Black Sunday Holiday Sale At Newport News

Believe it nons, Newport News (the store, not necessarily the city, though I'm sure you could probably find some stuff in the city too), has some cute holiday stuff on sale. Use promo code 538 for 25% through midnight, December 1.

($34, Newport News)

Such purdy suede. How do you not LOVE the combo of grey, black, and red? You DON'T not love it!

($19, Newport News)

A cute little leopard print clutch to hide all of your holiday cheer!

($29, Newport News)

An eensy little Chanel knockoff! God bless us everyone!

($10, Newport News)

Come on, how fun would this look with a black strapless sweetheart dress like so?

($15, Newport News)

Black teardrop earrings = holiday staple!

($14.99, Newport News)

Weep! Like Thanksgiving threw up all over an innocent bag!

Charley Harper For Old Navy -- Cute AND Affordable Baby Stuff!

Illustrator Charley Harper was known for his highly stylized, boldly graphic modern interpretations of wildlife. His work was so righteous that December 8, 2006 was declared "Charley Harper Day" by the mayor of Cincinnati. Harper passed away in 2007, but his work lives on not just in Cincinnati, but now in a series of beyond-sweet tees, toys, games and books at Old Navy.

Also, about 10 trillion of my friends are having babies, and they're all due around May. As one friend put it, it's like they all got together and had an orgy that we weren't invited to... thank God. Plus, key parties are SOOOOO '74. But I do LOVE me some soft snuggly babies and the accompanying cute baby things that go along with them, and these Charley Harper Old Navy items are no exception. They're precious, AND they're for the baby on a budget. And believe me, if I had a baby, it'd be on a budget. Because mama needs some new shoes, you know?

($10, Old Navy)


($10, Old Navy)


($9.50, Old Navy)

I GUESS babies need to learn and stuff. So they as well learn cute-ly and in a cute manner and fashion.

And, like, I'm no Dr. Spock or anything, but I just need to say, use condoms and stuff if you're NOT looking to have a baby, because as cute as they are, they DO get in the way of shopping for cute stuff for you, you know? Just saying...

Good Saley Sale at Blondette

Couple Blondette items you should bag up. I'm not sure it's still working today, but try promo code thanks08 to save 25% off when you order $150 or more.

($74, Corey Lynn Calter, Blondette)


($109, Corey Lynn Calter, Blondette)

I love the way this looks with red-orange tights.

($37, Plastic Island, Blondette)

A lovely summer staple.

($110, Charlotte Ronson, Blondette)

Super flirty cute day dress. Since when am I into denim dresses?

($102.50, Betsey Johson, Blondette)

Cutest of lifes.

50% Off Sale At Mod Cloth!

ModCloth.com is having a 50% off sale. Shop the entire sale here, check out JUST SOME of ModCloth's adorbs half-off dresses, accessories and more, and use promo code BINGE10 for 10% off!

($35, ModCloth.com)

Check out the very vintage-y looking beaded buttons and belt. How could this dress NOT flatter everyone?

($25, ModCloth.com)

... My mind reels at the thought of that dress with these black and gold cone heels.

($47.50, ModCloth.com)

A billion awesome skinny jeans and skirt and tights possibilities!!!

($6.50, ModCloth.com)

And is there even been an instrument of science that can measure how cute these wee elephant earrings are!?!??!

($32.50, ModCloth.com)

LURVE this. It reminds me a bit of my favey Christopher Deane chain dress.

($50, ModCloth.com)

These could almost be the funnest with some black skinny jeans.

($30, ModCloth.com)

Fun in a slutty nurse sorta way!

($17.50, ModCloth.com)

Great everyday bag at an even greater price!

A few items from their regular sale:

($52.49, Melie Bianco, ModCloth.com)

Excellent late-70s-ness.

($29, ModCloth.com)

This is kinda the type of thing I imagine René Lacoste carried around, even though he was French.

($8.99, ModCloth.com)

Oooh! Cuters pandars!

($49.99, ModCloth.com)

Not on sale, but I can't resist.

($11.99, ModCloth.com)

Resist me not!

Hayden-Harnett Really *IS* Having An Amazing Black Friday Sale WITH Free Ground Shipping!

Hayden-Harnett is being SUPREMO generous and offering lots of stuff at up 70% off WITH free shipping, plus a free gift when you purchase over $250 worth of stuff.

It's mostly on smaller accessories and stuff, but seriously, it's better than the sample sale. Check out their amazing sale on sunglass cases, coin purses, and a few amazors bags and dresses -- looks like only large sizes are left, which works just fine for me, since their stuff tends to run pretty snug.

Enter the Hayden-Harnett sale here. It ends December 1.

($14, Hayden-Harnett)

Capri coin purse in Turq Zigzag, originally $28.

($25, Hayden-Harnett)

Love the tan leather and grey!

($110.60, Hayden-Harnett)


($119, Hayden-Harnett)

I have this in turquoise, and it's the best wallet I've ever owned.

($14, Hayden-Harnett)

Capri sunglass cases -- originally $28.

($145, Hayden-Harnett)

The Beatrice "Corsaire" satchel -- originally $485!

($122, Hayden-Harnett)

I've never seen the Staci crossbody before. I LOVE the compartments AND the pyramid studs, natch.

($270, Hayden-Harnett)

One of the Paule Marrot bags I've been stalking all year. Originally $450.

($247, Hayden-Harnett)

... And the other. Note the peacocky colors!

($234, Hayden-Harnett)

Originally $360. I LOVE the metallic snakeskin.

($188, Hayden-Harnett)

Originally $470.

($154, Hayden-Harnett)

Only size L left. Wee!

($154, Hayden-Harnett)

Also only size L left.

($26, Hayden-Harnett)

Consider it bought!

Black Friday Shopstravaganza: Free Shipping at Urban Outfitters!

Urban Outfitters' gots free shipping through December 1. Use promo code FREEBIRD08. However, I think it's for $75 or more, which isn't much of a promo considering they usually offer free shipping on $75 worth of stuff, I think. Oh well.

Use it to get this sweet strapless dress:

($58, Silence & Noise, Urban Outfitters)

By the way, when I added this to my cart, it was like $43.50 Yay!

... Or this great Betsey Johnson denim dress, which normally I'd be vehemently opposed to, but for some reason I am not:

($199, Betsey Johnson, Urban Outfitters)

Revolve Clothing's Black Thursday Mega Sale!

Unless you've been living under a couch cushion, you're fully aware that this week is RIPE with absurdly great deals. Check out all of this gorgeousness from Revolving Clothing -- almost all of my picks are under $100, plus they're doing free shipping, AND you can save 15% with promo code JT. I know because I JUST DID!

($279, Rafe, RevolveClothing.com)

Beauts patent leather faux croc black boots! Love the gold hardware at the top.

($175, Frye, RevolveClothing.com)

As much as I LOVE grey boots, I actually like these Frye Ava boots best in black. And for $175, you'd be INSANE not to pick them up.

($50, Trina Turk, RevolveClothing.com)

Both pairs of boots would look so cute with this Trina Turk bag.

($49, Generra, RevolveClothing.com)

... Or this office-pretty Generra top.

($63, Charlotte Ronson, RevolveClothing.com)

... Which would look really cute with these Charlotte Ronson flats with pyramid studs (yay!)

($48, Matt Bernson, RevolveClothing.com)

Or these Matt Bernson flats.

($153, CNC, RevolveClothing.com)

... Which you should not carry with this amazing CNC by Costume National studded clutch!

($43, Primp, RevolveClothing.com)

... But I would carry it with this fun leopard top!

($62, Betsey Johnson, RevolveClothing.com)

... Which I'd wear with these Betsey Johnson heels...

($34, YMC, RevolveClothing.com)

... Or these YMC hi-tops.

($58, Luc Kieffer, RevolveClothing.com)

All of which I'd wear with this fun Luc Kieffer ring.

($58, Married to the Mob, RevolveClothing.com)

Kay, so also, this Married to the Mob jacket is just $58!! For srs!

($51, Members Only, RevolveClothing.com)

... Or, get a real Members Only jacket for even less. SICK! (But no liquid leggings, pleas.)

($21, Something Else, RevolveClothing.com)

Meanwhile this Something Else by Natalie Wood (not THAT Natalie Wood) tee is just $21. I should know because I BOUGHT IT!

($13, Insight, RevolveClothing.com)

And OF COURSE I'd have bought this because you KNOW how much I FREAKING LOVE horses and ponies, but it's only in stock in a small. Bew! But if I did have it, I'd wear it with...

($76, Luc Keiffer, RevolveClothing.com)

Love that gorgeous salmon shade that really only '60s bathrooms came in. I'd also wear this with...

