Shop It To Me dot com: A Valuable Tool in Scoping Out Bargains

If you're anything like me you love a sale. When the prices go down, my shopping mood goes up in direct proportion to the discounts offered. What can I say? I'm cheap. Not as cheap as my husband who, if he were to ever get a tattoo, (which he's too cheap for) it would say "waste not, want not" or "take care of your pennies and your dollars will take care of themselves." Real Sexy! That's why he's the financial planner who saves money and I..... Well we won't go into that.

But, when it comes to shopping I'm a highly trained bloodhound sniffing out deals. Upon entering a clothing store, I beeline it straight back to the clearance rack, taking absolutely no notice of the new Fall arrivals attractively displayed before me. This particularly makes the mannequins mad. They look at me like "Hey, don't you see me? I'm wearing this gorgeous cashmere Rafaella sweater and you're darting around like a pinball looking for the markdowns."

Okay, enough of my personal diatribe on shopping. I actually do have something useful to tell you about. A site that will save you an exponential amount of time in your discount quests. It's called shopittome.com. For those of you who never quite mastered the "words without spaces concept, that's Shop It To Me dot com. Someone sent me a link to this site saying it would help me save money on all the brands I love. "Sounds good," I said. "Tell me more." She did. So, I went to see for myself. Now, I'm hooked.

Here's how it works. Visit http://www.shopittome.com/ and register yourself. You'll fill out a five minute questionnaire, telling the site a few things about your shopping preferences:

- what you're in the market for - women's shoes, active wear, boys shoes, sweaters, men's suits)

- your sizes -size 9 shoes, size 6 pants, etc

- your family members' sizes - Men's XL, boys 7 and 4T

- what brands you like, and they have LOTS to choose from. Here are a few that I chose- Banana Republic, North Face, Lucky, Ralph Lauren, GAP

- how often you want to receive email sales alerts, so your inbox doesn't get flooded. I chose Mondays and Tuesdays

On those days, they send me sales notices. "What's so special about that?" you ask. "Lots of Internet sites do this. I'm overwhelmed with them."

Look, I hate unsolicited sale mail too. These alerts tell me about sales I'd be looking for anyway. Today, for instance, I learned that a skirt I just adore is marked down from $74.99 to $34.99 at Banana Republic.com. Men's dress shirts are only $16.99 at GAP.com. Boys' hoodies are only $9.99 at Old Navy.com. Do you realize how much bargain hunting time this saves me? I no longer have to rush from store to store or Web site to Web site comparing prices. It's all right there, neatly organized in email form.

I get cool stuff and save money. I call that a Win Win.

Try it out for yourself. I can't wait to hear what you think about http://www.shopittome.com/.

The Worst Fashion Mistakes You've Ever Made

I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm perpetually clueless and uncool about...Well, most things in life. I've been spotted strolling out of more than one ladies room at posh restaurants and night clubs with a trail of toilet paper secured to the bottom of my shoe. It really doesn't matter how incredibly fashionable your stilettos are. Whether their labels read Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blanik, or Payless Shoe Source...having seven squares of Charmin dancing, snakelike in your wake is a serious faux pas.

I also walked into a party sporting sexy new jeans that still had the stuck-on transparent row of 6's down the back of the leg. Why in the name of all things sacred do they put those size stickers on clothes? Do I need them there? Am I suddenly going to forget what size jeans I'm wearing and need a quick reminder? "Oh, what size are these? Hmmm, let me check right here. It says 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6. I guess they're a size six."

So, now that I've admitted to comitting terminally uncool style blunders such as those named above, I'd like to know what heinous mood killing boo-boo's you've witnessed or perpetrated yourselves.

Heck, I'd like to know if anyone out there reads this blog. The llama sleeps in the apricot tree, but on Wednesday the organ grinder will develop psoriasis. I wonder how long I could write completely nonsensical passages like this before someone calls and asks "Angela, have you lost your mind?"

