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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

What to Shop for in January: Get More for Less!



What should you be looking for on sale in January? It's not just the White Sale.

If you are aware of the retail sales calendar you'll know what to keep your eyes open for. In a previous blog post, What to Shop for in December: Get More for Less! I discussed how you can get bargains by making your purchases in the months these items are traditionally on sale.

Watch for sales for these items in January:
  • Appliances
  • Clothing: Winter and Fall clothing
  • Calendars
  • Coats
  • Furniture
  • Holiday merchandise: Christmas cards, wrapping paper and decorations
  • Lingerie
  • Purses: seasonal
  • Shoes and Winter boots
  • Toys 
  • TV's
  • White Sale: bedding, towels and bath
Each month I'll preview the next month's sales. Look for my next blog post in the series,"What to Shop For in February: Get More for Less!"


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Photo credit: Tim Parkinson @ Flickr

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Fun All Year Round with Fred Flare!


I'm always looking for "Fashionable Finds." But today, we'll forget about fashionable. There are times you just want to have a good laugh!


These items from Fred Flare will tickle your funny bone all year round. LOL!


For a giggle how about the We Met On Facebook gum. (see above) It is so ridiculous, it just cracks me up. You get eight, fruity pieces for $2.00.


Friend someone and share it.


Or what about this...


Make NY Souvenir Cards





This really capture NYC for me. I love the city. You can send one of these five 4 x 6 postcards to a buddy. Or assemble the 3-D models at home. What could be more NY than: the Empire State Building with King Kong; a hot dog cart: the Brooklyn Bridge; the Staten Island ferry, a yellow taxi; or a bagel with lox and... a cup of coffee, of course.


How about a yummy burger with a Sesame bun? You can't eat this one, though.


Cheeseburger Kitchen Timer







Be a kid again with...


The Indie Rock Coloring Book





Features over 25 indie bands from Bon Iver to Iron and Wine and The Shins. You can have a grand time coloring in the designs. Proceeds go to charity. Remember to color in the lines!




FredFlare: www.fredflare.com/fredflare.com’s first-ever BRICK & MORTAR STORE: 131 Meserole Ave at Leonard Street, Greenpoint, Brooklyn 11222, 718-349-1257






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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Stuff for Him Under $25


Topman at ShopStyle
Click above to see more details and prices...

Great stocking stuffers or gifts under the tree for the classical or modern man.











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Saturday, December 19, 2009

Marc Jacobs Special Items: Shh!... Yes, You Can Afford These Trendy Accessories




Are you in love with Marc Jacobs fashion? Then, you'll also love that he offers stylish Special Items at affordable prices. Like $5 and under! How cool is that. A designer who understands real women? 


Thanks Marc!


Key loops (above): Available in Dark Leopard, Navy, Dark Green, Burgundy, Fuschia, Bronze, Gold, Light Leopard 
$5.00
Two Tone Belt

Two Tone Belt: Available in Black/pink; Black/purple; Black/Blue; Black/Green; Black/Yellow; Black/Orange
$5.00



MJ Water Bottles


MJ Water Bottle: $5.00
Lipstick Pen



Lipstick Pen: $1.50
 Bubble Glitter Rings




Bubble Glitter Rings: Available in Raspberry, Pink, Orange, Green, Blue, Black and Red/$1.00/resin


Multi-colored Rhinestone Bubble Ring 




All Special Items available only at Marc by Marc Jacobs stores


Marc Jacobs: 403-405 Bleecker Street, New York, NY/212-924-0026

photo credits: Marc Jacobs store






















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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Unique Letterpress Paper Goods from Parcel


I enter the wondrous world of Parcel much like Alice following the White Rabbit down the hole. This is what I discover in this delightful paper shop in Montclair, New Jersey.



All things dear fill the shop that the owner collects--precious porcelain figurines; ribbons of every color; European sweets in old-fashioned candy jars; alphabet tiles from vintage games; paper and ephemera, curiosities and collectibles, craft materials, retro party favors and so much more.


