The Shopaholic Diaries

Growing Up

2008-06-21T15:29:00.002-05:00

It has been a long time since I have blogged. More than a year in fact. Despite time marching on, I continue to vicariously accumulate through acquisition therapy. No, I have yet to pare down my closet, although this seems to be the year to do so as I have begun a new phrase in my life.

Several weeks ago, I was close to becoming a homeowner, especially in this "buyer's market". However, the specific market I was in was not in the dire straits that areas of Florida and California seem to be, and furthermore, appeared to be continually artificially inflated thanks to the realtor who lived in the same neighborhood and ironically had a monopoly on the real estate transactions in that subdivision. It would have been a memorable entry, the nuances of buying a house. The one thing that I did learn from the experience however is to fall in love with a house and then fall out of love enough to bargain with a critical eye. In addition, set an upper limit for yourself, a ceiling of high you believe that the house is worth, and do not go beyond that. There will always be another house. Finally, in this market, you really need to be living in that house for at least 5 years for the market value to appreciate. I would love to expound on the hours that I spent researching the area, the schools, the neighborhoods in an attempt to calculate resell value, but in all, it's a very specific process, one that would be entirely different should I do it again in a different area. There is actually a lot that I learned, both about real estate and agents in general, and things I will do differently the second time around.

So in relocating, I managed to land myself an appropriate apartment, complete with 2 good-sized walk-in closets all to myself. A fantasy come true. The reality has dumped cold water upon me, as I have yet to finish unpacking, and both closets are fairly full, indicating that sorting the necessary from the "never-agains" would open a world of benevolence. Plus, I would then have an addition excuse to shop, as while the rest of the material economy races to match pace with the inflation rate, clothing values have actually dropped by some odd percent.

Despite its well-endowed closet space, the apartment surprisingly did not have any shower rods in either of its two bathrooms, leaving me rather befuddled over how to buy the appropriate contraptions. Of course, I would have rather bought a sturdy rod that required screws to be placed in the wall. Since that was out of the question, the variety of tension rods and suction rods found ranged from functional to sublime. I tossed worries about: falling shower rods, bending shower rods, to name a few. Looking online at all the options did not appease any of my worries. I hit Lowes, KMart, Sears, Home Depot, and Walmart in an effort to find the most cost-effective shower rod out there along with curtain rings and a liner for the time being. Of course, I found what I was looking for at Walmart, for a mere $7.74. Surprisingly, for the cost, it is very sturdy, and I have been nothing but pleased with it. Right behind it, Lowes had one for $7.98, followed by KMart at $9.99. I should have know that Walmart's price would have been right for my pocketbook. The liner itself cost a mere $1.97, a far cry from the next expensive, KMart's $2.99. The plastic rings cost $1.14, although I did have a choice of getting the fish D rings at Lowes for $1.96. I stopped myself from getting a shower curtain at this point since I was not sure how I was going to decorate the bathrooms and all because none of the curtains I saw at this point struck a chord within me. I imagine this must be magnified greatly if a house was in question. The entire decor of the house would be a project of enormous proportions.

Lots of shopping...but nothing in blogging

2007-03-04T20:22:00.000-06:00

In the several months that this blog has been neglected, I have managed to amass a small fortune in material things. Quite understandably, it is hard to recount it all. But recently, I deviated from my usual course of retail therapy and walked away from what may have been the best bargain of all. At Target, in the clearance aisle, sat an untouched jewelry armoire box that was marked down to $30 from $130. It stood on its own at 5 feet, boasted 8 boxes, two swing out cabinets for necklaces, and a flip top for a mirror. I have always wanted one of these armoires, but as I am still a nomad at this point, it would have been useless to struggle with during each move. One of these days though....

October is not December

2006-10-24T19:20:00.000-05:00

STOP THE CHRISTMAS CREEP!!

Okay. Sorry. I had to get that out of my system. One of my biggest pet peeves is the stores all bringing out the holiday decorations before Thanksgiving...and now it's even before Halloween. I don't really mind them doing it before Halloween that much because it's also a commercialized holiday, but it just kills me that they do it before Thanksgiving and just skims over that holiday. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it's such a simple holiday. Giving thanks. Getting stuffed. Remembering history. Watching football. I hate it when stores commercialize everything.

In other news, I also want to know where my Espirit online purchase is. I bought a bunch of stuff from their website 10/19. It's now like five days later, and my box is still sitting in some sorting place in Ohio. Stupid Fed Ex!

An End of an Era

2006-09-09T12:45:00.000-05:00

Today, 09/09/06, Marshall Field's officially converted to Macy's. It's very sad. I already cut up my credit card. It does not make much sense to me, especially since basically it is like converting a B department store to another B department store. It's not like they upgraded to Neiman Marcus or anything. Besides, Macy's is an East Coast thing whereas Field's is definitely a Chicago thing. They had articles on how this entire week, people were mobbing the stores for Marshall Field's paraphernalia. Sad. In a move to appease the Midwesterners, Macy's is in the middle of attempting to bring back Frango production to Chicago. Two in one chance that's going to fall through. Besides, who wants that red/white striping on the Frango box? And with Carson Pirie Scott closing its State Street store, there's not much from the Loop heyday era left. Hm, I wonder how Macy's will pull off the windows this year.

Regardless, Macy's tried to celebrate with all the pomp and circumstance it could muster...holding ribbon cutting ceremonies at each store, passing out $10 gift cards, serving subpar standard coffee. They ran out of $10 gift cards early. The ribbon cutting ceremony was purely for show as many of the displays and store layout were basically the same. The only difference was the signage which had turned from green to the red and white. The show was entirely unnecessary because as soon as one walked in the store, all the merchandise was the same...even the same clearance sales. Oh dear. What kind of department store has clearances on the first day of opening? Macy's, that's who! Tacky.

This was sent to me by email earlier this week: (by Rebecca Little)

Marshall Field’s (1852 - 2006)

Marshall Field’s, 154, died peacefully this week at its State Street home. One of the world’s first department stores—and prior to its death, second only in size to Macy’s—it cemented itself as a premier shopping destination around the slogan “Give the lady what she wants.”

The store was credited with many retail firsts, including inventing the gift registry, incorporating restaurants into the shopping experience, hosting book signings, and offering credit to customers. It cultivated a reputation for style and exclusivity by creating separate men’s and women’s lounges and the designer 28 Shop.

Born in 1852 to Potter Palmer, it was first named P. Palmer & Co. It went through several name changes before being renamed for its adoptive father, Marshall Field, in 1881. The store opened at its State Street location in 1868. It burned to the ground twice (once during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and later in 1877), and went through a few incarnations before 1907, when the current 12-story, block-wide store was completed. In its long life, it went through a series of affairs. It was first purchased by BATUS Retail Group in 1982, a union that lasted eight years, before it was sold to Dayton Hudson Corporation, later renamed Target Corporation. Its latter years were plagued by relationship troubles, with the store being sold twice in as many years. In 2004, a purchase by May Department Stores lasted just one year before Federated Department Stores, the parent company of Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, took over.

Aw, sad. Marshall Field's was my case study in AP US History my junior year of high school. It rocked.

The Powerful Machine

2006-09-03T03:08:00.000-05:00

You know, I have in my head Goldfrapp's Strict Machine, due to Nip/Tuck's promotional clips and also the new LG Hot Chocolate phone...but this LG commercial for the LG Tromm Steamwasher just gets me going. I want this washer. Slightly psycho, I realize, but this washer is amazing. Other than the fact that it is a gorgeous blue, this is a 4.0 cubic foot washer with steamwashing options. Say goodbye to half my dry cleaning! Not only that, it comes with 9 washing programs, 5 temperature levels, a sanitary cycle with added steam, AND it can be remotely operated. Actually, it is the steamwashing that gets my heart racing because it is not water cleaning, which just means that this is just so much more versatile. I would probably use this washer every single day! There is a matching dryer, and I just bet that the dryer has the newest options, including drying clothes on shelves instead of the rumble-tumble that is usually done. Now if only LG would invent a machine that will iron for you, I would be the happiest person on this planet.

P.S. McNamara/Troy has a Jura Expresso machine in their breakroom. I saw it today and yelped.

Steve and Barry's, Part Deux

2006-08-27T14:14:00.000-05:00

Side note: I was reading the comment from someone about how Steve and Barry's treats their employees terribly, and you know, I can totally see it. Revenues, inputs, outputs, all their numbers at the prices that they have, won't add up and the only place that they can make up the numbers is at the expense of their employees and the quality of their goods. It would be a very good case study, actually. I'm always intrigued at these economics.

I digress. From that previous visit, I ended up returning the jeans because I just thought they were of a subpar quality and the black fleece pants because they were too big. Regardless, between back then in April and now, I had also picked up another pair of black fleece pants that fit me much better and doesn't pick up as much fluff as the Steve and Barry ones. Yes, I would totally agree, Steve and Barry's has an inferior quality to it, but that's to be expected for things that are $6.98 or less.

However, I managed to return them during the "Back-To-School" sale, which also advertised everything as $6.98 or less. So I ended up actually getting a long sleeved ILLINOIS shirt and a button down. I really wish they would start an XS line for the tshirts that they have because otherwise all the shirts are really big for me. Or expand the girl line so it's not all cutesy and diva-like. Some of the button-down shirts fit weird, which furthers my above theory. I wanted to get several other shirts, but they all looked weird on me...next time, I suppose. And yes, now I'm officially a poseur.

Shopping spree

2006-07-29T18:05:00.000-05:00

Long time no blog...but it doesn't mean that I haven't shopped! A lot of the stores have had their mid-year annual sales, and it was...just amazing. Not sure if it's because gas prices are ridiculously above $3.00 a gallon, slowing down the economy so stores need to knock prices like mad or if it's just a banner year, but either way, I win!

So the Express and Limited sales weren't all that, as usual. But Bath and Body Works manage to surprise me endlessly. They had their usual stuff on sale, but then I got the Aquatanica Gel Souffle for $4.75. Its original price was $22.00 for 5 oz. And it's some really good stuff! Aquatanica is this new line and is heavy on the whole ocean and seaweed natural ingredients, and I love the souffle. It's light and smells good. I've been meaning to buy a jar, but couldn't reason out paying more than $4 an ounce! So I'm really glad that it went on sale even though the cashier told me that they might be discontinuing the line! I also have had my eye on the Bath and Body Works bathrobe that was originally $60. It is one of the softest robes I have ever felt, and I have been eyeing them since last season's sale. I got it for 75% off, for only $15. So I'm really happy about that.

My new favorite store has been Ann Taylor Loft for the last year since they opened near me. It is very similar to Ann Taylor without the exorbitant prices. They have been having their summer sales; actually it's still going on, but it's been picked over a lot. And I've bought numerous pieces from them such as button shirts and dresses. My great buys include a suit jacket originally for $125, which I got for $29.99. It's simple and black and will work with any skirt or pair of pants. I also bought a pair of tailored black and red striped pants for only $6.88. Seriously, some of these sales are just fabulous. I think currently they may be selling their flipflops for a mere $6.88!

The other store that has had a ridiculous sale has been the Gap. I used to love the Gap when I was in high school; actually I think it's safe to say that I was obsessed with it. But then, they changed CEOs or purchasing managers or something, and they took a path away from the classic pieces that they always have had. They started coming out with ridiculous colors like fushia or lime green or electric blue. Then they started going trendy instead of sticking with the classic styles that everyone needs to have in their wardrobe. They went with all the balloon skirts, thin hanging peasant blouses, and rubber flops that no one could wear to work. I think they're currently trying to find a good balance so there is a lot of chaos in their store branding right now. So they have run a lot of sales, including one over the fourth of July weekend where everything that was on sale was an additional 50% off. It was just absolutely crazy. I bought a jean jacket that was a mere $11, low rise flare jeans for $7.50, and tshirts for $2.50. I bought some other things to round out outfits in my wardrobe...so there were extremely good bargains for me.

Finally, last weekend when I was at home, I stopped by the mall and went to Victoria's Secret. I had expected that their semi-annual sale would be over by now, and it was just wrapping up. In fact, all leftover bras were $12.99 and all leftover panties were a mere $2.99. Score! Those bras were excellent, from Betsey Johnsons to Chantal to IPEX...really, there were like bras for $159 that were selling for a mere $12.99. I have to say too that they were selling their packets of clear bra straps for $2.99 for 3. Those are usually $12! It was a good find, and now I'm practically swimming in new bras!

What I really want now is a Kate Spade PDA case exactly like this one:

Kate Spade Brody PDA Case

Maybe I'll stop by the store this weekend.

Say Goodbye to...Field's

2006-06-28T22:31:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I haven't really dumped anything from my closet...but I haven't really bought any clothes. However...I recently went on a shoe shopping spree. Marshall Field's, which will be changing over to Macy's later this summer, usually holds a clearance sale about this time. It is different than Field Days because their clearance sale is usually about getting rid of this season's merchandise whereas Field Days is merely discounting this season's merchandise.

Usually they have great formal dresses on sale...two years ago I bought a black and pink formal dress originally selling for $260 for $19.97. Actually I bought two, but I returned one out of guilt. But what they also have, which is a cannot-miss, is this incredible shoe sale. I hit three Marshall Field's this past weekend and netted nine new pairs of shoes. With coupons for 20% off every item, it was truly a good shopping deal. I ended up spending less then a total of $200, especially since full prices would have totaled past $600. I ended up getting three pairs of Indeed shoes, two pairs of Nine West shoes, a pair of BCBGirls shoes, two pairs of Bandolinos, and a pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes. There are 7 pairs of black shoes, one brown, and one blue. Hm...I think I'm set for life. Or, just for next season. I really hope that once they change over to Macy's, Macy's will be smart enough to follow the same sale pattern as Field's does.

My Closet is a Spinning Vortex and it's Sucking Me In!

