.



The Stila talking eye palettes are $40, and they really do have an actually little mini person in there who guides you through each step of creating a smoky eye. That said, despite Stila's best efforts and intentions, I STILL can't pull off this look without ending up looking like I stayed up for two weeks straight and then got punched in both eyes. Who, oh who, can show me the light?


Quasi-relevant video: The Real McCoy, "Another Night." (Get it? I "talk talk"? GET it?)

• The Real McCoy
• New Music

Long-Gone Agacci Bag Is The Source Of Today's Vintage Regret

I would throw your mother in front of a bus for this vintage '80s leather Agacci doctors' bag. Fortunately, your mother is safe because it's fucking long gone like a turkey in the corn. Weep. Now I know that some of you think that's probably for the best (some of you being CATHERINE), but I'd turn this mother out.

Anyway, it was from Retrodesignergoods.com, which has broken my heart but still holds promise with lots of other awesome bags and stuff.

Also, check out the goldmine of vintage handbags on eBay UK, and this photo of Madam X, who were the human equivalent of The Bag That Got Away:

Coolin' Out: Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel

($23.50, Korres, Sephora)

If you know anything about ayurvedic doshas, mine's pitta, which basically means that I operate at about 7000 degrees Fahrenheit at most times, except for the winter, when my body does me the personal fucking favor of dipping into the cool 4000s. Anyway, I'm constantly steaming, boiling, and overheating in general. And I have rosacea, which I'm sure is linked to the constant Sucks, brah.

So I was DEEEEEELIGHTED to discover Korres' Yoghurt Cooling Gel.

So. Know that: it's considered an after-sun product, but I used it as a moisturizer at night, and I've read about lots of other redfaced-folks like myself doing the same. Why? Because this ish is the jumpoff right here. It's got the consistency of a thick but smooth gel, it's instantly refreshing, there's zero gooey stickiness, and the tinglies last for way longer that I'd expected. Oh yeah, and I've read lots of complaints about the odor, and while it's distinct (I truly can't I.D. it) but to me, the product has a nice, refreshing smell, albeit a sort of plasticky fragrance as opposed to an overly organic smell. But the haters must be used to like some horbs Bath & Body Works sun-ripened raspberry nonsense, because I think the Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel smells great.

For added effect, I will probably refrigerate as I've done with other cooling gels, but there will be no OTHER cooling gels. Just Korres, okay?

And I'm going on a cruise next week (eee! and no judgements, okay? It's a family vacation), and this will be coming with. Currently I just own the $8.50 smaller bottle (it's 1.69 fl oz), but I'm gonna have to upgrade to the biggun up there.

Also, there's a Korres in Brooklyn! Who knew? (Clearly not me. I need to go above Atlantic Avenue more often.)

Two cool-related videos -- the always-gorge Gwen Stefani's "Cool," and "Cool" from West Side Story, which looks just as cool almost half a decade later:

• Gwen Stefani
• New Music

Who Was Drunk On The Job At Giuseppe Zanotti?

($854, Giuseppe Zanotti, Zappos Couture)

Christ in a cupboard. Aren't these just the perfect portrait of subtle serenity? Like a swan on a placid fucking lake.

Even the description of this shitstorm of a shoe is a runway train of excess: "Iridescent metallic leather upper with a patent lip detail on the heel quarter and a croc print patent strap on the vamp."

Also, there's a jeweled buckle. If you hadn't noticed.

Less horrible but also questionable:

($132 USD, Office.co.uk)

Eeeesh. Of course, after that Giuseppe Zanotti farrago, anything looks decent.

($124, Office.co.uk)

Or, instead of buying this obscenely overreaching, potentially crippingly AND tacky wooden wedge heel, you could save your money and just split a log in half, hollow it out, and stick your foot inside. Voilà! Free shoes!

Five Fall FashionBinge-Approved Handbags ... Of Varying Economic Accessibility

Five bags I'd like to carry this fall, though not all at the same time.

($45, New Balance, Endless.com)

Perf gym bag, love the retro wine color. AND it's part of New Balance's Lace Up for the Cure collection -- 15% of wholesale sales from the Lace Up for the Cure benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.

