Mad Men Obsession Continues: Custom Suits from Indochino

Ok, you can officially call me obsessed! I love these Mad Men! I know I'm probably a dollar short and a day late, but who cares? I actually prefer the fact that they are already up to season 4 and I've been able to watch the first 3 seasons at my leisure (which at times has meant 3 episodes back-to-back!) without having to wait a week for the next episode.

And now I totally get the fixation for the clothes, I mean, even the women's clothes are starting to grow on me, and I am now looking for some of those old nightgowns/baby dolls that Betty Draper wears to bed.

They are so pretty and so elegant. they make my "going to bed" ensembles look like crap! From now on, I want to go to bed in style, just like her! I just need to find out who sells stuff like this new, because vintage/used is not my thing, especially not for nightgowns!

And the men! Ah, the men really knew how to dress back then! The way Don Draper and Roger Sterling wear a suit, it almost makes me forgive them their chauvinistic behaviors!

Men really need to watch this show and take lots of notes (about style, not behavior!).

And lucky for them, it exists a store where they can find the perfect suit a la Mad Men: Indochino.

Indochino is an online custom suit maker, which means that not only they have great looking suits inspired by the 60s, but they also let men tailor the suit to their measurements (which is exactly how it should be in order to get the perfect fit). Men can take their own measurements and send them to Indochino and in less than 10 minutes they can place an order for a new suit.

And I love that they have the 3-piece suit, because I think men should start wearing these vests more often since they really look so well put together and sexy!

You can check out all of their Signature Collection on Indochino's website.

Hello Handsome!  ;)

If only I could find a website where they let me customize anything and everything from Betty Draper's closet!
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Like Prada but Cheaper?

I love Prada and Miu Miu, but there is one little problem: I can't afford either brand. Even if Miu Miu is supposed to be the more economical and youthful version of Prada, I still can't afford to spend $1,000 + on one of their handbags.

Specifically, these are the handbags I dream about:

The Ruched Prada Handbag

and

The Ruched Miu Miu Handbag

So imagine my surprise and joy when I discovered another brand getting into the ruched/pleated leather handbags... a much more affordable brand... a handbag brand I constantly talk about on this blog... did you guess it yet? 

Yes! Coach! 

Coach Madison Gathered Leather Handbag

Not exactly the same thing, but it got my attention. 

But here is the problem: it costs $1,200...

What?!?!

Nobody in their right mind would/should spend $1,200 on a Coach handbag. It's just against the rules. 

Coach Sofia Ruched Satchel

Fortunately, after a brief moment I was able to find a more affordable option, more in the price range of a "Coach bag": the Madison Gathered Leather Sofia Satchel for $498. 

Hmm. I'm not convinced yet.

In the end, I still like the Miu Miu and Prada best, and only a trip to the Coach store will help me decide if this is something I could "settle" for. I'll keep you posted. 

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Organizing Your Closet - Part 2

Watch Part 1 here

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MacKenzie Childs Holiday 2010 Preview

MacKenzie-Childs reminds me of a fairy tale world: going to their store and being surrounded by all their pretty things, makes me feel I've just stepped inside Hansel and Gretel's gingerbread house.

The distinguished style, the attention to detail, the beautiful patterns, the precious ceramics, the festive spirit, the magical and luxurious feel... they're all part of MacKenzie-Childs unmistakable traits.

There really is no other store like it.

And the holiday decorations this year are incredible! I was invited to preview the Holiday Collection and I have to admit that a few items are already on my Christmas wish list.

The Holiday Collection 2010 will be open to the public starting on November 11th until December 31st at their flagship store in Manhattan, so save the date and remember to stop by:

MacKenzie-Childs

14 West 57th Street, between 5th & 6th Avenues

In the meantime, here are some of my snapshots, and for more visit MacKenzie-Childs website.

I want these canisters!

This is right out of Alice in Wonderland, don't you think?

I believe in Santa again! 

Makes me wish for the Holidays to be here, fast!

All the beautiful ornaments!

The Christmas Tree!

