Even the recession can be trendy

(image courtesy of: http://www.feltclubboston.com)

Living in the city isn’t easy on a budget – and believe me, I know this fact firsthand. I’m known to break my budget on a twice-a-day basis. On the upside of the current dreary American economy are food specials. I live in a city that doesn’t allow happy hour (literally, legally, it’s a Blue Book law), but this doesn’t prevent food specials. Thankfully.

While I’ve scoped out several deals in the city (10 cent wings at the Asgard on Mondays, one dollar tacos at La Verdad on Tuesdays), my personal favorite weekly event is Recessionista Wednesdays at Felt on Washington Street. My three childhood best friends, K, C, L and I attended a few weeks in a row and left both times impressed, with full stomachs and wallets. The special $3 menu features appetizers such as garlicky shrimp and entrees like chicken picatta and mini chesse or veggie burgers. Desserts include apple crisp in martini glasses. Surprisingly enough, the menu as a whole was inexpensive with a half-order of lobster risotto costing a mere $8. Drinks range from about $6 to $10, so choose wisely and have only one or two. We all seem to approve of the red or white sangria (and, let’s face it, when isn’t sangria a good choice?).

Best yet, Felt sets a theme to each Recessionista Wednesday. Two weeks ago it was a chocolate theme – complete with chocolate fountain, dessert samples from a local bakery and celebrity trivia. Future themes include the Boston Red Sox, celebrities and country (as in country music). Count me in and remind me to look photo ready.

-M

High & Low. The Best Pairing Ever.

High Meets Low by PopCultureParadox on polyvore.com

(image features DvF skirt, Theory tee, Pink by Victoria's Secret sandals, Forever 21 necklace and ring and H&M earrings)

I love fused together opposites. Sweet and sour dipping sauce. Black and white colorblock dresses. Hot tea with ice cubes. In fashion, it’s no different. I strive to mix and match high and low. In today’s economy, it’s finally frowned upon to wear head to toe high-end haute couture. Afterall, it’s about priorities. While I’d love to wear a $1200 top from Christian Dior with a Roberto Cavalli skirt everyday, I also love to eat and have food in my freezer.

For young twenty-something professionals, mixing high and low is easy thanks to H&M and Forever 21. Pair a DvF skirt, Theory top and Colin Stuart shoes from Victoria's Secret with a funky necklace from Forever 21 (for under $5!) and some leggings from H&M (under $10!). Another suggestion? Wear a Forever 21 skirt with a Tory Burch cardigan and flats and fool everyone into thinking you spent a fortune. Your secret's safe with me.

-M

My Closet = Filled By Diane von Furstenberg

(image courtesy of http://blogs.glam.com)

I am a true city girl. From the designer wardrobe to the inner core that loves taxi rides, skyscrapers and nighttime skyline, I scream city life. It's no surprise that my original post-college plan included a move to NYC (not just a city, but the city), working for a media consulting firm and going to sample sales every weekend. But alas, priorities got rearranged, and while I see that everything worked out for my benefit, when I'm in NYC, I take to it like a fish to water. So, my first NYC sample sale excursion was no different.

The twice-a-year Diane von Furstenberg sample sale occurred this week on 5th avenue. Best friend A attended the past two sales, and always found tons of goodies, even on the last day. This summer's was no exception. $250 spent (yes, only about 2/3rds or so of the price of a wrap dress at Saks) and I'm bringing three tops, two dressy tanks, two skirts, two sweaters and an Andy Warhol collection bikini. My favorite buy, hands down, were the $50 spent on a Vezzano sweater in black. All cashmere, it screams Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffanys. I can hardly wait for chilly fall days when I can pair it with a black trouser and heels on Newbury Street.

Inspired to go to the next DVF sample sale in NYC? Here are a few tips.

The next one is in December.

Want wrap dresses? Go there before the last day, as they're the first items to sell out.

Get there early. A and I showed up a hour early, were the second and third people in line, and were able to have a smooth shopping adventure.

