Fifth Avenue = Fifth Circle of Hell
Hello everyone! I hope you've missed me. I am back in NYC for a brief 36 hours, then I'm off to Honduras. Since I couldn't shop yesterday (I was traveling), I hit the department stores today. Bloomingdale's was a friggin' zoo--I was there for 10 minutes then called it quits. They did, however, have a rack of Marc by Marc Jacobs that was marked down three times. I'm talking $150 skirts for like $50. Not bad. Bergdorf's has a lot on sale on the 5th floor (usually the only floor I can afford), especially in the way of shoes. Saks has huge racks of sale stuff, particularly on the 5th floor, and also a lot of shoes are on sale (4th and 5th floors). Now, once you're actually in the department stores, it's not so bad, but walking from 59th St. to 50th St. was a virtual nightmare--I walked in the street for most of it. It seems like everyone in the Tristate area was checking out the Christmas windows. So my advice is to walk down Madison in between stores. Yes, it's a block out of your way, but it's worth it.

I'm off to Honduras at 4 a.m. tomorrow, and I'll be gone for a week. Sales are everywhere--keep shopping!
The next two weeks
I'm leaving tomorrow morning for two well-deserved weeks of vacation. I'll still be posting for the next week, however it might be a bit spotty due to the holiday and all. Still, I want to be around to assist with post-holiday sales and shopping and such. Then on the 28th, I'm off to Honduras for a week, and there will definitely be no posts then. So, for now, Happy Hanukkah, everyone!
Oh yeah...
I went to the Tocca/Joie sample sale at Clothingline on my lunch hour. They have one rack of Tocca, and it's mostly pants and sweaters--very few dresses. They do have a buttload of Joie: cargo pants (in all materials, including silk), a ton of skirts (they had two or three of the fall 2003 silk pleated mini-kilts in pink, size 10 left), and leather jackets. There are also vince cashmere sweaters, a few racks of Nanette Lepore, Theory samples (size 6), cute Kooba bags, and a bunch of other random stuff. I'd say if you're a big Joie fan, you should check it out, but otherwise, it wasn't incredibly spectacular. Sadly, I didn't buy anything.
Tidbits
If you're like me and you worship at the altar of Hermes, you'll be pleased to know that you can now purchase the Twilly, perhaps the only item under $100 that Hermes offers, at Hermes.com. Click on "guest star" to view the selection.

Bloomingdales.com has extended its 20% off sale. Enter code FF3PCA at checkout.

Pretty much everything at Highbrowfurniture.com, including furninture by Vitra, Herman Miller, and Modernica (including George Nelson reproductions) is 10% off. Plus--calling all midcentury modern dorks!--get a free Knoll T-shirt with your purchase.

Now through December 23, buy $100 worth of merchandise at Language and get free same-day delivery in Manhattan when you enter code DELIVERY at checkout.

I'm about to go check out the Joie/Tocca sample sale on my lunch hour. I'll let you know how it goes...
Barf
No, that's not what I did yesterday, under hangover duress. It's my reaction to Stuff by Hillary Duff, hitting the shelves at Target this spring.

Also in WWD, Jewcy; and the Golden Globes dress race is on.
Way too much Stoli
Due to a raging hangover, this will most likely be my only post today. I will make up for it tomorrow. I promise.
In the papers
Lynn Yaeger investigates New Year's Eve clothes in the Village Voice.

Ralph Gardner Jr. rants about his favorite products being discontinued (hello, Bliss deodorant and Anna Sui perfume) in this week's Observer.

And, at the Post, everyone's in fishnets.
Back and forth
Style.com looks back fondly upon the year in fashion and looks forward to spring, in which we'll all have a Mariah Carey moment.
I'm the sheriff in this town
E! Fashion Police has added a fun new feature where you can vote on the stars' outfits. Up for deliberation this week: J.Lo tries to balance out her butt with her hair; Eva Mendes looks like a stick of licorice with a scoop of sherbet on top; E! is a bit harsh on Kirsten Dunst (they snapped her running errands, for Pete's sake, not in a ball gown at a movie premiere); Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones are prim 'n' proper for the Nobel Prize; Pink seems to be taking a cue from Bjork; Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are supercute (and I happen to like Mary-Kate's blue dress and red shoe combo, although E! clearly doesn't); E! is also a bit harsh on Kylie Minogue, giving her a bad rating because she has horsey teeth (what?!); and Jenna Elfman is surprisingly hot.
Sales galore
Because you haven't spent enough money this month, here come the fall sales.

