New Mantra: SHOP DURING THE WEEK!

OK, I can't ever shop during the week either.  But I took advantage of my staycation (sorry for using that overused term...I haven't yet come up with an alternate) and shopped like it was my job. Well, at least the one I get paid for.  The stores are empty!  The salespeople are nice(r)!  And during the summer you get to take advantage of free A/C!

So between gift cards, coupons, and sales, I was able to get almost everything I need.  I'm still looking for that perfect khaki-colored summer pencil skirt, but in the meantime was able to score the following:

-Narrow, stretch, longish black shorts at Anthropologie (see pic). Yes, I buy the only thing that is black in that entire store. And on sale for $40!  I also picked up a sweet smelling candle-in-a-tin.  And this all cost me $3.02 because I had a $50 gift card.

-Carmen MarcValvo swimsuits at Paragon Sports? And 30% off! I have tons of trouble finding bathing suits that fit and don't make me look like a corpse. But this suit fits, is comfortable, makes me look fancy, and is in a color I never thought I would ever buy (but is the perfect anti-corpser, see pic). At $101, this suit is still pricey...but when you find a suit that doesn't make you cry, you buy it.

-Quality tank-tops, 2 for $25 at Madewell...white, grey, black. They snap back into shape!  I can't stand when my tank tops stretch out in the humid summer heat and then suddenly, I'm schlumpy.  I bought two white ones, for layering purposes (see pic).

-Flats, sneakers, socks...isn't this what DSW is really for?  I had a $10 off coupon, and somehow ended up spending $90+.  But I have already worn everything that I bought, so t'was well-worth it.  I spied a pair of black suede stretch Stuart Weitzman boots with very low heel. WOW. THE ultimate find. Unfortunately, these booties, even at DSW, cost two legs, and therefore you can't ever wear them ($450, on sale from $650).  But if you're not mega-rich, just really damn rich, you might think this is well worth it.  And as of Tuesday, there several pairs - including a 9.5 and an 8.5.

-Urban Zen. I have been trying to get into this place for years, but it's closed on Sundays, which seems to be the only day I find myself in the West Village.  So, today, I got inside and learned that it's affiliated with a Donna Karan foundation and anywhere from 10%-100% of the proceeds go to worthy causes, such as to artisans from Haiti. Interesting.  So after they gave me some samples of magical eye and face lotions from Morocco, I felt obliged to buy a heart-shaped rock to benefit Haiti for $15...which actually ended up being $16.33 with sales tax, which struck me as odd, but I have put it next to my bed and decided it will bring me great good fortune.

-Who knew there was a Ted Baker in the Meatpacking district?  Probably lots of people.  But I didn't - I always go to the one in Soho. Anyway, I like the store, though nothing really fits me. But if the brand fits you, run in there because they are having a 50% off sale right now.

-And in closing I finally got to the Alexander McQueen store on 14th St., which reminded me of a museum and also reminded me of the stores of yore in Soho. I'm pretty sure the salespeople in there hated me in my over sized army pants and canvas Nikes, but it kind of makes it all the more fun, frankly. 

Those are the highlights as I rode the urban retail heatwave...burning in my heart.

Deep Thoughts...Sean John & Virgin Megastore

Just a couple of quick observations du jour:

The Sean John store on 5th Ave. across from the NY Public Library appears to be gone.  Frankly, the mannequins in the window were weird and I don't think I ever saw anyone go in or out of there.  I have some level of authority on this as I work on the same block.  My man Sean P Diddy Puffy Combs is a fine businessman and dresses well (my mother even said so), but this label/store never has really made sense to me.

The very young and departed Virgin Megastore in Union Square is now a Duane Reade and Citibank.  Whoa.  Next thing you're going to tell me is there's a TGI Friday's...wait WHAT?!  I think every area with a "Square" attached to it in NYC is doomed to go the way of corporate chain.  Let's just wait and see how that theory plays out in Washington Square Park.  Oh, wait, that's NYU's spot, the other corporate chain that owns all real estate in town.

Can we get a do-over?  I feel like a reset to 1980 is in order here. 

DSW: Doesn't Suck alWays

At first, I loved DSW.  But like all good things, that came to an end.  The quality of brands and styles plummeted swiftly; the service questionable.  But this is what happens when a discount outlet grows - there's no way to maintain such high and interesting levels of product and personnel.

