Great Looks & Great Prices---How can you say no? Doesn't this just make you want to go somewhere tropical:) These pieces remind me of the Elle Rio piece...girls on the street.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Geeky Goods From Fred Flare
Miuccia Skirt
These look like things we could see on Gossip Girl.
I have been searching for some tortoise shell glasses like this that I saw in a mag at Forever 21 so I was soo glad when I saw that Fred Flare has exactly what I have been searching for. Risky Business style glasses only $11!
Other Fashion Losses
Last year, I was working for a catalog called Lew Magram...I thought I had found an opportunity that I thought would not come about after moving from Tucson. It turned out that that job was not all it seemed it would be and I left last January to start a new career freelance...well, I found out this weekend that Lew Magram has been cut and is no longer around. I think in the long run, it was a great move for me to have left when I did...sad to say, that the catalog is now gone.Another loss from my past fashion career path is Bill Blass New York. I worked in a trunk show environment that happened once a quarter...hopefully Bill Blass couture will rise again and not get lost in the economy. It's sad to lose the legacy of an American designer.
I Can't Wait Till H&M Comes to Phoenix! So Many Things to Look Forward To!!!
I am LOVING trousers right now...the roll up styling is so on this spring:)
I am loving the longer length (even though they say this comes with the bad economy...), the larger jacket with the belt makes it so the look isn't too BIG...
I AM LOVING the color of the skirt so much! Lavender hues are going to be soo strong this spring:)
So sophisticated! I love this...once again, alonger length! But, a great suiting style. Here are a few items that are catching my eye...I can't wait!!!!!!! I will have to go to PHX at least ONCE a month! I don't even do that now:)
Sad News Everywhere
After Saks Fifth Avenue released the information to their employees that there would be cuts across the board I thought my friend won't be affected (the one who sent me the info)...then, I read it all over every fashion website and then the sad news hit...she was let go...I didn't share because it was pretty close to home...and then, I read....MICHAEL FINK was let go!!!!!! The man that I wanted to work for the whole time I worked at Saks....I seriously can't believe it...I wonder who is going to take his place in the fashion office? WOW!
Then, I read in an email from WWD that my FAVORITE decorating magazine, Domino magazine is being cut....too much sad news...when will it get better?
Here is the letter that was sent out to Saks associates on January 15th stating that there would be some change:
TO: All Associates
FROM: Steve Sadove, Chairman and CEO
DATE: January 15, 2009
We are currently facing some of the most difficult economic conditions we have faced in our 84-year history. It is likely that this environment will persist through 2009 and perhaps beyond. We are taking a series of necessary actions related to expenses, capital spending, and inventory receipts in response to the deteriorating environment and to better position the Company for the future.
We have an exceptional brand, valuable real estate, a loyal customer base, solid vendor relationships, and most importantly, an outstanding and talented team. Unfortunately, even all of our strengths and nimbleness can't completely insulate Saks from the very severe and broad-based challenges of this economic downturn. We will succeed if we have a collective commitment to adapt, to innovate, and to make some very difficult choices. While we are staying the course with our long-term strategies, we are making prudent adjustments to our organization and our operations that are needed in this environment.
We will reduce our expenses by approximately $50 to $60 million in 2009 which will create a more efficient organization and more closely align our cost structure to the size of the current business. Some of these measures will result in job eliminations while others will affect our compensation and employee benefit plans. Additionally, we have identified several other non-payroll and benefit-related cost reductions, primarily in the areas of procurement, information technology, distribution and logistics, travel, and marketing.
We will immediately begin a company-wide reduction in our workforce of approximately 1,100 positions, or 9% of our associate base. In addition, we are eliminating 2009 merit-based wage increases for all associates and suspending the 401(k) Plan Company match for a minimum of one year, beginning January 1, 2009. Associates will still be able to contribute to the 401(k) Plan to take advantage of tax-deferred savings for their future. We are also suspending the Employee Stock Purchase Plan for 2009 effective January 1, eliminating the Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Referral programs effective January 16, and suspending future benefit accruals for the limited number of associates remaining in the Company's pension plan effective March 13.
