When I'm 64 ... or Maybe 84?

As the woman in this video tells us, "Young women, you're going to be old women someday. Don't worry about it. Don't sweat it." I love this and I freaking love this video for so many reasons. I'm having a tough time right now accepting a few things, like my "adult body" and the fact that I'm not a sample size any more. Wrinkles, gray hairs, I could go on. That said, I'm doing my level best to work through it, be healthy and set a good example for my daughters and have decided that when I get much older I want to look and dress like the women in an Eileen Fisher ad, or better yet like some of these fabulous ladies who are rocking it well into their 80s and 90s.

So before you cry into your Diet Coke and think that old age means perma-press slacks and orthopedic shoes, check this out.

Mexican Radio Update

Last year I reported, with great excitement, that NYC-based eatery Mexican Radio was rumored to be developing an outpost in downtown Schenectady. I hadn't heard much since the original rumblings so I checked around to see where they stand. According to local media and the restaurant's website, the rumors are true and they are indeed opening in Schenectady later this year (summer or early fall). They're said to be rehabbing the old OTB building on State and Broadway.

I remain VERY excited about this. Great guac, amazing margaritas, local ingredients and a community focus. Bring it!

Tis Better to Give Than to Get!

Give and Get is Here!: "Enjoy 30% off from March 17-20 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy plus we'll make a 5% donation to a non-profit."

I've chosen Feeding America as my non-profit because I think its simply unacceptable that there are people going hungry every day in this country. Just click on the link above to get the coupon, for use online and in stores.

This is a great time to stock up on basics for spring. I made a quick visit to Old Navy yesterday and they have some adorable dresses for little girls and I found the BEST workout tanks in the womens' section for $12 - styles that don't resemble sausage casings when worn, and cute patterns too. Happy shopping!

Happy Feet

Dolce Vita for Target - $29.99

Like most of you, I’ve lost all patience with winter. I’ve had a few zen moments but now I’m done. Finito. I’m looking forward to spring like my 5 year old looks forward to Christmas and I am ready (at least theoretically) for sandal season.

This year, the wedge is back. Hooray! I love wedge sandals, they’re comfy, they can be worn with everything and they make your legs look great. Upscale shoe line Dolce Vita has recently done a collection for Target (don’t get me started about their politics) and it includes a couple of very cute, inexpensive wedge designs. I really like these. I haven't seen them in the store yet but they are available online and I might just grab them and stash them in my closet until the snow melts and the daffodils pop (and until I can find the time to get a much-needed pedicure).

Bad News for the Bear

I just found out that Rugged Bear – the kids’ clothing store in Stuyvesant Plaza – is going out of business and closing all of its retail locations this spring. The bad news is that we’re losing a great source for boutique-y kids’ clothes that are made well and not wildly expensive. The good news: they’re having a massive liquidation sale for the rest of this month. I actually picked up a great snowboarding parka there for my nephew late last month (before I knew that they were closing shop). It was marked down to $18!!! I don’t know what the current in-store deals are like but this is a place that's notorious for good sales so my bet is that there will be some good deals. They sell excellent winter gear under their own label and carry other decent brands like Merrell, Teva, and Corky’s Kids.

Not in the area? Rugged Bear has a handful of other stores scattered about the Northeast: http://www.ruggedbear.com/. What's going in their space, you ask? A new gourmet shop / specialty butcher. Meh. We don't need specialty meat, we need Trader Joe's.

Ain't that Good News?

Tap ... tap... tap.... anyone there? I seriously don't blame any of you if you've dropped me like a dirty diaper. Its been too long. I thought of pulling the plug on the blog, for fear that I no longer had anything useful to say... and then it was Christmas, and the big retail hangover that accompanies Christmas, and then the whole "I have two jobs and two kids under 5" thing, and well... hopefully you understand.

That said... HI! I'm back. And intend to stay here, as long as I have somethng useful and relevant to say. I'm now down to a whole ONE job (still have two kids, one who doesn't much like to sleep but whatever...) and have a bit more time to report on what's new and fun in style and shopping in the increasingly fun and wonderful 518 and beyond.

So what's new, you ask? Oh, big things, friends, big things. First - the word on the street is that both Crate and Barrel and Anthropologie are setting up shop at Crossgates Mall. Really! Both are equally exciting... C&B has great housewares and amazing sales and Anthropologie has the most interesting stuff - overpriced but interesting, and also great sales. No word on exactly when but my source tells me both will be up and running by the end of 2011. Whoohooooo.

As far as instant gratification goes, check out the sale currently underway at Land's End Canvas. Yes, I really did just say Land's End. This line is intended to compete with the young and hip lines at J. Crew and Abercombie. There are some ah-mazing deals right now on critical basics like cargo pants, bathing suits and tees. Check it out at Landsendcanvas.com.