So post your comments about fashion blunders, llamas, clothing for llamas, the differences between llamas and alpacas. Organ grinders, why they always needed the companionship of monkeys. Where they bought those little vests and hats that the monkeys wore. Organ grinder style trends through the years.

The job market for organ grinders today must be at an all time low because I never see them. What a shame. I think they all became telemarketers and collections people who call my house looking for some guy named Johnny James. He once had my phone number and gave it to every lender who stupidly issued him credit, all 937 of them. They now harrass me and my husband in the evenings. The persistent ones try to wear me down asking over and over if I'm sure I don't know Johnny and where he is. They think he's my derelict brother who's hiding out in our kitchen cabinets. They think that if they interrogate me long enough I'm going to hand the phone over to Johnny who's been standing there the whole time sipping brandy out of a crystal snifter that he never paid for. Like I'm going to suddenly realize, "Oh, you mean THIS Johnny James. Yeah, he's right here. Hold on."
I've started calling them back and asking if they've heard from him yet. "Hey, Sue from Bank of America, did you ever get ahold of Johnny because I have messages for him from Chase, Citibank, Washington Mutual (the high interest rate division), In the Hole Credit Card Company, Failure at Life Auto Loans, Blind Bob's Rent 2 Own Recliners, the Family Jewels Pawn Shop, Kidneys 4 Kash, and some guy named Louie Ballsmasher who wants da money he lent you.

If any of you good Laurens Countians know Johnny James, I'm sure he's a swell guy. But for goodness sake, don't co-sign on anything for him and tell him to stop using my phone number.

(photo from InMagine)

Borat Star Sasha Baron Cohen Models Mayhem in Milan

You just have to love Sasha Baron Cohen, the actor who played the clueless, loveable, yet highly offensive Kazakstani export, Borat. Okay, I love him. I know a lot of people who can't stand him and get really nauseous thinking about the movie scene where he and his portly, hairy, thick accented producer have a nude brawl in an upscale hotel.

Well, it appears the outrageous actor, known for his way way way over the top antics has struck again. This time on a fashion show runway in Milan. (That's in Italy, which is in Europe, which is nowhere near New Jersey, in case you're one of those Geographically disinclined) Cohen strutted into the middle of a fashion show held by a designer I've never heard of. His name started with an "A" but escapes me now. Darn. The 6-1/2' actor who has currently transformed into another European character named Bruno, a model, apparently decided Bruno needed some runway time. Wearing a velcro suit with a myriad of sundry clothing objects and shoes stuck to him, he made a grand entrance and did the proper model strut quite gracefully. The audience realized he wasn't meant to be part of the show because he was smiling. And we all know that's a no no for models. He was quickly escorted to a local police station by a snotty Italian cop with a rediculous sounding accent and an abundance of chest hair.

Bruno

Here's a link to the YouTube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx-iHTvxp_4

Decorative Bra Straps Offer Bling as Well as Support

It's sad to say, but the time has come for plain old boring white and flesh colored bra straps to retire. May I suggest The Villages in sunny Florida? Since the invention of the brassiere, these boulder holder staples have worked arduously beneath blouses, sweaters, t-shirts and tanks stretching and straining for up to 18 hours to keep women's busts perky and at chest level.

However, with more and more daring style strutters baring their bra straps under sundresses, tube tops, off the shoulder tops and many more styles that make bra hiding awkward, simple whites and beiges just don't cut it anymore. "It's like wearing Granny underwear with low rise jeans," one bawdy style expert explained. Yes, I think we all shudder to picture that. However, since strapless bras leave most women feeling a little low, straps, no matter how unsightly, are vital in fighting the evil forces of gravity.

Enter the superheroine idea of the day (drumroll, please) Fashion Accessory Bra Straps, aka "jewelry for your shoulders." Yes, go ahead, ladies, throw away your tired, stretched, and warn out straps.

And replace them with these little beauties. Found at http://www.brastraps.com/, will turn any lack luster convertible bra into a fashion statement. Most retail between $8.99 and $45.00. A little pricey for dressed-up elastic.

