(Image courtesy of TLC/ Discovery)
PS - Am I the only sorry sap who looks forward to watching WNTW every single week in my sweats, Lu Petit Ecolier cookies in hand?
Blossom learns what NOT to wear
Was anyone else as entertained as I was to see Mayim Bialik of Blossom fame on the season premiere of What Not To Wear last night? Such a great story-- she has such a great, quirky personal style but had become a completely frumpy "I've let myself go" mom. Anyways, you can view photos from the makeover here and read the episode recap on the show's blog here.
My Pick from the June 2009 J. Crew Catalog
How freaking chic is this? The drawstring shirtdress, which also comes in khaki, is priced modestly (esp. for J. Crew) @ $69.50.
(Image courtesy of J. Crew)
Save Fashion Extends its Lease
Save Fashion will hang out at Port Authority for another two weeks with heavily discounted designer duds.
FabSugar has 15 summer dresses under $100 each
Loving this slideshow of 15 cute-as-a-button summer dresses from FabSugar...and they all cost less than $100 each.
Latest Trends at Old Navy
Old Navy has some interesting new arrivals on its web site ... I wonder if they are in store, too!
Their section on black & white styles is really crisp looking. I am especially digging this twisted strap dress in a cool floral print, which is on sale for $15 right now.
And this black and white striped crew-neck sweater would look so nautical chic on a day out at sea. It's on sale for $20 at the moment.
Then, they have a section devoted to "naturally stunning" styles which all have an urban safari feel to them.
This lattice crocheted top is totally perfect for summer days -- throw it on with a pair of bermuda shorts or a printed skirt and you're done.
And this poplin empire waisted top has a really cool graphic print, but still has that breezy bohemian feel to it.
(All images courtesy of Old Navy)
My newest piece of jewelry
My Memorial Day weekend was very ho-hum ... I took the bus upstate to visit my parents, went to my cousin's baby shower, stayed glued to NASA TV until the space shuttle landed (safely, yay!), and then went home back to Queens with Kevin so we could relax on the day off (for once he didn't have to work!).
And on Monday, we were having a really blah day-- vacuuming, grocery shopping, etc. when Kevin said he wanted to go to Best Buy to look at car speakers.
Now, I am certainly not one to talk, what with my shopping escapades and all, but I really wanted to ask him if he thought car speakers were a purchase he should be making right now when *coughs* we've been together for almost four years now and the ring finger on my left hand remains a blank canvas. If this seems strange to you, I should note that six months ago we had a similar tiff about a $500 car stereo, so this was sort of a sensitive subject. I proceeded to cry in the Pathmark parking lot before said grocery shopping while yelling at him for being so selfish and insensitive. Good times.
Then later that day, after apologizing and kissing & making up, and finishing our grocery shopping for that matter, he tells me he wants to take me out to dinner to apologize for being such a jerk. I'm thinking, I don't want you to spend more money to apologize! But I also love food. A lot. So I didn't really put up too much of an argument when he took me here. It is hands down our favorite restaurant, and we have made it a tradition of going there for most holidays or special occasions.
When we got there, I started taking pictures of everything because I had every intention of rubbing it in with my brother-in-law later on-- who is a serious carnivore-- that I was having a filet somewhere and he wasn't.
Here's what's left of the mashed potatoes we order every single time, which clearly don't last very long in the bowl.
Here's the broccoli sauteed with garlic, another one of our favorite sides.
And here's what's left of my aforementioned filet. The food there is absolutely and totally divine, so if you have never been there, I suggest you go soon.
So anyways, I inhaled my dinner, even though I am not even sure I was completely hungry... and during the end of our meal, Kevin starts talking about how sorry he is for earlier, how he's been so happy being with me, and he's really trying to work on being a better boyfriend ... but that he thinks he can be an even better husband.
I'm sorry, what?
I have heard from many people that the moment you get engaged is like one big blur, because everything's happening so fast and you don't have time to register what's going on-- and that's exactly what it feels like.
I just remember him asking me to marry him and holding out the ring across the table, and me trying to take it from him instead of letting him put it on my finger hahah...at which point the waiter totally interrupted him by trying to clear our plates, and I'm pretty sure Kevin said something along the lines of, "we're just getting engaged, could you give us a minute?" Lol ... so he came back a few minutes later with two glasses of champagne on the house.
