NYC Recessionista: February 2009

Buy one, get one 50% off pants at the Gap

Don't miss a great deal going on at the Gap until 11:59 PM EST tomorrow night (March 1st) --- the Gap has buy one get one 50% off pants.

Target Spring 2009 Accessories Collection

FabSugar has a preview of Target's Spring 2009 Accessories Collection in a yummy slideshow ... and I must say, it makes me long for warmer weather.

Coach's idea of 'budget-friendly'

FabSugar has an interesting post with news from Coach -- apparently they are launching a 'budget friendly' line this summer ... yet the prices still range from $198 to $598 ... which isn't exactly any easier on the wallet than the usual prices @ Coach.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love Coach ... I think they are a great brand -- but when I wanted a Coach bag and a Coach wallet, I hunted them down at the outlets where they were heavily discounted... I am talking like 90% off.

Spring trends according to InStyle.com

Instyle.com has a great feature up right now with all the Spring trends -- which are the following:

Silky
Safari
Texture
Hourglass
Embellished
Print Blouses
Soft Pants
Full Minis
Un-classic Jackets
Sporty Dresses
Soft Shorts
Everyday Anorak

Each trend listed opens into its own slideshow with examples...Enjoy!

Everybody tells you you pay for what you get . . .

I know I blab on and on about bargain shopping, and getting things on the cheap -- but there are certain instances where I believe you pay for what you get -- and that by paying a little more, you might get a lot higher quality.

Once area I find this to be true is in the makeup department --- now, I know some of the basic drugstore mascaras (think Maybelline Great Lash in the classic green and pink tube) are classics that certainly do the job, but I have found that when it comes to items like foundation, eyeshadows, etc. -- the drugstore stuff doesn't always cut it.

For the last three years now, I have been using Bare Escentuals. I have honestly found it to be the best makeup I have ever used. And believe me -- I have used, and subsequently thrown out -- many an item that just didn't live up to the hype when I took it home to test it out.

Here are some of my favorite items, in the order of how they are applied --

The Bare Minerals SPF 15 Foundation -- I have to get mine in Fair, since I am so pale, and it's the only shade of foundation I've tried that didn't leave that line of demarkation on my incredibly light skin.

The Rose Radiance -- it's hard to tell from the photo, but this stuff is AMAZING. You just sweep it on wherever the sun hits you -- cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin -- and it gives you this amazing, dewey, shimmery glow without seeming like you put glitter on your face.

You can apply both the Foundation and the Radiance with the Flawless Application Face Brush -- works wonders.

The Blush in 'Lovely' -- The perfect pinky / peachy shade. Apply a tiny, tiny amount on the apples of your cheeks with the Tapered Blush Brush, and it gives you that just-stepped-in-from-the-cold flush.

Then the fun part comes -- where you get to play with their many, many eyeshadow shades. Don't be fooled by the 9 shadows on that page -- that's simply the families of colors. In each of those families are even more fun colors to check out.

Some of my all-time favorite eyeshadows?

Purrfect, a wonderful cat-eye green;

Intuition and Soul Sister, two perfect plums;

Lust, a perfect shimmery silver;

Hottie, a champagne gold;

and Myth and Drama, which straddle the fine line between gray and blue.

The last, and best part, is the Feather Light Mineral Veil -- it seals the makeup and gives you this final, dewey looking finishing glow. This can also be applied with the Face Brush.

The best thing about the makeup? A little goes a long way -- so the product lasts SO much longer. And when it lasts longer, you know you're getting your money's worth.

Now, I must be honest -- I have tried the BE mascaras, and I did not like them. I have tried many, many mascaras ... and my absolute favorite has to be Stila MAJOR Major Lash Mascara which is exclusively from Sephora. This mascara gives you huge, Texas, flipped out, high wattage lashes, yet they're not crunchy. Stuff's amazing.