($48, DAV, JBandMe.com)

Super swank-looking weekend bag on a shoestring budget. Like Coach on Payless pursestrings!

(Anavaa Kisasa)

UPDATE: It's $285.00! I don't know how much this fantastic bowler is, because it ain't got no price! (Therefore free?) But you can get it at Anavaa Kisasa in Brooklyn, or even call, if you're so inclined!

($599, Lust4Luxe)

Picture it: Handwoven Italian leather, highlighted by real-deal gold hardware, designed with a subtle nod to those mucho elegante doctors' bags of the 1950s and '60s. And it even lights up inside! No, I'm not telling tales here. Yes, it's $600, but you're a smart little investor aren't you? And isn't all the money in foreign markets these days?

($700, Boyy)

So, how I feel about this Boyy bag and the Lust4Luxe Isis bag is probably best expressed by the Sarah Silverman stand-up bit below. I should warn you, it's EXTREMELY NSFW, and also offensive if you're a vegan.

Beauty Wishlist: Laura Geller's Lip-Shaped "Must Haves" Pouch + My Own Private Home Shopping Network!

($35, Laura Geller, Sephora)

Inspired by my Lindsay Lohan Lips belt post (yes, I realize how OBnXs that sounds -- inspired by "my awesome self!") -- oh yeah, and THANK you to the anon commenter who clued me in to the fact that that lips belt is probably Fornarina -- I now REALLY want this Laura Geller "Must Haves" kit because it comes in a presh lips pouch. Actually, I'd really rather just have the pouch, but that ain't the way the world works, is it?

The $35 kit comes with Spackle Under Makeup Primer, Lip Spackle, and Bronze-N-Brighten baked powder, again, in the cuters red, lip-shaped pouch. But like I said, I mainly just want the lips pouch.

And speaking of Laura Geller, I tried out her Eyeshadow Duo in Caramel Latte, and I weeeeealllly want. Must say, it looked gorgeous on my pasty-ass self. But I restrained myself so I could pay for more important stuff, like rent! But it's on my beauty wishlist:

($15, Laura Geller, Dermstore.com)

You can't really tell from the photo, but this duo is full of beautiful, glimmering speckles and sparkles. But not in the candy raver way, which is good.

Okay, so just like I try to save money by going "Windows" shopping -- my version of window shopping -- I've been trying to rediscover stuff I forgot I owned. In this case, I was looking through my Etsy jewelry shop (ahem!) and realized that for some UNGODLY reason, no one had bought my awesome vintage lips necklace. Sucks for everyone else! I reclaimed it and have been happily wearing it for the low, low price of ZERO!
Hooray for "Home Shopping!" Though of course, if anyone wants to do some REAL jewelry shopping for cute repurposed vintage jewelry made BY me, well then you feel free, and I'll be buying that Laura Geller eyeshadow duo, I sure will you betcha, geegarsh, by golly, can I call ya Joe!? Winky dinky!

Kat Von D's Lolita Lipstick: I Don Bought It

Honestly, I know little about Kat Von D -- never seen her show, I have no tattoos nor do I particularly care about them, and I don't usually go out of my way to embrace celebrity beauty lines just because they're celeb beauty lines. And truthfully, I need a new lipstick like Sarah Palin needs another kid. But I popped into Sephora last night (after seeing the cutest musical (13 -- think Breakfast Club meets Mean Girls with a Jewish Neil Patrick Harris-y Jr. lead), and I tried on Kat Von D's Painted Love lipstick in "Lolita." $18 later, my lips are a gorgeous dusty rose (not the color shown above -- couldn't find a pic of "Lolita").

Even though it's a light rose/ mauve shade, the lipstick itself is a very noticable, very thick, warm, full-coverage, matte. Think industrial-strength stay-on coverage. Perfect for winter and downplaying glamma drama eyes. Also, the packaging is phenomzorz -- a beautiful Lucite base and a rubberized cap with rose imagery.

Kat Von D's Painted Love lipsticks only come in four total shades, and Lolita's the lightest. Based on their thickness, I couldn't imagine wearing any of the darker shades without my lips looking like a stop light, but more power to you if you can pull it off. These are the thickness, and I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a strong, sturdy, stay-put lipstick. Available only at Sephora, which, at this point, I visit more frequently than my local supermarket.