You can buy these trees fully decorated!

Dinner is ready!

This looks soooo comfortable!

Fashion Disaster - Frothing White

Gotcha!!!

It's September 17... waaaay past Labor Day!

No, but seriously, this looks like too much white to me, and bubbling white at that.

Plus, c'mon... you didn't have a white bag or maybe a pair of brown shoes?

Match them, girl! You gotta match them!

Ann Taylor Continues to Rock!

I'm so happy that Ann Taylor's designers from last season are still on board! The new fall collection is just perfect! From classic designs like this one:

To a little leopard

To blue leopard (which I already own)!

And as this winter all the rage is Leopard Prints (like every other winter, check out this post from 4 years ago!), I made sure I had the right shoes for it:

They have the perfect heel, the perfect round toe, and are sooo comfortable! I love them! They will look great with an all-black outfit and maybe this belt (which I am planning on buying next):

I have a feeling Ann Taylor is going to be taking a lot of my money this winter...

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Piperlime Pop Up Store Launches in New York

Piperlime Pop Up Store

93 Mercer Street

New York 

11am - 8pm Daily

September 9th - October 3rd

And the Winner of the Feather Wish Necklace is...

Soos!!!

Congratulations!

But hey Soos, you gotta do me a favor... You have three feathers in there, use one to wish for Daisy's speedy recovery. Thanks.  :)

Book Review: Fix-It and Forget-It Christmas Cookbook

It is pretty obvious that I love fashion, but there is a second passion of mine that I don't write much about on NY Spender (mostly because I like to keep the blog on topic): Cooking.

Being Italian means people expect me to be a good cook, and I hate to let people down... Fortunately I have a passion for cooking, as I've learned that without a passion for it (like with most things) you just can't be a good cook. And since having my baby I've been experimenting behind the stove even more, because I want to make sure she eats nutritious meals. 

So when I had the chance to review a "cooking book" instead of the usual "fashion book" I was very happy to do so.

Fix-It and Forget-It Christmas Cookbook

The book is Fix-It and Forget-It Christmas Cookbook by best selling author Phyllis Pellman Good and the latest in the Fix-It and Forget-It series. Other than the hundreds of mouth-watering recipes, what really made me want to read this book was the fact that it used a slow cooker.

I've always wanted to try cooking with a slow cooker, but it was never part of our family cookware, so I didn't grow up with one and to this day I still don't own one. But that is sure going to change soon! After reading this book, a slow cooker is on my to-buy list and this one from Hamilton Beach seems to have amazing reviews. Luckily, slow cookers don't cost a lot of money.

The idea of setting up this pot and let it cook for hours without having to even check on it is genius! To do this with a regular pot it would mean having to come around it every so often to stir the food and/or to add more liquids, and why would you want to do this for 8 hours straight? Instead, you can set up the slow cooker at night before going to bed and let it cook while you sleep. Just awesome!

As for the recipes, I can't wait to try A LOT of them, from the Onion Soup to Grandma's Chili, from the Christmas Meatloaf to the Sweet and Sour Ribs, from the Pork Chops Pierre to the Hot Cranberry Cider to the Caramel Apples, they all sound delicious!

And since this book doesn't hit the stands until October, here is a special preview for my readers (I didn't know you could cook "smells"!):

Christmas Smells:

Mary Kathryn Yoder

Prep Time: 10 minutes

4 cups water

rind of 1 lemon

rind of 1 orange

1-oz. box whole cloves

1-oz. box cinnamon sticks

2 bay leaves

Pour water into 2-qt. slow cooker so it's half to 2/3 full. Add all other ingredients. Stir well. Cover. Turn cooker to High until mixture boils. Remove lid. Reduce heat to Low. Let mixture simmer and fill your home with good smells. Add water as needed. Note: Do not leave your house with Christmas Smells cooking. 

Ah, I think I'm ready for Christmas...

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And what are YOU doing this Fashion's Night Out?

