Saturday, February 28, 2009
Eying A Bargain
Last night I received a last minute invite and wanted to add a little more sparkle to a plain faced day so after work I ran into Duane Reade, found my way to the make up aisle and stumbled upon the N.Y.C. Make-Up display. Much to my delight I discovered N.Y.C's Metro Quartet Eyeshadow sets and purchased the "Union Square "set, which contains highlight, contour, defining and base color shadows that are clearly marked for position, glide on smoothly, were even in tone and color and lasted all evening. For $3.99 this shadow set, which come in 5 pallets, is worth the try.
Friday, February 27, 2009
To Vest Or Not To Vest
For the past few seasons the vest has been trying to make a come back. I like vests but find that many of us fall in love with the idea of them but never wear them. The one I purchased years back from H&M has yet to be worn. Now the magazines are telling us that hip length tailored vests are pushing their way onto the trend circuit. I think it's an attempt to distract us from all the racks of on sale smaller, shorter tailored vests still in the stores or maybe it's a way for the stores to recyle all those vests that were fitted on long torsoed models and reach our hips anyway. 
A vest can't just be thrown on, wearing one requires the intention to create an ensemble. Quickly, everyone close your eyes and consider some of the people you know who have worn or still wear a vest. The animation majors I went to school with who wanted to project a style that was "creative" immediately come to mind as does Benjamin Franklin, Annie Hall, a barber shop group and Bea Arthur in Maude (TV Land?), though her vest went to mid thigh, but that's probably next year's trend.
Good Luck with this Trend!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Another Sewing Sale
Today, Thursday, Feb 26 and tomorrow, Friday, Feb 27th Butterick Patterns are $4.99 each.
and their Hot Pattern line is just $3.00 each.
Sleeping Beauty
I have been told that I am neglecting sharing luxury items for men on this site. Unfortunately it's a truth I can not deny, so today's post is about a certain someone who finds that he sleeps best when wearing a certain silk fushia eye mask that was not purchased for his use, which clearly shows men can find some use in the items I write about. Though no Holly Golightly this certain male someone highly recommends wearing a sleeping mask for a guaranteed restful night's sleep because it can help block out distracting light and other visual stimuli. And as an aside it allows those of us not wearing one to make certain hand gestures that will go unnoticed by said wearer.
Today I purchased a black satin and silk sleep mask for $1.99 from my favorite sell out store, Lot-Less. Maybe tonight I will be able to reclaim my fushia mask..jpg)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Living For the Weekend
I have been on the search for the perfect weekender for the past decade. After finding and buying at least 6 bags, new and used, brand and no-name, that I thought would be the "one" and being disappointed 
each and every time I have come up with the following criteria for the bag. It must be large enough to hold 3 days worth of clothing including an extra jacket or sweater, 1 pair of dress shoes, 1 pair of trainers, my toiletries and a book. It must have compartments to separately house each of these items but not have so many sections or pockets that I have to label them just to find my way around the bag. The weekender must be clean of all oranmentation, structured and shaped so that it can fit into the plane overhead while still being small enough not to outsize me. It's handles must allow me to carry it comfortably in my hands as well as allow me hoist in onto my shoulders in case I need to run to make a connection. It must be non-seasonal so that I can use it all year around and I have come to the conclusion that it should be black so that it doesn't show dirt and matches almost everything I wear.I cut a number of photo
s from magazines in hopes of manifesting this bag. Of course I manifested all the bags I had photos of but still no ideal bag. I guess I will just have to make the bag. Since it will probably take me another 5 years to select fabric, lining and findings and test sizes I'll have to carry my weekend supplies in a recyled Whole Foods Bags. Now the question is paper or plastic...