As always, wear comfortable shoes. Don't bring a bag, as checking bags is mandatory. No one needs a detour before being able to rummage through.

Dressing rooms are communal, and normally a crazy circus of women tearing on and off dresses and tops. Don't be shy because, yes, you do need to try everything on.

Don't feel as though you must buy something. A weeded through everything in her size, found a dress and a skirt that are perfect, spent under $100 and has not a drop of buyers remorse.

Happy shopping!

-M

M hearts Matthew Williamson for H&M

(image courtesy of http://www.stylefinder.com)

I am known to treat myself to a bit of payday indulgence here and there (or as often as bi-weekly paychecks allow). This week was no different. After browsing the Matthew Williamson for H&M racks at my downtown H&M for weeks, I went in prepped to finally buy a piece or two. Lo and behold, I walk in and the Matthew Williamson racks gone.

Never one to be detoured by an obstacle when there is a fashion goal in mind, I started to scour the racks around the store in hopes of finding some of my beloved Matthew Williamson. After a few short minutes of flipping through racks of 30% off summer pants and burnout tees, I find the sleeveless peacock print top. In an extra-small. Exactly what I wanted. Hallelujah.

Two big thumbs up on this purchase from this fashionista. While it's made of viscose, it feels silky. The scoop neck falls perfectly. The colors go with any pair of dark denim jeans and makes an after-work outfit 'pop.' I'll admit that I (ew) wore it two nights in a row this weekend. Possibly unsanitary, I assure you readers that it's safely in my hamper now and will be washed for plenty of more wear. I only wish I had been able to get my hands on the peacock print tunic dress (seen on Nicky Hilton and Katy Perry here!). Woe is me.

-M

"Don't You Just Love A Bargain?"

(image courtesy of: http://agentsofurbanism.com)

Bargain shopping is not a new activity for me and my group of friends. Although the droopy economy boasts our efforts as now-chic and responsible, we spent the better part of our years in school scouring through racks at our favorite discount designer hotspots. Our closets stand stocked with Juicy Couture sweatsuits, Lacoste polos, Seven for all Mankind jeans, and Theory blazers. Our dirty little secret is that we almost never pay full price. I mean, do I look like I can afford a $455 Theory blazer (seen here, on the left)? It's cute, but not 'I might as well sell my first born' cute. My secret? I paid $30 on clearance at a discount shop on the North Shore of Massachusetts. A recent Wall Street Journal article examined such bargain shopping techniques and what it means for the future of retail and luxury goods. Pop Culture Paradox realizes that bargain hunting is an art - one that we feel that we mastered after years (and lessons from our dear mothers) of practice. Let us share some of our secrets so you too can look like you paid a zillion dollars for your first date outfit, when you really only paid about a hundred.

In the WSJ article, it asks, "...What next then for retail? It looks like the immediate answers might be found in three concepts: designer shopping online, discounted online luxury sample sales and discount designer malls." I will admit, it took a little bit for me to jump onto the members-only, online sample sale bandwagon, but once I did, it hit full force. WSJ showcases Gilt Groupe (where, if you're not a member, join here with me as a reference). Their recent sales include Christian Louboutin (!!!), Tory Burch and J Brand. Gilt Groupe is currently holding a Jack Spade sale (only until noon today) where laptop bags are $68 (normally $225).

I can't resist a bit of shameless self-promotion through this blog post, as even better than Gilt Groupe (there, I said it), is the site that I will be full-time Product Writer at, Rue La La (Join as a member through me here!). What's great about Rue La La? For myself and my own benefit, they're based out of Boston, which always gives a company brownie points. But more importantly, their price point is set lower than other sites, allowing the shopper to feel that they truly are getting a deal. Recent sales include Juicy Couture, Kenneth Jay Lane, Moschino Cheap & Chic. Today's new slew of sales include John Hardy and Gottex (whose perfect-for-the-beach miniskirts are selling for $35 -- regularly $98). Later this week expect to log in just in time to nab a new Balanciaga bag or some Hanky Panky necessities.

