A Penny & A Dream & Crossing Dressing with Style

Secretly I have always loved Penny Loafers, but I could never bring myself to purchase a brand new pair. I was always too "cool". Those I have secretly loved and worn were vintage (OK, gently used!) shoes salvaged from thrift stores and Upper East Side consignment shops usually for less than $3-10 a pair. This made it ok to dispose of them when my then fickle taste and style wavered. Those Penny Loafers were always in that rich shade of burgundy called Cordovan and were always the caste offs of boys or men with rather small feet. To this day I still dream of owning the pair of perfect pumps and leather boots in that beautiful color, with matching belt and bag of course.

Recently I have wanted to purchase a brand new shiny pair of these loafers. I thought it would be easy to find the classic versions since they had become fashionable again. I was wrong. Instead I found patterned versions, shiny patent leather shoes in all manner of color, thin soled and tapered toe versions made for women who want to maintain that "feminine" edge. I prefer the sturdy version that promises to improve with each spit shine and withstand miles of walking in comfort. So I started my search for the classic Cordovan Penny Loafers via the net and discovered that they are easier to find on line when googled by description. llbean.com has their version in the color I so love for only $99. Unfortunately they only seem to carry men's sizes and though this wouldn't be an issue if I could try them on, the possibility that I might pick have to go through the return forced me to continue on in my quest. Further research brought me to onlineshoes.com 's Bass women's Penny Loafer in the beloved color for only $59.95.
http://www.onlineshoes.com/productpage.asp?gen=w&pcid=127915

I wonder if I should slip in some dimes instead of pennies..

In Gratitude

I spent most of last night and this morning prepping and preparing the side dishes and desserts that will grace this year's Thanksgiving feast. I look forward having a long leisurely cup of coffee and a slice of fresh cranberry walnut bread while the turkey is roasting.

Today friends and family will join around the table to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for that which they are grateful for. In addition to being grateful for my health and well being I am also grateful for those who enrich my life with their presence, personalities and honesty.
I am honored and blessed.
Thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours

Looking for Mr Bubble

Remembering the famous commercial that had almost every woman I knew while growing up asking at the end of a hard week that “Calgon, take them away” I purchased a box of the “New” Calgon Take Me Away! Moisturizing Bath Beads with Vitamin E & Aloe in lavender and vanilla scent. I had memories of a bath full of soft relaxing pleasant smelling bubbles and was 8 minutes into my bath when I realized those memories were about Mr. Bubble, not Calgon. After laughing at myself and wondering if I could find Mr. Bubble next time I stopped into Lot Less Discount Store, where I purchased the box of bathbeads for $1.99, I let Calgon take me away for about 10 minutes, which is exactly when the water grew tepid and my skin water logged.

The bath was calm and relaxing at least until I tried to get out of the tub and found my self slipping and sliding and needing to hang onto the edge in order to make my escape. True to it’s word, the formula was ring free and left my tub clean and it was while I was reading this claim on the box that I noticed the words of warning that I should always take care to avoid slipping in the tub. Wonder if that is why this item was at the sell out store?

A staple that can be replaced.

My Girl Crush...

http://www.youtube.com/user/pinkvideovault?ob=4

Loving Pink's New Video and Song

Shopping Spots for A Cause - Housing Works

When you stop a shopping New Yorker and ask them where they find their bargains you will usually receive a roster of the same stores. On it will be Century 21 (The Brooklyn store for the hardcore bargain hunter), Loehmann’s at 17th Street, DSW at Union Square and the Barney's Warehouse Sale. These are the stores that mark down major designer labels so that instead of spending 6 months income on your wardrobe you may only end up spending two. That's if you stick to a well planned list. There was a time when I walked the aisles of these stores but then one day after exiting Loehmann's and turning the corner of 17th Street I came across Housing Work's.

