So I know I pretty much sucked at keeping up with posting. Blogging is a LOT harder than I thought it would be. Coming up with new material, finding a few minutes to sit down at the computer--I thought it would be a cakewalk, but with work, and schoolwork and everything else I had going on with my life this semester, I could barely find the time or energy to blog. I wish I had more time to devote to this, because it was a really cool experience, and I loved the topic that I was blogging about.
Blogs are great, despite what some veteran journalists say about them. It is an opportunity for someone to feel important, to feel that what they are writing means something to someone. I think its a wonderful thing for journalism--and look what blogs have done for the accountability of reputable journalism (Hello, Dan Rather?)
As far as myself as a blogger, I don't know that I will continue blogging. I might blog during my study abroad this fall, but it becomes tricky when you don't have a laptop. I absolutely despise sitting inside at the computer, especially when, this fall, I should be sunning myself along the shores of the Mediterranean. The good and bad thing about blogging is that it needs to be current--if you forget to post for a day or two, or are too busy to post, you become old news.
The blog experience was a good one, as I learned about HTML and all that good stuff, but if I were to continue my career as a blogger, I'd definitely have to get rid of about 786986 other things on my plate. To all those that do blog, more power to you!
Peace out.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
work out
So you probably don't know me very well, but if you did, you'd know that I am obsessed with exercising and eating healthy. It's the best thing you can do for yourself. Despite my love for the gym, we haven't discussed workout attire! So let's do that now.
There are a few "rules" for workout clothing that I like to stick to:
1. NO COTTON. Cotton is a four-letter word when it comes to exercising and sweating. When cotton gets wet, it stays wet. It rubs against your skin. Not to mention, it looks disgusting when it's sweaty. Try and stick to technical fabrics that work to wick the moisture off the skin--these fabrics dry very quickly and are ideal when working out.
2. COVER IT UP. Yes, we know that you have a hot bod from working out. But we don't need to see it. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating wearing long pants and long sleeves when going to the gym. I love wearing shorts. But we don't need to see your butt cheeks. Save that for the club, honey.
3. GET A GOOD SPORTSBRA. Ah, one of the most important things in the world, the mechanical marvel known as the sportsbra. Make sure you get one that supports you, but in no way compresses or squeezes. It should fit comfortably, so that you barely know it's there. For gals with bigger chests, check out the brand Moving Comfort--they make a couple really good bras for the D-Cups. And stay away from cotton here, too.
4. GOOD SOCKS. Again, stay away from cotton, in a sock it's a breeding ground for blistering. And I've never been a fan of socks that come up past the ankle--it shortens the calves and makes you look stumpy.
The items I've mentioned are going to be a bit more pricey than you're average Hanes t-shirt and $10 cotton shorts. But this is one of the few areas that I advocate spending a lot of money because the quality is amazing. Check out Under Armour or Nike Dry-Fit--clothing like this is amazingly comfortable during a workout or a run. In socks especially, spending more money is a good thing. A good technical sock is going to outlast a cotton sock by years--they don't go threadbare or get holes like a cotton sock. I have synthetic socks that I have had since sophomore year...of HIGH SCHOOL...that are still great. I thought spending $7/pair was a lot of money at the time, but it was well worth it.
A few things to know about technical apparel:
-DON'T put it in the dryer. The fabric is porous because of its moisture-wicking ability, and if you put it in the dryer with a Bounce sheet, the fabric softener will clog up the pores of the garment, making it much less effective at moving moisture. After they come out of the washing machine, just hang them up. Because of the way this clothing is made, it will dry very quickly.
-You don't necessarily have to wash it before wearing it again. This stuff is kind of expensive, so most people don't go out and buy 7 outfits worth of technical apparel. That's okay. Just take your shirt into the shower with you and give it a good rinse, then hang it up. It will dry in an hour and you can wear it later in the week. Just don't do this too many times before washing it, that's pretty nasty. And I wouldn't do this with shorts because that's pretty nasty too. Just stick to things like shirts and sportsbras.
-You CAN find wicked cute workout clothes if you look in the right places. Check out Niketown on Newbury Street, Marathon Sports on Boylston Street, and City Sports, also on Boylston Street. They sell some really cute workout clothing that looks fab whether you're sweating like a man on the stairmaster, or kicking around the house on a Sunday morning.
THERE IS NO REASON THAT YOU SHOULD LOOK FRUMPY WHILE WORKING OUT. Kick those sweatpants and t-shirt to the curb and treat yourself to the good stuff.
There are a few "rules" for workout clothing that I like to stick to:
1. NO COTTON. Cotton is a four-letter word when it comes to exercising and sweating. When cotton gets wet, it stays wet. It rubs against your skin. Not to mention, it looks disgusting when it's sweaty. Try and stick to technical fabrics that work to wick the moisture off the skin--these fabrics dry very quickly and are ideal when working out.
2. COVER IT UP. Yes, we know that you have a hot bod from working out. But we don't need to see it. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating wearing long pants and long sleeves when going to the gym. I love wearing shorts. But we don't need to see your butt cheeks. Save that for the club, honey.
3. GET A GOOD SPORTSBRA. Ah, one of the most important things in the world, the mechanical marvel known as the sportsbra. Make sure you get one that supports you, but in no way compresses or squeezes. It should fit comfortably, so that you barely know it's there. For gals with bigger chests, check out the brand Moving Comfort--they make a couple really good bras for the D-Cups. And stay away from cotton here, too.
4. GOOD SOCKS. Again, stay away from cotton, in a sock it's a breeding ground for blistering. And I've never been a fan of socks that come up past the ankle--it shortens the calves and makes you look stumpy.
The items I've mentioned are going to be a bit more pricey than you're average Hanes t-shirt and $10 cotton shorts. But this is one of the few areas that I advocate spending a lot of money because the quality is amazing. Check out Under Armour or Nike Dry-Fit--clothing like this is amazingly comfortable during a workout or a run. In socks especially, spending more money is a good thing. A good technical sock is going to outlast a cotton sock by years--they don't go threadbare or get holes like a cotton sock. I have synthetic socks that I have had since sophomore year...of HIGH SCHOOL...that are still great. I thought spending $7/pair was a lot of money at the time, but it was well worth it.