HOWEVER!

I stopped in the Union Square outlet the other sweating hot day and managed to save $230, merely by spending $80 on this pair of kickin' boots from Biviel.  They came in both black and brown patent leather - I chose the brown since I have about 12 pairs of black boots.  And they simply screamed "FALL WEATHER" to me, something I am very much looking forward to right now. 

So between the sale price and my coupon, I scored large, and felt like it was 2006 all over again.

T.G.I...WTF?

I had heard that T.G.I. Friday's had opened in the old Zen Palate space in Union Square, but frankly, dimissed it as ridiculous.  Well friends, it's true.  Times Square II: The Revenge. 
In other more promising news, Chock full o'Nuts is opening on 23rd St. in that old diner space between 5th & 6th Ave. - a little throwback action to the old Times Square (some of us) all remember fondly.

Solid Visit to Nordstrom Rack in Union Square

Somewhat because it was too hot to continue walking further downtown, I ended up going into the new Nordstrom Rack in Union Square this weekend.  It was fairly empty and orderly, and I am assuming that is because it was the 4th of July (however that didn't stop Trader Joe's from being more crowded than ever, so who knows). 
I scored some black linen/cotton pants that were exactly what I had been looking for, a fancy little sleeveless top to help combat the 100 degree weather, and some hair product...all for about $75.  I am pleased as punch.

Virgin Megastore on Death Row

From my least-favorite news source (i.e. Fox):

The Virgin Megastore in Times Square is said to be preparing to shut its doors next February. Also, the Virgin Megastore in Union Square is being marketed by real estate agents, now that the "record biz has died." Some 80 record stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn have closed since 2003.

Sex and the City: My Movie Review

So I finally saw Sex and the City on the big screen last night with a gaggle of broads. First, we dined at Lunetta (where the Mayrose used to be), drank ate and drank, and then headed over to the theatre near Union Square on Broadway.

The place was packed with 99% women and 1% "other." I have possibly not ever been in a theater with such a raucous crowd!

Anyway, my assessment of the film is this: it is not as smart or funny as the TV show was on HBO. Why is this? There were way too many hit-you-over-the-head explanations and so-called jokes. It was entertaining enough, but simply just not as good as the show was.

However, if asked to give an award to the best character, I'd have to nominate Kristin Davis who plays Charlotte York Goldenblatt. She's almost a modern day Lucille Ball. It's as if she was the only one who really understood the level of camp that this movie was achieving.

Also, one of the main reasons any of us went to this flick was to see Chris Noth be Mr. Big. And what happens? She (Carrie) refuses to speak to him throughout most of the movie! I don't think that I got my Mr. Big fix. And while he looked good, possibly better than he did during the entire final season of the show, it seems as though he needs to work on his on-screen kissing. Or maybe he just really didn't want to make out with Sarah Jessica Parker. Fear of Matthew Broderick?

I kind of look forward to seeing it again on the small screen, because sitting in the second row was a little bit too close for comfort. What other explanation is there for how Smith went from looking 22 to looking 38 in 4 short years?

A Very Sacco Birthday

I really like the store Sacco. Problem is, it's a little bit too pricey for me. However, they have some really spot-on shoes and accessories, two of which I treated myself to for my birthday this weekend (I went to the one near Union Square). Additionally, they a running a little promo right now; if you buy one item you get 10% off, two items 15% off, and three items 20% off. It's not a complete windfall, but it provides you that little bit of encouragement you need to say, "oh what the heck!?"

The first, as you can see, is a pair of black suede sandals. They look a little bit dowdy, I agree. Until you put them on! Then they transform into this comfy solution to all of your seasonal shoe issues. You can wear them with anything and well into the early fall. A score indeed.

Then, I purchased this leather backpack - mainly because my Chiropractor told me to. But also because it turned out to be about $300 cheaper than the one I was considering having Jutta Neumann make for me. (Jutta's handcrafted leathers are really wonderful, but the price tags are just too much for me to justify. If you can stomach them, I suggest you check out her store on Allen St.) Anyway back to the pack - I also do really like it. It's simple and goes with everything and doesn't make me feel like a dork for wearing it.

