Sex and the City: Did you see it?

Martinis, Manolos and mayhem. This was the scene at the Angelika Theater in Dallas last night. You would have thought it was fashion week (or the Dallas equivalent - Fashion at the Park). I went to the 6:00 PM show and as I approached the theater it looked like a zoo - both inside and outside the theater (local news trucks were even there). Let me tell you, these women were DECKED OUT! Cosmos were in hand (you can drink at this theater), LV's were in tote, and the ladies were traveling in packs. I definitely could understand why so many groups of girlfriends were there: they were all waiting in anticipation for the pinnacle fashionista movie of the year. And what is the verdict? Fabulous!

I can honestly say I have never laughed and cried so much in one movie. And I mean I had to keep the "ugly cry" at bay which was hard (I'll leave that one until I buy the DVD and watch it in the comfort of my own home). Some of the tears came from intense laughter, while others came from heart-wrenching moments in the script. Part of the emotion also came from knowing that, at some point, the movie would be over and Charlotte, Miranda, Carrie and Samantha would be the girlfriends we used to know...again.

Overall the movie did not disappoint. My only criticisms: 1)the product placements were pretty blatant at times and 2) the actor who played Smith seemed to be lacking some of his acting skills (and I used to love Smith!). 

Tell me about your experience. Did you get decked out and go with your friends in true diva style? What did you think about the movie? Let me know!

Sex and the City Wardrobe: Miranda's Black and White Dress

OMG! I can't believe that after several years of waiting and watching re-runs of SATC on TBS, the Sex and the City movie is finally here! As I was checking out a promo for the movie, I was pleasantly surprised to see Miranda sporting a black and white Maggy London Print Silk Twill Shift Dress that I featured in a Fall/Winter 2007 issue of Impressions (page 30), an e-magazine I write for.


Where can you find this fabulous dress (sans the belt)? Well, check it out here at Dillard's for $150 or here at Nordstrom (it's sold out right now, but keep checking back, they may restock).

I'm not the only one who noticed the Maggy London dress. So did Style Mama and Team Sugar.

Save or Splurge: Satin Bow Clutch

Can you tell a $600+ difference between these two?

Splurge: Valentino Black Satin Detailed Clutch - $636 Bluefly.com

Save: Nine West Black Satin Bow Clutch - $19.99 ninewest.com

Thanks, Raquel!

New Must Have Accessory: Glasses?

Glasses have been all over the runways lately. And, according to this Wall Street Journal Article, they're not only for those of us who need to wear them, but people who have perfectly clear vision are also wearing stylish specs. I know you're probably saying, "But I thought men don't make passes to girls who wear glasses?" I know, I heard the same hogwash too, but it looks like that statement may be a thing of the past.

Designer frames can be relatively inexpensive and completely change a look. It's amazing how a pair of frames can make someone look smarter, more modern or (dare I say) fashionable. Even American Apparel has come out with their own line of non-prescription frames! Here are a couple different looks for under $100:

Vegas frames: 39DollarGlasses.com - $39

Vue Eyeglasses: American Apparel - $50

Check out these posts on fashionable glasses at Fashiontribes.com and the Fashion-y Blog.

Diva on a Dollar Undercover: 9 West Handbag

My, my, my....what have I just uncovered? A while back I bought these Chinese Laundry pumps in a beautiful dark turquoise color from a local DSW. So of course I had to find outfits and accessories to match! I found this Nine West multicolor exotic fold-over clutch that was perfect. The bluish color looked very close to the color of the shoes, so I had to have it! However, the bag was only available for pre-order to be shipped July 17th. The site said, "It's been sold out twice already and we're bringing it back later in the season (July) for a third time! Get as many as you can before we sell out again!" July??? Arrggh! But to my surprise I went to Endless.com and saw the same bag available immediately! Free one day delivery no less! Of course I bought it on the spot.

What I learned from this situation:
1) Always, ALWAYS shop around. You may be able to not only find better prices, but also items not available other places.
2) Just because a retailer says they are sold out of something doesn't mean you can't find it elsewhere. Who knows if Nine West tried to create demand for it by saying it wasn't available until July or if Endless just bought some a while back and still had the inventory. Either way it goes, refer back to #1.

Little Black Dress for Less

Something every girl needs is a fabulous little black dress. Who says you have to pay a lot it? This short black satin strapless dress is at Forever 21 for just $22.80!

If you go to their site and grab a few things, they have free shipping for any orders $75 or over. Happy shopping!

New York Divas:$50 and Under Matt Bernson Sample Sale

Shoe designer Matt Bernson is having a sample sale for the next two days! Apparently they will have everything from sandals to boots from the current spring and past fall season. The best part? Everything will be $50 and under! The catch: the sale is cash only, so leave your plastic at home!

The details are as follows:

Location: 434 Greenwich St. (at Vestry)
Date and Time: Friday, May 2 from 12:00-7:00 PM and Saturday, May 3 from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Selling Online Now (Finally!): DSW

Who knew it would take so long to get DSW, the Designer Shoe Warehouse to sell their shoes online? I guess with Piperlime, Zappos, and Endless taking over, they wanted to get a piece of the online pie. I am glad to see that they are finally offering their wide array of reasonably priced shoes online (it's about time!). I found these Madden Girl Gladiator sandals for $34.95.