A few things to know about technical apparel:
-DON'T put it in the dryer. The fabric is porous because of its moisture-wicking ability, and if you put it in the dryer with a Bounce sheet, the fabric softener will clog up the pores of the garment, making it much less effective at moving moisture. After they come out of the washing machine, just hang them up. Because of the way this clothing is made, it will dry very quickly.
-You don't necessarily have to wash it before wearing it again. This stuff is kind of expensive, so most people don't go out and buy 7 outfits worth of technical apparel. That's okay. Just take your shirt into the shower with you and give it a good rinse, then hang it up. It will dry in an hour and you can wear it later in the week. Just don't do this too many times before washing it, that's pretty nasty. And I wouldn't do this with shorts because that's pretty nasty too. Just stick to things like shirts and sportsbras.
-You CAN find wicked cute workout clothes if you look in the right places. Check out Niketown on Newbury Street, Marathon Sports on Boylston Street, and City Sports, also on Boylston Street. They sell some really cute workout clothing that looks fab whether you're sweating like a man on the stairmaster, or kicking around the house on a Sunday morning.
THERE IS NO REASON THAT YOU SHOULD LOOK FRUMPY WHILE WORKING OUT. Kick those sweatpants and t-shirt to the curb and treat yourself to the good stuff.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
shut up!
I know I have been totally delinquent in posting lately. In my defense, I've been working a lot. I've also been spending every free moment watching "What Not to Wear." I know, I lead a sad, sad existence. I'm over it.
In watching this fantastic show obsessively, I've developed something of a girl crush on Stacy London, one of the co-hosts. And now she has her own talk show on TLC. Normally I HATE the fact that everyone thinks they can host a talk show (Hello, Rachael Ray), but I think this one is going to be so good! It's on Fridays at 10pm...which means I basically will be staying in on Fridays for the forseeable future.
A note on What Not to Wear. Although the pieces they select are usually pretty expensive, because TLC is footing the bill, its a great show to watch to get ideas on outfits and accesory pieces. And it's pretty funny, too.
Monday, March 26, 2007
onlne shopping...if you're into that kind of thing
I must admit, when it comes to online shopping, my purchases are basically limited to textbooks. I also bought a backpack that I liked and couldn't find in any of the six stores I went to. I've never been big on shopping online for clothes, shoes or accessories. To me, the fun in shopping is bracing yourself for a day of store hopping, or happening into a store on your lunch break. Where is the fun in sitting at your computer in your skivvies when you could be out and about, trying things on, finding a fantastic bargain buried at the back of a clearance rack, and people-watching?
Plus, sizing is so tricky, especially for a girl like me (and billions of other gals out there), that you run the risk of buying something online only to find that it doesn't fit, or worse, makes you look like you're about to drop twins.
That being said, check out Bluefly.com.
The site offers the best designer clothing, shoes and accessories for a discounted price, sometimes up to half off! For example, check out this Vera Wang dress, marked down to $297 (from a whopping $650!) It's still very expensive, but only half as expensive as it should be. If you have money to burn and like to wear only the best, Bluefly is great. I've never actually bought anything from Bluefly, but I like to look on the site occasionally and see what they have, just for kicks.
Plus, sizing is so tricky, especially for a girl like me (and billions of other gals out there), that you run the risk of buying something online only to find that it doesn't fit, or worse, makes you look like you're about to drop twins.
That being said, check out Bluefly.com.
The site offers the best designer clothing, shoes and accessories for a discounted price, sometimes up to half off! For example, check out this Vera Wang dress, marked down to $297 (from a whopping $650!) It's still very expensive, but only half as expensive as it should be. If you have money to burn and like to wear only the best, Bluefly is great. I've never actually bought anything from Bluefly, but I like to look on the site occasionally and see what they have, just for kicks.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
conspicuous consumption
It seems to me that jeans have replaced designer purses as the new status symbols for American women. I found a Slate article from November 2005 that discussed this in ways far more articulate than I could. Check out the end--this piece was written a year and a half ago:
I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure the premium jeans market is still alive and kicking. Everywhere I look, I see girls in R&Rs and Citizens of Humanity, and Sevens are EVERYWHERE. Its true what the author (Louisa Thomas) says in the article--that designer jeans are the perfect example of inconspicuous conspicuous consumption. We only buy them because we know people will be checking out our butts!
And it's not for the boys. We buy these jeans so girls will check out our butts. If you look good, boys don't care whether you're wearing Earnest Sewn or Target. It's our fellow women that we are trying desperately to impress.
Check out the entire article here
When it comes to fashion trends, it's difficult to say what is fleeting and what will endure. There are already signs that the premium jeans market has peaked. With too many cognoscenti, too many who speak the language of the back pocket, it is bound to lose its appeal. Perhaps we'll even see a return to a conspicuous consumption of a more conspicuous nature. I recently saw a Seven for All Mankind cropped jean cuffed with real rabbit fur, for $295.
I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure the premium jeans market is still alive and kicking. Everywhere I look, I see girls in R&Rs and Citizens of Humanity, and Sevens are EVERYWHERE. Its true what the author (Louisa Thomas) says in the article--that designer jeans are the perfect example of inconspicuous conspicuous consumption. We only buy them because we know people will be checking out our butts!
And it's not for the boys. We buy these jeans so girls will check out our butts. If you look good, boys don't care whether you're wearing Earnest Sewn or Target. It's our fellow women that we are trying desperately to impress.
Check out the entire article here
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
you're kidding, right?
The other night I was at Vox with a friend and we were approached by some guys. We were sitting and talking with them and my friend Amanda was telling one of the guys, Steve, how I'm her most stylish friend. He agreed with her and looked at my purse and asked if it was Gucci.
I got it from Target for $14.99.
HOLLA.
I got it from Target for $14.99.
HOLLA.
Monday, March 19, 2007
ikea? brilliant!
Rather than boring you with the same old text-on-a-screen deal, I've gone high-tech! Check out my podcast about my furniture-buying escapades here. I tried my hardest to keep my Boston accent out of this, but I'm sure you'll notice it.
Rock on, kids.
Rock on, kids.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
"spring break"
Last week was my spring break. While my friends and classmates jet-setted off to tropical destinations, I was home on the couch, still crippled by mononucleosis.
I won't lie to you, I stayed in my pajamas from Friday to Wednesday. I should be shunned from society. I know. I'm gross. But hey, we've all been there. By the end of the week I was feeling a little bit more energetic and decided to go shopping. Where did I go? Target of course.
