Upstate and Personal

Crank up the Calypso

2011-05-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

We interrupt this afternoon of outdoor projects, bike riding and gardening to bring you this very special bulletin: the Calypso collection has officially arrived at Target. All I can say is: ONE OF EVERYTHING ... PLEASE!!!!! I will be the first to admit that some of these designer "masstige" collections at the 'ol Tarzhay have been complete crap, this one looks like a lot of fun however. From what I see online, there are some adorable accessories and super-cute little girls' dresses. I am also loving the scarves and all of the wonderful colors that make me want to be on a beach somewhere warm, with a rum drink in hand. Next time you're out, take a look and let me know what you think!

Local News and Beauty for a Cause

2011-04-28T05:51:00.000-07:00

I just heard from the always-informed Katie B at capitaldistrictfun.com that the first official tenant of the much-delayed and highly controversial "Mansion Square" development (on the old Ingersoll Property across from Mohawk Commons in Niskayuna) is... wait for it.... Chipotle! Now as much as I bemoan the chain-store-ification of America, a thriving business is a much nicer neighbor than a big, ugly vacant lot (or an abandoned shopping center with tumbleweeds rolling around in the parking lot). And, Chipotle, even though owned by McDonalds, is pretty edible, and allegedly they support local farms and use local ingredients when possible.

On another note, I stumbled across the cutest makeup kit in today's NY Times. Its a little bronzer set, perfect for waking up a tired, pallid winter face. (While I am pale, I am a big fan of bronzer if used properly). AND the best part is that 20% of the proceeds are going to the Nancy Davis MS Foundation / EraseMS.com - a group that raises and distributes $$ for MS research programs. Do a little good while gettin' your beauty on. Orange you happy to erase MS?

Where's the Beef?

2011-04-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

Please allow me to stray a bit from my usual nattering about clothes and shoes to share with you a bit about my second greatest passion - FOOD! I love to eat and if I was ever stranded on a deserted island, I'd ask for only a cheeseburger, some guacamole and an unlimited supply of wine to see me through. Fortunately for me, my dear friend's husband has recently launched a grass-fed beef business from cows that he's lovingly raised just up in Renssalear county: Buckley Beef. No factory farming nastiness or hormone injections here. These beauties (or "belties" as they're called) are allowed to graze in open pastures and feed on only lush green grasses. The result? A lean and super-delicious USDA certified beef that makes for some killer burgers and steaks. The best part, other than being local and all-natural? Its competitively-priced and easy to get. Check out Buckley Beef's new website and order some online. Farmer Buckley will ship it to you, or provide local delivery for a reasonable fee. At $4.50 (or less!) per pound for ground beef, you won't find a better price in the store.

Say Yes To The Dress

2011-04-05T08:11:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I've just given away my dirty little TV-watching secret. I wouldn't watch Jersey Shore if you paid me but I could watch annoying women trying on wedding dresses at Kleinfeld all day long.

But that's not my point.... I was in Target this morning buying the 204th package of pullups for my very stubborn toddler and happened upon this truly lovely dress by Merona Collection (I think that's Merona's couture line). Its lovely on so many levels - the fabric and construction are quite substantial and it has the most elegant micro-pleating around the collar and down the front. With a higher waist and a-line skirt, this would be flattering on so many different body types and could be dressed up or down very easily. You could even remove the little "modesty panel" between the boobs, making it lower cut ... add your own lacy tank or not, and voila, you've made it your own. For $39.99 this is really an adorable and very well made LBD.

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

2011-03-23T11:16:00.001-07:00

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

2011-03-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-03-16T05:43:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-12T04:26:00.000-08:00

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

2011-03-05T17:20:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-03-02T17:55:00.000-08:00

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.

Cyber Monday

2010-11-28T04:31:00.000-08:00

is such a dumb term but I do prefer it to the whole Black Friday thing (which I don't do... as promised, I stayed in my PJs most of the day and took my crew for a walk in the woods instead). There are some great deals to be had online this weekend and tomorrow, so here's a nice little list compiled by Angie at Youlookfab.com. I'm currently trying NOT to take advantage of the 30% off boots deal at Endless. Must...resist...must... resist.

When Black Friday Comes...

2010-11-17T06:39:00.000-08:00

... I'll be eating pie for breakfast and going NOWHERE near the shops. If you're like me and want to get a jump on holiday shopping but avoid the black Friday madness, check out this weekend's sale at the Marika Charles Factory Store in Schenectady. Beautiful merino and cashmere scarves and wraps for under $50 (the merino ones are); artfully dyed, supersoft t-shirts and the latest addition to their collection: incredible cashmere tunics. One for you, one for me, one for me.... Friday 11/19 through Sunday 11/21. Click here for hours and directions.

If you prefer to get your online shop on, one of my favorite sites for funky gifts is uncommon goods. Filled with things you will not find anywhere else and super-easy to navigate, they've got tabs for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, Hanukkah gifts, you name it. Something for everyone on your list, could it be any easier than this?

Shine on You Crazy... er... Sequin

2010-11-09T16:09:00.001-08:00

Sparkle by upstateandpersonal featuring sequined tops

Haute Hippie Silk sequined top
$445 - net-a-porter.com
Silk tops »

Gabriella Rocha - Felisha Sequin Top (Dark Grey) - Apparel
$95 - zappos.com
Sequined tops »

Sequin Cap Sleeve Top
$26 - forever21.com
Sequined tops »

Allover Sequin Top
$68 - anntaylor.com
Sequined tops »

MICHAEL Michael Kors Sequin Top
$80 - nordstrom.com
Sequined tops »

Sequin Stripe Top - DKNY
$49 - dkny.donnakaran.com
Sequined tops »

As promised, here's the 411 and glowing tribute to one of my favorite fashion trends / embellishments of all time - the sequin. With the holidays approaching and many of us wondering WTF do I wear? The answer is always: a little bit of bling. Oh, and that "F" stands for Fudge, people. And by little, I really mean little.

Last year my holiday staple was a $24.99 sequined tank from Forever 21. This year, I've gone upmarket with a past-season jeweled top from Rebecca Taylor. The high... the low... and everything in between. Even if you just throw on a simple $10 embellished scarf, you're all set. Here are a few standouts:

Real Simple's "Everyday Sequins" (pay particular attention to the $30 tank from Forever 21)
The low-ley sequined pocket cardigan, love it!
You could wear this shell a thousand different ways and still have more to go

Oh, and I have to brag for one tiny second - when living in NY, I once made into the holy grail of all newspaper columns: Bill Cunningham's party page in the NYT Sunday styles section. I was at a summer soiree for my beloved Prospect Park and wearing --you guessed it --sequins. A simple sequined skirt and a rather ratty David Bowie t-shrit. Point being, you can wear sequins with ANYTHING, and still make the styles section.

Let the Madness Begin

2010-11-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

I swear I'm not trying to push the season but since I no longer have the luxury of letting things to until the 11th hour, I'm starting my holiday prep now. I'll still be scrambling at the end but maybe a bit less so.

Each week from now until the end of the year I'm going to try to do one post with a favorite online and local resource for holiday (and other) gift-giving goodness. Starting now.

Etsy - who doesn't love Etsy? I'm obsessed, and lately its been my go-to resource for kiddie birthday presents, especially for the under 6 set. Two favorites are custom superhero capes and fabulous felt birthday / dress up crowns. Both around $20 or under. Sarahdesigns makes the best crowns and is so lovely to work with. Two Little Bluebirds is another favorite for more embellished, flowery crowns. For the capes, I love Crafty Mama , she offers a ton of designs and has very fast shipping. All three will customize their creations to your specs. It doesn't get much better than that.

For local goodness, its the Open Door Bookstore in downtown Schenectady. This is where the holidays start for me. Holiday ornaments and decorations? Check. Toys (that aren't plastic)? Check. Jewelry and bags? Check check. Oh, and books? Yeah, they've got those too. So worth a visit from anywhere in the area... there's a reason that they've been alive and kicking in downtown Schenectady for well over 30 years.

Coming up next... sparkly holiday party wear. Hooray!!!!

Local Treat (No Tricks!)

2010-10-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

Halloween is here and perhaps some of you have left the kids' costume thing until the last minute, or maybe you've got a picky pal who is flat out refusing to wear the Bumble Bee costume you picked up weeks ago. Whatever your situation, there is an amazing resource in Schenectady that offers locally designed and produced kids' costumes, and its going to blow your mind. I bet you're thinking of the Costumer....wrong!!! Not that the Costumer doesn't rock, it does but Beastly Buddies (www.beastlybuddies.com) specializes in kids dress up outfits and Halloween costumes. Run by Ann Teekle, BB has been in business for over 23 years and offers an amazing selection of well made outfits that will delight your kid, and hold up for years to come.

So, if you're in the market for some last-minute costume goodness, stop by Anne's factory store at 301 Nott Street, 3rd Floor in Schenectady. Hours are: Thursday or Friday fro 3:30 to 6:30, Saturday 10-3 or Halloween day from 12-3. Costumes are in the neighborhood of $20-30, and made of quality materials that will last well beyond All Hallow's Eve. Boo!

Handy

2010-10-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

I have been obsessed with fingerless gloves in all forms since my days in NYC, where I always needed fingers free to pull out a metrocard, dial my prehistoric cel phone or turn the pages of a book while waiting for the bus. They've come a long way from the hobo-esque ragwool version with the fingers cut off (although those work just fine too) and my latest obsession are the ones without any real fingers at all, save for the thumb. So toasty and practical, perfect for re-zipping a kid's jacket, fetching keys from a pocket or tying a shoe. I've seen wonderful styles in cashmere and wool on Etsy, and just found these fleece-lined babies in the Sundance catalog, which I love all the more because they come in black.

On the Run

2010-10-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

I must interrupt my normal shopping yammering to talk about style on the run and show you these very cool and funny running shirts that my friends at Run Like a Mother are producing. I am so far from a running badass (you can't really be a badass at 10 minutes a mile) but I will be attempting to run a 15k race next month (9.3 miles). This will be the longest distance I've run since the last time I ran this race, 13 years ago, long before children and other hefty responsibilities, and I will be wearing this shirt, proudly (although my boobs won't look quite as good as the model's). If you run, or know any badass mother runners, check out the book and the shirts. They're really pretty sweet.