2006-05-24T20:04:00.000-05:00

I swear, I am going to clean my closet and get rid of all the clothes that I do not wear on a regular basis. ....ok, some of the the clothes I do not wear. .... Fine. A few of the clothes I do not wear. I think I can manage that. We have to start small so my feelings of loss can be overcome by feelings of closure.

Also, I never realized how hard it is to give up a pair of jeans and how hard to find new ones you really love. I have a lot of jeans. But I have this favorite pair which really fits me well despite some of the truncal obesity I have acquired. The pair is really worn, and when I fell down the stairs two months earlier, my jeans shredded at the knee. It's still wearable, but it looks kind of weird. I've gone back to where I've gotten them, but I think the store has switched styles or whatnot because nothing fits me as well as this pair did. It's like buying a pair of shoes that you love and then when you finally run the life out of them, you're very upset because you can't find a pair exactly like them!! Wait. Is that just me?? I still have my Phoenix Sam & Libby black flip-flops which I should just finish wearing and then throw out, but I can't find a pair that I love as much as these! And it's been...5 years that I've continously looked!

Despite all this talk about paring down and throwing out stuff, I have to tell you. Forth and Towne sent me a $15 coupon card for me and a friend...so guess who's going shopping soon??! Also, in the newest Shape, Self, and Cosmopolitan issues, there are free coupons for a Victoria Secret's cotton panty. There is also a coupon in the May 22nd issue of People, in case that is still on the shelf.

Steve and Barry's University Sportswear

2006-04-16T21:33:00.000-05:00

The Steve and Barry's close by is having a $6.98 sale, where everything in the store is $6.98! So exciting.

For those of you that do not know, Steve and Barry's University Sportswear is a department style-like store started by two friends (Steve and Barry, obviously). They mainly sell university apparel and casual clothing at very decent prices. The material is somewhat of a lesser quality, but if you need a fun t-shirt or some apparel supporting your favorite college team, this is your store.

The sale has been going on for the last two weeks, but last Friday was the first time I had time to go check it out. The signs are advertising it as a grand opening sale, but this specific store has been open for almost a year. So I am somewhat confused to what that specifically means, and I am also not sure if it is a store-by-store sale or nationwide. Regardless, bargains abound! All their winter and spring clothing are on sale, including all four styles of their jeans! All collegiate sportswear are on sale from t-shirts to hoodies to hats! They also have accessories on sale from watches to jewelry. Finally, they also have workout clothes.

So I picked up several things. I picked up two pairs of jeans, one that is ultra low rise which gives new meaning to "going commando" and the other one which is also low rise, but has a sequin v design on the back pockets. I also picked up a pair of black terrycloth workout pants, but it is a little big for me. They have a smaller size so I might go back and exchange them. I also picked up a boatneck sweater and a black turtleneck. Finally, I picked up a backpack. It is really big, and yes, I really don't need one, but how can you resist for $6.98??!

I wanted to pick up some hats, but I didn't see any schools that I liked. Same went for the t-shirts. I mean, me wearing an ILLINOIS shirt would just seem so poseur-ish. And the Northwestern shirts were too big for me. Next time.

Amusement

2006-04-08T21:58:00.000-05:00

A funny story:

I was at Gurnee Mills last week at the Nine West Outlet checking out their clearance sale because a friend had purchased $12 heels recently. So I walk in, and their sale of the week is Enzo Angiolini pointed slingbacks with kitten heels for $19.99, down from a regular price of $78. I think to myself that it is such a GOOD deal, and I'm on the verge of buying them. I mean, black heels from Enzo for $20? What gets better than that? You can never go wrong with black heels. However, for some reason, I refrained, and all the way home, I was berating myself and thinking, "Well, if I still feel this way tomorrow, I'll go back up there, and get them." Good thing I didn't buy them because when I got home and started counting my shoes, I discovered I already owned the same shoes!

Yes, maybe it's time to clean my closet.

Connected

2006-03-04T19:07:00.000-06:00

T-Mobile Hotspots are free during the weekend if your cell phone is a T-Mobile plan. It's this promotion that they are hosting for an indeterminate amount of time. Awesome. Simply go to the Hotspot, open your browser, and it should take you to the T-Mobile website where you can click on the Free Weekends button, enter your phone number, and shortly thereafter receive a 6-number code by text message to enter on the website to sign on!

So of course, that is the primary reason why I hit up Borders. But they also have a $1 clearance rack. Last week, I got a nice faux crocodile planner for 2006. A bit late in the year, but I always have high hopes of organizing my life.

Also, Ann Taylor Loft just marked down more things for clearance. Have to stop by in the store and check out the online site.

Green with Envy

2006-02-14T23:57:00.000-06:00

One of my friends (K) today told me that she went shopping and bought two DKNY tops for approximately $7.00 each! Now that is a good bargain!

Aeropostale

2006-02-13T22:29:00.000-06:00

Aeropostale Sale. All Clearance items another 50% off. Nice! Workout shirts for $5, workout pants for $8. I snagged a hoodie for $3! Will be going back for more!

Although, the dumb girl at the register forgot to take the security tag off my hoodie. I now have to bring it back!

Shopping Spree at Jcrew.com

2006-01-27T23:00:00.000-06:00

So, the winter sale at JCrew is going on right now. They actually still have some nice merchandise. The prices are not as good as their online sale a couple years back, but I'll take the clothes at these prices. Here are some of the things I bought:

1) Belted cardigan for $59.99

2) A Car Coat Sweater for $49.99

3) Lyndsey cotten cady dress for $69.99. Isn't it so pretty? I got it in bright sherbet...I hope I can pull it off!

4) Limited Edition duchesse satin long skirt for $199.99. And if you thought buying the above dress was crazy, this definitely is. I don't even know where I would wear this too, but I really like how it drapes. Maybe I need to buy a mannequin next so I can just put the skirt on it and admire how it falls.

5) Grace silk faille dress for $69.99. Isn't this one so pretty too? I like it lots.

6) Plaza Coat with Thinsulate for $199.99. I actually didn't buy this one because I actually had acquired some sanity by this point and was wondering how well I could keep this coat in his camel color state. But I am in the need of a nice long formal coat. We'll see if I'll get this one later.

Crate and Barrel

2006-01-17T18:20:00.000-06:00

I guess Ikea is taking a pretty big chunk out of the revenues of similar stores.

Crate and Barrel is introducing a new line of furniture where a consumer can plan to save money because it is made to be assembled at home! They're calling it the Ready to Assemble Line. They are touting the line to be the high quality consumers have come to expect from Crate and Barrel, but cheaper as the buyers do the assembly in the comfort of their own homes.

I bet Tim Allen will be first in line. Oh wait, that was just a TV show.

One for you...one for me!

2006-01-13T16:49:00.000-06:00

I dropped a ton of money at the UIC Bookstore today...and it wasn't even on books. I spent the money all on UIC baby apparel for a dear friend who is pregnant! Boy, who would have thought that those licensed baby clothes were EXPENSIVE? Those kids will outgrow the apparel in no time! Steve and Barry's really need to start thinking of a newborn department because I would be first in line! You know it's all about the licensing and the logo which causes the prices to skyrocket.

So then I needed some good retail therapy. Nothing like buying stuff for others that shout for more spending. First stop was Express. Jeans were $29.99, and jackets were $49.99. There were party tops for $9.99 and up. Sweaters were $19.99 and velour activewear was $14.99. There were boxes of tops for $9.99 and up also. Not much of a selection, I thought. The best was this rack of newly marked 50% off merchandise! I got two lambswool button-down sweaters for $14.99 each, and surprisingly a fancy camisole that I have coveted forever for $5.99. The actual coveted camisole was a lacy black number from Limited last season; however, this one was silver with black lace and is just as nice.

Then I stopped by Bath and Body Works, whose semi-annual sale is still happening. Most of the Pleasures line is 3 for $15 while the anti-bacterial gels are 4 for $10. Tutti Dolci souffles are $10 as are other creams. They had trial sizes of things they plan to introduce this season on sale for 2 for $5. However, my favorite is the 75% off table. I grabbed a couple of baskets for $2.50 each. I also succumbed to temptation and bought a Tutti Dolci Apple Torta Moisturizing Souffle and a Tutti Dolci Lemon Meringue Lotion at those sale prices. I don't even like the Tutti Dolci line that much because it is sickenly sweet, but oh, the power of retail therapy. Maybe if I ever become sane again, I'll return it.

Then I headed to Victoria's Secret where all clearance panties are now $2.99. They had GREAT choices...I got a couple of Body thongs in neutral colors! Sweet! A lot of their sleepwear was on sale too. Their bronzing lotion was also $4.99, which is a total steal. There are also some makeup kits on sale.

Finally, I stopped by the Limited because I have this coupon that says that if I purchase 5 things, my sixth would be free. They had a lot of tops for $6.99 and up. Pants were $9.99 and up. Sweaters were $14.99 and up. Alas, I couldn't really find anything that I wanted. A lot of the tops were flimsy and looked really old to me for some reason.

Now, I just have to find a place where I can get tissue paper on sale!

Banana Republic

2006-01-12T18:49:00.000-06:00

My favorite! Free shipping at Banana Republic on any petite style. Enter EPETITE at checkout. Valid until April 30, 2006!! You can bet I'll be taking advantage! I wouldn't mind a new black dress!

American Girl

2006-01-10T15:24:00.000-06:00

American Girl's newest doll is half-Irish, half-Japanese. Her name is Jess, and the story takes place in Belize where her parents work as archaeologists. First, thumbs up for an Asian doll, finally!! Thumbs down, why couldn't they have made a full-blooded Asian and talked about her heritage?

I used to be a big fan of American Girl when it was just Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly. I thought the stories were enchanting, and the whole company really captured certain periods of American history. Then the company just exploded and began introducing doll after doll. Felicity. Addie. Kit. Josefina. Kaya. The stories were not as tightly woven together, and it seemed that the company was trying to fill some kind of void. Fill some kind of void it did...it became a national symbol for girls all over the country and an instant fad. American Girl began opening stores to accommodate its mail order business, and revenues started pouring in. Girls would drag their parents and dolls to have tea in the store with up to three hour waiting periods for a table. They would pick out new matching outfits and send their dolls to the doll salon conveniently available on location. And in their eyes, it was pure magic.

It is still magic, but as I am older and hopefully somewhat wiser, I am somewhat jaded by the entire process. It started when they introduced Addy, an attempt to delve into the life of African-Americans. It continued with Josefina with a story about Latinos and their life in the United States. They introduced more dolls, but not one of them were Asian. Even their Just like You doll collection specifically geared towards buying dolls that looked like the customer herself only had two Asian choices. Neither of the choices were particularly spectacular; they indeed were truly stereotypical in what an Asian looks like.

Then in 2005, they introduced their girl of the year, Marisol, who suspiciously looked like JLo as Jenny from the block. A lot of controversy ensued over the story as it detailed flight from the city into the suburbs. Still, it was a hit. Now, in 2006, they are introducing Jess, who is detailed as having almond-shaped eyes and loose braids. Please. Almond-shaped eyes are the most stereotypical Asian comment ever. Not only that, but the story is about her living in Belize! Basically, it is a story about your everyday American girl living abroad! I wish they had a full-blooded Asian doll on the role of Asians in United States history instead of this seemingly cop-out to attract Asian kids.

Gurnee Mills

2006-01-04T18:06:00.000-06:00

One of the first significant outlet malls to open in Northern Illinois was Gurnee Mills. Easily accessible by I-94, it is shaped like a backwards N and is haphazardly filled with all sorts of stores ranging from the JCPenney Outlet Store to the Banana Republic Factory Store.

As part of the post-holiday shopping, yesterday was spent at Gurnee Mills. The last time I went up there, I was probably still in high school, head-over-heels in love with the newfound freedom of having a car. I don't remember what I bought then, but I do remember having sensation overload plus going through piles and piles of discarded merchandise. More than a couple of years later, I still have the same reaction.

Gurnee Mills has gone somewhat upwards in store names. They actually have Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger, Nine West, Nautica, Abercrombie, and Guess factory outlets. They also actually have regular stores such as Bath and Body Works, Archivers, Aeropostale, American Eagle, and a Kohl's. But they still have the stores where the merchandise is torn and the display itself is a mess, such as Rue21 and Deb. And of course, they still have those kitschy storefronts where the names are forgettable and the merchandise is questionable. Who buys those moving pictures? Is that not the tackiest thing you have ever seen?

A couple of ironies though, chief amongst them that Forever 21 here was much better organized than the one at Woodfield ever is. There is a roller/ice rink now by JCPenney. They also have shiatsu massage chairs interspersed throughout the mall. They also have huge shopping carts one can rent for the day! I saw a family with three of these shopping carts stuffed to the brim. Sometimes I wonder what people buy here...because I never find anything to amount to a big purchase. My purchase of the day? Some cardstock and 12x12 paper from Archivers. Puny, indeed.

New Outfits

2005-12-30T17:24:00.000-06:00

There is this mad rush to hit the stores before year's end. Post-holiday sales, year-end markdowns, coupons encouraging the power of owning.

It becomes a real life game of Monopoly as one goes from store to store...trying to figure out when each store's sales become the true deal. For some stores, it's the post-holiday week. For others, the excellent deals won't be found until mid-January when prices are ruthlessly slashed to meet quarterly predictions and to welcome in the spring fashions.

Yet, for some stores, their sales seem to start earlier and earlier. Like my all-time favorite Bath and Body Works. Their semi-annual sale has semi-started already. In the stores, it's a rather pitiful shopping spree as most holiday gifts sets are either at 40% or 50% off. However, it's been reported that several high-ticket items online have been marked down to 75%, thus spurring an incredible, yet frustrating, buying frenzy on the recently unveiled online store site. What makes it more confusing is that apparently the 75% off is only available through a link found in the emails sent; otherwise, one is doomed only to find gift baskets marked for 40% off. However, the thrill of finding a good deal is somewhat pessimistically altered by the fact that many of the orders are backordered and ultimately end up being cancelled. Apparently Scrooge hasn't completely left the building.