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Calling All Winos
Starting Friday, February 27th, and running through Sunday, March 1st the Jacob Javits Convention Centre is hosting the New York Wine Expo.There will be over 175 wineries from around the world represented, 600 wines to sample and seminars with various chiefs and names known to the wine and food world. Only Friday and Saturday are open to the non-industry and if you use the promo code NYAB15 you can save $15 on your Friday or Saturday Grand Tasting Tickets
Check out more details on their site - http://www.wine-expos.com/wine/ny/
Monday, February 23, 2009
BIG SALE TODAY FOR THOSE WHO SEW
Select Vogue Patterns are on sale today and tomorrow for $5.99 plus shipping
A Bundle of Joy
By the time you read this post my new laptop will have arrived and like a brand new baby I will be doting over it and lovingly becoming familiar with all its capabilities and possibilities. And because it will need to be protected from the elements, mostly me, when not in use and when in transport it will be bundled in its brand new toile laptop case - see attached. This month's lucky featured this item, only $32, and the site it is available from, lamadesigns.com. Lamadesigns is an acronym for LatinAmerica in the Modern Age. The site sells contemporary versions of traditional crafts and Latin American designs. I find some of the items available at this time a bit kitschy for my taste but trust that the owner's quest to give us access to unknown Latin American designers will unearth some amazing things for future purchases. Worth adding to your favorites
Sunday, February 22, 2009
VO5 Memories
I have a vivid childhood memory of my mother and a couple of her sisters, she had 6, getting together to do their hair and nails. I can recall my Aunt Patty, she was the beautician cutting, washing and deep conditioning my mother and Aunt Frances' hair before setting it on rollars the size of soda cans and placing each of them under the separate hooded salon style hair dryers she had installed in her basement. They would spend the drying time gossiping and doing their manicures while my cousin Chris and I pretended not to listen to the conversations that flew back and forth between them over the sound of the dryers. Aunt Patty would then send my mother home with weeks worth of VO5 hair cream and VO5 hot oil treatements, her favorites. The Saturdays that followed there was always a tube of VO5 Hot Oil treatment submerged into a warm glass of water so that my mother could continue her beauty routine and deep condition while she cleaned.I hadn't thought of about VO5 in years and was suprised when I recently ran across mention of VO5's Hot Oil Treatment in a number of magazine articles discussing the favorits of some well known hair stylists. There was never anything wrong with VO5, but as time moved on and the market became glutted with more options this brand, which did expand its line of quality items but never overly expanded its prices, seemed to get lost behind the shinier hair items most of us were reaching for. I guess the economy is making people reach back in nostalgia. So this week I purchased VO5 Hot Oil Treatments, 2 tubes for $4, from my local drug store, heated up a tube in glass of warm water, slapped on a plastic cap after applying, turning on James Brown I cleaned the kitchen while it made my hair silky soft
Worth the revisit.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Ready For A New Trend
Jewelry seems to have made a big comeback in recent years, especially the chunkier necklaces and bracelets and cuffs but I have to be honest, I am sick of these over sized items and am wanting to begin to layer graduated strands of thin delicate chains and charms around my neck and decorate my arms with single wispy bangles. Luckily I am beginning to see a trend towards mixing in slimmer chains with heavier more present necklaces which is a good thing because it may mean we are transitioning towards wearing more delicate pieces.
In preparation I find my self reaching for the less chunky of chunky necklaces I own and layering them with moderately sized chains with charms. I have already put away the heavy cuffs and started mixing mid sized bangles in with thinner more delicate bracelets. Even my big baubled rings are being switched out and only those without appendages of stone and charm are being mixed in with simple decorated bands. I have yet to reach the point where I can see a row of 4 or 5 graduated chains so delicate that they are but a shimmer against the skin or a wisp of beads wrapped around a wrist but as the warm weather approaches and we wear less and less and show more skin I am sure I will get there.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Baby Soft
When I first found this stuff I couldn't believe the smell. Burt's Bees Baby Bee Apricot Baby Oil is divine. It is an Apricot based oil that is infused with grape seed, olive and avocado oils as well as vitamin E and lanolin. Who cares if it keeps baby's skin fresh, soft and smooth try it on yours just after exiting the shower and see how smooth, sweet smelling and supple your skin feels.I buy Baby Bee Apricot Baby Oil at my local drug store. If you can't find it in yours, try their website http://www.burtsbees.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?categoryId=10013&subCategoryId=-153&productId=-2&catalogId=10051&storeId=10001&langId=-1
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Raising Eyebrows
I like a manicured brow, one that follows the natural line and thickness of an eyebrow and find that stringing achieves this better than waxing and faster than plucking. Stringing your eyebrows involves the obvious, a string, and a well trained technician that can swiftly remove the eyebrow hairs by twisting the thread around them and quickly pulling so that it's almost..errrr..painless. When I need to tidy up my own eyebrows I find my way to the 2nd floor location of Unique Threading Salon at 727 Sixth Avenue and with $6 plus a tip I walk away happy and groomed. After 10 sessions you even receive a freebie and they also offer other economically priced services which include waxing, henna tattooing and facials.