At eLuxury's Pre-Holiday Sale, items are up to 60% off, and new sale merchandise has been added (hint: lots of Seven jeans).

Isabella Fine Lingerie has a ton of cute stuff from Leigh Bantivoglio, Cosabella, Lise Charmel, and more, and most sale items are at least 50% off. Plus, spend $100 and get a free thong or boy-leg.

Thursday through Sunday, Find Outlet is having a 30% off sale on Mint, C.Ronson, Alice+Olivia, Cynthia Steffe, Jungal, Julia, and others. They also got a new shipment of See by Chloe, Nanette Lepore, and more. Hours: noon-7; 361 W. 17th St. and 229 Mott St.

Scoop, seemingly everyone's favorite boutique, is having a sale. I'd recommend hitting the website before you go to the store and subject yourself to snotty Upper East Side 16-year-olds and throbbing techno music.

Today and tomorrow is Saks' famous gift card promotion. Shop in stores or online (enter code MERRY3A at checkout). Here's how it works:
Spend $250-$499, get $50.
Spend $500-$999, get $75.
Spend $1,000-$1,999, get $150.
Spend $2,000-$2,999, get $300.
Spend $3,000 or more, get $450.

It's denim craziness at Language. Buy one pair of jeans, get 20% off (enter DENIM1 at checkout); buy two pairs, get 25% off (DENIM2); buy three or more pairs, get 30% off (DENIM3).

Today and tomorrow, Bergdorf's is hosting a Christian Dior spring trunk show on the 2nd floor from 11-7.
Comments, please
Thanks to a lovely website called Haloscan, I added a "comments" feature to each post, so that you can, um, comment. Yay!
"I have money, I can keep what I'm wearing clean."
So says a trend-watcher about the deeper meaning of the winter-white trend, as reported in today's Times. Also in today's paper: Abercrombie's "new" catalog and Stella's in trouble.
Sheepish
The Post is really coming up with some zingers, headline-wise. I thought they couldn't improve upon last Friday's "Disastro" (about the Yankees' Andy Pettitte leaving for the Houston Astros--get it?), but, lo and behold, today they have "You Goat, Girl" for this story about cashmere for the masses. I was laughing so hard, I almost wet my pants. I wonder if they imploy people just to write these ridiculous heds. But since this is the Post, they have to provide quality service journalism, so we also have a sidebar on just what the heck is cashmere and how to tell the nice stuff from the cheap stuff (hint: Don't buy it at Express). And, believe it or not, you can also get cashmere underwear (I have a pair from Banana Republic, and I can vouch for them--they're divine). Also: New York women wear metallics, the urge to UGG, and the Cargo lip garter.
I think mine was better, but...
...Daily Candy has a gift guide for the man in your life.
The week in shopping
Nine days 'til Christmas! The sample sales are tapering off, but there are still quite a few, plus regular stores are starting to mark down fall merchandise big time. Some selections...

Dolce & Gabbana's fall collection is up to 50% off. Collection is at 825 Madison Ave (at 67th St.); D&G is 434 W. Broadway.

Clothingline has Joie, Tocca, Kooba, Alice & Olivia, Vince, and more. Joie is $20-$250 (most of it is under $100), Tocca is $45-$125 (dresses are $85). From what I can tell, they also have the Kooba clutch I've been lusting after, the sweatshirt-style Vince cashmere sweater, and possibly the silk pleated miniskirt from Joie. I'm there. 12/15-12/24; see website for hours; 261 W. 36th St. (7th and 8th Aves.), 2nd floor.

In case you missed it a few weeks ago, the Ben Sherman and Evisu sample sale is on again, with everything up to 75% off. 12/15-12/17; 11-7; 1466 Broadway (41st and 42nd Sts.), suite 600.

Buddhist Punk, Religion, Rolling Stones, and Ringspun T-shirts and jeans for men and women are $10-$80 (originally $40-$390). Cash only. 12/15-12/19; 10-7; 230 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 12th fl.

Super-hip knitwear m.r.s, sold at Barneys, Kirna Zabete, and the like, is 50% off retail. Dresses are $90 (were $185), long-sleeve blouses are $100 (were $225), camisoles are $30 (were $65), and skirts are $65 (were $140). All sizes are available. 12/15-12/18; Monday noon-8, Tuesday-Thursday 1-9; 173 Lafayette (at Grand St.), suite 506.

