Loehmann's: Longchamp & Amrita Singh

I found two unexpected items at Loehmann's:  Longchamp's Le Pliage in orange (the Hermes orange) and Amrita Singh bangles!  Neither were on clearance (I was looking to use my clearance coupon) but both were still good deals:

• Longchamp Le Pliage:  I'm pretty sure you know what a Le Pliage bag looks like, so here are the SKUs if you want to do a charge-send.
• Large ($89.99): 

• Medium ($69.99):

• Small ($59.99):

• Amrita Singh Bangles ($29.99):

• Silver Bangles:

• Gold Bangles:

Food Therapy: Double Down at KFC

I really like fried chicken so I'm always up for KFC.  When my brother suggested that we get a Double Down at KFC, I readily agreed even though I had no idea what it was.

What is a Double Down you ask?  That's a good question and something I should have asked before agreed to try it.  This is a Double Down:

Yes.  You're seeing correctly...there's no bun.  It's two pieces of fried chicken with 2 slices of cheese and bacon in the middle.  Also, there's some sort of mayo sauce in the middle.

Let me just say this:  I ate a Double Down and I'm not feeling too good.  In fact, I'm feeling quite gross right now.  So don't get suckered in by the ad below.   I'll be sticking with KFC's Original Recipe fried chicken...

Food Therapy: Tree's $25 Prix Fixe

Sometimes, you want a low-key meal that's good and inexpensive.  And with the weather warming up, you want to sit outside.  For a casual dinner in a "garden", Sunshine and I like to head to Tree.

• Front of Tree:

• Back Garden of Tree:

The food here is consistently good and the $25 prix fixe is a great deal: 

• Appetizers:   The last time we went here, I had the Soup Du Jour ( a vanilla and pear cold soup that was brilliant!) and Sunshine had the French Onion Soup (very generous with the cheese!).

• Entrees:  Sunshine and I both ordered the NY Strip.  It's not the biggest NY Strip but it's nicely sized (remember: portion control!).  It's not going to wow you, but what do you expect for a $25 prix fixe?  It's good enough that I'd get it again.    

• Desserts:  We tried both desserts and...they were SPECTACTULAR!  I usually find chocolate mousse and creme caramel meh these days.  I was very surprised to find these two classics finally done right.  Even Sunshine, who's not a fan of dessert, couldn't put his spoon down.

It's located at 190 1st Avenue (between 11th & 12th St), NY, NY.  This is a great restaurant for a first date.  Plus, there are lots of nearby bars to hit up afterwards in case dinner didn't go as planned!

So why the name "Tree"? We think it's name after this tree (the only tree) in the garden:

Ulta: Get $5 Off $10 Purchase

I rarely use make-up because the art of application for foundation, eyeliner, fake lashes, bronzer, etc eludes me.  But that doesn't stop me from buying make-up!  I'm a make-up maven when it comes to purchasing cosmetics.  And this is why I love Ulta.  Between Ulta's weekly deals and coupons, its cheaper to shop here than Sephora.  Usually, Ulta's weekly ad booklet offers "a $3.50 off a $10 purchase" coupon (it's been awhile since they've offered the "20% off any single item" coupon).  But you can find the much better "$5 off a $10 purchase" coupon in magazines.  So far, I've found one each in the May editition of Allure and InStyle, so don't forget to go through yours for the coupons!

Update:  Use codes "50942" and "52349" for $5 off a $10 purchase at Ulta.com.

Note:  What is up with the Dr. Scholl's ad in InStyle where they provided one free insole?  Why couldn't they provide a pair of insoles so that we could actually try it out?  I am not going to try out just one insole.  That would be weird.

BeeGeeBags.com: Exquisite Clutches

BeeGeeBags.com chooses to focus on one thing: clutches.  And it's a really good thing!  Their clutches are a throwback to a more lady-like era...one filled with prints, silks and embroidery rather than studs, chains and leather.  Take 30% off with the code "BGDC".  I fell in love with these 5 distinctive but equally exquisite clutches:  (Note:  Prices reflect the 30% discount.)

• George ($50.40):  This cotton clutch would instantly add a little funkiness to a simple t-shirt and jeans outfit.  

• Orangy Red Gracie ($57.40):  This cotton clutch calls for a soft and flowy dress/top...very romantic.

• Obi ($64.40):  This cotton clutch will add a pop of color to your outfit.

• Brassy Nora ($52.50):  This silk clutch with peacock embroidery is beyond gorgeous!  You'll want to take this one out to a fancy dinner.

