Nine West: 25% Off Birthday Discount

If you shop at Nine West, then you should sign up for their e-mail promotion list.  You will receive a 25% Off Birthday Discount for your birthday.  It's good for a month starting on you birthday.  This one-time discount can be used both in-store and on-line.  The e-mail reads, "Enjoy 25% OFF any purchase," so I think it should work on sale items as well!  Happy Birthday indeed!

Obakki: Sophisticated, Soft & Sexy

In honor of Mother's Day, Tobi.com is offering 20% off regular priced items with code "20FORME" (certain designer exclusions apply).  Code expires on 5/9/10.  Since I already have a gift for my mom, I decided to do some "me" shopping.  I found these two dresses from Obakki that are sophisticated, soft and sexy: (Note: Prices reflect 20% discount.)

• Sleeveless Silk Wrap Dress ($304) in grey:

• Draped Knot Dress ($239.20) in navy:

[Images Courtesy of Tobi]

Mother's Day: Last Minute Gift...

If, and only if, you've failed to notice this past week that it's Mother's Day on sunday (5/9/10) and you wake up sunday morning with an "Oh crap, I forgot to get mom something..." thought, do the following:  buy mom a nice book from Borders, throw in some flowers and then take her out to lunch (if you can't get reservations, you may have to cook (or get take out/delivery - ahem, ahem)).  All will be forgiven.  She'll be happy that you simply remembered.  Which you did, right?  

Just don't forget to use this in-store coupon for Border: Borders 33% Off Coupon.  Coupon expires on 5/10/10 (mon).

The Slip: I'm Considering It

I don't know if you've noticed, but it seems as if the fabric used to make dresses/rompers are getting thinner and sheer-er.  With slub jersey and silk becoming the material of choice for many contemporary designers, I've become very conscious of avoiding the "Oh no!" moment that could potentially occur under the strong summer sun.

I had my "Oh no!" moment about 2 or 3 years ago when Sunshine mentioned that he could see the color of my (ahem) undergarment through my navy James Perse jersey dress.  So now when I buy dresses, I always do a sheer-ness test but it's come to the point where I've decided that getting a slip may be the best option.  I was inspired by a recent jaunt to Zara.  There was an entire rack dedicated to slips.

Do you own slips? It seems so old fashioned but the more I think about it, the more I'm open to it.  It would, at the very least, be more comfortable than Spanx, right?

The Fashion Cycle: Perfect For Procrastinators

I received an e-mail from Neiman Marcus with the subject heading: Trend Report: The Preview of Fall.  I have yet to pull together my summer wardrobe.  In fact, I'm pretty sure that my summer wardrobe won't be finalized until summer hits...which won't be for another few months.

The fashion cycle is getting pushed earlier and earlier to the point where it's only early spring and we're already receiving e-mails about fall trends.  It's illogical to me as a shopper because (a) when it's hot, I don't want to think about sweaters, scarves and coats and (b) when it's cold, I don't want to think about tanks, strappy dresses and sandals.  I figure that if something is sold out buy the time I want to buy it, it wasn't meant for me.  I won't perish without it.

Am I procrastinating for buying summer clothes during the summer and winter clothes during the winter?  If so, it's perfect for me - the sale shopper.  Since department stores and boutiques need to unload spring/summer collections for fall/winter collections, sales are abundant in April/May!  There really is no true incentive for me to shop earlier.

With all the F&F sales, sample sales and private sales occurring, I'm wondering who actually buys items in advance?  Unless you live in a one-season or two-season city/town, everything just sits in the closet for months waiting to be worn.  Maybe it's because I'm part of the instant gratification generation, but it's a killjoy for me if I can't wear what I just purchased because it's not yet summer (or winter).  I buy something because I want to wear it IMMEDIATELY!  Are you the same way?

Rory Beca - Where Are You?

I'm not sure what happened, but it seems increasingly difficult to find Rory Beca both on-line and in-stores.  It's sad because I especially like the casual but cool dresses from this line.  I found two on sale at BlueHeavenBoutique.com.  I was initially sifting through BHB due to code "MAY20" (take 20% off your $200+ purchase; expires on 5/10/10) but then I realized that both Rory Beca dresses were eligible for code "SALE40" (take an additional 40% off).  Even better!  (Note:  Prices do NOT reflect the 40% discount.)

• Persephone Wrap Dress ($140) in passion (black is available):

• Tizzy Caftan Dolman Dress ($269) in parrot blue (black is available):

[Images Courtesy of BlueHeavenBoutique.com]

Hemline War: Tunic vs Mini-Dress

Tunics are getting long and mini-dresses are getting shorter.  Where do you draw the hemline between wearing something as tunic or as a mini-dress?  Or do you wear it as both?