File Under: Hell No

2010-10-16T04:34:00.000-07:00

They're baaaaaacckk. Stirrup pants. As if they weren't bad enough the first time around. Even worse, one of the style sites that I actually like is actually recommending them, because they stay nice and tucked in to boots of all heights. That is so far from a good enough reason to resurrect this awful trend - you know the one that everyone swore would never come back because it was so heinous the first time around?

So, what's a girl to do instead about the whole tuckage issue? For starters, only tuck pants that are super fitted, dare I say skinny, or else you'll end up looking like a pirate. Another idea - how about mitten clips for your pants? Really! These are a much more reasonable solution, and can be used on all of your pants... and then you can actually take your boots (and your stirrups) off without looking like a complete fool.

Best of the Best

2010-10-06T07:38:00.001-07:00

I have a love-hate relationship with Babble -- the parenting site/blog/etc that has, in the past, projected an uber-sanctimonious vibe, and taken itself a bit too seriously. That said, every so often they offer some decent content, and a few good ideas. Falling squarely into the latter category is their recent 50 Best Design Blogs for Moms. Its a great list broken down into gear blogs, home blogs, and my personal favorite - mom and kids style blogs. Most of which are new to me with the exception of the ever wonderful and always helpful LA Stylist Mom (props!). If you're in a rut - whether its what to get your progeny/crew for an upcoming birthday or how to get your groove back, at least as far as your wardrobe is concerned, take a look, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Sample Sale Time

2010-09-29T17:42:00.001-07:00

Hooray! Its time once again for the Marika Charles factory sale! From Friday 10/1 through Sunday 10/3 the Rotterdam factory store will be open for business, featuring the most beautiful and truly interesting dyed cashmere sweaters and t-shirts.

For those not yet familiar with our hometown, haute label, Marika Charles is a knitwear line, based on Catalyn Street in Rotterdam. Their sweaters, shirts and scarves are all hand-dyed in the most beautiful colors and patterns and then sold in some of the snootiest boutiques around the country. Factory sales happen 3-4 times a year and offer first-quality items as well as a decent selection of "seconds" (things that didn't quite make the cut but its really hard to tell and they're sold for far less than the firsts). A communal dressing area is available (wear a tank if you're modest) and if your blood sugar drops, there are always delicious homemade cookies available compliments of Marika and Charles' mom. Sizing tends to run small on most items so don't be afraid to size up. Click here for more info and directions.

Get Your GroupOn

2010-09-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Please forvgive my long bout of silence. I've been a juggling fiend lately: juggling sickness, back-to-school, work, high school reunions, you name it. I've got some great news, however, perfect for a "where the hell have you been" post - Groupon is coming to the 518!

What is Groupon, you ask? Good question! Its essentially a daily deal, usually unique to the local market, delivered to your e-mail inbox ... er... daily. Its already happening in the most happening of cities all over the country and soon we'll be among them. Now if we could only get a Trader Joe's.

Here's how it works: once you sign up on Groupon.com you'll receive daily Groupon alerts for our area. Each deal, whether its for a sweet restaurant discount, half-price pedicure, or a killer deal on event tickets, is only available until midnight on the day its offered. Its kinda like the stock market, you're buying the option (the Groupon) to get, for example, a half price meal at Bombers or perhaps a $15 pedicure at your favorite nail joint. You pay upfront on Groupon.com for the deal you want and then use it when you feel like it. Want to get a couple and put them in your family's holiday stockings? No problem. BUT: new day, new deal. You snooze, you loose.

The best part is that its free to join and you're only on the hook for the deals that you want. No subscription, no envelopes full of worthless carwash coupons in your mailbox, nada. All you need to do is go to Groupon.com, chose our fair city for your location and enter your e-mail address. That's it! Happy Grouponing!!!!

Spring Forward, Fall Back

2010-09-14T05:27:00.000-07:00

Most of you probably know that this week is Fashion Week in NYC, the week where all of the big name designers (and some eager rookies) show their collections ... for next spring. I don't know about you, but I can barely plan for next week much less next spring, so I thought a little review of what went down during last spring's fashion week is in order. I'm not going to reinvent the wheel here, especially since You Look Fab's Angie has already laid it out so clearly and concisely here.

What's my take on all of this - a big yes to tuxedo jackets, black leggings and booties (not necessarily all worn together). Hell no to shoulder pads or exaggerated shoulders. Oh and I always, always love sequins.

Das Boot

2010-09-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

Das Boot by upstateandpersonal featuring ankle boots

While I am sad thinking about putting away my sandals, and running around barefoot, I am giddy at the thought of taking out my boots and kicking off boot season (and finally using the Zappos gift certificate that is burning a hole in my pocket... on, you guessed it, more boots). While there are several boot trends that are hot this fall: wedge boots, slouchy booties and *eek* peep-toe booties, you can't go wrong with the classics either. Think tall, flat riding boots and shorter lace-up and dressier pull-on boots. Hurrah. About to do a little boot shopping yourself? Here are a few pointers:

Tall boots - a great investment, and by investment I mean spend a little more here. Look for boots with a leather shaft and lining so that you have the option of stretching it to fit your calves if need be. A good shoemaker can do this and its a great way to get a perfect fit, especially if you're dropping big bucks. Riding boots are always a classic, as are well fitting, heeled dress boots. Skip the trends here and keep it simple.

Short boots /booties - the trends seem to change more quickly with these styles so its not a great place to invest a lot of money if you're on a budget. Last year it was motorcycle boots, this year its slouchy boots, next year will be anyone's guess.

As for how things are being worn, there will still be a lot of tall boots over skinny jeans and leggings. Booties are huge this fall and you'll see them with jeans and leggings as well as skirts and dresses. Want more info or specific recommendations? Email me at upstateandpersonal@gmail.com

Talk to the Hand

2010-08-31T18:49:00.000-07:00

Are you a die-hard online shopper? If so, talk to the hand, the Invisible Hand, that is. Hee hee. In their words, this funky (and free) little desktop application provides 'a discreet notification when the product you're browsing (ie Frye Jane Boots) can be bought for a lower price elsewhere." Oh, and if that isn't enough, it also gives you a link to said location. While right now it does seem best suited for electronics and things of that nature, the list of over 55 retailers that it searches does include Overstock.com and Amazon, where I recently found a shiny new pair of all-time favorite, and nearly impossible to replace shoes.

I'm going to load it up and report back with more ...

My Favorite Formulas

2010-08-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

I am a working woman with two little kids. I'm not going to get into the whole "working mom / stay at home mom" crapola because its just that - crap. I'm very lucky in that the 'working' part does not require me to do the whole business dress thing (at least not often) but I do have to leave my house / go to the office. And, whether I'm going to the office or to the park, I want to look pulled together and want to be able to pull it together in about 5 minutes flat. It doesn't always happen.

That said, the incredibly stylish and thoughtful Angie at youlookfab.com often provides inspiration and assistance. She does this for women in all sorts of roles, not just those that frequently involve wearing someone else's yogurt crust on your sweater. I recently stumbled across her "10 casual outfit formulas for the mom on the go" and think she breaks it down really well (and take note, yoga pants are not anywhere on the list). So if you're wondering what to do for fall, or feeling like you're in a rut, check out these ideas and try a few on for size. You might be pleasantly surprised.

*Apology - my previous Garanimals headline was inadvertantly borrowed from another blogger... it sounded cute for a reason, I just couldn't figure out why, and then I remembered. My bad.

'Tis Better to Give

2010-08-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

If any of you are still in the throes ot back-to-school shopping, or thinking that this might be a good time to do a little fall shopping for yourself (or score a few end of the season deals for next year) now IS a good time to do it, thanks to Gap's annual "Give and Get" program. Starting tomorrow, the 26th and continuing through Sunday the 29th, you can get 30% off at all Gap and Gap-affiliated stores and websites, including my two favorites: Athleta and Piper Lime.com . AND this also includes Gap outlets, like our very own 518 outlet in Rotterdam. School shoes? End-of-season bathing suit deals at Athleta? Check. Check. Helping those less fortunate and doing good with your dough? Checkkity check check check.

Here's the cool part - for every purchase you make using the Give and Get coupon, Gap will donate 5% to charity. The coupon that I have (and am sharing )benefits the Global Fund, whose mission is to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in developing countries. Seriously badass.

Here's the rub - use this link for the in-store coupon and e-mail me at upstateandpersonal@gmail.com if you need a copy of the coupon that can be used online.

Cosmetic Intervention

2010-08-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

I now need two hands to count the number of people who, in the last month or so, have told me that I look tired. This is not a good thing. I think I'd rather hear someone tell me that I've pudged out a bit ... its probably easier to lose 5 lbs than it is for a working mother of two kids under 5 to look anything other than tired. So last week, I did the most logical thing I could think of: I hauled my tired self to the makeup counter (the kind and wonderfully talented Kyle at Circles to be exact) for a little cosmetic intervention.

Part of my issue is that because I am so pale, the skin under my eyes is nearly translucent, so I often look like I've taken two good pops square in the eyes. Undereye concealer is a dear dear friend of mine and after chatting with Kyle about what I thought I needed, she steered me to one I hadn't used before: Smashbox Camera Ready concealer stick. A good swipe under my peepers and one on my similarly translucent and purply eyelids and I was good to go.

I'm a big fan of leaving stuff like this to the pros. Not because I really think that boutique makeup is fundamentally better than drugstore brands, I don't (its not). Rather, this 10 minute trip saved me a fair amount of trial and error with products and colors that I can't open up, try on and wear around to see if they really work. And after all, wouldn't all that experimentation and possible returning make me even more tired? I rest my case.

Taste Test

2010-08-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

Fall is just around the corner and with its arrival comes the chance to wear more clothing... layers, pants and jackets, oh my!!!! Summer is fine and all but for this pale chick who shuns the sun and has never been tan in her life, Fall is where its at. Wow, that's terrible grammar!

So, to get you excited for fall fashion and and the endless possibilities, here's a quick test compliments of SheFinds.com. In my opinion, jackets are a wardrobe essential and worth the investment (if they're well cut and interesting). That said, once in a while there's a great, affordable jacket available, that's worth far more than the selling price. Take a look at this little quiz .... can YOU tell which super cute fall jacket is Anthropologie and which is Old Navy (and thus, a fraction of the bloated Anthro. price?). I got it right but not without some serious studying and back and forth. How did you do?

