New Winter Wares: Native Jimmy Boots

Well, my beloved Tretorn boots finally crapped out, so I've been on the hunt for some new winter weatherproof/waterproof kicks that look cool for NYC (not so much Aspen) and are under $100.  I thought of splurging on some Hunter boots, but decided they make me want to garden or go to a soggy music festival in the UK....not crunch around in the snow.  My fantastic in-the-know friend Shani Silver was sporting a pair of Native Jimmy boots last winter when I visited her in Chicago, so I texted to see if she still loved them (yes), have they held up (yes), and how they fit size-wise (a little big, but perfect for thick socks).  They have a lot of amazing color choices, and they are light as a feather which is abnormal for snow boots.  Fantastic.  Purchase complete. 

Check 'em out!

Image courtesy of NativeShoes.com

Solace for Winter-Worn Skin

You can winterize your boat, your wardrobe, and your summer home, but what about your skin?  I have recently discovered the Panthenol Protein Moisturizing Face Cream from Kiehl's that has turned my winter combination skin (dry cheeks coupled with an oily forehead that wreaks havoc on my bangs) into a dewy delight that makes me forget about indoor heat and gusty walks to and from the subway.  And, the best part about it is the price: under $30.  I don't buy the hype and marketing surrounding uber expensive skincare.  I trend towards simplicity and this moisturizer completely fits the bill.  I apply the lotion from the eyes down after my sunscreen, and my skin feels--and looks--like spring (or at least has the sheen of warmer days ahead).  I am not a big makeup person regarding skin: sunscreen/moisturizer and a bit of something on the cheeks is as far as I go, so this is the perfect winter pick-me-up.

Barneys Warehouse Sale is ON!

The Barneys New York Warehouse Sale is ON, but don't torture yourself just yet.  $500 Louboutins and $200 ratty cashmere sweaters are no real bargain.  Mark your calendars for Friday, February 26th.  This is the day I believe they will do final markdowns.  And before you go, don't forget to read my "Barneys Warehouse Sale Survival Strategy".  These tips are a must read for any avid sample sale'r, crowd control manager, or torture resistance training.  PS- I added a little countdown clock to the right as a helpful reminder.  Bring it Simon Doonan!

Have a great weekend!

babs

Mark Your Calendars for the Barneys Warehouse Sale!

Clear your schedules, schedule your 'dentist appointments', cancel your dates! The Barneys New York Warehouse Sale starts Thursday, February 11th and goes through Sunday, February 28th. Just wanted to give all you Shitty-Chic'ers a heads up.

Have a great weekend!
babs

Hands Down Best Winter Accessory

I was tooling around on Style.com when I found Tommy Ton's photos from Milan fashion week. Leave it to the Italians to look chic, but not so impossibly chic as the French. The picture above really caught my eye and truly exemplified the importance of accessories. No, not the cigarette as that will make you gag and not in a good way, but the emerald green leather gloves. Me likey! Winter can be full of blacks, grays, and browns, but a punch of color like this changes the game. Check out Portolano's website for their amazing, yet affordable, cashmere lined leather gloves. Each style has about 13 different color options, and I recommend going with the 4-button for yummy scrunchability.

Ladies gloves on Portolano.com

Finds at the J.Crew Final Sale

One of my favorite "places" to shop for shirts is the J.Crew Final Sale. I think my friends are sick of the silk snow leopard print shirt I chose last year, so I thought I needed to expand my horizons from black, gray, and animal prints. I always seem to catch the Final Sale in January after most everything has been picked over, but never do I leave without filling my "shopping cart" with a few goodies. And, I know the stores in NYC rarely have anything on sale let alone things in my size, so online is the way to go. I am definitely a separates person. This way I can do shirts with jeans, skirts, or trousers, and I don't get boxed into dress land. I know better than to buy dresses....I just won't get as much wear out of them, and since I don't need to dress up for work it is really a pointless purchase for me (summer dresses are a different story).

To whet your appetite, here are a few of my favs from today's shopping excursion. You may see me wearing any one of these in 4-7 business days, so don't tell anyone my little secret.

Click here for the J.Crew Final Sale

PS - I got free shipping using the code SRC51Y I found on the blog JCrewAficionada.