See what happens? You get a year older and start wearing "health-conscious" apparel. Sigh...

DSW: I saved $345 on Donna Karan Collection Shoes

I haven't purchased much in the way of apparel recently, but because I am a rewards member, I had a $40 off reward from DSW burning a hole in my wallet. So yesterday, I trucked to Union Square to change it from paper into "shoe gold." Well, not only did I score a pair of Donna Karan Collection black satin flats, but I did so at a savings of $345! (I paid just a touch under $50.) Yes, that means that these "slippers" originally cost (or so they say) $395, which is totally nuts. Even at DSW's "original" price they were like $299 - also insane. But then they were on sale at 70% off. Combine that with my $40 reward and voila - $49.98! There was one other pair - size 9 if you are so inclined to join the anti-retail revolution with me!

Tahari at DSW

I just visited my favorite discount shoe store in Union Square: DSW. I had a $20 DSW "premier rewards certificate" as well as $20 left over on a gift card burning a hole in my pocket. After perusing the cheaper-yet-still-frighteningly expensive designer shoe area, I came upon some groovy Tahari shoes in black, gunmetal and the plumaliscious pair you see pictured above.

I love these shoes because they actually look better on AND they have a low yet alluring heel. Following years of wearing 3" spikes, my feet have HAD IT and will be so pleased with my new approach.

After utilizing the coupon and gift card, they ended up costing me a whopping $27. I WIN!

Republic: Asian Basil Lemonade

I am - and always have been - a fan of the food at Republic in Union Square. But I never had the Asian Basil Lemonade until this past weekend. It is a perfect combinaton of lemons and basil. Oh, and water and sugar. I am pining away for it right now. Go and get some. It tastes better than it looks, which is why I have no photo of it.

Filene's Basement in Union Squuuyawn...

Realizing that I write ad nauseum about DSW in Union Square, I thought I'd change things up a bit and scribe on Filene's Basement, which is located in the same building. Except first I need to admit that while at DSW, and in between taking calls from Guerilla Shopper groupies, I bought New Balance all-terrains to replace my current ugly-ass sneakers. I need to play the part if I am to achieve fitness zen at Equinox.

OK, so anyway I scoured the second floor of Filene's, which is actually the third floor of the building, which isn't really a "basement" at all, and came up with...

NOTHING!

I tried about 10 items on, and they did nothing for me, except make me look drowned out. Now, had I been looking for a semi-conservative suit, I'd have to admit that they have some decent options from Tahari and Calvin Klein (reg. $320 reduced to $130), but alas, I was not.

What I was looking for was simply not present and accounted for. There were lots of non-structured, picked over, fancy T-shirts and pants that don't seem to go to one's ankle. What is it with all of these knickers and shorts these days? I mean having a couple of pairs is fine, but why is the whole store full of this crap?

I really need to put the pedal to the metal on hooking up the spring into summer wardrobe...but where do I go now that Aaron's is gone?! I am going to have to recreate my approach. Wish me well. I'll be back.

Tahari - RED PATENT LEATHAAAAAH

Red Patent Leather Shoes - an obvious necessity. I needed to replace ye olde red Jones New York shoes of yore.

I've been looking and looking for 'the new' for a looooong time but the good shoe designers of the world had not been making much in the way of RED - maroon, yes; pink, sure...but not red in a "Look at me I'm hot hot hot..." kind of way.

So yesterday I took one of my regular jaunts to DSW in Union Square and found the pictured Tahari pair for - get this - $58. Granted I had $10 off and a credit for almost $12, but it almost made my day...

DSW: March of the Shoes

Yes, yes I know - another store that I write about all of the time: DSW Shoes. But I am so excited to finally be able to share with you the glorious gift of shoe that I bestowed upon Mother Guerilla this fine holiday season.

Mother G. was in desperate need of shoes...so desperate was her situation that I don't believe she realized how critical it actually was. So I took her foot matters into my own hands and did what I do best.

The pictured shoes - Michael Kors, Circa by Joan and David, Nicole Miller, and corso como cost me a sum total of about $260, which was a savings of about $230. The best deal were the Michael Kors (the first pair on the left) which cost a mere $32!

DSW: Post-Xmas Sale! Starts Dec. 26