Specific details of the changes and how they affect you and your group will be communicated by a member of your management team as quickly as possible. We realize that these changes are very difficult, and we are committed to treating our affected associates with care and respect. Eligible associates will be given appropriate severance packages.
Members of Saks' leadership team have worked tirelessly, responsibly, thoughtfully, and carefully to make these hard decisions and to create a more efficient, focused, and right-sized organization. This process has not been an easy one, but the changes we are making are critical to our future.
We are also lowering our 2009 capital expenditures to approximately $60 million, a decrease of over 50% from 2008 spending, and our 2009 inventory receipts by approximately 20% from 2008 levels.
We operate today in a state of constant evolution and continuous change. The true measure of an organization is how it deals with change and overcomes challenges. I know that we are up to the task and that together we will overcome the difficulties facing us and go on to even greater achievements.
Saying goodbye to friends and co-workers is never easy, particularly when many of us have worked so hard and so long together. For those of you that will be leaving Saks, we are very grateful for your many contributions to our organization. We thank you, and we wish you the best in the future.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Gap Just Keeps Getting Better
*Comes in a variety of colors. Around $98.
Flipped OVER N.E.E.T. MAGAZINE
I just flipped through the recent issue of N.E.E.T. Magazine and I had to share a few new sites that I will be frequenting from now on...and, if you haven't checked out N.E.E.T. yet, you have to do that too. It is filled with new designers, new sites and fab new writers and photographers...it is the benchmark for creativity.
I took the cover off my iPhone because I just didn't think the cover reflected moi...so, I went for basic...but, I have found the answer to everyones problem--try FABRIX covers...they have hard covers and soft...I am LOVING the denim style hard cover! I need it right now:)
I LOVE all things vintage...so, when I read about Posh Girl Vintage in N.E.E.T. it literally spoke to me:) I had to check it out...from the clothes to the blog---I LOVE it all! Very Posh, beyond Posh Spice:) Plus, sign up for the newsletter to get weekly updates on the new goods:)
Celeb Style At Your Finger Tips
Get $10 off when you spend $150!
Save $10 at CoutureCandyMonday, January 26, 2009
Back to the Basics
Las night I did a little spa night starting with a hair oil/massage by my husband using an Indian Almond oil. This makes my hair so shiny and smells good too:) I have heard that the massaging of the hair helps it grow too..maybe wrong, but it still feels really good:)
Then, I did a natural honey/oat mask inspired by Glamour magazine that I really LOVED! I have decided that I will do these once a month...the mask is supposed to help hydrate and I need all of the hydration living here in Tucson, AZ.
But, the BIG/HUGE result came from a product I got from Clinique last week during the department store giveaway due to the lawsuit against lines like Clinique that I guess were putting prices higher than they should. Anyway, the point is I got a product, Moisture Surge worth $46 that I might have never bought and used it last night and it is truly heaven! I had my hubby feel my face and he wanted some on since my skin felt so soft, so I had to share:) It's a great option to use daily or use as a 5 minute moisture mask. You can feel how soft your skin is, but there is no greasy feel like vaseline (that my grandmother and mom use to keep their skin perfect).
Sidenote: I have also started using Dove Beauty bar again...I figure it is the softest, most natural soap I can use right now with no additives and I LOVE it after my first use last night:)
Kate Spade, Inspired???
The style name of this handbag which is apart of the luscious, luxurious line, Sullivan Street is Blakely...the first thing I thought of was my fave actress from tonights, "Gossip Girl," Blake Lively. I could be WAY off...but, it's still fun to speculate:) I could see the girls on GG wearing these handbags on the show!
There is also a hotel in New York called, Blakely---but, who is searching:)
But, the Sybella style steals my heart this season with Kate Spade...I love the vintage styling.
