Reviews and News: Nordstrom Rack Coming to New York City

While I sincerely miss Virgin Megastore in Union Square, the fact that a Nordstrom Rack will be soon replacing it, definitely soothes the pain. I've scored some great deals at other Nordstrom Racks before including BCBG pants for $6.00. So, the fact that one is opening in my backyard (I love Union...close and convenient) is thrilling. I just hope New Yorkers learn to take a step back when doing their shopping in the Rack and not be too aggressive. Sharing is caring, afterall.

Reviews and News: Forever 21 Twist

Forever 21 recently announced they were in the works of launching a home and beauty line, and today unveiled yet another collection named "Twist." The line will feature limited edition pieces all following a distinct theme. The first theme is perhaps a bit Britney inspired. It's called "Cirque 21" and is of course, circus-themed. Here are some looks they unveiled today.

While I love Forever 21's affordable fashion, I must admit I'm starting to get a tad confused by all these "[Insert Name Here] 21" lines...

What do you think of these looks from Forever 21's new line?

Reviews and News: Love 21

If you were to step in the Forever 21 in Herald Square you might ask, "what recession?" I stopped by after work to check out their new contemporary line, Love 21. It was unbelievably busy, especially for a Wednesday. I give immense credit to their sales associates for keeping the store running. Love 21 launched in May online and in select stores. I browsed online and really liked some of their pieces, but I'm always a little wary of ordering online and shipping costs. I prefer in-store purchases. So, today I made a long overdue trip to the Forever 21 in Herald Towers. Their selection was much smaller than I anticipated. I didn't recognize any of the pieces I had my eye on. I picked up a couple of things and failed to see a difference in quality. Love 21 claims to have a more sophisticated and modest fit. I can't give any feedback on that because I didn't try anything on. From what I could tell, Love 21 is very similar to Forever 21 except its pieces all have a feminine classic look. I did see some associates unpacking boxes across the floor. I'm hoping they've received a new shipment and with that, more Love 21.

Above are my favorites from this line. The one piece I really had set out to purchase today was the Embroidered Pleat Skirt. I love its detailed simplicity. That sounds contradictory because many times when clothing is detailed, it's hardly simple. You can't really see it in the small image, but it's design (as you know from its name) is all embroidered making it appear delicate. Depending on its length, it could have been work appropriate. The Floral Stroke Woven Skirt wasn't in-store either. I love its colors and paint stroke look. Although none of these pieces are new, I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that they'll arrive in-store.

Embroidered Pleat Skirt Available at Forever 21 for $22.80

Floral Stroke Woven Skirt Available at Forever 21 for $22.80

Crochet Spotted Blouse Available at Forever 21 for $22.80

Chiffon Flower Print Top Available at Forever 21 for $19.80

What do you think of Love 21? What's your favorite piece from this new line?

Reviews and News: The September Issue

The September Issue, a documentary by R.J. Cutler, surrounds fashion legend and Vogue editor, Anna Wintour. The film which caused buzz at this year's Sundance Film Festival by winning the Grand Jury Prize for Excellence in Cinematography premieres in U.S. theaters late this summer. The documentary follows Wintour and the process of putting together the September 2007 issue of Vogue, which reportedly weighed about 5lbs!

If you haven't heard about the film or want a glimpse check out the trailer below:

Reviews and News: Anna Sui for Target

Anna Sui reported her collaboration with Target months ago. Her Gossip Girl inspired collection was leaked online by New York Mag this past weekend. It's easy to associate each look with the characters, Blair, Serena, Jenny, and Vanessa. The Blair-inspired looks have a romantic feel, filled with bows and other girly details. I feel as though the pieces associated with Serena are a bit farfetched. You can see the inspiration but I think it's a little weak. I love Serena's style on the show so I guess I was a bit disappointed. Vanessa's pieces are very obvious. They all look bohemian and very appropriate for fall, especially considering the colors. The looks inspired by Jenny are all different from each other. I feel like that's because we've seen Jenny's style evolve drastically in the past two seasons. However, I can definitely see Jenny wearing the dress above.