For more information go to http://www.uniquethreading.com/
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Explanation For A Friend On Posting -
Often I write more than one piece at a time and schedule them to be posted at 6AM New York time. This allows me to have number of pieces ready to share while still giving me the freedom to edit and or add/subtract postings. Sometimes my thoughts and writing are free flowing and to be honest filled with minor spelling or grammatical errors. I admit to sometimes editing after the post time because I too read them the morning they post. I am human and I make errors and that's what makes life interesting :). I hope that my errors and responsibility for them encourages others to put it out there, mistakes and all. In the end at least we have all lived out loud!
Thanks for stopping by and reading!
Another Trend I Am Staying Clear Of
The JUMPSUIT!
I don't care how elegant designers may make these oversized rompers I am not wearing one. I don't care about the beautiful belt that is sold with it so it looks like a matching top and pant anyway. I don't care that the garment takes up only one hanger and saves room in my luggage, I am not wearing one and my one question to every designer pushing them this season is -
"Has any one of them worn a jumpsuit, preferably their won design, while attempting to use the public toilets or office bathroons in New York City?"
I think each designer that has one in their current collection should be forced to wear it, especially if it is without an easy access front zipper or buttons. They should also wear it with tights, blouse or t-shirt underneath and perhaps a jacket on top. They should be forced to unzip, unwind, strip down and drop as needed and sit to relieve themselves. If they are male and prefer to use the urinal, they should still be forced to unwind, unzip and strip down to stand open and free while relieving themselves. The restrooms, and especially the stalls, should be small and intimate with little elbow room or privacy so that undressing and redressing is more public and/or takes longer than actually using the toilet. If in a stall, they should experience the impatience of another patron needing to use the room while they are trying to re dress. Once they do this, take that experience and then design jumpsuits with convenience and a bit of modesty in mind then we should be offerred this trend or maybe they might come to the conclusion that creating a silhouette of matching separates is really Guranimals for Grown Ups.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Video Break
I am liking Monie's ensembles. They are reminding me of what's coming in fashion (vests, loose, not baggie pants, curls in hair, 90s things.....
or
Monday, February 16, 2009
More Trinkets, Baubles and Beads...at Target
On February 15th Target launched Erickson Beamon's affordable Jewelry Collection for Target. The jewelry Detroit natives Vicki Beamon and Karen Erickson create is both timeless and current and coveted by those in the fashion industry. Known for using crystals and beads, their pieces reflect the influences of vintage estate sale jewelry, street culture and haute couture collections. They have shops in New York and London but partnering with Target has allowed them to offer a bit of their style to those of us that want to add the glamour within a budget. The line resembles many of the teams higher end pieces and prices for the Target pieces range from $14.99 to $59.99, some of which are sure to become classic costume pieces.Worth the trip!
( http://www.target.com/b/ref=in_se_pagelist/192-0186511-4139345?ie=UTF8&itemsPerPage=34&node=1261825011&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=1261825011&rank=-product%5Fsite%5Flaunch%5Fdate&viewID=leaf&field-pricebin=&store=&size=34&rh=&page=1&fromBrowse=1).
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Fashion Minded Video Breaks
It's only February 15th but I, like many I know, am pushing towards Spring with hopes that my desire will encourage the weather to turn. The warmer weather we have experienced in the last few days is only encouraging the fantasy of sunny days, crisp warmer breezes and sprouts of green so I am going with it and in support the illusion I have already started to unpack the Spring "It's still chilly but I need brighter" clothing for review and possible repair pile. I have also downsized the "It's cold as hell" clothing by creating a "I can't look at this another day" give away pile and "I love you but I can't wear you again this year" pack away pile. Before I donate the items that I am ready to part with I will check out the Fall 2009 collections on the New York Time's site to make sure that I am not giving away trends that remain currently in fashion or have become a "classic" and can be packed away with the classic fall and winter pieces I already own. Doing this allows me to define my wardrobe while staying current, save money because I am reminded of what I already own and create a list and a budget for pieces I really want. Trust the list and budget always take into account that more economic brands will be sorting out the new trends so that I can afford to be current and eat next year.
Follow this link to the New York Time's Visual Reviews of Fall 2009, Enjoy!
For those still sorting their spring wardrobe, the Spring 2009 collections are also available on this link.
(Ok the accompanying image isn't representative of this winter in NYC, but it's just about how I feel about right now)
New York Library Happening - Japonisme
On February 17th the Humanities and Social Science Library at 5th Avenue and 42nd Street will host a 12:30pm lecture on the Influence of Japanese Art on the fine and decorative arts, architecture and even Haute Couture of the 19th and 20th centuries. It's Free!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
In Honor of Valentine's Day
I have set up a video break post every 2 hours until it ends...off celebrating!
Happy Valentines!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Trinkets, Baubles and Beads...
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I know everyone is hoping that someone remembers them with sweet gifts and words, but for those of you that want cold hard displays of affection you may want to send your special someone over to 124 West 25th Street today for a walk through at This n' That Collectables. This store is amazing. Sto
re owner Anita Stern spends most of her time collecting the beautiful baubles and beads and precious items offered for sale. Much of it can be considered antique and though this isn't the cheapest store around the selection and quality justifies the pricing. This 'n That Collectables is well known in the fashion and movie industries and many stylist and photographers shop here for period pieces. Be warned the store can overwhelming, but don't hesitate to ask questions and direction if you truly want to walk away with a treasure. Worth the stop by, even if you're buying yourself the gift!
The store's web site is ChelseaAntiques-ny.com
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Valentine's Treat CANCELLED!!
JUST RECEIVED AN EMAIL THIS MORNING ADVISING THAT THIS WAS CANCELLED!
BUT I AM LEAVING POSTING SO THAT YOU HAVE CONTACT DETAILS FOR FUTURE EVENTS!
Info: salsonera@gmail.com
JUST RECEIVED AN EMAIL THIS MORNING ADVISING THAT THIS WAS CANCELLED!
BUT I AM LEAVING POSTING SO THAT YOU HAVE CONTACT DETAILS FOR FUTURE EVENTS!
BUT I AM LEAVING POSTING SO THAT YOU HAVE CONTACT DETAILS FOR FUTURE EVENTS!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
2-in-1 Conditioner Investment
I am someone who scours the shelves of drugstores, beauty supply places and health food stores for hair products that deliver great results without the price of high end labels. I have also gone the natural route in this quest, washing my hair in beer for shine, mashing an overly ripe avacado and placing it on my hair as a masque, making rinses from rosemary and sage. That is why when I was given a number of samples of John Master Organics Citrus & Neroli detangler I did not hesitate to put aside my search and kitchen experiments to try the stuff.The Citrus (grapefruit for toning) & Neroli (moisturizing) detangler is a light weight rinse out conditioner that it certified organic and is soy (strengths) and coconut (adds shine) oil based. It leaves my hair silky and smooth and I love the fact that you are encouraged to use it as a daily dry hair leave in conditioner because at $16.00 per 8oz bottle I want to get as much bang for my buck as I can.
