A Great Hamburger Experience: Miller's Bar, Dearborn MI

I found myself in the cutting-edge town of Dearborn, MI this past weekend and had been informed that for one of the best burgers in the country, I had to go to Miller's Bar on Michigan Ave. So my family and I went.

Our first challenge was finding a door to get in - the first door we opened led right into the men's room. The second door looked like once we stepped in that we might never return. But brave and hungry we soldiered on. The largest table in the place sits four, so we arranged five chairs around a four-person table and waited for our waitress. She appeared and barked at each person:
"Whaddya want?" Hamburger.
"Cheese or no cheese?" No cheese.
"How do you want that done?" Medium.
"Fries or rings?" Fries.

Note that we got no menu (there isn't one) and she didn't tell us what they had (turns out they have a few other sandwiches, but no desserts).

The burgers arrived. On pieces of thin wax paper. There was nary a plate in sight. But we ate every last bit and rejoiced.

Then the waitress returned:
"You guys ever been here before?" No.
"Well you don't get a bill." You mean it's free?
"NO! We're on the honor system. Go tell the guy at the bar what you had and he'll tell you how much."

So how were the burgers? They were good, but I think the Miller's experience is the real draw. And this from a New Yorker who thought she had seen it all.

Album Launch of Note: Visqueen's "Message to Garcia"

Please Guerillas, I implore you to check out Visqueen's third album, "Message to Garcia." It's rock by Rachel Flotard, a lady who is really good at rocking. She's the ultimate kind of leadin' lady that girls want to be and guys want to be with. In fact, she was named Seattle's "fifth most bangable rocker" by The Stranger. She has been known to travel and sing with Neko Case, and in return, the lovely and talented Neko sings on "Message."

But wait! There more! Inspired by her dad's NYC Steamfitters union, Rachel has launched the new album on her very own new label called Local 638 Records. As the touching but excellent story goes, she was the primary caregiver to her dad for six years. She moved him out from NJ (where she grew up) so they could be together. Sadly, he passed away a little more than a year ago, but not before this Visqueen mini-biography was filmed for kstw.com. It's worth the seven minutes it takes to watch Rachel in action, and ol' George steals the show: http://kstw.com/underground/Visqueen.Seattle.Band.2.480734.html

And if you don't believe me, then believe John Richards, the host of KEXP's Morning Show in Seattle: "If it's possible to top their excellent debut, Visqueen has done just that. The long awaited third album from one of Seattle's best bands shows a ton of growth with even catchier songs and really tight songwriting. Every song is a single. One of the best records of the year."

Buy it here, $11.99 album/$0.99 per groove: http://www.amazon.com/Visqueen/e/B000APSR14/ref=ntt_dp_epwcd_T1_0

Report from the Front: Fashion Night Out

Thanks to Nancy Brenner for reporting on the new national holiday (while I was home sick last night!):

Major missed opportunity for men - bevy of fashion forward women who dressed like they were going to sashay down the red carpet at the Emmy's next week. Platform heels, ankle booties, mini dresses and toned thighs abounded - and that wasn't even the celebs. Started at Saks expecting scores of major makeup freebies as widely promoted. Not so much. I went to numerous counters and I'm too much of a lady to name names, but the consensus was sample only with purchase. Estee Lauder did it right - offered nice samples of Private Collection Jasmine White Moss - and you didn't have to go to the counter to beg for it. Blowout from Frederic Fekkai - only one person doing blowouts - until 7 - for thousands of women on the main floor. On the plus side, I got to meet Teri Jon designer Rickie Freeman who was very gracious and thanked me for coming over. I was two steps away from Elie Tahari who was posing for pics with customers. Spotted David Yurman. And met new to Saks, designer Yoana Baraschi who assured me that her stunning black and red knit color block number featured in the catalogue would fit me - and she was right. She even told me the secret to her rockin legs - Pilates. Wish there was a Nielsen's overnight ratings for sales - just curious how many credit card swipes aside from the makeup counters which were jam packed when I left.

Next stop Prada. Grace Coddington striking flaming red hair and all signing stacks of Vogue - standing with September little red riding hood model Sasha - looking teensy, but gorgeous next to her. I asked about the free t-shirts for Fashion Night Out they were supposedly giving out - but again, this was a gift with purchase.

The big B - Bergdorf's was bustling. Headed straight up the escalator determined to meet the Olsen twins at 7 p.m. Escalators were packed and they stopped letting people on to the 7th floor where the Olsens were supposed to be tending bar. Lots of smells mixed in - free chocolate and nut bits, flowing wine and strangely sausages. Seventh floor was packed worse than the A train at rush hour, but Olsens were nowhere in sight at the appointed hour and many of the hoards simply left in search of water. Ground floor packed with paparazzi snapping pics of celebs. Lots of people buying "Fashion's Night Out" tees. Disappointed hot Olsen fans just left. Major line of fashionistas waiting to get into the store. BG - A+ for coolest crowd, food and liquor freebies, empty makeup counters - if you really wanted a makeup makeover, this was your opportunity.