Tracy Anderson Method: Day 1

I love running outside. I just do. I love going to the park, running around the neighborhoods, the obstacles of pedestrians, and red lights so I can catch my breath. But, I don't let myself run when it is below freezing...which means I have not run in about two months....which means I am getting mushy. Who better to deal with a mushy body than Tracy Anderson. I ordered both the Dance Cardio DVD and the mat workout and today is officially day 1.

I started with the Tracy Anderson Method Dance Cardio workout, and my plan is to alternate the cardio with the mat workout 5 days a week to achieve my potentially "tiny, dancer-like body" according to Tracy. This is quite exciting because I have never been tiny nor dancer-like in my life. I take that back...I was five pounds when I was born, and that was the last time I was tiny.

So, here is what happened for day 1 of my workout:

- I did the 45 minute tutorial on learning the eight (yes, eight) dance routines that one does during the normal workout. I thought the tutorial was a bit of a workout in itself, and since I am no dancer it is a truly humbling way to spend your morning. I am planning on doing the tutorial again later tonight to try to solidify the moves and improve foot coordination. I am very glad that you can watch the video looking at Tracy's back so you don't have to mirror, you only need to follow.

- I did the warm up section for my "cool down". After the tutorial (aka cardio sneak peak) I thought it a good idea to wind down the muscles.

- I then made the mistake of watching the first bit of the actual full-speed cardio workout. Sheer terror must have spread across my face, because she was doing moves I did not even remember learning at a tempo of some sort of dancer fembot on overload. I am sure dancer-like people look very cool doing this, but I will most likely look incredibly uncoordinated. And, now I know why Gwyneth and Madonna looked completely drenched in sweat apres workout.

- To delay the inevitable, I watched the Gwyneth Paltrow interview, and she said she was completely uncoordinated and had no booty shaking moves when she started (which made me feel much better). She went on to say that since she has been doing the workout for a year she gets it...OMG a year!

So, in twelve months I should look pretty great doing the moves, but I can brace myself for humiliation for the next eleven. It does look fun when Tracy is doing it, so let's hope I am a fast learner. Wish me luck! Will be updating as progress comes along.

Easy on the Wallet Wellies

Once I returned to the frozen tundra of New York city after the Holidays, I realized I was in desperate need of a new pair of winter boots. This meaning warm, waterproof, quasi-stylish, not a boot that hits the knee as it is fairly impossible to stick your pant legs inside it, and one that may work double duty as rain boots in warmer months. I once had a pair of Marc Jacobs wellies that made my heels bleed, so I was hesitant in going that route again. Lesson learned: stick to the rubber boot experts. There is a reason the Marc ones are so cheap: they are incredibly heavy, hard to walk in, and they draw blood.

I had always walked past the Tretorn store on Spring Street and after checking out their website I had to stop in a try them on for myself. I am in love. Forget Hunter wellies that will run you over $100 + $30 for the fleece socks. I bought a pair of Tretorns on the spot for $45 on sale. I went with the black Skerry's with the brown leather pull-tab, and I love that they are mid-height. They also have micro-fleece lining which has been super warm with my thick winter socks. And, as an added bonus, it looks like everything on their website it currently on sale. I will definitely be back when the weather warms up to check out all their canvas sneakers, which are a stylized breath of fresh air to their Converse All-Star contemporaries.

PS - I love the Skymra Mid Puffer for guys

Shop Tretorn Online

New Year Resolutions - 2010

Ok, so it is January 5th but each day is a new day, and today I choose to make my 2010 resolutions on how to lead a more Shitty-Chic life. If 2009 was the year of the broke bitch, then it will be interesting to see if 2010 will be the year of luxe living (on a shoestring, of course).

1. Stop buying "disposable" clothing - You know what I am talking about...as in buying for one occasion, shoddy quality, knowing you will get a few wears and toss it before the seams have time to come apart. This dirty little habit does not a luxe life make. So, in 2010 I am buying for quality and longevity which is much more cost effective in the long run. I am not talking about Gucci or uber designer duds, but solid pieces to build many outfits. Sorry, but H&M is so 2009.

2. Wear lipstick during the day - Ladies, we need to get on this because the trend won't last forever. I started wearing lipstick for going out at night this past summer---lovely shades of magenta, coral, and red, and now I feel like I am going to the gym or something without it...haha I don't go to the gym.

3. Don't leave the house without a little bit of glam - This can be as small as a bracelet, belt, or lipstick, but remember...the accessories make the outfit. The clothes are the cake and the baubles are the frosting. Yum!