And as for eyeliner, I have come to love the simplicity of Maybelline's Define-a-line Eyeliner -- it has a little smudging sponge on one end, and you just twist the stick to expose the liner -- no messing with sharpeners or shavings.

Anyway, I am sure many of you may have already tried Bare Escentuals, but if you haven't, I highly recommend it.

(All images courtesy of Bare Escentuals)

The Top 15 Trends from NY Fashion Week

Refinery 29 has a great re-cap of last week's runway shows, and the top 15 trends to come out of it. I will definitely be interested to see which of these trends will make their way down to the mass-market come Fall 2009.

Here's a list of what they see as being the biggest trends for Fall ...

1) Animal prints -- particularly of the big cats ... leopards, tigers, and cheetahs, oh my.

2) Over-the-knee boots -- a lot of designers used these in their shows ... frankly, they always make me think of Pretty Woman and "hey, this is our corner."

3) Cut-outs -- I really don't know how I feel about holes in my clothing ... for me, they'd have to be elegant, which I am not sure is possible.

4) Fur -- I don't know that I'd ever wear fur, so this one doesn't excite me too much.

5) Bright colors -- Apparently, our love affair with jewel tones continues.

6) Chiffon -- Layered with other pieces so you can still wear it in the colder weather.

7) The Little Red Dress -- I don't know how I feel about this.

8) Draping and ruching, a la Greece ... I love it.

9) 80s Donna Karan, a.k.a. slouchy but still tailored coats -- I don't know how much I like shoulder pads and giant lapels.

10) Pale pink / putty -- Like I've said before, I can't really pull off these colors so well, so this is a tricky one for me. But, I appreciate the simplicity.

11) Bolero Jackets -- I don't really like these so much. Give me a traditional blazer any day, and I'm happy.

12) Sequins -- With this trend, I don't know, I feel like less really is more.

13) Cat suits and turtlenecks -- screams ski lodge to me, I don't know.

14) Convertible coats -- These seem cool, and yet confusing. Is it a cropped jacket or a trench? It's both.

15) Puffy shoulders -- Again, I don't know how much this can really translate into the everyday.

Anyway, head on over to Refinery 29 to check it out.

A Fashionable Night at the Oscars

Last night, just like countless other women, I sat transfixed on my couch, in sweats, chocolate in hand, watching the Oscars red carpet. I am a bargain shopper at heart, but I still love watching the ridiculous extravagance that is the awards show.

Anyway, nothing really blew me away last night -- everyone looked great and all, but there were no completely WOW moments.

Some favorites ---

1) Favorite Use of a Bow: Jessica Biel. This was like the anti-bow bow --- not too obnoxious, just the right amount of fullness without being overpowering.

(Image courtesy of Steve Granitz / Wire Image)

2) Favorite Hair: Marisa Tomei. So breezy and beautiful --- the best updos in my opinion don't look like they are overrun with hairspray.

(Image courtesy of Jen Lowery / StarTracks)

3) Favorite Couple: Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer. Umm.... yum. He's scrumptious, she's scrumptious...I'd take them both.

(Image courtesy of Eric Charbonneau / VF / Getty Images)

4) Favorite Dress: Kate Winslet. From the moment she stepped onto the carpet, she looked like a winner. She is so gosh darn elegant, I can't stand it. Love the lace floral overlay, love the one shoulder, love the color. Love everything.

(Photo courtesy of AP / Evan Agostini)

5. Favorite Necklace: A tie between Amy Adams and Taraji P. Henson.

Talk about a statement necklace -- this was such a beautiful mix of colors --- blues, greens, and reds.

(Image courtesy of AP / Evan Agostini)

This necklace just screamed vintage -- absolutely stunning. Love the flowers and the bib style.

(Image courtesy of AP / Matt Sayles)

A True Splurge vs. Steal Moment: Gladiator Sandals

So, I just came across these Kenneth Cole Reaction Gem-erama sandals for $89 ... and they looked oddly familiar to me.