And I hit the jackpot, yet again! Some earrings, a cute wallet that I found in the girls' department for $3.99, a green-striped tube top...I made out like a bandit. And now that I'm back to work again and making some money, I'll be shopping even more. And that makes me so incredibly happy.
I won't lie to you, I stayed in my pajamas from Friday to Wednesday. I should be shunned from society. I know. I'm gross. But hey, we've all been there. By the end of the week I was feeling a little bit more energetic and decided to go shopping. Where did I go? Target of course.
And I hit the jackpot, yet again! Some earrings, a cute wallet that I found in the girls' department for $3.99, a green-striped tube top...I made out like a bandit. And now that I'm back to work again and making some money, I'll be shopping even more. And that makes me so incredibly happy.
Friday, March 2, 2007
patience, my children.
Perfect example of why you should wait for end-of-season sales.
A few months ago, I became obsessed with the idea of ankle boots. And why shouldn't I? They're perfect: they look good with pants (nobody knows that they're not full-length boots), and they look fantastic with a skirt or cropped pants. They're just cool. So I went on a quest to find the perfect ankle boots, but found them all to be out of my price range. I hav
e a hard time spending $150 on knee-high boots, so I refused to spend that much on ankle boots. I put my desires on hold and decided to wait until boots went on sale at the end of the season. Best decision I ever made! (I'm being hyperbolic here, this is in no way the best decision I have ever made in my life...that would be a sad statement on my existence).
e a hard time spending $150 on knee-high boots, so I refused to spend that much on ankle boots. I put my desires on hold and decided to wait until boots went on sale at the end of the season. Best decision I ever made! (I'm being hyperbolic here, this is in no way the best decision I have ever made in my life...that would be a sad statement on my existence).The other day I was feeling pretty energetic and walked up to Newbury to see if I could find any deals. I stopped into Aldo and hit the jackpot. Sale on all boots. And not just a sale, an AMAZING sale.
I found the ankle boots I have been coveting for the last four months, marked down to $49! Man, was I happy. Now I just have to start feeling better so I can get out and show them off.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
more bad news for Marshall's and TJ Maxx customers...
A new development on the TJX Cos. security breach.
Personal data may have been compromised as far back as 2003, Boston Globe Business writer Ross Kerber reports today.
Hmm, let's think about the amount of times that I have shopped at Marshalls since 2003. YIKES. We know my card has been compromised, and the Bank sent me a new one. But as I told you in an earlier post, I never kept track of my bank statements. The only ones I have on file are from 2006. Anything that was charged two, three or four years ago is ancient history now, but this still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. And here is why:
Looking for someone to blame for the fact that your information has been compromised, including some drivers license numbers, Kerber says? Blame TJX.
In Massachusetts specifically, drivers were given the option to use their social security numbers as license numbers until the RMV changed over to state-issued S-numbers in 2005. So one can see how the theft of drivers license information as well as credit card numbers could be catastrophic. If state AG Martha Coakley can have her identity stolen, anyone can.
Personal data may have been compromised as far back as 2003, Boston Globe Business writer Ross Kerber reports today.
Hmm, let's think about the amount of times that I have shopped at Marshalls since 2003. YIKES. We know my card has been compromised, and the Bank sent me a new one. But as I told you in an earlier post, I never kept track of my bank statements. The only ones I have on file are from 2006. Anything that was charged two, three or four years ago is ancient history now, but this still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. And here is why:
"Separately, a spokesman for MasterCard International Inc. said yesterday that at the time of the breach TJX did not meet a data-security standard set by card companies. TJX spokeswoman Sherry Lang declined to respond to MasterCard's assertion."
Looking for someone to blame for the fact that your information has been compromised, including some drivers license numbers, Kerber says? Blame TJX.
In Massachusetts specifically, drivers were given the option to use their social security numbers as license numbers until the RMV changed over to state-issued S-numbers in 2005. So one can see how the theft of drivers license information as well as credit card numbers could be catastrophic. If state AG Martha Coakley can have her identity stolen, anyone can.
miscellany
Fake Louis Vuitton sighting: Monday on the Orange Line to Oak Grove.
And it was a bad fake. Ugh. This is bargain shopping at its worst. Plus, I read somewhere that the profits from knockoffs fund illegal activities of varying kinds.
--
Thumbing through the pages of the March issue of InStyle, I came across a page that opened my eyes and made me smile. In the "Style File" section, the focus was how to wear black & white. The front page of the section had an amazing patent leather bag next to a pair of very adorable wedge sandals. The bag: by PHI, $295. The shoes: by PAYLESS, $20. A pair of Payless shoes paired with a 300 dollar bag? I LOVE IT. I'm glad that fashion bible magazines like InStyle recognize that the average girl doesn't have money to throw around. It's fantastic.
--
I was reading Business Week about a month ago (my father gets it and I've really started to enjoy reading it) and there was a story about Chanel Global CEO Maureen Chiquet. What I liked about her is the fact that she started in modest fashion roots to become the "global head of one of the world's paramount--and secretive--luxury brands."
Girlfriend worked at the Gap. What? So anyone who thinks that they're better than you because they can afford Chanel, just know that Chanel's Global CEO and one of the most influential people in the high fashion industry was once a Gap trainee. She folded shirts and cleaned the fitting rooms. That's right.
Everybody's got to start somewhere!
And it was a bad fake. Ugh. This is bargain shopping at its worst. Plus, I read somewhere that the profits from knockoffs fund illegal activities of varying kinds.
--
Thumbing through the pages of the March issue of InStyle, I came across a page that opened my eyes and made me smile. In the "Style File" section, the focus was how to wear black & white. The front page of the section had an amazing patent leather bag next to a pair of very adorable wedge sandals. The bag: by PHI, $295. The shoes: by PAYLESS, $20. A pair of Payless shoes paired with a 300 dollar bag? I LOVE IT. I'm glad that fashion bible magazines like InStyle recognize that the average girl doesn't have money to throw around. It's fantastic.
--
I was reading Business Week about a month ago (my father gets it and I've really started to enjoy reading it) and there was a story about Chanel Global CEO Maureen Chiquet. What I liked about her is the fact that she started in modest fashion roots to become the "global head of one of the world's paramount--and secretive--luxury brands."
