Posts tagged ‘Shopping’

« Older Entries
July 13, 2010

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Rich Rocks NYC

… and so does Serena! Me and my fave Gossip Girl gal now share a pair of FABULOUS earrings:

I rocked these Rich Rocks NYC ‘Oversized Hanging Smokey Faceted Dangles’ earrings–fancy talk for smoking hot faux-crystal huge sparklers–to a birthday party this weekend and got a TON of compliments. Everyone loved them.

They’re only $75! I mean, could I love anything more?! I now have them in this smoky color AND the clear version, which I rode biking to town. Gotta look glam no matter what you’re doing, I say.

Here are the other goodies I got in the mail:

The necklaces are the super hip collar-style but are really, really lightweight. They’re both statement pieces, perfect for glamming up a simple tank or tee. (Left, $100, Right, $75)

Plus check out the bedazzled ring and earrings, which look super expensive but are actually totally affordable at $45 and $75, respectively!

I love how all the earrings are dangly and sparkly, which elongates the face and shows off cheekbones! :-)

One of my most glamorous and amazingly sweet friends turned me on to these goods. She says: “Me and all my friends literally live in Rich Rocks. It’s the best stuff and so affordable. Perfect for every day and going out. I even wear some of her fancier stuff for black tie and everyone thinks they are real. When I tell them they’re like $80 they have me email them the website on the spot!”

I love this stuff! Snag some under-$100 jewels for every day and for special events!

Posted in fashion | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
June 16, 2010

#omg @hippest

I had a “Lyssa” nameplate necklace at 16 (that’s before Sex & The City, for anyone who’s counting) and still own a faux-blinged-out platinum chain with “Lyssa” on it.

So when I read about Survival of the Hippest, where they make TWITTER NAMEPLATE NECKLACES, I couldn’t help but post. Only $49.95! Check it out.

I want want want @lifeinaustin and #beatitnerd. And #giantsquid.

Posted in fashion | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
June 3, 2010

Flash Sales – $$$

Deals sites, sample sales, flash sales, designer sales … it’s all about getting the limited-edition hot deal these days. Below I’ll list the companies I have invites to if you want to join, but first, some nerding-out business news about these sites.

According to WWD, the leading four members-only shopping sites are HauteLook, RueLaLa, Gilt Groupe, and ideeli. Today, HauteLook reveals that they are receiving $31 million in a third round of funding led by Insight Venture Partners, bringing total funding to $41 million (Gilt Groupe has raised $83 million in funding). The company launched in 2007 and became profitable earlier this year. It does not buy inventory, but has 175 employees (2 of which are recent hires in Arthur Lewis, former SVP of adult merchandising for Old Navy, and Tim Lewis of Neiman Marcus) and more than 2.5 million members.

ideeli also has around 2.5 million members (it has more than doubled from one million base in December ’09), largely from households with an annual income of upward of $100,000. They have 100 employees and expect to surpass $150 million in revenue this year.

Envite.com is the most recent one I’ve signed up for, and it aims to stand out by shipping items within 24 hours.

There’s also the site for wine, which, if I had more money, I’d buy and never have to the leave the house. Winery Insider.

Invite to Hautelook
Invite to RueLaLa
Invite to Gilt Groupe
Invite to ideeli
Beyond the Rack: enter code NLA09083B57 at Registration
Invite to Billion Dollar Babes
Invite to Envite.com

[UPDATE] Here’s a link to join Daily Candy’s Swirl!

The flash sales trend is crazy … beyond shopping for clothes, accessories, and other luxury gear, there are tons of companies doing it by city, with restaurants, salons, and adventures like whitewater rafting. Even Aspen is getting in on the action with a mobile coupon that texts you a deal once a week! Aspen Deals

Groupon and Living Social are the big dogs, with deals in Austin, Denver, and more. In Austin-only sites, there’s Adealio and Localiter.

If you know more I haven’t heard of, post in the comments!!

Posted in Beauty, Good people/services, Shopping | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , , , , , , ,
May 3, 2010

Peacock Plume

Lately the world has seemed pretty small–a former job applicant turned freelance writer and friend of mine in Austin is best friends with the roommate of a girlfriend of a friend of my boyfriend’s in Aspen who was in Austin this weekend for his birthday party. What the what? Then I got an email about a new boutique from a former roommate and high school friend of mine, and later got an email from a basketball teammate’s little sister who I CrossFit with now whose cousin opened a new boutique … and it was the same girl!