Housing Works is an organization that runs a number of used clothing & furniture stores through out New York City. The proceeds from events and purchases go to ending homelessness and the aids crisis, two issues that are not shiny and new to most of us but still exist despite no longer being the darling cause of the media.

http://www.housingworks.org/

http://www.housingworks.org/donate/

In addition to working toward good causes they offer the most amazing finds in used and often new designer donated items around. I must apologize to the Salvation Army, but Housing Works blows them and Goodwill out of the water with the quality and value of things you can find there. The day I found the 17th Street store I had been looking for a plain white men's style cotton shirt with French cuffs and I kid you not when I type that there on the rack were 5 in a row, all new, all with price tags and high designer labels still on, marked down to $10 each.

A few months back I purchased brand new designer plates for $1 each only to find that when I googled the designer to see if I could purchase some more items in the same pattern they still retailed, "on sale" for $42 a plate. The range of antique furniture is astounding and for those of use wanting a beautiful piece of art for our walls they have all manner of items. They even run a discount bookstore that has readings and signing events that all are welcome to. Have a look at their on line auction site to see a small sampling of the items you might find in any number of their locations but please do make the effort to locate a Housing Works near you and stop in to appease your shopping bug while helping out a good cause.

http://housingworksauctions.com/

Have Soap, Will Travel

Two of the items I packed for my trip to Rome from the infamous goody bag were
Mistral's Savon Extra- Fin Verbena Flower Petit Shea Butter Bar Soap http://www.mistralsoap.com/page/M/PROD/MS1VF

and
the Body Shop's Pure Detox Radiance Boosting Sisal Cleanser - http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/bodyshop/browse/product_detail.jsp;jsessionid=wJuBGUcIRlv4UPZ06XjwTQ**.bsbwilapp03-bsprd-app-102?productId=prod778863&categoryId=search.

I used them both throughout my entire stay.

Mistral's tripled milled Savon Extra Fin Verbena Flower Petit Shea Butter Bar Soap (say that in one breath) smells incredible and definitely woke me up each morning. Luxury in a mini bar size, it left my skin clean, mosturized and scented.

I was not so impressed by the Body Shop's Pure Detox Radiance Boosting Sisal Cleanser. As instructed I used the product only once while in Rome and though the smell was nice and I trust the circular motion of the sisal scrubber was beneficial in exfoliating and boosting circulation I don't think the product improved anything, but then I don't know what improvement I was looking for.

I did continue to use the sisal scrubber with the Verbena soap. It took me a few days to realize that I could slip my hand beneath the sewn in elastic strap so that the sponge held its position in the center of my palm which made it so much easier to scrub a dub dub..

Keep the soap and use a wash cloth!

Beauty From the Inside Out - Prepackaged Italy

While in Rome I stayed in a small boutique hotel that boardered on being a pensione. I was lucky enough to have a small fridge and a Supermarcati two blocks away. Instead of buying lunch while I was out and about I purchased the best freshly baked breads, cured meats aka lunch meats, healthy veggies and fruits and I was able pack and carry an amazing gourmet lunch with me almost every day.

While enjoying the luxury of being able to buy "import" foods at local prices I stumbled across some wonderful spreads made by a company called Madam Olivia. This Italian based company specializes in olives and other regional items and their pre packaged speads come in packs of 4 small trays that remind me of the Gaucamole I posted about a while back. They cost under 3.00Euro each and because they are vaccumm sealed I was able to bring home the 5 remaining trays of pesto and olive & hot pepper tapenade to share.

Though I found a website for the company's products it made no mention of export to the States.

http://www.madamaoliva.it/index.php/eng/products/battuti

If you're in Italy and happen upon a supermarcati definitely look for some their products. Or you are encouraged, like I am, find recipes to make some of these wonderful items. Everyone has their own pesto recipe, but here's a black olive tapenade recipe that is worth the effort -

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/GREEN-OLIVE-TAPENADE-1007

Happening - Goddard Riverside Book Sale

Every year the publishing community pulls together to donate to and host the Goddard Riverside Community Center Book Sale. In addition to saving 50% or more on literally 1000s of recently published books, calendars and novelty items your dollars benefit the center. Since the Goddard opened it's doors in 1959 it has strived to serve the lower income and needier New York community and through 22 current programs continues to work to meet the basic needs of many New Yorkers - housing, food, eduction. This weekend long event is also a publishing celebration that includes a Book Bash and Meet the Author's Dinners. The center gladly accepts volunteers and every $0.85 spent is directly donated to the program.

