Avon: I Found Two Good Things

I was invited to a summer/fall showing of Avon products. OK, totally not my style or scene, but everyone was very nice and they gave me free stuff, so I will refrain from my usual sarcastic and cutting remarks, and just focus on the good stuff:

Good Item #1: The Slimwear Pencil Skirt, $29.99

Available for Fall, this skirt has a Spanx-like system built right in. It's groovy and I liked it. I might even buy it.

Good Item #2: Pleats Are Neat Satin Flats (available in black and purple), $16.99

These shoes will be available for winter. I love flats. I have at least 4 pairs of black ones already. I may have to buy the purple ones.

Bottom line, these items are fun and cheap. They kind of reminded me of the best fashions one might come across at Target; and this is a good thing, for you feel like you have conquered the fashion world and capitalist society in one fell swoop.

To buy any of these fabulous fashion finds, you can locate an Avon e-representative near you by visiting Avon.com.

PANTS Pants pants

I am a staunch advocate of pants. I like wearing them. I like shopping for them. In my next life I hope to be a pair of well-constructed pants, preferably black. The one thing I don't love about pants is the price for a good pair. So a friend suggested that I use H&M in my quest for decent pants at a low price. She was right! I just bought 3 pairs of black pants there last night for a sum total of $95 (straight, high-waisted, cords). Now, I have to get them shortened, and possibly taken in a tiny bit, but it will be well worth it.

So how do they offer the public such low-cost trousers? Well, for one, they are not lined. For another, they aren't really meant to last a lifetime. And lastly, they have some kind of Santeria business methodology going on over there at H&M that we as mere mortals are not privy to, lest we meet our maker in a fatal "accident."

Joe Junior: Cheap, Fast, Halfway Decent

Joe Junior is one of those old-school diners that I pray nightly does not get taken over by a faux diner chain. It's a greasy spoon that dishes up full breakfasts for peanuts.

Now, it's not exactly gourmet - or anywhere near it - however, it does the job in a no-nonsense way allowing you to feed yourself and be on your merry way. The other day I had eggs, toast, hashbrowns and cranberry juice for less than $8 - this including tax and tip. What a bargain.

There's one on 6th Ave. and 12th St., another on 3rd Ave. around 16th St. (pictured) - providing us with west side AND east side options!