Saturday, May 30, 2009

Your Best Sunny Day

Show and tell Fossil all about your best sunny day and you may win this first place prize package:
Oh, the sunny beach photos I could submit. My best sunny days have always been with my better half, lounging on our favorite beach near the dunes, then walking to the tacky side of the boardwalk and playing skeeball. I'm a sucker for collecting arcade tickets.

But that first place Fossil package is a great deal nicer than anything I could win at the boardwalk. And there are second and third prizes too. Go here to check them out. Fossil will narrow the choices and then open up voting online. You'll have to hurry, though, as entries are accepted in the US only through June 1st. All other countries are accepted through June 12th.

Fossil, 38 W. 34th between 5th & 6th

Friday, May 29, 2009

Give Me Pockets Or I'll Scream

Things I've discovered so far about maternity dressing, with help from GapMaternity at Gap Herald Square:

GapMaternity dress, $38.99

If I didn't wear green dresses with ducks on them before
, why wear them now?
This is how I explained to my sister and mother why I was rejecting their offer of an adorable Lily Pulitzer maternity dress.* Same for orange flowered dresses. Cute and sweet? Yes. Is it me? No.


Don't be afraid of horizontal stripes.
This is an addendum to the above. I loved stripes before, and I love stripes now ($12.99 cowl-neck T).


$54.50. Not my color till I get some sun.


Belts? Maybe not so much.
Obvious, right? Here's a close exception, the orange narrow rope belt sits high and is not at all constricting.


Thus far, sleeker is better.
The inclination may be to go for the tent style, but so far I've felt better in form-fitting maternity. Kind of weird, I know, but slimmer makes me feel more stylish. And enhancing the belly helps remind guys on the subway to give you their seat.


Pants-girl discovers dresses.
All I want are dresses as I'm dreading the impending summer heat. August and July, please go easy on me.


Enjoy strapless.
Some of you have never had a problem holding up strapless tops and dresses, but if you're like me, rejoice in this new-found ability. Strapless GapMaternity, right, on sale for $48.99.



It's against the law for maternity clothes to have pockets.
That's why I should snatch up this dress. Seriously, as if some pockets are going to push the scale and make a pregnant girl feel just too big? No, people! We're huge and have no waists, at least give us pockets.




*With apologies to The Preppy Princess, but I think she understands I'm not much of a Lily girl!



Gap Herald Square, 60 W. 34th @ 6th Avenue

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Buxom For Free

Starting tomorrow through Sunday, June 1st, you get a free Buxom lipgloss when you purchase two RareMinerals products at Bare Escentuals on 34th Street. Normally $18, and who doesn't want big buxom lips? I can't wait to try this.

Go here for Borders coupons good through this weekend. Thanks to my office mate Catherine for finding this on LivingFreeNYC on Twitter.

WendyB's updated post reminded me that the pocket square Francis jacket (left) is now 40% off at Macy's. I saw it yesterday on a 2nd floor sales. It might even be further off this weekend, as there is an extra 10%-20% off this weekend at Macy's Herald Square this weekend. The guys have to visit this weekend, as they get an extra 25% off their entire clothing purchase of $100 or more. Go here to get the coupon.

Last, I updated the thriftnyc section with some newly opened thrift stores from Time Out New York. Check it out if you're coming to town for a visit, or if you're a dedicated thrifter.

Bare Escentuals, 44 W. 34th between 5th & 6th
Border's, 2 Penn Plaza at 7th between 31st & 33rd
Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th btwn Broadway & 7th

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

To the Max

I wore the Forever 21 black maxi to a wedding this weekend. It was that or a short Liz Lange dress from Target:

The Liz Lange (left, maternity), love the sleeves but it felt a little informal for a 4pm wedding. I wore it to work today instead, and yes that's a bathroom.
And the F21 maxi (right, non-maternity, just big). Sometimes length is just dressier. After dinner the cardi came off for strapless dancing. And yes, that is a handmade concrete castle.




















And it wouldn't be a wedding post without a picture of the gorgeous bride:




















This is my non-34th Street public service announcement: Jenny Packham bridal gowns are amazing. Unfortunately, they don't carry them at the Macy's Herald Square's bridal salon. But they really should because, well, just look at those pictures. And yes, it did flow like silk/satin water when she walked.


Forever 21, 50 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Maximum Love



I've convinced Kati she should get a maxi dress this summer. Well, I should really credit Desigual, as we couldn't resist this dress ($142) when we walked through the "Summer of Love" collection in Macy's Herald Square on the 2nd floor. You may have noticed the Summer of Love windows on 34th Street. Be sure to check out the collection, a fun and colorful boutique full of perfect, flowing dresses and hippie bags for summer.