In addition, the store presents a distinguished line of Parcel Paper Goods--letterpress journals, notecards, holiday gift cards and an amazing 2010 calendar. 


I am hooked. 


I have a slight obsession with letterpress stationery and Parcel’s designs are beautiful. I like the textured feel of the letterhead paper, it has a warmth and history to it.


Letterpress technology dates back to its invention by Johannes Gutenberg and Parcel gives the old, a modern sensibility.


I want to share with you some of Parcel's letterpress designs that wowed me.


Hand letterpressed and embellished Holiday Gift tags and stickers

These cards have an old-fashioned appeal
$12.00 for 13 Holiday Tags 


2010 Calendar: 2-color hand letterpressed pages 


A year of art..





in a box...




Incredible detail...




Easel style folder


2010 Calendar: $24.99


Books/journals with hand-letterpressed covers. 

These gorgeous covers are inspired by vintage scientific and botanical imagery. Includes a faux bois (fake wood) pattern--available in fuschia, lime, orange and chocolate brown. Pages are unlined.


Custom-designed books: $11.00-$22.00 




Parcel also creates custom paper-cut silhouettes, personalized silver charms, custom invitations and boxes of inspiration--from garden themes to faerie wonderlands--filled with craft and millinery materials and vintage ephemera. Charming.






P.S. 
For an incredible journey, sneak a peek at Parcel's website. When I stumbled upon the site, I knew I had to visit the store. It gives the impression of a magical stage show. The curtains are pulled open to reveal an enchanting scene. A well-dressed rabbit--looking as if he stepped out of the pages of a 19th century children’s picture book--moves through a fantastical realm--red mushrooms with white polka dots; a burst of calla lillies; a grand castle; a pair of golden doves entwined; a pine forest. Birds chirp and chimes sound--a sweet melody in a music box.




Parcel: http://shopparcel.com/559 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, NJ 07042/973-744-7700


In the following month, I plan to single out some unique items from Montclair shops that would make fabulous gifts. And lucky you, you won’t even have to leave home as you can order everything on-line.  You can check out a previous blog post where I highlighted hip hats for babies at Minnow, a trendy children's clothing store.







































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Saturday, December 12, 2009

Your Baby Will Rock with These Hip Caps from Minnow!





Momma can dance and baby will rock 'n' roll! Especially with these hip and trendy pinkaxle hats from Minnow, a stylish children's clothing shop, in Montclair, NJ


What could be cuter and more dangerous than a baby rocker with a Mom tattoo? 


Or how about a wicked guitar cap for your sweetie?  She might surprise you with some amazing guitar licks (she's secretly been practicing.)


Your babe is sure to have a ton of groupies.





pinkaxle Styles Available at Minnow:

Lips


Peace Sign/Motorcycle


Skull


Mom or Dad Tattoos


Guitar








Sizes: 
Newborn
0-6 Months

Small
6-12 months


Medium
12-24 months


Price: $20.00


Besides contemporary children's clothes, Minnow also sells accessories, toys/gifts and home decor--with an urban vibe.


In the following month, I plan to single out some unique items from Montclair shops that would make fabulous gifts. And lucky you, you won’t even have to leave home as you can order everything on-line.  


Check out a previous blog post where I highlighted Hip Chic a shop specializing in cool for tweens and teens.






Minnow: info@Minnowkids.com/32A Church Street, Montclair, New Jersey

Photo credits: baby photos from pinkaxle

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

Gift Ideas for Tween Girls from Hip Chic



I find that Tween girls are the most difficult to shop for. A tween--a child between the ages of 9-12--is not quite a teen, but not a little kid anymore, either.


Tweens know what's "in." And what's "out." They know what they like. And dislike. Especially dislike. That makes it hard to know what to buy.


Adults just don't "get it." Although they... that is "we" mean well. I know, because I remember some of the gifts I received at that time. Gifts that weren't quite right. In fact, thumbs-down awful.


Fortunately I discovered Hip Chic, a funky clothing and accessories shop in Upper Montclair, NJ. Hip Chic specializes in cool products for tweens, teens and college students. When I was poking around, the place was swarming with tweens. A good sign. The owner definitely knows what tween girls love. Thank god. And she made some great gift suggestions.


