4.21.2009

Alert - A True Fabulous Find

While checking out Forever 21 with friends this past weekend ( I haven't been to this store in a while - I can take it small doses), I stumbled across one of their "Fabulous Finds" and it was quite fab! Me and my friends all scored a pair of skinny jeans for $12.50. We all vary in sizes and heights and it was a nice fit for everyone because of the stretch. These will be my tunic wear or sexy club going jeans.


Check it out on line here too!
Make sure to not shy away from their accessories. While you are cutting back on buying clothes because of economic conditions you can do affordable accessories to spice up what you already own...there are a ton of pearl like designs (necklaces and bracelets) that give that sexy lady feel.

Enjoy! (I made my purchase at the Union Sqaure location - oh and there is a new fitting room on the 2nd floor to the far right that is less crowded in the new Heritage section)

3.01.2009

Fool-Proof DIY Networking

When the word networking comes up, sometimes the first reaction is the same as being told can you give a presentation to 100 people on XYZ - people get nervous and think of it as a chore they know they have to do but don't always want to do.

Worry no more because there is a great way to network within the comfort of friends and soon-to-be friends, here is our recipe to success:

  • Whether it is you alone or with a friend, think of no more than 10 people you would like to bring together. They may have professional and personal interests in common and then again they may not.
  • If you host a get together with a friend, each of you should be responsible for half of the invites.
  • It is extremely beneficial if the invitees don't know each other or may be familiar but not that well . This is not girlfriend outing time and no one person should feel like the new kid on the block, everyone should feel new to each other.
  • Balance your invites with your outgoing and your introvert/shy associates. For the friend you have been trying to get out to events or who expresses displeasure of networking this will be a great and safe environment to get them started.
  • Pick a tea house or brunch venue to have the event. There are many inexpensive brunch venues on the weekends and tea houses just have a natural good environment for conversations.
  • Oh and yes have it on the weekend vs. after work so everyone can be clear minded and rested.
  • Work with the venue to establish a pre-fix menu if they don't have . Many restaurants that have a brunch menu have a set price and tea houses usually have a scone, finger sandwich and cookies/dessert platter. The last thing you want to think about after a good chat is diving the bill. Provide the group with the cost that will factor in tax and tip prior to the event. Example: At Alice Teacup we did the Mad Hatters and it worked out to about $22 including tax and tip and all invitees were made aware that was the food setting being order, but of course can choose their types of sandwiches, scones, etc.
  • Be a superb host. Have everyone introduce themselves, but don't be shy about gluing them together. Tell them why they were invited and what you knew they had in common with others - be the connector!
  • Secret to success: Is that its a small manageable group where real conversations can be had. It is personal and there is nothing like receiving a personal invite
With the weather clearing up, go out there and plan a networking brunch/tea house event. Below are some suggestions based on experience:
  • Alice's Tea Cup: There are several locations now. I found success at the 64th street & Lexington one because its bigger
  • Franchia: This is a vegetarian Korean tea house. Great for your a group that is particularly health conscious and includes vegans/vegetarians. Not for meat lovers.
  • Coco Rocco: Two locations in Brooklyn, a darn good cheap and tasty brunch $9.95. You will love it.
  • Libations: I just had brunch here today for such an event. Never knew they served food...lol. Delicious brunch means for $19. (I can speak for the steak and eggs - yummy)
  • Tea Map: This is a GREAT resource to find local area tea houses. I used it many times.
  • Google these venues and sites. There were errors in linking the sites to the page. Thank you

2.18.2009

Prime Time

I always wonder how can I make my make up last for a full day or at least a full work day. I was told a while back that a primer can make a big difference, but I was reluctant because of my oily skin.

I finally gave in and tried Smashbox's primer which was good, but not for the oily skin types (maybe in the winter or when the air is really dry). But the primer that has worked best for me since mid last year and I can finally attest to is Laura Geller's Spackle.

It is very light weight and has a slight iridescent to it that makes you glow just a tad bit once makeup is applied.

My routine is to apply to my skin about 10-15 minutes after I applied my moisturizer. I think wait about another 5 minutes before applying my makeup.

For my oily skin, it has worked wonders. My face has an even tone, provided by the makeup that lasts all day. In the cases I do get a bit oily; it is as if the primer allows for equal distribution of the oil so I don't look gross.

A said benefit of primers are that is creates a barrier between your skin and the makeup to keep it healthy and smooth. I believer that, but also keep in mind the primer itself is a product that can have some affect.

Enjoy your primer - whichever you choose.

2.17.2009

Your Finances - In Mint Condition

I so wish I new about this site a year or two ago. You all have to not just visit but sign up on Mint.com. As they describe themselves it is a free personal finance software.

It aggregates all your accounts into one site and helps you to analyze your spend and savings however you want to slice it and dice it - no more saving receipts and organizing into excel.

Now you maybe thinking how can this site know all of your business. Think of it as the organizer to all the log-ins of your online accounts. From credit cards to student loans to even car payments and Roth IRAs, you sign in all your log-ins so that when you log in to mint.com account it pulls all those other log ins. Your net worth is calculated in seconds.

As a user for the past month, I am blown away by this site. It definitely made it clear how much I shopped at Target *sigh*

Give it a try and let us know what you think. There is no reason to not continue in your healthy finances 2009 resolution.

Happy Savings!

2.14.2009

ALERT: Alexander McQueen AFM, 2 Day's Only!!!!


The super-creative and at times controversial, Alexander McQueen has finally joined the Affordable Fashion Mania (AFM) bandwagon with the McQ Collection for Target. A former courtier for Givenchy and head designer of his own collection, Alexander has been dazzling the runway with his over the top and overly expensive collections for over 2 decades. Several lucky New Yorkers will get a chance to shop his Target collection today and tomorrow at an exclusive location. While the collection will be available online March 4th 2009, I guarantee not all of the good stuff will make it. (Trust me, the same happened to the Proenza Schouler collection I raided). So get up get out and get some McQueen!!


Alexander McQueen Runway

Exclusive Alexander McQueen: Target McQ Market
February 14th and 15th ONLY!
12pm-10pm
330 West Street
New York, NY 10014

2.08.2009

1-on-1 With your favorite designers!


The French Institute Alliance Française presents Fashion Talks with Pamela Golbin . An intimate speaker series with 3 fabulous female designers. Fashion Talks
French haute couture meets New York style during FIAF's Fashion Talks, hosted by Pamela Golbin, Curator in Chief of Twentieth-century and Contemporary Fashion at the Musée de la Mode et du Textile in Paris.

Donna Karen 2/9/09
Catherine Malandrino 3/20/09
Diane Von Furstenburg 3/23/09

Did I forget to mention the tickets start at $20!!! You couldn't even get into their Fashion Week Collections with that price. Hurry and get your tickets! You know I have my tickets ready to go. Ooh La La!