Hot Mama

2010-08-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

Its not every day that I see someone on the street in an outfit that I just love. Sure I see plenty of people that look good but its usually not because they're in something that I would love for me, but it happened this weekend. I was picking up lunch when I noticed a woman who was literally on her way home after just having a baby, as in wristbands still on, tiny baby in tow, the works. I'll be the first to admit that I looked like complete ass after giving birth... sort of like I'd just been through a war, and lost. Like a busted, bloated Odysseus stumbling home after G0d knows how long on the road. This woman, on the other hand, looked great, even sparkly, and it had nothing to do with her size or weight (she still looked very pregnant, swollen ankles, etc). Dressed in black leggings, tank with an adorable flowy, gauzy vest with a silk ruffle trim along the sides / bottom, I almost wanted to say something to her, and then thought better of it for fear of making her cry or think I was crazy.

Then today, while trying to squeeze in some school shopping after work for my kid, I stumbled upon her very cute cardigan / vest thing at H&M, in 3 fabulous colors, for $17.99. I nabbed it in a light dove gray and yes, I will pair it with with black leggings and tank, just like the lunch-getting, dazed, brand-spanking-new mom did. And I'll just hope that I look half as good in the outfit as she did.

**Note, I can't find an image of the actual H&M piece so the one above is just representative, but no where near as cute. Not even close.

Trendy But Not Spendy

2010-07-31T05:47:00.000-07:00

For the local crew, I love the Upper Union Street area in Schenectady. Its held strong while everything else in the city has gone to pot (and come back, fortunately) and while I might have loved it a bit more when there was still a Ben and Jerry's there, and before Homestyle jumped the shark, it looks like I've got another reason for the Upper Union Street love, starting today.

Trendy Tots - an upscale consignment store for kids - opens today at 1000A Baker Ave, just next door to Northeastern Fine Jewelry. From the preview photos I've seen, this place looks very cute and well organized and like it has a great inventory to start out with. Sizes run from newborn to 12 youth and brands include Gap, Gymboree and my favorite, Mini Boden (and really, who wants to pay $30 for a super cute Mini Boden t-shirt for a two year old, only to have it worn twice or wrecked with blueberry stains?)

Hours

Tues-Weds 10 to 3

Thurs - Sat 9 to 6

Sun - 11 to 2

http://www.trendytots.info/

I can't make the grand opening but plan to visit soon. If you make it, shoot me a note or a comment and let me know what you think.

Did Someone Say Sample Sale?

2010-07-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

It used to be that "Sample Sale" meant a limited-time-run at some sketchy industrial space in the fashion district; up a couple of flights of stairs and mobbed with hopeful men and women, trying to get a mega-deal. These days, not so much. Sample sales have gone high tech and many are now held online, either directly on the retailer's website or through a 3rd party site like RueLaLa or Gilt Group.

Thanks to LA Stylist mom, I just got word of a new site, set to launch shortly, called ToVieFor. Specializing in shoes and accessories, this is one that definitely intrigues me. Here's the caveat though - many major sites like this (gilt group, gomattagirls.com, etc) have fairly strict return policies, so if you order something and its crap or doesn't fit, you usually can only return it for a store credit for that particular site. If that doesn't scare you, jump right in. There are tremendous deals to be had. What's even more fun is that the sales change on a daily basis so there's always something new to check out. Here's my cliff notes

Gilt Groupe - upscale brands (Marc Jacobs, JBrand, etc) pretty big variety; prices are higher b/c the brands are more expensive and things tend to sell out quickly.
Gomattagirls.com - emerging brands, lower priced brands. A lot of "eh" stuff with a few gems
RueLaLa- I haven't yet joined this one; boasts 70% off retail prices though
BadJoan - more like Gomatta girls; emerging designers, hit or miss, low prices
Beyond The Rack - good deals; more mainstream brands; things sell out quickly

There are many many more - ones for kids and babies, ones just for the home, ones for men, etc. Bottom line, read the return and exchange policies carefully and shop wisely. Check the size charts, google the brands to compare prices, all that good caveat emptor stuff. I actually created a separate e-mail address just to receive all of the upates from these places (they'll totally clog your in-box otherwise). Last but not least, have fun.

Getting On And Falling Off The (Band) Wagon

2010-07-26T18:20:00.001-07:00

I spent a lot of time at the local library last week, due to the rain. While my kids were raising hell in the kids' section, I was flipping through magazines on the other side of the building and stumbled upon The O(prah) Magazine's annual "big deals" issue. (Confession: I like Oprah... so there). In short, its totally worth a flip-through. Staffers negotiated some crazy deals with major retailers and labels (Laura Mercier and Rebecca Taylor, two of my favorites). I'm loving this Rebecca Taylor dress, which can be scored for a mere $89, well over half off the retail price. For the full discount, just enter "oprah10" at checkout.

Now, jumping off the wagon, here's another current favorite: www.wtso.com (wines til sold out dot com). An Internet wine merchant that offers tremendous deals and free shipping. I'm talking 50-60% off the retail price for a huge selection of international wines, offered one at a time, until ... well... sold out. And free shipping. Lovely!

Missing in Action

2010-07-20T17:08:00.000-07:00

Upstate and what? Where you been woman? I know, I know, its been a while. Summer is a sloooow fashion season and my life has recently become far more hectic with the addition of a 2nd job but I'm still here and will do my best to keep you in the loop of all things cool, cute and fashionable, I promise.

I have much to share. Part 1) comes with the humble admission that on rare occasions, I've been known to run a quick errand at WalMart, solely because its convenient to work and when you have two jobs and two kids, convenience is key. Anyway, I stumbled upon the super fun and not terribly inexpensive boutique line of makeup: Hard Candy on my last stealth visit. You might think, whatever, the stuff is for teenagers, not for me, as the colors are pretty bold and there is more than a little glitter going on. That said, we all need a little glitter once in a while and I grabbed a great nude lipgloss and purple mascara (every redhead's secret weapon) for $6 each. Not bad at all.

Part 2) I just discovered a great blog The Art of Accessories. Its one woman's tutorial on how to accessorize with bags, jewelry and well... accessories. She's got a new post every day (!!)) as well as a very cute "monday manicure" section where she reviews a different polish color every Monday... gives it a test run for you. A fresh perspective AND an impressive Chuck Taylor collection, what's not to love!??

Say it Ain't So!

2010-07-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

I'm getting bombarded with back to school catalogs, garden implements are out and school supplies are in at Target and I'll admit, I'm bitching about the hotter than Hades weather we're having and wishing for some cool fall breezes. So, in short, its time to talk fall fashion.

I'm happy to report that trendspotters and those in the know are predicting an end to behemoth platform heels and Frankenstein shoes BUT leggings and skinny trou are here to stay (yaay... at least for the leggings bit). Also, plaid, leather and all things embellished with ribbon are going to be very on-trend for 2010. What else? Velvet (yaaay!), fur (boo!) sparkly gold fabric, mixed prints, and my perennial favorite: head to toe black, all in the top 10.

Stay tuned for my favorite interpretations of some of these Fall 2010 styles.

Everybody's Got Their Fug...

2010-07-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

On my recent visit to Wellfleet, I spotted two different women wearing the same funky/ugly/funky clog type shoe. Sort of a clog, sort of a (gasp) Croc, and in my opinion, funky as hell. I promptly found them online and buzzed T for her opinion. She gave the big thumbs-down.

That said, I ordered them anyway just so see if I'd like them and it turns out I really, really do. Summer shoes are funny, they've got to be comfortable (for a host of reasons, the no-sock thing, lots of walking, trips to the playground /pool / etc) but they should also be fun too. Flip-flops are a big no (plantar fasciaitis, anyone?) and sneaker type shoes can be hot and often goofy looking. No, I wouldn't pair these with skinny jeans or a dressier outfit but they work well for knocking about and the knockabout look. I mean, really, if the hipsters in Brooklyn are wearing these this summer, surely my pick ain't so bad?

Not to be Missed!

2010-07-01T19:31:00.001-07:00

While I am officially on vacation right now, I feel compelled to share the following about the current Hayden Harnett "big bang" sale. HH is a wonderful line, based in Brooklyn, featuring the most amazing, luxe handbags, accessories and apparel. Prices are no joke, putting their stuff out of reach for me (and many) most of the time but when they have sales (usually once during the summer and again just before Christmas) they're no joke and well worth the time. My advice is to either become a fan on Facebook or sign up for e-mail alerts as you usually can't access sale info from the regular website. During the big sales, bags can be purchased for well below half the retail price and accessories for up to 75% off.

Today's special offer is HH's fabulous leather and metal cuff bracelets, all 50% off until 9 am tomorrow. I'll forsake the vacation souvenirs in favor of one of these babies.

Summer Sales

2010-06-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

Summer is my time to think less about getting dressed and ideally wear fewer clothes. I want to spend my time in tanks, kaftans and tunics and keep things as simple as humanly possible. With that, things may be a bit slower around here but I promise to share critical info as I have it and always answer any fashion questions that you throw my way.

As for critical information, there are a few important sales to note right now, happening in the muggy 518 and online. Take a look:

Marika Charles Summer Clearance Sale - June 25-27

Cesare and Lili "Private Sale" - Through July 20th
- Monday 20% off of ANY item
- Tuesday 20 % off of ANY tee
- Wednesday 20% off of ANY dress
- Thursday 20% off of any pant
- Friday 20% off of any top
- Saturday 20% off of any accessory

JCrew.com - 30% off of all sale items

Easy Breezy

2010-06-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

Easy Breezy by upstateandpersonal featuring Trina Turk tops

Summer's arriving with a bit of a splash this year but I'm quite sure that it'll be hotter than hell in no time and we'll all be wondering how to look cute while staying cool. Enter one of my perennial favorites: the peasant blouse. It comes back year after year, and for a good reason- its a comfy, cool style that most women can wear well. I have a handful of them in my closet, most are of the white gauzy variety with some sort of tonal or embroidered embellishment. Pair them with jeans, shorts, cargo pants, almost anything. If you've got one that's particularly billowy, pair it with a narrower bottom to balance things out. Need more length? Throw on a longer tank underneath. My personal list of things to avoid - elasticized sleeves, empire waists and the funky, 70s off the shoulder thing. But that's just me. Easy? Easy.

Give it Away Now

2010-06-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

There are just two days left in our supremely exciting Mode lip glaze giveaway! Just post your favorite local style or shopping tip in the comments area below or become a fan of Upstate and Personal on Facebook and leave your comment there.

Speaking of giving things away, my wonderful sister-in-law just informed me that the fabulously cute Marias sandals about which I posted a month or so ago are now on sale at urbanoutfitters.com, I've got a really tough decision to make.