Final stop - Stacy London of "What Not to Wear" fame - pumped up arms, black peep toe ankle boots. Was standing right next to her at Ann Taylor when she picked out a soul in the crowd who needed a little bit of London tough love. Have to admit, it's one thing when you're fashion quarterbacking from your couch, and another when you are just an eyeball away from her as she's deciding who needs a new bra. London's dad was there - I asked him when she started her shopping sprees - he said she as always a big shopper. London offered to help everyone in the dressing room - the ultimate personal shopper.

Fashion Night Out - Where else can you mix with designers, celebs, models and real people? "What's Not to Like" Just paying retail...

Daffy's: Quick Current Sales

Ben Sherman outerwear for ladies starting at $39.99, with a suggested retail of $189.00. Lulu Bravo 100% cashmere twin sets, at $119.99, with a suggested retail of $260.00.

A report from The Front: Labor Day Edition

As experienced by Nancy Brenner:

My biggest retail boot score ever (so far) was yesterday at Barneys' Warehouse Sale, in the shape of Fiorentini+Baker - the uber stylish buckle boot that also does double duty as an awesome ankle boot as well - $85. Yes - $85 - reduced from $650.

So, there was a little work involved - like trying to bypass the Labor Day line by coming in later, figuring I'd miss the die-hards who came in at 9 a.m. to be the first ones at the starting gate at 10 a.m.

Wrong - waited with the Manolo masses for 40 minutes to get in, at which point the shoe shelves were nearly bare. I begged them to bring in the brown bags in the storeroom with my size - a few paltry pairs at that. Fiorentini boots in hand, I waited on the 'matching pair' line to discover they bought one boot that was full length and the other one ankle. I begged them to find the match - they did - but buckles were missing. Next step - brown buckles appeared instead of black ones - they suggested dye. I suggested finding black buckles. They did. So it was a bit of a project.

Next -- The line to pay was full of disheveled harried women in need of a bio break and their shoes. I used my back-up strategy and headed to the men's department to close the deal. The line was more than double its normal size - but the men were much more relaxed than the women (p.s. why doesn't Cosmo suggest Barney's as a place to meet guys - men are asking the few women there for fashion advice).

Oprah - bring Gail to the Barney's Warehouse Sale sale! You don't have to come in stilettos or makeup or run with a dog to get attention here.

Ladies - note to selves for next big Barneys sale - head to the men's department - they come pre-certified and well-dressed!

LORAC Makeup: Major Online Sale

Get this massive VIP starter kit from LORAC for...are you sitting? $18.50 by clicking HERE!

A $160.00 value
Only available at loraccosmetics.com while supplies last.
3 Eye Shadows in "Cappuccino", "Harmony", and "Persuasion"
2 Lip Polishes in "Delicious" and "Bliss"
Front of the Line Liquid Eye Liner in Black
2 Cream Lipsticks in "Eloise" and "Charity"
Mini TANtalizer Baked Bronzer
Double-Ended Eyeliner/Shadow Brush

The Boots That Taunt Me

YES, this is my most favorite time of year because it means that fall is coming and I can buy BOOTS. I found these two pairs online and I love them both. But as is typical with tales of love, this one is tragic. The black Stuart Weitzman's are not only on sale for $385.20 (yes, not exactly a give-away, but less than the original $535), but they also have an elastic back for comfort and style and they are just perfect for me. Except for the fact that the largest size they are offering is 6.5. I am guessing they are leftovers from last year. Sigh. Then, the tall tie-ups (aka "the Daria") from the shoe masters at Donald J. Pliner remind me of my blue leather Kenneth Cole boots I adored back in the 80s. But at $595 and with a 4" heel, this frugal old lady can't commit. My quest for boot love continues...

Sept. 14-21: Openhouse Gallery Sample Sale/Flea Market

Openhouse Gallery* is having a sample sale/flea market from September 14-21, during the Feast of San Gennaro, right on the street where the festival takes place (201 Mulberry Street). It will include men's and women's clothing and shoes at discounted prices as well as hats, jewelry, artwork, and other fun stuff. They also have a few spots available if anyone is interested in booking a space where they can sell their unique and interesting goods.
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*Showcasing an all-white 4,500 square-foot retail gallery with 16' ceilings and five massive skylights, Openhouse was designed to cater to the emerging real-estate trend of pop-up retail marketing and event promotion.

Sept 3: Hickey Freeman Showroom Sample Sale

Showroom Sample Sale

September 3, 2009

10 – 4pm

At the hickey showroom

745 Fifth Avenue

Suite 500

Sample size 40 regulars and Mediums

Suits - $199

Sport Jackets - $150

Everything Else 80% off

Visa, American Express & Master Cards Accepted

Aug. 31: Calvin Klein Day at ideeli

ideeli is hosting Calvin Day on Monday, August 31st: a full day devoted to this label's simplicity and style! This event will have items ranging from sportswear to suits.

If you want "in" sign up here: http://www.ideeli.com/invite/guerillashopper

Calvin Klein Sportswear/Active wear

Save up to: 60% Off

Prices start at: $12

From tailored blazers, to breezy skirts, to crisp blouses.

Calvin Klein Coats

Save up to: 69% Off

Prices start at: $69

Calvin Klein Dresses

Save up to: 75% Off

Prices start at: $59

**Please note that there will also be Petite and Special Sizes/Plus available in the Calvin Klein event.**