($185, Jill Stuart, RevolveClothing.com)

Pretty pretty!

($108, Devotte, RevolveClothing.com)

For dressing up like Lady Prince!

($31, Noir, RevolveClothing.com)

For cute hippies!

($122, Soia & Kyo, RevolveClothing.com)

To cover it all up in the c-c-c-cold! Happy overeating!

Diane Von Furstenberg Sample Sale: December 9 - 13!

I can has wrap dress? Diane Von Furstenberg (herself!) is holding a sample sale (in New York -- sorry, everyone else...) December 9 - 13 at 260 Fifth Avenue between 28th and 29th.

I'd hit it.

Wednesday Want: Sari by Sari Gueron Elephant Print Top!

Sitting on my want for tonite, but maybe you'll bite? Super sweet all-over silk print elephant tank!

($90, Sari By Sari Gueron, Shopnicchia.com)

And get 30% off with promo code S30 through midnight, 11/27/2008!

... Or... if you've got $228 and you're a wee little size 0 or 2, get the dress version:

($227.50, Sari By Sari Gueron, Shopbowsplusarrows.com)

Win These Daniblack Boots!

You (I) should enter to win these fun daniblack Hildy boots. They're suede, shearling lined and have great O-ring loops, and they're approximately 1000.709% better than Uggs. You can wear them straight up or cuffed down a wee bit.

They're worth $345, but you can enter to win them right here-like! Good luck (to me, especially)!

Win a $500 JBAndMe.com Shopping Spree For Doing Almost NOTHING!

For serious -- just go to the new and improved JBAndMe.com -- they just relaunched their site -- and sign up for their newsletter, or create an account or buy something, like the CUTE stuff I've suggested below, and you'll automatically be entered into a drawing to win a $500 shopping spree. Which is probably much more feasible than any of us winning that $2500 Barneys deal.

My picks:

($189, 7 For All Mankind, JBAndMe.com)

A nice halfway point between trouser jeans and look-at-my-butt jeans.

($88, French Connection, JBAndMe.com)

Adoor-a-bell on its own or under a cardi.

($99, Nina, JBAndMe.com)

Oooh, with a little denim skirt and some dark opaque colored tights? Divinity!

So enter now because the contest (sweeps, technically), is only through today. HURRY, won't you?

Oh yeah, and you've got only one day left to enter to win the FashionBinge Napoleon Perdis Angel Baby kit, so GO THERE, DO DAT!

Jog Into December In Some Snowjoggers

Winter is the most huzzah-worthy time of the year, IMO. I LOVE cold weather, I LOVE bundling up, and I LOVE anything that reminds me of growing up in the snowy arctic freeze that was winter in Cleveland, Ohio. Like, why don't they make Freaky Freezies in adult sizes, hm?

Anyway, I LURVE Snowjoggers winter boots because they're basically where a kid can be a kid... or whatever. Except they're for gwon-ups, but they come in bright, fun colors, and they're like moonboots but not as ridiculous.

I have a pair of the Sno-Coney blue, yellow, and red ones, which are like straight out of a Rainbow Brite Christmas special...

But I LOVE the new buffalo plaid ones from Fred Flare:

($88, Snowjoggers, Fred Flare)

... Or, check 'em in green and black from Karmaloop:

($80, Snowjoggers, Karmaloop)

+ Check out more Snowjoggers here.

Vintage Binge: Etsy Seller lecondevetement

Etsy seller lecondevetement has some amazing vintage finds.

Two I'm hot 2 trot 4:

($70, lecondevetement.etsy.com)

I mean, LQQK at those gold closures!!!!

($45, lecondevetement.etsy.com)

Too bad these vintage brocade pumps are super wee -- US 5 or 6, because they're super beauts.

Now, lecondevetement, moar posts, pls!

Win A $2500 Barneys Shopping Spree!

To celebrate the '60s or something, Barneys has a sweepstakes happenin' right now -- enter for a chance to win $2500, which will buy you a t-shirt and belt! May the best ME win!

** And for a much more realistic shot at winning something, don't forget to enter to win Fashionbinge's Napoleon Perdis Angel Baby kit!

Crimes Of Passion: Eley Kishimoto Python Flats

After my Pade Vavre Wild Horses necklace binge, I cannot justify splurging on these Eley Kishimoto suede and python flats, EVEN THOUGH they're on sale AND I could easily justify buying them because they're basically like TWO pairs of shoes in one! I would kick, beg, or steal (okay, not really) or commit some other crime of passion for them, though.

($222, Eley Kishimoto, Gargyle)

Who Wants My Paul's Boutique Peacock Bag?

UPDATE! GONE!
Enjoy it, Jenny!

Okay. Who would like my Paul's Boutique peacock bag?

It's used and no longer looks as stand-up-straight as this:
The "flare" is missing, and the tops of the handles are definitely worn, but it's in great working order -- the zipper's been replaced, and there's been a little repair to the top, but there are no major stains or whatever. Lots of opportunity for you to flare it up and add fun charms and pins and stuff. I sound like I'm pitching fixer-upper real estate or something. GREAT LOCATION! BRIEF WALKING DISTANCE TO TOWN! EXCELLENT SCHOOLS!

First come, first serve. Email me (my email's in the About Me section). I'm only gonna axe that you Paypal me some cash for packing, tracking, and shipping, but otherwise it's yours. US only please. Not because I don't love foreigners (my dad's one!), but because the post office is a huge PITA.

** And don't forget, I'm giving away an AWESOME Napoleon Perdis kit, so go there, do that because that giveaway ends Wednesday, November 26th, and you'll be sad if you forget to enter. But too also doncha know, I've got lots more giveaways coming up after that! YAY, FREE SHIT!**

Binge Beauty Cold-Weather Dechapping MUSTS!

A couple of products keeping me from looking like Robert Downey, Jr. in The Singing Detective (and obviously, I mean no offense if you have the world's worst case of eczema or are a Katie Holmes fan).

($12.99, Yes To Carrots, Walgreens)

Yes To Carrots C Through the Dry Spell Body Butter is the shiz. It smells like something you should keep refrigerated and dip veggie chips into, yet I wouldn't recommend the latter. It's all natural, non-greasifying, and the excessively sad, dry skin on my shins and hips soaks this up like woah. And it smells all fresh and not grossly perfumed or anything. I also love Yes To Carrots Hand & Elbow Cream.

($6, Einstein Lip Therapy, LipTheory)

While I wasn't a fan of their lip moisturizer, I LOVE Einstein's genius little Lip Therapy tub -- it's not as mediciney and el stinko and thick as Carmex, and it leaves a gorgeous balmy gloss with a refreshing minty zing!

Alba's all-natural, petroleum-free lip balms are more exciting than boring-ass Chapstick, and both the Passion Fruit Lip Balm, which I'm a big fan of, and the Cherry Lip Balm with SPF 18 are only lightly flavored. The former leaves more of a glossy sheen, while the Cherry Lip Balm is good for guys too. (And me!) They're both under $3.50 and available at CVS and other such drug store locays.

My Pade Vavra Wild Horses Necklace Is The Best Thing I've Ever Purchased Ever

Yes yes, ladies. Believe it. Not one, not two, but THREE horses, and they're all currently draped around my neck, frozen in mid leap tableau. It's by L.A. jewelry designer Pade Vavra, and here's how it all went down.

A few weeks ago, I went to the VIP Lucky Shops preview party with Beauty Blogging Junkie's Amber and my fiance, who I thought would want to leave in 14 seconds, but it turned out he wanted to see Leighton Meister (smart move!), and after indulging in several of the many free beverages, he graciously held my bags and coat while I tried stuff on, because he is awesome, which I already knew.

Anyway, I passed by Pade Vavra's table, and of course, being an aficionado of miniature horses and ponies and horse jewelry, her amazing Wild Horses necklace immediately caught my magpie eye and held my attention. But that night I was doing the "I'm not buying ANYTHING" thing (which didn't last, because I bought that Charlotte Ronson sweater), yet I could NOT stop thinking about that necklace. Matt graciously reminded me that um, I recently acquired some very nice jewelry (erm, an engagement ring and a pair of diamond earrings... riiiight), however, the necklace kept trotting through my materially obsessed mind.

So, after several rounds of rationalization -- I recently got promoted, I'm good at not making LOTS of major purchases, I deserve it, I'm already in debt so why stop now, I'm an idiot (see prior rationalization), etc etc -- I emailed the address on the site, and Pade herself ended up emailing me back. She ended up selling me the necklace herself over the phone, and we chatted like pals about our favorite shops in New York. I probably sounded like a creepy stalker (or just a Jap), going on and on about how much I love horses and peacocks and jewelry, but I'd pretty much marry Pade at this point (that's her below), because she designs amazing (and reasonably priced) handmade pieces involving horses, peacocks, and feathers and precious and semi-precious stones along with strong, rough-hewn, organic elements with an end result that's not too prissy, not too hippy-dippy yet not too overly modern or overdone. The only bad part? I want just about every single thing she creates. (To my point about sounding like a stalker.)