My new favorite store, however, is Ann Taylor Loft. Less expensive than Ann Taylor and a lot more contemporary and classic than its older sibling which caters to the career woman. Their dressing rooms are spacious, and the lighting does not attempt to cut you in a favorable light. All they need is to serve brownies and wine in them like they do in the Bliss Spa. But I digress. Ann Taylor Loft is in the middle of their post-holiday sale, and bargains are truly to be found. Dress shirts for $24.99. Pants for $29.99 and up. Fleece jackets for $19.99. Suit jackets for $54.99. And many more. My score for the day was a cream tank and shell for a mere $30, reduced from $80. With my extra $20 off coupon should I use my Ann Taylor credit card, it became a $10 purchase.

Sometimes, braving the crowds is absolutely worth it.

Shopping Politics

2005-12-12T14:11:00.000-06:00

Really Interesting:

Shopping Your Politics
By Alan Abramowitz

With the holidays upon us, some of us might wish to be mindful of who we patronize relative to their Election Cycle political donations, as reported by the Center for Responsive Politics.

Democrats:
Price Club/Costco donated $225K, of which 99% went to Democrats;
Rite Aid, $517K, 60% to Democrats;
Magla Products (Stanley tools, Mr. Clean), $22K, 100% to Democrats;
Warnaco (undergarments), $55K, 73% to Democrats;
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, $153K, 99% to Democrats;
Estee Lauder, $448K, 95% to Democrats;
Guess? Inc., $145K, 98% to Democrats;
Calvin Klein, $78K, 100% to Democrats;
Liz Claiborne, Inc., $34K, 97% to Democrats;
Levi Straus, $26K, 97% to Democrats;
Olan Mills, $175K, 99% to Democrats;
Gallo Winery, $337K, 95% to Democrats;
Southern Wine & Spirits, $213K, 73% to Democrats;
Joseph E. Seagrams & Sons (includes beverage business, plus considerablemedia interests), $2M+, 67% to Democrats;
Sonic Corporation, $83K, 98% to Democrats;
Triarc Companies (Arby's, T.J. Cinnamon's, Pasta Connections), $112K, 96% to Democrats; Hyatt Corporation, $187K, 80% to Democrats.

Republicans:
WalMart, $467K, 97% to Republicans;
K-Mart, $524K, 86% to Republicans;
Home Depot, $298K, 89% to Republicans;
Target, $226K, 70% to Republicans;
Circuit City Stores, $261K, 95% to Republicans;
3M Co., $281K, 87% to Republicans;
Hallmark Cards, $319K, 92% to Republicans;
Amway, $391K, 100% to Republicans;
Kohler Co. (plumbing fixtures), $283K, 100% to Republicans;
B.F. Goodrich (tires), $215K, 97% to Republicans;
Proctor & Gamble, $243K, 79% to Republicans;
Coors, $174K, 92% to Republicans;
Brown-Forman Corp. (Southern Comfort, Jack Daniels, Bushmills, Korbel wines- as well as Lennox China, Dansk, Gorham Silver), $644, 80% to Republicans;
Pilgrim's Pride Corp. (chicken), $366K, 100% to Republicans;
Outback Steakhouse, $641K, 95% to Republicans;
Tricon Global Restaurants (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell), $133K, 87% to Republicans;
Brinker International (Maggiano's, Brinker Cafe, Chili's, On theBorder, Macaroni Grill, Crazymel's, Corner Baker, EatZis), $242K, 83% to Republicans;
Waffle House, $279K, 100% to Republicans;
McDonald's Corp., $197K, 86% to Republicans;
Darden Restaurants (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Smokey Bones, BahamaBreeze), $121K, 89% to Republicans;
Mariott International, $323K, 81% to Republicans;
Holiday Inns, $38K, 71% to Republicans.

The Shopping Bags!

2005-12-07T15:48:00.000-06:00

Excitement!

There is this new show on the Fine Living Network called The Shopping Bags! It features two women, Anna Wallner and Kristina Matisic, who take a look at the highest quality products for the lowest possible prices. They also give out practical consumer information that all educated buyers should have when they are out purchasing products. This is originally a show out of Canada, the W network, and has been syndicated to the Fine Living Network.

The Fine Living website doesn't say much about the show itself, just a list of aired episode dates. However, it gives the main website address, which is really just the W Network website. On that website, there is a plethora of things to read and peruse!

The website includes information about products that they have tested, shop talk, tips on shopping, various articles, and show clips. It gives a lot of tips on a variety of subjects so it is definitely worth checking out! They also are actually looking for product testers in Vancouver to help them out! I wish I lived there!

Finally, the show hostesses are currently promoting their new book: The Shopping Bags: Tips, Tricks, and Inside Information to Make you a Savvy Shopper. You can get it at Amazon here. I ordered my book so hopefully I'll write about it soon! Better yet, start watching the show on the Fine Living Network!

Sample tip: You want to buy a silicone eyelash curler because the rubber ones break.

Sample This!

2005-12-01T17:15:00.000-06:00

Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill at Crate and Barrel.
He will be preparing recipes from his new book Mexican Everyday and signing autographs.

Friday, December 9, 2005
1-2:30 pm
Crate and Barrel at 646 N. Michigan Avenue

Clinique's Holiday Sale

2005-11-30T17:01:00.000-06:00

So...the holiday season has started. Crazed lines, end of the year markdowns, lots of pushing, shoving, and grabbing, and let's all remember...good will to men (or women).

Clinique is having a unique sale online. Purchase one of the following, and get two deluxe free samples and also free standard shipping. Nice.

Let's start with: the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion with Pump (4.2 oz, $23.00). With this, receive deluxe samples of Body SFP 15 Gel and Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser. Enter offer code Holiday052 at checkout.

Next up: the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (for oilier skins, 4.2 oz, $23.00). With this, receive deluxe samples of Repairwear Day SPF 15 Intensive Cream and Touch Tint for Eyes in Nude Sparkle. Enter offer code Holiday051 at checkout.

Another choice is: the Moisture Surge Extra Thirsty Skin Relief (2.5 oz, $42.00). With it, receive deluxe samples of High Impact Mascara and All About Eyes. Enter offer code Holiday054 at checkout.

You could also try: Repairwear Deep Wrinkle Concentrate for Face and Eye (1.4 oz, $54.00). With it, receive deluxe samples of Aromatics Elixir Fragrance and Superdefense Triple Action Moisturizer SPF 25 Very Dry. Enter offer code Holiday 053 at checkout.

Finally, for all the men in your life, get them: the Happy for Men Fragrance (3.4 oz, $45.00). With it, receive deluxe samples of Skin Supplies for Men Oil Control Hydrator and Repairwear Deep Wrinkle Concentrate. Enter offer code Holiday056 at checkout.

Offer ends December 4, 2005.

Bugaboo Frog Strollers

2005-11-16T14:45:00.000-06:00

I want a Bugaboo stroller. The wheels look really sturdy, and the stroller itself is very versatile. They are like the SUVs of the stroller world.

Oops, they did it again!

2005-11-02T14:46:00.000-06:00

I used to love Abercrombie & Fitch sweaters. I still wear them because they keep me amazingly warm. Their $10 clearance sale every year? Nice. Their itty-bitty camisoles and tees? Would love to fit in them. But seriously, they need to stop with the attitude tees, the racist slogans, and the gray lines they continously flirt with in all aspects of their merchandising.

Katie Couric on Today hosted several teenagers from the Women and Girls Foundation from southwest Pennsylvania today. They are organizing a girlcott of Abercrombie due to this year's controversial attitude tees demeaning blondes, brunettes, and women in general. It's not the first time someone's organized a boycott of Abercrombie. Before this, Abercrombie had their Asian fiasco (how much more stereotypical can you get?!). And before that, they endured uproar over their bare-skin-obsessed magazine, which is now defunct.

I talk a lot about empowerment and women power. And I think that Abercrombie, in putting this winter line out, does a great disservice to all the women in the world. Yes, I agree that it will only be dumb people who will buy these shirts. I agree that most teenagers wouldn't think of wearing them. However, Abercrombie needs to realize that they should not have put those tees out for sale in the first place. It is wholy inappropriate. Plus, some of the shirts just don't make sense! Like you really have to be missing a few screws in order to even wear something like that. Take a look.

Hm. Adored? I don't think so. Where does the phrase "blonde bimbo" come from? How about "blondes have more fun"? That's right, from guys who want to bag girls. Lust and adoration are way two different things. Oh, and in a recent Cosmo magazine, a poll concluded that guys actually preferred brunettes. In my mind, why should it even make a difference?

How about this one? Let's see, should we applaud them because a Phi looks like an I? Or maybe the Omega looks like an O? How about the Sigmas as E's? Please. Interesting concept, but it totally falls flat. Unless of course, Abercrombie wants to change the spelling of Greek to Grssk.

Of course! Every girl's dream is to be a double D! Who cares if we are simpering idiots who are not able to use our brains?! We'll just all find sugar daddies, shake our chests at them, and be pampered the rest of our lives, even when our chests start to sag, huge back problems overtake our lives, and our sugar daddy dumps our ass for a girl 20 years younger!

OH. Here is my personal favorite. Abercrombie, I guess Sesame Street was too G-rated and non-controversial for you. I count 16 names, not 15. However, I, being the brainy sort of girl that I am, can see that you may mean R-rated encounters. Then I gotta say, don't you have any self-respect?? Don't fill your poor pretty brain with so many names! You might confuse yourself! Because after all, good thing you're still relying on your chest!! (On a side note: It must be pretty great to be a George in today's world!)

This one...I gotta admit, I've used this line before. Or actually, have had this line asked of me before given my background. But unless you're willing to demonstrate the spatial positions of the nerve, artery, vein...you're apparently going to be relying a lot on that chest!

Are these tees demeaning? Depends on the beholder. Should these tees even be out in stores causing controversy? No. The unsaid rule that we were all taught in polite society is that if you can't say something nice, don't say it at all. And friends, we shouldn't even have to say it at all. So...join in the girlcott of Abercrombie and Fitch and hurt them where it hurts this holiday season.

Black Friday at Wal-Mart

2005-11-01T13:37:00.000-06:00

CNN had an article today on Gottadeal's sneak peek on what Wal-Mart is deciding to sell at low prices this year the day after Thanksgiving. Some very very cool prices:

Hewlett-Packard Pavilion ze2308wm Notebook Computer for $398
HP Photosmart E317 Digital Camera for $98.88
Lexmark all-in-one printer, scanner, and copier for $39.88
1/10th Scale Hummer H2 or Jeep Radio Control Vehicle for $20.00
20" Flat Screen TV/DVD Player Combo for $129.83
256 MB USB 2.0 Flash Drive for $13.88
Kodak 3.1 MP EasyShare CD33 Digital Camera for $129.74

Check out the website; it's down right now due to the influx, but they promise it'll be back up soon!

Jamaica in December!

2005-10-31T16:36:00.000-06:00

SWEET!

Spirit Airlines is having a $9 fare sale to Jamaica! Flies out of O'Hare and to either Montego Bay or Kingston. There are selected dates, and it looks like flights are running out fast!

The only downside to it is that taxes average $100. Still, with the $18 roundtrip fare and $100 fees, it's still less than what you would pay to visit NYC on a weekend! Here's the link.

Shopping Spree

2005-10-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

Marshall Field's
Reaction Kenneth Cole Black Wedges $34.97
Clinique Clarifying Lotion II $19.00

So Good Jewelry
Sparkly necklace $9.99

Express
Camisole $5.99
Gauzy shrug $9.99

Gap
Black Bikini $0.97
Floaty brown Tank Top $1.97
Stretch Black Sleeveless Tank Top $1.97
Pink Classic Button-Down $12.97
Cream Jacket $19.97

Urban Outfitters
Gauzy sweater $29.99
Belt $4.99

Charlotte Russe
White peasant skirt $10.00
Black flirty dress $19.99
Stressed camisole 2 for $20

JCrew
Pink button cardigan $29.99
Distressed Chinos $19.99
Cargo Corduroys $19.99

Bath and Body Works
Aptiva Eucalyptus Sea Salt Scrub $20.00
breathe Serenity wash Free with coupon

Energy Boost: PRICELESS

A trip to Woodfield does wonders. C.O. Bigelow is opening a store in Woodfield. The Grand Opening is October 27. First 100 people who purchase something will get small travel samples of their Lemon Cream and Quince lotion. I wonder how they are going to balance Bath and Body Works and C.O. Bigelow in the same mall since they carry many of the same products!

Check out Forth and Towne, Gap's newest branding concept for career women over age 35. The store touts an Indulge membership which includes free alterations and specials once you spend over $500. They also offer free tea on Tuesdays, and their dressing rooms are like little boudoirs. The store is based on four tiers of merchandise: 1) Gap Edition, 2) Vocabulary, 3)Allegory, and 4) Prize, and the clothes range from relaxation clothes to business suits to party outfits. It manages to stay classic yet somewhat trendy and molds in what middle-aged women would want in an outfit.

A Flavor of Fashion

2005-10-14T17:01:00.000-05:00

A Flavor of Fashion
Monday, October 17, 2005; 7:00 pm
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington Street
312.744.9350 (reservations required)

A collaboration between Chicago's fashion designers and chefs result in a multimedia feast for the senses. This event will feature a runway show, food, and a special performance. Chefs include ones from Vermilion, one sixtyblue, TRU, and National 27. Best yet, the event is free. Who can beat that?!

Fashion Trends at Colleges

2005-10-13T19:34:00.000-05:00

For proof of my voracious CNN addiction, you just have to look at what I just dug up.

CNN is running a blog this year of 14 college student correspondents and what the fashion trends are on their campuses. It's pretty neat. Lots of shopping ideas. You can check it out here.