Tonight is Fashion's Night Out here in New York (and across the globe to a certain extent). Every big and small designer shop has something special going on for their customers: free drinks, music, limited-edition items, special appearances by the designer himself/herself and/or some other celebrity. Gwen Stefani is going to be around somewhere, Mary J. Blige, Victoria Beckham and Tom Ford are at Bergdorf Goodman, Joss Stone is at Nine West...

So where will I be? The answer is simple: HOME.

While I love fashion and a healthy shopping spree, Fashion's Night Out is not on my to-do list this year, and for a few simple reasons:

1. I hate crowds.
I really do. And a crowd of shallow fashionistas and free-stuff diggers is one of the crowds I hate the most. If I want to shop I prefer the store to myself. That's why you won't find me at sample sales, either. I was at one, many years back, and learned my lesson.

2. I don't need anything they're selling.
Anything I want right now can wait for a calmer day.

3. I have no money to spend.
I checked my bank account today, I have $188 in it, payday is next week and I am not going to use my credit card and go into debt so that Marc Jacobs gets even richer...

How about you? Are you going shopping tonight? ;)

If Makeup is your thing, then Sephora has your Fashion's Night Out all taken care of

Click Here for more Info

Fashion Lives Downtown on Fashion's Night Out

As Fashion's Night Out is fast approaching, here is a first series of events I consider worth fighting the crowds for:

FASHION LIVES DOWNTOWN KICKS OFF WITH FASHION'S NIGHT OUT

THE MEATPACKING DISTRICT PRESENTS OVER FIFTY HIGH-PROFILE EVENTS HOSTED BY NEW YORK'S BEST RETAILERS

WHO: Selma Blair, Christina Ricci, Kelly Rowland, Sean Lennon, Robin Thicke, Charlotte Kemp Muhl, Helena Christensen, Miike Snow, DJ Cassidy, Ali Hewson, Harley Viera Newton, Mia Morretti and more.

WHAT: Fashions Night Out in the Meatpacking District, which we have sub-named---Fashion Lives Downtown is a series of events and cocktail parties, open to the public, featuring special appearances by celebrities, editors, fashion experts, in-store events and special offers at over 50 retail destinations throughout the Meatpacking District. The event is presented by Moët Hennessey USA.

Here are some of the major highlights:

Theory: Debut of Theory Fashion Insider: The Remix, featuring a live DJ set by Andrew Wyatt, a founding member and the lead vocalist of Swedish/American trio Miike Snow, and a video “mash up” by artist Philip Ashley. Theory Fashion Insider stylists will also be on hand to remix shoppers' fall looks.

Stella McCartney: Selma Blair hosts the evening’s festivities that features an exhibition of Helena Christensen’s work to benefit the Chernobyl Children’s Project International.

Hugo Boss: Grammy award winning artist, Robin Thicke will perform an acoustic set.
Moschino: Singer, Kelly Rowland hosts Moschino’s fantasy world of surrealism where guests will be photographed in a giant handbag.

Crangi Family Project: Philip Crangi and Costello Tagliapietra shucking oysters.

Tory Burch: DJ Cassidy to spin and Shake Shack on the BBQ.

Diane von Furstenberg: Hosted by Refinery29, the DvF and HP Experience Lounge features cutting-edge fashion installations and a photo booth.

Helmut Lang: Explore the world of Helmut Lang with Creative Directors Nicole & Michael Colovos, along with DJ Harley Viera Newton, a photolab presented by Cobrasnake, spirits provided by East Village's Death & Company and bites catered via Rickshaw's Dumpling Truck.

Jeffrey New York: Personal appearances by designers L’Wren Scott, Jason Wu, Nicholas Kirkwood, Monique Pean, Christina Ricci, and Current/Elliott.

Maybelline New York: makeovers for the mini-catwalk and a chance to win a year’s supply of makeup. DJ Charlotte Kemp Muhl and Sean Lennon to spin.

Scoop NYC: EDUN Pop-Up shop with Ali Hewson and a DJ set from Jaleel Bunton of TV on the Radio.

American Express ZYNC ZONE with Style Pack partner Gilt Groupe: Providing makeovers, a photo-booth and lounge.