Anyway, so after not being able to stop fixating on the horse necklace, like I said, she sweetly sold it to me, it arrived just a few days later, and it's even better than I'd remembered. And for real, I've gotten about 15 billion compliments on it. When I wear it (every day) it's like I'm freaking Oprah Winfrey or something -- practically getting mobbed when I walk down the street. All I gotta do now is open a school somewhere and start giving away cars. And I would if I could.

Check out more of Pade Vavre's gorgeous pieces:

Buy all Pade Vavre's jewelry online (if I don't first), or see where you can buy near you.

28 Days Of Fun At ModCloth

Modcloth, one of my most-favorite online boutiques (truly I get compliments EVERY time I wear the Street Market pashmina I bought there for only $20, and they always have good promo codes, and their owner, Susan, is super rad and personally emails me when they receive stuff she knows I'll NEED, like peacock stuff), is having a fun fun fun contest -- every day they list a new item -- apparel, accessories, etc -- that needs a creative new name.

If you're the brainiac who thunck it up the winning name, you'll win that item and a shot at a $100 ModCloth gift certificate, and trust me, $100 can go pretty far on ModCloth.

Check out the 28 Wishes: Name It and Win It Contest. Good luck!

Bag Up Your Sample Sale Goodies In Yak Pak's Geometry Tote!

So, if you do go to ALL those sample sales this weekend, you're gonna need something to SCHLEP your haul in, no? Yes. Not no. YES.

Therefore, I HIGHLY recommend Yak Pak's funnnnn grey geometry Tara tote, which is basically the unofficial mayor of Adorbstown, which is just down the road aways from Affordability Junction. It's also made out of like the same stuff they build space shuttles out of, but softer. You could also use this as a laptop bag, diaper bag, gym bag, whatever. It's a free country!

($24, Yakpak.com)

One thing you are NOT free to do, however is carry this bag with Fred Flare's Animal Bandido sweater! OR ELSE!

It's Sample Sale City This Weekend!

It is doubtful that you could throw an empty Red Mango container this weekend and NOT hit a sample sale. Here are some of the bajillion going on in New York City, courtsey of Refinery29...

Surface to Air Sample Sale
Surface to Air's 2-day sample sale starts this Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22, from noon to 7 p.m. Pick up men's and women's clothing and jewelry from the Parisian label at deep markdowns. Cash only. Surface to Air Sample Sale, 5 Crosby Street, (between Howard and Grand streets), 6th floor, 917-450-5440.

Obedient Sons & Daughters 16-Hour Store
Obedient Sons & Daughters are launching a 16-hour sample sale pop-up shop this Saturday, November 22, and Sunday, November 23, from 10 to 6 p.m. Shop discounted coats, pants, tops, and more from their autumn/winter '08 collections from both their sons and daughters lines. Obedient Sons & Daughters Sample Sale, 237 Lafayette Street, (between Prince and Spring streets); no phone.

Thistle & Clover Trunk Show
The ladies at Thistle & Clover are hosting an evening trunk show featuring the collections of two up-and-comers Chulette and 2fer on Saturday, November 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. Preview their never before seen spring '09 collections and enjoy a 15% discount on Thistle & Clover's sweet selection of clothing and accessories. Thistle & Clover, 221 DeKalb Avenue, (between Adelphi Street and Claremont Avenue); 718-855-5577. RSVP to info@thistleclover.com.

Steven Alan Sample Sale
Bundle up and head down to Tribeca for Steven Alan's annual sample sale now through Sunday, November 23. Get early dibs on discounted merch from Steven Alan, Rag & Bone, Geren Ford, The Generic Man, Demy Lee, Sunshine & Shadow, Mayle, Gryson, Laloo, and much much more. Thursday and Friday, from 8:30 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, from noon to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m. Steven Alan Sample Sale, 87 Franklin Street, (between Broadway and Church streets); 212-219-3305.

Odin Sale and pop-up outlet at Den
Odin has begun winter markdowns of up to 30% on select men's items from Surface to Air, Woolrich, Comme des Garçons, and Rittenhouse. Plus, stop by there East Village outpost and pop on over to Den next door for a clearance sale featuring men's and women's items from Pas de Deux and Odin. Odin, 328 East 11th Street, (between First and Second avenues); 212-475-0666; and 199 Lafayette Street, (between Broome and Kenmare streets); 212-966-0026; and Den, 330 East 11th Street, (between 1st and 2nd avenues); 212-475-0079.

What Comes Around Goes Around Sample Sale
SoHo's vintage go-to What Comes Around Goes Around begins their end-of-season sample sale now through Sunday, November 23, from 11 to 8 p.m. Scoop up vintage classics for both men and women, including boots (now $30), tops (now $10), jackets (now $30), as well as WCAGA collection dresses (now $75). What Comes Around Goes Around, 351 West Broadway, (between Broome and Grand streets); 212-343-9303.

Philip Crangi's Giles & Brother Sample Sale
Philip Crangi's Giles & Brother is throwing a Holiday sample sale this Friday, November 21, from noon to 7 p.m. Finds discounts of up to 75% off their complete collection, including the Academie and Tinies line. Items include the Triple Heavy Curb Chain necklace (now $78), Rigid Chain Matte Hematite Cuff (now $40), Square Stude Matte Hematite & Citrine Rhinestone Bangle (now $36). Cash only. Giles & Brother Sample Sale, 147 West 29th Street, 2nd floor, (between 6th and 7th avenues); no phone.

Acne Studio Sale
The Acne Studio in SoHo is taking 30% markdowns on their fall/winter '08 collections starting Friday, November 21. Standouts include the Beryl cardigan (now $210), the Panache trouser (now $200), and a selection of cashmere hats (now $123). Acne Studio, 10 Greene Street, (between Canal and Grand streets); 212-625-2828.

Cardigan Sample Sale
Lynne Hiriak's Cardigan is throwing a 2-day sample sale from 11 to 7 p.m. Pick up colorful cozy knits for her at discounts of up to 30% off below wholesale, including a French Stripe sweater (now $88). Cardigan Sample Sale, 594 Broadway, Suite 305, (between Houston and Prince streets); 212-431-8900.

Form Sample Sale
Form's structured blouses and minimalist separates are now 25% off at their A/W '08. Form Sample Sale, 510 Broome Street, Suite 7E, (between West Broadway and Thompson Street); r.s.v.p. to rsvp@formnewyork.com.

Yigal Azrouël Sample Sale
Yigal Azrouël's seasonal sample sale ends today. Expect deep discounts on his signature clothing and accessories, including select knits and tops (now $100), dresses (now $125), and scarves (now $50). Wednesday and Thursday, from 9 to 7 p.m.; Friday, from 9 to 4 p.m. Yigal Azrouël Sample Sale, 225 West 39th Street, 7th floor, (between 7th and 8th avenues); 212-302-1194.

Qi Sample Sale
Qi's comfy cashmere knits are now up to 75% off at their seasonal sample sale from 11 to 7 p.m. Highlights include a women's Zip Funnel jacket (now $30), a cashmere Duster Cardigan (now $50), and a cashmere Fringed scarf (now $30). Qi Sample Sale, 260 West 39th Street, Suite 200, (between 7th and 8th avenues ); 212-239-8880.

ThreeAsFour Sample Sale
Score great deals at ThreeAsFour's sample sale now through Monday, November 24, from noon to 8 p.m. Sale includes current fall/winter '08 clothing as well as past season collections priced from $4.44 to $666.66. ThreeAsFour Sample Sale, 77 Delancey Street, (between Allen and Orchard streets); 212-343-9777x2.

Stuart & Wright Outerwear Sale
Stuart & Wright is gearing up for the winter chill with a 15% off outerwear sale. Shop men's and women's coats from Phillip Lim, A.P.C., Engineered Garments, Isabel Marant, Jeffrey Monteiro, Moncler, Unis, Vanessa Bruno and more. Stuart & Wright, 85 Lafayette Avenue, (between South Portland Avenue and South Elliot Place); Fort Greene; 718-797-0011.

TG-170 Super Sale
Ludlow Street boutique TG-170's on-going Super Sale features 25% off markdowns on their fall/winter '08 stock. Now through Sunday, November 23, get discounted goods from Karen Walker, Stretsis, Grey Ant, Jill Stuart, and more. TG-170, 170 Ludlow Street, (between Houston and Stanton streets); 212-995-8660.