Five must-haves this fall:
1) Sparkly ballet flats
2) Knee-high boots
3) Boxy jackets
4) Light trench coat
5) Anything velvet

Five to skip:
1) Gaucho pants
2) Fur
3) Wearing belts over your shirt.
4) Tucking your jeans into your boots!
5) The ugly fake silvery shiny shoulder bags that everyone carries around nowadays.

Pretty Lights

2005-10-04T19:06:00.000-05:00

So pretty. Only from Pottery Barn for a mere $69!

In other news, both Limited and Express are having Fall Sales. They look like the Semi-Annual Sales.

Bebe is also have a super sale...there are things for 65% off. A black peasant skirt for $25 and a black top for $16 were some of the things that I snapped up.

Scented Underwear and Fishnets...oh boy!

2005-09-29T17:03:00.000-05:00

Life needs spice...and variety.

Melonets is a company that produces scented underwear and fishnets. It is a pretty new company but is garnering rave reviews by celebrities.

They offer scented underwear in a fresh melon scent with special natural deodorizers from $22-$25. They also offer fishnets too for $28.

The website says that the scent will last for about 15 washes.

Who comes up with these ideas?

Marshall Field's ----> Macy's??

2005-09-20T15:10:00.000-05:00

It's almost official. Federated Department Stores, Inc. announced today that they plan on changing all of their Marshall Field's stores into Macy's stores by fall of 2006. What might seem to be considered an economical move by the Cincinnati-based company is seen as a blow to many Chicagoans. For many of us, Marshall Field's is a landmark that we all grew up with and enjoyed. We eagerly await the unveiling of the Christmas windows every year. The clock on State Street serves as an obvious meeting place for all. And while the city harrumphed over Block 37 and revived the theatre district just north of the department store, Marshall Field's stoically stood on, calmly marking the passing time.

Marshall Field's may lack the basic flair of Neiman Marcus or Von Maur. But what it has is of historic proportions. The Walnut Room. The signature green bags and logo. Select shopping was started at Field's before it became a consistency throughout all department stores. Frango mints. No other department store has those shopping traditions that all Chicagoans have come to recognize.

For myself, my spiel in retail started at Marshall Field's. Although that has long ended, I still have my discount card from when I was an employee. And the secret to hitting Woodfield? There is never a line at the Field's women washrooms. Stupid, yes, but have you ever stood for 30 minutes waiting for a stall in Woodfield? I rest my case. And for Macy's? Doesn't that belong in New York?

$$$

2005-09-19T18:50:00.000-05:00

You know those Coinstar Centers that you find in grocery stores? They can take your change and give you back dollars minus an 8.5% handling fee. I always thought it was rather useless; why not just stop by your bank and have them convert your coins there? It would have been a smaller handling fee, if there was even any. Convenience, I suppose.

However, today's newspaper had an article about Coinstar branching out with the option of getting a pre-paid gift card with NO subtracted handling fee. The vendors of the gift cards include Amazon, Starbucks, and Pier One. There are some Coinstar Centers with prepaid phone cards too. There is also the option of getting a Mastercard pre-paid card, but with a fee. Talk about options galore. What was intriguing about the article was the idea that this is going to reach people out there that want to buy things online, but do not have any credit cards, mainly teenagers. I would even venture to say, it may even reach people who didn't want to use Coinstar simply because of the exorbitant handling fee. Throw in the choice of an Amazon gift card for the full amount of your coins, and you have easily lured in a buyer. Not to mention the idea of a Starbucks card. Who would have thought that their milk jug would easily contain three or four lattes?

Recipe for Relief

2005-09-15T17:39:00.000-05:00

Continuing in the most recent spiel of shopping, eating, and philanthropy, here is a culinary event worth looking into. It is an event whose proceeds go to America's Second Harvest and the New Orleans Hospitality Workers Disaster Relief Fund. Special guests include Susan Spicer of Bayona and Cat Cora, Food Network Iron Chef/co-founder of Chefs of Humanity, not to mention over 70 of Chicago's best chefs in one location and beer from Goose Island. It promises to be a heavenly gustatory experience! Not only that, but there will be a silent auction also.

Date: Thursday, October 6th, 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Location: The Grand Ballroom at McCormick Place South
Cost: $50 per person
For more information, see the website.

all you need is LOVE: Love Parade, San Francisco Style 2005

2005-09-12T19:10:00.000-05:00

Several years ago, when I was in Berlin taking my classes in architecture and political science, I re-discovered the hidden gems of H&M, Benetton - European-style, KaDeWe, Sanssouci, French Galeries Lafayette, Nikolaiviertel, and Hackescher Markt. Not to mention, gyros as only the Turks can make them, gelato, bratwurst, Europa Center, Potsdamer Platz, the top of the Brandenburg Gate, the British Embassy, and of course, the stupendous bread. Hm. I just listed a lot of stores and food.

Nevertheless, that trip to Europe holds a lot of fond memories, such as bears, the Tour de France, six-course meals in Prague, the easyInternetcafes, R-rated museums not found in the U.S., but above all, the Love Parade. What other city in the world allows its main boulevard to be shut down for a week to let hoards of people dressed in questionable fur leg warmers, jewel-studded bikinis, teased-up hairdos, and not much else, ride on floats thudding with the latest in techno and house music?? Which other parade has its participants stripping, dancing, and climbing streetlights? Only the Berlin Love Parade, where for the afternoon, only love, music, condoms, and outrageous costumes matter.

It is one of my favorite memories of unique Berlin. But an email landed in my inbox yesterday promoting the Love Parade in San Francisco this year on September 24th. Love Parade? San Francisco? They already have their distinguished Gay Pride Parade! Let Tel-Aviv try to imitate the Love Parade...but really, for a city which has already so many notable attractions, cramming one more in just makes it seem...ordinary.

I still like San Francisco for their jam though. Yum.

Hurricane Katrina

2005-09-07T18:58:00.000-05:00

Italian Food and Fast Cars

2005-08-24T17:29:00.000-05:00

8th Annual Italian Village Ferrari Festival

Eat, drink, be merry, and take in your fill of fast cars at the Italian Village restaurants on Monroe this Sunday, August 28th, from 11 am to 2 pm. For a $25 donation that benefits Children's Memorial Hospital, there is an Italian lunch buffet with wine and beer. Outdoors, there are more than 50 Ferraris lined up waiting to be admired. There will also be outside entertainment, including short Ferrari rides along Lake Shore Drive! Vroom, vroom!

More food adventures!

2005-08-23T16:24:00.000-05:00

Northbrook Court has been taunting shoppers lately...proclaiming that the Lettuce Entertain You chain is planning a themed restaurant at the shopping mall. This has gone on for almost a year. They announced officially today that Lettuce Entertain You is going to bring a Magic Pan crepe stand to the mall. Yummy! Magic Pan was a chain of restaurants that apparently specialized in crepes in the 1970s. I imagine it was a blend of Walker Brothers, Vie de France, and Panera since googling it brings up all these recipes like orange almond salad.

There is only one revived Magic Pan, and that one is in the Mall of America. Soon, there will be two! I can't wait to see it! The fun thing is that Magic Pan lives on...as I even found a Yahoo! group dedicated to Magic Pan and exchanging recipes from the original chain! The best part of it is that it's rumored that the crepes will cost around $5. Yum!

The Ultimate Drive...to Find a Cure

2005-08-19T15:02:00.000-05:00

BMW and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation have teamed up together to create The Ultimate Drive to raise money one mile at a time for breast cancer research and outreach programs. Choose a BMW, take it for a drive, and for every mile you drive, BMW will donate $1 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

It's been going on all summer, but The Ultimate Drive is about to hit Illinois later this month and in September, which explains the plugging now. You've always wanted to drive a BMW convertible...go do it now for a great cause!! Visit http://www.bmwusa.com/theultimatedrive to sign up and get more information.

Seven Wonders of the World

2005-08-13T19:12:00.000-05:00

This is an amazing book that I picked up a couple months ago. It features a bunch of places that, obviously and redundantly, people should go to see before they die. All of these places featured are wonders of the world, figuratively speaking, because they show off the culture and the flair of the location in question. Not only that, but there are some great examples of architectural wonders and gravity-defying structures in this book. I've gone through the book and checked the places I've been too and dream about visiting more. Irony of the day: I've been to more places in the Czech Republic than in Germany in this book!! Go figure.

For history buffs' sakes, the seven ancient wonders of the world were:

1) The pyramids of Egypt - Three of them at Giza and the only one of the ancient wonders left.
2) The hanging gardens of Babylon - Built by Nebuchadnezzar around 600 B.C.
3) The statue of Zeus at Olympia - Made of gold and ivory.
4) The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus - Destroyed by Goths in A.D. 262
5) The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus - Erected by Queen Artemisia in Asia Minor
6) The Colossus at Rhodes - A bronze status of Apollo destroyed during an earthquake in 224 B.C.
7) The Pharos (Lighthouse) of Alexandria - Also destroyed by an earthquake

Historians then made up another list of the seven wonders of the ancient world to include cultures outside of the Mediterranean. This list includes Stonehenge in England and the Taj Mahal in India.

Then there are also Seven Wonders of the Modern World. These are generally agreed to be the Channel Tunnel between England and France, the CN Tower in Toronto, the Empire State Building in New York, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Itaipu Dam between Brazil and Paraguay, the Netherlands North Sea Protection Works, and the Panama Canal.

Now comes the quest for the Seven Wonders of Chicago brought to you by the Chicago Tribune and WGN. Over a span of several months, they will be gathering a list from readers' suggestions. Go on and submit yours. I think the idea is mind-boggling...it is incredible to pick 7. These were mine:

1) The Chicago River and its locks that reverse its flow.
2) Lower Wacker Drive - It is an entire different culture below the city.
3) Millennium Park - And its ability to draw together a city through art and culture.
4) LaSalle Bank's Mural Wall over the Kennedy Expressway - And its ability to showcase the zeitgeist of the city at that particular moment.
5) 333 Wacker Drive - Designed by the architects Kohn Pedersen Fox, it follows the bend of the river and reflects the sun in the afternoon into this fiery display on the green glass.
6) Bahai Temple - Situated off Sheridan Road in Wilmette, it is glitteringly white and gorgeous, day and night.
7) Lake Point Tower - The only residential tower east of Lake Shore Drive today. The three prong based architecture also inspired Harbor Point and 5415 North Sheridan.

Of course I also thought of Wrigley Field and the Cubs, NU rocks, Sears Tower, the old Water Tower, Museum Campus, neighborhood enclaves (Devon, Argyle, Cermak, Lincoln Square), the Wrigley Building, the wedding tower (33 S. Wacker) because they all say Chicago, but I think these seven won out. What do you think? I'd like to hear your opinions too!

Bruegger's is Alive and Well!

2005-07-21T17:05:00.000-05:00

YumYum

In high school, I was obsessed with Bruegger's. The coffee. The bagels. The bagel sandwiches. Lunch hour was spent at Bruegger's. I even toted a coffee mug bearing its logo. It was that delicious.

Pretty soon after graduation or even slightly before, they closed Bruegger's. I was devastated. Open lunch didn't mean anything anymore; it was better to take a nap. Runs between the high schools lost their allure. If I had to go to South, the reward for freezing my butt off for three hours was a stop at Bruegger's afterwards, now gone forever. There were wannabe substitutions, of course: Panera, Great Harvest, Big Apple, Einstein. None of them came close. I've gone all over to try to find a replacement; so far it hasn't happened. I settled for a different kind of dish entirely...Chipotle.

But I've just recently discovered that Bruegger's isn't dead after all...it's just not in Illinois anymore. I can get Bruegger's in Wisconsin! And in Iowa! Yum. Smoked salmon on a cinnamon sugar bagel, here I come.

Restaurant Journals

2005-07-18T20:00:00.000-05:00

I just spent two hours trying to find a restaurant journal that I could download onto my computer to use. Needless to say, I couldn't find one. This particular obsession started Thursday night when Sharon recommended this amazing restaurant in Chicago, and in my list-making state, I thought it would have been nice to start a running tally of all the restaurants I have enjoyed.

There are two options. One is to start a restaurant journal online in the form of a blog. The other is to buy an actual restaurant journal. I found two that I really like. This goes on My Wish List as I think about a decision.

Before pictures, in the fruitless search for a download, I did manage to come across a resource. Amazon has restaurant menus online. What a gift from the carry-out/planning dinner gods!

Inside of "Restaurants to Check Out". Can be bought at Amazon.

Dining Out - A Restaurant Journal. Can be bought at Journals Unlimited

Dining Out Mini Journal

Dining Out Restaurant Journal Full Size

Shopping Spree Summer

2005-07-05T14:14:00.000-05:00

It's summer! It's July! It means lots of sales!

First off, Lord and Taylor is having its Clinique Bonus Time with a $21.50 purchase. It's a really good deal since the colors are pretty and the bag is decent, not gaudy as some of the extras have been in the past! The Bonus Time will last until mid-July. Excellent as I've been needing desperately my dramatically moisturizing lotion!

Bonus Time!

In other makeup news, you can get free lip gloss from the Brass Plum Department at Nordstrom. I haven't tried it yet but it looks slick! All you have to do is visit the website, and click on the coupon to print it out.

