Vacation Time

Okay, I messed up. I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday weekend and missed Monday's entry. So unlike me, but I did have fun in Las Vegas. I'll have more about Vegas and some of the new hot spots later in the week (pinky promise). Stay tuned...






photo courtesy of Vegas.com

Fade To Black: Black Friday Blues

Welcome to the Friday after Thanksgiving otherwise known in the retail world as Black Friday. Welcome to early morning alarms sounding, fierce crowds, impossible parking lots and tired arching feet. Sound like a nightmare? It is to me. I can't think of any reason to line up before the sun comes out to spend my money (now if they were giving away money, that's a different story). Honestly, I do a lot of shopping and there are some deals out there if you hit the pavement early. But in the long run, if you want to save money and time, shop online. Consider these tips:

1. Search for the items you want to doing by a search on price comparison sites like ShopStyle.com (best for clothing and accessories) or Pricegrabber.com (for just about everything else). These sites compile all the offerings across different websites on the net : the more specific the search the better (i.e. "Calvin Klein Black Sydney Pump").





2. After finding the site that offers the best price (include factors like the cost of shipping or returns to make the best decision), do a Google search for coupon codes (i.e. type in "coupon codes for Banana Republic" and search). There are often many coupon codes you can use when you check out online (i.e. Free Shipping and/or an extra 20% when you type in a specific code). Some online retailers let you use multiple coupon codes for additional savings.





3. Sit back and wait for your holiday shopping to arrive at your doorstep.

Happy shopping (your feet will thank you later)!

photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenniewoo/ / CC BY 2.0

It's The Little Things

What are you thankful for? I can go on and on with all my blessings, but I'll spare you with the mushy stuff. Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your loved ones. And I can't forget to thank you for checking out It's Better Than Drugs (yes, all 5 of you). Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season and I'd be crazy not to be thankful for all the wonderful food and treats that I'm going to experience. I'm looking forward to eating (in moderation of course-okay, it probably won't be in moderation on Thanksgiving day-but after that I promise), relaxing, and a little shopping. That's why I'm so thankful for these:

• Fashionable Sweats-Sweats are perfect for lounging after a great holiday meal, shopping or wrapping gifts. To do this in complete comfort but without looking like you gained 75lbs or are recovering from the flu, check out (my personal favorite) flattering and ultra comfortable sweats from Gilly Hicks (online shopping may be best option for this store, the scent of cologne that permeates from the store is so strong I practically need a respirator after leaving).

photo courtesy of : http://www.flickr.com/photos/janelinton/ / CC BY 2.0

Baby It's Cold Outside

I know the weather is getting cold, but you shouldn't let your hotness quotient suffer as a result. There's no good reason you can't be warm and stylishly (yes, I'm aware this may not be a word) adorable at the same time. Personally I'm waiting on the cashmere Snuggie and I'm sold.

Cashmere Infinity Scarf $98, Banana Republic

This is a warm versatile accessory that you won't get tired of styling in multiple ways

Members Only Faux Fur Vest $148. I don't know how warm this vest keeps the rest of your body, but you'll have a very warm heart. Plus this would look great with jeans, leggings, or over a dress paired with tights.

Portolano Long Black Cashmere Gloves $57, Lauren Urstadt Opera Leather/Cashmere Gloves $295.

The long glove is the perfect accessory for all the 3/4 length jackets and wraps this season (who would have thought you can actually keep your arms warm and look cute in a shorter sleeved jacket). Choose basic black or add a little drama with a luxurious leather and cashmere combo.

It's Friday: Get Ready To Rock!

Happy Friday Ladies! The weekend is here and not that you need any motivation, but here's a video that always gets the party started. This video is circa 1990 (as stated by Chubb Rock himself) and still has one of the hottest party beats ever (if I must say so myself).
Enjoy!

Eat Your Heart Out Janet Jackson: Santa Gets Frisky

Yes, those are Santa's mittens over her breasts and no, I couldn't get a bigger photo (damn). Looks like the traditional Christmas sweater got a little sense of humor. Actually, it's about ten steps up from the typical Reindeer/Jingle Bells sweaters I usually see floating around come December. Not sure if I'd wear it, but I think it's funny and at the least a holiday conversation piece.

Grey Antics Mrs. Klaus Sweater $78, Urban Outfitters

Chic On The Cheap

You can get an authentic Herve Leger dress for just $150! Not into the bandage dress? How about a beautiful Tracy Reese dress for just $50! No, I'm not talking E-Bay or the absolute sample sale of the year, I'm talking renting designer dresses straight off the runway for a fraction of the price. Sign up at http://www.renttherunway.com/ , choose your dress, they'll send it to you, take care of the dry cleaning and even let you rent the next one for just $25. Granted you have to give the dress back after you wear it, but how many times have you bought a dress for a special occasion wore it once and then never again? If you're going to waste money on something you'll never wear again shouldn't it be on something you normally wouldn't be able to afford anyway (but then again, maybe you can afford it but just hate to waste money)? Besides, you get four days to enjoy it (pay a little extra and get eight days), wear to your heart's content and take plenty of pictures. Whose gonna know?

above right photo: Herve Leger V-Neck Bandage Dress: regular price $1590, rent it for $150!

Tracy Reese Taffeta Rocker Dress: regular price $475, rent it for just $50!