Mayle Last Days of Paradiso Sale
Beginning today, through Sunday, November 30, Mayle is celebrating the Last Days of Paradiso with 40% off discounts on their fall collections. Now before it's gone, grab Jane Mayle's colorful frocks, including the Mitsuko top (now $255) and the Ludovine coat (now $535). Mayle, 242 Elizabeth Street, (between Prince and Houston streets); 212-921-7633.

Woodley & Bunny Sale
Our friends at Woodley & Bunny are getting a jump on the pre-Holiday discounts and kicking off their Black Tuesday Sale. Now through the holiday season, take up to 40% off select men's and women's collections and an additional 10% off apothecary and salon services. Woodley & Bunny, 490 Driggs Avenue, (N. 9th and N. 10th streets); 718-218-6449.

Buffalo Exchange Opening
Just in time for our winter wardrobe overhaul, Buffalo Exchange is coming to Manhattan with a new East Village outpost opening this Saturday, November 22. Trade in your old favorites for cash or exchange it for other clothing—a better way to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Buffalo Exchange, 332 East 11th Street, (between 1st and 2nd avenues); 212-260-9340.


PLUS, from Daily Candy...
Heikejarick
Voluminous and tailored coats in cashmere and alpaca. Diffusion line is 30 percent off wholesale.
Nov. 19-26. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
262 W. 38th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 5th flr. (212-764-0878).

Rebecca Minkoff and Nicholas K
Get your hands on Morning After bags and other cult favorites. Dresses, tops, pants, and accessories are 50 percent off.
Nov. 20-23. Thurs. & Fri., 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
33 W. 17th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves.

Té Casan
Fancy flats for $75, pumps for $95, booties for $125, and boots for $175.
Nov. 18-22. Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
260 Fifth Ave., at 28th St.

OPI's Tickle My France-y Polish = J'Adore!

My relationship with nail polish is kind of random and unhealthy -- I seek out a few here and there once in a while and then become transfixed, sort of like a stalker. (Ever see Assassins?) Right now, my idée fixe is OPI's Tickle My France-y from their Fall/ Winter 2008 La Collection De France, which is made up of le mysterioso violets, browns and neutrals, like the one I tried on below. (Oh, and by the way, there are bloggers out there who actually buy/ acquire EVERY SINGLE polish in a collection. That level of commitment blows my mind. Who has that kind of time? Actually, I probably do, but I've been spending it watching the same two episodes of The Real Housewives of Atlanta over and over again. NeNe 4ever! Actually... 4Never...)

Anyway, more savvy polish addicts probably know that OPI collection's been around a few months, but I'm glad I finally got my hands, so to speak, on Tickle My France-y, because it's the perfect au naturel neutral -- sort of boudoir chic meets the color of Band-Aids and character shoes. And since I like to wear a lot of ridiculously bold and bright makeup, jewelry and clothes and stuff, it's a lovely, downplayed neutral that helps keep me from looking like a bowl of Lucky Charms from head to toe.


I received mine in a gift bag, but when purchasing OPI, I like eBay sellers cbbeauty -- I bought Baguette Me Not per Beauty Blogging Junkie Amber's glowing review -- and Nail Treatments -- I just bought You Don't Know Jacques there. Now go forth and paint, because, as they say in France, Il vaut mieux faire que dire. Er something.

That Awesome By Francine Fan Dress Is Fully On Sale!

Remember that amazing By Francine fan dress I blogged about Monday? The one that WAS $284?

It's now $198 AND, with promo code SALE20 (good November 20 - 24, 2008), you can get 20% off, which brings it down to a cool $178, if my math doesn't suck, which it does like 9 out of 9 times. What I mean to say is that it's ON SALE at Winknyc.com!

And, as evidence that miracles still do exist south of 34th Street, sizes XS, S, M AND Large are all available... for now! If anyone gets it, PLEASE lemme know how hard it rules. I, on the other hand, and TRYING to exercise some financial conservatism (or at least just spend on others instead of ME ME ME), so I'll just sit here idly and project my Windows shopping lust/ addiction onto you!

Saxy Time! Dolce Vita Grey Cut-Out Heels With Maroon Tights!

($132, Dolce Vita, Bonadrag.com)

These grey suede cut-out Dolce Vita booties are super saxy times, and the price is even saxier, no? They'd look gorge with some rusty, russetty orange or maroon tights -- We Love Colors' got 'em -- and maybe a brown leather skirt, like the one I order from Urban Outfitters and is STILL on backorder?

($12.50, We Love Colors)

Active Endeavors Sale: Scoop Up This Maria Bonita Extra Dress!

Active Endeavors is having yet another sale, and this is my favorite of the "feels like it's actually on sale" selection...

($107, Maria Bonita Extra, ActiveEndeavors.com)

It'd take some effort, but you could winterize this. Or just hold off and wear it all summer.


In the on-sale-but-barely category:

($704, Alexis Hudson, ActiveEndeavors.com)

The Aspen bag is gorgeous, and it was originally $880, but you can also...


Get it at PinkMascara.com for $626.50! Even better!

Harajuku Lovers New York City Sample Sale -- November 19 & 20, 2008!

In the heat of last night's Harajuku Lovers and LeSportsac Binge mania, I PLUMB forgot to mention that there's a New York City Harajuku Lovers, L.A.M.B, Kid Robot, and Jill Stuart sample sale.

Details: Wednesday, November 19 and Thursday, November 20
8AM - 8PM
Saavy & Co's Loft
145 W 18th Street, bwn 6th and 7th

Amex/ Mastercard/ Visa accepted

+ The Purse Blog has some reports and stealth-mode photos! If you go, lemme know what you get, kay?

Win A Napoleon Perdis Angel Baby Kit!

Remember how I was/ is/ and always will be FREAKING out about Napoleon Perdis' Madame Curl Curl mascara? Wellsies, here's a chance for you to get some Napoleon Perdis mascara AND some other cute stuff!

Now WHO wants a seriously cute, completely handy Napoleon Perdis Angel Baby Kit? One at a time, ladies!

I've got ONE kit to give to ONE lucky winner.

Enter to win between Wednesday, November 18 - 26, and you could making yourself even prettier with the Angel Baby kit, which contains everything you see above, including:

+ A mini lip pencil in Camero
+ A mini eye pencil in Chocolate Mousse
+ Eyeshadow Quad
+ Long Black mascara

All you have to do is enter below and tell me what you plan to do with these prettifying tools once you get aholds of 'ems.

(The kit doesn't come with a bag, but check out some cute LeSportsac picks here.)

Good night, and GOOD LUCK!

Frye On Bluefly!

Two quick Frye picks from Bluefly:

($246, Frye, Bluefly.com)

The "Vicki Campus" boots in grey at $152 less than on the Frye site.

($156, Frye, Bluefly.com)

The "Lisa" bootie -- so cute and significantly less than the ones on Zappos.

($94, Frye, Shopbop.com)

Not on Bluefly, but DEFINITELY on sale. These are the "Fiona" Oxfords I blogged about the other week, but they're even cheaper than the ones on Frye and than the $129 dark brown ones on Urban Outfitters.

LeSportsac Binge! Plus, Totally Random Hedgehog Stuff!

Inspired by my Harajuku Lovers handbags post, I went on a small LeSportsac Windows shopping binge. Here are some of the fun, less-common stilos, shapes, and sizes that I netted at some non-morts prices!

($75, LeSportsac, Nordstrom)

Just the right amount of preppiness.

($75, LeSportsac, Shopbop)

The Jen Tote! Normally I don't love the multi-zippered look, but when it's folded over, it's cute. AND functional!

($68, LeSportsac, Amazon)

The Deluxe Everyday Tote in Checkit is a nice, WAY cheaper alternative to the 3.1 Philip Lim Editor's bag, which is about $500.

($98, LeSportsac, Amazon)

I don't know what these little faces are on the Dana Tote, but they're cute, and that girl could fit in that bag.

($46, LeSportsac, Amazon)

Love the '60s sorta-Pucci-looking zigzags here. They're not as obviously cutesy LeSportsac as a lot of the rest of their bags, even though I love some cutesiness too!

($46.95, LeSportsac, Amazon)

Cutey-cute little woodgrain/ animal print toiletry bag for a great price.

($37.93, LeSportsac, Amazon)

Another adorable toiletry bag, this one in "Goth."

($16.93, LeSportsac, Amazon)

McCuters little cosmetic bag in "Fantasy." And it's got a smiling kitty on it! Hee!

($23, LeSportsac, Karmaloop.com)

Lakeside is one of my favorite of the newer LeSportsac prints. So so SO cute with the widdle foxies and deerz and bearies!