Do you recall my recent re-cap of the new Spring sandals I stumbled across at Target? One of the really adorable pairs I found were these Mossimo Supply Co. sandals.

I'm sorry, but these look just as cute as the Kenneth Coles, and they are a whopping $16.

(Images courtesy of Piperlime and Target, respectively)

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Every so often, I feel like mixing it up .... hence, the new look. A little 60s, no?

Enjoy!

What's New at New York & Company

I wandered into New York & Company after work last night to see what was new -- I haven't really been particularly jazzed about anything out of that store in quite some time.

Immediately when I walked in, I was smacked in the face with salmon-- it was EVERYWHERE. All of the pieces from their Spring New York & Company Collection line were some variation of salmon, gray, black or white.

I don't really know how I feel about all of this salmon, but maybe that's because I'm completely pale and can't pull off these kinds of colors. They either make me look jaundice, nauseated, or sunburnt, so I have always had to choose my pastels carefully.

In fact, the only thing in the entire store that I could have seen myself rocking was this striped cardigan, which is way cute.

(Image courtesy of NY & Company)

Aside from that, bupkis.

First Look at Christian Siriano for Payless

NY Magazine blog The Cut has the first look at the upcoming Christian Siriano for Payless collection, due to hit stores this Fall.

Man, these are some high heels!

(Image courtesy of Imaxtree and NYMag.com)

H&M Coupon -- is it really that great of a deal?

The cheapskate in me thinks that this isn't really THAT great of a coupon ... what do you think?

Gap coupon

Hi all,

In case anyone was jonesin' to do some Spring shopping, just got an e-mail that Gap is offering 20% off your next Gap purchase (no minimum purchase necessary) until March 2nd.

Just use code DJBJPM4GPV4J at checkout for your online purchases or print this out and bring it to the store.

Enjoy!

A Recessionista-Friendly SATC Sequel?!

FYI y'all, there's a great article on usmagazine.com right now about the recently confirmed SATC movie sequel.

J. Crew to Have 2 More Sample Sales

I have to say, I wasn't expecting more J. Crew Sample Sales so soon -- they literally just had their first one in Jan. -- but J. Crew Aficionado tells me that 2 more will take place ... one in March, one in April.

I know a lot of people were disappointed about the selection, and I could definitely see why ... but since I work in the next building over, I cannot pass up the chance to head there on that 1st morning and see what they have ... after all, I did make out with some really great pieces last time.

My Next Pair of Shoes

I had been looking for awhile now for that perfect pair of shoes for late Winter / early Spring -- lighter than a boot but heavier than a sandal -- you know, the kind that you can start to mix in your warmer weather pieces with and not run the risk of looking like you're mixing genres.

I also needed something that would be a perfect nod to that perfect balance of preppy & bohemian I strive for each day.

Little did I know the answer would be right in the back of my March issue of Lucky --- Behold, the Minnetonka Suede Ankle Boot.

(Image courtesy of Zappos)

I'm going to get mine in Brown. And for the quality (I'd previously raved about their Kitty Moc), they're a steal at $43.

First Opinions on Erickson Beamon for Target

I found myself in a Target on Long Island this afternoon, staring at all of the Erickson Beamon jewelry, feeling completely disappointed. I was super jazzed about this line coming out, and I was especially interested in this necklace which you could see here in this preview from FabSugar.

However, the necklace just looks really tacky in-person ... I was so disappointed. I imagined the links would look a little less like dull brown plastic and a little more like tortoise shell, and I imagined the flowers would look a little more like vintage brooches, but they really just looked cheap. And for $40, I really just expected more va-va-voom.

And the other pieces, with the colorful gems? They kind of reminded me of those 5 packs of party favors you would get when you were 6 years old and having a birthday party.

The only piece that looked remotely nice?

This necklace, which looked borderline cool vintage. But with the $29 price tag, even I walked away from it.

(Images courtesy of FabSugar and Target)

Preview of Erickson Beamon for Target

FabSugar is also offering a preview right now of Erickson Beamon for Target, and the jewelry looks really really cute. I can't wait to check in out when it hits stores this Sunday!