Go Bananas

2010-06-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

The Bat Phone just rang and I received this very important message: today (Thursday), Friday the 11th and Sunday the 13th, Banana Republic is offering 25% off all full-priced items in-store and online!!! (Actually, their online store doesn't have the weird Saturday exclusion). Their new-ish Design Director, Simon Kneen (designer of my all-time favorite bronze silk dress that will sadly never fit me again unless I remove some ribs) is trying to do some interesting things at the B, and I think he's been moderately successful. So, if you've had your eye on anything there recently, now's a good time to strike.

ps - don't forget, the Mode cosmetics giveaway continues through this weekend. Just post your favorite shopping / style tip (online or local) in the comments area below to enter. Bon chance!

A La Mode

2010-06-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry for being asleep at the switch ladies, May and June are INSANE in my world. Have no fear, I'm back with a wonderful giveaway to share and news of a neat local cosmetics company that's making headlines (and swell beauty products). MODE Cosmetics, based right here in the 518, is offering a pair of their new Lip Glazes to one lucky Upstate and Personal fan. These cuties are made here in the Empire State from natural ingredients (sweet almond oil!) and without animal testing. Mode's products are also minimally packaged to avoid waste, and the lip glazes make the perfect addition to your summer beauty routine. What's this routine, you ask? Minimal, minimal, minimal... think: tinted moisturizer/ a sweep of bronzer, mascara and a pop of gloss on your lips. That's it.

So what's a girl need to do to win this killer, local beauty loot? Simply post your favorite local or online style or beauty tip in the comments section below or on the Upstate and Personal Facebook page. I'll have my uber-honest husband pick a random winner early next week. Click here for more info on this great local company, or check your local Hannaford or Price Chopper for their products.

To Jean or Not to Jean

2010-06-01T17:28:00.000-07:00

Find me on Polyvore

Jean shorts - our moms wore them in the 50s, and the 60s. Many of us wore them in the 80s, then again in college in the super grungy early 90s (with tights, natch) and now here we are in 2010 ... do we or don't we? To jean (short) or not jean (short) that is the question... and let me tell you 'tis far nobler to wear what works than to suffer a fashion tragedy. That said, they' are incredibly versatile and practical so maybe its really a question of HOW and not IF.

My pick is this pair of Red Engine 'boyfriend' shorts or something like them. Understated, comfy, and a far cry from the...er... "WT" Daisy Duke cousin that's given them a bad name. Of course I'm not going to really drop $100 plus on a pair of neatly rolled-up cutoffs, so I'll grab the Old Navy version instead. My advice is to go with something mid-thigh, with a looser cut (like a boyfriend cut). Skip the frayed edges and the pockets hanging out below and for God's sake, cover your butt (and then some). I'd pair with a detailed belt and long-sleeved t-shirt or woven top and a pair of flat sandals. Less is more. Trust me.

Spotted at a Marshalls Near You (or Me)

2010-05-27T17:21:00.000-07:00

My posts have been horridly shoe-heavy recently but this is way too good not to share. I recently spotted these beauties at my local Marshalls (Balltown Road, baby) and fell in love. Sadly, they did not love me back, as did they not flatter my lovingly-dubbed "Fred Flintstone feet." They're perfect for someone, however, maybe even you... and I promise I will not hate you for it.

A note on Corso Como: these are veeerry nicely made shoes. Soft leather, padded leather footbeds, the works. And for $59 bucks (that's all that Marhsalls is asking for them, I swear), a total bargain. Oh, and don't even get me started on metallic sandals, they're a major weakness of mine. Incredibly versatile and cute without being run-of-the-mill.

Remedial Dressing Part Deux and Some Fierce Downtown Goodness

2010-05-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

On the edge of your seat anxiously awaiting the next remedial dressing installment? The wait is over, here it is for all you rectangle ladies out there. Alas, this includes me, or at least it did before I had children, now I'm some bizarre hybrid of 2-3 different body types, which makes things interesting to say the least.

Local crew - I got to kick around downtown Schenectady today and let me tell you, stuff was going on (notice I said "stuff" and not "shit" like I originally wanted to). Aside from the construction (construction!!! As in BUILDING new things) I took a peek in Tara, a little global-goods boutique just down the row from Proctors. Unfortunately it wasn't set to open for another hour or so but I LOVED what I could see from the window. A thoughtfully laid out little shop, loaded with amazingly beautiful kaftans / kurtas (long, loose beautifully embroidered tunics from North Africa and the Middle East that also happen to be very "in" right now) and jewelry. Note this did NOT give off the vibe of a dusty, incense-y place stocked with random crap. I really want to go back and see what else they have to offer. Major potential here.

Last but not least, I popped into the Open Door, at the top of Jay St. I've shopped here since I was 6 years old (no joke) and 3 decades later the place is still full of surprises and wonderful things. I was drooling over the wonderful silver necklaces by Baroni, especially the hammered charm initial necklaces. Love! Seriously, there is no better place around for gifts, books, toys, the works.

Remedial Dressing Part 1

2010-05-24T16:55:00.000-07:00

So we're in the throes of transition between seasons, and with that comes a big ol' dose of the style blahs. There's just not a lot out there right now that's inspiring me so until I'm so moved, I thought it would be helpful to share a series of "how to's" from the most-brilliant Angie of youlookfab.com. She has a whole series on how to dress various body types - updated for 2010, no less - and each segment is really quite helpful. Since I have many tall friends, I'll start with her tall, 'inverted triangle' recommendations. Whether you've no idea what works for you or are convinced that you know ALL that works for you and won't stray beyond it, take a look, you might learn something.

Coming up next, my personal favorite: the rectangle!!

So Nice I'll Say it Twice

2010-05-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

First: local friends: I pledge to check out not one but two newish and potentially fun-looking local spots within the next week and post back with the full scoop. The good, the bad, and yes, the ugly.

Second: because vacation season will soon be upon us and many of us have small kids who freaking LOVE the water (whether we like it or not) let's all make a pledge to get some bathing attire that makes us feel, if not like a supermodel, at least like a good-looking mama with nothing to hide. Ok? Ok!!! Like many women, I have battled this demon for years and finally found peace with pieces from Athleta.com. Designed for active women who also want to look current and, dare I say, cute, whilst chasing kids around the pool/beach/pond, and perhaps actually swimming, they've really got this thing down. I'm a huge fan of the skirted bottoms (which are so far from frumpy its not even funny) and the tankini tops. Others might love the shorts and bikini tops... whatever your build, these are really worth a try. Not super cheap but worth the investment. If price is a big issue, there are some great styles in the sale section and if you're concerned about fit, read the customer reviews, they're uber-helpful. Great return/exchange policy too.

LL Cool B

2010-05-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

A funny thing happened while I was walking through LL Bean today. No, I didn't pick up a new fly rod but I did spot some super cute summer sandals. Really?! Reallly!!! More than one style, actually and if I truly needed a new pair of strappy gold flats, I'd have scooped them up (I have two already). At $44.99 (I went over my $30 limit, sorry) they're a steal, and this is LL Bean, people, they unconditionally guarantee everything, even cute little gold sandals. While I wouldn't go for a 3 mile walk in these, I would absolutely wear them to a summer party or to the playground, with a dress, jeans, cargos, the whole lot.

Not a shoe minimalist? Fear not, as there were two or three MORE fun sandal styles that looked funky and comfy. I dig these Merrells (did I really just say that?) and don't think that the picture does them justice, they're in the store but also not yet on the LLB website. I also loved a pair of adorable metallic woven thong sandals, also not yet on the website (come on people, update!). As soon as they're there, I'll post a link.

Tee for Two

2010-05-17T18:16:00.000-07:00

In a brave attempt to suppress my desire for a pair of horrendously overpriced, but oh-so-cute skinny cargo pants, I'm dedicating this week to fabulous finds under $30. After all, who doesn't appreciate a cute, stylish and inexpensive item to add a little color and spunk to a summer wardrobe, especially at this time of year.

Local readers - snag a fun and funky summer t-shirt or tank at this weekend's Marika Charles factory sale in Rotterdam. Seconds (tees) are usually $25 or less and they come in an endless array of colors and designs. Check the website for hours and directions. If you haven't yet been, GO, you'll be happy that you did. Marika and her brother are doing great stuff right here (and selling it to women in the know all over the world for $$$$). Sign their guestbook to be notified of upcoming sample sales, which happen about 4-5 times a year.

Not local? No problem. I'm a big fan of J. Crew's embellished t-shirts right now. Pair with a jacket for stuffy work environments or a lightweight cardigan for not-so-stuffy places. Super versatile and not so boring.

True (Makeup) Confessions

2010-05-12T17:29:00.001-07:00

Now that I've confessed to dropping a small mortgage payment at the makeup counter back in the days when I had nobody to answer to but myself, I'd like to atone by sharing my favorite drugstore beauty must-haves.

I am pathetically brand loyal when it comes to makeup. Its silly, I know, but my girls Laura (Mercier) and Trish (McEvoy) make my life pretty easy and simple, so why rock the boat? Well, when you calculate the time value of the cost of a couple years' worth of their tinted moisturizer ... Which brings us to favorite #1) Sonia Kashuk Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, a steal at the low low price of $12.99. This stuff holds up to its pricier counterpart (Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer quite well. And at $12.99 if one color doesn't work for you, buy two and mix them (a-ha!). It provides a sheer, luminous coverage that doesn't make you look too made-up. If you're not down with the level of luminosity, mix it with a little of your regular foundation for a more subtle effect. Better for fall and winter months when your skin needs a boost. Oh, and its got SPF 20, so you're doing your face a BIG favor. Huge.

Favorite steal #2, also from the sublime Sonia, her very own version of the Beauty Blender sponge, at half the price. This is a great tool for applying foundation or tinted moisturizer and blending it for a natural look. Its also great for blending concealer too. Its $9.99 and if you treat it well and wash it often, it should last up to a year. Not bad at all.

Last, but not least, and certainly the most controversial: a big old tube of Retin-a. Now that the patent has expired, this wonder of all wonders also comes in at about $10 a tube with Rx insurance. There's really no reason to buy an anti-aging moisturizer for $30 (or more, gasp!) when most people can get this for far less. Its the only thing that has been proven to promote collagen production in your skin, and encourages cell turnover (which is why its great for fine lines as well as acne). Yes, there are contradictions (you can't use it when pregnant or nursing and really need to load up on the sunscreen when you are using it) but it really is miraculous otherwise. Of course, don't take my word for it, talk to your doctor or dermatologist because they've got the whole scoop.