($68, LeSportsac, Karmaloop.com)

The Suzette handbag in Shades is adorability! Sorta reminds me of the Andy Warhol for Paul Frank that came out a few years ago.


Finally, my fave:

($88, LeSportsac, Amazon)

Ridiculously cute hedgehogs! And to celebrate, I've found a few other hedgehog items...

($3.75, Folkmanis, Amazon)

It's a coot widdle hedgehoggooh fingo poopet!

($99, Kenneth Jay Lane, Shopbop.com)

Um, yes. That is a hedgehog ring. Or a pinecone with a face. Even I can't approve of that.

($39, Deglingos, Amazon)

Likewise, I totally disapprove of this corduroy/patchwork/evil tree monstrosity. Because there is enough disapproval to go around! Let's just stick with the hedgehog back, shall we?

Harajuku Lovers Techno Pins Bag!

If loving Harajuku Lovers handbags is wrong, I don't even wanna be right, y'all. No they're not subtle. Yes yes, they're geared toward young folks, but HL bags are light, durable and hold EVERYTHING, and sometimes you can find them for less than LeSportsac. I shoved half the contents of my life into mine tonight, and I actually didn't feel like I was going to crack my poor achy little shoulder off. No, they're not job-interview material, but for everyday use, they get high marks, especially for cuteness...

Anyway, check out their fun new Techno Pins print in the "Uh-Oh" tote style -- my favorite -- because it's got lots of PERFECTO pockets AND a zip top:

($98, Harajuku Lovers)


($29, Harajuku Lovers, TheGiantPeach.com)

Super cute in its cosmetic bag vershe. Looky that whistle charm zipper pull! Hee! AND you could put BOBBY PINS in it, YOU KNOW?

($41, Harajuku Lovers, 6pm.com)

The "Uh-Oh" bag in Peacock (hee!), if you need something a LITTLE less Technocolored.

($30, Lulu's)

Not a Harajuku Lovers bag, but similar cute Pop style at a bear market price!

Unbinging On Catalogs With Catalog Choice

Not even joking, I came home tonight to find the EIGHT catalogs pictured above crammed into my mailbox. This has GOT to stop. Seriously. Like I've EVER purchased anything from Frederick's of Hollywood EVER? ("Like I would ever shop at Judy's?" Clueless fans??) Boston Proper -- NEVER EVEN HEARD OF IT! Green Mountain Coffee? REALLY?!?!? MOMA Design? Purchased something online about 17,000 years ago, like before the dawn of the Internet Age, but, hand to God, you will fucking stay signed up for shit you didn't ask for AN ETERNITY if you don't make a conscious, concerted effort to get off catalog mailing lists...

Anyway, I was horrified upon receiving an absurd onslaught of SO much wasteful paper, and clearly I did NOT sign up for this excess trash, which only serves as a reminder of how wasteful we can be without even trying. Fortunately, I remembered I'd signed up for Catalog Choice earlier this summer...

Catalog Choice isn't failsafe, but it's a step in the right direction. You sign up/ on for free, and you search for all of the catalogs you receive and want to stop receiving. For example, I opted out of the Delia's catalog -- I'm pretty sure I no longer receive it, whereas I still receive the Viva Terra catalog even though I did opt out. Tonight, I tried opting out of Fossil and Restoration Hardware, but both companies aren't yet signed up with Catalog Choice, but Art.com was. However, Catalog Choice will apparently contact unregistered companies on your behalf...

Anyway, like I said, it's not a perfect solution to reducing your catalog waste, but it's a good start. What's the point of receiving wasteful paper catalogs when clogging up your inbox wastes nothing but the two seconds of your time it takes to click "deeeelete"?

Alexander McQueen for Target!

ACT LIKE YOU KNOW!

Alexander McQueen's up next for Target!

The collection hits Tarjayz March 1, 2009 and runs through April 11, 2009 as part of Target's new Designer Collaborations hook-ups with established designers.

More from WWD/ Racked:

McQ Alexander McQueen for Target will feature lightweight sweaters, skinny jeans, bubble dresses, slim skirts and cuffed shorts. Signature pieces include a coated cotton poplin black trench, a rock ’n’ roll gray denim cropped studded jacket, a men’s wear-inspired tuxedo blazer and a color-blocked one-shoulder dress with bubble hem. The collection also will include swimwear and cotton voile print scarves.

The collection has a muted color palette of black, white, gray and tan with accents of cobalt blue and bright pink. Studs and mesh give items an edge. For example, a chambray sleeveless shirtdress has stud detailing, there’s a mesh wrap dress and an open yarn zipper cardigan. Graphic prints and silk-screen photographs give tunics, dresses and T-shirts visual interest. The Leila silk-screen T-shirt with a necklace collar was designed for The Duke Spirit lead singer, while other band members are immortalized on a sleeveless jersey T-shirt.

Can't wait that long? Check out a few less-than-a-fortune McQueen pieces...

($219, McQ ByAlexander McQueen, Bluefly)

Cute, no?

(Currently $73, Alexander McQueen, eBay)

Fun red military-inspired Alexander McQueen trench for a SONG! That is, until someone jacks it up to the price of a small country...

($399 Buy It Now, Alexander McQueen, eBay)

$399 ain't bad for iconic, stripey McQueen. Or, go find something cheaper at Trash & Vaudeville.

(Currently $125, Alexander McQueen, eBay)

Kinda whackadoodlydoo, but I like. The design reminds me of Will Broome.

Shop At Milk Sale!

Good binges come in threes -- three sale wants from West Hollywood boutique Milk, which, thank Jeezy, has an online store too!

($138, Christian Joy, Shopatmilk.com)

Like Kandinsky does Matisse.

($136, Mike & Chris, Shopatmilk.com)

No, it's not leather, but yes, it IS Mike & Chris. Also, I PRAY there's no truth to the rumor that Mike & Chris is going under! Please, God, no! Wait... OH SHIT! Despite previous protestations by the company, it looks like Mike & Chris HAS been sold! BOO!

($167, No 6, Shopatmilk.com)

I'm not a fan of regular clogs, but leather clog boots I might be able to get down with...

I'm A Fan Of By Francine's Fan Dress

UPDATE! THE FAN DRESS IS ON SALE!!

A few great pieces from By Francine...

($284, By Francine, Winknyc.com)

I LURVE unexpected twists on otherwise classic little black dresses. Plus, consider ALL of the shoe options you now have as a result of the fun fan on the bodice. Also, you can get 30% off -- today only -- with promo code "1DAY."

It also comes in a more punk-looking turquoise
... Available for $290 on the By Francine site...

Another reason I love this dress -- it reminds me a little of a dress I blogged about before -- the Eve & A dress that Whitney Port wore to a Hills event...

Two more By Francince pieces I'd like for me to own:

($175, By Francine, Shopgoldyn.com)

... And...

($215, By Francine, Shopgoldyn.com)

A versatile piece for all seasons, no?

Am I Out Of My Skull?

For being intrigued by this REDONKULOUS pendant of a diamond-encrusted, pipe-smoking, eye-patch wearing skeleton. So, I guess he's a pirate, but a successful one because his head is made of 14-carat gold, his good eye and eye patch are made of 1.77-carat diamonds(ish), and he doesn't have to roll his own cigarettes -- he can afford his own bejeweled pipe, all of which is pretty awesome. All signs lead me to believe that skeleton pirate definitely has been spending plenty of time far away from American waters since he's rolling in so much skrill. Anyway, if YOU'RE rolling in lotsa skrill -- say, a treasure chest filled with $1,799.99, Ye Olde Skelly can be yours. Just follow Ye Olde eBay link...



...Or, if you're not Flo Rida, get the smoke-free Disney Couture "Captain Hook" version, which I've loved long time, at Dillard's for budget-conscious pirate price of $75.00:

($75, Disney Couture, Dillards.com)

YARG!

Alexis Bittar: Spring 2009 Preview

Brooklyn jewelry designer Alexis Bittar is one of those rare gems whose designs are so fantastic that I'd wear any or all of them... or even several pieces at once. Case in point: his '80s-inspired Risky Business brooches, which are part of his textured, highly tactile Lucite collection (his Lucite pieces are some of my favorites, and they're also impeccably designed yet indestructible), and his Deco-y parrots. Also, do NOT miss his stacks and stacks of gumdrop-colored Lucite bangles. I crave them all like candy... And below that, his tilda wood earrings from his Elements collection, and assorted icy, angular, and rose gold bangles. When I sleep tonight, I will dream about that white bangle with gold shards -- on the far right -- from the Miss Havisham collection. Alexis Bittar's Spring 2009 pieces are available January '09. Sweet Dreams!