4. Don't leave the dishes in the sink overnight - Just a good rule to live by.

5. End the party at 2am - Everyone needs their beauty sleep, and really, the party never gets better after 2am...it has usually just hit its peak. Do yourself a favor and head home. Your hangover will thank you in the morning.

What are you planning on doing more of or not doing at all this year?

Your Shitty-Chic New Year's To-Do List

I always start off the new year with a to-do list. They are mostly things I have been putting off since Thanksgiving when the holidays gear up (like getting my passport renewed) or things I wanted to do in 2009 but never really got around to it (like painting my kitchen/living room in my tenement). The whole idea is to purge your life of things that are cluttering it up and to streamline. Here is the Shitty-Chic January 2010 to-do list for your wardrobe, your home, and your life. Enjoy and here's to gettin' shit done!

Wardrobe to-do's:

1- Try on everything in your closet (except summer items). If it doesn't fit, decide whether it can be made marvelous again by your tailor, should get a new lease on life at the Goodwill, or is headed to the glue factory. You must leave out all emotion and get real with yourself. Brutal honesty is what we are going for, so enlist a real friend if needed. If you headed into a shop today and tried the garment on, would you buy it? If you haven't worn it in a year it's time to clear out the dead wood unless it is something designer, vintage, or fabulous.

2- Find yourself a good tailor. This can bring back garments on the brink of going the the Goodwill and make newer items fit like a glove. Always get jeans hemmed, collared button downs fitted, and dresses morphed to a flattering length. I use GG Cleaners & Tailors at Thompson and Grand. They are marvelous.

3- Take any shoes that are looking worn, need new heels, etc. to the shoe repair shop immediately. I notice that I wait, and wait, and wait some more to get this done until I have one pair of heels left (I'm really not a huge shoe person). Paying $30 to get your shoes rehabbed is much less than buying new ones, and they will look like brand new. I go to Louis Shoes on 77th between 1st and 2nd Ave. Arty's on 8th Ave. between 22nd and 23rd is also amazing.

4- Coordinate your hangers. I think I would jump out the window if I had a mix of hangers, but maybe that is a little OCD peeking out. I like the white plastic ones I get from Kmart (and right now they are on super sale). Just as long as things coordinate.

5- Go through your socks and undies drawer. Trash any undies or bras that you wouldn't want to get caught wearing on a hot date. Socks with holes are no bueno, and there is nothing better than putting on a new pair.

Home to-do's:

1- Install dimmers. This is a no brainer when it comes to lighting. I did this about a year ago with no help of an electrician, and it was really easy and costs roughly $20 per socket. Head to Home Depot where they have the best price and great selection. I saved the old fitting so I can take my dimmer with me when I move out.

2- January is a great time for an uber deep cleaning. This way you get in the habit of doing it every six months. Move the furniture, clean out the sofa cushions, and scrub your tile. Also, go through your fridge and cupboards. Look for things that have expired or look completely unappetizing.

3- Painting is one of my projects this coming month. I have gotten tired of the yellow in my kitchen that makes me want to strangle small children, and I am switching so a lovely blue called "Soft Chinchilla". Yum. Painting is the cheapest way to change a room you have tired of. It will run you about $25 a gallon at Home Depot plus the $10 painter's kit with rollers, brushes, etc. which I always use.

4- This is a bit more extravagant, but installing a soft-close toilet seat is really the ultimate luxury on the home front. Really, if I could live in a soft-close world I would. Home Depot has seats made by Kohler for under $50. How often do you buy a toilet seat? Go for it!

5- Purchase some really nice hand soap for the bathroom. It's the little things that make a difference in life, and this is an affordable luxury for anyone. Anthropologie has great little soaps that always seem to be on sale.

Life to-do's:

1- Start writing thank you notes. Yes, with pen and paper and stamps and envelopes. Shocking, I know. How much do you love getting pieces of mail that aren't bills or magazines? This is fast becoming a lost social grace, and I am determined to not let it die!

2- Schedule all your doctor and dentist check ups in January. Not only does your deductible renew at the first of the year, but scheduling in a certain month every year helps you to not forget. AND, be sure to go to the dermatologist once a year for a skin cancer screening no matter how pale or tan you think you are.

3- Get yourself a planner. I always get the Moleskine day planner in red. I just love writing things down, but do whatever you need to keep organized (blackberry, outlook, etc.).