Girlfriend worked at the Gap. What? So anyone who thinks that they're better than you because they can afford Chanel, just know that Chanel's Global CEO and one of the most influential people in the high fashion industry was once a Gap trainee. She folded shirts and cleaned the fitting rooms. That's right.
Everybody's got to start somewhere!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
an update
I know I haven't posted in over a week.
I found out last week that I have mono. So my shopping is curtailed, and I can barely sit at my computer without falling asleep. This past weekend I went to Target because I wanted something cute to make myself feel better (aside from crippling fatigue and flu-like symptoms, mono is also accompanied by an itchy and UGLY body rash, so I was feeling pretty unattractive.)
I hit the jackpot. I got a beige blazer for $20, a pink and white polka-dot sweater for $13, black loafers that I am obsessed with for $17.99, and an amazing clutch for $18. I also picked up the March issue of InStyle, which I can read while I'm lying in bed 23 hours a day.
That one trip to Target knocked me out for the next two days, so needless to say, I will not be doing any real shopping anytime soon. How sad. I guess I'll live vicariously through my friends' shopping expeditions, read Vogue and InStyle, and shop online, which is not nearly as fun.
Since I am nodding off as I write this, I must bid you all adieu. I'll post soon on some online shopping extravaganzas and I'll be keeping an eye on fashion and business news. Ta ta for now.
I found out last week that I have mono. So my shopping is curtailed, and I can barely sit at my computer without falling asleep. This past weekend I went to Target because I wanted something cute to make myself feel better (aside from crippling fatigue and flu-like symptoms, mono is also accompanied by an itchy and UGLY body rash, so I was feeling pretty unattractive.)
I hit the jackpot. I got a beige blazer for $20, a pink and white polka-dot sweater for $13, black loafers that I am obsessed with for $17.99, and an amazing clutch for $18. I also picked up the March issue of InStyle, which I can read while I'm lying in bed 23 hours a day.
That one trip to Target knocked me out for the next two days, so needless to say, I will not be doing any real shopping anytime soon. How sad. I guess I'll live vicariously through my friends' shopping expeditions, read Vogue and InStyle, and shop online, which is not nearly as fun.
Since I am nodding off as I write this, I must bid you all adieu. I'll post soon on some online shopping extravaganzas and I'll be keeping an eye on fashion and business news. Ta ta for now.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
spend less, have clearer skin. no, really.
As you probably know by now, I never spend more money than I have to. Some people may call that cheap; I just think I'm pretty damn resourceful. Here is an example that spending more doesn't necessarily equal better products.
Awhile back, I signed up for this deal that Enzo Salon on Newbury was running. Pay $47 up front, and you get four separate salon appointments. A fantastic deal. One of the appointments was for a facial.
If you've never had a facial before, DON'T GET ONE. Its a horrifying experience. I'll leave it at that, since we're talking about something else here.
After my facial, of course, the woman tried to sell me the products that she just used on my face. (Side note: even though the facial was a horrible and painful experience, my skin did look luminous for weeks afterward.) The products she wanted to sell me were extr
emely expensive, but I felt bad so I shelled out $20 for a small bottle of exfoliant by Babor Cosmetics.
Awhile back, I signed up for this deal that Enzo Salon on Newbury was running. Pay $47 up front, and you get four separate salon appointments. A fantastic deal. One of the appointments was for a facial.
If you've never had a facial before, DON'T GET ONE. Its a horrifying experience. I'll leave it at that, since we're talking about something else here.
After my facial, of course, the woman tried to sell me the products that she just used on my face. (Side note: even though the facial was a horrible and painful experience, my skin did look luminous for weeks afterward.) The products she wanted to sell me were extr
emely expensive, but I felt bad so I shelled out $20 for a small bottle of exfoliant by Babor Cosmetics. 
I would never normally spend that much on 50 mL of skin care product, but I felt guilty. So I decided to compare this expensive exfoliant with Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub, which costs like $4-$6 at CVS. (Don't forget your extra care card!)
Bottom line is that the Neutrogena product made my skin feel better. Whether a fresh, clean, almost tingly feeling is a good thing for one's face or not, is debatable. But I didn't feel as bad using a big glob of the Neutrogena product--I still have my bottle of Babor exfoliant, and I bought it nearly a year ago. The Bargain shopper in me feels like she has to preserve this product. But I don't really notice or feel a difference in my face after using it. I do after using the cheaper Neutrogena scrub.
Whether you choose to believe my opinion or not is your call. But I have pretty good skin, and I use skin care products that are far from high-end. In my opinion, it's not worth the money. Maybe I'll feel differently when I am middle-aged and beginning to wrinkle (but I'm pretty sure I'll be able to blame that on my tanning obsession).
MY ADVICE: SAVE YOUR MONEY, FRIENDS!
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
my two cents
A few things I don't like, based on things I've seen over the past couple weeks:
1. Knockoffs, especially bags. If you can't afford the designer, suck it up and either fork over the cash or go to Target and get a cute no-name bag for 20 bucks. It's all about whether you think it's cute. Designer labels don't matter. There is nothing more tacky than a knockoff.
2. Uggs tucked into sweatpants. Yes, I love my Ugg boots, especially when it is frigid outside. But do you realize how utterly ridiculous these boots look with sweatpants tucked into them? Ugg boots are ugly anyway. Don't exacerbate that fact by tucking nasty sweatpants into them.
3. T-shirts with brand names across the front. These are just straight-up tacky, especially when the brand is American Eagle or Abercrombie. Is there a need?
4. Label Whores. Don't buy a designer item of clothing or an accessory just because of the label. Buy it because you like it. Good style is wearing what you like, not what you think others will like.
And the MOST important:
5. When people don't dress for their shape. Whether you're wearing a pair of $250 R&R jeans, or a pair you got at TJ Maxx for $20, a $100 Michael Kors sweater, or a top you got on a Target clearance rack for $5, DRESS FOR YOUR SHAPE. Recognize your strengths, and acknowledge your weaknesses. You're human, we don't expect every part of your body to be perfect. So if you have great legs but a bit of a belly, try some skinny jeans with a loose-fitting top. Got abs of steel, but aren't so fond of your flat butt? Try a tight top with looser-fitting pants. THIS IS COMMON SENSE, PEOPLE. If you dress for your shape you will automatically look a hundred times better, whether you're a Vogue girl or a classy lady who buys her clothes at Wal-Mart. (DISCLAIMER: I am a bargain girl at heart, but I draw the line at Wal-Mart. First of all, I think it is disgusting. Second of all, I think it is ruining America. But if you do buy your clothes at Wal-Mart, hey, rock it sister.)
