Don't part "with" money

How does one look "with-it" without spending a fortune on the current trends?

• Update jewelry and accessories

• Check out trendy teen stores (the same accessories, lower prices)

1. Forever 21
2. H&M
3. Target
4. $15 Store
5. Alloy

• Avoid Gap and Old Navy (I have nothing against cookie-cutter deserts, though)
• Patronize JCPenney's Nicole Miller section and Bisou Bisou (Yes, that's JC Penney)
• Shop at Wrentham Village Outlets (if you live in the N. East)
• Be discriminating at Classic Closeouts (free shipping over $40 and frequent $10 off $50 coupons)
• Visit DealCoupon to save on your online purchases
• Check out Zappos' shoes sale section (free shipping rules!)
• Pay attention to Nordstrom's 70% off sale
• Rummage through Sephora's sale stock to find great make-up, perfume and skincare deals (Soon, soming to a JC Penney near you; thank you, Budget Fashionista)
• Explore SmartBargains and Overstock to find designer clothes at a fraction of their original prices (both offer flat-rate shipping and periodic coupons)
• Do not shop on an empty stomach

♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Yogurt Cake

Whenever my children deserve some homemade desert or when I need to bring some cake to a party, I consult my trusty authority on the subject, Clotilde.



This woman is a culinary genius and I adore her blog, http://chocolateandzucchini.com. At 26, she knows more about cooking than most of us will at 76, providing we will live that long.
So, the cake I usually make is Gâteau au Yaourt.





This is Clotilde's version of a French staple that never fails to collect compliments. Since everyone is always asking me for the recipe, I decided to share this delicious site. Enjoy and Bon Appetit.

♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

The Cropped Blazer

The Parameter ivory tweed cropped blazer I really wanted from Bluefly.com is no longer in stock. Not that I would have bought it for $105 anyway. But a girl can dream, right?



Enter LaRedoute.com. This tres chic French store offers a more affordable version for those who must have this season's must-have, a short jacket, but lack the toned abdominals of this mannequin. So, check out the Couture Blazer by LAURA CLÉMENT.




I cannot say one negative word about this designer. The pieces I own are absolutely great. Oh, and the prices are even better. The Couture Blazer above retails for $39.99. ♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Another ode to Target

I know that this season is all about the natural colors, but I cannot help but want this Xhilaration® Wigwam Tote in Turquoise from Target.




Granted, it's not leather, but it does look expensive (more than its actual price of $18.99) and stylish. Who would have thought--Xhilaration® ... I guess there is more to Target than Mizrahi and Mossimo, after all.

And don't forget about Michael Graves, the Target designer for the Home section. A couple of friends were looking for a tasteful alarm clock, so I decided to add my two cents. Here is what I found for under $15.00:




Notice the natural color. Am I good or am I good? ♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

The Food Dude

Whenever I comment that my selection at a restaurant looks particularly enticing, my friends joke that I should photograph it. That's because I have been raving about one of my favorite websites, http://arthurhungry.com/. Arthur is a student in Boston who likes to travel and eat out. Oh, and he takes photos of his food which he posts along with some succinct commentary and prices. Borscht, anyone?

♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Cool Jewels

If you are in search of one-of-a-kind jewelry, visit this site: http://www.ginacreations.com/index.html
Its designer, Gina O'Flynn creates gorgeous pieces that are extremely reasonably priced. I will take the Green Aventurine and Sterling Ring, please:

It's just my size (7) and costs only $15! Seriously. (I think I have been watching too many episodes of Grey's Anatomy)

♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

If you have a sweet tooth. I do.

I have read about these Spanish cookies in one of the many foodie mags I subscribe to and have been craving them ever since. So, if anyone visits San Francisco, you know what to bring me. Gump’s or Destino’s carries these butter delicacies which are filled with dulce de leche (сгущенкa to the Russian community). They are called Alfajores and look really yummy. ♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

If you are thinking of giving me a gift cerificate...

I have recently discovered a great online store that carries beautiful vintage-style clothing that is brand new. So, if any of you are captivated by 1950's-style outfits, definitely check out this site:
This Doll Dress is my favorite.



It's $109. 95. Not a bargain, but more unique than just another white eyelet spaghetti-strap number. I love the details on it--the white buttons, the fitted sleeves, the cute collar and the pocket stripes. What else can you ask for? $110 bucks, please. ♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

The Skinny on "the Skinny"

Target offers an affordable version of "the skinny jeans". Can't go wrong with this pair for $22.99.

Oh, and substitute these high-heeled flip flops for Mossimo® Paprika Platform Slingbacks (Also, $22.99)




Much better than paying $670 for a pair of Christian Louboutin Sling shoes. Who needs suede and cork anyway? After all, these will probably be out of style the next season. ♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves