Starting tomorrow Jimmy Choo for H&M will be debuting its new line of shoes and accessories. This is an example of what I like to call a “Fashion Mash-Up…” It’s basically stuff you CAN NOT afford combined with stuff you CAN afford. You will eventually go broke buying it, but with far less guilt.
It’s no mystery that the fashion world is finally catching onto the fact that if you “lower the price they will come…”
I discovered another “mash-up” today definitely worth checking out… Alexander McQueen for Puma. This collection is a perfect combination of sexy, sleek and sporty wear that accentuates a statement of dressing up while dressing down. McQueen’s Spring 2010 collection created a buzz during Fashion Week…however, his new Puma line is definitely “wearable” and more importantly…comfortable 
Let me start off by saying that I am not a fan of the winter. I shed a tear at the end of every summer when I have to put away my flip flops.
When you think about the cold one word comes to mind : “layers” And if you love fashion as much as I do this word is like kryptonite. Dressing for the winter months takes a back seat to looking cute just for the sake of not freezing your you know what off.
But don’t let the cold get you down, I say have a little fun with it!
Here are some unique ways to stay warm…
Fred Flare is a great website …they have tons of toys, “goof” gifts, and accessories like this Cupcake Beanie by “NEFF.” Why not show off just how sweet you really are. $30 Fredflare.com
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Everyone knows about the book “Where the Wild Things Are” ( I hope) its like a right of passage into childhood. Now that the movie has revived this unforgettable story so has the merchandise! Look at these adorable Where the Wild Things Are Slippers sold at Urban Outfitters. You get a choice of either Max or Moishe! This book warms your heart now it can warm your feet! $28 Urbanoutfitters.com
Ok so far we’ve covered the head, the feet, now lets talk about the hands! Who wants to wear plain boring gloves when you could own a pair of these fun Puppy Mittens by “deLUX.” If you are not a doggie lover deLUX has even more cute and furry creatures for you to choose from… check it out at Karmaloop.com $26.
And finally, you know I couldn’t forget about the fellas right…Instead of putting your hands down your your pants to keep warm… why not put your underpants on your hands! $16 Fredflare.com.
If these fun winter accessories don’t keep you warm, then I promise they will at least turn a few heads!
Pretty soon we will all be gathered around somebody’s table eating until the top button of our pants leaves an imprint into our midsections. If you notice every holiday there are two kinds of people: the “cookers” and the “eaters.”
Whatever person you may be I have listed a few tips to help get you through Thanksgiving and future holidays without a hitch.
- If you are spending Thanksgiving solo or with a small group…
Check your local neighborhood to see which restaurants will be serving on Thanksgiving Day. It is not uncommon for some establishments to stay open on holiday’s, but it is always a good idea to plan ahead just in case. For those of you who live in the tri-state area About.com has come up with a list of restaurants in New York City that will be open on Thanksgiving this year.
If you decide to stay home with a few friends or family turn your Thanksgiving into a potluck dinner! Have everyone bring in or cook their own “specialty dish” then swap recipes after. This is a great way to take some the pressure off of the host by allowing everyone to contribute equally. If you get stuck on what you will be making Better Homes & Garden’s has a full menu with recipes for a small Thanksgiving dinner.
- If you are cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the first time…
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for or dreading your whole life. Whether you are trying to impress the in-laws, or it’s just your turn to cook, this is one of those moment’s you can’t screw up…One turkey one chance.
Cooking for a large group takes strategy and careful planning. Browse your recipes and buy groceries in advance. Save the more perishable items for last. Choose “pre-cook” dishes like mac and cheese, or potatoes to prepare first. This way you can focus in or more important things like (ah em)…the Turkey. Speaking of the turkey, if you are hesitant to prepare a traditional turkey on your first try then why not make a 45-min. Roast Turkey or a 35 min Deep Fried Turkey. Both are easy to make and taste delicious!
- If you are a horrible cook, don’t like to cook, too lazy to cook, etc….
This one is for the “eater’s.” You know who you are… you run to the family room to watch the football game or play video games and you don’t come out until dinner is served. Yeah, your not foolin anyone…
This may fly in some situations, but if you are invited to eat in another person’s home it is only polite to show up not just with your appetite in hand. Be creative! For example, put together your own “Thanksgiving Basket.” Buy a Cornucopia and fill it with fruits, cheese, crackers, pumpkin flavored coffee etc. This is a a great way to show your appreciation without spending too much money or bringing the same old bottle of wine gift.
Another good idea is to offer to set the table for your host. After slaving around in the kitchen all day not too many people would turn this offer down. I’m not talking about laying a fork and a napkin on the table but actually decorating it in a creative way. Find table decorating ideas here and impress all of your friends. You don’t have to be the next Martha Stewart, but a little thanks and appreciation goes a long way.
Let’s face it times are hard…especially in this economic crisis we are all facing. American’s are cutting back on their spending and finding new ways to save more than ever.
I was watching the news the other day and saw an amazing story about a mother we could all learn from. Her name is Kathy Spencer and she is the “Coupon Queen.” Couponing is nothing new of course, anyone can do it. Kathy Spencer has figured out a way to feed a family of six on $4.00 a week!!! Yea I didn’t believe it either, but it is possible!
Just watch Kathy work her magic here—-> Mom Feeds Family of Six on $4 a Week
If this video inspired you like it did for me I recommend reading this article by “Bargain Briana” the 15 Day\’s of Couponing to get yourself started.
Like the article suggests, this is not as easy as it looks. Couponing takes time and a lot of patience before it is truly mastered.
You will let your coupons expire, you will mess up deals, you will piss the people off behind you when checking out.
Oh well…I say make them wait. Walking away knowing that you saved a $100 bucks will make the dirty looks all worth while 
If you love to shop online and are constantly looking for the best websites I recommend picking up the November issue of InStyle Magazine.
You can get a headache trying to search for a decent website to shop (believe me I have tried)
Lucky for us Instyle has narrowed down the best of the web from everything to fashion, accessories, beauty, and vintage.
Some of the websites I was already familiar with but there were many I’d never even heard of like…
1. oaknyc.com
This website is true New York City style summed up in one click. “Oak” has two store locations: one in the East Village, the other in Williamsburg. The clothes are edgy yet simple for both men and women. There is also a section for shoes, handbags, and accessories for you to salivate over.
Here’s a perk...when you check out insert in the code: “instyle” and recieve 15% off your purchase.
2. http://live.storeadore.com/
Picture this…you are visiting a city for business or pleasure and you have one day to yourself to just explore. What do most of do during this time? SHOP of course. The only problem is that most people end up going to the mall or generic stores because they aren’t familiar with the area. Well here is where “Store Adore” comes in…This website gives fellow shoppers a guide to the best boutique shops in almost every major city like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, The Hamptons, and many more! The best part about this site are the customized maps that can help you plan your day of shopping.
3. http://threecustom.com/home.php
Ladies know how serious makeup can be in our lives. And this is a serious website for makeup.
“Three Custom Color Specialists” offers shoppers a custom blending studio to create their own lipstick, eye shadow, concealer and more!
Ever have a favorite product of yours become discontinued? Send “CCS” the brand name and color and they will find it for you.
Another Perk for you… 20% off purchase when you insert “instyle” in the check out code.
Happy Shopping!