Every so often, I get a little confused when I pick up a top/dress.  Is it a longer tunic top or is it a really short dress?

Video Review: Botkier's Sample Sale!

I'm very excited with the following video review.  I was able to get into VIP night of Botkier's Sample Sale a little early today and shoot some video before the madness began...and it was slightly crazed once the doors opened.  I believe that there was a small tussle over some sample bags.  The sample sale is located at 60 Mercer St (at Broome St), NY, NY.  If you can make it, go!  The selection is excellent!



Here are the prices:

• Bags:

• Shoes:

Here are some additional pix:

• Shoes:

• Sample Shoes:

• Small Leather Accessories:

If you've been waiting to purchase a Botkier bag, wait no longer!! The prices are too good to pass up! :)

Calpyso: 20% Off On 5/6 With T-Shirt Purchase

Calypso is having an in-store sale on 5/6.  The sale terms are slightly weird but hey, it's better than no sale:  purchase any t-shirt and get 20% off your entire purchase during 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm.  Calypso always has a unique selection of bags.  Here are the two that I like for summer:

• Valencia Tote ($95) by Mar Y Sol in natural:  Seriously, how cute is this rafia tote??

• Fetish Clutch ($95) by Casting For Calypso in beige: This straw/sequined clutch is a nice alternative to your leather clutch.

[Images Courtesy of Calypso]

Weekend Romper from T Los Angeles

I am a fan of rompers (the bathroom aspect, not so much) and the Inverted Pleat Romper from T Los Angeles is currently sitting high on my list of rompers to get.

[Image Courtesy of WinkNYC]

It's comfy chic and perfect for a weekend stroll with Sunshine.  The inverted pleat detailing and stripe print standout nicely in the current sea of solid dark-colored rompers.  You can get this romper at WinkNYC.com for $108.80 (after 15% discount).  WinkNYC.com is currently having a sitewide sale (use code "M2X7F"; expires on 5/9/10).  Shipping is free!

ENK Show: Bags, Bags, Bags!

I went to the ENK Show yesterday to look at the upcoming bags for Fall.  And I have to admit that after strolling around from booth to booth, things started to look the same.  How many different ways can you stud a bag?  But here are the ones that stood out:

• RomyGold:  I really liked the bags from RomyGold...particularly those from the Slit collection.  The slitting adds a unique texture to the bags.  The Slit satchel with chain handles on the bottom is gorgeous! 

• Treesje:  I am very happy to report that Treesje has gone more edgy and less girly (no more frills/pleating/braiding!!).  The gray studded satchel below is calling my name!  For you Ascher lovers, the new Ascher is more sophisticated thanks to the new twisted leather detailing.

• Botkier:  The leather of the satchel below hits all my 3 S's:  stuffable, soft and smooshy!  I like the shape and the weaving detailing.  This would make a great everyday black bag.  :)

My New Favorite "No Parking" Sign

Sunshine pointed out this "No Parking" sign last night and I instantly loved it!  Someone took the time to get this sign made:

  

Food Therapy: Pocha 32

I wasn't so impressed with Korean spicy stew the first time I tried it but with Meh in town, Big Buddha and Foodette insisted that Pocha 32 was THE place for Korean spicy stew.  And they were right!!

Yes - it's not much to look at and the ceiling has this weird green netting, but the food is FANTASTIC!!  I now LOVE Korean spicy stew...in particular, I love the Army stew.  It's the stew on the right.  The dish on the left is clam soup; a good palate cleanser after the spicy Army stew.

What's in the Army stew?  Many many things that you wouldn't think would go together but they do.  It includes, but is not limited to, Spam, hotdogs, cheese, ramen noodles, scallions, tofu and chili paste (that's where the red color comes from).  But don't be fooled - it's not super spicy.  It has just the right amount of kick to it.  You'll be reaching for your water but you won't be gulping it.

I know that it's heating up in NYC and this is winter food, but I'm going to have to go back with Sunshine before it gets really hot.  It's that good!

We also ordered the seafood pancake.  It makes a satisfying appetizer and one order was larger enough for all of us.

Pocha 32 is located 15 W 32nd St (b/w 5th & Broadway), NY, NY.  As an fyi, it's on the second floor so don't be looking for a street level restaurant.  Look for a door.

White + Warren Sample Sale = Happy Me!