Lipstick Jungle (Or How To Survive The Beauty Counter)

2010-05-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

We've all been there. You walk up to a beauty counter in search of a new lipstick and walk away with a bag of other stuff and $200 in the hole. OK, $247 in the hole ... man, I miss the days of disposable income and too much free time.

That said, there's still a lot to be said for the department store makeup counter, and trained makeup artists, especially for women who don't have a lot of time to shop or experiment with things that may or may not work. The key is knowing how to navigate the system... when to fold 'em and when to run.

For starters, do a quick inventory - check to see what you really need (or want) and then head to your beauty counter of choice (see below for my favorite local spots). Should you end up in the chair, be specific about what you want and what kind of lifestyle you lead (eg you're a working mom with two little kids and .056 minutes to pull it all together in the morning).

In the end, if you're happy with the results, its customary to make a product purchase but you don't have to buy everything that's been put on your face. While talented, these folks are also trained in the ninja art of upsellng and using 2-3 different products when one will do just fine. Take a look at what was used and determine if you have anything similar already, or if it can be easily replicated at the drugstore (hello, mascara, blush, moisturizer, etc). I've got very pale skin and have a tough time matching foundation or tinted moisturizer so that's often my splurge. When its decision time, stick to your guns, and your budget. Ask your salesperson to write down what he/she used and where so if you decide to make another purchase at a later date, you've got the info already. If you're on the fence about anything (i.e. a foundation color that you want to see in real-life daylight, ask for a sample so that you can try before you buy and take a walk around to inspect the work in better light / outside). Otherwise, choose your one or two favorites and be on your way.

My local favorites are Circles, for their great selection and skilled makeup artists (Kyle is terrific, listens well and really knows her stuff), Sephora in the Crossgates JC Penney because its out of the way and quiet and they've got a very liberal return policy and Target for the genius that is Sonia Kashuk (more on that later).

Well Shod

2010-05-08T04:39:00.000-07:00

I think there is widespread frustration over finding a good summer shoe that's 1) not a flipflop (don't even get me started on those) and 2)is cute, comfy and can serve many purposes. I splurge every couple of years on a pair of cute, well-made flat sandals (I've had one pair for 5 years and think it may finally be time to let them go) and have just found the ones that I'd love to get this year... ok, there are actually 3 different pairs, this is going to be tough. I'm in love with Marais, and not because it was started by two cool women from Brooklyn but because they've got some adorable styles for under $100. Check out the Espadrille Wedge sandal and the Criss Cross sandal. Both perfect for jeans, skirts, leggings and flowy summer dresses. The colors are fabulous and you could probably run after your kid in them without breaking your neck. (key).

In The Zone

2010-05-06T18:38:00.001-07:00

Or perhaps I should say OUT of the (comfort) zone? I just got home from tonight's wonderful event put on by momXchange.com. My husband pushed me out the door, despite my reluctance to go solo (all my friends bailed, with pretty valid reasons) and all I can say is that I'm glad I went. Local women - momXchange is a new website that seeks to provide and share information about everything that a hip, busy, 518 mom needs (doctors, shopping, schools, style and other resources). Think of it as a Citysearch for the Capital District, with a special focus on women and family (but not exclusively and more importantly, not annoyingly). The hostesses were delightful and the women in attendance were terrific. I met real, live designers living right here in the 518 - daalclothes.com , and many other swell and helpful people, including our very own local proprietor of seekingsitters.com, great for those of us who have a grand total of one babysitter in the bullpen (and are starting to get desperate) and the maven of all things happening locally (and all happening local things) Katie B from captialdistrictfun.com.

What's my point? Step out of your comfort zone, sisters. Ask questions, seek advice, take a cue from your brave kids and get your a$$ out there. There are some amazing resources here in the 518 if you just seek them out. Get thee beyond thy local Hannaford and Target and live large!

The Family Jewels (Happy Mothers Day!)

2010-05-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

What would a style blog be without the requisite Mother's Day Gift Ideas installation? That's right, it would suck. Ok, moving on... time's a wastin' but if anyone was to ask ME what I'd like for Mother's day my first pick would most definitely be a whole day off (after breakfast and the NYT in bed) and my second pick would be jewels. But not just any jewels... I came across this amazing bracelet during one of my late-night Etsy expeditions and I really love it. The artist takes a child's artwork and etches it on to a sterling silver bracelet, along with a custom quote, name, date, etc as designed by your loving husband/child/partner. Sounds a little cheesy, ala the infamous photo on mug/sweatshirt/totebag, but its not - the finished design is actually a stylish and interesting piece that also captures the fabulousness of your kid(s). What's better than that?

Mom's Night OUT!

2010-05-02T17:28:00.001-07:00

is it that obvious that I need one??!! Calling all (other) local moms who need a night off for some frivolity, a good drink and fabulous prizes (spent in the company of other fabulous local moms, naturally). The women at momXChange.com have paired up with Notheastern Fine Jewelers for the first "Mom's Night Out," happening this Thursday, May 6, from 6-9. Drinks, a mini fashion show by the wonderful boutique Cesare and Lili, and giveaways. Check out momXchange.com for full details and RSVP info.

And To Go With Your Adorable Dress ...

2010-04-30T10:14:00.001-07:00

Check out youlookfab.com for the cutest pair of shoes that would be perfect with any number of fabulous dresses from shabbyapple.com. Seychelles is a great little shoe brand. Made in Brazil, well constructed, comfy and well priced. Moreover, the designs are always fun and current.

Not Too Shabby (Apple)

2010-04-27T17:52:00.001-07:00

I learned about Shabbyapple.com recently from another style blog and fell in love, therefore I must share. My sister-in-law, T, looks great in dresses. Dressy dresses, work dresses, you name it, it works for her. And what can be better, really, than a foolproof, one-piece, go-to outfit? This sweet little website offers dozens of adorable dresses, categorized according to function and style and very few, if any, are priced at more than $100. I am positively smitten with the black "Mary Jane Watson" dress with its ruffle details (eat your heart out, Anthropologie) and can see myself in the Casablanca or the G. Cooper even though I usually prefer pants/jackets most of the time. I also love that each dress has customer reviews that tell it like it is (even when it 'aint good). This stuff is so far from ordinary and yet not at all out of reach. They've also got a great blog with lots of other cool info and a great little widget that helps you find your perfect fit. Not too shabby, not too shabby at all.

**Returns note - dresses can be returned for exchange only.

Denim Skirt Dilemma (Solved)

2010-04-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

I recently received a request for advice on denim skirts. I'm a big fan, and think that the denim skirt is a wardrobe staple and works for most people if done right. I've got two favorites (probably because I have a split personality): a classic, darker, a-line version that's just above the knee, and a trendier, beat-up mini that I only wear with leggings (if I can't squat down pick something up or tie a shoe without flashing the world, its a no go, people).

Now for the fun part. As with jeans, you can wear just about anything with a denim skirt. I wear my longer version with boots and tights and some sort of funky long sleeved tee in the fall, and for the spring I might do converse or a low wedge and a t/sweater/cute jacket. And a belt. Always a cool, wide belt. I'm also having great fun with my shorter version/leggings and say to hell with the idea that if you're old enough to remember when it was in fashion the first time you're too old to do it again. Bah! Half the world would be naked if we couldn't do this.

Lastly, the details. I've posted a handful of possibilities above (click on the images for more info). Not much is out there right now as far as a-line versions go, even though its a classic look and almost universally flattering. I like the idea of Boden skirt w/inverted pleat but I wish it wasn't so "tailored" (but that's just me, I'm not very tailored either). Just above or at the knee is a great length for most (if you're going for the longer style) and I'm partial to a vintage wash to keep things looking relaxed. Hope this helps you out, C... let me know if you want more ideas.

Mad Hats and Mad Sales

2010-04-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

Quick.... Hayden Harnett is cleaning house and has a handful of their amazing (truly amazing) bags marked down BIGTIME. They won't last long (ie Wednesday afternoon will be too late) so if you've been in the mood to invest in a stylish bag that will last for ages, now's your chance. My favorite pick is the Franklin Flap Bag in aubergine. I know, this is not an every day kind of purchase but if you're in the market, strike while the iron is hot!!

Less importantly, but still important: the Eugenia Kim hats are in at Target and they are positively adorable. Nothing is more than $19.99 and there is a style to fit every personality and hopefully every noggin... they do run a tad small, my head is enormous so I'm not a good gauge. I did however get an amazing straw fedora with a wire brim and cute flower accent. This collection is really deserving of the hype. Nice work!

Athletic Supporters

2010-04-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

I interrupt your regularly scheduled program to bring news of two of my favorite things today. I recently returned to running after an embarrassingly long hiatus. I've had the same pair of running shoes for 4 years (so if you do the math, it took me 4 years to wear them out... that is NOT impressive, or maybe it is). Anyway, I'd been trying to replace them on the cheap, while not sacrificing quality and comfort, and plugged in "Brooks Adrenaline GTS" (my current, beloved pair) to a very cool website called Glimpse.com (plug in any search criteria for sweaters, shoes, handbags and you get back a list of suggestions, stores and prices). DSW.com, of all places, carried my shoes (and quite a good selection of other running shoes) for about half what I paid for them in '06. PLUS, once I registered for their free rewards program, I got free shipping and $10 off by using the codes "sprshp" and "April" (the latter is for the $10 savings).

Second one, very quickly. This workout capri/skirt thing is probably the cutest most ingenious thing I've ever seen. Next time you want to tie a shirt around your waist to camouflage your butt while you're working out, don't (its only going to make said butt look bigger). Do this instead. Ok, so this one is not cheap but my bet is that Target will have a version within 6 months.

Bags, Bags and More Bags

2010-04-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

Crossbody Bags by upstateandpersonal featuring Juicy Couture bags

Ok, here's a spring cleaning suggestion - everyone go and inventory your bag collection. Toss or give away anything overtly vinyl, logoed or grandmotherly. Now donate anything you bought on Canal Street. Great. Now you've made room for the bag that all modern women need to have in their arsenal - the crossbody bag. I love this style both for style and function. Compact, low profile and very very current, this is a bag that makes you look hip and allows you to keep both hands free to hold your kid's hand, walk a dog, or carry your briefcase or a bag of groceries without constantly heaving your other bag up over your shoulder. There are countless very cool iterations of this bag at all price points. My advice is to invest a little as you'll be using this style on and off for years. Click on the images above to get more information on price and where to buy.

