Thursday, December 31, 2009

Boots for the New Year

Don't forget Strawberry for shoes this new year. Strawberry 34th Street is currently having a bit of a boot explosion.

Short brown ones are Blowfish ($39.99).

Levi's snow boots for $39.99. Love the blue.








Blowfish, $59.99.



































This is a small sampling, and most prices are under $80. Often Strawberry has further reductions, so check them out soon.


Strawberry Empire State Building, 34th btwn 5th & 6th Aves.
Strawberry Manhattan Mall level 2, 33rd & 6th Ave.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Strawberry Wednesday

Because it's in-between-holidays week, and WendyB agrees, I'm forging on with the Berry today and tomorrow. And then it's Happy New Year's to you all! I was pretty happy with 2009, but it did bring me Arm Baby. This favorite nickname was inspired by all the people in our old-school hood who said, when seeing us carrying our daughter, "Don't hold her too much, you're going to end up with an Arm Baby!" and "She'll never let you put her down!" I love this, because it evokes cartoon visions of me holding Arm Baby when she's like, you know, 16. And wearing stuff like this:

You don't have to pay more than $30 for this faux fur trend. And this faux-leather vest is under $10 on clearance.
















Lots of sweater minis at Strawberry on sale for $9.99. Keep the tassel or hack it off.








Loads of leggings from $6.99-$9.99.














There are lots of different colored leggings with the ankle cut-out. Click on the black leggings to see the v. cute pattern.















Strawberry Empire State Building, on 34th between 5th & 6th Avenues
Strawberry Manhattan Mall, level 2, 33rd & 6th Avenue

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Back to The Berry for New Year's Eve

I'm tempted to just post Strawberry the rest of this holiday week, as poor Strawberry was ignored while I was on maternity leave. How I missed walking in the door and quickly spotting lots of outrageous fun stuff. Like lots of sequined stuff, perfect "lows" to your "high" if you're doing that high/low thing for New Year's Eve:

Sequin vest for under $30. And here's a super-short sequin skirt ($19.99) if you're so inclined:


It may look like a tube top from here, but it's a skirt. I think.


And leggings for $19.99. Strawberry has all the sequins covered. Although I wouldn't expect these to hold up long as I saw sequins hanging from a thread on a pair at the rack. If you're worried, here's a sequin racing-stripe legging option ($14.99), which isn't so likely to come undone.


Strawberry 34th St, in the Empire State Building btwn 5th & 6th Aves.
Strawberry Manhattan Mall level 2, 33rd & 6th Avenue

Monday, December 28, 2009

Fun with Travel Alarm Clocks

Big surprise: I got a thumbs-up for my Christmas present choices which hasn't happened in a long time. So here's what I got the husband (in addition to a guitar pedal I owe him as I forgot his birthday. Don't give me that look, I've been busy tending to his first-born):


See-through clock with magic nighttime powers; convenient baby model to show clock dimensions. And baby cuteness, of course.















Weatherproof travel alarm clock. Now this doesn't get most people excited, but my man and I have a thing for great travel alarm clocks. So much that we love them not just on the road, but also at home. This one was under $3 (on sale at Daffy's Herald Square and then further discounted) and has a really cool flashlight that emits this eerie, alien-abduction-like nuclear glow. I also discovered, in the middle of the night tending to the first-born, that I can see what time it is in the dark without pressing anything. Cool.

Another cool thing about this alarm clock? It comes with 6 hearing aid batteries. And this thing cost under $3. Seriously, I'm going back this week to get 2 or 3 more just for backup batteries.

Next Daffy's purchase for the man? This badass Triple Five Soul Soprano's-esque velour sweatshirt, above, $19.99. And this shiny jacket, below, also Triple Five Soul for $35.99, that yes is a little over the top so we're keeping it. I think he can pull both off if he grows long sideburns and continues greasing back his hair.

Only problem is what I'm going to wear when he's wearing his Christmas duds? I don't do poodle skirts or Jersey mobster chic very well.


Daffy's Herald Square, 34th & Broadway
Try and hit up Daffy's Herald Square today for up to 70% off selected items.

Friday, December 25, 2009

'Twas the Day After Christmas

Happy holidays!

Let's keep it brief as I've got gifts to open, but read on if you're braver than me and you're going shopping tomorrow. If so, keep an eye out for this jacket at Gap on 34th Street:

Gap Edition suede trench. What is this Gap Edition? I have been out of the loop for a while, so perhaps I missed something. I briefly had "European Collection" flashbacks. On Tuesday this jacket was $219.99, how much will it be tomorrow morning? 

And if you're an early riser, hit up JCPenney in Manhattan Mall at 5am and enjoy some doorbusting sales.