Rumor has it that Gabay's just got a huge shipment of fall 2003 handbags by Hermes, Marc Jacobs, YSL, Gucci, and Jimmy Choo, for up to 75 percent off. Yikes! Monday-Saturday 10-7, Sunday 11-7; 225 First Ave.

Save 20% at Girlshop.com when you enter LUCKY at checkout. (Thanks, Lucky!)

Weekend shopping
It's 13 days till Christmas, kids!

Sold at ritzy places like Language, Alice Temperley's fancy cashmere scarves, sweaters, and such are 20 percent off. 12/12-12/13; 11-6; 453 Broome St., 2nd fl.

Starting tomorrow, one of my favorite boutiques, Dernier Cri, is having a sale of 10%-25% off. They have a funky (but accessible) selection of rock-chick clothes from Daryl K, FrostFrench, and others. The sale goes through Christmas Eve. Hours: noon-8, Sundays 12:30-7:30; 869 Washington St. (13th and 14th Sts.).

While you're in the Meatpacking District for Dernier Cri, check out Rubin Chapelle's sale, with merchandise up to 60% off: Coats are now $350 (from $920), party frocks are $300 (formerly $750), boots are $240 (were $490), and sweaters are $160 (were $400). Friday 11-8, Saturday noon-7; 410 W. 14th Street (9th Ave. and Washington St.), lower level.

I'm not the hugest fan of Balenciaga, but I know a lot of people are. Starting Sunday, the fall line is a whopping 60% off. Hours: 11-7, Sundays noon-5; 542 W. 22nd St. (10th and 11th Aves.).

The Apartment, a very cool housewares/furniture store in Soho, has opened a website, just in time for holiday shopping. Items are organized by room, and shipping is free!

Speaking of free shipping, I realize virtually every website is currently offering it, but I feel compelled to mention Net-a-Porter's deal, since, because it's a British site, shipping to the U.S. is $25-$35. So enter code SANTA at checkout now through Christmas.

Finally, a correction from a helpful reader: The Steve Madden 30% off friends and family discount is available today only. Once again, that code is FMFR1203.
Bon chic, bon genre indeed
You can always count on BCBG to deliver designer-knockoff pantsuits, fun party tops, and, for the most part, consistently stylish clothes. But every once in awhile, they come out with an item that really blows me away. I present the Cardi-wrap, which, from this picture, doesn't look spectacular, but I got a special e-mail showing all the ways it can be worn: open, draped over the shoulder, tied in front, tied in back, backwards and tied in front...the options are endless. It looks like something Rick Owens would design, but better, and, at $146, a hell of a lot cheaper. My only reservations are that it's a silk/cashmere blend (a blend that tends to pill like crazy) and that it comes only in pink. But in the grand scheme of things, I think those are minor objections. BCBG, here I come!
New stores
In the Flatiron area, Utowa, at 17 W. 18th (5th and 6th Aves.) is an experimental mini department store, dedicated to up-and-coming designers. WWD has the scoop.

WWD also reports that Rebecca Taylor is opening a NoLIta store in February at 260 Mott.
"The new Sevens?" I spoke too soon...
Get ready for James.
Tidbits
Gap.com is having a bit of markdown mania. Click here for women's.

On Monday, go to Club Monaco from 7-10 p.m. for cocktails and 20% off, plus a chance to meet Christina Ha, Judy Licht, and Robert Verdi from Full Frontal Fashion. Rsvp to fullfrontal@clubmonaco.com. Click here to view the invite.

The Theory/Kulson sale at Clothingline ends tomorrow. I went there yesterday during lunch, and they still have a ton of stuff, most of which is 60% off. Personally I would've preferred 80% off, but if you're a Theory fanatic (and I know there are a lot of you out there), it's definitely worth checking out. As for the Kulson...not so much.

Language has Yanuk jeans, a.k.a. "the new Sevens." Also, get free shipping on orders of $75 or more when you enter code HAPPY at checkout.

Today at Bergdorf Goodman, get $25 off a $75 purchase on the Level of Beauty (I got an e-mail about it, and you're supposed to print it out and redeem it for a gift card on the Main Level, but maybe you can lie and say it wouldn't print).

Today through December 18, get 20% off at Bloomingdales.com when you enter code FF3PCA.

Starting today, Loehmann's has semiprecious John Hardy jewelry for $57.99 to $1,044.99 (originally $120-$2,000). As of yesterday, they also have designer swimsuits from Rosa Cha, Theory, Versace, Chloe, and more, from $16.99 to $89.99 (originally $32-$225).