In the Hopper

2010-04-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

Its time to get serious about this blogging and consulting and start to grow a bit. For anyone on Facebook, if you're the first person to refer 10 new fans, you could win a wonderful and completely gratis wardrobe consultation from moi, your friendly, local and G0d-willing, not super annoying, style blogger. For non-Facebook friends, if you can convince 5 of your nearest and dearest to "follow" the blog on blogspot, and you're the first to do so, ding ding ding, you win.

Now on to business... in the last 4-5 years I have developed a love of accessories. Why? Because you can wear a simple outfit (all black... jeans and a white t-shirt, etc) and completely transform it with a few, well-chosen and interesting accessories. So its not about dumping all that's in your closet (ok, you can dump your knit turtlenecks and your white sneakers, please), rather its about re-inventing what you have (except for said sneaks and t-necks, thanks). Two quick examples from the notoriously overpriced-but-cute Anthropologie's sale rack:

Cute jeweled cuff bracelet for $20 (pair with black anything)

Adorable flower earrings (ditch the gold studs and go nuts)

Speaking of Anthropologie - stay tuned for the uber-secret, inexpensive alternative to everyone's favorite store to love/hate.

Bag Lady

2010-04-13T04:04:00.001-07:00

Ok so I just saw today's deal at Gomatta Girls and had to share. They're offering a slew of cute, summery bags for under $50, including the one in the photo above, the "Mickey" bag. I love the woven styles for summer and while they're all a bit more ladylike than I usually go for, they're still cute and stylish and perfect for the season. My other favorites are the Jori, the Letty and the Kris.

Note about Gomatta, be sure before you buy. They do accept returns but you'll get store credit. Still, the deals are good so you'll likely be able to use it soon.

Don't Call it a Comeback

2010-04-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

Or maybe you should? Word on the street is that Mexican Radio (yes, that Mexican Radio, like the one on Cleveland Place in NYC) is allegedly coming to downtown Schenectady (thank you Katie /Cap District Fun for this most amazing scoop). This is the best news I've heard about downtown Schenectady since they made Jay Street a pedestrian walkway. Not too many details yet but trust me, the margaritas are good, the vibe is hip, and the food is tasty. Oh and equally important, the owners are very community focused. http://www.mexrad.com/. The buzz is that they'll be opening by early 2011.

Its 6 PM Somewhere

2010-04-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

One of the challenges of living in the lovely 518 is the dearth of good brick-and-mortar children's' stores. And shoe stores? Forget it. We've got Stride Rite, that's about it. Its very frustrating when you want good shoes for your kids but don't want to shell out $60 for one pair that is sure to be trashed in 2 months. Occasionally Marshalls has a gem or two but not often and when one kid has wide (aka Fred Flinstone) feet, there's little hope of finding anything there.

Enter 6pm.com. I realize I may be a little late to this party but wow. WOW! I'm pretty sure that its Zappos overstock site, and it is chocked full of high-end kids' shoes at serious discount. As with Zappos, you can search on gender, size, width, brand, style and price and they offer flat rate shipping at $5.95. I just ordered Tsukioshi and Morgan and Milo sneaks for the girls at about $20 each. Not bad at all. Oh, and they have grown-up shoes too. I'm in big trouble.

Cutting Wedge

2010-04-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

Two hot spring styles that I've got my eye on right now are wedges (shoes) and crossbody bags. I've always loved these styles, not so much for their practicality but because they're a fun way to be a little edgy without 1) looking like mutton dressed as lamb and 2) being escorted out of work for being inappropriately dressed.

So, the wedge - once again, one of my favorite and somewhat unattainable (at least for this quasi working mom who no longer makes big bucks) designers is soon to launch a line for Target. Cynthia Vincent (as in 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent... utterly wonderful) will have a line of shoes, that includes two kickass styles of wedge sandals, starting on April 18. Nitrolicious has more pics and the whole scoop. I LOVE the look of the gladiator wedge, especially the yellow, and also dig the tribal print wedge as well. And for $30, can you really go wrong? Pair with skirts, leggings, skinny jeans, the works. I probably won't go near the flats tho (ok, maybe the sandals) since its much easier to make a cheap, comfy chunky shoe than it is to make a cheap comfy flat... just my humble opinion.

Want something a little less extreme? Post a comment or e-mail me and I'll be happy to make some other suggestions.

Word to Your Mom

2010-04-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

Great minds totally think alike. One of my goals in starting this blog was to create a go-to spot for women in this area (and beyond) looking for fashion advice, recommendations for stores and salons, and general style inspiration. Kind of like the Citysearch of style (scaled down a bit). Meanwhile, the uber-informed Katie B has created capitaldistrictfun.com - an amazing compendium / go-to spot for all things fun in the 518, and the ultimate answer to "What are we going to do today moooooom?" And now I've learned of yet another, indispensable spot for local moms - momxchange.com, that provides recommendations and reviews for local doctors, shops, restaurants, events, etc and serves to connect women and let us share all of this invaluable information with each other... because, as their tag line says "collectively, we have all the answers." Seriously, its all here in real-time and I'm really impressed. Well done, women, well done.

Its Sale Time Again!

2010-04-06T17:23:00.001-07:00

Hooray, 518's very own Marika Charles is having another sample sale this weekend, April 9-11. Word has it that this sale will feature, for the first time, their dyed silk camis and slip dresses as well as their always-wondrous tees, sweaters and accessories. Time to stock up on colorful pieces for spring! Sale days/hours are:

Friday 4/9 - 10am to 6pm

Saturday 4/10 - 10am-5pm

Sunday 4/11 - 10am - 4pm

Sizing note: the t-shirts tend to run small so don't be afraid to size up. Wear a tank if you're modest so that you can try on in the communal dressing area. Click on the photo above for address and directions.

The Great White Hope

2010-04-05T14:57:00.001-07:00

Filed neatly under "things I never thought I'd like /swore I'd never wear" is my pair of white jeans. Yes, white jeans. I bought them on a lark a few years ago (when I was carrying around a bit of extra baby weight to boot) and they've become one of my favorite wardrobe staples for spring / early summer. Its like they instantly "spring-ize / summer-ize" just about anything you could pair them with and they're no where near as unflattering as you might think, provided you follow a few simple rules. I also think that a good pair of white jeans/pants is a cheap and easy way to bridge the gap between the seasons. Youlookfab's Angie breaks it down for us in 7 easy steps... who knew there were 7 steps to wearing pants? But seriously, this is good advice - the underwear thing is critical - if you can get that down, you're golden. And yes, I've even worn them on outings with my kids and have wiped out in a slippery muddy driveway while wearing them ... bleach is a wonderful thing.

Spring Fallbacks

2010-04-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

A few people answered my little survey and asked for more outfit ideas, so here goes. My favorite things for spring right now are cardigans, embellished t-shirts and skinny jeans. Pair with converse, cute flats or flat sandals and your'e good to go (spring shoes are impossible in this area, there's just no easy solution). Click on the image above to get more info about the pieces. Better yet, add your own spin... don't like skinny jeans? Fine, get a pair of straight leg or rolled-up boyfriend jeans. Hate cardigans? Get an oversized blazer. You get the idea (and if you don't, just ask me, that's what I'm here for). PS - those jeans up there, just an example... the shot was good but frankly, go to the Gap or H&M for jeans, please!

The Needs and the Wants

2010-03-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

The Needs - local pals, word on the street is that the Gap in Colonie Center is closing and everything in the store is 40-50% off. Gap has not thrilled me in recent years but their t-shirts and cargo pants (ie the "needs") really never steer me wrong. Worth checking out if you've got basic needs to fill.

The Wants - I am ashamed to admit that my "wants" list is long. Too long (as I don't need squat right now, really, other than an end to world hunger). I am in love with the entire new J. Crew catalog. Yup. The whole thing. All of it. (Ok maybe not the pastelly colors in the beginning because I have a very hard time pulling those off... its like "where'd she go? I can't find her anywhere.. she was here a minute ago but then put that peach sweater on and... poof!") but the rest of it, yes. They have such a great selection of fun, embellished t-shirts and cardigans right now, which are the perfect combination for unpredictable spring weather. And, my girl Jenna (their design director, and a Brooklynite... coincidence, I don't think so!) has really infused their women's' clothing with a tiny bit of an edge that I love, love love. But alas, these are wants and not needs. Cue: tiny little violin, playing softly in the distance. I'll wait for the next big sale, or drop some big hints around my birthday.

The Long and Short of It

2010-03-26T09:49:00.001-07:00

So K recently asked about pants, capris and shorts. Even though there is, once again, a dusting of snow on the ground where I am, I'm pretty sure its warmer where she is so here's my two cents.

Shorts - I swore off shorts for ages. I didn't find them flattering (heck, I even hated running in shorts because of the ride-up issue) and before kids, unless I was hiking or something, I really never needed to wear them. That all changed when I discovered Bermuda shorts. I think Bermudas are brilliant and flattering on a wide range of bodies. They hit a couple inches above the knee and can be super casual or slightly dressy (I don't "do" dressy shorts but many pull it off just fine). For women with larger / muscular thighs, make sure you get a fit that's looser at the bottom (ala straight-leg pants). If your legs are on the shorter side, just make sure the length isn't too long - ie: keep the hem a solid 3 inches above your knees.

Capris - frankly I think capris are tough. They're not often flattering and can look downright goofy (ie the clamdigger length that just below the knee... I don't get it at all). That said, they may just fall into the necessary evil category, especially in warmer weather. My advice is to go long, 4-6 or inches above the ankle, with a wider opening at the bottom. I'm curious to try the new skinny ankle-length trousers that are like the dressy equivalent of skinny jeans but my gut tells me they're going to be tough to pull off ... I'll post back with my findings.

Girly Goodness

2010-03-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

I have strong opinions about clothes (Really? Really!). This includes kids’clothes too, especially for little girls. Its not about price or brand or trend its about things being cute, comfy, age-appropriate and somewhat indestructible. Anyway, after perusing a large selection of truly ugly and poorly made kids' clothes this weekend, I remembered the beautiful dress given to my youngest by the ever-fabulous T and made by her neighbor, a woman who's crafted a business making and selling the most wonderful dresses for little girls. She uses vintage fabrics and great little details like rickrack and eyelet trim but the dresses are not too precious at all... rather they're the perfect getup for a birthday party and then a good romp in a puddle or a zip around the block on a trike. The dresses are sold on Etsy (one of my favorite places, ever) for around $30-35 and are really wonderful quality. Note, the current selection on Etsy is primarily for smaller sizes but Kristin does make larger sizes as well, and may have more in inventory, just e-mail and ask! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ttintin

Bag Lady

2010-03-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

Thank sweet Jesus this is not about Target or Gap!! Really, there are very few places that hold such a special place in my heart as Brooklyn Industries. 1). They're in Brooklyn. 2). They consistently offer interesting, well-priced clothing and accessories that make you feel young and hip (especially when no longer living in Brooklyn).