And, after my third post of this lovely (and I use the word lovely quite loosely) Tuesday, I must bid you all adieu. There's a new SVU on right now. Peace out.
1. Knockoffs, especially bags. If you can't afford the designer, suck it up and either fork over the cash or go to Target and get a cute no-name bag for 20 bucks. It's all about whether you think it's cute. Designer labels don't matter. There is nothing more tacky than a knockoff.
2. Uggs tucked into sweatpants. Yes, I love my Ugg boots, especially when it is frigid outside. But do you realize how utterly ridiculous these boots look with sweatpants tucked into them? Ugg boots are ugly anyway. Don't exacerbate that fact by tucking nasty sweatpants into them.
3. T-shirts with brand names across the front. These are just straight-up tacky, especially when the brand is American Eagle or Abercrombie. Is there a need?
4. Label Whores. Don't buy a designer item of clothing or an accessory just because of the label. Buy it because you like it. Good style is wearing what you like, not what you think others will like.
And the MOST important:
5. When people don't dress for their shape. Whether you're wearing a pair of $250 R&R jeans, or a pair you got at TJ Maxx for $20, a $100 Michael Kors sweater, or a top you got on a Target clearance rack for $5, DRESS FOR YOUR SHAPE. Recognize your strengths, and acknowledge your weaknesses. You're human, we don't expect every part of your body to be perfect. So if you have great legs but a bit of a belly, try some skinny jeans with a loose-fitting top. Got abs of steel, but aren't so fond of your flat butt? Try a tight top with looser-fitting pants. THIS IS COMMON SENSE, PEOPLE. If you dress for your shape you will automatically look a hundred times better, whether you're a Vogue girl or a classy lady who buys her clothes at Wal-Mart. (DISCLAIMER: I am a bargain girl at heart, but I draw the line at Wal-Mart. First of all, I think it is disgusting. Second of all, I think it is ruining America. But if you do buy your clothes at Wal-Mart, hey, rock it sister.)
And, after my third post of this lovely (and I use the word lovely quite loosely) Tuesday, I must bid you all adieu. There's a new SVU on right now. Peace out.
if i lived in chicago, i'd totally stalk her...
I have no problem admitting that I am totally not tech-savvy; the fact that I have photos in some of my blog posts is a miracle in and of itself.
My favorite blog, The Trixie, puts my blog skills to shame.
For anyone who knows of Tucker Max, The Trixie is Tucker's ex-girlfriend Bunny's sister. For those who don't know of Tucker Max, forget you read that last sentence. The Trixie is a 30-year-old woman living and blogging in Chicago. And she is fabulous. Just look at her masthead and tell me you don't love her. Do it. I dare you.
She's a fashion lover, like me. And she loves bargain shopping, like me. But she blogs about everything from food to fashion to fitness to celebrity gossip. And because of her status on the periphery of "celebrity" (aka Tucker Max), she has quite a following.
Her Holiday Gift Guide was cute, and I enjoy her short posts, like the one she wrote today:
Now, I know what you're thinking. Why should I care about the musings of a woman eight years older than me, living in a different city, state and time zone?
I'll tell you why. She's witty. She's funny. She's fluff and a nice break from academia.
So check her out!
My favorite blog, The Trixie, puts my blog skills to shame.
For anyone who knows of Tucker Max, The Trixie is Tucker's ex-girlfriend Bunny's sister. For those who don't know of Tucker Max, forget you read that last sentence. The Trixie is a 30-year-old woman living and blogging in Chicago. And she is fabulous. Just look at her masthead and tell me you don't love her. Do it. I dare you.
She's a fashion lover, like me. And she loves bargain shopping, like me. But she blogs about everything from food to fashion to fitness to celebrity gossip. And because of her status on the periphery of "celebrity" (aka Tucker Max), she has quite a following.
Her Holiday Gift Guide was cute, and I enjoy her short posts, like the one she wrote today:
We may have below zero temps here in Chicago, but my BPA's are keeping me warm. Bitchin'. Prada. Aviators.
Hot.
Now, I know what you're thinking. Why should I care about the musings of a woman eight years older than me, living in a different city, state and time zone?
I'll tell you why. She's witty. She's funny. She's fluff and a nice break from academia.
So check her out!
fashion week
Fashion Week, an iconic New York event that takes place twice a year, ends on Friday.
The event is used by designers to show off upcoming collections and attracts journalists and celebrities alike. Though in the past, Fashion Week was meant strictly as an industry event, the week has become something of an entertainment and media event in recent years.
If you're like me and can barely afford a plane or train ticket to New York City, buying designer clothing and accessories is out of the question. You can, however, use the styles presented during fashion week for ideas for summer and fall styles. It seems silly to be thinking that far ahead, but February Fashion Week showcases new fall styles, and Fashion Week that is held around September showcases new spring styles. This is so the retail industry has enough time to prepare.
So check out some of the runway pictures and pick up Vogue and InStyle for March. If you see something you like, see if you can find something like it at places like H&M, which I have found to be overly trendy. Target is a good place to get anchor pieces for cheap, then you can add on accessories to take your look to the faux-designer level. And keep an eye on the rotating schedule of GO designers that are presenting bargain-priced lines for Target--in stores now is Proenza Schouler, labeled "New York's Newest Powerhouse."
The key here is to keep in mind that you're not going to get exactly the look you saw on the runway. But use it for inspiration, and then go your own direction with it. Don't try and be super trendy because in my experience, the only people that can pull that off are gazelle-like runway models or some of the European tourists you see walking down Newbury Street (who, by the way, walk too damn slow and take up the entire sidewalk.)
Just have fun with it.
The event is used by designers to show off upcoming collections and attracts journalists and celebrities alike. Though in the past, Fashion Week was meant strictly as an industry event, the week has become something of an entertainment and media event in recent years.
If you're like me and can barely afford a plane or train ticket to New York City, buying designer clothing and accessories is out of the question. You can, however, use the styles presented during fashion week for ideas for summer and fall styles. It seems silly to be thinking that far ahead, but February Fashion Week showcases new fall styles, and Fashion Week that is held around September showcases new spring styles. This is so the retail industry has enough time to prepare.
