The Heart Truth

I never knew very much about The Heart Truth despite attending NYFW that besides featuring glamorous red dresses by the likes of designers like Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen and Badgley Mischka, The Heart Truth's true goal is to raise awareness to heart health for women. I also never knew that heart health is something every woman should be aware of because suprisingly it is the #1 leading cause of death in American women. In fact as many as 80% of women between 40-60 have one or more risk factor for heart disease. Crazy!

This year, I'd love to encourage you to get involved with spreading the word about this campaign by wearing a red on February 1st, National Wear Red Day and share with the world via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram why with staying healthy and fashionable is important with the hashtag #HeartTruth.  Click here to find out more on how to lower your risk of heart disease.

You can also tune in to the live stream of the Red Dress Collection Fashion Show on February 6th via The Heart Truth’s Facebook page.

Next Season's Trend On Sale Now

It almost feels silly to say that black & white is a trend for spring when the classic color combo never really went out of style.  But black & white was definitely a motif on the runways for spring 2013.  While browsing Urban Outfitters, I came across quite a few sale items that could be purchased now and worn this spring.

 

Motel Jordon Jean, $39.99 (retail $100)

also available here

Sparkle & Fade Peplum Skirt, $39.99 (retail $59)

 

Silence & Noise Colorblock Shirtdress, $19.99 (retail $59.99)

Sparkle & Fade Sleeves Striped Blouse, $19.99 (retail $49.99)

Pins And Needles Two-Tone Lace Peplum Dress, $19.00 (retail $69)

Love and Other Distractions

So I know that for the past few months I have been more than a little M.I.A. and honestly the past year has been a growing year from me full of many ups as well as downs. I think I've grown a lot, experienced a lot and been stretched a lot beyond my comfort level. As I mentioned before, I experienced the new normal - being laid off and then the struggle of searching for just the right opportunity. The exhaustion of "being on" all the time and putting out my feelers in every direction. The fear of having to give up my entire way of life and move cities. The challenge of making the tough but right decisions when more than one opportunity came my way. Adjusting to a new job and everything that comes with it.

And somehow in the midst of all this chaos this past year I learned what falling in love was all about. I never shared until now but my life that I knew changed once more and I am so happy it did. I have been distracted because I am now engaged to a far better man than I could've dreamed up.


It all sort of came when I least expected it and when I had in some ways given up on love...for myself anyways. I always thought of myself as a hopeless romantic until New York City came along and then after years of dates that went nowhere I was beginning to see my romantic life as just hopeless. I made a decision for myself - that I could be happy on my own and to not stop living life by waiting for love to happen. And so I did, I lived on and I was happy enough - my life is really so blessed in so many ways and even in my lack I feel like I have everything that I need to live a good life.

15 months ago, I forgot an umbrella at a housewarming party. Who would've guessed that would be the catalyst to spark the beginnings of a relationship where two acquaintances began to email. And email some more and then even more until we finally decided to go on our first date during Open House New York where we ended up in the most unlikely of locations - Greenwood Cemetery. We explored, got lost and found our way again before grabbing some hand-pulled noodles and bubble tea. I was hoping I wasn't the only one who had fun and I wasn't sure if it was even a true date but just at the very moment that my brain started running away with questions while standing on the subway platform the Mr. texted me to say, "That was so much fun, what should we do for our next adventure?"

We've been going on adventures ever since - little and large. 13 1/2 months of inseparable companionship, laughter and the most fun I've ever had, we found ourselves in front of my favorite Christmas window displays in New York at Bergdorf Goodman after dinner at Cipriani in Grand Central. After I oooed and ahhhed my fill at all of the sparkly things that filled the display, the Mr. presented me with my very own sparkly in front of the final display. Not a sparkly dress or shoes but a sparkly ring that is so very perfectly me.

So there you have it. The reason I've been so very distracted and a bit neglectful of the blog, shopping and other things. I'm planning a wedding and being the non-typical girl I have very little idea what that means or what that is but I am learning as I go. I will try to be better as I go though my journey of it all.

Mani Party with Sally Hansen x Elle Magazine

A couple of weeks ago, I got to watch the Golden Globes in style with the lovely ladies of the Style Coalition. Sally Hansen and Elle Magazine hosted a mani party celebrating Sally Hansen's new Salon Insta-Gel Strips.

We got the chance to walk our own red carpet complete with mani cam after being treated to some gel nail treatments. I had a hard time choosing with 24 different colors and patterns to choose from I really wasn't sure what to pick. In the end I had to try Perfect Poison - a metallic silver snake skin that looks really luxe.