Hayden-Harnett's New Boots Only Encourage My Wanton Leo Spending Habits

Come ON, Hayden-Harnett! As if I didn't have enough lust in my heart as it is! Now you gotta dangle some of your new $595 Zelda Zippered Cuff Boot (in Eucalyptus) in my lap while I just sit on my hands and try not to touch? A WOMAN HAS BASIC HUMAN NEEDS!



At least the Hayden-Harnett for Target collection is fast approaching! Per PR, it hits stores -- and Target.com -- December 28, 2008 (through March 3, 2009), with no Internet pre-sale, but obvs I'll keep you posted if I hear anything. And meanwhile, I'll be counting down the days until the next Hayden-Harnett sample sale and PRAYING those boots show up in a size 8, puhweeeeze!

Get It or Forget It? (Or Wait for the Sample Sale?)

Help me, fair Bingers. I can't decide whether to get this coat. I desperately need a new black winter coat, but I'm not sure if this one is The One. Help!



L.A.M.B. "Mix" wool nylon coat, $254.90 (which is 40 percent off thanks to Nordstrom's half-yearly sale). It seems like it has just enough offbeat touches to make it cool--I like the weird little patchwork thing on it, and the seams down the front--but is it a little too menswear? Will I hate it once the novelty wears off? Can I take the chance of not buying it by Monday, when the sale ends, in the hope of finding it for even less at next week's sample sale? Do I really care that much? What would Gwen Stefani do?

Gwen Stefani - New Music - More Music Videos

Budget Binge Beauty Buy: Tropez Sunrise to Sunset Eyeshadow Palette In Olive Oasis

Drugstore beauty. Let's discuss: People, there is NOTHING wrong with buying your beauty products from the same place you buy your toilet bowl cleaner and tampons. I'm not saying you need to buy ALL of it there, or that you shouldn't save and splurge on a few must-have top-shelf items (like Armani's Face Fabric foundation or Napoleon Perdis Madame Curl Curl mascara) but you'd be straight foolin' not to test out similar shades in less expensive versions of the stuff you might want to upgrade to at Sephora. What I'm saying is, why pay $18 for a shade of shadow that looks LE HORBS on you when you could've just spent $2.79 on something AND possibly loved it just as much.

But obviously a lot of you guys know that since a.) you're smart shoppers, and b.) Duane Reade is in the black.

So, here's another on-the-cheap, less-is-more Binge-approved beauty buy I recently discovered and lurves: Tropez's Sunrise to Sunset eyeshadow palette in Olive Oasis!

(Tropez, $3.99, Walgreens)

I tried Olive Oasis just this morning, and seriously, not even lying, I like it just as much as the MAC and Prescriptives eyeshadows I usually use. It's richly pigmented, no skimpiness, lots of pop, and per this report, it stays on all day. And, one of the things I liked best -- there was almost no all-over-the-place residue, which is almost unheard of with luminescent glittery shadows. It's sold out on Walgreens.com, but here's where you can find Tropez products (lotsa drugstores and stuff.)

Anyway, there are three other Tropez palettes, each with six shadows, and at $4 each, you could easily try them all -- and still have cash left over for Charmin. Yay!

Get 30% Off Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic & Piperlime!

** SERIOUSLA UPDATE: EPIC FAIL POST! So right -- that was a one-time use code. Wah. I sorry! BUT, that Hayden-Harnett bag IS back!!!!!!!!!!!! **

Use promo code LZMP9NFVPGTD online at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and/or Piperlime (Piperlime being most appealing to meeee), between November 13 - November 16, 2008 for 30% off! Yay!

And, for every purchase you make, they give 5% of the amount you spend to World Wildlife Fund. Nice, right? I like seals and pandas and puppies!

But I also like this Hayden-Harnett "Jinhee" patent tote, which is already "just" $317 (originally $425) for "just" $222!... UPDATE: OMFG THIS SOLD OUT AS I WAS POSTING THIS!!!! ANGER!!!!!!! WTF!!!1!


... Or this grey patent bag by The Sak (a name that always makes me laugh, because I'm 12) -- was $189, currently $89, now just $63 with your discount! Wee! And baby owls don't die! Or die less!

Hayden-Harnett for Target, for ME!

If, on December 28, you find yourself in need of a last-minute birthday present for moi, get thee to a Target! The Hayden-Harnett line for Target drops that very day. I'll take this printed flight bag, please.



Or or one of the clutches.



Or the umbrella.



Well played, HH (though a few more fun prints would have been nice).

Mad Men's Jon Hamm Falls Into The Gap... Also Into My Lap!

I don't care if he's selling Uzis that discharge disease. I will buy ANYTHING Jon Hamm is selling, including Jon Hamm's john ham. It just so happens that he's hawking Gap holiday merch, along with pretty blonde me (I dyed my hair, btw), pictured below! Aren't I SO cute!


That's actually his girlfriend, actress/ writer Jennifer Westfeldt, but ONLY because I DUMPED him.

Anyway, check out The Gap's new online holiday videos -- they're scaling back their TV ads, remember? They're cute, just like a puppy present with a blue bow under its neck, waiting under a menorah!

Plus: tons of Mad Men fashion binges!

Wednesday 'Frye' Day Boot Binge!

Three pairs of Frye boots and shoes and shooties that I'm seriousla sweatin'!

($188, TheFryeCompany.com)

Saw these in the window of Soula and was inexplicably attracted to their sorta sexy/ugly nature. Sorta like the way some ladies find Steve Buscemi attractive.

($227, Frye, Zappos)

LOVE the perforated Paige boots with a buckle. And, THANK Methuselah, Zappos redesigned!!

($202, Frye, Zappos)

Love the antiquey design of the Zappos Ava Oxford. Maje wants!

Love 'Em or Leave 'Em: Topshop's Black and Gold Studded Platforms

($135, Topshop)

Like Chanel, only affordable! Thoughts, ladies? (And trannies?) Hot in a Rihanna way, right?

+ More black and gold beauties: Laura Mercier's black gold eye pencil!

Stila For A Steal: Save 20% And Get Free Shipping!

Get 20% off Stila AND free shipping (with a minimum of any $30 purchase) -- it's like they're FORCING you to shop! -- through December 16. with promo code ECYX14.

My recs:

($18, Stila)

Run, don't walk, to get Stila's Kajal eye pencil in "Topaz," which is a matte peachy hue. Total eye brightening situation that does a fine job of offsetting dramatic lips, or un-dullifying otherwise sorta blah eyes. Like that? "Un-duliffying"?

($18, Stila)

I haven't tried it yet, but Stila's Long Wear Lip Color in "Darling," which is a golden champagne, looks amaze.

Now go make your lips look like this:
... FOR LESS!

Quickie 'Man Men'-Inspired Jacket By Victor by Victor Alfaro

($65, Victor by Victor Alfaro, Bon Ton)

Bon Ton reminds me of old ladies, and kind of in a bad way, but this Mad Men-ish cropped cheetah-print jacket reminds me of old ladies in a GOOD way.

+ More Mad Men fashion binges here.

Yes. It's Another Fucking Peacock Dress!

($149, Walter, Ruelala.com)

I know. Act surprised. I love the early '60s-ness of this amazors one-shoulder "peacocktail" dress. And while I can't usually do the one-shoulder situ, I'd make an exception, especially since it's smartly banded for a waist-cinchingstravaganza extraordinare. And the studded (!!!) trim at the top of the shoulder keeps it from looking too overly vintagey. Oh and THINK of the shoe/ booties/ shooties options! LIKE, SERIOUSLY, I DIE!

Also, thanks to Beauty Blogging Junkie's Amber for sending me this piece! You're a dollface!

Boot Binge: Modern Vintage, 80/20 & Ayla

It's a Monday evening boot binge, everybunnies! Three brands for you -- 80%20, Modern Vintage, and the amazing Ayla!

($450, Modern Vintage, Piperlime)

It's probably for the best that these don't come in my size. I LOVE the screw detailing! Are screws the new pyramid studs??? Also, i still DREAM of these Modern Vintage heels.