• Dandelion ($50.40):  This sateen-finish clutch would be a great everyday clutch...if you can manage to have a clutch lifestyle!  I can only dream...

[Images Courtesy of BeeGeeBags.com]

Yes...the shipping fee is on the higher side, but at these prices, I think you can let it slide.

To All You Lucky Ladies Who Actually Got Something...

At The Outnet's 1st B-Day Sale, CONGRATULATIONS!  That took perseverance and lack of sleep.

BasicBoutique: Summer Staples

BasicBoutique is offering 30% off its new arrivals with the code "TAXBREAK".  This code expires 4/16/10 (today at midnight CST).  This is a treat for me because I get to pick regular priced items for a change!  And here's what I found that I really like:

• Rachel Pally Tulip Dress ($163.10 after 30% off) in taupe/nude:  This dress is just plain gorgeous. It's simple in its lines and solid nude coloring but the draping makes you look twice.  In fact, he'll be looking you up and down in that dress all night long!

• Line Wanda Ruffle Sweater Shirt ($107.80 after 30% off) in light purple:  I love wearing jeans so I'm always looking for nice tops.  The (non-girly) ruffles in this sweater shirt is a nice change after seeing so many shirts with studs and chains.

• T Alexander Wang Cropt Tee ($61.60 after 30% off) in black:  Shoulders are sexy.  Period.

[Images Courtesy of BasicBoutique.com]

AsterAlice.com: Cool Treesje Clutches

In honor of tax day, AsterAlice.com is offering 30% off most regular priced items.  Use code "TAXBREAK".  I'm not sure when this code expires, but I'm pretty sure that if you're looking for a cool clutch, these two Treesje clutches are a great deal:

• Geneva Clutch ($266 after 30% off) in cherry:  I usually don't go for red purses, but I like this clutch with it's unique design.   The distressed quality of the leather tones down the red and the pleating detail in the back is a nice surprise.  This is a statement clutch for a night out on town with the girls!

• Mortale Pouch Skulls ($82.60 after 30% off) in black:  I'm not a skulls kinda girl but for those of you who are, this is a very cute wristlet.  It's not teeny tiny so it will fit everything you need for a night of revelry.  With the wrist strap, you can drink and dance freely! 

[Images Courtesy of AsterAlice.com]

Food Therapy: Pineapple Time!!

I'm not sure if it's pineapple season but I've been gorging myself on sugar sweet pineapples for the past 2 weeks!  I usually take a pass on pineapples because they're hard to cut and more often than not, sour and acidic.  Basically, they're not worth the effort.  But right now, they are totally worth the effort!  Look for (or to be correct, "sniff for") the sweet smelling pineapples.  It's a healthy dessert/snack alternative.

LunaBoston.com: Glam Gunmetal

Gunmetal is a favorite hardware color of mine.  It's edgier than silver and goes with a good portion of my wardrobe.  I happily came across these two gunmetal items at LunaBoston.com:

• DVF's Belle Evening Bag ($320) in purple with gunmetal studs:  Purple is one of my favorite colors so this evening bag really doesn't get much better for me!  I also appreciate that there's an optional shoulder strap...those come in very handy at the end of the night.  (A copper version with gunmetal hardware is available for $297.)

• Ted Rossi's Large Screw Ring ($75) in gunmetal:  I like the simplicity of this ring.  It makes a statement in a subtle but off-beat way.  I also like the name...a little naughty, don't you think?  "Big Screw Ring" would have been even better!

[Images Courtesy of LunaBoston.com]

Note:  If you friend Luna Boston of FB, you'll get a 25% off code (but know that Rebecca Minkoff and sale items are excluded from that code).

Filene's Basement: 20% Off Any-One-Item Coupon

Filene's Basement is a hit or miss but when you find something, it's usually pretty good.  I've been able to find some great J Brand jeans deals at Filene's.

If you're in the mood to go bargain hunting, don't forget to bring this coupon: Filene's Basement 20% Off Coupon.  It takes 20% off any one item and expires on 4/20/10 (tues).

Dairy Queen: BOGO Blizzard Deal

There are certain things that I'm a complete sucker for and free ice-cream is one of them.  Shocker!  I know.  I am happy to share that when you sign up to be a member of Dairy Queen's Blizzard Fan Club, they send you a coupon for a BOGO Blizzard coupon!  This buy-one-get-one-free deal is perfect for you and a friend (or you and your honey) on a hot summer day.

To join, click here:  DQ Blizzard Fan Club.