If makeup doesn't strike your fancy, why not clothes? Stores are having sales everywhere. Case in point:

Banana Republic: Up to 60% online and in stores (I picked up several tops from the spring collection. Tops and skirts are mainly on sale. There are pants also. Prices are $14.99 and up.)
American Eagle Outfitters: Up to 65% off on clearance items (I picked up a halter top for $4 and several workout shirts. A lot of shirts are on sale.)
Express: Up to 70% off (This sale disappoints me for several reasons, mainly because of overpriced stock and poor selections. The lace top I bought from February 3 is now $7.99 along with other tank tops. Other tops are $9.99, $19.99 or even $29.99. Skirts and pants are $19.99 but they are patterned or striped; there are no solid colors. Camisoles are $14.99. The best bet is the dress rack, where dresses that were originally $180 have been marked down to either $29.99 or $49.99 depending on the style of the dress. While it is an incredible markdown, the dresses are very casual with a lot of gold beading. Too gaudy for my taste. The red leather tote bag that I have had my eye on forever is $19.99 but I can't find it in me to spend almost $20 on something that I covet but will probably never use because a) I'll be afraid of spilling something on it and b) it's really red. But if the price goes down on that, I'll be first in line to buy one!)
Limited: Up to 60% off (This sale has camisoles for $9.99. I am currently on a hunt for the black camisole with black lace; I bought one for a friend recently and now I am looking for one for myself because it has totally grown on me! I can't find ANY in the stores though. They have other tops for $6.97, which are really leftovers from the winter sale or thin shirts. Some other tops are $14.99. Their spring button shirts (short-sleeves) are also $14.99. Pants are $19.99. There are also winter clothes and suit jackets for different prices. I recommend checking out the accessories at this sale; belts and scarves can be found for $6.97, which I definitely bought, and jewelry is under $10 also.)
delia's: Clearance sale has shirts and casualwear for $4.99 and up. I picked up a pair of pajamas here!
Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale: Your usual, although I'm not too sure if I got in on this when it's about to end or whatnot, but the pickings sure are slim.
bebe: An extra 50% off clearance items (Tops are now starting at $30.)

And if clothes don't do it for you, here are some more sales:

Franklin Covey: Up to 50% off so get your new calendar book today.
Kate Spade: 30-50% off selected items online and in stores.
Bath and Body Works: They are having their last days of their semi-annual sale so if you haven't stopped by, do so. If you make a purchase, they'll give you coupons for a free lotion that's coming out in July and the American Girl lip balm coming out in August. Both coupons are free products with a $10 purchase.
The Body Shop: They are having a great sale with things from $1 to $10. Bath soaps, aromatherapy, and body butter are just some of the things on sale. I managed to pick up lip gloss in passionberry and sugar 'n spice flavors for just $1 each!! They are the best lip glosses on the market, in my opinion. They also had free samples of body butter to take home; I took home soy body butter, and it smells delicious.
Urban Outfitters: All home furnishings (read: books, rugs, pillows) that are on clearance have been marked down an extra 50% off. Also, I got some bangles and bracelets for $1.99.

In other things: Benetton closed at Woodfield. It's really upsetting considering that it was one of my favorite stores. At least there are still Benettons in Northbrook Court and Old Orchard. Last week at Old Orchard, I snapped up this gorgeous thin white shawl at Benetton for a mere $11. I was going to get this black cowl dress too (it was a ridiculous $50 compared to its orginal $198), but I couldn't think of anywhere to wear it to. I wonder if it's still there. I guess if I get desperate enough, I can always make a stop in Europe.

Yummy Yummy Ice Cream In My Tummy

2005-06-29T19:14:00.000-05:00

We all scream for ice cream

Starbucks hosted today for 2 hours an ice cream social...they gave out FREE 4 oz. containers of Starbucks Java Chip in Coffee Ice Cream. It was decadent.

Eminent Domain...for Shopaholics

2005-06-25T14:07:00.000-05:00

Out from Washington, D.C. this week comes troubling news. The Supreme Court recently ruled on the Kelo v. New London case out of Connecticut. Short story: The city of New London wanted to seize a group of homes, tear them down, and construct a luxury hotel, condos, and offices in its place. Of course, the homeowners did not want to leave, thus bringing to the Supreme Court a case of whether or not it is legal for local governments to condemn private property for the use of economic development.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the city, using the principle of eminent domain. This concept allows local governments to take over private, possibly blighted, properties in order to improve them. In the majority opinion, the Court stated that the city could pursue private development under the Fifth Amendment, which allows governments to take private properties for a public use in exchange for just compensation. The ruling this past week expands this concept of public use as equal to benefiting the general community by boosting tax revenue and improving the city's economy. The homeowners had argued that public use meant a road or a courthouse, not a private corporation.

The fight at the Supreme Court may be over, but the backlash is across the nation. This case sets a dangerous precedent for greedy economically-driven communities and private rich corporations. Local community governments who are trying to figure out new ways to increase tax revenue and community coffers may have a new avenue to explore with this recent ruling. Rich corporations who have previously been interested in towns without enough commercial zoning are taking a second look at these towns. This is all at the homeowner's expense.

Why is this important to this Shopaholic? It is because above all, our livelihoods are tied to our homes. Each homeowner should have the privilege to decide whether or not to move. How cold it is for communities to talk about tax-induced revenue when they should be talking about neighbors and the people of the community. After all, it is the people that make up a community last time I checked, not a shopping mall with the latest must-haves.

It pays to be careful where you shop. Do you agree with their business handlings? How much is spending a penny worth to you?

Some links for further reading:

Luxury in Living: Italian Designers at the Merchandise Mart

2005-06-21T11:15:00.000-05:00

From the Luxury in Living Italian Design Exhibition at the Merchandise Mart this week

The Merchandise Mart this week plays host to an Italian design exhibit. It features over 100 of Italy's top furniture and home designers. The public is welcome to check it out, but appointments must be made thru the website. The exhibit includes products from furniture, lighting, marble, silverware, tapware, home furnishings, and ceramic tiles. It's pretty sleek.

So Good Jewelry...Just Sparkles

2005-06-16T17:25:00.000-05:00

My latest shopping adventure happened at Woodfield Mall where a new store, So Good Jewelry, just opened up. It is located right outside of Field's, right next to Mac.

It is this amazing store filled to the brim of any kind of jewelry a woman's heart desires. Brooches, rings, earrings, belts, tiaras, necklaces...anything that is glittery and sparkly and just plain fun can be found here. If the store included Indian bangles, they would be all set. It is also very tastefully decorated and not kitschy at all. The stones may be fake, but it's not one of those places with tacky pieces that just scream "FAKE PASTE AND GLASS!" (or cubic zirconia, but in my shopping experience, cubic zirconia can run up to the hundreds of dollars...oh those wannabe diamonds.). They don't have hairpieces either like SoHo does (I hear a collective sigh of relief.)

Prices start at around $10 and go up. A lot of the rings are $10. A lot of the brooches are $25. Necklaces start from $15. They do take credit cards, but be sure to fall in love with the pieces you are buying because all sales are final. However, this is the one stop shop for all your jewelry needs for anything from a wedding to prom to just casual going out affairs.

So Good Jewelry, according to my research, started from Manhattan street fairs. There are nine stores in total, the majority actually in Boston. This is the only branch in the Chicagoland area.

I would definitely suggest checking it out if you're in the area. It makes me very happy.

In other news, the Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale is in its second week. Lots of deals; each store has different things on sale so I would recommend checking out more than one! Some of the things that I picked up:

$5 True Blue Spa foot cream, normally priced at $14
Little bottles of Pleasures Sweet Pea body lotion, at 4 for $10
$5 16 oz. True Blue Spa Body Mask, normally priced at $20
$3 velour shoulder bag in black
40% off gift sets
$1.50 True Blue Spa Shea Butter Hand Cream, normally priced at $6
$1.50 16 oz. Apple Lotion, normally priced $10
$1.00 Bath and Body Works little shovels (for scrubs and such), normally $1.50 (I think these are long gone now because I wanted to get more, but I can't find them anymore)

There are lots of stuff on sale, including the Tutti Dolci collection at 50% off and its lip glosses at $5. Some stores have all its True Blue Spa line at 40% off. Some stores are selling Molton Brown at a discount. I adore Molton Brown lotion; it hails from the U.K. and is about the creamiest lotion I have ever used and does wonders for dry skin. The candles are also all on sale. I think they are trying to get rid of the Pure Simplicity line because those are all on sale. Finally, I hear rumors that they are renaming the Bath and Body Works Pure Silk Line so they are trying to get rid of all the bottles with that name on it. At $5-$10 for something that usually goes $17.50, it's a steal. The sale will probably last for another week and a half.

On a different note, the Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale will start June 21st. One of the things I have my eyes on is the new bronzer lotion which is only in three flavors: pear glace, strawberries and champagne, and endless in love. It serves the dual purpose very well. I'm not a fan of those three smells, so I'm waiting for it to be an endless hit so they parade it out in the other scents!

Potbelly Sandwich Works...Works for Me

2005-05-10T01:55:00.000-05:00

The best thing in America other than shopping, credit cards, and sliced bread...is a good sandwich.

Jimmy John's is my favorite. Chipotle, if you could call it a sandwich place, is pretty high on my list too.

There was an article in the Chicago Tribune today about the growth of Potbelly Sandwich Works. It's a sandwich shop based in Chicago with 78 stores in 8 states. In the nine years that the corporation has been in business, this year they are expected to gross $100 million in sales. Not bad for 78 stores selling sandwiches for about $4.

It's a pretty good sandwich shop, I must admit. Tasty, albeit the sandwich is a bit small. It always leaves room for more, unlike Jimmy John's or better yet, Chipotle.

The most interesting notion in the article is the "networking" that Potbelly is doing with Starbucks. Starbucks is serving as this "mentor" to Potbelly. The CEO of Starbucks firmly believes that Potbelly has the potential to go nationwide. Lots of factors involved from the service-oriented aspect to the generous health benefits they offer to employees to the diverse and different choices of sandwiches they offer. Not to mention the strikingly unique theme they use as their brand.

Hm. A Potbelly around every corner. Could be an interesting prospect. What's more interesting...in Rockford, the Potbelly place is right next to Starbucks already. What a coincidence.

Millennium Park Mania

2005-05-06T23:14:00.000-05:00

You too can hold your event at Millennium Park for a mere $800,000.

Toyota is having a promotional event in September over at Chicago's Millennium Park, effectively shutting down the park to tourists and visitors during that day. For that price tag, Toyota receives exclusive use of most of the park space in addition to promotional ad space in surrounding park areas.

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, who negotiated this deal, reports that if all goes well, the city of Chicago would probably be looking for other interested corporations to rent the park for a day. Most of the fee would go towards philanthropy goals of Millennium Park and to sponsor other public events that the park currently holds such as concerts and art galas. Even now, the new structures at the Park are named after corporations, such as Exelon, Tribune, and Wrigley to name a few.

Millennium Park cost approximately $150 billion to build and opened the summer of 2004.

In other news, Bath and Body Works have coupons for free rose water cream (from the C.O. Bigelow Collection) with a $10 purchase and also a free manicure kit with a $30 purchase. I must stop by.

I stopped by Marshalls the other day and picked up some brand name clothes for like $5 each. Fabulous. I am definitely excited although they are all winter clothes and it pretty much seems that spring is here to stay!

Ruehl 925

2005-05-05T02:27:00.000-05:00

New store at Woodfield: Ruehl 925. It bills itself as business casual style meets Greenwich Village attitude. The way I understand it is that it's a new concept store owned by Abercrombie and Fitch. This is the first Ruehl 925 to hit the Midwest. Catherine and I checked it out while we were shopping because it caught our eye. Instead of the usual storefront, it's a bungalow sort of facade with salespeople outside holding flowers and welcoming people. Inside, it's divided up into rooms like a house. Think of J.Crew meets Hollister/Abercrombie meets Banana meets Kenneth Cole. Yeah, that kind of nice. It's subtle lighting and none of that pulsing rock you get when you go to the teeny-bopper stores.

It's a bit more expensive than Abercrombie's main store; it's also a lot more mature. That means no baby tees. It's also the only Ruehl 925 in the Midwest so far.

This is Abercrombie's time to expand. Like Gap, they are stretching their brand name to different markets. They're adding this market to their current 727 Abercrombie stores, 171 Abercrombie Kids stores, and 197 Hollister stores. Seems to me that they're doing their branding in a more mature fashion also...none of that controversy that happened with their Abercrombie magazines and suggestive/racial t-shirts. I didn't even know that Abercrombie was Ruehl 925's parent company until I did some background research. We'll see how Ruehl 925 performs.

In other news, if you haven't heard by now, Gap is also extending their brand name into a new niche store for people in their middle ages. Their new concept store will be called "Forth and Towne" and the main market will be in Chicago with only one other store in NY, I believe. I think this might be a flop actually...it doesn't sound very trendy. Sounds matronly, actually. With all the questionable clothing at Gap nowadays, I think Gap needs to take a look at itself and go back to the old days when it was just all classic clothing that served all age groups. That was their brand, and I never really understood why they went away from it.

Taking a bite out of the Big Apple Economy

2005-04-24T01:19:00.000-05:00

If you ever go to New York City and you decide to do some mega-shopping, check out http://www.shellyandrenee.com before you go to see if they are having a sale during the time you'll be in town.

Apparently, Shelly and Renee Productions is a company that buys end-of-season merchandise and then sells it to the public at a huge discount. I hear it's always filled with bargain shoppers. They may rotate their locations so check the website or call (732)539-8750. The next sale is in mid-May. Sounds like fun!!

Kate Spade Sample Sale

2005-04-22T22:46:00.000-05:00

The One Yearly Sample Sale that We have all been waiting for (except for the J Crew Warehouse Sale of course):

Kate Spade Sample Sale
April 26 (9 am to 6 pm); April 27 (9 am to 6 pm); April 28 (9 am to 3 pm)
Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues
New York City

Here I come.

Yum Yum Maaza Drinks!!

2005-04-17T15:14:00.000-05:00

Yum Yum Maaza Drinks!

I discovered an entire new brand of drinks!! They are found in Indian supermarkets. I went last week to get samosas and kheer, and my friend also recommended this drink. I just finished drinking the mango Maaza drink, and it is amazing. I highly recommend it. They come in three flavors: mango, papaya and lychee. You can get them in various bottle sizes or even in juice box form.

Upon research into this Maaza brand, I learned that it is owned by the Coca-Cola company. Their Maaza tagline is "Yaari-Dosti Taaza Maaza", which means "Friendship moments with fresh Maaza"! Maaza was acquired by the Coca-Cola company in 1993. As a testament to their far-reaching branding, Coca-Cola owns nearly 400 brands!! Insane!! They even own a brand called "Bimbo Break"!!