SteveMadden.com has extended its friends and family sale until Friday. Get 30% off when you enter code FMFR1203 at checkout.

At VictoriasSecret.com, get $10 off flannel or "cami" pajamas (or "pyjamas," as they strangely spell it) when you enter code PJSAVE10, and get $5 off cap-sleeve pajamas when you enter code PJFIVE.

Anthropologie.com, everyone's favorite girly store, is having a sale.

Downtown avant garde shop Seven has cool jewelry from Raf Simmons with Joy Division/New Order lyrics on it, for your favorite suicidal Goth. They also have a pretty frickin' cool 24K gold-plated pin from Andrew/Andrew that looks like a security tag on clothing. It's $95 and I totally want one.
In other blogs...
Today seems to be gift idea day! The very useful MUG has 19 cool stores for gifts, many of which are in my neighborhood, and thus I can vouch for them being good places to go. Daily Candy has "Visions for Sugarplums," supposedly gift ideas for your chick friends, but more like cool stuff to buy for yourself. Finally, for a bit of fun, Low Cultture has a Guide to Giving, a slightly snarky parody.
You cheap bastard
Well, a gift from Odd Job is better than none at all, right? The Voice's Lynn Yaeger investigates gifts from discount stores.
Gifts for Dad
For the love of Pete, don't get him a tie this year. Some alternatives...

For the dad who has too many freakin' ties: The Container Store's Fast Track Tie Rack has a snappy name, is only $20, and holds up to 36 of the ties you've given him over the years that he never wears.

For the indoor/outdoor dad: Crate and Barrel's Leather Log Tote will prevent nasty spills during the long trip through the house, from the garage to the fireplace.

For the retired dad (like mine): Armand Diradourian cashmere slippers. If he's going to lounge around the house, why not do so in style?

For the dapper dad: Penhaligon's Shoe Cleaning Kit. When my dad cleans his shoes, it's a process. This swanky kit will enhance the mystique.

For the dad who's a kid at heart: Neiman Marcus' factory-sealed baseball packs may contain some treasures (and definitely some gum).

For the dad who's a bit hairy: The Sharper Image's Turbo-Groomer 5.0 sounds all high-tech and manly, which is good, because it's for the unmanly task of clipping stray hairs.

For the old-school dad: Ashford's sterling silver money clip is a little more elegant and innovative than the typical flat clip.

For the dad with a very dry sense of humor: The Complete Far Side is 18 pounds of Gary Larson's bizzarely humorous world.

For the fairly hip dad: Ben Sherman's Beatles Paperback Writer T-shirt is a throwback to his generation, but still considered cool.

For the connoisseur dad: The Rabbit is a contraption that a lot of people make fun of (OK, $85 for a corkscrew is a bit exorbitant), but it does open bottles of wine faster than anything else. Which, to me, is a good thing.

For the traveling dad: Dopp Mariner is the manly version of a toiletry bag.

For pretty much any dad: The Godfather Collection DVD. Who doesn't love The Godfather?
Inclement weather and the avant garde
Style.com has trenchcoats for spring (there's already a huge waiting list for the tweed-trimmed Chanel coat pictured here), Elsa Schiaparelli's surrealist influence, a cool new Lambertson Truex bag, beauty trends for spring, and a holiday shop.
Is that a crime?
In this week's E! Fashion Police, I know everyone thinks she's a big bitch, but I must confess, I love Gwyneth Paltrow and I think she's so incredibly stylish--the Grace Kelly of our generation. So, here, she looks incredibly foxy and glowing, and I'm so happy for her and that Coldplay guy. I hope they have the most stylish, talented little baby. OK, enough gushing. Next, we have our little Frodo, Elijah Woods, doing the retro thing (and I'd say he pulls it off); Tom Cruise looking like a fag and Penelope Cruz looking like his hag (ack! Don't sue me, Tom! I said looking like); Liv Tyler blowing all of the little waifs out of the water in a hot Alexander McQueen frock; Beyonce making yet another jumpsuit misstep (maybe a little less Versace would do the trick, girl); Colin Farrell smoking a fag, and I'm beginning to understand why women fawn over him so much; smiling Shannon Elizabeth, who is starting to look a bit old and drawn to me; and Nicky Hilton way-outclassing big sis Paris in a sexy (but demure) white dress (MW thinks she's hotter anyway).
Coming soon
Gift ideas! What to buy for your dad, little kids, siblings, and more. Stay tuned...
Didja Know?
Bergdorf Goodman, perhaps the most pleasant place to shop in the city, now has a website. You can't buy anything on it, but you can at least preview the goods, then go to the store and experience their renowned customer service. (Jesus, do I sound like a press release or what?!) Seriously, they have great salespeople. I bought a purse there earlier this year and several days later received a thank-you note in the mail from my saleswoman. Of course, if I got a thank-you note from every saleswoman that helped me, my mailbox would be overflowing, but still, it's a nice touch. Much like antique furniture, they don't make department stores like they used to.
Sex! Sex! Sex!
Did I get your attention? Good! The Times ponders sexism in the fashion industry and, specifically, why no women are shortlisted for Tom Ford's job. Also in the Times, an interesting piece on store mannequins.
Department store challenge
The Post really outdid themselves with this assessment of holiday shopping at New York department stores. The winner? Bergdorf Goodman. The loser? Macy's and Filene's Basement. (I agree on all accounts.) They also assess department store restaurants if you need to refuel while shopping. Also: Wear white boots; TiffanyAlana skirts (hint: Buy the knockoffs at Urban Outfitters; monogramming is hot (no, really?!); and dressing up in cold weather.
The week in shopping
Oh, how I love shipping week at work. Sorry, for the erratic postings. Anyway, the pre-holiday sample sale barrage continues this week with such heavy hitters as Theory, Lulu Guinness, Nanette Lepore, Helmut Lang, and Diane von Furstenberg. Since I'm lazy and don't want to type everything out, check out New York Magazine, Daily Candy, and Lucky.