Check out John Masters Organics at his site http://www.johnmasters.com/
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Central Art Supply
I love paper and one of the best places in New York City to indulge this lust is the 2nd floor paper departement at Central Art Supply. The 62 Second Avenue art supply store has been serving the art community for well over 100 years and boasts one of the best paper selections in New York, if not the country. They offer hand-made papers from all over the world in every color, texture and size imaginable I once purchased sheets of paper over 4' x 6' from this wonderfully stocked store.Check out the website for location, store hours and other details, but make the effort to get to the store. http://www.nycentralart.com
Monday, February 9, 2009
Connect the Dots Lalalalala
I am well pass the age of acne. In previous posts I mentioned that I used Acne-Free's 3 step program to keep my skin clear and even, but for the pass month or so I have switched things up and begun to use another brand's face wash and toner and face cream instead with great results. I guess my skin as changed yet again. On the occassion a pimple does decide to rear its ugly head I find myself reaching for Avon Clearskin Immediate Response Spot Treatment which contains 2% salicylic acid and within 24 hours the pending blemish is gone and my skin is once again clear. It's now on sale for $3.49 via Avon's site -Sunday, February 8, 2009
Finally I Smell
After weeks of trying to find a perfume that I want to wear and wearing various single note oils I have finally settled on wearing a perfume oil by Nemat International called Musk Amber. It has a heady incense like smell that lasts and lasts and lasts. It constantly garners compliments but more importantly makes me smile all day long since the scent reminds me of someone I use to love who was constantly surrounded by an cloud of copal incense, but that's another story for another blog.I selected the 1/3oz/10 ml glass bottle of this scent from a full line of 3 size options that Wholefoods carries. Their costs run from $6 to $14.00, which is a bargain considering the quality and the longivity of this perfume oil.
I recommend a visit and a sniff
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Happening - Rubin Art Museum Moves on Fridays
I love the Rubin Art Museum located in Chelsea on 7th Avenue between 16th & 17th Streets. It houses and showcases the art and culture of the people's of the Himalayan and surrounding areas.In addition to offering access to their permanent collection and special exhibitions every Friday nights they host the K2 Lounge from 6pm until 10pm closing. Performances start at 7pm, Happy Hour is from 6-7pm and gallery admission is free afterwards. You can make reservations for a group.
Check the site out for information on K2 Lounge and other exhibitions.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Hands Have It!
I recently purchased Sally Hansen's Hand Resurfacer with Micro-Cyrstals at Lot- Less for $1.99. I bought it as a tester and must admit that I love the results so much that I have added it to my hand care routine. It contains Collagen, Vitamins & Ceramides and micro crystals that resurface the skin and encourages natural collegan production and moisture retention so that you end up with younger, smoother looking hands. I will warn that if you have nail polish on you should be extra careful that the scrub doesn't come in contact with the polish and also that you should moisturize immediately afterwards, especially the cuticle areas, otherwise I am loving this itemIf you can't get to a Lott-Less in New York you can buy the item from your local drugstore chain or from amazon.com ( http://www.amazon.com/Sally-Hansen-Resurfacer-Crystals-4-5oz/dp/B000EOI1BC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1233148747&sr=8-1 ) but it will cost you $9.00!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Li-Lac Chocolates
A few weeks ago my friend Nicole and I met for dinner but before we ate we stopped by Li-Lac's @ 40 8th Avenue.If you are a New Yorker and have never been to Li-Lacs shame on you! This confectioner's shop was first establish in 1923 and has supplied us with the best chocolates and other sugary goodies available ever since. Each day the goodies are produced in small batches. I suspect it is to keep up with the demand because I have never not had a fresh chocolate or candy from this place. The Chocolate Raspberry Truffles are the most amazing I have ever tasted but because I am more of a gummi candy lover than chocolate candy lover I strongly suggest you try the lip shaped gummi's they sell which scream sweetened tart grapefruit/citric flavors. They, like all stores these days, have a website (http://www.li-lacchocolates.com/) and you can place specific orders that will be fulfilled from the Brooklyn factory site, but it is sooooo worth the excursion to the 8th Ave store. Your nose and tastebuds will appreciate it!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Discontinued Find...