This year's event takes place on

Saturday, November 22, from 10AM - 6PM

and on

Sunday, November 23, from 11AM - 5PM.

Goddard Riverside Community Center

593 Columbus Avenue @ 88th Street, New York

http://www.goddard.org/events/bookfair.htm or 212.873.4448 for more info

Packaging by Simone

Despite my love of packaging I often look for storage that helps create and maintain the illusion of organization and uniformity. A few months ago I came across these great lidded glass apothcary jars in Conway's, another sell out store that dot various areas in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens (separate post to follow shortly). At $2.99 each I was able to purchase the ones shown in this picture. They store cotton pads, Q-tips, French clay, bath salts and manicure tools. Lined up a single shelf in the bathroomm they set the tone for that room's decor.

This post isn't about where to find these exact jars, though if you do let me know since I am considering buying a few more. This post is about considering your storage and space and not being afraid to recycle that product packaging and create storage solutions that meet your needs, both asthetically and functionally.

Financial Considerations

Last night a few friends and I had a conversation about our country's financial state and the impact it is having on us individually. Many of us already know people affected by downsizing and the home foreclosure crisis and from all the headlines and news programs we are all aware of the domino effect this situation is having around the world.

Throughout the conversation I just kept asking a list of questions I ask myself all the time. These questions are based on me living in New York, but I suspect many of us ask the same things when confronted with our financial environments
1) When did it become OK to pay $2.50 for a cup of coffee?
2) When did it become OK to pay $100 for a pair of jeans?

3) When did it become OK to pay $75.00 every 6 weeks for a hair cut?
4) When did it become OK for monthly daycare to cost a $1000 per child?

5) When did it become OK for shoes to cost as much as a month's rent when most of us collect them like potato chips?

6) When it became OK for a handbag to cost more than a month's salary when most of us collect them like shoes?
7) When did it become OK for an average restaurant meal to cost $100 per person, without wine?

8) When did it become OK for us to take more than one vacation per year and not expect to be in credit card debt?
9) When did it become OK to pay more than half a month's salary on Rent, not including utilities, when budgeting books still tell us that rent should be 1/3 of your monthly salary?
10) When did it become OK for us to drive cars bigger than most of our 1st apartments?
11) When did it become OK for us to accept the minimum wage as is?
12) When did it become OK for us to believe we will all make 6 figure salaries by our mid/late 20's?
13) When did it become ok to live a 6 figure income life style via credit cards and debt regardless of whether or not it is our true income?

The funny thing is I heard no complaints about the above fore mentioned items until the recent shift in pricing for food staples ($4.50 for a gallon of milk, flour over $2.50 for 5lb, $4.50 lb butter) became extremely evident. I suspect the increases shifted our nations, or at least many New Yorker's I know, focus. So again I defer to the list of questions, which is really about taking inventory of our responsibility in the spending chain and the current economic standing of the world. Often we blame those we can not touch and see, mostly corporations and politicians, for the events of the world, because it's easier not to believe that we each have some bit of power and affect. I believe if we each individually take the time to question our motives and our actions when it comes to accepting the media hype about what we should have, own and how we should spend perhaps we can change the world. If we are individually responsible for our financial impressions on this world and understand that most of us don't have incomes to cover the luxury only a small percentile in this world can afford perhaps this will force businesses and government to focus and address our financial and security needs rather than forcing us to focus and address theirs. This doesn't mean we shouldn't strive for bigger incomes or better things, but it does mean that we all need a reality check. Don't think I don't consider these things when I blog about buying what may not be needed but is desired by many of us. I do. I always consider the frivolity of some of the posts but I also know that we will always reach for comfort, even in the harshest of times, and I hope sharing tips about luxuries that vary in price and item will make us each pause and consider what we can pay for now without jeopardizing our financial situations and securities.
(Removes self from soap box)

Shopping Spots Worth the Tip - Jacks 99Cents Store

I love the 99cents stores dotted all over the city but my favorite is the large Jack’s 99 Cents Store at 110 West 32st Street, between 7th and Broadway. I'm not the 1st to blog about this store which has 3 full floors of anything and everything. The bottom floor has a plethora of items for 99cents each while the upper two floors offer sell outs of name brand items often more than 50% less than the original retail price. There is more than one location for this store and they seem to have the clout to buy and offer the name brand items because what you can find will amaze you.