Case studying the Coca-Cola company is truly impressive. They are an understated mecca in the drink department, owning such brands as Simply Orange to TAB to Dasani. Then there are brands known elsewhere in the world that I have never seen before such as Maaza. For a company that does billions of dollars in sales worldwide each year, 56% of that by Coke sales alone, they are also doing a new joint venture with Nestle in the near future.

As an American brand, it is surprising to learn that 70% of sales are done outside the country! Although stock prices (currently it is a little above $40.00) are at a low, the potential for the stock prices to rise is great according to future forecasts. You can access more about Coca-Cola at http://www2.coca-cola.com/index.html.

Locks of Love

2005-04-05T19:47:00.000-05:00

I just easily lost three or four pounds...maybe more. In an hour.

You know how I did it? I cut off 11-12 inches of my hair.

My hair is usually shoulder blade length. But last year I started growing it out for Locks of Love. Earlier this morning, it easily reached midway past my back...and bothered me every time I moved around.

Now it's chin-length...the shortest I've had it in...14 years. Wow.

You too can grow out your hair and donate it to Locks of Love. They need at least 10 inches in a ponytail. There's more information on their website. All ponytails that fit the criteria are made into hairpieces for children suffering from medically related hair loss, such as leukemia treatment to alopecia. Also on the website is a list of locations that will cut your hair for free for the donation.

I feel really light.

An Express Pass

2005-03-30T22:26:00.000-06:00

An avalanche of directed marketing cannot possibly make up for a sale that isn't quite up to par. Although, I am still scratching my head over this new sudden thing being marketed as the Spring Sale at Express, complete with the red signs proclaiming an "Up to 60%" savings which takes its similarities from their January and June semi-annual sales.

Regardless, a sale is a sale, and no matter how disgruntled I am as a fan, I just can't help checking it out. Most of the stuff that have been in the stores since January have been thrown into the bins and discounted. The clothes that have been on the sale racks for the last month are the ones that are being discounted further. Tops are running from $9.99 (like the tank tops and the flirty top I bought back in February) and $14.99 (like the mat sweaters). Button-down shirts are $29.50, like they have been since February. There are a bunch of pants that are $29.50. The frou-frou pretend jackets are $49.99 and the 1/2-length trench coats are still a whopping $69.99. Belts are $9.99. Skirts range from $19.99 to $29.99. The best deal that they have going are the brooches, all marked down to $9.99. Get your new trend today while it lasts.

So it's pretty disappointing. If they mark stuff further down, I'll probably buy some stuff...I have my eye on some tops that I am ambivalent about, but if the price is right, I would snap them up. It's just that nothing screamed to me as a good buy. I got to hand it to them though; today's customer service was a lot friendlier than I had expected it to be.

In other world news, Abercrombie had their $9.99 sweater sale last month for all the teenyboppers, me included, out there. Although, I realize with each passing year that my body has morphed into that of a fully-grown 20-something from the thin coltish teenage body I was blessed with. I realize this because my body does not seem to want to fit into many of Abercrombie's sweaters; I have lumps where no one wants to see lumps. I ended up buying two scoopneck sweaters, but I'll end up returning one once I decide upon a color. One of these days, I'll have to give up Abercrombie for good.

Aeropostale is also having their mid-season sales. Everything is marked down; it's a pretty good sale, but again, unless you have teenybopper tendencies, it would not be the store for you. But who can turn down $12 polo shirts and $4 t-shirts with suggestive sayings.

The one sale I would check out is the winter Benetton sale. Final markdowns have been made to 70%, and the sale will only last a couple more weeks. Lots of sweaters, skirts, and professional clothes on sale. I highly recommend it.

Just a little Credit

2005-03-06T22:53:00.000-06:00

A little spring cleaning:

Because of the Federal Trade Commission or some other government bureau, we are now allowed one free credit report once a year. People in western and midwestern states can access theirs now. People in southern states can assess them starting June 1, 2005, and people on the eastern seaboard on September 1, 2005. The link is http://www.annualcreditreport.com

If you are looking for a phone number that will directly route voicemail and faxes to your email, try http://www.k7.net . It is totally free; you will set up your own number (the area code is from Seattle) and people can leave you voice messages and send you faxes to that number. It'll go your specified email address. People say it's great for routing those people you meet in the bars; I think it's a great way to get my faxes. Best of all, you can get vanity numbers!

I guess the new craze is the Bebo Address Book. It is a mix of friendster, facebook, and blogging. Basically it is an online address book that keeps your friends' addresses for you. It also has a picture album and journal features. I like it because your address book is private, and it automatically asks for updates from your friends. You can find it at http://www.bebo.com .

I also came across a link for Lucky Magazine, the digital copy. Every month, Lucky is uploaded to this website and you can read it all online. Sweet! If you would like the link, leave me a comment.

Finally, for the true Shopaholic, JCrew is having their annual final winter sale online. Not much good stuff, but that's my opinion. What is one's junk is another's treasure. :-)

Architecture Detail

2005-02-23T05:32:00.000-06:00

I'll let you all in on a little secret. Aside from being a psycho clothes-horse shopaholic, I am also a closet architecture and history whore. You got it. Not only can I tell you where to find the best deals in the Chicagoland area and beyond, I can also walk you down Michigan Avenue and detail to you each building, its history, and its notable architecture.

What can I say? Apparently I have diverse talents.

The Burj Al Arab luxury hotel in the United Arab Emirates stands 1,053 feet tall on a man-made island in the Arab Gulf. Its architect was Thomas Wills Wright. He designed this building to look like a sail. Its most recent claim to fame is the converted helipad-to-tennis court that Andre Agassi took a spin on just recently.

I wonder if the hotel has its own shops. It must.

2005-02-23T05:30:00.000-06:00

Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It stands 1053 feet tall

Can I borrow some snobbiness?

2005-02-20T18:19:00.000-06:00

So I realize I talk about Express WAY too much, but considering that it is one of my staples in my closet, it stands to reason. However, I am seriously considering boycotting Express for awhile. Their level of customer service has just gone way down, and I'm sorry I don't walk in in Prada (actually, ironically, I walked in today with a pair of Express pants and a Limited top!) but I feel like the representatives are just poorly trained. Today I went in to return a pink shirt that washed me out, and I wanted to pick up some of the $29.50 button-downs, which for some reason are not online so I can't even find a picture to post. Anyway. The first guy was really nice, but then he had to call over the manager for the return, and she was...ok. Not rude, not condescending, just aloof. There was a moment where I thought she wasn't about to let me return the shirt due to the fact that I forgot the receipt in the car because she pursed her lips and looked down her nose at me and kept flipping the price tag. HELLO...I patronize your store...some courtesy wouldn't kill you. So I traded it in for a lavender button-down, and I paid an extra $16 to make up the difference. (I also get a little upset here at the Return Exchange thing they have going on, but regardless). I understand.

Actually I was also kind of upset because I wasn't at my usual store and this store didn't have anything in my size so I had to settle for lavender. And no one bothered asking me if everything was ok or even volunteered to call another store, which is what all the stores used to do. So I settled for lavender because I just didn't want to deal with a conversation with the salesgirl about changing my mind about returning.

So I got into my car and headed to another Express because to tell you the truth, that lavender shirt is kind of a letdown. Another mall, another Express, the salesgirl at the desk was pretty nice, and bam! they had a blue button-down in MY SIZE! (Oh. Side note here: There were many more colors at this Express so I took a bunch into the dressing room with me, and the girl who was working the dressing room was SO nice and SO sweet...that if I had gotten her name, I would have submitted it into Express Corporate to make sure she got some recognition. She gave me a ton of advice on color and told me which size fit better...it was just as how ALL retail employees should be.) So anyway, I'm at the desk, and I get this snotty stick-up-his-ass pompous guy.

He scans in the lavender shirt, squints at the screen, and then looks at my license. He does this a couple more times, and so I'm like, "Is something wrong?" He ignores this, writes down some stuff, and goes to that Return Exchange machine thing and stands there as if waiting for the machine to tell him that I am the source of all problems that Express has been having lately. Of course, it okays me, so he comes back and asks me how much I paid for the shirt. So I tell him the entire story. He then tells me he'll just give me a merchandise credit for the difference. By now, I'm really confused so I tell him that it is an even exchange, to which he's like, "Well, I know that but the computer says it is worth $68." And he's frowning so hard that I feel like he thinks that I'm "frauding" the company somehow. So I say, "Well, I got it today, so if you don't believe the receipt, you can call the other Express store and confirm. Besides, the PRICE TAG says $48." So he's like, "I know. But the computer says I owe you money." So I'm like, "Well, I didn't pay that amount, but if you want to give me money, I'm not going to complain." Instead he calls his manager over, who saw me rolling my eyes, and was like, "Just override it and do the even exchange." With the manager assessing me as a non-potential fraud case, Mr. Snot immediately warms up and GUSHES, "I LOVE this french blue!" I roll my eyes yet again and go, "Can you just please wrap it up?" Seriously. Don't kiss my butt because I tried to be honest and you thought otherwise. Or that you were too dumb to figure out anything.

I think for all future returns, I just might sell everything on Ebay. I would probably get more money for it in the first place, and I wouldn't have to deal with psychotic salesclerks who don't even want my business. If they only knew how much I end up spending on clothes each year. Plus I think the entire Return Exchange is a violation of my privacy.

Addicted to the enterprise known as Starbucks

2005-02-17T22:05:00.000-06:00

I love Starbucks. I admit it. Yes, I think it's ridiculous to pay upwards to around $4.00 for a latte that you can brew at home for like 1/8 of the price. But it's Starbucks...somehow you can never get it that perfectly brewed, that perfect taste with nutmeg and cinnamon on whipped cream at home. Honey vanilla latte. Caramel macchiatos. Yum.

So in my quest to perfectly describe our nation's obsession with Starbucks, and it is quite a trip...I don't feel at home unless I know where the nearest Starbucks is, and the ubiquitous Starbucks on the corner comforts me, it's almost like coming home. The perfect example of corporate America kicking out the mom and pop locally run stores? Yes. But oh, what a way to go.

I guess the best way to describe the effect Starbucks has is to post this article. Because truly does Starbucks have longevity. The Krispy Kremes of this world are on the brink of extinction because they expanded too far too fast, and the classics such as the Fannie Mays can't keep up with the competition. But for some reason, Starbucks knows exactly how to keep us coming in and walking out with a white canister of that pick-me-up. Check out this article from MSN. http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/P107679.asp?GT1=6110

Rewards 'R Us

2005-02-13T11:59:00.000-06:00

The folks at Express wised up to their $15 gift certificate giveaway with their new 2005 pants line...and cancelled the offer. Now they are offering a knit camisole for $15 if you BUY one of their pants. A huge bit of a letdown. It's also a shame because this weekend, some of the dress shirts went on sale for $29.50, and with the $15 free, it would have cost $15 to get a shirt. But with everything going on, I didn't get to Express until they had changed the deal. Grrr.

In other news, Express is also offering their huge leather tote bag for $30 with a $75 purchase. Not that there's anything worth buying in Express right now!

Bath and Body Works has an email offer for a free True Blue Spa Island GetAway Lotion with a $15 purchase from the True Blue collection. With the purchase, they'll also give you a coupon for a free lip balm from the new C.O. Bigelow collection with purchase for next week. The C.O. Bigelow collection rocks. I recommend that everyone try it. When I went to take advantage of this offer, the metrosexual of the decade made me sample the entire new Island GetAway line from the margarita scrub to the bodymilk rinse. In my opinion, it's not a good line. It's really oily, the scents are overwhelming, and it was at best ordinary. I would stick with the original True Blue line; at least they have some excellent products. But the C.O. Bigelow collection? Amazing. Everyone should try their lemon body lotion. I cannot wait for the lip balm next week.

Other business tidbits: Krispy Kreme may be filing for bankruptcy soon...that's what you get for expanding too fast without a cohesive vision. Marshall Field's is set to unveil their shopping site online this spring...financial advisors estimate that Field's has lost millions of dollars by not utilizing their online potential sooner. Ann Taylor is still having their clearance sales. So is Banana Republic.

Finally, per a conversation with Kunjali, as I work on this blog, I realize more and more how emotionally tied I am to shopping, as I am with other things in life. It is interesting to realize that no matter how hard I try, I cannot take a distant, unbiased, or unfettered look at the stuff that centers my life.

A Twist on a Prom Dress

2005-02-05T01:18:00.000-06:00

There is this company called XCite that creates prom dresses. It just recently unveiled its new 2005 line, including this black dress that fits by twisting the dress straps into a v before hooking it around the neck, making it into a v halter top, and a v halter back. There's also a good expanse of abdominal fabric missing. It's not that bad looking like that. However, the model somehow put it on wrong at a runway show, by just wearing the straps on the shoulders instead of twisting them around the neck. It's actually not very pretty, almost tacky even. An image of suspenders in velvet. However, goodness knows why, it turned the dress into a best seller. It looks a billion times sluttier; suffice to say that sometimes even models know how to promote a so-so dress into a questionable instantaneous sensation.

2005-02-05T01:16:00.001-06:00

The old version.

2005-02-05T01:16:00.000-06:00

The new version.

The Express Pant Getting To Know You with a $15 Reward...SIGN ME UP!

2005-02-03T22:54:00.000-06:00

Been really busy lately with things...but this was too good of a deal not to write about.

So the Express Semi-Annual Sale is over and done with, speaking of which, I wonder how the Limited sale is because I really wanted that capelet thing...I guess I have to go by there one day and see if the sale is still going on. Anyway. So they have rolled out all their new 2005 pant editions. And in order to raise revenue, draw interest, whatever, there is one of the best promotional deals out now until February 21st.

For women: try on a pair of Editor pants or the new Correspondent pant. For guys: try on the Producer pant. Once you do, you can get a $15 gift certificate to buy something right then or to keep until the 21st when it expires. Simple. Try on a pair of pants, get $15 for a purchase. Sweet. And if you do go, I've noticed that the guys are a lot nicer about the deal than the salesgirls. I'm not sure what the reason is, but the salesgirls basically ignore you, but the guy will tell you right off the bat about the promotion. Props to them.