Although a nail technician helped me get my gel tips on, it seemed simple enough. After removing my nail polish and filing down my nails to the desired shape, the nail technician gave my nails a light buff, removed all excess oils with some a cleanser pad (all included in the kit) and then peeled off the nail strips and pressed them onto my nails carefully using an orange stick. She removed the excess strip using a nail file. When all the nails were complete, she did a quick coat of gel top coat before sticking each nail one at a time in the UV light machine where my nails took about 30 seconds each to be cured. The machine turns off the light when finished each nail so it is really easy to make sure you get it right. Once my nails were cured, we removed the excess sticky residue using a cleanser pad, just like at the salon. After that, my nails were fully dry! The whole process took probably 10 minutes or so.



After getting my nails done I had a blast sipping cocktails, tweeting like a maniac about red carpet fashion and hanging with some lovely style and beauty bloggers over some delicious hors' devours including some oh so appropriate golden globe cake pops (which I dutifully avoided). I admired and compared nails with some of the other ladies and found myself really attracted to the Spot On polka dot look color.

At the end of the night, I was gifted a Sally Hansen Salon Insta-Gel Strips starter kit and 2 colors of nail polish so that I can try this on my own - I can't wait to try more patterns.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
I decided to show you the results of the mani that is supposed to last for up to 2 weeks.

The results after 8 days were pretty darn good. If I didn't lift a printer at the office earlier in the day, I don't think I would have caught the edges that lifted from my right index finger and my left middle finger. Otherwise the mani is still shiny and in good shape aside from my nails growing out. Unlike regular nail polish strips or even Shellac, these feel firmly adhered to my nails and don't feel like they will all start peeling if you catch an edge.

By day 14 these are definitely ready to come off.  The nail polish stayed shiny and put for most part, but my nails grew out so much at this point, I wasn't crazy about how they looked. Next time I will try to get the strips closer to my cuticles than the technician did. While the edges I caught on my index and middle finger didn't seem to grow, some spots close to the base of the nails started to flake off a little. However, this nail polish can't be easily removed without an acetone remover, cotton and foil. Armed with these readily available products, you can get your nails clean in about 5 minutes.

Overall I was very happy with my nails. They looked fabulous and I received multiple compliments and people were asking me how I had achieved the unique python effect. It is a much more cost effective and time saving solution vrs going to a salon with results that are definitely comparable.

Sample Sales NYC: Jan 28 - Feb 3, 2013

Who: Branco Pelle High-End Shearling Outerwear Sample Sale
What: Designer creations of exclusive shearling coats, jackets for women & men up to 70% off retail prices.
When: Now through Feb 6, 2013. Mon-Fri noon-7pm, closed weekends.
Where: 214 West 39th Street, Suite 606 (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 212-302-8900

Who: Edition 01
What: Up to 85% off merchandise from the online luxury retailer. A silk black Anna Sui dress is $175 (was $965), a backless cotton Yigal Azrouël halter dress is $125 (was $860), Chrissie Morris Angela Darling flats are $150 (were $590), and a Kotur snakeskin clutch is $195 (was $605).
When: Jan 30-Feb 1, 2013. Wed-Fri 4pm-8pm.
Where: 1133 Broadway (b/n 25th and 26th St) suite 701 (646-688-2990)

Who: Lululemon Yogabowl Warehouse Sale
What: While I don't usually post sales that are outside of NYC, this one just migh be worth checking out. Snag discounts on high quality yoga gear / athletic wear for men and women at the brand's massive warehouse sale. Parking at the stadium is $10, and it's cash only.
When: Feb 1-3, 2013. Fri—Sat 8am—8pm (last entry at 6pm), Sun 8am—6pm
Where: Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, New Jersey

Who: Ciao Milano Sample Sale
What: Up to 85% off retail on designer coats, jackets, furs and activewear. NOw priced from $20-80. Sizes from XS to XL.
When: Feb 1-20, 2013. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. Closed weekends
Where: 214 W 39 street, Suite 607 (b/n 7th & 8 Ave)

Who: Dennis Basso Sample Sale
What: Women’s Fur Coats, Fur Vests, Cashmere Coats & Raincoats, Gowns, Clothing, Accessories & Handbags at a discount at the Dennis Basso Sample Sale. Includes men’s shearlings and a selection of fur throws and pillows.
Credit cards only (American Express, Visa or MasterCard). All sales final.
Strollers not allowed. No children under 12 will be admitted.
When: Jan 26-30, 2013. Sat-Wed 9am-6:30pm
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33rd Street (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Ongoing Sales: 
Who: Nooka Clearance Sale
What: Up to 50% off on colorful watches
When: Jan 21 - Feb 4, 2013
Where: Online Only

Who: Scoop NYC Warehouse Sale
What: Snag discounts of up to 75% off on mens and women's clothing & accessories
Where: Scoop NYC Soho, 473-475 Broadway (b/n Broome & Grand)
When: Jan 18-Feb 3, 2013. Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm.