So how does my love of inexpensive discontinued items tie in with luxury? Because, all together now, luxury has nothing to do with brand or price. Because many companies re design or improve on their products it means that the older inventory needs to be closed out so that the market isn’t flooded with confusing options of the same thing. It doesn’t mean the merchandise is expiring or bad or not luxurious. The mark down is often a result of a marketing department’s desire to make sales by offering new and improved items that reflect current market trends.

In places like Jack's you can score some amazing finds. Their 3rd floor cosmetics area is a Mecca of name brand goodies that you can still find in places like Sephora and other department stores that carry the same lines. Jack's and similar close out stores offer those of us not willing to spend absorbent amounts of money on cosmetic items we may or may not like the opportunity to experiment at more reasonable prices and then choose to become a consumer of that product, even if it means shelling out full retail.

Happening - Fritz Scholder @ NMAI New York

This month both the Washington and New York City locations of the National Museum of the American Indian will have retrospectives of one of my favorite Artists, Fritz Scholder (1937-2005) .

From Nov 1, 2009 through May 17, 2009 there will be 135 paintings, works on paper and sculptures produced by this American artist on display at each location. This is the 1st comprehensive retrospective of his works since his 2005 passing and many of the pieces are from private collections.

The National Museum of the American Indian in New York City is located at the

George Gustave Heye Center

One Bowling Green .

(4 or 5 to Bowling Green stop or the R or N to White Hall Street)

Admission is always free and on Thursday evenings they are open until 8pm.

For More information -
http://www.nmai.si.edu/subpage.cfm?subpage=exhibitions&second=ny&third=current

Painting - Fritz Sholder - Man in Blue

Worth the Face Time

Somme Institute prides themselves on producing skin care products based on confirmed scientific benefits that help those who use their products achieve clear, smooth and beautiful skin. They do extensive testing and tracking of other marketed products to determine what works and what doesn’t and then use the information to develop and improve their own products. One of their discoveries is a molecular dispersion technology 5, or mdtf, which is a non prescription blend of 6 highly engineered vitamins (A,C,E,D,B3,B5) that penetrate the inner skin layers without oxidizing or losing their potency when exposed to air or light. They documented their results at Harvard, Yale, NYU and University of Pennsylvania. I was just as impressed by their nourishing cleanser.

The Nourishing Cleanser comes in an 8oz plastic pump bottle and it does what it promises to do, clean and nourish the skin without irritating or over drying it. It dissolves dirt and oil without clogging pores and because it doesn’t over dry the skin it doesn’t trigger the glands to produce more oil to compensate, which is what causes the pores to clog and the skin to break outin the first place. I love, love, love this product despite it being engineered and not all green and fluffy and had to stop using it before I became addicted.

It is part of a 5 step facial program, something that could replace my 3 step acne kit in a grown up way, but what I didn’t love was the very grown up price tag. The cleanser costs $40.00, the Transport (alpha hydroxyl and beta hydroxyl pads) $58.00, Serum (Boost Collagen Production) $82.00, A-Bomb (Accelerates Cell Renewal) $70.00 and Double Defense Day Moisture (Hydration & Protection) $48.00. That adds up to a rather large of investment of $250 for a 1-1/2 months worth of products. They do offer a Mobile Kit for $85.00. It contains 14 days worth of all 5 items, which isn’t any more economical than buying them separately.

If you can't get to Sephora to purchase Somme Institute goodies try amazon.com or drugstore.com. All places sell the items at the going retail price.