Friday Video Fun: De La Soul-Buddy

Well look what I found and dusted off for your Friday enjoyment. Nothing brings me more joy than a little shout out from the late 80's/early 90's (home of the leather medallion and high top fade-yes, even for the ladies). If ever you should run out of fashion or dance move ideas please feel free to come back to this video for reference. So far I've seen just about all the fades, afrocentric prints and beads I can handle in one sitting (but this song sure makes me happy and ready to start off the weekend). Please pay special attention to our friend Queen Latifah in this video (check her out in the background). All I can say is "You've come a long way baby!"

Creative Comfort-Wrap Up In Style

As the temperature cools down, we inevitably have to start wrapping up (Unless it's LA in the middle of November. An unpredictable at least 80 degrees yesterday-trust me it's overrated when you're trying to get dressed in the morning). For most of us it's time to pull out the sweaters, scarfs, and coats. But don't ruin a perfectly pulled together outfit with a boring old sweater wrap, or lackluster coat. Your outerwear should possess the same amount of excitement as what's underneath all that warm fuzziness.

Splendid "Vintage Whisper" Fleece Wrap Cardigan $78 This wrap is versatile and has a little edgy minimalist vibe to it.

MM Couture Three Layer Ruffle Sweater $125
I love the added drama of the ruffles.

BDG Plaid Sweater Coat $98
It's a sweater, no it's a coat. Whatever is it, it's super warm and cute piece to throw on top of a basic outfit.



















Hinge Fringe Trim Cardigan $88
A little hippie=a lot of hot style.

Buy This Book and Read It: Chic Sweats

What's the best way to feed your fashion fix, help the environment and the economy all while being your own chic little Martha Stewart? Get your hands on the Sistahs of Harlem's latest instructional book on how to create fierce fashion from old sweats. It's called Chic Sweats and I can't think of a better way to turn your most comfortable items (re-purposing old sweats saves money and it's oh so Green) into super fashionable clothing that you can create yourself (so "modern" Martha Stewart-you can do it). So run out and buy this book and get sewing (looks like the economy still needs your help)!

Chic Sweats by Carmen Webber & Carmia Marshall $15.80

(I guess I should mention one of the authors is my ultra fabulous stylist/designer/author friend Carmia)

Say Hello To My Little Friend

Move over jeans, there's a new Sheriff in town: Leggings. Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but right now I can't get enough of leggings. It seems leggings have been the go to item season after season. And why not? They're so comfortable and versatile, and if worn the right way, so flattering. Leggings have evolved from the cotton comeback kid from the 80's and 90's to ultra trendy materials like leather and sequins. There aren't too many items you can't throw on with leggings: stilettos, flip flops, chucks, and ankle, knee high or over-the-knee boots. Just make sure to balance most leggings with a longer top (T, sweater, cardigan) to avoid undue exposure (I said most, there are exceptions). But whether you're a friend of leggings or not, soak in the happiness that is Friday and enjoy your weekend.

above photo: Horace Leather Front Leggings $292

Old faithful. Basic black cotton.
Hue Stretch Cotton Leggings $25

Hot nighttime look.
LaRok Sequin Leggings $348

For the bold and the beautiful or as a really good foundation piece. It's a tank and leggings in one. Pull on boots and a cardigan over this for an instant outfit.
Cotton Spandex Unitard $32, American Apparel

Are Overalls Over The Top?

Well, well, well...look what's made it's way out of the fields, paint store or from the back of your closet. It's the return of overalls! Now before you get beside yourself with nostalgic hysteria, ask yourself , "Do I really want to be seen wearing these?" I have my answer, maybe I can be a little help you with yours.


Ralph Lauren Spring RTW 2010
all photos courtesy of Style.com











Lamb Spring RTW 2010

The old one shoulder strap trick (*sigh*). This is only appropriate for 90's group Bell, Biv, Devoe or LL Cool J circa 1992.








Jean Paul Gaultier Spring RTW 2010
OMG, Rerun is that you?





Chloe Spring RTW 2010

Some poor animal had to suffer because of this?









Cynthia Steffe Spring RTW 2010

To be fair this didn't repulse me. I actually think it's kind of sweet and feminine looking. Certainly not my style, but a woman (I'd prefer to see it on more of a girl-21 or younger) could probably pull this look off.






My Verdict:

I'm a self proclaimed slave to the one-piece jumpsuit (shorts, long pants...love them all). But when it comes to overalls, I think they're best served on the farm.

Weekend Update: Where The Wild Things Are

Okay, I honestly have to say I hated to see Monday coming. Don't get me wrong, I love waking up every morning but I had so much fun this weekend I was dreading it's end. Halloween was a blast and not only did I wear a costume, I ventured out to just about the craziest place to be on Halloween night, West Hollywood. Year after year the city of West Hollywood holds its Halloween parade and this year (although I'm a native Californian) I decided to come out for the first time. Two words to describe my experience: fun and weird (okay, technically that was three).









One of my favorite groups. There were about 3 more of these well endowed gals with the group.















Channeling Beyonce'. All the Single uh Ladies?

Great rendition of The Artist (although not in purple). If you have no idea who this is I'll tell you, "but first you have to purify yourself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka".

This gets the award for the most creative and most LA costume of the night. Dude walked the entire parade with is own velvet rope. And yes, I'm sure just about all bouncers/VIP doormen wear nail polish.

Oh yeah, the wait is over for the unveiling of my costume. I'm sure no one got any sleep this weekend just wondering what I was going to wear. No?...Well here it is anyway.When you find an authentic marching band uniform for 20 bucks, you make it your Halloween costume (Complete with shiny dance tights; Eat your heart out Beyonce').