Anyway, here's a cheap cure for the uglier-than-sin "mom purse." I won't elaborate or name names because you know what I'm talking about. I LOVE love love BI's "H-Bag" because the shape and style lend themselves to organization and its not too big and not too small. Plus the coated canvas material is really easy to keep clean and let's face it, you're not going to see 10 other people with this bag... maybe me, but that's a good thing, no? I love both the floral and the lace patterns and for $29 and $49 its a great deal and perfect for spring (Lace H-bag is $49, Floral tote is $29).

What's the Deal?

2010-03-19T05:15:00.000-07:00

I feel like a failure for continuing to post about mega chain retailers but this deal is too good not to share (and let me tell you, I love a good deal). Today through Sunday (March 19-21). Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic are offering 30% off in-store purchases with this coupon. So if this lovely weather has got you thinking that its time to stock up on tanks or spring goodies for you or your crew, 30% off ain't too shabby. Print it out, use it at all three stores if you want.

The other sweet part of the deal is that Gap is donating 5% of sales during this time to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, so if you're feeling guilty about spending dough, this should assuage your guilt!

The Good, The Bad And The Potentially Very Cool

2010-03-18T17:23:00.000-07:00

photo: Target

So the Liberty collection for Target is a big disappointment, imho. The women's clothing is all made from a very flammable-feeling polyester material when it should be some sort of crisp cotton. I do think it'll look cute on the younger set but it really doesn't do it for me. I was also disappointed with the kids' pieces as well... nothing for little girls and a few smocky things for older girls. I did snag a pair of floral printed wellies for my older daughter, but not really a bargain at $24.99. Overall, I was really hoping for a better, more classic Liberty look.

That said, another one of my favorite designers, Eugenia Kim, is due to launch a line of hats and accessories at Target later this spring (mid-April). She's really the coolest, and her hats are amazing (above photo is a sneak peak of the Target line... I like!). So I'll hold out hope that her pieces translate well to "Tarzhay." And according to Kim herself, "Everyone can wear a hat, you just need to find the right one."

So Blue

2010-03-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

After a few days of Florida sun and a welcome change of pace from the grey northeast (in which I tend to wear far too much grey and black) I'm happy to report the existence of many more colors in the spectrum (yellow sunlight, bright blue water, icy green mojitos). Everyone including myself should do a little color exploration this spring and fashion experts seem to be in agreement that THE color of the season is turquoise.

Now I'll be the first to admit that color scares me sometimes. I am still trying to incorporate more into my wardrobe but I like the idea of a turquoise bag or necklace or other accessory as a slightly non-committal way to jump on the blue bandwagon. Youlookfab.com , another of my favorite fashion blogs, shows a handful of cute turquoise bags at various price points - its also a great blog to check out for general style ideas and tips, and the woman behind it really succeeds in making her site relevant and accessible to all ages and body-types, which is very, very cool.

So go and get your blue on, girls, and let me know how you did it!

Lily Pulitzer is Alive and Well in Florida

2010-03-11T15:15:00.000-08:00

A quick note from the Sunshine State. Apparently Lily Pulitzer is alive and well down here. In just 24 hours I've seen more pink and green prints than I can shake my Corona at. Note to self (and others): it looks cute on kids. Period. While I do need to break out of my NYC-induced grey and black comfort zone, there is a middle ground and this 'aint it. Let's see what Miami has to offer. Rant over.

Jean Genie

2010-03-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

Spring is about renewal, right? Well, what better way to renew your wardrobe and your look than to try a new style of jeans? Everyone stand up and repeat after me: “I promise to try a new style of jeans this spring!”

Ok, so you’ve got two choices, ‘boyfriend' style or skinny jeans and I have a couple of suggestions for both. The former are somewhat looser-cut and rolled up at the bottom. My guru lastylistmom.com shows a great outfit example on her website right now, all items from H&M and the whole kit and caboodle is under $200 (including shoes and accessories). Got an old pair of straight leg jeans or Levis in your closet that you stashed away when boot-cut became the new in thing? Great, get them out, roll them up 2-3 times and voila, boyfriend jeans. If you’re feeling brave you can even cut off part of the hem and then start rolling. I’ve turned 2 pairs of old but beloved jeans into this new style and several people (including snooty shop ladies) have asked where I got them.

Next – skinny jeans. Don’t hate me for suggesting this. I only ask that you give them a try. They’re available at all price points, from Old Navy to Barney’s and come in a variety of fits. Despite what many people think (including me, at first) they can be flattering on many body types if they fit correctly. Get a pair that's long enough to be a little bunchy at the bottom and that fits your hips/waist/butt well. Next, pair them with a looser longer top – one that comes to the bottom of your hips/butt or an inch or two below (this balances out the skinny on the bottom). Throw on a pair of ballet flats or gladiator sandals and voila, you look modern, hip and ready to take on the world. One other tip – they don’t have to be uber-tight. J Crew offers a “matchstick” style that are a bit wider at the bottom. Some “straight" or "slim" leg styles will also give you a similar look. Seriously, they’re everywhere. Ann Taylor Loft, J. Jill (really) so just give ‘em a try.

Coming Soon to an Ugly Mall Near You

2010-03-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

Trust me, I am partial to local, independently owned boutiques (restaurants, bookstores, etc) and am the last person that wants to see the strip-mallification of America but there are a few chain behemoths worth a trip. Forever 21 being one of them. AND I am excited to report that Forever 21 seems to be close to opening a HUGE (and I mean huge) new outpost at Crossgates in the former Dick's location.

Now I'm nowhere near 21 and am not a size 3, but this place has excellent buyers and usually has a lot of little treasures for not a lot of $. Confession: I wore a a few of their things well into my first pregnancy (did I mention that I'm nowhere near a size 3?). Stylists love Forever 21 for their trendy, inexpensive and well chosen clothes and accessories. Great for a season or two and to liven up your wardrobe, but not investment clothing. Clothes run small, so go large (and cut out the tags if you need to!). Also, check the return policy, its not the most generous in the biz. My fave right now is the adorable embroidered tunic above. Happy shopping!

Liberty - March 14th

2010-03-01T18:41:00.001-08:00

March 14th - that's when Target's Liberty of London collection will officially hit the stores. They're finally providing a bit of a sneak peek of the patterns and pieces from the collection and I'm positively in love with with the "Dunclare Pink" and "Sixty" patterns.

While I'm not that fired up about the women's dresses that are shown in the previews, I do love the idea of the men's shirts in these fabulous and colorful prints (think beach cover up, think leggings, you get the idea). Cheers!

Clog Dancing

2010-02-26T15:01:00.000-08:00

One of the hottest shoe trends for 2010 is clogs. That's right, clogs. Not orthopedic Dansko clogs (although I will readily admit I have 'em and they serve a purpose, just not a very stylish one) but the good old wooden suckers beloved by hippies and Swedish people. I've decided I'm going to bite on this one, and do it by way of these super cute gray patent clogs from Hanna Andersson. They seem like good, cute transitional shoes that might bridge the gap between boot and sandal season quite nicely. The price is right too - $44 until Sunday.

Its All About The Jacket

2010-02-24T11:17:00.000-08:00

Sharing this one from a great, thrifty guide to my former home, http://www.brokelyn.com/. I'm a big fan of jackets (and H&M ... and I'm SO glad that we've got one in the Capital District) and this one's got a lot of style for very little dough. And heck, if its good enough for the First Lady...

http://www.brokelyn.com/retail-quickie-hms-early-spring-jackets-rock/

Get Your Sale On

2010-02-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

I just got word that Circles in Stuyvesant Plaza is offering 20% off new spring merchandise this Thursday (February 25) only. This is in addition to the big 50% off sale already going on for their winter stuff.

Now I have a love-hate relationship with this store. Love - because they're one of the only places in the area that carry fun, young lines like Trina Turk, Tracy Reese and others (and have a great cosmetics department and good makeup artists). Hate - because the sales staff can be a bit .... er.... full o' the attitude, especially if they can't ID you as a regular. Personally, I like to go in looking like a hobo and then try on lots of expensive stuff, just to mess with them. For more info, check out www.circles-shop.com

Flower Child

2010-02-19T16:39:00.000-08:00

Winter shows no sign of ending, nor does the bad selection in my local retail world, so I must continue to find inspiration elsewhere (but local buds, fret not, I'll keep looking around and posting on the cool stuff I find, should I find any).

In the meantime, I've been shopping for a birthday present for my oldest and dearest pal, B. She's a Sundance girl with a dash of Boden thrown in. I'm fairly broke at present but want to give her something little and fun and just came across these belts on one of my favorite sample sale websites, http://www.badjoan.com/. Too much of this designer's stuff is...well... just that, too much (so please, step away from the madras and the pink polos, and pair with jeans or cargos, ok?) but the belts are cute and well-priced and add a little light to this season of dark.

Give Me Liberty!!!!

2010-02-17T06:01:00.000-08:00

www.liberty.co.uk

In celebration of our presidents, our proud history, and Patrick Henry's famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech I am thrilled to share that Liberty of London is doing a huge line for Target, debuting towards the end of next month. Ok, ok, so that's not what our forepeeps meant but this line is historic in its own right. It includes homegoods, and clothing or women, men and kids, all with the classic and fabulous Liberty prints. Prices are sure to be well below those at Liberty's flagship store on Regent street in London and I can't' wait to get my little girls in some Liberty print dresses for spring. Target's been very good at keeping things under wraps and very few preview pics are available but there are a few shots of the homegoods on Racked.com: http://http//ny.racked.com/archives/2010/01/28/first_look_at_targets_liberty_collab.php

Be My Valentine

2010-02-12T17:32:00.000-08:00

This is too good not to share.... I often get asked where I bought my killer red bag and I have to explain that its from this great little line based in Brooklyn BUT I only buy them when they're on super sale (because even when I was childless and working on Wall Street, I didn't spend $600 on a bag, that's just insanity).. and the super sales don't happen all that often, blah blah blah.