($230, 80%20, Karmaloop)

Kind of like how the more I look at my cat, the more completely perfect he becomes, the more I look at 80%20's Justine boots, the more awe-inspiring they are. One-inch heel, crinkled black leather with tan panels in an Art Deco-y design. AND a wide opening at the calf!?!? I gots the vapors! Oh, and apparently promo code FREE25 gets you free shipping, and that ain't nothin'! And again too also, the Justine boots come in Smoke too:

($199, Ayla, Shoe-Store.net)

LASTLY but MOST importantly, you simply MUST get your legs on some Ayla boots. I own the Tokyo style seen above -- the photo does NOT do them justice -- and they're phenomworthy. They're custom made to fit YOUR size, which means no cramming/ stuffing/ shoving/ shoehorning your normal-woman-sized legs into boots the width of pencils. Seriously, Mary-Kate recently had to return a pair of boots because they were too slim and SHE HERSELF IS SLIM! I don't get it. Now I'm not such a big girl, but I do got me some soccer player calves (minus the soccer and the playing), and too often I've practically busted a YKK trying to get some tall boots zipped up. Not so with these radicational Ayla boots:

You just send in your measurements and you get a ridiculously lush, luxe pair of leather boots TO FIT YOUR OWN PERSONAL SITUATION, for under $200! AND they come with spare instep liners to pad them out (I ordered a 9, even though I'm an 8 -- they fit perfectly.) Anyway the Tokyo style, pictured above, come up to just a few inches below my knee, and they ACTUALLY zip up with skinny jeans. Not lying. And again, not lying -- THEY'RE under $200. If you're not so into the criss-cross straps (too Mad Max for you?), check out the Milano -- they remind me of Coach or Cole Haan riding boots:

($189, Ayla, Shoe-Store.net)

Oh, and Shoe-Store.net has free shipping. It's like they're practically BUYING THEM FOR YOU! (And no, I don't work for Shoe-Store OR Ayla. I'm just THAT in hearts with these boots, which are totally comfy by the way.)

($189, Ayla, Shoe-Store.net)

I can't even deal with how gorgeous the Manhattan boots are! It's like they WALKED out of the early '70s!

($134, Ayla, Shoe-Store.net)

Um, hi. These are like Frye at like one-third of the price. Now THAT'S what I call recession busting!

I Am Such A Bag Hag: Henry Road Bags!

Ironically, this mod flowered roomy tote couldn't even hold all of its innate adorability. It's by Henry Road.

($76, Henry Road, ThreePotatoFour.com)

And check out this one, in more muted, mustardy '70s-tastic earth tones:

($105, Henry Road)

I wanna bag it up! No diggity!

Blackstreet - New Music - More Music Videos

I Love Sumbody! Citrus Splash Sugar Scrub That Is!

Usually I'm a wee bit skeptical of body scrubs because they clog my drain like nobody's damn biz, but I have SEEN THE LIGHT, y'all!

Sumbody's Citrus Splash Sugar Scrub has the fine consistency of soft, wet sand -- not hugely grainy or too-sharp and painful (HATE that!) or just BEGGING for me to me to go buy three more bottles of Liquid Plumbr. And it smells fruity and delicious -- like something I want to blend with a a few ice cubes and a heavyhanded pour of rum and chug until I pass out. But I digress. It leaves my skin completely moisturized, which I defs need this scaly, sad-for-skin time of year.

GET THIS NOW!

($18.95, Sumbody.com)

Fashionbinge Bridal News!

Oh hai, Binge! I am engaged! As of the other week! No, I don't have a date or a venue or anything yet. Just a gorgeous vintage ring (it's Deco/ Edwardian -- and yes, I too thought Twilight when Matt told me it was Edwardian... I am SUCH a loser), and a wonderful fiance, who looks a lot like my awesome boyfriend of five years.

I'm quite nervioso about the planning and articulating my ideas, and making everything awesome ... not to mention the outrageous expenses we're about to plunge into, but I am pretty excited about the idea of finding an awesome dress -- either something vintage or a non-bridal couture dress.

Or... THIS:


It's by Kenneth Pool -- Austin Scarlett's line! -- and while Austin's designed many gorgeous wedding dresses, this ain't one of 'em, folks. But it's PERFECT for the bride who wants to style herself like Britney, Madonna AND Christina Aguilera at the 2003 VMAs!



Also, if anyone has a fancy peacock gown they'd like to donate, please let me know! Or a bridal gown you'd like to lend me! Also, please give me like $50,000! KAYTHANKSBYE!

Wilkommen Back, MCM Bags!

Anyone remember MCM (Mode Creation Munich) bags from back in les '80s? They were cute in an preppy, equestrian way, and then they kinda fell off for a little while. Well they're back like Backstreet in several diverse iterations, ranging from bright neons, whites, and animal skins to pieces that look like a Birkin's third cousin to some studded and bejeweled pieces and of course leather travel bags too.

Observies three of my faves:




Available at les fine department stores like Bloomingdale's and the whatnots and won't yous and so forths. But for the vintage scores, check eBay or your local thrifty, if you're so inclined. I mean seriously, LQQK:

($74, MCM, eBay)

I truly wish I could've been invited to the awesome swingers parties the original owners of these racket covers probably threw.

($280, MCM ,eBay)

RIP, YSL!

drikaB Birdy Tote + Pouch!

Truly, I need another bag like Don Draper needs another random casual encounter, but I've been staring at this one like a pedo on a playground. It's handmade by Etsy artist drikaB, and I LOVE the contrast of the rustic jute handle and Marimekko-inspired boldy bright fabric. AND it comes with a little pouch! TEE!


The whole lot (lady not included) is just $87 at Delight.com, or $67.50 for the tote, $24.50 for the pochette. Super deeeeeelightful!

** UPDATE! BOUGHT! Used promo code Decor8Delight08 = 20% off! **

** UPDATE! TO THE UPDATE!: Just received the tote, and ZOMG it's even better IRL! RUN, DON'T WALK!

I Luurve Chan Luu Earrings!

I saw the most extraordinarily gorgeous pair of Chan Luu earrings at Bendel's (Like how I dropped that on your lap? I was there for a beauty event -- you know, because otherwise I just blow the fuck into Bendel's on the regular... on my way to Payless and Daffy's!), but I can't find them online. Boo. Anyway, check out these picks -- they combine rough-hewn stones and gems that create a just-femmey-enough, exotic beach-girl vibe.

($140, Chan Luu, Bluefly.com)

($155, Chan Luu, TheHipChick.com)


($51, Chan Luu, Shopfrosting.com)


($90, Chan Luu, TheHipChick.com)

Lucky Shops Score: Charlotte Ronson Sweater!

I hit up the Lucky Shops event with Beauty Blogging Junkie's Amber last night. As suspected, much of it was like, OMG these Miu Miu pumps are an awesome deal at $350, because I'm used to paying $750 for Miu Miu pumps! But, I did see really good deals on Kooba bags, and I really loved the Pade Vavra jewelry I saw (the site doesn't do justice to the pieces they had for sale at the event).

I only made one wee purchase, but it was a goodie:
... This Charlotte Ronson blouson sweater for $60, O.G. $215 (and yes, it was $40 on RevolveClothing, but it's also sold out there, so HA!). Oh, and it's so weird because that pose and expression are the EXACT same pose and expression I made in the mirror when I tried it on and was like YES! So I knew I had to get it. I love that it's banded at the bottom for maximum not-boxiness. I think it's been forever and a few months since I bought a sweater, and hopefully I'll wear this forever and forever and amen.

Amber and I also checked out this Charlotte Ronson dress:

($299, Charlotte Ronson, Zappos)

But we aborted mission for some reason.

Oh yeah, speaking of Charlotte Ronson, check out her upcoming I Heart Ronson line for JC Penney:

This is another one of those "you win, non-New Yorkers" situs because there's no JC Penney in Manhattan. Yet. They're opening one in the sad sack Manhattan Mall, which is currently the heart and soul of Sucktown. No joke though, I was just in Manhattan Mall this past Sunday because I was in Midtown and needed leggings -- Rainbow pulled through! Maybe there's hope after all! I couldn't really tell WTF was going on with MM though because there's so much construction. But the point is, maybe there's hope?

Anyway, back to Lucky -- the denim bar looked promising, but I asked myself, self, do you really need more jeans? Self replied, no, self. No you do not.

Next: Rachel Comey! ZOMG, Rachel Comey! I saw this w00t-worthy dress/ jumper/ romper thingy, and you can't tell, but the all-over print is little Melies-style 19th-century-looking eyeballs! The dress was amazing but about $100 out of my prince range. Ho wells.

Email the good folks at Sotto to see if they'll get it back in. Or stop by the Lucky Shops event on Saturday, would be my unsolicited advice -- that's the last day, and everything's marked down. Hlr!

Is This Sonia Rykiel Sweater Really IB Diffusion In Disguise?

I know she like gave birth to the entire concept of knitwears -- seriously, like the idea of clicking two needles back and forth simply didn't exist before she came along -- but I can't deal with this totally '80s Sonia Rykiel throwback sweater:

($435, Sonia Rykiel, Net-a-porter.com)

Clearly IB Diffusion was ripping off Sonia Rykiel back in the day, but this looks like IB Diffusion to me! I'm so confused! It's like I'm walkin' on sunshine!

Anyway, check out this weeeeird YouTube tribute to vintage Sonia Rykiel pieces. What's with the creepy Halloween organ music???