Peacock Plume is a new online-only boutique started by besties Holly and Cara, who have this to say for themselves:

Think of us as your personal fashion spam filter! We’ll sift through miles of racks filled with absurd prices and pieces you’d never wear so you don’t have to…

Our site is unique in that we are offering a boutique style shopping experience but we cut out the snobbery and high prices.

I think their site is unique because they offer super cute outfit combos and actually tell you where to wear them and how to buy them, for around $140 for everything: top & bottom or dress, shoes, purse, accessories. Think:

The ladies do have an eye for fashion on the cheap–women after my own heart.

And, they launched on Tuesday and by Friday had a D Magazine mention … no small feat for a startup company!

Check it out. Peacock Plume.

Posted in Good people/services, Shopping | 1 Comment »

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
March 2, 2010

How to Buy a Man’s Suit

I don’t post so much on men’s fashion because it’s sort of boring. And the Vermonster is frankly uninterested. My brother still wears his Ghanaan caftan thing on stage when he performs. My dad tries, but loves puffy vests more than stylin’ suits. So when I found a fantastic guide to buying a super-hot men’s suit, I figured it’s better to share the love than recreate my own guide …

Also because, for the aforementioned reasons, I couldn’t enumerate these points, though I happen to AGREE WITH THEM ALL. Men: read and love. Women: read and implement.

Here are the top ten tips, for elaborations, hit the original post at Fitness Black Book.

Tip #1: Don’t Assume A Suit Salesperson Has Good Taste

Tip #2: No Pleated Pants

Tip #3: Get Pants With a Lower Than Average “Rise”

Tip #4: Don’t Cuff Your Pants

Tip #5: A Proper Fitting Coat Will Feel Slightly Constricting

Tip #6: Buy Fitted Dress Shirts or Have Them Tailored

Tip #7: Dry Clean All of Your Tailored Dress Shirts

Tip #8: 2 Button Suits Are Best and Never More Than 3

Tip #9: No Long “Zoot Suit” Style Suits

Tip #10: Buy a Suit That Doesn’t Need Too Much Tailoring

Posted in fashion | 3 Comments »

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
January 23, 2010

Lovely on the Catwalk

Join Lovely Austin Boutique for their debut fashion show featuring exclusive “Lovely-Style” ensembles from cutting edge and trendy to vintage and timeless. While I’ve yet to visit the cute boutique on S. 1st street, check out this fantastic description one of the owners gave me:

We’re aiming for “Couture Consignment” and attempting to take the “thrifty mothball wading through racks of crap in search of the one treasure then needing to take a bath in Purell” feeling out of resale.

We also carry furniture, home décor-y types of coolness and pieces from local designers – both clothing and jewelry.  Oh…and my favorite: estate jewelry!

Come check out the mothball-free clothing with a fab fashion show and experience the warm ambiance of Blu Saturday night from 7-9pm*. Enjoy drink specials and the hip sounds of DJ 27.

January 23rd from 7-9pm / Blu Cafe Bar & Lounge, 360 Nueces St

Styling provided by J. Buccio Salon and MYKA Cosmetics.

*Even if you don’t go to the fashion show, be sure to stop by the Lovely Austin Boutique to scope out all their sweet finds!

Posted in Going Out, Shopping, fashion | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
December 18, 2009

Merry Christmas to Me!

I’m sure you all have your own lists of what you want for Christmas, even if you haven’t formally made a list since you were about 13. Well, I think it’s time again. Except that my parents bought me a trip to LA for Christmas, so I won’t actually be getting any gifts from them. But things I might just buy for myself (or mom will buy for me from grandma) include:

Hunter Boots

I realize that we live in Austin, Texas, where it neither rains nor snows with any alarming frequency, but I love these freakin’ boots and I just want a pair. At $115 they certainly aren’t practical, but that’s what Christmas is for, right? And I want them in Aubergine. Purple is the new neutral.

Renew my TiVO

I’ve written about my love for TiVO and how it allows me to watch the ridiculous amount of CW I do and still maintain a normal lifestyle for someone who isn’t in high school. Well sad news is on the horizon, folks: my three-year subscription to the budink, budink service is running out.

Ugg Dakota Slippers

NORMALLY, I despise Uggs as much as the next person with a pair of eyes. But THESE Ugg Dakota slippers, first released last year, are beautiful. Cozy, comfy, and CUTE. The all-around suede contrasting lace? The shearling lining? That they’re “rated” to keep bare feet warm to -30 degrees and bare feet cool to temps as high as 80 degrees? I love them. $100 a pop, also not so practical.