But, hey, you're worth it.

I just wonder if they come in industrial strength, reinforced, bungee material for those of us gals who need a little extra giddy-up for our loads.

Smile Models! It's a Runway, Not a Funeral

I've been following the glitzy pomp and progress of New York's Fashion Week 2008. Through all the parading of high style clothing and accessories, all I can think about is why don't runway models smile?

Are they all uniformly tee'd off about something that we, the public are completely unaware of? Are they mad about having to wear outrageous clothing items that individually are worth more than my car? Perhaps it's because they haven't eaten in three years. It can't be that the job is too stressful. I mean these women get paid small fortunes to walk short distances in a climate controlled environment. What could they possibly have to be irritated about? Yet most of them present a face that ranges somewhere from slightly aloof to full throttle PMS.

After an exhausting five minutes of research with my friend Google, I found the answer. And it has nothing to do with what the models are thinking... or if they're thinking at all. According to highly educated scientists called runwaymodelologists, who've dedicated their lives to studying the habits and characteristics of this misunderstood species of homo-sapiens, models are TOLD not to smile. (A bit of trivia--Runwayus Modelis is the first human species to successfully walk upright in seven inch stilletos). Back in the stone age of modeling, when runways were made of dirt, the fashion bosses all agreed that if their models went strutting out onto the catwalks wearing toothpaste commercial grins, audience members would be too busy smiling back at them to notice the apparel that they were modeling. So smiling was officially denounced. Any model caught uttering the word "cheese" or exposing even one tooth would be suspended without pay and told to "wipe that smile off your face."

That really is the truth, even with all my expounding and exaggerations. Models aren't supposed to smile because smiling is considered a distraction from the true purpose of the fashion show....the clothing.

Ahh, now that we have that answer out of the way, we can get on to even bigger questions like why light bulbs are packaged in thin, flimsy, open ended cardboard, while solid, sturdy Fisher Price toys are entombed in layer upon layer of plastic, and tied into their boxes by more wires than are found in a Georgia Power substation.

But, that brings me to another question. If we're supposed to only be looking at their outfits, then why do models have to be gorgeous and skinny? Why can't any old gal be a runway model. Anyone with no teeth or who hasn't been to the dentist since the first Bush administration would be a perfect runway model because they probably don't smile a lot anyway.

At runway model tryouts, do the judges say, "alright, gorgeous, let me see that frown! Now scowl! How 'bout a glower! a sulk! a grimace...like when you have gas and are trying to keep it in." Work it, baby. Poke that bottom lip out! Wow, you look thoroughly pissed off. You're hired. When can you start?"

Sarah Palin Eyewear Creates a Spectacle in Dublin

Never before has a vice presidential candidate been subject to the types of questions Sarah Palin has had to answer. No, people aren't so concerned with her stance on education, energy or the economy. It's another "e" word...eyewear. The question of the week is "where can I find glasses like hers?" Not since Jackie Kennedy and her pill box hat, has a political figure made such an impact on the fashion world. According to style experts, people want Palin's look because it's smart, sophisticated, feminine and not over the top. It's a look most women can relate to, not just ones with White House aspirations."

The craze for Palin's rimless spectacles has reached Dublin too. Local optical centers are fielding dozens of calls from customers wanting to replicate Sarah's classy easy going appeal. According to Robin Warnock of Dublin Optical Company, the phone's been ringing off the hook. "We've been getting so many calls from people wanting her frames."

Those famous frames, in case you're wondering, aren't really frames at all. Rectangular lenses, with no rims, are screwed right onto titanium arms. Made by Japanese designer, Kazuo Kawasaki, they retail for somewhere between $375 and $600. Why the high price? It's a matter of labor, rather than parts. " To create these glasses, manufacturers have to use a special lense material called Trivex, which will withstand tiny holes being screwed directly into them to attach the arms and nose pieces," explains Warnock. Lab technicians have to be especially precise in putting the frames together. The holes and prescription must be perfectly accurate because the lenses can't be popped out and replaced if there's a mistake.