Anyway... YAY OBAMA!

The Hayden-Harnett Sample Sale: Is Awesome!

Almost as exciting as last night's Obama steamroll*: the Hayden-Harnett sample sale! New York fans of the Brooklyn-based makers of luscious leather and cool canvas handbags need to get their asses to 65 Bleecker Street (the basement of Edge Noho) ahora! This sale (also online, but more 'spensive) is well worth your time and elbow power. They've got scads of bags for some good-to-great prices. There are clothes, wallets, and accessories, too, but who needs a studded keychain when there are all these gorgeous leather bags? Some words to the wise: Don't be afraid to dig in the boxes underneath the tables. The ladies are being very nice, but they aren't able to keep up with the chaos, and I found one of my bags in a box after being told the boxes contained only extra stock of what was on the table. Shit is getting snapped up—get in there. Some of the bags are slightly damaged, but most of the damage isn't that noticeable, and they have some interesting bags that were never produced, in case you are looking for loud, multicolor stripey bags (Tamar). Also, they're offering 10 percent off to anyone who pays cash. In short: You can totally score. Click here for details, and check out what I walked away with below:



This is the Havana hobo. I got it not in red (which I wanted but wasn't there...call the waaahmbulance), but in a light cognac color that I believe they call "saddle." That color is not available online; there are some other colors in the online sample sale for various prices that are lower than the $515 retail, but NONE so low as $100, which is what I paid for it. A tag said it had some spots on it, but I couldn't find them to save my life. It's a truly gorgeous bag for a really good price. (Note: It seemed to me like most of the bags are priced higher than this, in the $200 to $300 range, and the girl who rang me up noted that it was a really good deal.)



Then there's the awesome Corcovado tote, which really needs to be reissued in some more attractive colors (patent puke, really?). But I snagged it in emerald for $100! It retails for $650, folks. It had a really hard-to-notice scratch on it, but do we care? No we do not. They also had it in brown at the sale, or you can get it at the online sample sale for various prices ranging from $208 to $455, but none as low as $100. I'm pretty much in love with this giant, plentifully pocketed tote. It even has a fun multicolor print lining!

Oh, and that navy-and-maroon bag Tamar coveted the other day? It can be had at the sale, too, though for the too-rich-for-my-blood price of $300 (online sale: $347).

*Not really. But pretty damn good!

Ojamas! Hee!

($34.99, Ojamas)

To make up for the beautiful debauchery of last night, I'd like to go nighty-night in these Obama pjs tonight! Hee!

More Fashionbinge-approved Obama gear here and here and also-too here too!

BTW, seriously, I think not even McCain voted for McCain.

AMERICA! FUCK YEAH!

Still, however, not okay:

($375, Timmywoods.com)


($315, Timmywoods.com)

IT'S TIME TO GET CLASSY AGAIN, AMURRRICA!

By the way... this Zombies song (which I'm singing in my bestie's wedding in April!) is pure perfection right about now:

Vintage Video: IB Diffusion = Mastubatory Knitwear, Exotic Animals, Helicopters & More!

Wowsa! Who knew when I signed up for those Barbizon modeling classes at the mall that I'd find myself convulsing in the bustling city sidewalks, creaming in my knit ankle-length skirt as the result of a simple phone call, and masturbating myself to quivering orgasm on my couch while fantasizing about a couple of tacky sweaters!

Other things I never would've foreseen: owning the unseemly combination of a tiger, a snow leopard, and average house cat! Good thing I'm also leasing all this creepy, vaguely outsider modern art too! And the cats don't even TOUCH my exotic flora -- it's the darndest thing!

And now if you'll excuse me, my helicopter's waiting outside to whisk me away to my job,. which consists of convulsing on a platform inside of an art gallery while wearing a beret! I'm today's IB Diffusion Woman, and the world is my IB Diffusion oyster, and by oyster, I mean umbrella of deliriously bright, hideously outstretched, funk nasty oversized acrylic knits! Viva la Diffusion!

What Is The Cut-Off Age For Cat Sweaters? Plus: We The Free Looks Like A Knee-Jerk Ew

($128, Rendez-Vous By Paul & Joe Sister, Urban Outfitters)

And have I passed it? Am I too old for sweaters with kitties on them? Does that mean I need to get rid of my scotty dog sweater?

Am I also too old for this very '50s pink princess phone?

($50, Urban Outfitters)

Worth getting a landline reinstalled? Probably not. Fun to look at though.

Okay, so as much as I'll admit to Urban Outfitters being a guilty pleasure/ (un)necessary evil, I don't think I can deal with their new offshoot brand, We the Free, which recently opened on Smith Street. I passed by last night and saw the new storefront, which I hadn't passed since its past life as a dry cleaner.

In the window, I peeped a few pairs of cool-looking studded Chucks, plus several folded pairs of vintage Levis -- suggesting vintage boutique? buy/ sell/ trade? store in progress? -- and some deconstructed-looking sweatshirts and LOTS of open space occupying what's gotta be 1000 square feet. At least. The decor was teetering between art-school-grads-open-a-makeshift-found-space-on-a-dime, and major-corporation-creates-a-blatant-attempt-to-create-a-store-that-emits-an-art-school-grads-open-a-makeshift-found-space-on-a-dime look. And upon closer inspection and further research, the former is case. I'm sorry, but this shit looks absolutely terrible.

An American Eagle-lookalik knit tank for $98????

Thank goodness I'll be able to find $58 knee socks in a pinch!

... And then there are"these"... !?!?!?
Someone's aborted knitting disaster? ... For the PERFECTLY reasonable price of $148!


And those studded Converse? $168. $223 if you get the horbs knee socks too!

Lates.

Last-Minute gObama Stilos!

Because I'm purdy sure you ain't allowed to wear your candidate on your sleeve, chest or other parts of your person, I'll be wearing my so-smooshy-soft Loyal Army Obama tee today!

($19.50, Loyal Army)

I like the In Living Color fontage. Also, Loyal Army shirts come with the most coooootest stickers ever, like their This Is We Roll shirt, which I also want.

The Loyal Army shirt is arguably less ridick than this Obama shirt I saw in a storefront in Nassau:
... I still kinda wanted it tho...

Or, you could be like Eve and Solange Knowles and sneak in with some Obama nail art...


.... Or see if you can slip in in Toms Vote shoes?

($45, Toms)

Each pair sold buys a kid indeed a pair of shoes. And YOU get a pair of shoes too! Win/ win!

($395, Hayden-Harnett, Piperlime.com)

Or you could do the PATRIOTIC THING and buy me this vaguely patriotic bag! It's your duty, Americans!

And speaking of Americans, please enjoy this clip from one of my all-time favorite movies, Drop Dead Gorgeous, and an amazing vintage clip of Deee-Lite.

BTW: Polls in NYC close at 9pm! See what time polls close in your state, kay?

Bad-Ass Binge: Pyramid Studs, Leather Jackets & More Punk Princess Gear!

AGAIN my sympathy for the pyramid studded devil continues, this time in the form of these low-top leather sneakers, which I'd rock in a skipped heartbeat:

($295, Upper Echelon Shoes)

I'm lusting after these studded low-tops by new brand Upper Echelon Shoes. Very Kanye West, which, in this case, is a good thing. You can walk away in them at Fred Segal (don't get me started on how there isn't one in New York -- I know it's an L.A. institution and all that, but if they could put a Barney's in L.A. they can bring a Fred Segal to New York, damn it!), or at the UES shop in the Lower East Side (I know that's a bit confusing) at 100 Forsyth Street.


I'm also kinda ruving skate brand Supra's black croc hi-tops. I'm pretty sure they're just for boys tho, at least size-wise, unless you're a size-10-wearin' lady, in which case, have at! They're available at Element and Dogfunk.com. (Hee! Funny name!)

($300, Topshop)

I'm sorta drawn to Kate Moss' rugged leather jacket, though I normally find a blanket stitch to be pretty revolting. But how cute would this be with any of the following necklaces...

($670, Alex + Chloe)

Alex + Chloe's jewelry perfectly embodies punk princess, and I'd snap up all of their pyramid pieces if I were so financially inclined! The 14K Pyramide Pointue sharp pyramid necklace on the right is $670, but the sterling silver pyramid necklace, as seen on Taylor Momz, is a more recession-friendly $120.

($340, Alex + Chloe)

I had plumb NO idear that Alex + Chloe made rings! Dic def of punk princess right there! Diamond oxidized silver ring!

($780, Alex + Chloe)

Killin' it!

($74.50, Kiel Mead, Delight.com)

More quietly adorbs forget-me-knot pieces from Kiel Mead. How great would these be, peeking out from behind Kate Moss's leather jacket, like don't forget: I'm awesome!