4- Start working out. I am totally not a gym person. I like to run outside, do yoga, etc., so find whatever works for you. Maybe you want to ride your bike to work or go power walking in Central Park with friends like soccer moms (not that I do that or anything...). Just find something you like and mix it up every now and then. I find that I sleep so much better when I am working out and am an all around happier person.

5- Don't be too hard on yourself! There are a lot of inflated expectations with January 1st like it's some magical day. News flash: you can start doing things any day of the year. Just remember that clutter leads to chaos in your life, a soothing home environment is your getaway from the day, and being organized leads to making time for yourself.

What is on your to-do list to start the new year?

50 Gifts Under $50: For Him (#41-50)

The final installment is here! I always find it much more difficult to find presents for guys than girls, and I usually resort to gift certificates or something equally impersonal. Fear not fellow females....here are 10 budget-friendly gifts under $50 for the guys in your life.

Remember the rules:

• It can cost no more than $50 before sales tax.
• It must be something fairly luxe and fall into the category of an item that the recipient may wish to have but out of practicality would never spend their own money on.
• It must be relatively easy to find (either online, national retailers, or adequate substitutes are available).
• Finally, it has to be something I would love to receive or would personally give to a friend or family member. I would never recommend something I wouldn't pony up for myself.

Buy a pair and TOMS gives a pair to a kid in need.

TOMS Shoes - $44


Snaz up your suit.
White Linen Pocket Square - $42


Have a little fun on cold winter days...and look less like a bank robber.
American Apparel Mustache Mask - $14


Don't be George Costanza with a lump of a wallet. Get sleek and bubble butt free in 2010.
J.Crew Leather Cardholder - $15


A sophisticated way to drink brew.
Speigelau Beer Classics Glasses - $25 for set of two


For your favorite aspiring hipster
Flannel shirt from Uniqulo - $30


The gift that keeps on giving.
Subscription to GQ - $12


Don't lie, you love to sing in the shower. This will help you remember the words to Pokerface.
Wireless Shower Speaker Set - $40


Desperate times call for desperate measures...and at least this won't set off any metal detectors.
Plastic Pocket Flask - $15


NYC centric, but perfect if you are in the city. Coolest shades and plebeian prices.
Soho Sunglasses Lady on Broadway between Prince and Spring - $5-10

Day 1: For Her
Day 2: For Home
Day 3: Mixed Bag
Day 4: Food & Drink

50 Gifts Under $50: Food and Drink (#31-40)

Here we are for day #4: Food and Drink. I dedicate this category to my dad who always asks for gifts you can eat or drink. They are really the best types of gifts because they are more like experiences since they are consumed and something you can enjoy with loved ones. That is, unless you like to drink whole bottles of wine by yourself....which in case you should probably get some help.

Remember the rules:

• It can cost no more than $50 before sales tax.
• It must be something fairly luxe and fall into the category of an item that the recipient may wish to have but out of practicality would never spend their own money on.
• It must be relatively easy to find (either online, national retailers, or adequate substitutes are available).
• Finally, it has to be something I would love to receive or would personally give to a friend or family member. I would never recommend something I wouldn't pony up for myself.

Here are my 10 favorite gifts under $50 to eat or drink. Enjoy!

• 

I was accidentally given this bottle when I thought I had ordered a pino grigio at Le Bilboquet, and it has turned into one of my favorite wines.
La Crema Pino Noir two bottle set - $50


I feel like Marie Antoinette when I eat these: so lovely and decadent.
Kee's Chocolates French Macaroons on Thompson St. - $2.45 each for large, $7 for a wonderful mixed bag of small macaroons in amazing flavors.


The perfect way to add elegance for dinner in with your honey or make a night spent at home feel special.
Reidel Grape Pino Glasses - $49 for set of two


For the friend with the sweet tooth who abhors Swiss Miss.
Norman Love Black Sipping Chocolate - $20


Definitely for the pickle connoisseur. Ever since the pickle festival I have been obsessed. Spicy is the way to go if you love serious heat + salt + crunch.
McClure's Pickles - $12 per jar


Everyone should have a bottle of bubbly chilling in the fridge for a special occasion...or to just celebrate Fridays...or when Vogue has arrived (I actually did that once, and yes, it was fabulous).
Veuve Cliquot half-bottle champagne- $30