P.S. I'm looking forward to the B-day coupon.

Seeking...The Perfect Pair of Chic Sandals For Walking

I have searched through various departments stores and boutiques (luxury and discount) and I'm still seeking my perfect pair of chic walking sandals.   Everything is either too flat (I'm vertically challenged so I need a little help), too tall (if it's not flat, it's towering with 4"+ heels), or too un-complementing (I know my feet are wide, but fat?  I know my legs are short, but stumpy?).

My ideal pairs of sandals were the Loeffler Randall ones (click here to see: Loeffler Randall Sandals) but they did nothing for my feet.  Why is it so hard to find a 1.5" - 2.5" wedge that is chic but comfy?  I may have to stick with my Birkenstocks, and that was something that I was trying to avoid...

Completely Bare: Another 50% Off Sale!

Completely Bare is having another 50% off sale through its website.  For those of you who missed my last post about Completely Bare for waxing, click here:  Completely Bare: 50% Off Waxing Services!!.  This sale ends on 4/20/10 (tues).  If you go, please pass on getting Vajazzled.

To purchase a waxing service, click here:  Completely Bare 50% Off Sale.

Cleaning Up: Hide Your Stuff With Consoles

I am a huge proponent of consoles.  Not only do consoles look nice, but they also make your foyer and rooms look nice because they HIDE YOUR STUFF!  Plus, it's an additional horizontal surface for you to put more stuff on.  ;)  

When I moved into my last apartment, I purchased 2 consoles:  a smaller one for my foyer (okay, okay..."entrance space") and a large one for my living room.  With my 2 consoles, I instantly had extra storage space for the little but important things in life:  toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, etc.  I could buy things in bulk (within reason)!

I've been trying to convince Big Buddha to purchase a console for forever (trust me, he really needs one...or two), but he's been resisting because consoles can be costly.  So I was pleased to find these affordable ones at Home Goods:

• Console in wenge with mirror doors ($149.99):  There is a shelf inside this console.

• Console in wenge with drawers ($399.99):  The handles are inside the drawers (waiting to be screwed to the outside of the drawers) except for the one pictured below.

• Console in wenge with leaf design ($249.99):  I know...the pictures make this console look cheesy but it looks better IRL.

Note:  You can find other affordable consoles at Ikea and Overstock.com but I can't vouch for the quality.

Food Therapy: My Love For Ice Cream Is My Father's Fault

When I was the tender age of 1 month old, my father fed me ice-cream to see how his baby girl would react.  Apparently, I loved it and have been loving it ever since.

I recently asked him what he was thinking because I'm pretty sure you shouldn't be feeding ice-cream to a 1 month old baby.  His answer was a classic: it's non-sense that made perfect sense.  He said, "What's the big deal?  I just wanted to see if you would like ice-cream.  Beside I didn't feed you the hard kind of ice-cream.  A baby can't have hard ice-cream.  I gave you soft serve from Dairy Queen.  A baby eats only soft foods."

Mmm...how can someone be such a good and bad father simultaneously?  So yes, I blame my life-long love affair with ice-cream (and apparently it really is practically life-long) on my father.

When did you have your first taste of ice-cream?

Olivia Harris: Washed Leather Knot Satchel

My new Olivia Harris Washed Leather Knot Satchel in faded grey is going to be THE bag for me while wandering about in the city this spring/summer!  This is a lambskin bag with antique nickel hardware. Between the dark grey color and the fact that the leather has a slightly distressed look to it, I have a feeling that this bag is going to take a nice beating...and I won't be paranoid about it!!  :)

It's the perfect bag for my soon-to-be-purchased 3G iPad (a gift from Sunshine for my B-Day next month).  At 14" wide and 9" tall, it will easily hold my iPad and then some (and the "then some" is very important!).  What's more, not only is the 8" handle drop perfect for use over-the-shoulder, the 22" cross-body strap allows the top of bag to hit perfectly on my hip.  While this OH Washed Leather Knot Satchel is not the lightest bag for it's size at 2.1 lbs, it's not the heaviest bag.  The color was really difficult to properly capture on camera, so go with the "Front View" color...it's most true to life.

• Overall View:

• Front View:

• Back View:

• Side View:

• Bottom View:

I like the cross-body strap so much that I'll most likely be using this bag as a cross-body bag (and stuffing it to the max) instead of a satchel!

Update:  For the video review of the Washed Leather Knot Satchel, see this post:  Video Review: Olivia Harris' Washed Leather Knot Satchel.