Christian Siriano for Payless . . . sneak peak coming soon!

I'd previously reported late last year that Project Runway alum Christian Siriano signed on to do a line of shoes and accessories with Payless -- and it looks like we won't have to wait too much longer for an idea of what the pieces will look like, as FabSugar mentions today that Siriano will unveil his upcoming line at Fashion Week during his show on Feb. 19th.

But, even though we'll get a glimpse next week, we'll still have to wait until Fall 2009 for the line to hit stores. Boo!

New Opening Date for TopShop in SoHo

As per Racked and WWD, the new scheduled opening date for TopShop in SoHo will be April 2nd. Last I heard it was March, so it appears as though they are hitting some snags in getting things finished.

One Day Left to Use Your H&M Coupon

Hi all, don't forget that the 20% off coupon available for download from H&M's web site expires tomorrow, February 13.

H&M Going Even Greener

There's a great posting on Racked.com right now about how H&M is apparently expanding on their existing "green" line of organic cotton items with a line of items made from recycled plastics. Very cool.

Can you really find cute things at K-Mart?

I know we usually look to Target for the hottest in affordable fashion -- not K-Mart. But I really wanted to do some digging at K-Mart and see what they've got there in the way of spring trends on a budget.

Surprisingly, I found a few really cute things ---

This graphic print dress is seriously cute, and would be perfect for work with a cardigan or cropped jacket come spring.

And the graphic flower print on this satiny shell has a perfect, artsy flair to it. I would pair this with some slim fit khakis and sandals.

This floral blouse with the draping at the neck reminds me of the watercolor flower patterns that are cropping up everywhere -- I would pair this with skinny black dress pants or jeans, ballet flats, and a cardigan.

This bow blouse would look great with a black pencil skirt, no? Very gamine.

(Images courtesy of K-Mart)

The 3 Best Skirt Styles for Spring -- from BR

Got an e-mail from Banana Republic this morning with their take on the top three skirt styles for Spring --

1) The Tulip Skirt -- adds a little extra va-va-voom without too much volume.

2) The Denim Skirt -- this one in the ever-flattering pencil shape, in a nice dark rinse.

3) The Printed Skirt -- in a great a-line cut, which can be accessorized for work or weekend.

(Images courtesy of Banana Republic)

DSW Spring Style Guide

Just got an email from DSW with their Spring Style Guide in it --

Head to their web site and you'll see that their 5 projected footwear trends are:

1) Western Roundup -- spring boots, all with a distinct cowboy feel.

My Favorite: This Western Boot in a perfect shade of cognac suede, would be great with dresses.

2) Ballet Flats -- in every possible style and pattern you could dream up.

My Favorite: This buffalo plaid flat in a bold turquoise blue is kinda fabulous, no?

3) Gladiator Games -- the strappier, the better -- in both heels and flats.

My Favorite: This bronze sandal is just yummy.

4) Platform Power -- a total 70s glam vibe, and all in lush finishes.

My Favorite: I personally cannot wear a Platform Heel this high, but I sure can appreciate the beautiful architecture.

5) Color Your World -- think punchy and bright, high-wattage color.

My Favorite: The zippers only add to the sass of this electric yellow flat.

(Images courtesy of DSW)

Bargains at Old Navy

Went into Old Navy tonight on a whim, and it was really kind of sad how empty it was in there. The back clearance section, which normally would be overflowing with sale items, was completely empty. The spring styles, which just came out in January, were already on sale. Definitely a sign of the times.

I did about 3 slow laps of the store, to make sure I wasn't missing anything, and was about to leave when I spotted this t-shirt near the exit.

How gosh darn cute is this shirt? I immediately pictured it with my navy velvet J. Crew blazer (or Bitten denim jacket), trouser chinos and a big, chunky pearl necklace.

Then, near the register, I saw this trio of navy bangles for 99 cents.