Gap Herald Square, 34th & 6th Avenue
JCPenney Manhattan Mall, 33rd & Broadway


Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Sale Finds at Payless


This green Christian Siriano was spotted at Payless 34th Street, and on sale for $15. I didn't see any of the new designer holiday shoes in store yet, but some are online. And there are a few other designer collabs floating around that were also highly discounted:

alice+olivia for Payless: The studded zip up for $18, and the fold-over wedge for $15. But I'm looking for the fold-over flat boot you can find on sale online.











Lela Rose boot (more purple than grey) for $18. Curious, as online it's listed as limited edition for full-price, $49.99. The zoe&zac kicks are on sale for $12. 
















It felt good to be back and browsing on 34th Street. Yes, even during the holidays when the streets are packed. People were out in full force yesterday afternoon, and let's just say I'm grateful for Bloomberg's Broadway closure, as it makes for much easier navigating around the Herald and Greeley bowtie.  

And look for 40-70% off in almost all of the stores on 34th Street. Everyone's got sale signs up, so go hunt up some favorites before they get snatched up for the holidays. This year I've left my holiday shopping for last minute, how about you?

Happy holiday panic shopping!

Payless, 110 W. 34th Street at Broadway


Tuesday, December 22, 2009

New Body, New Jeans

I'm not quite there yet body-wise. But this is where I was on the way to the hospital:

Now I'm understanding those kind of horrified looks I was getting from my husband during month 9. Get the BellyBandit, preggos!So I'm pretty grateful I'm now here:

Edun jeans on sale for $19.99. And horizontal stripes: Scary yet so cute.

















I had to get biggest-size-I've-ever-worn interim jeans, and the best place to get jeans that will hopefully be too small for me in a couple months is Daffy's Herald Square. I bought these Edun jeans for $19.99. I was looking for a generic cut with good length. These practically drag on the floor.

There's also plenty of Victorinox basics, cute trenches (DKNY, below), and these crazy leggings, all on the 6th floor:


















These leggings, on clearance for $12.99, should be called "Why I Love Daffy's." Drop-crotch, asymmetric fit (maybe not on purpose), and argyle-patterned, you can always find a crazy little European gem at Daffy's.

And as now it's required that I check out the previously rarely-visited 4th floor, here's a Small Paul alert at Daffy's Herald Square. Dang, breaking my "not too much baby posting" rule already! But what's a cuter holiday gift for a niece, friend's baby, or little cousin?




Daffy's Herald Square
, 34th & Broadway

Monday, December 21, 2009

More Stylish Bite than Bark

This furry beast in the window of Zara is quite the eye-catcher, and I'm digging it with the cape-like coat:


Very winter weekend chic. Obviously, Zara's in the holiday fur mood:

And they're breaking out the shiny shoes perfect for New Year's celebrating:


These shots are from Zara at 500 Fifth Avenue. They consistently trump most Zara windows, and as I work in the same building, I'm always privy to their rotating displays. The coat is available only in black at 500 Fifth, but the Zara on 34th Street has it in white. And, as the price indicates ($1,099), that's real fur on that mannequin.

34th Street Zara also carries the shoes, but if you want that fun furry tote, ask the staff to check in the basement. They've got it in the stockroom.

Zara, 39 W. 34th Street near 6th Avenue

Friday, December 18, 2009

Back in the Saddle

I'm back from maternity leave and ready to hit 34th Street in time for some last minute holiday shopping. It's time, too, to rejoin the adult world, as guess who forgot her husband's birthday while on leave?! Yes, shameful! So first thing I did was visit Daffy's Herald Square for a little boy shopping. More on that next week, but don't forget Daffy's this weekend for his Christmas gift. I always check out what's displayed by the registers at men's on 7. There I've seen great sunglasses, gloves, ice scrapers with gloves attached (love), and dopp kits (an old, guy-gift standby). Daffy's is having a rare sale this weekend, so you couldn't ask for better timing. Go here for more Daffy's gift ideas.

But back to me. What's tops on most new mom's personal agendas? Getting back in shape. Because this:

Baby Herald's first office visit.

comes with some major belly growth. Enter belly-saving, postpartum accessories.

A Pea in the Pod boutique in Macy's Herald Square carries the Loving Comfort Postpartum Support belt (left). I used the Belly Bandit. And trust me, these things work. I was huge, and skeptical, but bought one because my doctor recommended it. The results really surprised me as I saw a difference after a few days (nope, not paid or given a Belly Bandit to write this). JCPenney sells the Medela version online here.

Women have traditionally, in different cultures around the world, wrapped their stomachs after delivery. Not only does it keep things in place, but it helps that belly to shrink back in the proper inward direction. It also provides welcome support after a c-section. And it's so much less daunting hitting the gym if your belly isn't totally out-of-control. Annnd, the Bandit constantly reminds me to suck in the gut.