So check out some of the runway pictures and pick up Vogue and InStyle for March. If you see something you like, see if you can find something like it at places like H&M, which I have found to be overly trendy. Target is a good place to get anchor pieces for cheap, then you can add on accessories to take your look to the faux-designer level. And keep an eye on the rotating schedule of GO designers that are presenting bargain-priced lines for Target--in stores now is Proenza Schouler, labeled "New York's Newest Powerhouse."
The key here is to keep in mind that you're not going to get exactly the look you saw on the runway. But use it for inspiration, and then go your own direction with it. Don't try and be super trendy because in my experience, the only people that can pull that off are gazelle-like runway models or some of the European tourists you see walking down Newbury Street (who, by the way, walk too damn slow and take up the entire sidewalk.)
Just have fun with it.
Friday, February 2, 2007
maybe i should look at my bank statement once in a while?
The unthinkable has happened.
Yesterday, while at work, I noticed that I had 4 missed cell phone calls from my parents' house. I initially thought that: a) my mother had some sage life wisdom to give me (i.e. "You seem a little down lately. Maybe you should go tanning.") ; b) my father had to inform me which seinfeld episode was on, complete with a quote ("Well you know, 80% of rickshaw businesses fail within the first six months." "We should have gotten some collateral from him. Like his bag of cans. Or his...other bag of cans.") ; or c) my sister had to tell me that she shut her finger in the microwave (which she actually did the other night.)
So I called my house, ready to tell them to quit bothering me, because I was working hard selling running shoes to the population of Brookline. What my sister told me, however, was slightly frightening.
"The bank called. They said there's a problem with your account and you have to call them as soon as possible."
Problem with my account? I knew I had plenty of money in there. My mind scanned all the possible options and settled on one: MARSHALLS. My card must have been compromised because of the TJX Cos. security breach. I did shop at Marshalls basically five days a week when I was on co-op, as I told you in an earlier post.
I called the Reading Co-operative Bank and they informed me that my debit/credit card was on a hot list because it had been seriously compromised (no doubt because of my overzealous bargain shopping). The woman informed me that all the cards on the list have been de-activated, and can only be used at an ATM where you have to input a PIN number to get money. I won't receive a new card for a couple weeks, and because of my class and work schedule, have no time to go to Reading to pick up a temporary card. My Citizen's Bank debit card has like 150 bucks on it, so I guess I'm shutting down my shopping operations for a couple weeks. How horrifying!
If anything, this has taught me that as an avid shopper, I should probably open my monthly bank statements and review them. My current system involves me piling the envelopes on my desk at home. And that's it. I don't look at them, I just assume that everything is status quo. I should probably grow up. But just a little bit.
I know you all care about my life so very much, so I'm sure what I have just written is more than enough to satiate you. But just in case you're still hungry, here's a Boston Herald article about this whole fiasco.
Yesterday, while at work, I noticed that I had 4 missed cell phone calls from my parents' house. I initially thought that: a) my mother had some sage life wisdom to give me (i.e. "You seem a little down lately. Maybe you should go tanning.") ; b) my father had to inform me which seinfeld episode was on, complete with a quote ("Well you know, 80% of rickshaw businesses fail within the first six months." "We should have gotten some collateral from him. Like his bag of cans. Or his...other bag of cans.") ; or c) my sister had to tell me that she shut her finger in the microwave (which she actually did the other night.)
So I called my house, ready to tell them to quit bothering me, because I was working hard selling running shoes to the population of Brookline. What my sister told me, however, was slightly frightening.
"The bank called. They said there's a problem with your account and you have to call them as soon as possible."
Problem with my account? I knew I had plenty of money in there. My mind scanned all the possible options and settled on one: MARSHALLS. My card must have been compromised because of the TJX Cos. security breach. I did shop at Marshalls basically five days a week when I was on co-op, as I told you in an earlier post.
I called the Reading Co-operative Bank and they informed me that my debit/credit card was on a hot list because it had been seriously compromised (no doubt because of my overzealous bargain shopping). The woman informed me that all the cards on the list have been de-activated, and can only be used at an ATM where you have to input a PIN number to get money. I won't receive a new card for a couple weeks, and because of my class and work schedule, have no time to go to Reading to pick up a temporary card. My Citizen's Bank debit card has like 150 bucks on it, so I guess I'm shutting down my shopping operations for a couple weeks. How horrifying!
If anything, this has taught me that as an avid shopper, I should probably open my monthly bank statements and review them. My current system involves me piling the envelopes on my desk at home. And that's it. I don't look at them, I just assume that everything is status quo. I should probably grow up. But just a little bit.
I know you all care about my life so very much, so I'm sure what I have just written is more than enough to satiate you. But just in case you're still hungry, here's a Boston Herald article about this whole fiasco.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
say it ain't so!
Okay, it's bad enough that Filene's Basement is closing for two years while its Downtown Crossing building is renovated. But now there are rumors that when it does come back in 2009, there will be no more "automatic markdown" system.
Let me just say a word about Filene's Basement first. Yes, there are Filene's Basement stores on Boylston Street and in the Northshore Mall in Peabody, but they are NOT THE SAME as the downtown flagship location.
The downtown location is disgusting. It's literally in a basement, the lighting is bad and it looks unclean. But it is amazing. I have found some of the most amazing deals there. Plus, it's been around forever--my grandmother used to go there when she got a shopping itch. (Side note: I am my grandmother reincarnated--under her bed were always dozens of pairs of shoes, her closet was always busting open because it was overloaded with clothing, and she had more junk jewelry than anyone I have ever seen. When we cleaned out her closet after she passed away in 2003, we found clothing with the original sale tags still on, most of which were clearance items. She, like me, never passed up a sale.)
I have been to Filene's Basement downtown more times than I can count. In high school, my friend Meaghan and I would always hop on the orange line and head downtown to see what we could find at the Basement. They are best known for their automatic markdown system.
The automatic markdown is simple: when an item comes in, the staff marks the tag with the date, then it gets hung on the floor. The longer an item has been on the floor, the more markdown it receives. For example, if I am shopping on 2/5 and pick up a shirt that is dated 1/3, the price will be some percentage (probably 50 or 75) off the original price. The automatic markdown board is on display in every department.