"These initial pendants are very popular," the owner showed me the display of gold-plated necklaces. The letter necklaces are nickel-free. I like their modern look. Sure to make a tween happy.

Initial pendants: $20.00


The owner indicated a basket overflowing with cell phone holders and change purses. They’re really cute and come in a variety of colors and styles. The snowman is perfect for the holidays. But ya gotta love the perky red terrier. Hmm. I wonder if I'm too old to own one.

Change Purse: $7.00
Cell Phone Holder: $15.00


"Peace bags are doing very well with the Tweens," the owner points out an assortment of fabric bags that the store sells. 



I like this hippy-luxe look with its pink peace sign and fashionable zebra stripes.
Peace tote bag: $18.00


You really can’t go wrong buying here for tween girls.  


As I’m getting ready to leave I notice the adorable Kimmidolls. 



"They just came in,” the owner said. “They're key chains. They all have different names."


Three of  the sweet dolls/keychains are featured in the above photo (L to R): Etsumi, her spirit is joyful and playful and expresses "Delight"; Kioko brings fulfillment and pleasure and expresses "Happiness"; and Emi connects and cheers and means "Smile." Awww!


The delightful dolls are based on the traditional Japanese Kokeshi Doll. Kokeshi Dolls were hand-made by peasant farmers and given away as gifts of love and friendship. 


Hip Chic carries a large selection of Kimmidoll key-ring characters sure to delight any tween.
Kimmidoll keychains: $10/each


With possibilities like this you might even receive a text from your tween: Thank U for da gift. I rilly luv it! 


In the following month, I plan to single out some unique items from Montclair shops that would make fabulous gifts. And lucky you, you won’t even have to leave home as you can order everything on-line.  You can check out a previous blog post where I highlighted festive dog accessories at The Banyan Tree.






Hip Chic: http://www.hipchicnow.com/contact.asp/195 Bellevue Ave., Upper Montclair, NJ/973-233-0306



photo credit for change purse/cell phone holder: hip chic


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Monday, December 7, 2009

Dress Up Your Dog for the Holidays With a Festive Collar and Leash!


Okay, dog owners. You can't forget your lovable poochie, this holiday season. Not with these oh-so-cute doggie accessories, toys and beauty products from The Banyan Tree. The store is selling 3 different styles (see above) of an adjustable dog collar and leash: "Naughty or Nice Dog Bones," "Festive Stripes," and "Polka Dots." The collar comes in a variety of sizes. Your well-dressed dog will be the ultimate Fashionista on the block. After all, your best friend deserves the very best. 



Collar/$10
Leash/$19


Plus how can you pass up these beauty accessories made especially for your dog. The Banyan Tree is offering two different packages of soap, each containing 3 bars: the wonderful "Peppermint/Cranberry" and "Mint Glycerine." Both will give your lil' darlin' a delightful fragrant scent. 
Soaps: $12 each

And what about some doggie holiday toys? Three mint-flavored Mini-Pet balls with little sayings. For boys: Stud... Good Boy... and Ho Ho! For girls: Princess... Diva... and Ho Ho! The charming package even has a hook so you can hang it on the tree. 
Mini-Pet Balls: $9.00 for the set (not for dogs over 12 pounds)

The Banyan Tree is an elegant shop in Upper Montclair, NJ that features decorative gift accessories for the home. When I visited the store, I planned to showcase some of their home accessories. That is until I saw the tempting display of dog merchandise under The Banyan Tree's cheerful Christmas tree. 



The amazing tree is garnished with garlands of sparkly red dog bones. Woof!
Dog-boned Garland: $15.00


In the following month, I plan to single out some unique items from Montclair shops that would make fabulous gifts. And lucky you, you won’t even have to leave home as you can order everything on-line.  You can check out a previous blog post where I highlighted hip Jonathan Adler ornaments from Montclair's ColorStoryHome.

The Banyan Tree: http://www.banyantreeshop.com/Contact.html/208 Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair, NJ


































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