Hurry, hurry New
Yorkers and get yourselves to any and all Lot-Less Stores in the city to purchase the remaining available items from the Elizabeth Arden Skin Simple line as it is being discontinued. The products were originally introduced as an economic alternative to the high priced skin care lines in 2004 and were sold exclusively at Walmarts. The clinically, dermatologist and allergy tested line maintained the philosophy that a skin care routine shouldn't be complex and boasted a 2-in-1 cleanser/toner, a pore refining mask, an eye gel, and a couple of day and night use moisturizers and anti-age creams. They featured standard time tested ingredients such as Vitam
ins A, B5, C and E as well as botanical extracts, SPF protectants and even hexapeptide 3 which smoothes and relaxes the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Originally retailing for $10 and up, depending on the item, the "Get Started Kit" which includes the 2-in-1 Cleanser/Toner, the Unplugged Pore Refining Mask, Quench Your Thirst Moisture Lotion, Beauty Sleep Nighttime Moisture Cream and the SkinSimple Eye Priority Cream is available at Lott-Less for $4.99 as are the "Eye Priority Cream", the Time Machine Cream (line reducing complex) and the "End of the Line" wrinkle-smoothing cream with SPF-30.I have used this line in between my Oil of Olay habit and truly liked the results it gave.
I am sad to see it go.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Shoed Again
Just when I donated my faux snake skin t strap sandals, t shirt and handbag I open the pages of this month's Vogue and there on the Need It Now page are images of snakeskin items and there on the photo of Shalom Harlow are the style of faux snake skin shoes I just rid myself of!!!
Unfortunately rummaging through every Salvation Army in town won't bring those shoes back but I spied with my little eye on the Nine West Shoe site the attached option in the Boutique 9 section. In my opinion Twyla is a thing of beauty, though admittedly not as sleek as the Boutique 9 Sandal shown on the Need It Now page, but I can wait. Either she will go on sale for a price I can justify spending on shoes at this point in time, they will add the sleeker slightly less expensive sandal featured in Vogue or the trend will move pass so quickly I will have forgotten my desire for something slithery.
http://www.ninewest.com/Twyla%2c-Boutique-9/2966203,default,pd.html?cgid=1053
Monday, February 2, 2009
Whole Food's Brands A Bargain 365 Days of the Year
As a New Yorker one of the great debates we can get into is whether you should shop Whole Foods (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/) or Trader Joe's (http://www.traderjoes.com/) for our healthier, organic and natural food stuff. Of course shopping this way means that the items you will buy are more expensive (we can address this issue of marketing in another post!) and because of this shopping at places that offer quality and savings is important.
Hands down Trader Joe's is more economical than Whole Foods, plus the East 14th Street location has an amazing Wine Store. My wino tendencies aside Trader Joe's is truly a supermarket for the health conscious. Having noted this I still shop at Whole Foods because even with the new Trader Joe's in Brooklyn, Whole Foods is so much more convenient for me and I always find that their 365 brand products are as, if not more, economical than the same staple food items offered in a local chain market, for example
365 Butter 1lb - $2.69
365 Organic Chicken Broth 32 Oz - $2.19
365 Whole Bean French Roast Coffee 24Oz - $9.99
365 2% Milk 1/2 Gallon - $2.19
Whole Foods produces their "generic" 365 brand for many if not most staple food, household, beauty, body care and health items and they are often 1/4 less in price than other brands despite sometimes being in larger quantities. For those who are budget conscious check out their site for tips and recipes that will help you stretch your dollars-
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/wholedeal/index.php
P.S. - My opinion is based on convenience of location. I suspect Trader Joe's matches, if not beats Whole Foods pricing for such things, but I can't deal with the space and location of the store and the Brooklyn store is a trek I prefer not to make. I also didn't mention Fairway which is another shopping option worth investigating (http://www.fairwaymarket.com/) because the store isn't conveniently located for me, but I have friends that only shop at this place and swear by their product quality and value.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Happening - Celebrate Brooklyn Winter Dance Party
On Saturday, February 7th @ the Bell House (149 7th Street between 2nd & 3rd Avenues) friends of Celebrate Brookly & Giant Step will be celebrating winter with a party and performances by the Shady Horns of Sam Kininger and Ryan Zoidis plus spinning by DJ Chris Annibell (Afrokinetic). Doors open at 7:30 pm, General Admission is $15 and VIP tickets are $50. You can buy tickets on line http://www.briconline.org/
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