Finally, I vow to try and not obsess too much on baby clothes in the future, and post for us big girls too. But have you seen the baby leggings at H&M?! Uh-oh...


Daffy's Herald Square, 34th & Broadway
Macy's Herald Square
, A Pea in the Pod Maternity boutique, 34th btwn Broadway & 7th

JCPenney
, Manhattan Mall, 33rd & 6th Avenue

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Countdown: One Week to Christmas

Tricia Lewis, our Fashion Herald blogger, is on maternity leave. Following is a post from her co-worker Catherine, who is filling in as guest blogger.

It's snuck up on me again this year. It's 7 days before the big event and I still have a few gifts to purchase. It's not even that I have a list of things and just need to find them; it's that I haven't even considered what to buy. Luckily, I work in Midtown Manhattan, home of the world's largest department store, Macy's. With ten floors and one million square feet, you'll find everything from 7 Jeans to Waterford stemware for everyone on your list.

While you're there, don't forget to write a letter to Santa. Macy's donates $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for each one. Or tell the big man himself, because Santa will be on the 8th floor of Macy's every day until Christmas Eve. Happy shopping!


Macy's, 151 W. 34th Street

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

34th Street Shopping Challenge: Black Boots

Tricia Lewis, our Fashion Herald blogger, is out on maternity leave. Following is a post from her co-worker Catherine who is filling is as guest blogger.

It's time for a (dum-dum-dum-dummm) 34th Street Shopping Challenge! I want a pair of black boots to get me through the super cold days this winter, and I had just one hour to find them. Stipulations: low heel or flats, no laces, no bows, no more than $80. Bonus points if they're mid-calf or shorter or if they're under $50. Yes, I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm both picky and cheap.

Store 1: Daffy's
Wow, Lindsey was right. This place is full of boots. The size 7-7.5 section was especially large. I found two pairs that I could have walked away in. I'm a big fan of the ones on the right.

Boots with small side buckle, $45.99 (retail at $89)
Slightly Western-feeling boots, $35.99 (retail at $79)

Store 2: Aerosoles
There's no reason cute boots can't be comfortable, right? I wasn't allowed to take pictures in a few of the stores I visited. I promised I wouldn't try to make imitations, but they just wouldn't budge. They can't keep me from using website pics, though! Bwahaha.

Speartint mini-wedge boots, $49.99 (sale, regularly $69)
Risotto knee-high flats, $79.99 (sale, regularly $120)

Store 3: Aldo
Aldo has dozens of styles of boots in store, but a lot of them have embellishments like extra straps. I did, however, still manage to find a few pairs of "simple" boots. I'm the warm person in our office with a fan on in the winter, so I think my feet would be on fire with the plush lining of the Dodds, but I'm all for the Buttitta.

Dodds plush-lined ankle boots, $49.98 (sale, regularly $75)
Buttitta cuffed boots, $80

Store 4: Shoe Mania
I've never been in Shoe Mania before. I'm a little bit of a crowd-phobe, and I think the "mania" in the name has kept me away in the past. I decided to try it after seeing a 50% off (everything!) sign in the window. Yes, I broke my own rule. The second pair is $125. But look at them. Cute!

Suede flats, $40 (sale, regularly $80)
Tall Diesel boots, $125 (sale, regularly $250)

Update: It is my sad duty to inform you that since I visited Shoe Mania last Tuesday, it has closed. No wonder everything was 50% off; strange they didn't mention the closing. Luckily, there's no shortage of shoe outlets in the area. Try Famous Footwear (250 W. 34th St.), Payless (110 W. 34th St. & 484 8th Ave.), Skechers (140 W. 34th St.) and Steve Madden (41 W. 34th St.), plus JCPenney (Manhattan Mall) and Macy's (34th St. & Broadway).

Store 5: Bakers
Bakers became a must-hit store on my list after Vita reported a few weeks ago that boots are on sale pretty often. I just visited the Bakers website and all online purchases are 15% off today only. You might want to stop by the store to try on first.

Sheldon tall suede flats, $69.99 (sale, regularly $89.95)
Capri two-button flats, $69.99 (sale, regularly $129.95)

I found ten pairs of boots in an hour and I only broke one rule. I'm convinced: you really can find anything on 34th Street. I have to confess that after looking at dozens of pairs, I didn't end up buying anything. I do, however, have a pretty good idea of where I'll be going when I'm ready to spend more time trying them on!

Aerosoles, 36 W. 34th Street
Aldo, 27 W. 34th Street
Bakers, 385 5th Avenue
Daffy's, 1311 Broadway
Shoe Mania, 11 W. 34th Street (closed as of 12/15/09)