Although it's a crime to cover up that beautiful neckline, I made Kati try the Francis crest vest ($147) with the dress. I am a little obsessed with that vest. These two don't exactly go together, but I love pairing a long dress with a vest. If you really want to emulate the Summer of Love, you'll need a long fringed suede vest swinging alongside your maxi.

Check out some more Francis by Christian Francis Roth in Macy's Herald Square here. Don't forget to visit the sales section to the left for a Macy's savings pass, and to print up an H&M Friends & Family deal.

Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th btwn Broadway & 7th
H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th, and H&M, 34th & 7th Ave.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Gap for Memorial Day Weekend

If you're down on 34th Street taking advantage of the sales this holiday weekend, be sure to drop by Gap and get some of this:


Don't miss the fine print: that's GapBody lace panties for $6, and BabyGap tees, tanks, and bodysuits for $9. And check here for more sales and coupons for 34th Street shopping this weekend, like 30% off at Foot Locker and Footaction. Enjoy!

Update: Also, stop by Victoria's Secret Herald Square for their Semi-Annual sale (and 10 for $25 cotton panties through Monday + lots more), and check here again for an H&M Friends & Family deal.

Gap Herald Square, 60 W. 34th @ 6th Avenue
Footlocker, 120 W. 34th at Broadway
Footaction, 430 7th Ave. at 34th Street
Victoria's Secret Herald Square, 34th & 6th Avenue
H&M, 34th & 7th, 34th & 6th

Friday, May 22, 2009

Happy Holiday Weekend Dress

It's Memorial Day weekend, and you need a dress for a beach party/Hamptons/Fire Island/Brooklyn roof BBQ thing. Please make me very happy and go to Macy's Herald Square and buy this from Christian Francis Roth's new Francis line:

A-line flag print dress.

Give it a home! Wear it this weekend! Let me live vicariously through you! I've got a wedding to go to and I'm taking two maternity dresses and the Forever 21 black maxi, because at the rate my body's changing, who knows what will fit best on Sunday morning? Or fit at all? So buy the nautical dress for me and slink happily round town one weekend night.

And speaking of happy, how perfect would this dress be for a fun-filled night in the city?

Vintage subway map dress, graciously modeled by Kati.
















Maybe you'll have a little too much fun and will need some help on the subway. You can just check yourself out for a bit and get your bearings. Not to mention, this dress is a total conversation starter. And think of the party games that could ensue, like "Where's my subway stop?"

Francis subway dress topper: the crest vest. I love this vest. Francis flag dress topper: trompe l'oeil pocket square jacket. I also love this jacket. And it has whimsical buttons.


















Many thanks to gorgeous blogger WendyB for the heads up. She told me his line was at Macy's after I raved about the safety pin skirt. And many thanks to my gorgeous model, Kati. Doesn't she have the perfect happy disposition for Francis?

Be sure to go here before you shop Macy's and get the Memorial Day Weekend shopping pass for an extra 10%- 15% off clearance items.

Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th btwn Broadway & 7th

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Makeup is Definitely Not for the Birds

The inside of the new Bare Escentuals store on 34th Street, opening day:

The big picture.













The starter kit wall, and more. It's mineral makeup heaven in there.
















Get this white train case free when you buy $150 of Bare Escentuals product.

Chic! Buy the makeup, fill up the case.


More opening weekend deals (May 21-25): Get to the store early (first 100 customers), and you'll get Clear Radiance free. Also be sure to sign up for the $100 raffle to be drawn for these first five days.


And, after your Bare Escentuals visit tomorrow, don't miss catching my buddy, Joey, in Herald Square. I like to call him Joey Ramone, but that's because I need a haircut.

Joey Ramone and me, flirting. Then Joey demanded a close-up.











Me, looking huge and doing something with my hand, Joey, totally photogenic, and one of our vigilant security officers, Reginald Dorsainville, showing the public how it's done. Reginald also does not take a bad picture.












Bare Escentuals Herald Square, 44 W. 34th btwn 5th & 6th
Meet the Birds in Herald Square this summer, Thursdays & Fridays, 11am - 1pm

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Bare Escentuals 34th Street Opening Day

The Bare Escentuals flagship boutique on 34th Street opens tomorrow, and I can tell you the store looks really good from the outside. Below I'm peeking through the window, where I think I see makeup bars. Nice lighting for proper application, too. It looks very soothing in there.

My very professional "through the window" shot.















The Bare Escentuals boutique, in-between Forever 21 and American Eagle Outfitters.


















Go, belly up to the makup bar, and get all pretty in this makeup oasis on 34th Street.


Bare Escentuals,
44 W. 34th btwn 5th & 6th
Avenues
Opening day Thursday, May 21st. Store hours: Mon - Sat, 9am - 9pm, & Sunday, 11am - 7pm.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Beautiful Words

My sister, in town for business, called and left a message with words I love to hear: "I need to go shopping." This is so much fun as she rarely shops, but when she does, salesclerks everywhere are high-fiving.