I don't know the deal with the Express marketing department, but they used to have those $15 off a $19.50 purchase coupons or something like $25 off a $50 purchase coupons that they would send you in the mail. A one time use. Excellent marketing ploy: get people in, make them look around, and chances are, they would buy something...and buy more than they expected.
For some reason, they cut that and turned to Semi-Annual Sales. Now they're turning to these one-time promotions. Some of them are great in that they send you a card, tell you to come in, make a purchase, and they'll give you something for free or at a discount. But there are the others that tell you to come in, try something on, and they'll give you something. Not exactly the most reasonable rationale to encourage revenues, but I supposedly don't know anything since I am not in marketing.

What I do know is this is an excellent promotion for the customer. Who would pass up $15?? Who cares about the pants; they'll go on sale later this season, and I'll buy them then. In the meantime, I'll stock up on the basic classics. Here are just two that I bought today.

2005-02-03T22:50:00.000-06:00

This top would look so pretty with my cardigans. Of course I got it.

2005-02-03T22:48:00.000-06:00

You can always use a basic T-shirt.

The Smitten Mitten

2005-01-21T13:53:00.000-06:00

Mittens and mittens. We have the ugly mitten. We have the smokin' mitten-gloves. Now, there is a new pair of mittens on the market. The smitten mitten is one big mitten for two people to wear so they can hold hands inside of the mitten. I couldn't really find a good picture, but it seems to me that one could use a muff and proceed to utilize it in the same purpose. Basically it's this big mitten with two holes and a stretch of material in between. I still like my red mittens tho, aka the ugly f%^&ing mittens, nicknamed by Chris.

The World of Semi-Annual Sales

2005-01-16T11:59:00.000-06:00

January means, to me, the time where The Limited Brand Company decides to have all of its stores put on a semi-annual sale. It's a buying frenzy where you try to figure out what you've seen all fall/winter season and what you would like...and buy it at like 60% off purchase price. Sweet. Thus, the 22 pairs of pants story was born. But alas, this year...not sure if it's because of the sharply declining returning sales at the company or just an unforeseen lack of focus, most of the stores have been lacking in panache and verve. Suffice to say, my pocketbook is a lot fatter this season as a result. I like deals. But I don't like bad deals.

1) Victoria's Secret: Same old, same old. A lot of lotion for 3 for $11. A lot of bras for $9.99 or $19.99. And a lot of underwear for $2.99. It's only good if you ever need to stock up...which I do, but it's never anything new. Just your regular stash of underwear. Gives new meaning to why buy anytime else. It ends today. The best thing is that on my receipt, I got a survey invitation, which gave me a $5 off $25 on my next purchase. June sales, here I come.

2) Express: You know, the Express sale is sorely disappointing this year. First, they need to get rid of the box thing. Hang everything up where we can see them. I'm finding it rather pointless to go digging thru various boxes. I would dig in boxes for stuff that is $4.99, but $9.99? Please. Not for a thin faded shirt that looks all wrinkled in a box. The Express label isn't exactly haute couture. My theory is that the first semi-annual sale ever was such a success because of the bargain prices, that they decided to keep the format, but push prices higher in an effort to recoup all their sale losses. In the business world, it's a sound idea, but in the scientific world, it was obvious that the low prices were significantly tied to the willingness to dig through boxes. If one was adversely affected, it was bound to negatively affect the other one. An obvious example of a Type II error in which they failed to reject the null hypothesis when they changed a variable. What's worse is that after dismal sales for a year, they should have seen the light.

So the sale wasn't all that. A lot of boxes of $9.99 stuff. Coats for $49.99. Pants starting at $14.99 and $29.99. Faded button-downs at $14.99. Sweaters and such at $29.99. When I went, they were in the middle of marking down the boxes to $5.99. Given the fact that the sale will go on for another week or so, they'll mark everything down even further eventually just to move all the merchandise. Which is fine with me.

The last thing about Express is its shoddy customer service. I know someone who works there and is going to take offense, but seriously, it's getting out of hand. I don't know if it's because I go in there in warmups and a sweatshirt (which is the easiest to get out of) or whatnot, but a little "Hello, can I help you?" wouldn't kill you. What pissed me off was that I was looking at blazers, which all of them had been priced to $49.99 and then had a red slash thru the $49.99. So I asked the salesgirl if the prices had been reduced...and she affirmed it brusquely. Then I asked her what the new price was, and then she just walked away! So I had to ask another salesgirl what the new price was, and she looked at me, and was like, "I don't know". And walked away also! For crissakes...offer to look it up for me!! Needless to say, I was so appalled, I really didn't care to look at any of their other merchandise. Their loss.

3) The Limited: Surprisingly, the sale is ok. I had wonderful customer service first of all. I have to say, maybe the best customer service at Limited ever. The girl was so helpful and so apologetic about not having certain clothes...was great with the returns...it was different. But anyway. Shirts are $6.99, but the colors are definitely weird. Party clothes for $9.99. Sweaters are $9.99 or $14.99. Pants start at $14.99. Skirts start at $19.99. I got two sweaters that I've been eyeing for awhile, returned some sweaters that I had overbought in December, and basically flew out of there with no trouble. There is a black shawl there for $9.99 that I really want, but will obviously never wear...so I actually resisted buying it, but if it gets marked down, I will be back. I guess I could have used price adjustments if I had thought about it at the time. It's a good sale...it'll be going on for another couple of weeks.

4) Bath and Body Works: It's a great sale. I like. I've stocked up on pearberry and country apple lotions, splashs, antibacterial hand gel, body butters, True Blue Spa tanners and facial masks and scrubs, and a bunch of other things. Stuff ranges from $3 to $10, and it's pretty good. Each store has a different selection of stuff on sale, so I've been to like 8 different Bath and Body Works in like the last two weeks. There is a 75% off shelf, which is amazing, and is different at every store. For example, at some of the stores, they had toasted hazelnut and other random splashes for 75% off. Others had the passionberry, etc. lotions for 75% off. Yesterday's store had self-tanners and candles for 75% off. Nice deals. Also, the gift sets are at 40% at some stores and 50% at others...so it pays to look around...my predictions are that once the sale is over, it'll go up to 75% off and that's when I'll swoop in and buy some more stuff.

This is an innovative idea at Bath and Body Works, and I think it is excellent. For the three weeks of the sale, they have highlighted a special, just for that week...for $5. The first week was those huge candles, the second week was all about the lotions and body washes, and this final week is about True Blue Spa foot cream. For $5. From $14. Can I say GREAT DEAL?? Not only is it a great bargain...it gets you back into the store to buy more stuff!! A great idea. You can access the complete list at the website.

The sale ends today also. What's new with the store, however, is a new line...C.O. Bigelow. It debuts next week with the full line coming in February. I tried the lemon cream body lotion...and it is absolute ecstasy. At one of the stores, they even gave me a coupon for a free sample when it comes out. Now that's what I call great customer service.

Observation Plan

2005-01-04T18:37:00.000-06:00

The Museum of Contemporary Art just wrapped up Jose Damesceno's exhibit. Created by pencils stuck into a canvas, which accords the piece of work its own shadows. For $1, you can pull out your very own pencil, have a piece of an exhibit for posterity, and help the MCA dismantle the exhibit. Which is exactly what I did. Alas, the exhibit ended on Sunday.

The Great Pencil Pull from Jose Damesceno's Observation Plan: 30,000 pencils and no erasers

2005-01-04T18:36:00.000-06:00

Another closeup

Tsunami Volunteering

2005-01-03T19:42:00.000-06:00

A site I stumbled upon today. United Volunteers - http://www.unitedvolunteers.com. Looks like something promising.

I cannot say anything specific, but my faith in the world is being slowly restored. A bit has to be attributed to the new environment I find myself in. I feel like I'm slowly waking up and "I see the world is just as it should be."

Hilarious conversations with a fashionista about Banana Republic, Coldstone Creamery creations, Express's new fraud-detection system, Victoria Secret's smocks, and Saks Fifth Avenue. An extensive list of my purchases made at the Bath and Body Works semi-annual clearance sale. Lamentations of the suspectible bargains out there. January is the month to stock up on linens and Christmas concoctions. The new era of regifting. Many shopping ruminations in the forecast.

Tsunami aid

2004-12-29T20:05:00.000-06:00

I would additionally gladly cash in all my various gift cards and store credit for any relief fund. It is mind-boggling, almost unfathomable that so much damage can be caused over such a large expanse of area. I have several friends who were in SE Asia at the time, and thankfully they all are safe. If you have loved ones there, I hope your news is as mind-relieving and comforting as mine.

Relief sources are asking for monetary donations instead of goods due to problems shipping internationally and actually getting the goods to the necessary places. Take a second and do some research into each organization...some of them use more or less of donations for overhead. The link to the organizations is http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/12/28/
tsunami.aidsites/index.html.

Movies 'N Things

2004-12-22T17:32:00.000-06:00

I let myself be convinced that Meet the Fockers was the must-see movie of the year...that I had to brave the cold and sit in a theatre at 12:01 AM this morning to see this movie. You know, I've never been a big fan of Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, you know, the group of guys whose antics are supposedly really funny, but I just find it to be in the throes of stupidity?

Well, so I went because I grudgingly admit that I really did like Meet the Parents. I know, gasp, a funny movie I actually watched! (I think I was ALSO bullied into it.) Nevertheless, for two hours, I chortled my way thru Meet the Fockers. It was excellent, a GREAT sequel, and yeah, it was hilarious!! haha. Go see it.

The other movies I have watched recently, hm... Well, I saw Ocean's Twelve. Uh...totally not worth it. There are funny moments, and Bruce Willis's cameo...OH, THE BEST!...but as a whole, a letdown from all the hoopla around it. Bruce is hilarious tho. Anyway, I also recently saw Closer also, and I'm not too sure what to think about it. I'm still thinking about it. It's one of those movies that you have to take a second look at. Critics hyped up Julia Robert's role in it, and yeah, she did a good job, but I think Natalie Portman was by far the more outstanding actress. And for those of you that know me, you know I'm being totally serious because I adore Julia Roberts and I'm just like, enh on Natalie, but seriously, she was good.

So out of the three movies, go see Meet the Fockers. No kidding. But if you want something more serious, go see Closer.

BananaRepublic.com is having a 40% off sale if you use your BR card. Regardless it's a good sale; I'm in the middle of seeing what I want. Also, I heard that Gap is slashing prices in-stores. Might be a good time to check stuff out. I heard Express is slashing prices too, but who knows?

Time's A-Ticking

2004-12-20T19:39:00.000-06:00

Express's up to 50% off Sweater and Other Stuff Sale - Enh. Pass on it.
Limited's 50% off Sweater Sale - NICE.
Nine West 50% off Boot Sale - Nice.
Gap's Last-Minute Sale - Leaves something to be desired.
Ann Taylor Loft Sale - Excellent.

Shopping this weekend was just plain frustrating. Too many people with no direction, not enough good stuff, no bargains, and the parking lot was a mess. I think I'm done for awhile because I can't stand stupid shoppers. Let the Holiday Season be over so I can have my malls back!!

Oh. Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale starts December 27th!

Three Things

2004-12-17T17:34:00.000-06:00

Three Things:
1) The new study on Celebrex plunged Pfizer's stock value down approximately 11.25% down today. Apparently it wiped out $25 billion of Pfizer's market value. Wow.

2) Bath and Body Works has a new offer. Buy $20 worth of merchandise, get a 9 0z. Pleasures lotion bottle free. Let me know if you need the coupon. Expires December 24th.

3) I like Harry and David and Dean & DeLuca. My kind of gift stores. Oh yeah, speaking of stores, I heard more raves about the Powder Room today! I am ahead of the pack! hehe.

Headed to Equinox to sweat.

I Pass, You Pass, We all Pass

2004-12-14T16:00:00.000-06:00

I just bought my I-Pass. It better work right. All this nonsense over some square transponder. Ugh. haha...the lady at the Jewel was like, "You want a what?" And I was like, "An I-Pass, please." And she's like, "I think you're the last person in Illinois that doesn't have one."

In case I am not the last person, you can get the I-Pass at any Jewel store or online at http://www.getipass.com. Come January 1st, tolls increase to 80 cents unless you have an I-Pass. Ugh...that dinky thing is going to screw up my windshield!

On a non-shopping note, the Chicago Tribune ran an article today about how the newest psych study hints at a glass ceiling at the alter. This study stated that men were more likely to marry less accomplished women and that powerful women were at a disadvantage. HMMM...I have to say that this parallels Catherine's thinking during our numerous discussions on men. I think it's kinda sad because I don't like to be judged on my brains or my logic or whatever...but we all know it happens. Regardless, I think powerful women should rock on.

Makeup Bargains

2004-12-13T17:51:00.000-06:00

I have stuff I never knew I owned.

Case in point: I was in Rockford on Friday asking Regina if I should keep certain clothes because apparently she knows my wardrobe better than I do!! HAHA. I am such a dork! I'm like, "Oh, should I keep this?" And she's like, "Don't you already have something like that in a lighter shade of brown?" I tell you, I need to create that clothes database (kinda like the one that Cher has in Clueless ASAP.

Today I was cleaning out the front of a shelf in the bathroom closet, thinking that I have way too much makeup, samples, and whatever beauty products that I should start using...ie eye serum for the eye wrinkles that have started forming since I entered medical school!...well, I forget what I was looking for because I didn't find it, but I found a new bottle of Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion that I have never ever opened and was so desperately needing since I am on the last legs of my other bottle! So now I don't have to go out and buy it. I also found a blush brush I bought a LONG time ago from Sephora and never used. Maybe one of these days I should clean my entire beauty supply and donate all the samples that I will never use to a women's shelter or something.