I wonder if this product will go on sale.

Interesting...

www.nytimes.com/2008/11/09/fashion/09pulse.html?

**Photo Lips wearing various lipsticks. Uploaded on Dec 7, 2005 by Flickr user SpooSpa

Shoe Lust

After a long drought I finally find myself lusting after a shoe worthy of being lusted after, at least in my opinion. Attached is an image of a suede peep toe sandal by Cesare Paciotti. At $640 a pair all I may do this fall is lust after it, but I am pretty certain that other designers of more moderately priced shoe lines will find themselves expressing the highest form of flattery and making their own versions. I'm patient. I can wait.

Update-

zappos.com has a slightly different version of this

shoe by Cesare Paciotti for $709.00. The heel is solid blue suede rather than harlequin patterned version posted here-

www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/46498589/c/171574.html

Happy Kiehl's Day November 10 - 15th

Most New Yorkers worth their weight in face cream know of Keihl's, but for the newbies Keihl's was once an old fashioned NY family run apothecary founded during the 1850s in the East Village. They are known for their amazing homeopathic products, herbal remedies, essential oils and beauty products and for those of us in the area of the 3rd Avenue store an amazing collection of vintage motorcycles. In recent years they have expanded their reach and brand while still maintaining their quality and customer and community based service.

www.Kiehls.com/us/_en/home/index.aspx

Last night before meeting up with a friend for dinner I stopped into 109 Third Avenue because I had read an article about Keihl's musk oil and wanted to try a sample. YES! This store shares samples of their products and that is part of their amazing customer service code. They want you to try their items, old and new, before buying and appreciate and ask for your feed back when you return to purchase. They would rather you become a continued customer because you like and use their items, not because you have read about them in some fashion magazine or on some blog (cough cough). The staff is helpful, knowledgeable and so very patient with those of us with our own questions and concerns.

After accepting the sample the gentleman helping encouraged me to come and join the store to celebrate HAPPY KIEHL'S DAY! From November 10th through November 15 the 3rd Avenue Store with be giving out samples of some of their amazing products.

Monday 11/10 4.2oz Creme de Corps

(body moisturizer - creamy, rich and wow!)

Tuesday 11/11 2.5oz Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

Wednesday 11/12 Pear Lip Balm (YUM!)

Thursday 11/13 - 2.5oz Ultra Facial Moisturizer

Friday 11/14 - 4.2oz Creme de Corps

(worth the repeat trip)

AND

Saturday, 11/15, from 10:30AM - 1pm Brunch is on/at Kiehl's

Worth the detour for a visit!

Ylang Ylang Lotion Lotion

Regardless of the length of the trip when I travel I prefer to bring a carry on size suitcase and because of this I am very aware of what I pack. I usually have no problem packing clothing since most of the pieces I own can be mixed and matched to create a number of ensembles. Packing grooming and beauty products is where I can have issue. This time rather than fill a small 4oz travel bottle with some of the lotion I normally use, into the goody bag I went and pulled out the sample tube of Akhassa's Ylang Ylang Body Lotion. Akhassa products are suppose to combine the 4 natural elements, air, water, fire, earth, to offer balanced healing properties for body and mind. Their Ylang Ylang Body Lotion is part of their nurturing series.

Ylang Ylang is a strong femine scent that either one loves or hates. It can be overpowering but if balanced with just the right fragrances can also be a delicate and lasting memory. Akhassa's Ylang Ylang lotion has a strong ylang ylang presence that tapers to a halo as it is applied and warms against the skin. This shea butter based lotion also incorporates bergamont, geranium and lavender oils. Though I found the scent pleasant and strong enough to stand on its own I did not find the lotion itself to be anything spectacular. To be honest it didn't leave my skin as moist and supple as the body butters I usually reach for.

If you're interested in trying this lotion here is its posting on Akhassa's sites -

http://store.akhassausa.com/e1n.html

VICTORY!!

When I first started this blog I promised to keep my opinions and politics from the posts. After last night’s victory I must break that promise. I apologize.

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible," Mr. Obama told the crowd, "tonight is your answer."