I dropped by the White + Warren Sample Sale a little early today. It's really one of the BEST sample sales around...their cashmeres wraps/dusters are addictive!!  I have to admit that I passed on cashmere because it's too hot to contemplate but I did pick up a cotton cardigan (see below)!

Here are some pix and the pricing:

• The Sample Sale Space:

• Cashmere Travel Wraps ($125), Cashmere Wrap Scarf ($85) and Cotton Tee Travel Wrap ($60):

• Cashmere Long Dusters/Cardigans ($100) and All Other Sweaters ($85):

• Cotton Cardigan ($25):  I ended up nabbing this cardigan...it has pockets so I couldn't resist!

Loehmann's: Mother's Day 25% Off One Regular Item Coupon

Starting tomorrow(5/5/10), Loehmann's is offering 25% off any single regular priced item with this coupon:  Mother's Day 25% Off Coupon.  Coupon expires 5/9/10.

What is funny about this coupon is the following in bold print, "A PRINTED COPY OF THIS COUPON MUST BE SURRENDERED TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT".  As I said before, Loehmann's is getting kinda strict/stingy...why must we print out the coupon when you can scan it from our phones?  They'll just rip the coupon on in half and trash it anyways.  What's the point?

P.S. And no - I haven't renewed my Insider Club Gold Membership...yet.

Tobi.com: Top This!

When I'm getting ready to go out (whether it's dinner, drinks or dancing), I'm usually in a rush.  So I like my wardrobe to be filled with no brainers - meaning I can grab something, throw it on and go.  I do not have time to figure out how to literally put on a dress/top (see "How Do I Wear This Dress" Moment at the bottom).  Nor do I have to stand there and figure out what matches (hence my love for jeans).  This is why I like these two sale tops from Tobi:

• Velvet Donita Top ($173) in grey:  The sequins create a dressier feel but the dolman sleeves and soft draping of the top keep it casually cool.  This top could work for dinner, drinks and dancing - a true no brainer!  

• Splendid Silk Modal Cropped Batwing Top ($50) in white/heather grey:  This top would be perfect for drinks on the patio/balcony/roof deck with the girls.  It's relaxed but not sloppy.  Just don't forget to pair it with a nice necklace.

[Images Courtesy of Tobi.com]

"How Do I Wear This Dress" Moment:  The pink dress below is from the Zac Posen for Target collection.   Every so often, I get truly stumped by a dress/top.  It takes me forever to figure out how to wear it and then forever to figure out how to get out of it.  It literally took me 15-20 MINUTES to dress myself in this dress (no pun intended).  Between the belt that loops around twice, the tie in the back, the side zip and the suprise slip-dress, it was truly an exercise of frustration.  I'd get stuck and then start over.  I think I must have done this at least 3 times.  You know it's not a good sign when you're hot and "glowing" from your efforts of trying on a dress. 

And do you know what truly sucks?  It didn't even look that good on me.  Live and learn!

Random Thought: eBay and I

Sunshine and I were just talking and he found it strange that for someone who loves a good bargain, I don't use eBay.  In fact, I've NEVER used eBay in my life.  I don't even have an eBay account.  Do you eBay?

Yes to Yumi Kim!

I somehow moseyed my way over to Yumi Kim's store in LES (105 Stanton St (at Ludlow St), NY, NY) the other day and boy was I thrown for a loop.  As some of you know, I'm not a huge pattern/print girl but Yumi Kim's patterns/print are fantastic!  There's also a huge sale section at the back of the store.  Her silk dresses are on sale from $50 to $102!  But alas, as it tends to happen often, the dress that truly caught my eye was NOT on sale.  It was the Goddess Dress in violet leaf.

• Front View:

• Pocket View:  It has POCKETS!!

• Back View:

I fell in love with this dress the second that I tried it on.  The lovely $50 dress that was on sale wasn't so lovely any more.  Neither was the lovely $102 dress that was on sale.  This was by B-Day Dress!!  Not only was it purple, it fit like a dream and had pockets...how could I not say yes to Yumi Kim?  

I was dithering over what to buy (too many choices but not a deep enough wallet!) and the SA took pity on me.  He offered me an incentive to purchase this dress over the sale dresses.  Done deal.  I'd rather have this one fantastic dress than those two lovely-but-not-as-lovely-anymore dresses.

BONUS:  Take 25% off your order at yumikimshop.com with code "iheartyk".  I'm not sure when this code expires...

Random Thought: People Who Are Evil...

People who are evil will set the hotel alarm clock to an absurd a.m. hour so that the next guest will get a BIG surprise while sleeping.