From the Boston Globe today (“Basement may end markdown system” by Jenn Abelson):
“The century-old basement pioneered the concept of bargains when it devised a system of automatic markdowns, where merchandise is discounted on a set schedule that customers can track. While other Filene's Basement stores have opened selling discounted merchandise from designer clothes to picture frames, only the Downtown Crossing location maintained the automatic markdown system.
But with the store's temporary closing, the automatic markdown policy will not be adopted at another location, and it's unclear whether it will return to the original Filene's Basement when it reopens, a company official said.”
The point I’m trying to make here is this: a) Filene’s should move back to its old location when it comes back. There’s nothing like shopping in a basement, changing in an open room with 60-year-old ladies, separated from the subway by only a wall. And b) When they do come back, the automatic markdown system should come back with them. It’s what makes the basement unique and totally awesome.
I'll definitely be making a trip downtown in the very near future to take advantage of this gem before it goes away!
P.S. Check out the Filene's Basement Website, it's really cool.
And read the entire Globe article here
For your viewing pleasure--I gathered up some of the great deals I've gotten at the basement in the past couple months:
Britney Spears "Fantasy" Perfume, $30; Steve Madden Sunglasses, $10; Rainboots, $20; White leather clutch, $8; Tommy Hilfiger Denim Jacket, $25; Gray sweater, $7.
Until next time, friends. :)
Thursday, January 25, 2007
your new best friend
The CVS Extra Care Card.
Embrace it. It is AMAZING.
If you're like my mother, who goes to CVS 2-3 times a week, or myself, who goes there nearly everyday, this little red card is your ticket to savings. Having the Extra Care Card (we'll call it the ECC from now on) guarantees that you have access to all the sales in the store, some of which turn out to be steals. Take, for example, last week. CVS put all their Sunsilk hair products on sale for $2.99, but ONLY if you have the ECC. So you get the sale price. That's fantastic. But the rewards don't stop there.
Every couple of purchases with your ECC, you get Extra Care coupons with your receipt. And they're not lame coupons like "$2 off your next denture health purchase," they actually turn out to be good things like "Save $2 on any Jergens skin care." And every so often you get Extra Bucks which equate to money off your entire purchase.
And if you're a girl who likes her expensive hair products, you can hoard some Extra Bucks and buy your Bumble & Bumble (which, though expensive, is awesome)
or Paul Mitchell shampoo. It may only add up to a $5 or $6 savings, but these kind of things add up. That's $6 more that you have to spend at the bar on Friday night!
And contrary to popular belief, there is NO SHAME in using coupons.
CVS: 231 Mass Ave., 240 Newbury St., 587 Boylston St.
Go to CVS.com to locate the store closest to you.
disheartening
I never liked Mike Barnicle, but my respect for Dan Shaughnessy has just plummeted after reading this post on daleynews, a local blog:
Looks like someone is having a little bit of trouble adapting to new media...
Check out the full post here
"Barnicle brought up 'the blogging thing,' and as they chuckled and guffawed away, Dan Shaughnessy chimed in that 'all bloggers' are losers and frustrated journalists. And apparently, we're destroying the political system."
Looks like someone is having a little bit of trouble adapting to new media...
Check out the full post here
forever in blue jeans
Let's talk about jeans.
Being a non-anorexic girl with wide hips and a pretty big butt, I've ALWAYS had a difficult time finding jeans that fit me well. Jeans, then, are one of the few items that I advocate "splurging" on. My definition of splurge in this case is anywhere from $50-around $100.
When you find a good pair of jeans you can wear them 3-4 times a week and not look like a homeless person. A good jean splurge is a pair that you can wear on casual days, but can also dress up for nights out.
My suggestion, if you're oddly proportioned like myself, is to go to a store where they know what they're talking about. My absolute favorite is Lucky Brand Denim, on the corner of Newbury and Fairfield Streets.
You can go in there and tell them what kind of jean you're looking for--in my case, mid rise boot cut--and they'll grab a few options for you to try. The staff is honest (at least that's my impression), friendly and don't try and make you buy 20 other things while you're there. You walk out without having broken the bank, and you get a good pair of jeans, which, let's face it, makes every woman happy. Here's the pair I bought most recently:
The Lola Boot--perfect for the girl who wants a higher rise to her jean (not mom jean-ish, I promise you) and a skinnier leg (no need for extreme flare, this is not 1975, people!)
The options at Lucky usually run around $100--which is not necessarily a "bargain," but its much better than paying $250 for a pair of True Religions or Rock & Republics, which I'm convinced, by the way, are made only for girls who are 5'10" and weigh about 80 lbs. But I digress.
--
Another, CHEAPER jean option that I love is Express. They re-vamped their line fairly recently, adding different rises and more washes. So they also have a mid-rise jean that I love (the W31 Curvy) and are always having sales. A basic Express jean will cost around $50-$60, but they sometimes have $20 off sales on all denim.
The nice thing about Express is that you can get a good quality pair of jeans for a reasonable price, but they don't look cheap in any way. A dark jean from Express dresses up really nicely. A lighter wash is perfect for going to class or going out for a casual lunch. They have plenty of options for all different-sized gals, and you can usually get a great outfit from there for well under $100. Plus, their clearance racks are AMAZING.
--
A note about buying jeans: don't buy a pair if you don't love them. If you just "kinda like em," you'll wear them once and then bury them in your closet. Trust me, I know.
The ideal jean should fit nicely around your waist--a little snug when trying them on because most jeans will loosen up about half a size. If you're a heels girl, like me, buy them a little bit long, so they'll look good once you're hiked up in the big girl shoes. Or better yet, bring your favorite pair of heels with you when jean shopping.
And remember, don't EVER let a salesperson pressure you into buying something you're not sure about. She didn't work hard for your money, you did.
EXPRESS: The Shops at Copley Plaza, Downtown Crossing, Cambridgeside Galleria, Arsenal Mall
LUCKY BRAND DENIM: 229 Newbury St., The Shops at Copley Plaza, The Mall at Chestnut Hill
Being a non-anorexic girl with wide hips and a pretty big butt, I've ALWAYS had a difficult time finding jeans that fit me well. Jeans, then, are one of the few items that I advocate "splurging" on. My definition of splurge in this case is anywhere from $50-around $100.