Cover Beauty
Like I said, I really don't wear foundation unless I go in and get my makeup done and the artist insists that I need to have some...so, Jillian Veran, Prescriptives Director of Artistry answered the BIG question of what you need to use to apply foundation. See a portion of the interview answering this question below:
- Applying foundation is a personal preference and each method creates a different finish. Using your fingers will allow for a sheerer finish; a sponge is a little tricky for a non-makeup artist as it can place a lot of foundation in one spot so be sure to move quickly across the areas you are applying to; a brush is always great as it helps you create a very smooth even finish.
- Also, I always recommend using the Px Buff Brush after your foundation is dry to soften the look of the makeup and create a sheer air brushed effect.
Also, right now, if you purchase a Prescriptives foundation during the All Skins promo, they will give you a foundation brush with the purchase of any foundation (worth $17).
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Blog News, or New Blogs
I am always excited to share new blogs that I have encountered.
Not only had I never seen a blog on tumblr, but I didn't realize a fashion friend of mine had a blog! You have to check this blog out today to get a passionate view of what a fashionista craves from how to find a coveted item, to what she might even make!!!! Plus, quotes galore sharing her thoughts on the day:)
Check out another candid blog by the owner of Collage Boutique checking out all of her fave looks and her fun outings.
This is honestly my new MUST-HAVE check site everyday! I am now searching everywhere for the Spanish edition of Glamour magazine because of this blog. Check this blog out today---I swear you will be addicted! The model/fashion lover shares all of her flicks for a day...inspiring grand looks for us to create:)
Fashion in Commercials
I am LOVING the styling in commercials right now...they just keep catching my eye when I am not forwarding through my DVR'ed shows so I had to share:) I am also always loving the DKNY ads...oddly, I never purchase the clothes, but I LOVE the styling. PERFECT! The Sartorialist shot these ads for the DKNY this spring...
This is a BIG year for the Sartorialist, from just posting pics on his journey's to VOGUE using his shots, then ads, and now, a book is expected this year compiling all of his fabulous images. This just proves that HUGE things can happen for people who share their passions with everyone via blogs!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Dress it Down...well, at least the price
I was reading a Glamour magazine blog about fab dresses under $50 and I had to share two of the dresses that sparked my attention. 
The first, a Speigel dress that has the sheath silhouette that I seem to be all over right now with a matching color belt and added pocket detail to make this a-not-so-basic sheath dress...I am staying with the bright colors though with the orange hue as my first choice. The Glamour choice was the winter white.
The second, looks like it is on sale, so I have to get it soon, but the Gap dress has the bat sleeve that has caught my eye recently.
*For both dresses, I would add a different color skinny belt to change the look. But, both can do with the belt that comes with it.
This all brings me to agree with the JC Report article, "Are the Glossies Losing Their Luster." I still get every issue out there and just get inspired...that is what has always been about for me anyway:)
Disappointment...
As a black woman, I am really disappointed about reading on New York Magazine that the Black Artists Association plans on filing an appeal to Michelle Obama's office for not wearing a black designer for the inauguration festivities. I really can't believe this. I don't see the need for Michelle to wear a black designer just because she is black. What is the need? What does it prove? She chose a young, Asian, (which I might add is a minority in the US) male designer...I LOVE fashion...but, I agree with the ladies on the View today...why is there such a focus on fashion for her? There is more to her than what she wears...get over it. Sorry all....it just really makes me irritated. There can be many positive things that come from Michelle O's fashion front (helping young designers, enhancing the economy with people shopping for looks they love on Michelle O), but there is no need for negativity. This is the beginning of history being made-lets keep the pettiness to a minimum.
Gap-a-licious
Tassel's are literally EVERYWHERE this season...I LOVE tassel's and I want to literally create my own designs:)
I LOVE this...a great option for cover-up. I would add a belt to create some edge with this look.
This is a classic find that will be timeless in your wardrobe.
I usually don't like these type of colors---but, this is too cute to pass up...
Love the color! And love the combo of a girly dress with the wooden sandals that edge.
LOVE-LOVE-LOVE-LOVE-LOVE-LOVE-LOVE-LOVE-LOVE-LOVE-LOVE-LOVE-LOVE-LOVE
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