I literally felt like I didn't know whether I wanted to cry or throw up. And I really thought I would cry, but I think I was too happy to cry. And I really didn't want to get so worked up that I got sick.
I don't even think it's completely registered with me yet that we got engaged two days ago, but I cannot stop looking at my hand and smiling. I've said it before that when I met Kevin, my life got completely turned upside down, and I meant it... but I have also never been more happy in my entire life.
I am really sorry for the totally sap-laden post, but when something like this happens in your life, it's hard to keep it to yourself.
Scrunchies, really?
(Image courtesy of American Apparel)
Memorial Day Shopping this weekend . . .
This weekend, many retailers will be slashing their prices for the holiday ... NY Daily News is listing some of them here. Also, Racked has some additional sales listed here, including one at the American Apparel Outlet at Woodbury Commons, a place I frequent.
Do you plan to do any shopping this holiday weekend? Is that a stupid question?
Do I want to buy these shoes?
I have been eyeing these wedges since they first came out, not even really sure if I like them ... and now that they are on sale for $70, down from $140, the bargain shopper in me is wondering if I should buy them.
(Images courtesy of Steve Madden)
What do we think? Brown, black, or neither?
Bare Escentuals comes to Midtown Manhattan
I have blogged before about how much I love and believe in Bare Escentuals makeup -- I just think it's a phenomenal product.
I highly suggest you stop by their boutique for a complimentary "make-under" since they truly believe less is more... and I agree!
Who What Wear Travels to Pleasantville
Summer shades from Fred Flare
Enjoy!
Thoughts on Tracy Feith for Target
I made the trek out to Long Island today to check out the Tracy Feith collection at Target-- I figured I'd have a better chance of finding the larger sizes out there as opposed to winging it in Queens. I would say by the time I made it to the store at about 10 or 10:30, the section had already been pillaged.
If I walked away with any feelings, it's that a lot of the patterns are very bright, and very bold. In fact, a lot of them reminded me of my grandmother's house dresses, and sofa, and tablecloths... not sure if that's a good or a bad thing haha. Takes a girlie with great self confidence and personality to pull them off, and if that's the case, they are the epitome of beautiful, California retro. On the plus side, almost all of the items are made of 100% cotton, which is great.
In the end, the only piece I chose to purchase was the Ebony Embroidered Dress-- it just looked and felt like it would be perfect for summer with it's breezy fabric and mexi-cali flower detailing.
(Image courtesy of Target)
I was also very, very tempted by the Hawaiian Floral Canvas Dress, but the fabric felt very heavy and very thick ... like, well, canvas. I wouldn't feel very breezy if I were sweating bullets when wearing it.
Because of its retro feeling, I think this collection will do very well.
Forever 25?
L.A. Times Fashion Blog "All the Rage" is reporting that on the heels of its plus size line (Faith 21) Forever 21 will launch another new line called "Love 21" which will feature pieces for the older Forever 21 shopper with longer hemlines and more womanly sizes. The new line hits stores and online next week on May 19.
NYCR Picks from the June 2009 Magazines
I figured that if I spot any cute wallet-friendly deals when I comb through my favorite magazines each month, I should share them with y'all, right?
I'll call these NYCR Picks ... but please note that the magazines get all the credit for finding these great pieces first! I am just simply sharing their great finds with all of you :)
From Lucky:
This Ann Taylor Loft dress in an ikat print-- I am ALL about the ikat lately, I cannot explain it. And it's only $79. I used to feel weird going into Ann Taylor Loft when I was much younger, but they've seriously upped their style quotient lately.
(Image courtesy of Ann Taylor Loft)
This beautiful 50s sundress from H&M, which clearly I cannot link to online since they don't have online shopping, but I wanted to share a picture of nonetheless. It's $35 and when I saw it in person, I had to have it. Photo doesn't do it justice.
This pair of pearl and brass earrings which are delicately detailed to look like leaves-- and they're only $16! They were on a themed page where all of the items have an Out of Africa feel to them a la Meryl Streep ... and these are just so stately looking.