Well, here it is: the latest Hayden-Harnett super sale. Feel the love, and the amazing buttery soft leather they use to create the most amazing bags and wallets. My favorites in this crop are the grape "Newman" hobo bag (a steal for $110) and the "Jackson" clutch wallet. This is stuff that will last for years and is as stylish as it gets. Go nuts, you won't regret it.

The Verdict

2010-02-12T16:10:00.000-08:00

I'm thrilled to report that the great hair experiment was a success (at least it was today). I visited Morgan at David's salon (a place with zero ambiance and at least half a dozen senior sisters getting their weekly wash and set,which is cool and all but I'll be the first to admit I'm a recovering hair snob and hipster salon addict). Bottom line, she did a fabulous job with both color and cut and the price left me speechless, in a really good way. Big ups, Morgan!

Gee Your Hair Looks Terrific (God I Hope So)

2010-02-11T18:25:00.001-08:00

Not too long ago, InStyle columnist and Brooklyn babe, Faye Penn, did a little beauty tour of my former and most beloved neighborhood. Her mission: try out a handful of the local and very... err... un-upscale beauty establishments and see if they measured up to their fancier counterparts in the swankier parts of the Big Apple. In my quest for a new hairstylist, I'm going to do the same, here in the hair-challenged Capital District. All for the sake of vanity and public service, as you'll be the first to get the results and the inside scoop. Scared $hitless? You bet, but I like to live on the edge.

In the meantime, here's the list of hair folk that come highly recommended by the beautiful (and generous) women I know:

Kristin at Salone di Capelli - downtown Schenectady
Summer at Orlo Salon - downtown Niskayuna
Morgan at David's - metro Niskayuna
Heather at LK's - Rotter-dam-dizzle
Marie at Zava - Clifton Park
Kate at V Salon - Albany proper
Eli at Jean Paul - the fancy part of Albany

Hair I Go Again

2010-02-09T15:47:00.000-08:00

I am obsessed, OBSESSED with finding a new, fabulous hairstylist and/or salon that will cut and color my hair for a fraction of the price I paid while living in NYC. My wonderful stylist just doubled her prices and I had to put my foot down. So ladies and gents, stay tuned, or better yet, send me your rave reviews of local folk who can razor cut like nobody's business and don't try to charge Sally Hershberger prices. I promise to publish a compendium of all recommendations.

What I'm Wearing Right Now

2010-02-06T16:43:00.000-08:00

Today's weather was a cruel reminder that winter is far from over here in the Northeast. That said, I've been enjoying the very warm and cozy trend of big sweaters and leggings and thought I would share the love, especially since now is a great time to score said big sweaters / sweater tunics for cheap (and let's face it, you'll get a good 2-3 mos of wear out of them this season before its too warm to wear them anymore). More importantly, this is a look that a lot of people / body types can pull off, if done correctly.

The women from More magazine bottom line it pretty well. If you're going skinny on the bottom, wear something longer and looser on the top, and for the love of all that's good, cover your bum ... mid thigh to a couple of inches above the knee is a good length for most. If you're short, pick a tall boot in the same color as your leggings so that you get the illusion of a longer line.

Local folks can score a gorgeous long, cabled sweater by Vince at Marshalls on clearance for $49.000 (Vince sweaters are killer and sell for hundreds at Bloomies, etc). If you're feeling exposed, use a kilt pin or a brooch to pin the sweater shut below your boobs. Enjoy!

Get Your Shop On

2010-02-04T16:44:00.000-08:00

Don't forget - tomorrow kicks off this weekend's sample sale at the Marika Charles factory. Some bits of advice - go for the "seconds" since they're way cheaper and virtually indistinguishable from the "firsts." Also, go large. By that I don't mean spend the mortgage money, I mean size up from what you normally wear and ideally, try everything on since all of her styles are cut a bit differently. Some styles have a lot of give while others do not. Lastly, while its easiest (and most fun) to shop alone, don't sweat bringing a relatively restrained or well-behaved kid or two. There's usually a large tray of homemade cookies (made by Marika and Charles' mom, no less) set out for shoppers and their progeny to enjoy.

For directions and hours: www.marikacharlesfactorystore.com

Ten Trends For Spring 2010

2010-02-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

Ten Trends For Spring 2010 - lastylistmom.com

As we all wait, and wait, and wait for warmer weather to arrive, let's take a moment to daydream about wearing less clothes (this spring and summer, that is). Here's the lowdown on some of this spring's key trends from one of my favorite style wunder-mamas, www.lastylistmom.com. She bottom lines it like no other. Word.

Homegirl

2010-01-29T13:49:00.000-08:00

Sample sale. Schenectady. Now there are two things that do NOT go together, or so I thought. And then someone in the know told me about Marika Charles. This hometown sister (and brother) team of Marika and Charles (go figure) design and produce a fab-u-lous line of high-end tees and knitwear right here... RIGHT HERE and sell them to everybody who's anybody in upscale retail (Barneys, Fred Segal and Searle, to name a few). And, if you're lucky enough to be in the area, you can get a piece of the action for cheap at their quarterly sample sale... NEXT WEEK!!

That's right, next Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Feb 5, 6, 7) you can pick up super soft, dyed, pima cotton t-shirts for $15-25 (seconds) and amazing sweaters in cashmere and merino for $50 and up (a steal compared to the $200-300 that they retail for). No two designs are exactly alike and you are not going to see 6 other people wearing the same thing at the playground this spring. For showroom address and sale hours check out: http://www.marikacharlesfactorystore.com/

Polar Bear Club / I've Lost My Mind

2010-01-26T17:20:00.000-08:00

Before you want to beat the crap out of me for posting about (1) bathing suits in (2) the middle of 'effing January, please read on, I promise there's more than just insanity to this post.

Given that many people try to escape the misery of Upstate winters at this time of year, with trips to warm and beachy places AND more importantly there's a kickass sale going on right now, I now give you: The Athleta Bathing Suit. Stay with me here... I am a bathing suit HATER of the greatest magnitude, always have been. BUT, now that I have two little kids and need to stay sane in the summer, I've tried to make peace with this and find something that I don't loathe and doesn't make me look like 10 lbs of potatoes in a 5 lb bag (and is something cute I can actually wear in the water while trying to corral my two wild water babies).

The skirted bottoms (especially the wide-band styles) are strangely flattering and who doesn't love not having to worry about bathing suit wedge? I also love the tie-neck halter tops. Almost universally flattering and the adjustable tie lets you hoist-em-up and keep 'em where they're meant to be.

They are well worth the regular full-price but many of last year's styles are more than half off right now. Buy a bunch, try 'em on at home and then tell me what a genius I am for providing the tip. www.athleta.com

Screw this, I'm going to St. Barth's

2010-01-22T14:09:00.000-08:00

Ok, maybe not. But I am counting down the days until my long weekend in Miami with five of my favorite women on the planet (not counting T, my daughters and me Ma). And in the name of travel preparedness I just scored the cutest gauzy tunic from Calypso online:

http://www.calypso-celle.com/Jenny-Tunic-p-16618.html

I have been a fan of Calypso for years and am still mourning the fact that I can no longer pop by the outlet at my leisure in SoHo. That said, the online store has great sales - the sweet, beach-ready top I got was just $29... AND you can get 20% off your first order by signing up for their e-newsletter (code is NEWFRIEND). Finds like this - especially in midwinter - put a little pink back in my cheeks.

Local Love

2010-01-20T17:37:00.001-08:00

Nestled between Moe's Mexican and a Verizon store in a very bizarre little strip mall on Western Ave. in Guilderland lies one of my favorite local shopping destinations - Cesare and Lili.

A true boutique that reminds me of all of the fab little places on 5th ave in Brooklyn, this local gem offers a well-edited collection and a very warm and helpful manager (Emily). Prices are high but the clothes are well chosen (AG and Hudson Jeans, Tracy Reese, Velvet and a few others) and the sales are good. There's also a small shoe selection featuring styles by Corso Como (very well made, comfy and not uber-expensive). The location is truly odd but the shop is so worth a detour from wherever you may be headed nearby. And Emily, the manager, is just great. Helpful, engaging... a real, stylish, grown up.

www.cesareandlili.com / 1704 Western Avenue, Guilderland (Price Chopper plaza, across from the back entrance to Crossgates).

Game On, Girls

2010-01-14T17:44:00.000-08:00

So the word is getting out. Hooray! Quick backstory - what's up with the name? The Upstate part is easy: its the style-challenged region of NY in which I live. As for the "Personal," style is a very personal thing. What works for some might not work for others. That said, the cool part is that one can borrow and steal the bits that do work, and leave the rest for the pigeons. Oh and if you need a personal shopper, I'm your woman.

So, on to what really matters (other than giving $ to Haiti relief... really, do it): if you've got anything left over, a couple of my favorite online resources are below. Gomatta featurs a lot of emerging designers at crazy good prices and Gilt tends to focus on more established names and slightly higher prices. Both have great return policies and showcase different stuff ... every damn day. Great sources for taking a little risk. Sign up and you'll get notifications of what they're featuring each day.

http://www.marikacharlesfactorystore.com/

http://www.gomattagirls.com/
http://www.gilt.com/.

As for the local love, stay tuned for dates/info on the next Marika Charles factory sale. What is this you ask? Gorge t-shirts and sweaters designed and produced right here the incomparable Caital Region (and if you don't beleive me, just ask the buyers at Searle, Fred Segal and Barneys, otay?).

Big Ups

2010-01-12T17:18:00.000-08:00

Life is short, so here's my blog... After moving Upstate from the Big Apple two years ago, I lost access to the greatest shopping in the world (and with it, my title as heavyweight shopping champion of the world). Sure Saks and Scoop have websites but its just not the same. In the meantime, I became a mother to two truly fabulous little people and, well, the game has changed, a lot. This got me thinking about how to preserve my sense of style in some rather challenging circumstances.

So with inspiration from some wonderful women, like my sister-in-law T, who came up with the name for this blog, and a few friends who have trusted me to dress them for major events, I'm here sharing what I've learned along with some secrets of local and online shopping and with any luck, spreading a little fabulousness in the process.

To get things started, here's a link to one of my favorite style gurus - a fashion savvy mom on the left coast who loves to share her opinion AND answer all kinds of style questions from her readers (and she does it with kindness, which totally kicks ass). http://www.lastylistmom.com/