Not Another Peacock Post

...a peacock post about MENSWEAR! This is for the guy who likes to strut his stuff:



Peacock-feather silkscreened necktie, $30. My boyfriend will be wearing this to the next wedding we attend...whether he likes it or not!

Fit for a Queen (and a Killer Hangover)

Somehow, I started getting spam—I mean helpful email newsletters—from this rando store based in Boston, Queen Bee. Anyone get these things? I finally, finally decided to click on something within one of their missives today, and lo and behold: pretty things! On sale!



Alice + Olivia chiffon blouse, $85.80. I love everything about this blouse. Sheer perfection (GET IT??).



Alice + Olivia batwing sweater, $85.80. This strikes me as very Tamron-esque, but I adore it too. Extra-smalls, have at it!



Tibi turtleneck with tie, $70.40. I have a long-standing aversion to turtlenecks, but this is just pretty enough to make me reconsider my embargo.



Tibi cropped jacket, $89.10. This sorta looks like something you could pick up in Forever 21 for, like, $21.80 or whatever, but the print is so fun.



QI cashmere earmuffs, $60, because your ears deserve only the very best.



And for when you feel like maybe those two glasses of wine, three beers and two rum drinks were maybe a bit much, there's this awesome Gal Pal retro ice bag, $15.

Obama Merch Overload!

The Obama folks have finally added a bunch of new designs — from actual, big-time fashion designers — to their store, and boy howdy are they...sorta cool! I'm about ready to whip out the ol' plastique and order up at least one of these babies — maybe more. One for each debate? Some are pretty cool, and some are just, like, Sarah Palin–style HUH??



Nanette Lepore's hope/anchor tee, $65, with kicky little ribbon. I feel like I'd wear this with other stripes somehow, and maybe a slouchy hat of some sort? Is that weird?



Lutz & Patmos's cardigan, $60. So subtle and lovely. Let's get a detail shot of the rising sun, shall we?



If I didn't have at least four other gray cardigans, I'd probably buy this. Or maybe that means I will really wear it and must have it?



Rachel Roy's "Be the Change" scarf, $95. I love this, but the slogan she's selling is a little gramatically suspect, and we all know I can't have that. Be the change you want to see in the world? Be the change? Really? I'm afraid I just don't know what that means. UPDATE: It's a Gandhi quote. So I officially withdraw my silly snarkiness. Thanks for the tip, smarter reader!



Rag and Bone "Change is Awesome" tote bag, $75. Now that makes sense. Simple, direct, powerful. And this bag? Awesome indeed!



Zac Posen's "Dare to Dream" tank, $45. I like the sentiment behind this one. I hate the defeatist liberal attitude that I hear all too often lately; you know, the "McCain's gonna win" bullshit. Fight it!



Pharrell Williams's "Obama Stands Out from the Crowd" men's tee, $60. Not sure why "Obama" is placed in a sea of white faces. This one seems a leeeeetle bit under-thought-out. Stands out from the crowd of whom?



Maria Cornejo's organic "Change" tee, $60. Again, Obama looks white. Curious.



Charles Nolan's "Change is Good" wrap shirt, $70. At first glance, this is interesting. Then you realize that anyone wearing this is basically saying to the world, "You'd have to be locked-in-a-straitjacket CRAZY to vote for Obama!" which, really, is not very on-message.

Many more options, including OMG Marc Jacobs puts his name on another tote bag, here. And remember, folks, you're making a donation to the campaign, so don't fret too hard about dropping sixty bones on a T-shirt.

There's also a plethora of fun Obama pins here, no matter what your niche voting block may be.



Emo for Obama button, $1.



Cats for Obama button, $2.50.



And here's a silkscreened Obama tie! Perfect for riling up the old people (Republicans) at the next wedding you have to attend!



Boyfriend say that tie is ugly, like mine did? Get him this Obama brooch, $48. Cool and subtle.

Then again, maybe you like McCain? There are some fashion options for you, too.



Palin and co. shirt, uh, SORRY! It's satire. Oh wells! Try this one instead:



"Nope" tee, $22.

GOBAMA!