Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Ira answers Harper’s Bazaar reader questions

“I get depressed thinking I can’t pull off the bondage trend that’s all over the catwalk. What is the best way to wear it without looking like an S&M fanatic?”


Oh, wow! Kudos for finding such an original reason to be depressed. Most people are wallowing in self-pity because they can’t pay their bills, or because they can no longer afford to eat. You, on the other hand, are a true thinker, one who’s above the pettiness and the mundane routine of everyday life. You live in the realm of fantasy – brava! May we suggest purchasing a leash, wrapping it around your neck and attaching it to a car’s bumper? Just make sure that the car is about to take off; otherwise, you’ll just look foolish. Let us know how that goes for you, please. That is, if we don’t read about you in the morning paper first.

“I have OCD about wearing black. How can I brighten up my life?”

We have OCD about washing our hands, but your version of the disease is so much more interesting. So, let us get it straight. You get up in the morning, take off your black negligee, shower, and dry yourself using your black towel. Then, you put on your black stockings, black delicates and a black dress. Beautiful and ready, you show up at work and try to look sympathetic, so that the grieving family you’re greeting won’t realize that you’re truly digging the Goth look and aren’t just sporting the latest undertaker fashions. Oh, you’re not an undertaker? Our apologies – not as interesting as we thought. Well, in that case, just stop by your local Kmart and pick up some Jaclyn Smith pieces. You’ll love ‘em, we promise!

“The recession is keeping me up at night. My husband tells me I have to cut back on spending, but I’m anxious about spending on a budget. Can I still look chic while buying cheap?”

Funny you should mention recession. I have been hearing that word everywhere nowadays. If your husband is telling you to cut back, then by all means, cut back listening to him and go on a shopping spree. After all, the word recession is so similar to the word recess – they are basically the same thing, n’est pas? Yes, take a recess – you deserve it. If the husband can no longer swing Saks Fifth Avenue, don’t turn your nose up to such worthy alternatives as Neiman Marcus or Barney’s New York. Either one will do. But, it’s really all about preference. If walking around the store is a bother, consider your options. For instance, Nordstrom offers a wonderful service – you just meet with a lovely lady, who would otherwise be unemployed, tell her your clothing faux pas and thrills, and she chooses a brand new wardrobe for you. See? You feel great and do a great deed for humanity! The little sales girl makes a mint on commission; the designer sells his collection, and the store profits. Recession shmesession.



You don’t believe me that these are real questions? Think I made them up? I wish. Check out these Bazaar reader inquiries and more here. Oh, just don’t be disappointed by Karl Lagerfield’s answers. He’s not nearly as witty as I am. ♦DiggIt!Add to del.icio.usAdd to Technorati Faves

Monday, February 16, 2009

Parenting 101

OK, this is just too good not to share. Now, why didn't someone send this link to me when I had my baby?!

Are you a young mom? An inexperienced dad? No worries. Here's a manual that will teach you about every phase of your little one's life. Just follow the directions -- you'll be all set!

Considering it's cold season right now, this point will definitely come in handy.


Now, my son is almost six -- does this mean I can finally start choosing the "No" option? Please say yes! There is nothing better than a snot-smeared finger when it's your child's nasal mucous. Better than reading at bedtime for bonding purposes. No?

Need more guidance? No problemo!

But, in all seriousness, can someone clue me in -- was this manual designed as a joke or is this for real? Please, dear God in whom I don't believe, tell me it isn't so!

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“Сiльпо” Ads

Man, the theme of this blog is kinda dying since I don't really check out fashion or bargain sites anymore. But, not all is lost. We're gonna work it.

This Ukranian brand is offering the most bang for your buck -- read their ads, and no need to read the comics on a Sunday morning. So, save your 10 minutes browsing the paper, and just spend a couple of grand on a trip to Kiev. Right.

Apologies ahead of time to those who don't speak Russian, but this is worth a lesson or two. Maybe it's because I work in marketing, or because I haven't visited the former Soviet Union for the past twenty years, or because I overanalyzed literature for six years ... But, I'm leaning toward -- it's because I have a brain? I can honestly say that I have never in my life seen an advertisement campaign sadder than this brand's:



Rough translation:

(Rhyme)

"I'm a shrimp, and if you, my friend, don't mind, I'd like to be in your mouth."

The translation kind of kills it because the Russian phrase could also mean, "I'd like it in the mouth".

Oh, the innocent Ukranians. How interesting it must be to visit the country as a foreigner. I really should go back.

More gems here. Translate the rest yourselves. Lazy asses.

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Monday, February 09, 2009

Looking for a frugal vacation?

Look no further!
Mother Russia offers the most bang for the buck. Here's a taste:

More here.
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