(Image courtesy of Sadie Greens)
From Glamour:
These turquoise sandals from American Eagle Outfitters are totally adorable, and bohemian, and beachy... they totally speak to me. And sandals for $40 is pretty darn good. Upon further inspection they also have this totally adorable fringe number in multiple colors for $30.
(Image courtesy of American Eagle Outfitters)
This strapless (that actually comes with straps if you prefer!) print dress from NY & Company (you know I love this place) would be perfect for the beach or even for a garden wedding this summer! And it's actually on sale right now, down to $40 from $57 originally.
(Image courtesy of NY & Company)
Enjoy!
Shopping Incentives for your Friday :)
If you're in the mood for some retail therapy this weekend, there are some deals to be had--
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Banana Republic is offering 25% off any purchases of $100 or more from May 15-17, both online & in stores. For online, enter code SUMMER25 at checkout.
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Gap is offering 25% off all regularly priced shorts for a limited time, both online and in stores.
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Alloy is offering free shipping on all orders, with no minimum purchase required, until 11:59 p.m. on Monday.
Invaders from the Planet Moolah . . .
Here I am at our family's pre-launch reception at the Cocoa Beach Country Club with my mom.
Of course the guest of the hour, my Godfather, couldn't even be at his own party (since he was in medical quarantine of course) so his family thought it would be funny to have a very amusing life-sized cardboard cutout of him be there instead ... and boy, did we have some photo opps with him :)
For this party, I wanted to be comfortable, since it was 97 degrees that day, but still cute. I wore a J. Crew Perfect Fit T-shirt in gray, my brand new (discounted off eBay) J. Crew Sunray Necklace, this Button-front Pencil Skirt from NY & Company, and these Gladiator Sandals from Target.
A day later, at the launch, I was again going for major comfort, but I really wanted to look nice for such an important event.
I decided on my Bailey straw fedora -- I did not want a sunburned head! -- with a gray J. Crew ruffle tank (which is totally sold out in stores I think!) and a pair of J. Crew bermuda shorts.
That night, we had a big dinner with family at one of the many amazing fresh seafood restaurants in Cocoa Beach.
A special occasion like this calls for a special shirt, so I broke out my J. Crew Corsage T-shirt in amethyst and paired it with Cocktail Capris in dark charcoal and big fancy earrings.
The next day-- and it wouldn't be a typical vacation with my mom without this-- I found myself at the casinos in the middle of the afternoon, playing the slots with money I didn't have.
I went with one of my favorite bargain purchases as of late -- my Route 66 five-tiered tank from K-Mart of all places, my favorite skinny jeans, and a simple cardigan.
As for 'Invaders from the Planet Moolah'-- that was the name of a slot machine I instantly felt compelled to play @ the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, where my mom dragged me.
I figured hey, it's outer space-themed, so I should play it in honor of the astronauts, right?
I put a $5 bill in and won $75 a few minutes later.
Some Tracy Feith for Target items already available online . . .
I don't want to be responsible for causing a public disturbance :) but some of the items from the Tracy Feith for Target collection are already up & available on the Target web site, ahead of the big debut in stores this weekend ...
Happy early-bird shopping if you are interested!
Banana Republic Introduces the Heritage Collection
I'd previously blogged about Banana Republic's foray into the environmentally-friendly world back when they announced the launch of the Heritage Collection -- well, now it's finally made it's way into stores.
The pieces look very breezy and drapey, which is beautiful, but those fabrics can sometimes cling to every little imperfection on your body :) so I'd have to check this one out in person to get a true sense of the fit.
The price point for this special collection doesn't seem higher than what BR usually charges, so that's a plus.
Have you seen this collection in stores already? What do you think of it?
Back and overwhelmed!
I am going to try and get some sleep now, but will be back tomorrow with a full recap!
xoxo
Alison
Leaving on a Jet [Blue] Plane . . .
Tomorrow morning-- at a totally ungodly hour-- my mom and I are heading south to Florida for a very cool trip. My godfather and cousin Mike Massimino, a.k.a. 'Godfather Mike' as I call him, is one of a 7-member crew that will blast into outer space on Monday for STS-125, the 4th and final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. We're all pretty jazzed about it in my family, and we of course have our fingers crossed for a safe and successful mission!