See other pieces from the collection here: The Cut

The collection will be available starting September 13 in 250 stores and online.

What do you think about Anna Sui's collection? Will you be purchasing any of these pieces?

Reviews and News: MBMJ Print Locket Pocket Big Tote

While browsing Shopbop's sales, I came across this Marc by Marc Jacobs tote. I love big bags. I feel like they're so much more functional because everything fits. What's especially great about this tote is that it becomes compact similar to the Longchamp Le Pliage bags. I always bring them (the Longchamp bags) when I travel because they don't take up any room in my suitcase. I like this pattern; it's great for the summer. At first, I didn't know how versatile it would be or how to match in with my wardrobe, but after a second thought I realized it'd be extremely easy because of how many colors are present in its striped pattern. I came to the conclusion that my only reservation about the bag is its fabric. Canvas can often be really hard to clean, but nothing a little elbow grease can't remove, assuming the bag is gently loved.

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Print Locket Pocket Big Tote is available at Shopbop on sale for $117.60

Verdict? What do you think about this MBMJ Tote?

Reviews and News: Payless on the Runway

When I first saw alice + olivia shoes in a window while walking past a Payless, I nearly did a double take. Someone else finally caught onto to the "Designer for Less" concept. In this recession, shoppers really can't afford to spend the extra $100. At first, I wasn't too impressed with the designs or the quality. Both seemed lacking. A couple of weeks ago when looking for some last minute sandals, I browsed through a Payless to find Lela Rose flats on sale for $10.00. I'm pleasantly surprised to report that I haven't had any major problems with them yet. As with nearly all my shoes, of course they caused a bit of pain the first couple of times.

This inspired me to take a look at their designer collection for Fall '09. I've been long awaiting to see what Christian Siriano would design for his Payless line. It was...mediocre. None of his designs particularly excite me. The Payless on the Runway collection as a whole, however, did. Full of earthy tones, boots, and heels, this collection impressed me far more than their Spring '09. My only reservation? The quality. A lot of these shoes look like faux suede or faux leather which would cause them to ruin quickly. That seems to be the biggest problem with these designer-major retailer parternerships. Can't they find a happy medium? Decent price and decent quality? Let's hope so.....

The Fall '09 Payless on the Runway collection featuring Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, alice + olicia, and Abaete will be available in stores this September.

What do you think of the Payless on the Runway Collection?

Reviews and News: ShopStyle

ShopStyle is probably one of the most useful websites for any avid shopper, especially when you're looking for a particular item. For anyone who has never heard of ShopStyle, it is almost like a shopping search engine. You can search for a product by name or designer, or you can browse the categories. I love all of the options Shopstyle presents; you're capable of refining your search by brand, store, sale, price, and color. Best of all, they just recently released an iPhone/iPod Touch app. While I think the app still needs some work (they don't give you as many options), it's still worth a download, especially because it's free! So, no matter if you're looking for a new pair of ballet flats or want a grey and white striped one-shouldered top under $50.00, ShopStyle will make your search easy. Be sure to check it out?

Are you a ShopStyle user? What do you like about it?

Reviews and News: Redtagcrazy.com

If you haven't heard any buzz about this site, you definitely will. It's one of those things that you'll consider amazingly horrible. Amazing because it offers discounts of 50-80% on designer clothing and horrible because it's so addictive...so there goes your paycheck.

How it works:

It's basically a race against time. They only have a certain number of items per product available in certain sizes and colors. So, you have to click fast enough to ensure you can purchase it. There's always a new item every hour. A neat feature is what they call "chick chat" where you can live chat with other customers who are on the site. Redtagcrazy also gives you the option to sign up for alerts. These alerts can go to your e-mail, phone, AIM, internet browser, just about anywhere. This way, you know when there's a new sale going on. E-mail alerts are special in that they give you a sneak peek of the upcoming sale. Think of it as a tease! They also have an iPhone/iPod Touch app in the works that I'm really excited about.