The other notable online sample sale boutique worth mentioning, Hautelook (If you need to join, comment to this entry with your email address and I'll send a referral your way!). The great thing about Hautelook? Their dead-on perfect sales for twenty-something appropriate casual wear (past sales include C&C California and Habitual) and their focus away from just clothing. Their GoSmile Whitening system sale gave Sephora's price a killing (normally about $50, Hautelook offered the same products for $30 and under), and their upcoming Gaggia sale gives an opportunity for everyone to give their kitchens a facelift through a new espresso machine. On sale right now? Manolo Blahniks. Yes, you read that right.

Before the land of online sample sales - and still my bi-weekly indulgence - are cheap clothing shopping sprees at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Filene's Basement (which recently filed for Chapter 11, despite my best efforts to personally boost their sales). If you're in the Boston area and looking for a deal, take a short drive down Rt. 495 to the Wrentham Outlets. It almost hurts how great these outlets are, and definitely worth the 45 minute drive from the city. How good you ask? Think Off 5th (Saks Fifth Avenue's own outlet) where I bought a pair of Tahari pants for $14 kind of good. A Barneys New York outlet where I nabbed a Barney's brand black satin evening clutch for under $30. A Theory outlet, where best friend A picked up a a colorblock dress that she had seen in a Greenwich, CT, full-priced Theory store only days prior for 60% less. In this economy, a little retail therapy is needed (and justified) - and these places are all like 90 calorie snack packs. They all allow for you to indulge minus the guilt.

-M

California Style Everywhere

(image courtesy of: http://www.fadedyouthblog.com/)

So while LC's actual clothing line is on hold for a few seasons, Ms. Conrad is in the works of creating an 'affordable' line for Kohls. Great news for recessionistas everywhere. Maybe someone clued her in that no one is in the right economic state to spend over $100.00 on a jersey dress. Good move LC. Good move.

-M

Recessionistas Unite!

(image courtesy of: http://blogs.louloumagazine.com)

It's no secret that I love a deal. While the economy is less than fabulous, the deals that it brings are miraculous to my bargain hunting self. There always is a silver lining, isn't there?

Some bargains to note in the Boston area. Yesterday during my lunch hour I made a mad dash to Filene's Basement (the mecca of all things designer and cheap) on Boylston Street in Boston, MA, to scour through their racks. Lo and behold, I found Coach platform mules (these, to be exact) for $27.00. Yes. You read that right. Coach shoes that retail for $207.00 for $27.00. Twenty-seven dollars. Also on the table, more boots (full and ankle) for 70% off with an additional 30% off. If you're lucky like me, you can then use a 20% coupon on top of it. Even if you don't like them - can you say gift for your mother, sister, aunt, boss, etc. Nothing beats looking like you spent a lot when you got a deal.

Also a deal at the Boylston Street location. Kenneth Lane strawberry necklaces for under $20. That right, the $113.00 necklace you (and I) have been lusting over on shopbop.com and shopkitson.com for months - on sale! Makes me happy I waited. I made it the focal piece of my outfit today. Paired with a Theory short-sleeved turtleneck top and wide leg black trousers, I've received a-many compliments.

This past weekend while on my mini-shopping spree with my mom, K and her mother, I found more cheap goodies at the Filenes Basement in the Northshore Mall than I could carry. The best deal of the weekend? C&C California tops (like what LC used to wear all the time during her Laguna Beach days) for under $10. I paid $3.50 for a gorgeous turquoise C&C tank. Also an amazing deal? The Velvet exclusively for Barney's Co-Op top that I got for $3.50. Original price? $158.00. Sweet.