Teeny-tiny charm necklace

The Vermonster aptly pointed out on my birthday that I like Statement Necklaces, but there is also a time for a wear-all-the-time necklace, a simple chain with a meaningful charm. Dogeared has my faves, like their teeny tiny heart charms and this airplane number–that’s for you, Vermonster, since now I have to spend time each month on a plane flying to see you, where my feet freeze because I have no Dakota slippers … plus they’re pretty cheap, the leeetle airplane is just $46 in sterling silver! Free automatic upgrade to Express shipping until 8am on 12/21, 20% off your entire order until 2am tonight with this code: GB2009

Fujifilm instax mini 7 + film

Like a Polaroid, except they’re going to keep making the film for it. This instant camera prints out a credit card-size color photo that is reportedly sharp and clear–awesome! Camera is $84.95, film $30 for 20 pics (nothing instant is ever cheap … except EZ-Mac?).

Dehydrator*

I know nothing about them. I couldn’t even recommend a brand to you. But if I had one, I could make flax snax crackers, and that sure would make eating Paleo a lot easier.

Elana’s Almond Flour Cookbook

I’m pretty sure I could experiment my way into a lot of these recipes, by why not get a book where it’s done for you? Available at Amazon for just $11.55 … perfect stocking stuffer! This book is from a blog I really like – Elana’s Pantry. Check it out for a sampling of the recipes!

—

*Disclaimer to make sure that I will not be responsible for the demise of any relationships: dehydrators and other kitchen appliances are not good gifts for wives/girlfriends/crushes, no matter how much they talk about wanting/needing one. They are akin to getting someone a vacuum for Christmas (thanks Mom and Dad, Christmas ’07). Practical? Yes. Christmas gift? No. Surprise gift on a random Tuesday in the middle of March? Awesome. Thoughtful holiday time gift? Not.

Think “things she wouldn’t buy herself” NOT “things she’d use.”

Posted in Shopping, fashion | 1 Comment »

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
December 9, 2009

Shop787 at Phoenix & Sugar Mama’s

Two of my favorite companies are doing fun stuff on Thursday!

Shop787 at The Phoenix

The latest shopping extravaganza from the Launch787 clan is an assortment of pop-up shops inside the swank Phoenix (formerly Pangaea). The next two Thursdays (Dec 10th & 17th) feature happy-hour priced cocktails from 5–9pm, 20 vendors (they’re different each night). No cover, and if you’re one of the first 300, get an eco-friendly reusable shopping bag from Gables Park Plaza w/ discounts for the vendors’ booths!

shop787phoenix

Tweetvite

Official RSVP

The December 10 lineup includes: 302 Designs, Aldea, *annemarie*, Annie Bradley Art, Cornucopia, Couture Cottons, Deborah Main Designs, Garbo. a Salon, GvE Designs in Metal, Jenny N. Design, Jeremiah the Innocent, Modo Designs, Queen of Sheba Fashion, ShopItUpChic.com, Sikara, Skye Salon, Spectacle Sunglasses, and Stella & Dot.

The December 17 lineup (which you are only allowed to attend from 5-6pm, since an impending announcement of a BADASS Austin Post party will make you busy from 6-9m) includes: Ax + Apple, Beyond Tradition, Bloomingnails, Cory Ryan Photography, Davie Clothing, Diamonds & Guns by Action Jackson, Dress Shop, FOXY Fusions, Happy Max Designs, Marnie Bugs, Meline Collection, Micah Yancey Jewelry, Monsterami by Raquel, Paige King Jewelry, Rene Geneva Design, Soigne Boutique, Taylor Moseley Jewelry, Teddies for Bettys, Two Winey Women, and Wings of Addiction.

FREE Sugar Mama’s! Oh, I mean Canned Food Drive

Thursday, Dec 10: Sugar Mama’s 2nd Annual Canned Food Drive = Bring in 2 or more non-perishable goods and get a free cupcake, cookie, or dessert bar! One per customer per day. (Straight from the release: If we catch you coming back in a fake moustache or sunglasses, we’ll pelt you with cans and make you replace the ones that got dented on your head.)

For furry friends, you can bring in non-perishable pet food items! Bring in 2 items and get a free pupcake! Same rules apply as the human food drive and the kibble goes to the Society for Animal Rescue and Adoption.