Also, virtually every website known to man has free shipping. So get out there (or stay in front of your computer in your underwear--whatever) and buy some presents. (And, not to gloat or anything, but I'm all done with my Christmas shopping.)
Weekend shopping
Today and tomorrow are pretty much shot with all this snow, but Sunday should be nice, so go shopping!

Hit the Girlshop.com sample sale today until 8 and Saturday from noon-6, at 154 W. 14th St. (6th and 7th Aves.), 9th floor.

It's the annual two-day, 10% off Herman Miller sale, beginning Saturday! Take advantage at Retromodern.com, Design Within Reach, or Highbrowfurniture.com.

Get 20% off at Art.com through Sunday when you enter code C200999427020 at checkout.

Starting today, Loehmann's has Calvin Klein Collection (the fancy stuff) for $70-$700 (originally $265-$2,685).

Clothingline has Theory and Kulson; they're open today until 6 and Saturday from 10-4. 261 W. 36th (7th and 8th Aves.), 2nd floor.

Today through Sunday, enter code FMFR1103 at SteveMadden.com and get 30% off. Woo-hoo!

Last year I got a kickass four-ply cashmere sweater at Lutz & Patmos (their sweaters are sold at Barneys for the mid- to high-three figures; here prices are $75-$600). Their sample sale is open today until 8 and Saturday from noon-6. 425 W. 13th St. (9th and Washington), suite 406.

Today through Sunday, get 25% off at Banana Republic when you enter code BRFRIEND (should work at the store too).

More tidbits

eLuxury has more stuff on sale, including 7 for All Mankind cords, Michael Kors perfume, and the Celine Giraffe-Print Boogie Bag.

IGM has Burberry scarves at the best price I've ever heard: 2 for $99.

I'm stealing this from New York Magazine's Best Bets, but I couldn't resist: Fuck Yoga T-shirts are great for New Age skeptics.

Save 15% on your order of $75 or more at Wine.com when you enter code DECEVM15 at checkout (through 12/11/03).

Find Outlet (261 W. 17th and 229 Mott) has a new shipment of Julia samples, Nigel Hamill, Trina Turk, Charlotte Ronson, Essendi, and others, plus...my favorite MIA designer, Katayone Adeli.

At the new Stila website, registered users (click here to register) get a free makeup bag with every $75 purchase now through 12/14. Plus, get free shipping on a $50 order when you enter code HOLIDAY03 at checkout.

Today through Sunday, get 20% off at MoMA Design Store when you enter code 3VIP2 at checkout.

Today through Sunday, get 20% off at Gap when you enter code 9MHD8FG85M (should also work at the store).
More gift ideas
In this week's Village Voice, Lynn Yaeger, God bless her, lists peaceful gifts.
Tidbits
And here's where my troubles begin: Saks' Act One Sale starts today, with items up to 40% off (shoes are 30% off). Also, this Friday and Saturday, editorial fave makeup artist Pat McGrath will be giving makeovers with Giorgio Armani cosmetics. Go here to register.

