Be Still My Heart: Nordstrom Rack's Coming to NYC!

Yes, it's allegedly true. Nordstrom Rack is coming to Union Square! My favorite bargain superstore will open sometime in the spring of 2010 right where the Virgin Megastore used to be. As the first Manhattan location of this Seattle-based retail company, fashionistas and bargainistas everywhere will have one more solid store to add to the list that includes Century 21, Filene's Basement, Loehmann's, Marshall's and TJ Maxx. I can't wait for spring!

Houston Divas: Premium Outlets Are Coming!

Whether it's the Chicago Premium Outlets, Desert Hills Premium Outlets (my favorite!), or the Allen Premium Outlets, I enjoy shopping at any location within the Chelsea Premium Outlet chain. To the delight of many of my Houston divas, the H-town area will soon be able to enjoy the deep discounts along with their neighbors to the north and south of them. Houston Premium Outlets will open its doors in late March (located in Cypress - about 30 miles from the city). Mark your calendars - the Grand Opening Celebration takes place March 27 - 30! Check out the store listing here.

Houston will never be the same.

Zara and H and M FINALLY in Atlanta

I lived in Atlanta for over 10 years and used to hope and pray that one day, just one day, I would see a sign for an H&M or Zara to open up in the city (okay, maybe just H&M since I didn't start liking Zara until recently, but you get the point). Well the day has finally come. On August 31, 2007 Zara finally opened its doors at Lenox Mall. And, in Spring 2008 (at least that's what they're saying now), H&M will be opening its doors in the Atlantic Station shopping center.

Never been to these stores before? Well here's the scoop:

H &M

H&M has often been called the IKEA of clothing retailers. I absolutely love H&M but, as I have also found with Zara, not every H&M is the same. It is great for inexpensive, basic items and some trendy items as well. I have also bought some cheap, basic costume jewelry from there.

Some negatives about H&M are that their sizing is not very consistent (a size 6 in one item may be completely different than a size 6 in another item), and the quality level is not necessarily consistent either (I have some earrings that broke on the 2nd wear, but I have a blazer that I am still wearing after 2 years). All that aside, I have found some really fabulous items at H&M and I always love going to the 5th Ave and 51st St location when I'm in NY. Unfortunately you can't purchase any H&M items online, but they do have a cute magazine that you can flip through.

Zara

Zara is another one whose quality of clothing is inconsistent. Though I had visited many Zaras around the NY area, I was never really impressed even though some of my friends swore by the store. Then I went to Europe and oh my goodness! I fell in love! What I love about Zara is that they pay attention to all the latest trends and release the items that are most popular. The problem is they have their best merchandise in Europe and a lot of their items never make it over here to the States. Also, they don't really give any love to us petite girls. If you have long legs, however, they have great pants for you! I particularly love Zara for trendy items that really stand out and can last a season or two (but not longer than that). You can't purchase Zara clothing online either, but they do have a Trends section that's kind of cool.

My wish for you ATLien Divas out there is that both Zara and H&M have fabulous selection to make you all happy!