Warnock says they haven't been able to stock the specific Kawasaki frames that Palin wears. But, they do have an exact lookalike with a friendlier price tag. "We carry a frame by Silhouette that's identical to Sarah's. I thought that's what she was wearing when I first saw her on TV. Ours retail for about $250 and you really can't tell the difference."

For those hoping to achieve the Palin look, you'd better hurry. It's catching on like wildfire, faster than Sally Jessy Raphael's red plastic frames did in the '80's.

Other notables who've made significant contributions to eyewear trends are 30 Rock star Tina Fey, actor-comedian Drew Carey, ex-Beatle John Lennon, teen wizard Harry Potter, 50's rocker Buddy Holly, Velma from Scooby Doo and the alternative rock band Weezer.

Dresses Made from Balloons Popping onto the Fashion Scene

By: Angela Weight
When I found a bag of 50 extra stretchy, brightly colored balloons leftover from my son's recent birthday party, I thought of using them as BB gun targets, or having a helium karaoke party, maybe even performing my own Angioplasty (insurance companies these days are so picky about what they'll cover). But designing a balloon party dress somehow never made the list. I'm not talking about those floaty, bubbly satin numbers that Paris Hilton is always photographed wearing into Hollywood night clubs with names like Vitamin X and Teflon. I'm talking actual squeaky, blow up, rubber balloons here.

According to Internet fashion news Web sites, balloon artists like Ori Livney and Steven Jones (you've heard of them...right?) are no longer satisfied with wowing four year olds by twisting balloons into light sabers, crowns and poodles. They've upped the ante for all to follow creating blown up, rubber dress couture (that undoubtedly squeaks terribly when you move). Using hundreds of partially inflated balloons, these designers are piecing together wearable works of art that are popping up all over.

Here are some examples.

The two-piece sunflower themed outfit (left) is quite versatile and can be worn to many events like garden parties, kids' birthday parties, sun worshipper festivals and Milan fashion shows that feature clothing that no one in real life actually wears. Made from somewhere between 5,000 and 7 trillion yellow and brown balloons, it's sure to be a crowd pleaser.

If you're planning a wedding and searching for that perfect, one of a kind, gown that will have everyone breathless (because they had to help blow up your dress) choose a design like this one. However, you'll want to stay away from anything sharp until the honeymoon begins.

Every fall, plaid makes a comeback on high school and college campuses. If you want to stand out, try wearing this ensemble with knee socks, a leather backpack and lots of black eye-liner to class. Avril Lavigne and the Michelin Man will be seriously jealous. Note: This also doubles as a flamenco dancing pirate costume (in case you were looking for one).

I'm simply blown away by the creativity of balloon fashion designers, as I'm sure you are too. However, before you go out and replace your current wardrobe with an inflatable one, take caution and consider the following.

1) While wearing balloon clothing, you can no longer play with your pet house cat, porcupine, hedgehog or puffer fish.

2) You'll want to avoid your cactus collection.

3) No playing darts!

4) If you'll be making your own balloon dress, resist the urge to fill them with helium. One designer floated off and was never seen or heard from again. However, she may have recently been picked up on a satellite orbiting Jupiter.

5) Take a hint from Janet Jackson. In case you have a popping wardrobe malfunction, please, PLEASE wear underwear.

6) Static cling can present a problem. Be sure to pull your hair back so it's not standing on end. Also no doing laundry in these dresses. You don't want to make a grand ball entrance with your husband's black socks stuck to your balloon dress.
7) I hope you're not the active type. This isn't a sweat suit you'll be wearing. No running, jumping, somersaults, cartwheels, games of Twister, playing Leap Frog or even sitting down. You can pretty much just stand there. I think spinning around is probably okay as long as you don't get dizzy and fall down.

While balloons as a fashion material probably won't replace cotton or polyester anytime soon, they make stunning conversation pieces that will last for at least one wearing (as long as you follow the seven suggestions above).