Online Sales to Shop Now

January always brings it's fair share of bargain prices as retailers look to clear out the Fall/Winter merch to make room for Spring product. It's a great time to pick up things that you've had your eye on all season or great wardrobe staples to wear next year. Plus it's much too cold to wander anywhere farther than to your keyboard so enjoy in lieu of venturing outside.

Here are a few of the sales I think are worthwhile to click through:

Who: James Perse
What: Up to 75% off on women's tops, blouses, t-shirts, dresses, and fleece items, as well as men's t-shirts, dress shirting, pants, and fleece items. Snag perfect tees and tanks from $29. The tee shirt above is $34, the pants are $79.
Where: Click here for the men's sale and here for the women's sale

Who: Alice + Olivia Sale
What: Up to 75% off on party dresses, shoes and clothes galore. The cute graphic pullover is $74.25. The blouson dress is now $99.
Where: Click here now through February 4, 2013.


Who: Rebecca Taylor
What: Snag an extra 40% off sale with the code RT13EXTRA40A. The booties will be around $171 and the dress will be $106.
Where: Click here now through January 28, 2013

 

Who: J. Crew
What: Snag an extra 40% off final sale with the code GET40. The striped shirt is now $21, the booties are now $78.
Where: Click here now through January 29, 2013.

iWant: Gypsies and Debutantes Friendship Bracelet

Gypsies and Debutantes is the jewelry line that is the brainchild of Boston resident Lana Soussan who transforms a classic friendship bracelet into something that is upgraded from something you made at camp into something much more luxurious, bold and modern. Drawing inspiration from Native American textiles and a desire to mix preppy, bohemian and punk, Lana uses vintage Swarovski rhinestones, Austrian crystals, spikes and studs to accent the bold colors and patterns of each bracelet.

The bracelets retail for $98 a piece and are available for purchase online.



.

A Couple More Sales this Week

Who: Clothingline Blowout Sale
What: Merch for women is now all under $40 for one day only. All sales final.
Free People tops, bottoms, sweaters, dresses, jackets $10 - $15
Joe's Jeans one of a kind samples, shirts, sweaters, jeans & more from $10 - $20
Gryphon tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear $20 - $40
La Fee Verte lingerie separates, one pieces, silk robes $10 - $25
Hat Attack cold weather accessories $10, 2 for $15
Thursday Friday assorted totes & small bags $10 - $25
Julie Brown tops, shorts, dresses & more $39
Ketz-ke tops, skirts, pants, dresses & more 2 for $15
Qi assorted sweaters $40
When: Jan 24, 2012. Thurs 11am-7pm
Where: 261 W 36th Street, 2nd Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave.)

Who: Rubin and Chapelle Sample Sale
What:Discounts on dresses, tops, pants, and bag
What: Jan 24 - Jan 27, 2013. Thurs 3pm-7pm, Fri noon-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun noon-6pm
Where: 150 W 25th St

Fantasy Feathers NYC

Feathers = fun.  Anthony Godinez agrees with me on that as he recently ventured out into the world of costume design.  What started out as a hobby designing Halloween costumes eventually turned a vocational call and as a result, Fantasy Feathers was born.  Over the top creations and custom costume concepts are what Anthony specializes in and each piece is crafted by hand here in NYC.

Currently there are only a few costume designers that specialize in feather which are targeted at select customers (read: unaccessible) or are on the pricier side (also read: unaccessible).  Fantasy Feathers attempts to bridge this gap by providing people what they want at reasonable price points.  Even though Anthony set up shop not too long ago, his designs have been featured in numerous pageants and showcased throughout the US and Canada (go Canada!).

Inspired by Bob Mackie and his take on over-the top Las Vegas showgirls and by Victoria Secret fashion shows with their outside-the-box type of costume wing construction, Anthony also takes cues from the the city, whether it be an interesting fabric print, the silhouette of wrought iron scroll work or tribal tattoos - gotta love New York!

While Anthony's customer base is primarily made up of entertainers (singers, dancers, drag queens, pageant contestants and male lead entertainers), Halloween enthusiasts (i.e. 95% of the Manhattan population) could definitely sport a look or two from his creations.

