Trapped In The Closet: Get your closet in order

Happy Halloween my pretties! Every year I wait until the last possible minute to think about a Halloween costume. I'm not really into the store bought costume (there's usually nothing good or cheap enough left for procrastinators), so I always end up scanning my closet looking for something I can develop into decent Halloween attire. Thanks to my addiction to vintage shopping and a little creativity, I succeeded (this year I'll be a 1920's Flapper-not original, but cute). But nothing is scarier than an overly crowded, unorganized closet. However, this year's search was a lot easier because about a month ago with the help of the Home Shopping Network (HSN), I decided to take closet organization into my own hands. Never mind why or how I found out about anything offered on HSN, just know they sell the best hangers I've seen in my life. Joy Mangano Huggable Hangers will change the way you feel about your closet. They create much more space, clothes don't fall off (due to the velvety texture), and they give your closet the appearance of a chic boutique. But beware, there are imitators that I have bought and then promptly returned due to flimsy quality. I know they're just hangers but after all, presentation is everything.

psst..http://www.hsn.com/ offers a 15% discount for those new to the site using coupon code C56574

NOW available at TARGET!

TGIF or TGITLFOTM (Thank God It's The Last Friday Of The Month): Sample Sales

I know it's Wednesday, but I wanted to give you advance notice so there won't be any hard feelings. *LA girls take note: The last Friday of each month = major sample sale!* (Ladies not in Los Angeles hold on a sec, I have something for you too). Every last Friday of the month, the California Market Center (California Mart) and the New Mart have a sample sale event (except in December when every Friday is sample sale day). These two large buildings located in LA's Fashion District house the showrooms (which have everything from adult and kids clothing to accessories) where all the buyers select the hottest trends for boutiques and department stores. After they take their orders for the season many of the showrooms sell off the samples to the public at deep discounts (like an extremely fashionable garage sale-everything must go!) Some of my previous finds (way too many to name) include a evening coat from the BCBG showroom for $50 and a beautiful Francesco Biasia overnight bag (worth at least $500) for $200. No need to worry if you're not in LA you can shop the sample sales at home with cool online sites like http://www.hautelook.com/, http://www.gilt.com/, and http://www.ideeli.com/. Save without having to find a parking spot by signing up for free membership and get invitations to shop designer's sample sales at up to 70% off for limited time periods (usually 12-36 hours per sale).

*Tips for LA sample sale shoppers - The sales vary by showroom and last from 9AM-3PM(ish). Bring cash, your own shopping tote (or rollaway suitcase-I'm not kidding) and set a budget. I like to get there for the last two hours (with a set amount of cash). There are so many things to buy I don't want to go broke (then I'd really have something to be stressed out about). So do whatever you need to do to free your schedule Friday and scour those samples (did I hear a sniffle?).

No Pedicure Required

Okay ladies, before you get all crazy on me for suggesting you skip your beloved pedicure ritual hear me out. I'm not encouraging anyone to fall back on their grooming habits, but seriously,this season you never have to be forced to wear bare legs or strappy sandals in the crisp fall air. One of Fall's hottest trends is legwear. Yes, tights! It's all about tights. Don't be shy and try plenty of styles and colors like Black, Plum, patterned or stirrups (stirrups?- after careful consideration, I think I'm going to go through with this one). Make sure to pair them with a variety of different shoes including boots (they look especially sleek and modern with an ankle boot), pumps and even open toes (usually with a peep toe). You can easily transition some of your summer dresses to Fall with the right legwear. Just add a cardigan sweater, cute belt, slip on your tights and go!
Hue makes some really nice options (this brand can usually be found in better department stores i.e. Macy's, Nordstrom).
For the stirrups (These are $14), you'll probably have to hit American Apparel.

More Bang For A Buck: ELF Cosmetics

I usually don't post about makeup but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to pass along these savings (forever the savvy shopper). ELF (eyes, lips, face) Cosmetics is reportedly selling its business to Nordstrom so they must sell off all of the goods with the ELF label. Look, I don't know if it is true or not (the Nordstrom buying the company thing) but where else can you get quality nail polish, makeup brushes and tweezers for a dollar (that's what I said, $1). But wait, there's more. You also get a free subscription to Glamour magazine if your order is over $20. You don't have to believe me, just log on yourself. I did and I can kick myself for forgetting to enter the coupon code CAROLINA at checkout (Enter this code and save an extra $7.50 if your order is over $15.00). Nevertheless, it's a steal (thanks LB)!

http://www.eyeslipsface.com/shop.asp

So Fly: DC's Fly Lounge is worth the trip

If you're ever in the Washington DC area (and I recommend that you should be), do yourself a favor and get by the ultra cool Fly Lounge. It definitely lives up to its name (on a Monday night no less) and looks like the inside of an airplane complete with sexy flight attendants as bartenders. I had a great time there (fly spot, fly DJ, fly people). Enough said!

http://www.flyloungedc.com/

Where The Buffalo Roam: Howard University Homecoming

So I jetted to Washington, DC this past weekend to go to the Mecca, Howard University, for my Homecoming (Go Bison!). We lost the game (honestly, it's really not about the game as much as it's about the halftime show and showing up on the "yard") but, who cares when your surrounded my so many fabulous people. I won't bore you with a long, drawn out recap (we played---so what---the score was--blah, blah, blah) but I will show you some of photos of all the fun. The Bison have so much style.

Purple Reign: Fall's new "it" color

It's official, purple is the new black (or at least it is for this season until next season where red may be the new black and then back to black as the new black)! Whether you like it or not it's the new "it" color for Fall. But don't start getting all nervous and stressed out about wearing head to toe purple (a la Prince). You can always inject color with a cute bag or shoe. I have a couple of items I'm currently rocking including a hot suede bag and a regal sheath dress (very Michelle Obama).

Here's the dress I have, currently available on sale for $74.99 at Banana Republic (no longer available online)

Another hot accessory this season, the clutch, in the "it" color available at www.bananarepublic.com for $97.50 (Now you're ready for Purple Rain 2, The Sequel)

Shopping, In A Recession?

I say, YES! Money may be tight but, just because the economy's dead doesn't mean I am. A girl still needs her sanity. Consider this: a very fabulous friend of mine hipped me to resale or consignment shops. I had to investigate for myself (for research of course). I stopped in at a shop practically walking distance from my house and discovered some serious deals on new or lightly worn designer duds. Hey, it's a great opportunity to shop on the cheap or make extra cash by bringing in the never (or slightly) used stuff occupying your precious closet space. I say it's worth a visit or two. Yesterday I spotted these beautiful, red patent leather Jimmy Choos (worn once) for $149. These are currently $585. Now if I can just squeeze into a 71/2...

Welcome! Rolaids Aren't The Only Thing That Spell Relief

The economy, gas prices, the war, your job (or lack of), relationship drama, your mother (not mine, she's absolutely perfect): We have a million reasons to be stressed. I know life with all its blessings can be hectic. I often rely on some good ole' retail therapy to help me out. I used to feel the need to tell little white lies to cover up when I'm involved in a little stress relief. Listen, as long as I'm able to pay my bills I see no reason to stop (don't waste your time-you can cancel my intervention). When I get weak and think I should change my ways and stop my methods of de-stressing, I remember a great quote my mother once lovingly told me, "Well, it's better than drugs."