Sweet + salt is the ultimate flavor combo. The sea salt and chocolate really set the taste buds off and is perfect when you don't know if the person loves sweet or savory. This is something completely indulgent and not expensive.
Vosges Barcelona Bar - $8


Leave the plates plain white (food look gross on colored plates), and have fun with graphic prints on the cups.
Bo Concept Cups - $10 each


Once again, satisfies sweet and savory. Bacon peanut brittle fo the ultimate bacon lover.
Sir Francis Bacon Peanut Brittle - $16


My favorite glassware of all time: sophisticated, modeled after products way more expensive, and perfect to move away from the dreaded plastic cups...a huge "no" in chicness.
Marta Barware - $2.50 each


Day 1 - For Her
Day 2 - For Home
Day 3 - Mixed Bag

50 Gifts Under $50: Mixed Bag (#21-30)

Back again for day #3 and 10 more amazing gift ideas....all under $50. Sorry that I am one day behind....technical difficulties. Today is mixed bag: cool gifts that don't fall into any particular category and would work just as well for a co-worker, friend, or someone close.

Remember the rules:

• It can cost no more than $50 before sales tax.
• It must be something fairly luxe and fall into the category of an item that the recipient may wish to have but out of practicality would never spend their own money on.
• It must be relatively easy to find (either online, national retailers, or adequate substitutes are available).
• Finally, it has to be something I would love to receive or would personally give to a friend or family member. I would never recommend something I wouldn't pony up for myself.

• 

To bridge the gap between the 19th and 21st century.

Iomoi e-stationary subscription - $20

The perfect present for your favorite narcissist.
Portrait by Richard Haines during Holiday sale - $50


The seats may be nosebleed, but it's just fun being there.
New York City Opera tickets - Prices start at $12


I think real style on the street is way more interesting than anything in a magazine.
The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman - $20


Spend your nights and weekends with Uncle Karl....and his favorite tunes.
Vogue Presents Karl Lagerfeld: My Favorite Songs - $41 for the two-CD set


For your frequent flier friend. Crucial for red eye flights.
J.Crew striped travel set - $30


Help someone get their groove back, or at least get some moves.
Dance Class at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre - $16.50 per class


Get a sneak peek into the world of MJ #2.
Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton DVD - $27


Each page is marked with a date and 5 sections. Look back 5 years from now at what you were doing on that exact day. I love this.
5-Year Diary - $25


Matches from restaurants are so blah. Lighters have no magic.
Iomoi 2-box match set - $12

Day 1: For Her
Day 2: For Home
Day 3: Mixed Bag
Day 4: Eat & Drink
Day 5: For Him

50 Gifts Under $50: For Home (#11-20)

Back again for day #2 and 10 more amazing gift ideas....all under $50. Today is all about gifts for the home: roasty, toasty, and full of holiday cheer.

Remember the rules:

• It can cost no more than $50 before sales tax.
• It must be something fairly luxe and fall into the category of an item that the recipient may wish to have but out of practicality would never spend their own money on.
  
• It must be relatively easy to find (either online, national retailers, or adequate substitutes are available).
• Finally, it has to be something I would love to receive or would personally give to a friend or family member. I would never recommend something I wouldn't pony up for myself.

Make eating in a little fancy.
Madeline Weinrib Chevron Napkins - $48 for four


Forget hippies and crunchy granola types, this incense is sophisticated and chic.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Burning Incense Papers - $25


I don't live in an office, so why would I want a noisy shredder around?
Shredder Scissors - $18


A-Z and everything in between (including skulls, dragons, and flowers).
John Derian Decoupage Round Tray - $48


Hey BFF-- OMFG did you see this gift! Bet those pics are so TMI. LOL!
Text Photo Album - $16 each


A nice way to tell your frienemy you "wash your hands" of them.
Molton Brown Handwash + Lotion - $50 ($25 each)


Lovely Holiday decor devoid of pine cones and red ribbon.
Herb Wreath - $25


My favorite blogger, Rita Konig, always says trays clean up a mess of objects in an instant.
Lucite Tray from CB2 - $35


Amazing scents like Water, Fig, and Jalapeno will make you rethink candles becoming the new "cat lady".
Kobo Candle - $33


How many times have you run out the door without the Netflix envelop or been searching for keys. Enough said.
Light Switch Rack - $25

Day 1: For Her
Day 3: Mixed Bag
Day 4: To Eat & Drink
Day 5: For Him