Tracy Reese: Hosting a dance-a-thon featuring DJ Rajni Jacques of Nylon. Wallflowers can receive complimentary manicures from Sally Hansen.

Vince: Performances by DJ Mia Moretti and pop-rock violinist Caitlin Moe.

Click here for a link to the entire list.

WHEN: Friday, September 10, 2010

WHERE: Throughout the Meatpacking District: East of the West Side Highway, South of 16th Street, West of 8th Avenue and North of 12th Street.

CONTACT: Abe Gurko - 212 924 0510 - click here (abe@abenyc.com) to receive a complete list of events.

Win a Bag from Shop It To Me

Visit Shop It To Me

Fashion Jewelry Series: Alexa's Angels

These days the big thing seem to be jewelry with a message. I like Alexa's Angels Jewelry because it comes with such a positive vibe and extremely affordable prices.

But the original piece that helped me discover Alexa's Angels, was the Feather Wish Necklace. The pendant is a winged heart and on the back it says "believe". But it doesn't end there: if you flip open the back of the pendant, you will find three feathers, symbolizing your wishes. You keep those feathers tucked in and wear the necklace until your dreams come true. Then you can wish for something new, or pass on the necklace to someone else that needs it. They also sell the feathers alone, in case you have more than three wishes.  ;)

And now it's your turn to give the Feather Wish Necklace a try. Just leave a comment with one wish. And I'll pick a random winner next Monday. Good Luck!  :)

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Book Review: Nina Garcia's Look Book

Every so often I am asked to review a book about "fashion" and while I don't usually buy “fashion books” (I much rather buy a “makeup book” and the reason is simple: while I think I know everything about fashion, I still have a lot to learn about makeup) in the end I am glad they send the book, because no matter how much I hate to admit it, I always learn something new from it, and also because a lot of fashion books lately are well written and, occasionally, even funny.

The above is all true for Nina Garcia’s latest book:

Look Book – What to Wear for Every Occasion

While I’ve known of Nina Garcia, I’ve actually never watched Project Runway, so I approached the book completely unbiased (on the other hand, don’t send me a Sarah Jessica Parker’s anything because I would totally bash it, no matter what), and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it.

First of all the book is so pretty and a perfect addition to any stylish coffee table, with its hard and colorful cover, and fortunately the content is just as interesting, easy to read, and full of great advice.

Just like the title says, LOOK BOOK is a visual guide to help you put together the perfect outfit for any occasion. If you have ever asked yourself one of these questions...

- What is appropriate to wear on a casual Friday at work?
- What do I wear for a brunch with the girls?
- What should I wear when meeting my new in-laws for the first time?
- What should I wear for a job interview?
- What should I wear for an important work meeting?
- What should I wear on a first date? And on a second one?
- What should I wear for Jury Duty?

... this book can help you.

I am sure we have all wondered about the best outfit for a specific occasion, and now this book holds all the answers in an adorable compact package. Really, all you have to do is look up "black tie dinner" and you will be presented with all the options:

- a dress in floor length, in a luxurious fabric
- or a long bias-cut skirt with a top that has some beading or sequins
- heels, the higher and strappier, the better
- a statement necklace or bold earrings

But it doesn’t end there. Nina gives you a couple of outfit choices per occasion, but also adds in appropriate suggestions as needed, and in the case of black tie dinner she provides a "Party Invitation Decoder" to help you distinguish between Semiformal, Formal, Black-Tie Optional, Black Tie, White Tie, etc.

In other chapters she also adds her opinion about hair styling, etiquette, tips to be event-ready (a couple of salsa titles to practice your dance moves before going out on a date, for example), interesting stories behind holiday traditions, movies that will better inspire your outfit ideas. Add to all this the most fashionable figurines designed by Ruben Toledo and what you get is a well rounded read that will surely enrich your fashionable self.

So, if you are always left wondering in front of your closet, Look Book is a must have in your library (or coffee table, or better yet, leave it directly in your closet, so that you can grab it when you really need it! ;)
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