Because she needed shoes and can no longer wear heels (tragic!), we visited the Cole Haan sale yesterday at Soiffer Haskin. She left with 4 pairs, all Nike Air fortified, and a gorgeous orange bag. Damage was under $550. If you buy 3 bags or shoes, you get 20% off the highest priced item. Today I returned to check on restock (they may restock again before the last day), and saw some sandals and bags further reduced. Try to avoid lunch hour because the sale will be packed. Reductions go up to 75% off.

Orange bag, because she goes to LA a lot and it's big enough to act like a briefcase. I also forced her out of her brown & black conservative shoebox with the white slings you can see there under the bag.

This classic black bag was an almost, but she prefers either a very small bag, or a huge a** briefcase substitute.










Bag price list. Shoes go down to 50% off.


This thong was $39 on Rue La La today
, at Soiffer Haskin it's $19.






My sly sister also got some shopping in the day before, sans moi. Oh, well, have to let her fly solo sometimes. She visited Banana Republic for some work gear, and picked up a light grey summer pant suit ("look, no wrinkles and I was in a meeting all morning!"), and a black and white print dress. If only she'd had this for some 34th Street Banana Republic shopping:

Print it up and take to 34th Street store for 25% off full-priced purchases through Wednesday. You know I'd use it for some jeans, but my sister did also get a beautiful pair of black pants. I love the Banana pant fit.

Soiffer Haskin Cole Haan sale thru Thursday, new reductions daily
Banana Republic,
17 W. 34th Street btwn 5th & 6th Aves.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Indy Cars & Matthew Williamson Men

I'm about to run down to Herald Square today for a mix of shopping, lunching, and checking out Indy500 cars and drivers. Yes, and just because I'm curious. If you're a fan, drop by Herald Square around 11:30am, as Broadway in front of Macy's will be closed for 15 minutes to display the cars.

And now for a totally different sporting event: more Matthew Williamson H&M Herald Square, but this time it's the men's turn. Here's what is on the floor, and there was a lot of it last Friday. I'm tempted to go back and try the men's fit, especially the tan striped jacket and navy blazer. At the very least I could get away with the beach towel (but not the aviators, leave those for the boys).






































H&M Herald Square,
34th & 6th
Avenue

Friday, May 15, 2009

Matthew Williamson H&M: Round Two

I was unable to scare up a model today, so welcome to maternity modeling 101:

Yes, Dahling, you are a fabulous bird print tunic. $69.90, & I think this was the last one left.

Annnd, the pregnant view. Not bad. Who'd have thought I'd find maternity in Matthew Williamson?

















Fabulous bird tunic #2:
the awkward blogger pose, and the patented Armed & Akimbo hunch, which kind of hurt the belly so I couldn't really do it proper. This one sets you back $199, which really, truly hurts.

















This wrap dress is OK. Still, wouldn't spend $59.90 on it. My pose is telling you that.


Yuk! Dowdy maternity! But it is a more reasonable $24.90.















Sunglasses up close, $34.90: working the pensive look, & gratuitous belly shot w/sunglasses proving the versatility of an M. Williamson tunic.















End w/kooky pose. I adore this heart T/cover-up, great maternity, $29.90.














Go and seek out the tunics (they are going fast), the bikinis and tankinis (there were lots of these), the cute T-shirt coverups, and the sunglasses. I'm iffy on the bags for almost $100, but Herald Square has tons of them. Not so many sunglasses.


H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th Avenue

Thursday, May 14, 2009

The Hat Wins

Often my store pics don't do full justice to the clothing as I'm like a crow, I get distracted by the shiny objects and rarely put them all together to make the full, cohesive look. I leave that for the big guys and the outfit bloggers.





















So I love to get pictures like these! Lindsey, above, on a little Southern America tour and utilizing her big H&M hat we posted last week in store. I am proud of this one, as I know she was on the fence and bought it just because I loved it. And if you can name the town that cemetery's in (think of a book title that begins with "Midnight..."), I'll send you free fake nails from Revlon! I'm mailing these out this week, so put your order in now! I'm tired of bumping into the big box o'nails and lashes.

Misc. 34th Street News:

  • Kensie event with Glamour at Macy's Herald Square on the 2nd floor at 6pm. RSVP was by the 12th, but surely you can go and watch? And I'm a big fan of Kensie's chic, inexpensive styles
  • Handbags at Steve Madden are 25% off. You may even find some men's clearance shoes hanging round.
  • Get an extra 15% off at Payless here.
Update: sorry, forgot to link the Payless email for an extra 15 off. Go here and scroll down to "Payless" section.


Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th btwn Broadway & 7th
Steve Madden Shoes, 41 W. 34th at 6th
Payless, 34th @ Broadway
H&M Herald Square
, 34th & 6th