Gloss.com has four special holiday offers (you get to pick one, and you can't combine them, unfortunately):
* A free holiday sample set with a $50 purchase; enter code CYRGLS at checkout.
* A free full-size Stila lip glaze in Brown Sugar with a $50 purchase: enter CYRSTL at checkout.
* Free standard shipping with any order; enter CYRSHP.
* Free gift wrap with any order; enter CYRPCK.

Dior's Fall 2003 collection is 50% off at eLuxury.com.

Kirna Zabete has such heavy-hitters as Balenciaga, Chloe, and Gaultier on sale for 30%-75% off. 96 Greene St. (Prince and Spring Sts.).

Breakin' the law
In this week's E! Fashion Police, Natalie Portman gets my vote for the 21st-century Audrey Hepburn; someone should've told Nicole Kidman that you're not supposed to wear flowers in your hair and on your wrist; Nichole Richie must've been cooked when she got dressed; and Jessica Alba is a stone fox (although I think I liked her darker hair better).
Stuff for Mom
Thankfully, my mom is easy to shop for, but I know a lot who aren't. Thus, gift ideas for The Woman Who Gave Birth to You.

For the independent mom: The Barbara K! 30-piece tool kit was designed for women, by women, and comes with a booklet on how to fix stuff around the house.

For the mom who has everything: A Hermes scarf is too obvious--try a bracelet instead.

For the "I was hip back in my day" mom: a vase from the Andy Warhol Museum in Philadelphia.

For pretty much any mom: You can't go wrong with this Ashiana wool wrap.

For a mom who goes crazy with the holiday decorating: The Company Store's Pepperberry wreath and garland come in a variety of sizes and smell darn good too.

For the Waspy mom: Crate & Barrel's Stainless bar set has everything she needs to make countless cocktails.

For a mom who's also a grandma: A photo album filled with pictures of you and your kids will tug at her heartstrings.

For the mom who cooks: A Nordic Ware Sunflower Pan helps her bake some snazzy-looking cakes.

For the mom who needs to chill out: Apothia's Spa Chez Moi basket encourages relaxation.

For the mom who needs to break away from the robin's-egg-blue box: Boucher's Watermelon Quartz set is more colorful (isn't Mom always telling you to wear more color?) and hip.

For the mom who wanders around the house in her skivvies: Cover her up with a new robe.

For pretty much any mom, part II: Show me a mom who doesn't like Barbra Streisand and I'll show you a liar.

In the papers
In today's WWD, fashion insiders speculate about Tom Ford's future. (Is this story ever going to get old?)

In the Times, holiday dressing (hint: wear a fur shrug) and Louis Verdad, an L.A. designer who makes more than jeans and T-shirts.

In yesterday's Post, a sensationalistic article on parents who buy their kids designer clothes (um, hello, spend the money on clothes for yourself!); teddy bear-wise, kids prefer synthetic Duane Reade to cashmere Ralph Lauren; and ridiculous but amusing shopping tips from Ally and Jaime, stars of MTV's Rich Girls.
The week in shopping
There are so many sample sales this week, I don't have the patience to list them all. Thankfully, today's Daily Candy and this week's New York Magazine seem to have most of them covered.

In other news, you have until midnight tonight to get an extra 10% off at Design Within Reach's Thanksgiving Sale.

Avant garde wonderland Seven is having a fall sale; most fall items are 35%-50% off.

Today through Sunday, get 20% off when you enter code 68FDCBNSBG at Old Navy (I'm told this works at the store as well).

I'm back!
I survived the below-freezing temperatures of Chicago, my cold is 95% better, and I am ready to help shape your holiday shopping experience. I'd estimate that I'm 2/3 done with my holiday shopping, and I hope to be completely finished by the weekend. I realize that might be a bit unrealistic, but, hey, it's good to set goals for yourself.

I spent Shopping Day on Michigan Avenue in Chicago (It's roughly equivalent to Fifth Avenue in New York), and aside from the PETA protesters outside Nordstrom, it was pretty uneventful and not terribly crowded. Then again, after living in New York for so long, everything in Chicago seems luxuriously spacious to me. I also hit Target while at home (the Isaac Mizrahi clothes are nothing special, but the accessories are to die for--and cheap!), and I went to my favorite craft store ever, Hobby Lobby, which is so uniquely Midwestern, I can't even begin to tell you.

But, it's good to be home. Onto the fun stuff...