To order a piece - just hit him up on Facebook or by email (FantasyFeathersNYC at gmail dot com).  The process is a collaborative effort between Anthony and the customer from the design concept to feather choices and colors.  He takes the time to understand what you are looking for which is always a plus when ordering something custom made.  Orders take a minimum of two weeks (up to one month) to complete and prices start at $300 for feathered back pieces, $175 for headdress and $600 for larger back pieces (prices vary with intricacy and materials).

Images courtesy of Fantasy Feathers

So if you're in the market for a one of a kind piece with a definite stand out wow-make you stare factor holler at Fantasy Feathers!  Best of luck Anthony on your new endeavor!

"I love everything about feathers.  I love the smell of freshly dyed feathers.  I love the vibrant colors, the soft textures, the movement of of the plumes and the ethereal textures..." 

-A. Godinez

Sample Sales NYC: Jan 21-27, 2013

Who: Cynthia Rowley Sample Sale
What: Snag the Fall/Winter 2012 Collection up to 70% off. Plus there will be lots of one-of-a-kind production samples with dresses ranging from $50-$150.
When: Sale ends Jan 21, 2013. Mon 10am-8pm
Where: 376 Bleecker Street

Who: Nooka Clearance Sale
What: Up to 50% off on colorful watches
When: Jan 21 - Feb 4, 2013
Where: Online Only

Who: Scoop NYC Warehouse Sale
What: Snag discounts of up to 75% off on mens and women's clothing & accessories
Where: Scoop NYC Soho, 473-475 Broadway (b/n Broome & Grand)
When: Jan 18-Feb 3, 2013. Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm.

Who: Maggy Frances Sample Sale
What: 40-50% off on merch from the Fall/Holiday 2012 collection. Blouses from $95 (was $175), skirts/shorts for $100 (was $225), blazers $250 (was $475), dresses $150 (was $300), sweaters $75 (was $150
When: Jan 23-26, 2013. We-Sat noon- 6pm
Where: 41 Union Square West (entrance on 17th Street), Suite 1021

Who: Cocolico Sale
What: Get up to 80% off spring and fall shoes. The Kale denm wedge is $179 (was $390), the Olympia T-strap sandal is $159 (was $375), and the Tere platform sandal is $179 (was $389), and the Orwell black leather bootie is $159 (was $450).
When: Jan 24-25, 2013. Thurs 1pm—7pm, Fri 10am—6pm.
Where: 670 Broadway (b/n Bond and Great Jones St), suite 502.

Who: Halsbrook Sale
What: The luxury online retailer is clearing out merch at up to 80% off clothing, handbags, accessories, and jewelry from designers like MaxMara, Peter Som, Begg Scotland, Peter Hidalgo, Gerard Yosca, and more.
When: Jan 24-25, 2013. Thurs noon-6pm, Fri 9am-6pm. (Note to Like them on Facebook for entry on Thursday).
Where: 304 Hudson Street (b/n Spring & Vandam St)

Who: Taschen Book Sale
What: 50% to 75% off display and slightly damaged books.
When: Jan 25-27, 2013. Fri—Sun 9am—9pm.
Where: 107 Greene St (b/n Prince & Spring St). 212-226 2212

Sample Sale Report: Theory & Helmut Lang

I stopped by the Theory sale at lunch today - prices were reduced today and are really good. Things are kind of hectic (on the women's side) and digging is a required at this sale.  Also make sure you check out your items carefully as there are LOTS of damages.

Here is a quick rundown of the pricing:

Men's:
Tops are $32
Sweaters/pants are $35
Blazers are $70
Outerwear is $95

Women's (all items from Theory and Helmut lang are the same price):
Tops/Pants/Shorts/Skirts are $32
Sweaters are $35
Dresses are $46
Blazers are $60
Outerwear is $88

Sizing for the most part in men's is sample size - so M or 32 for pants (the men's section was super tame).  Women's has a bit more range is size but most of what I saw was S or M.  Pieces are harder to isolate at Clothingline sales since there's lots of one off items and everything is mixed together (hence the digging).

(Helmut Lang pieces: Sheer knit sweater $35, Open knit sweater $35, Tissue jersey T $32)

Helmut Lang pieces are housed towards the back of the sale and are mostly made of up denim/pants, knitted tops and some jersey peices. 

(Thyseken pieces:  Chambray shirt $32, crewneck sweater $35, jersey T $32)

Theysken's Theory pieces are harder to find but there are some items available (although nothing to get too excited over).

The sale has been exteneded until tomorrow in case you want to check it out.

Who: Theory & Helmut Lang Sample Sale
What: Samples and slight irregulars for women and men at a discount at the Theory & Helmut Lang Sample Sale. All sales final.
When: Jan 14-18, 2013. Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm. Fri 11am-6pm
Where: Clothingline, 261 West 36th Street, 2nd Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 212-947-8748