When you find a good pair of jeans you can wear them 3-4 times a week and not look like a homeless person. A good jean splurge is a pair that you can wear on casual days, but can also dress up for nights out.
My suggestion, if you're oddly proportioned like myself, is to go to a store where they know what they're talking about. My absolute favorite is Lucky Brand Denim, on the corner of Newbury and Fairfield Streets.
You can go in there and tell them what kind of jean you're looking for--in my case, mid rise boot cut--and they'll grab a few options for you to try. The staff is honest (at least that's my impression), friendly and don't try and make you buy 20 other things while you're there. You walk out without having broken the bank, and you get a good pair of jeans, which, let's face it, makes every woman happy. Here's the pair I bought most recently:
The Lola Boot--perfect for the girl who wants a higher rise to her jean (not mom jean-ish, I promise you) and a skinnier leg (no need for extreme flare, this is not 1975, people!)
The options at Lucky usually run around $100--which is not necessarily a "bargain," but its much better than paying $250 for a pair of True Religions or Rock & Republics, which I'm convinced, by the way, are made only for girls who are 5'10" and weigh about 80 lbs. But I digress.
--
Another, CHEAPER jean option that I love is Express. They re-vamped their line fairly recently, adding different rises and more washes. So they also have a mid-rise jean that I love (the W31 Curvy) and are always having sales. A basic Express jean will cost around $50-$60, but they sometimes have $20 off sales on all denim.
The nice thing about Express is that you can get a good quality pair of jeans for a reasonable price, but they don't look cheap in any way. A dark jean from Express dresses up really nicely. A lighter wash is perfect for going to class or going out for a casual lunch. They have plenty of options for all different-sized gals, and you can usually get a great outfit from there for well under $100. Plus, their clearance racks are AMAZING.
--
A note about buying jeans: don't buy a pair if you don't love them. If you just "kinda like em," you'll wear them once and then bury them in your closet. Trust me, I know.
The ideal jean should fit nicely around your waist--a little snug when trying them on because most jeans will loosen up about half a size. If you're a heels girl, like me, buy them a little bit long, so they'll look good once you're hiked up in the big girl shoes. Or better yet, bring your favorite pair of heels with you when jean shopping.
And remember, don't EVER let a salesperson pressure you into buying something you're not sure about. She didn't work hard for your money, you did.
EXPRESS: The Shops at Copley Plaza, Downtown Crossing, Cambridgeside Galleria, Arsenal Mall
LUCKY BRAND DENIM: 229 Newbury St., The Shops at Copley Plaza, The Mall at Chestnut Hill
Monday, January 22, 2007
target (pronounced tar-jay)
This weekend, I'll be making a trip to my very favorite store. Yes friends, that is none other than Target. Get excited, kids!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
the perils of bargain shopping...
When I was doing a 6-month co-op at 500 Boylston St., I became very well acquainted with the 2-floor Marshalls located in that building. I was there almost every day on my lunch hour. Marshalls is one of my very favorite bargain stores, which is why the announcement last week that TJX Cos., which own both Marshalls and TJ Maxx (another favorite) had their customer information hacked and stolen, made me nervous.
The ever-helpful Susan Wornick of WCVB-5 advises customers to pay attention to credit card bills and bank statements--the law says you are not liable for fraudulent charges.
There is, however, a new development to this story. Apparently, TJX may be fined because they failed to comply with a new industry standard ("TJX Facing Customer Complaints, Possible Fines by Credit Card Firms" by Ross Kerber from The Boston Globe, 01.20.2007):
It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next couple of weeks. I can only hope that my credit card information is safe and I can continue to be a loyal Marshall's customer.
Read the whole article here
The ever-helpful Susan Wornick of WCVB-5 advises customers to pay attention to credit card bills and bank statements--the law says you are not liable for fraudulent charges.
There is, however, a new development to this story. Apparently, TJX may be fined because they failed to comply with a new industry standard ("TJX Facing Customer Complaints, Possible Fines by Credit Card Firms" by Ross Kerber from The Boston Globe, 01.20.2007):
"Merchants who accept credit cards are supposed to comply with a new international data standard put in place by a group called the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, created in the fall with a dozen employees. Its board includes representatives from Visa, MasterCard, Discover Financial Services, and American Express Co.
The standard lays out how much data companies such as retailers and restaurants can collect and how long they can keep it on file, among other things. The goal is to minimize how much data thieves might find. But compliance rates are notoriously low: Visa says just 31 percent of large merchants have met the requirement.
Financial-services executives have said TJX was among the laggards, which could lead to fines of up to $500,000. TJX spokeswoman Sherry Lang declined to comment."
It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next couple of weeks. I can only hope that my credit card information is safe and I can continue to be a loyal Marshall's customer.
Read the whole article here
too sick to shop? that is LUDICROUS
I'm really sick and haven't been able to get out and browse. Hopefully tomorrow I'll feel a bit better and can get back in the game.
In the meantime...
Bargain retailer Target has some of the coolest commercials I've seen. Check their most recent one out here:
Hello Goodbuy
In the meantime...
Bargain retailer Target has some of the coolest commercials I've seen. Check their most recent one out here:
Hello Goodbuy
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Don't Sweat the Technique
Love living in Boston, but hate how expensive it is? Before you throw in the towel and contemplate moving to gasp Somerville or Arlington, pay attention to what I am saying! There are plenty of low-budget shopping opportunities in America's Greatest City. And just because you are strapped for cash doesn't mean you have to look like a suburban housewife. Every day, I strut down Newbury Street looking like a million bucks. But what those snooty rich people stepping out of Armani, Gucci and Longchamp don't know, is that my outfit's real estimated value is much closer to about $49.50.
I love clothes. And shoes. And bags. And skin and hair products. Trust me, I would love to be able to buy $100 exfoliant or jeans with a pricetag approaching the value of my 1994 Acura. But I am a student from a very modest financial background. I search out bargains, and if I may say, I've been told I've got damn good style.
Your bargain savior has arrived.
I love clothes. And shoes. And bags. And skin and hair products. Trust me, I would love to be able to buy $100 exfoliant or jeans with a pricetag approaching the value of my 1994 Acura. But I am a student from a very modest financial background. I search out bargains, and if I may say, I've been told I've got damn good style.
Your bargain savior has arrived.
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