So because I seem to have enough beauty products, I won't be buying anything anytime soon. Which is a shame because it's Clinique Bonus Time at Lord and Taylor's, and the gift is pretty good! I was going to get the lotion, but since I found my next bottle, I guess I'll wait until next time. There is free shipping at the Clinique site until the 15th. Lancome is also have its 7 days of Christmas bonus time online. A couple of offers. Free shipping plus a sample of eye makeup remover until the 17th. Then, if you spend over $25, you can put in another code for your choice of any 7 free sample offers. The link is http://www.lancome-usa.com/_us/_en/landing/7daysoflancomefinal.aspx

There are a bunch more things going on right now...you just have to visit the makeup counters to find out.

A new makeup store to check out:
Powder Room
705 W. Armitage Avenue
They have lots of stuff. Kinda like Sephora except they even carry stuff I have never heard of. Thus, it must be good. :-)

A Good Day

2004-12-10T04:00:00.000-06:00

You gotta wonder why I've never really taken advantage of price adjustments before. I'm not sure why I haven't either. Maybe it's because when I make a purchase, I am just so firmly convinced of its "good deal" status, that I don't care? No clue.

So today I waltzed into Gap and found out that the dress that I bought during Thanksgiving had been marked down. It's a NICE black dress...you know, simple, black, slightly flared skirt, reaches the knees, A-line...your classic black dress. I whipped out my receipt and got $15 back. NICE. I think I could make some serious money in price adjustments...and I don't get the guilty "I've spent too much" feeling...AND I still have the item in question in my hot little hands!

Not only does Limited still have their ribbon sweaters for $10, they have also put out cute cardigans for the same price...and your basic sweater turtlenecks...all for $10. I think they've usurped Abercrombie's $10 sweater sale, which I look forward to every year.

Design is in the Details

2004-12-08T02:56:00.000-06:00

The content of a website says a lot about people. The design of the website says more. When I took business classes in undergrad, I took a course about branding and how it is the subtle details that create the entire picture.

I like clean streamlined websites. They are easy to navigate, show what you want to read, and are nicely laid out. Messy websites have links all over the place, overindulgence of animation, and bursts of thoughts scattered around. I try to avoid them. I like websites where I can focus my attention on one thing and then easily move on to another on the same page. They might be simple, but they give the reader a sense of direction and purpose. And to the OCD person in every one of us, they give us a sense of not missing anything.

Websites I love:

Williams Sonoma - http://www.williams-sonoma.com
J Crew - http://www.jcrew.com
Crate and Barrel - http://www.crateandbarrel.com
Delias - http://www.delias.com
Dean & DeLuca - http://www.deananddeluca.com

Websites I avoid:

I've tried to streamline my website into something clean also. Monotone, big font, and lots of compartments. Brevity is also the word of the day.

Half a World Away

2004-12-07T19:29:00.000-06:00

Some ideas on how to support our troops overseas this holiday season. From the "Ask Amy" column in today's Chicago Tribune.

I know a lot of people are wondering how best to support the troops this holiday season. Unfortunately, many people don't realize that, because of security concerns, very strict restrictions have been placed on all packages sent overseas. No packages or mail can be sent to "Any Servicemember." Only friends and family may send mail and packages directly addressed to soldiers.

The U.S. Army recently released this statement regarding donor programs: "There are many well-meaning Web sites, TV stations and charity groups that are promoting donations to overseas Servicemembers. While well-intentioned, you should not use these promotions, and you should discourage others from using them. These unsolicited letters of support or care packages to Servicemembers raise a force protection issue, since anonymous donors are different from legitimate family members and friends." The Department of Defense has canceled mail programs which encouraged the American public in general to mail to Any Service member (versus a specific deployed person). These new programs attempt to do the same thing by gathering names of Service members to send mail to. While legitimate mail from family members and loved ones is always encouraged, mail from these donor programs, which collect and pass out Service members' names and addresses, is discouraged."

For family and friends of service members, the USO tells me that photos, newsy personal letters, prepaid calling cards, books, music, toiletries (including baby wipes), gum and hard candy are appreciated as gifts, but remember, only family or friends should send these items directly. I hope readers will follow these guidelines in order to make sure their generosity isn't stopped at the border.

One great and legitimate way to send some holiday cheer to the troops is by making a cash donation to the USO. This year the USO has been busy soliciting corporate sponsors and manufacturers for items to put in packages to be sent overseas and distributed to service members. A USO representative told me each package includes an AT&T international calling card, a disposable camera and a message of support, as well as toiletries, books, DVDs and other goods -- depending on what manufacturers donate.The USO also has been hosting "stuffing parties," where volunteers gather to put packages together.The USO does not accept any donations of goods from the public but a $25 donation will purchase one care package (filled with $50-$75 worth of goods), which the USO will stuff and send to troops. Patrons also can send a message of support, which volunteers will transcribe and include in the package.To learn more about this valuable program and to donate or perhaps volunteer, please check the USO's Web site: www.usocares.org. Call 877-USO-GIVE (876-4483), or send a check or money order to: USO Care Package, P.O. Box 8069, Topeka, KS 66608.

Another valuable program benefits families of wounded soldiers. Fisher House Foundation builds facilities near military hospitals and helps transport and house wounded service members and their families so they can see one another during convalescence. People interested in donating online can contribute to the valuable work of this foundation, purchase gift cards redeemable by military families at PXs and commissaries, and learn how to donate frequent flier miles to needy families and wounded service members.The Fisher House Foundation's Web site is www.fisherhouse.org. The toll-free phone number is 888-294-8560.

The Disabled Veterans Charitable Service Trust has established and runs a transportation network that assists wounded combat service members after treatment at military hospitals.The DAV has 1,500 vans on the road, driven by volunteers. Last year, the DAV Charitable Service Trust vans logged 27 million miles transporting disabled vets. The organization, which receives no government funding, supports rehabilitation programs for amputees and other disabled veterans. The DAV also helps to fund shelters and programs for homeless vets. The DAV calls disabled veterans "heroes with no monuments."Contributions may be sent to the Disabled Veterans Charitable Service Trust, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076. For more information about donating or volunteering, check the DAV Web site at www.dav.org.

This is me talking again. Dear Abby also has a website where you can leave email messages for troops overseas. It is divided up by military branches and states. The website is http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/.

My wishes to everyone for a safe, peaceful, thankful, and joyous holiday season.

Someone You Should Know

2004-12-06T18:18:00.000-06:00

Today's Hero of the Day: Julio A. Nolasco...who emailed me today with _14_, yes _14_ Friends and Family Coupons. He's a winner.

Amongst them:
*Dana Buchman, 30% off thru next Sunday (the 12th)(New York, Florida, Arizona only)
*Elisabeth, 30% off thru next Sunday (the 12th). You can also use this online by typing in code FAF30
*Ellen Tracy, 30% off thru next Sunday (the 12th). Good only at the Manhasset, NY store.
*Laundry (by Shelly Segal), 30% off thru next Sunday (the 12th) (New York, Florida, California only)
*Mexx, 30% off thru next Sunday (the 12th)(New York, New Jersey, Georgetown in DC only)
*Steve Madden, 30% off thru today. Use it online by typing in the code FAFAMDO4.

I didn't know about the Sephora one...it expired yesterday with 20% off. Oh well. It would have come in handy online maybe.

For those of you in New York, Ralph Lauren is having its yearly handbag sample sale, up to 80% off, this week. Tuesday thru Thursday 8 am until 7 pm, except for Thursday when it ends at 4 pm. Park Central Hotel at 870 7th Avenue on the first floor. I got that from Julio and another email so I figure the details must be right. Not a big fan of Ralph Lauren bags tho...I prefer Kate Spade and Donna. But heck, other people must like it because they're sure still in business!

Other things: Lord And Taylor is having its Clinique Bonus Time until Christmas. It's actually a pretty good package. I think Prescriptives is having a makeover session of some sort...I have to look into that. Neiman Marcus is having a cosmetic makeover thing tomorrow and Wednesday; it's the one on Michigan Avenue.

Did anyone go to that fashion sample sale in Chicago on Sunday? I forget where it was, but if you did, you have to let me know if it was good!

I am working on learning how to post pictures. haha. I am such a nerd!

My Favorite Things

2004-12-05T03:29:00.000-06:00

I am the new proud owner of:

some cardstock, some stickers, some new holiday cards and gift tags, from Archivers
Tutti Dolci cinnamon frosting lip gloss, Burt's Bees raisin lip gloss, the Bath and Body Works Christmas CD, a Henri Bendel candle, wheat germ almond hair reconstructor from Bath and Body Works.
A tank top for $2 (!!) and a professional skirt from Banana Republic
Two sleeveless sweater tops and a flirty skirt from Gap
Two cardigans from Old Navy
Two scoopneck long-sleeved ribbon bow on neckline sweaters in cream and brown from Limited...it is a weekend sale and they are $10 each down from the $39.50 retail price. Also a pair of pants from the $29.50 sale thing they are having that I will probably return because I have enough pairs courtesy of last January. (that was a take of 22 pants for $10 each from Express and Limited and was so bemusing that even the doctors knew about it and asked me about it).

**From Bath and Body Works: Trying the testers at the store, there are 6 flavors in the Tutti Dolci line, all promoting some "airy" substance such as creme brulee, angel food cake, and lemon meringue. Go figure. Some of them smell good...actually all of them really do, except the chocolate one, but when you put it on, it is tacky and sticky, and doesn't taste like anything at all. Actually, it's kinda gross. I got my free lip gloss so we'll see how much I like it. I also am going to try this wheat germ thing because I am growing out my hair for Locks of Love and apparently I don't eat right or something because my hair kinda looks limp nowadays so we'll see if this wheat germ revitalizes it.

In case anyone is wondering, I guess what is so amusing is that I don't wear half the stuff I buy. Yet I covet clothes endlessly. You can bet I will only wear half of what I bought today. There are clothes in my closet that still have tags on them. I took up two closets in Rockford and I still had my closet full at home, plus clothes scattered in the most random places. But you know, I have to say in my defense, I'll get around to wearing everything someday. Like that ugly sequined purple top from Forever 21 that I bought because I was upset that day and it seemed like a good deal: a good five years later...I wore it for the first time to the Halloween party! And Chris spilled beer on it! It's clean now tho. Some people collect videos, some people collect mp3s, I collect a wardrobe.

High point of the day: At Limited, I was trying to branch out of my usual color scheme especially since my color tone isn't all that nowadays. So I called Victor to ask for his opinion of the color pumpkin. He actually was more helpful than the salespeople at Limited. So go figure. It actually looked good on me (weird, I know!), but I stuck with the neutral colors because pumpkin might not look good on me one day depending on my color tone.

I didn't get to Express because it was closing time, so I will probably go back tomorrow.

Almost but not quite

2004-12-04T17:37:00.000-06:00

On my way out to the scrapbooking store and the mall to see what kind of goodies I could buy, I checked my email and realized that Victoria's Secret had just sent me a coupon code for a free body lotion, body wash, or lip gloss online. So I went to Victoria's Secret, but after some hassle realized that the offer was expired because so many people had gotten to it and had spread the word. Oh well. Their Secret Crush is yummy.

It's okay though because there are always deals like this. Also, I don't know what the deal is with Bath and Body Works and Victoria's Secret, but they always change their lotion smells around so by the time you find the perfect one and fall in love with it...it disappears from the shelves. Like I loved the apricot lotion from Victoria's Secret, but it's gone now. And Sweet Pea and Night-Blooming Jasmine from Bath and Body Works are rumored to disappear soon. Well, that's been a rumor for like 9 months, and it hasn't happened yet, so who knows.

New Deal: 30% off Guess. Also I think the $5 Bath and Body Works bubble bath and shower gels are still going on. I think I'm going to try the Burt Bee's lip gloss...need to find a good color though.

Sale Bonanza

2004-12-04T01:51:00.000-06:00

This weekend:

Old Navy Friends and Family 20% off
Banana Republic Friends and Family 30% off
Kenneth Cole Friends and Family 30% off
Bath and Body Works Tutti Dolci Lip Gloss Free with Purchase and Coupon
Archiver's Scrapbooking extravaganza - Make It and Take Its
In NYC: Jimmy Choo's sample sale...up to 60% off. NICE!

On Thursday, Starbucks had its Cheer Party at its stores. They gave out free tall holiday coffees, your choice of eggnog latte, gingerbread latte, or peppermint mocha. I got the gingerbread latte. Yum. I love Starbucks. I love their red holiday cups. And I love their stenciling on the cardboard thing they put around the cup. What is that anyway? Is it a gripper? Or is it supposed to prevent you from burning yourself? I have never figured it out. They also had cranberry cream bars. Although I don't like cranberries, this was delish. As Kunj and I talked about it later, if we had been in the same town, we would have traipsed all over hitting every Starbucks.

I wonder how Bath and Body Works is doing in revenue...because they seem to have a lot of these free offers with purchase lately. It's very interesting, considering Limited Brands, Inc. is under their predicted forecasts this year. I know some of their stores aren't doing as well as from the market and stock reports, but I wonder how Bath and Body Works is holding up. Victor and I will have to have a conversation about this. Speaking of stores that are owned by Limited Brands, Inc., Express is having their semi-annual pant sale, $29.50 and up. It started yesterday.

Wal-Mart is under their predicted forecasts also. As a result, they have unveiled a new holiday advertisement, having chosen 25 "gadgets" to promote as newly-reduced merchandise. We'll see how this works for the company who only puts out circulars 12 times a year.

The Beginning

2004-12-03T23:31:00.000-06:00

Light years behind the rest of the world...I've decided to catch up. No, this is not going to be a journal of my aggrievances and/or happy moments...I'll still have my web journal for that.

Something that has been redefined during these first couple years of medical school is my love of shopping...it's turned into an acquisition retail therapy of sorts. And believe it or not, I have acquired. To the point where it might just get interesting to chronicle my adventures in acquisition therapy. Let the healing begin.