Get Thee To A Monastery

I dedicated a portion of one day of my Roman holiday to locating the lengendary Ai Monasteria shop. So after visiting the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Santa Maria Sopra Minerva I found myself circling the Piazza Novana more than once in search of this shop and their legendary sandalwood soap that my friends Patrick and Hugh can not live without. My mission was to find the shop and purchase 2 bars of sandalwood soap. Finally, after avoiding a large marching group of German tourists, flirting with 2 police officers, considering taking a lick of an unspecting 6 year olds' cone of gelato I found the store at Corso Rinascimento, 72 and it was worth the hunt.

Ai Monasteria is a 4th generation Roman establishment that represents and sells products from most of Italy's monastic orders. http://www.aimonasteri.it/indexen.html
The store reminded me of what what Bigelows and the landmark 3rd Avenue Keihl's use to be like. An apothcary chock filled of all manner of soaps, beauty products, chocolates, vinegars, wines, oils and teas, many made with traditions and recipes 100s of years old, is overwhelming. My goal was to purchase the sandalwood soap and though distracted by many of their goodies that's exactly what I did. I bought soap. Of course I couldn't just buy 2 bars and ended up buying a few for my own use and gift giving.
http://www.emonasteri.it/prodotto.asp?sbcat=74&pid=319
You can visit Ai Monasteri via the net and purchase some of their wonderful items through the website but be aware that they don't export everything they carry to the United States so it's so worth the stop if you're ever in their home town. For those of us in New York craving the experience of sniffying, eyeing and handling products with similar origins you find your way to Santa Maria Novella on 285 Lafayette St (between Jersey St & Prince St). It won't be exactly the same experience but it is well worth the trip -
http://www.lafcony.com/smn/newyork/

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! just VOTE!

Gives Good Face

I’m a 4th generation Oil of Olay user, so when I use any other face cream I feel like I am being disloyal to a brand that kept the complexions of the women in my family clear and beautiful for as long as they used it, never mind that genes also had a big part in it

When I pulled Huiles & Baumes Night Face Cream from the goody bag and realized it was from the same company that made the eye maker remover that left me oversaturated black under eye circles I almost dismissed it but something stopped me from putting it in my own give away goody bag (sorry P!) and in the spirit of the blog I decided to try the stuff

Huiles & Baumes, which has been around since 1989, produce natural and organic skin care products and food supplements. Their Night Face Cream boasts of rose hip, verbena, shea butter & jojoba which combined are suppose to relax and hydrate your face while you sleep. This time the French words on the white plastic pump bottle didn’t entice me. I gingerly applied a small amount of the cream, which smelled both medicinal and pleasant, to my face and gently rubbed it in. It felt light and has a wonderfully silky texture, but as with many creams it was just too rich for my skin. The second day into the experiment I had to stop using it since I could see that MK and Ashley were eagerly trying to erupt on my left check. I don’t think this product is bad. I think it is meant for someone with dry skin in need of nourishment. Into the give away bag is goes. I couldn’t find this product on the shelves, but I did find it available on the manufacturer’s website for 45Euro + Shipping - http://www.huiles-baumes.com/p1717/Face_Night_Cream*/product_info.html

Beat Me With A Stick

Surgeon’s Skin Secret Beeswax Moisturizer in vanilla came from the product goody bag and had me stumped. The idea of moisturizing any part of me is all about creamy consistency and hand application. The instructions ask that you apply a thin layer of the waterproof feeling production and then rub in, but the stuff didn’t glide on and its vanilla scent has a medicated smell to it. Using this stick reminded me of putting on deodorant and the only places I would consider using it were on my elbows, knees and the heels of my feet. Though I found the use and smell of this item lacking my sister LOVED it and showed me how easy it was to use it. Sorry I’m not buying her instructional and promised she could have it only was after I was through writing this review. She’s waiting for me to finish typing.

This product, which isn’t expensive at $5.99 per .78oz stick, is sold through Jamark Laboratories, Inc’s website –
http://www.jamarklabs.com/102xx.html