They’ll be leaving the boxes up until Christmas Eve if you don’t make it in time for the food drive but can’t stay away from the amazing joy that is a cupcake from Sugar Mama’s… try the seasonal flavor:

Candy Cane
A brand new seasonal flavor! Chocolate cake with white chocolate chips, topped with a winter cap of peppermint buttercream and fresh peppermint bark.

Mmmmmm. Shopping and cupcakes, what could be better?

Posted in Eating, One-time event, Shopping, free | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , , , , , ,
December 6, 2009

A little neighborhood love: Randalls

My favorite ex-Texas-resident was shocked to discover a few months ago that Randalls is cheap. That boy buys the same things every week: sandwich bread, turkey, hummus, lettuce, avocado, tomato, milk, eggs, frozen berries, and some special items for dinner. The first time he went to Randalls for the usual grocery run, he called me excitedly after: “Randalls is cheap!” He was totally surprised to find out that what is often considered a you-pay-for-its-convenient-location-store actually held some great deals. Add in the Remarkable Card savings each week on seafood and that boy was sold. He shopped at Randalls every week thereafter.

Randalls recently sent me a $50 gift card to try out the store. We have one just three blocks from my house and I am one of those who loves it for its convenience—I don’t do my weekly shopping there, but I pop in probably once or twice a week to pick up whatever I need for dinner (certain spices or forgotten veggies) or to bring over to a party (excellent party trays and good prices on wine and flowers).

Armed with my gift card, I set out to do my weekly grocery shopping at Randalls. I took a handy borrowed Flip cam with me and shot a vid of all the cool things Randalls has to offer. I apparently suck at editing video and somehow managed to make this super blurry, but now I can’t undo the file all put together. Disaster. Anyway, you can still see all the cool stuff* I snagged for right at $50.



Randall’s has super-convenient locations all over, including the newly-expanded 2727 Exposition store … I say sign up for a Remarkable Card and give your friendly neighborhood national chain grocery another shot.

*Discerning readers will also note that every single thing I bought is Paleo – no processed foods, no grains, no sugar, no dairy, no soy … and all of it available at a store not known for being for “health food” like Whole Foods or Central Market. See? EATING PALEO IS EASY! More on Paleo eating here.

Posted in Eating, Good people/services, Shopping, Things to do ... all the time | 2 Comments »

Tags: , , , , , , ,
November 26, 2009

Because Gratitude Makes You 25% Healthier

At least that’s what my mom told me she read in a study …

Things I’m Thankful For:

  • My amazing, wonderful, big-word-using, quick-witted family
  • Denali, the lovably quirky mutt who sleeps with her paws in the air
  • My amazing, wonderful, GRE-word-using, quick-witted, silly Vermonster
  • My ridiculous, athletic, big-word-using, sarcastic, witty friends
  • Hey! That’s Not My Flag! and the Handfulls (football)
  • CrossFit (Central, Austin, TLSP, your Mom, I don’t care, I just love it)
  • Austin Post and Sideline and getting paid to create really cool, fun stuff
  • Twitter, because 140-character quips are really all you need
  • *And YOU, dear blog readers, because comments from you can really make my day!

If you came here looking for Black Friday deals, don’t worry, I’ve got those too … well, by “I’ve got” I mean I compiled all the other news stories in town and summarized them here. Ultimately I can only tell you guys that my takeaway is this: unless you ENJOY the craziness, crowds, and EXPERIENCE of doing Black Friday, the deals are simply not worth it. You can get similar deals all season long with research and coupon maximization (aka retailmenot.com).

BUT you don’t get the same glory from telling the “I drove to Best Buy, parked three spots away, and was out in ten minutes” story as you do the “I camped out in line three spots from the front door, slept there for nine hours, and got THE LAST BIG SCREEN TV IN THE ENTIRE STORE, which I waited in line for another three hours to purchase. ROCK ON!” story. So there’s that.

*There are obviously many more things for which I am thankful, like lululemon yoga pants that are long enough for my legs, Whole Foods salad bar that contains cooked white-meat chicken, that stupid cat that double-digit-dumps on everything in my room, my new favorite pair of jeans, Britney’s comeback, TiVO, and blackberries the fruit not the phone, but I don’t have time or room to list them here. Perhaps it will become a new sidebar one day …

Posted in Good people/services, Shopping | 1 Comment »

Tags: , , , , , , ,
« Older Entries