Finally today, I wandered around the Prudential in Boston during my lunch hour, sipping my Teavana iced tea (today's choice? Ginger Peach Apricot and Strawberry Slender) and found a new store where my beloved Mango once stood. Introducing Item. Basically a 344 outlet (which for all of you twenty-somethings that boycotted 344 since the closing of Jasmine Sola, means a store that's the equivalent to the former Jasmine Sola outlet on Commonwealth Avenue). With this post, I officially lift my boycott on 344, as I found cocktail dresses for a mere $19.00 and C&C California tanks (apparently the deal of the week everywhere) for $10.00. Tops by Splendid were priced at a reasonable $19.00 and $29.00 and sunglasses were $10.00. At those prices, anyone can afford to stock up!

While we can find plenty of fashion deals, where is one to get a drink (or a night out with the boyfriend, friends, whoever) for cheap? K just tipped me off to Roggies. Located on Chestnut Hill Avenue, just outside of Cleveland Circle, Roggies serves draft beer for $1.00. A dollar! Also a find? The Avenue, a hole-in-the-wall bar on Commonwealth Avenue with drafts for $1.50 (with a $5.00 cover charge). Even in a recession we can still go out for drinks. Thank gosh!

-M

Bows, Bows, Bows!

(image courtesy of mrs-o.org)

While cruising the interwebs, I stumbled across the Mrs. O blog and shared the link with P. It is no secret of our love for America's First Lady (and President). My mom had Jackie Kennedy at my age, we were both graced with the style of Princess Diana, and now I have Michelle Obama in all of her style glory. My favorite look right now? Big bows. Obama rocked one in Prague on Saturday afternoon, giving me the confidence to finally invest in such a top. While the fabric allows for the top to maintain a crisp, clean look - the bow gives a flair of fun (and a bit of an Alice in Wonderland vibe) the the overall outfit.

While Mrs. O wears the new Moschino Bow Blouse from their spring 2009 collection, you and I can look (almost) as good as her in inexpensive options! My favorite? Norma Kamali for Walmart (yes, I said Walmart) sleeveless button-down bow shirt in white. At $15.00 a shirt, you can afford to wear white and not be scared of spilling your glass of Merlot, that pizza sauce from Unos, or that scoop of chocolate Ben and Jerry's on you. Talk about being a true recessionista.

Have some (or more than some) money leftover and feeling so good from spending so little on a trendy top? Splurge at Harrods (or Harrods online for us in the US) on more bow-trendy pieces, like this satin, pearl studded, bow clutch by Moschino Cheap & Chic to keep your ID, iPhone and cash safe (and cute!) on a martini night out with the girls.

-M

Michelle Obama, Topshop and Spring Trends!

(image courtesy of nymag.com & Getty Images)

Can we all just say awesome and give snaps where snaps are due to our fabulous (and fashionable!) First Lady, Michelle Obama? There she is (in the above photo) in London with Mr. President, and is wearing J. Crew. Yes! J.Crew! As in the store that is next to Abercrombie in the malls that you, I and every other New England prepster frequents for headbands, black skirts, fancy flip-flops and cable-knit sweaters. I love the realistic fashionista that our First Lady is. Extra points for the sparkles on the cardigan!

***

Also in the First Lady's suitcase is a Toledo dress to meet the Queen in. I love love love love the black and white colorblock styled dress and Jason Wu overcoat. Seems that the Queen loves the outfit too, since she gave Michelle Obama a hug! A hug from royality! It was either the outfit or the high-tech gift, since rumor has it that the Obamas gave the Queen an iPod as an arrival gift. I have a feeling that Mrs. Obama has a "get ready to be a fashionista" playlist like each girl does. I wonder if hers includes "Fashion" by Lady GaGa like mine...

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NYMag's The Cut gave a sneak peek into Kate Moss's new line for Topshop. Take a look, and drool with me. Aren't the sequined dresses and tanks so Serena Van der Woodsen? Perfect for a night out getting martinis or for a Lady GaGa style concert. Plus, extra points for luck to New Yorkers with Topshop opening today! I'm so jealous.