Tips for Shopping at Target

Tar-jay, oh how I love thee!

Like many of you, I frequent Target for everything from my everyday needs to cute, fun accessories. However, it can get overwhelming since it is so big. Also, many people don't know about the hidden gems. Here are some tips:

1) Aisle Ends - I have found that Target often puts special packages and deals at the ends of the aisles. Recently, I noticed regular packages of Biore strips where they normally were, but they also had packages with a free moisturizers for the same price at the end of another aisle. I have also found Listerine two for one combos and hand soap at the end of the aisles.

2) Special Sections - Many Targets have special aisles dedicated to everything from bulk items to promotional items and packages. For instance, I use Olay Shea Butter body wash. Normally the 23.9 oz bottle is about $9. However, they did a combo special with both a 23.9 oz bottle and a smaller 10 oz bottle for just $5.99! These aisles are sometimes difficult to find, so ask someone who works there to be sure.

3) Target.com - I do enjoy the convenience of getting items from the store. However, Target has many great items that are exclusively found online. Check out target.com from time to time to check out what's new!

The Most Wine for your Buck

It has been a while since I’ve done a post on inexpensive wines, so I wanted to update you on some more that I've found. With all the wine varieties and brands out there, I know it’s hard to find wines that are good. But let me tell you, you do not have to spend a lot for a nice bottle of wine.

White
Like I said in the last wine posting, I love Rieslings. But not all Rieslings are the same. Some are dry and tart (yuck) and others are smooth and sweet (ahhhh). Here are a couple of my favorite under $10 Rieslings:

Bloom Riesling - Fruity, floral and slightly sweet, Bloom is a great wine on a nice spring or summer day. I have not seen it in the store for more than $9.99 and I found it here for just $6.99.

Schmitt Sohne Relax Riesling - I know, a name like Relax doesn't sound very classy. But let me tell you, this Riesling is easy on the palette and very pleasant. It is great with just about any light meal or just by itself. I found it here for just $7.99.

Red
Folie a Deux Menage a Trois Red Wine - I know what you're thinking...pretty risque name for a wine. It is called menage a trois because it's a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is a perfect blend of smooth, rich, berry flavors. I tasted this one for the first time at Pete Miller's Steakhouse in Evanston, IL. The waiter recommended it to my friend and me and it was magnificent. I was delighted when I saw it in the grocery store for under $10! Check it out here for just $8.95.

The New Hotness: Invitation Only Designer Deals

Over the past couple months I have been hearing a lot of buzz and receiving invitations for some designer discount sites, gilt.com and ruelala.com. These are like exclusive online sample sales. They open the sale at a specific time and then the items are available for sale for 36-48 hours. But let me tell you, they usually sell out quick! The catch is, they are invitation only sites. (If you're interested in joining, send me an emailand I will send you an invitation.)


Gilt was started by two Harvard undergraduate and business school alums and focuses on designers like Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Carolina Herrera, and Dolce and Gabbana. If you refer a friend, they'll pay you $25 when they place their first order. Even though items are significantly discounted, they still tend to be expensive. However, they sometime have pieces that you've never seen in a store. This is great for you fashionistas who like exclusive pieces!

Rue La La has brands like Anne Klien, 7 for all Mankind, and Kate Spade. If you refer a friend, they'll pay you $10 when they place their first order. Rue La La is overall more reasonably priced than Gilt and the designers are not as high end. (thanks, Danielle!)

Update: Also email me if you're interested in HauteLook, Editor's Closet or Regent's Secret.

Happy Earth Day 2008!

Today is Earth Day! I challenge you all to do something good for the Earth - buy some energy efficient light bulbs, educate yourself on how to treat the environment better, or maybe even take the train or bus to work. Whatever you do, remember we all are responsible for this wonderful world in which we live. Let's take care of it!

Here are some good ideas and resources:
10 Things You Can Do Help the Planet
Buy a cute reusable bag
Get a discount by using your own mug or tumbler at Starbucks
Dallas Divas: Get a free compost bin by 2 PM today

I'm driving my Toyota hybrid over to Starbucks with my tumbler right now to get a discount on some coffee!

Check it out now: Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg, fashion icon, has a great sale going on at www.dvf.com. Many items are 70% off including this Rhythm Dress in Navy Combo dress for just $108 (it used to be $355). It looks like they only sizes 8 and 10 left. No luck? Check out this Cosmic Jacket or Elka Wrap Sweater.

Linens 'n Things: Another One Biting The Dust?

First, Bombay Company. Then, Red Envelope. Now, Linens 'n Things? Say it ain't so! Looks like they are trying hard not to file bankruptcy. Here are the stories the New York Times did last week and this week.

So tell me, if Linens 'n Things folded, would you be upset?

Curtain Panels from Z Gallerie

Need something to liven up your winders? Z Gallerie has these Casa del Mar window covering panels for just $29.89 (50% off of their original price) that can do the trick. The merlot color is rich and luxurious and can give a bland room the pop of color it needs.

Prefer sheer curtains instead? Check out these Croix panels in burgandy for $39.99.