They're regularly priced at $8.50... so to see them marked down to 99 cents, it just makes it completely impossible for the Recessionista in me to turn it down. Seriously ... if you were by chance thinking of buying these, check your local Old Navy first ... they're 99 cents in the store for pete's sake.

Further inspection of OldNavy.com (I hadn't really given the site a good hearty scan in at least a month since all they had were winter clearance items) uncovers another totally cute nautical-inspired graphic tee-- this time of a ship's steering wheel. Love the contrast of the gray and the yellow. If this is all Todd Oldham, then keep it coming, Todd.

(Images courtesy of Old Navy)

Ad Age Article Hints at Future of SJP's Bitten Line

There's an article on AdAge.com right now about the celeb clothing lines being affected by the recession, and it hints at the future of Sarah Jessica Parker's now defunct line for now defunct retailer Steve & Barry's --

"Ms. Parker's representatives at Creative Artists Agency declined to comment on the future of her clothing label. Insiders familiar with her plans, however, said she still controls the rights and is in talks with several interested retailers about placing it."

- Claude Brodesser-Akner

I really do hope she finds a new home for Bitten -- the pieces were quality, on-trend, and really affordable.

Coupon Alert

FYI ... H&M has a 20% off one item coupon available for download from its web site at www.hm.com.

Happy shopping!

Playing Dress-Up for a Good Cause

I noticed these cute little avatar-like animated ladies on the sites of several fellow fashion bloggers, and decided to check out what all the fuss was about. Turns out they are from the web site Designhergals.com, and they do much more than just sit there and look cute.

Design-Her Gals lets you create a one-of-a-kind avatar of yourself by choosing literally everything from eye color and hairstyle to what kind of eyeglasses you wear, and don't even get me started on how much fun it is to pick out the outfit, shoes, and accessories.

Once your gal has been engineered, you can have her placed on personalized gifts, stationery, mailing labels, note cards, etc. --- and a portion of the proceeds of all sales provide support to stage four breast cancer patients through the Gal to Gal Foundation.

I've added my 'gal' to my blog's sidebar, and I am definitely thinking about making some other gals, and giving the personalized products as gifts to the important women in my life.

So please -- go there, play dress up, and support a great cause.

How I Chose to Spend my J. Crew Rewards Card

I love that feeling when you get a rewards card in the mail ... it's very empowering. I've got $25 whole dollars to spend on anything I want, I say to myself. I guess in retrospect it's a little silly, but I am sure most people would welcome rewards cards in the mail with open arms these days.

So, when I received it, I knew I wanted to splurge on one of the new spring styles. And by 'splurge' I mean buy more than $25 worth of stuff ;)

I must have done three laps around the store -- feeling all of the new fabrics, examining all of the exquisite new details, fabrics, and patterns they've introduced ... I am with you, J. Crew Aficionada, I am really loving the new color palette they've brought out.

I finally decided on the Tissue Tee with Hand-cut Applique in Parsley, which I must say looks slightly more green and a little less brown in person ... love it.

(Image courtesy of J. Crew)

I also discovered a bracelet on clearance at the register. Now, that's the kind of impulse purchase I can get behind. If there were J. Crew accessories near the register at the local supermarket, I think we'd all be in deep trouble.

This Suede Fringe Handbag from has cute little grommet accents and a great mini-hobo shape.

(Image courtesy of Forever 21)

This Stone Cuff would add the perfect tribal feel to a casual outfit of jeans, a tank, and flat sandals.

(Image courtesy of Alloy)

The Chevron Beaded Necklace mirrors that great diamond weave pattern you see on most Native American fabrics.

(Image courtesy of Urban Outfitters)

I've had this pair of Minnetonka Moccasins for awhile now ... I highly recommend them.

(Image courtesy of Zappos)

The Brianne Beaded Yoke Tank has such a cute embellished neckline -- no jewelry necessary!

(Image courtesy of Delia's)