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Part of my love for Topshop is it's relative affordability and style. Everyone who knows me knows that I live for a good deal. That being said, click over to the Keratase Private Sale site and get 30% off of soon-to-be discontinued products! Every fashionista loves good hair products, and Keratase is, undoubtedly, the best of the best. But in this economy, my bathroom has more Pantene than Keratase. The hair gods must have heard my prayers. Hallejuah!

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For you recessionistas (aren't we all?) looking for more bargains, NYMag has several suggestions. Like I always say, inexpensive doesn't equal cheap. Remember that! Even the big department stores are catching on, as designers are even lowering their prices.

-M

Fashion Roundup

(photo courtesy of www.newsday.com)

So what if it's twenty-freaking-five lousy degrees in Boston, MA this week? My mind is on spring fashion -- and no, I'm not talking about resortwear that's meant to be worn on holiday -- I mean full out, real, t-shirt-short skirt-sundress style spring clothes. I'm getting so sick of my black pinstriped pants that I may have a commemorative bonfire on the first day it strikes 70 degrees in the city.

Anyway, a few notes on the fashion world as it stands right now. A big R.I.P. goes out to Lauren Conrad's fashion line. What will she do now? No more Hills episodes after this season. No more clothing line. What will she... oh, right. If I made 60k per episode I made, I'd quit working and spend my days inside Bloomingdales too.

On a far lighter note, apparently Matthew Williamson is creating a line for H&M. The trusty bloggers over at The Cut got their hands on a slideshow of some of the pieces and I must say, I am impressed. Very impressed. I have my eyes on the peacock inspired dress. Hot.

Finally, opinions are wanted in regards to Christian Siriano's new shoe line for Payless. That's right, I said it. Payless. Before you're quick to judge and throw these shoes by the trash, take a look. In this recession, times are tough and a pair of Louboutins are just not in the picture for most of us. So how do we feel about the shoes that Siriano offers? I see only two pairs I'd dare try. How do we feel about the prices of between $25 and $45? Very good. Very very good.

-M

Fashion, put it all on me.

(image courtesy of Nylonmag.com)

I have been anxiously awaiting for months now to see what Alexander McQueen will pull out of his back pocket for his MCQ line for Target that's due to hit shelves (and my closet) in March. Nylon nabbed the first look at the designs, and I feel rather iffy.

The iffy feeling can be explained not at the fault of McQueen. I dislike the lighting in these Nylon photos. It's cold in Boston and snowing and I can't bear to look at short sleeves or bikinis. I don't like the American Apparel feel of the models.

What I do like, however is the blue sweater dress and black blazer. Thanks Target for supplying my recession wardrobe needs.

-M

Bargains Galore!

I went to visit my parents this past weekend on the North Shore. While my visit was well intentioned, it certainly had ulterior motives -- namely, laundry and the new Nordstrom Rack that just opened up in my hometown. As a bargain fiend (with few expendable funds), I thought the Rack would be the perfect place to indulge a bit after my weeks of hard work - and frugally spent paychecks.

While I attempted to push though the (literal) mob of people inside the Rack, I found amazing designer sunglasses for under 100 bucks. Think Dior. Lagerfeld. Juicy. Gucci. Betsey Johnson. Burberry earmuffs for 50 bucks. I snagged the brown Tulle coat I wanted last year for 35 bucks (much easier on the pocket than the ridiculously marked up price at Jasmine Sola last year) and a pair of Minnetonka Moccasins for 30 bucks. Thank gosh, a new bargain haven.

Me and A, one of my best friends, have been bargain hunting fiends for awhile now. Bored on a Tuesday night? Go to TJMaxx or Marshalls. Have only $20 left in our checking account and really need to buy something because otherwise we might implode? Go to Filenes Basement. It's our calling. We love designers but hate (or can't afford on entry level salaries) the pricetag. For us, it's how we've been doing our best shopping for ages, but for others, we're nothing other than the new breed of shoppers. Recessionistas.

Great, now that the NYTimes has given attention to such bargain hunting, clearly more people will be trying to grab the $29 Theory blazer that I eye on the salesrack. The economic downturn sucks even more for me.
-M