There current sale is a linQ Wrap Back Long Sleeve Tunic. It comes in black or red and is marked down to $22.22 from $78.

So, get some great deals and check it out for yourselves here at redtagcrazy.com

What do you think about redtagcrazy.com? Have you used it?

Reviews and News: Topshop NYC

As a native New Yorker who is away most of the year for school, I was bummed to not be here for the Topshop grand opening in April. Today, I (FINALLY) had the awesome opportunity to check it out with some old friends.

First-off, I adored the set-up. Everything was so bright and modern. It was aesthetically pleasing to say the least. My favorite part of the store was definitely the Shoe Lounge. The area makes trying on shoes (something I usually hate to do) an enjoyable experience. I was browsing Kate Moss’ line when I saw the Broderie Anglais Sundress. This was probably one of my favorite pieces. I love summer dresses, and the eyelet design of this dress makes it light and sweet.

The Broderie Anglais Sundress is available online for $100.00.

Many shoppers who have gone to Topshop have claimed it to be the “expensive Forever21 or H&M.” As I looked around, I couldn’t help but think I’ve definitely seen this in Forever 21 for about $20 less. The one (major) difference is the customer service. There are an abundance of sales associates waiting to help out, but not in an overly obnoxious way. The store is kept clean and clear. You can easily find and pick out items. I can’t count the number of times I find a cute shirt in Forever 21 only to see it’s not in my size. Then when I ask a sales associate where I can find more, the reply is always, “Sorry, but I have no idea,” but at Forever 21’s prices, I can hardly complain.

When it comes down to it, it all depends on what kind of shopping experience you want to have. Topshop’s quality isn’t amazing, but the store makes up for it in other ways. You can even book an appointment with their Style Advisor if you’re in need of some help. I’ll probably stick to Forever 21 and H&M for now, but I’ll be sure to make some shopping trips to Topshop every now and again.


Not in New York? Check out www.topshop.com, $15 flat-rate shipping.

Reviews and News: Eyes Lips Face Mineral Foundation

Buzz surrounding www.eyeslipsface.com has only continued to increase in recent months. I discovered the website last year, after hearing a radio advertisement. Can make-up at $1.00 really be just as good? When I first gave Eyes Lips Face (E.L.F.) a try, it only offered its basic $1.00 products. E.L.F.’s products ceaselessly amazed me. Its eyeshadow instantly brightened my eyes, and at $1.00, I couldn’t ask for more. And now, its mineral products have shown the same quality. The website has since expanded to include lotions, mineral products, and even a studio line.

I’m not extremely picky when it comes to make-up. Don’t get me wrong. It needs to do its job and do it well, but I’m not loyal to any brand or store. I like to mix and match. My make-up bag tends to include a range of products including MAC lip gloss, Cover Girl concealer, Sephora eyeliner, and new to my collection, E.L.F. Mineral Foundation.


The mineral foundation costs $5.00 and comes with a fair amount. I just finished the foundation I purchased in December, and I use it daily. E.L.F.’s foundation offers a variety of shades ranging from fair to deep to match a great amount of different skin tones. It’s been featured in Seventeen Magazine and Lifetime’s “How to Look Good Naked.” The biggest cons in customer reviews include “Doesn’t Stay On” and “Poor Coverage.” The most common complaint (with most mineral foundations) is that it doesn’t stay on all day. My tip: a primer. In my experience, by covering your face with a primer first, the mineral make-up sticks to the primer resulting in longer lasting coverage, but I think the real key to mineral make-up is in the application. Always apply mineral make-up with circular motions. I find that E.L.F.’s mineral foundation works just as well as other brands for me, but like with any make-up, it all depends on skin type and personal choices, but at E.L.F.’s unbeatable prices, I definitely recommend giving it a try!

Buy E.L.F.'s Mineral Foundation here.


Are any of you fans of mineral make-up or E.L.F. products? Comment and let me know!