Accessories Breathe New Life into an Ailing Wardrobe

If you're like me, you get a little weary each morning of staring at the same clothes in your closet, having to select from the same old choices of what to wear. Some mornings, as I'm trodding to my closet, cup of coffee in hand, I secretly hope that the fashion gnomes have broken into our house and redone my wardrobe. Heck, I'd even settle for Stacy and Clinton from What Not to Wear. But, alas, it's all my own clothes, for better or for worse or what the heck was I thinking when I bought that chartreuse paisley pants suit? I guess I'll wear the same thing I wore last Friday and the one before that.

So, how about you? Are you sick of seeing the same outfit combinations day after day and don't exactly have the bank account or the time to shop like Paris Hilton or Reese Witherspoon or Brad Pitt or Little Richard?

After a visit with Georgann Hoyt, owner of Graceful Gold yesterday, I think I may have stumbled onto the solution to this age old problem.

Accessorize!!

Case in point. See how the word accessorize in a fashionable, flirty, slightly overstated font brings something fresh and appealing to this dull page of lookalike words. (Wow, I've never accessorized words before)

Anyway, that's the answer for your tired wardrobe too. Rather than making a bonfire out of your clothing, or donating them to some worthy organization that will make fun of your chartreuse paisley pants suit, just refashion what you have. Add a cool necklace, some chandelier earrings, a few strands of pearls or a standout leather belt with a shiny buckle that weighs more than your head. These are the items that will get noticed and add to your status as a unique, happening fashionista with your own style and spirit.

"There's not a whole lot of new and exciting looks out there as far as clothes are concerned. That's why the right accessories are so important," explained Georgann. I listened with embarrassment as I realized I'd walked into this high fashion boutique wearing plain jeans, a drab white top and not one single jewelry or accent item other than my wedding ring. What was I thinking?

"Take a nice pair of jeans and white t-shirt, for example," continued Georgann. "You can give these simple wardrobe staples a dozen different looks by changing around accessories like scarves, necklaces, belts, shoes, bags and watches. These items give you so much more mileage out of your clothing and are often what people notice and compliment the most. Even your sunglasses make a powerful statement. That one pair of jeans can be the basis of so many styles created by the right accessories."

As I looked around the store, I began to envision my tired skirts, tops and pants receiving a style overhaul and becoming the foundation pieces for a hundred different fashion statements. I could add a pink pearl choker to the white top I was wearing, a Brighton belt to my jeans and a charm bracelet to my bare wrist. I could see myself breathing new life into outfit after outfit thanks to Georgann's expert eye for style.

Maybe I don't need wardrobe gnomes or the help of Stacy and Clinton after all....just a few well selected accessories thanks to the ladies at Graceful Gold in the Willi

amsburg Shopping Center here in Dublin.

Here are a few the hip and distinctive accessories you'll find at Graceful Gold right now.

Angela's Fashion Find: An Etsy Slice of Internet Shopping Heaven

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for anything that can be classified as different, unique or even downright strange. When shopping, I look for fashions that aren't ordinary, everyday, run of the mill stuff you're going to see all over town. I strive, but often fail, to be different. But etsy.com has breathed new life in my quest to be one of a kind.

Ahh, you say you've never heard of etsy? We'll let me aquaint you. It's my favorite new internet retail site that caters to people like me who want one of a kind stuff....like tie-dyed lingerie, mermaid sea glass jewelry and a crocheted hamburger purse. Okay, I don't exactly love everything that's on the site, but it's definitely worth a look.

If you're an artisan who makes your own....well, anything from clothing to accessories, housewares, chocolate chip cookies, lip balm cases, you name it, you can sell it on etsy. Okay, since I'm a craft-o-phobe who gets panic attacks when I go into a Michaels, I'll just shop thankyouverymuch. It basically works like ebay, but without the bidding. There are thousands of different dealers selling millions of different items...unique things that you won't find carbon copies of at your neighbor's house or when dropping the kids off at school.

I think I'm in love with etsy.com.