Now, this trip doesn't have much to do with bargain shopping, but you can bet your behind I had tons of fun packing tonight ... my carry-on suitcase looks like a J. Crew trunk show. And the centerpiece around which all of my outfits revolve is this necklace, which I just snagged on eBay at a discounted price.
I pretty much planned ALL of my outfits around this necklace-- simple t-shirts, khaki green skirts, tank dresses, and flat sandals.
I also made sure to do my fingers and toes in another recent obsession: Done Out in Deco, a cool lilac from the South Beach collection of OPI.
(Image courtesy of OPI)
Anyways, I will be back on Wednesday night, and I'll be sure to share photos of my travels when I return... including of how my outfits come together :)
People Shopping Less, But Shopping More at Wal-Mart
And since clothes, jewelry, and accessories are no exception, I figured I'd go see what was new @ Wal-Mart in that department.
Kimono dresses have just become a summer staple at this point, let's be honest ... they are so gosh darn easy to throw on with sandals and you're out the door. This one in a pretty red hue with a faint pattern is only $15.
I love Madewell, and they are selling similar cropped jeans with a zipper detailing right now for like $80 ... these adorable white ones are again, $15.
I also love the hue of this green dress ... again, a simple and chic piece to just thrown on and then accessorize it to dress it up or dress it down ... and it's only $14.
Would you ever think that studded high heeled sandals like this would be available at Wal-Mart for $20? They're not even really my style, but it definitely shows that they are trying to bring trends to the masses.
I can imagine this Norma Kamali canvas bag would be pretty handy for day trips during the summer ... nice wide shoulder strap but still has nice contrasting trim.
Don't tell Stacy London, but I would totally attempt to rock this embellished tee from the Junior's section -- if only I could find it in my size ... pretty cute, no? It's only $4 for crying out loud.
(All images courtesy of Wal-Mart)
Lizzie Fortunato for Urban Outfitters. . .
I absolutely love the look of their necklaces ...
As soon as I see any previews of the collection for U.A., I will be sure to share!
(All images courtesy of Lizzie Fortunato Jewels)
2 years of fabulousness
Now, this may look like just a shameless parading of cute pictures by an incredibly biased aunt ... and it pretty much is. Nevertheless, it turns out we can learn a lot from this little munchkin in terms of dressing, accessorizing, and just plain fabulousness.
Here's Abby and I in our first ever photo opp together ... she's just in plain white and she's already out-shining me with a dramatic, damsel-in-distress hand to the forehead move ... typical.
In her going home outfit a few days later, she kicks things up a notch with pink rosebuds AND gingham ... this baby knows how to mix her patterns.
This time, she's sporting lavender flowers, ruffles, AND the biggest 80s jazzercise headband I have ever seen ... and yet somehow, she still makes it work.
She's even stylish when she naps ... here she is snoozing on me, and she's all decked out in cherries.
She didn't leave the hat on for very long, but as you can see, she can also rock blue flowers. Quite the trendsetter.
If you need to wear a bib, I cannot think of a better statement to make with it.
Nobody puts baby in the corner. It's true.
This photo doesn't even do this Christmas outfit justice ... the bottom of her skirt was also trimmed in white. A true Santa Baby.
Here's Abby at her 1st birthday party last spring ... she was the center of attention in her blue floral dress and cute little matching cardigan. This was also before there was birthday cake all over the front of it.
Here's Abby right after her 1st birthday party, sporting one of her new gifts ... hats really work on her.
I bought this dress for her, as well as the matching pink leggings, and when I was at the store, I secretly wished they had one in my size.
Here's Abby with her big sister, Lydia, in one of their many matching ensembles.
Don't you wish they had dresses like this in our size? Seriously! I miss these little frilly summer dresses with the tie straps.
You just cannot go wrong with a black & white gingham spaghetti strap dress with bows and a matching headband.
Cargo jeans, faux Uggs, and mixing & matching polka dots and stripes ... a flawless outfit until she decided she wanted to "help" my sister bake.
Ask Abby if she thinks ponytails on the top of your head ever went out of style after the 80s, and you'll get one heck of an answer.
Here's probably the most recent picture I have of Abby. She's in her Easter best and has really taken the spring trends seriously-- she's accessorizing with a bold belt.
Anyway, Happy Birthday, Abigail!
