Has the recession changed the way you shop for clothes?
I’m working on a story about how the recession is changing the way many people shop for clothes, as well as the way they think about fashion.
Do you question if the clothes were overpriced to begin with, especially now since stores are selling merchandise for up to 75 percent off ? With clothes and accessories going on sale almost the minute they hit the store floor, will you be willing to pay full price again when the economy gets better? And do you think full price is still a good value?
Send me an e-mail at lmiller@opubco.com. Your responses may be used in an upcoming story, or if you prefer, just leave your phone number and I can give you a call and we’ll talk.
Freebie Friday: Enter the drawing for the Big Skinny wallet
The Big Skinny
This week’s product giveaway ties in with back-to-school shopping and Oklahoma’s upcoming tax-free weekend. It’s the Big Skinny wallet.
The wallet is made of lightlight nylon microfiber. It is sleek, long and thin, yet roomy enough to accommodate about 40 plastic cards and checkbook, along with bills and coins. The special “divide and conquer” design breaks up your cards into four areas so they don’t all stagger on one long row leaving huge lumps. Two billfold-sized compartments enable separation between cash, receipts and checkbook. There are two ID pockets. Both ID pockets feature an easy access thumb-activated hole for quick and easy card in and out.
The wallet snaps securely shut, and features an extra long coin compartment on the outside for easy access. This Big Skinny in fuchsia retails for $25.95.
To be included in the drawing, send an e-mail with your name and address to fashionmatters@opubco.com. Deadline is midnight Aug. 7.
Sally Beauty … beauty tools that won’t break the bank
B'Beaute Beyond the Curl Eyelash Curler
I sometimes forget about Sally Beauty, even though there’s a store close to me. I always find something in there that I need. Maybe you need a reminder about Sally, too.
Here are four products that the company touts as being budget friendly, allowing you to get beautiful for pennies.
Miracle 7 Leave-in Mist: It detangles hair, leaves it soft and shiny while protecting from heat damage. Plus, the lightweight formula won’t weigh hair down. $12.99.
ASP Manicure Saver Cotton Claw: Keep polish remover where it belongs — on a cotton ball and not near your perfectly manicured nails. The Cotton Claw holds cotton to remove polish from fingers and toes while protecting your manicure. $3.99
B’Beaute Beyond the Curl Eyelash Curler: The unique curve shape gets closer to the base of lashes for a tigher, more pronounced curl. Flip upside down to curl the bottom lashes. $9.99
Salon Science Instant Artificials: Get the look and feel of artificial nails without every stepping into a salon. Instant Artificials mimic the strength and look of fake nails without the cost. $7.99.
Facing up to Relastin Ultra Emollient
Relastin Ultra Emollient
I couldn’t begin to name or count the number of different creams, lotions and serums I’ve slathered on my face over the years. Now, I’m trying another one. It’s Relastin Ultra Emollient, and press info says it hydrates, smoothes and firms while improving elasticity.
That promise is probably no different than most of the creams on the market, but what may set this one apart is that it addresses each cause of aging skin — elastin breakdown, loss of moisture and decreased collagen.
The formula combines Relastin’s signature zinc firming complex, what is said to be the first ingredient proven to increase functional elastin content, with the vitamins, peptides and extracts necessary for total skin rejuvenation.
Here’s more:
1. Clinical testing shows that 91 percent of users experienced increased moisture in the skin.
2. Ultra Emollient is enriched with Vitamin C, Vitamin A and peptides to improve skin tone and texture.
3. Elastin is an essential protein in skin that gives it firmness, tone and elasticity. Ultra Emollient improves skin elasticity and firmness by boosting production of functional elastin fibers. Clinical tests show that about 90 percent of users saw visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles, while 81 percent experienced improved epidermal elasticity.
Press info says Ultra Emollient offers hydration, visibly reduced wrinkles, increased elasticity and firmness in as little as two weeks. I’ve been using the multi-tasking product morning and night for one week. I’ll give you an update in a couple of weeks.
My skin feels good already, and I’m hoping for noticeable results. But then comes the dilemma. Relastin Ultra Emollient retails for $99. Big gulp. I received a complimentary jar to sample. Yes, it’s one of the perks of my job, but I also pass along plenty of those freebies to readers.
If I love Ultra Emollient, that means I’ll have to buy the next jar. Even bigger gulp.
Like “The Bachelorette” style? Steal it
Jillian Harris embraces Ed Swiderski , after she chose him in the season finale of the dating reality series, "The Bachelorette." (AP Photo/ABC, Mario Perez)
Week after week, Jillian Harris showed off her style in Canada and Hawaii during “The Bachelorette,” which ended Monday evening. She picked Ed, in case you missed the show or just didn’t care.
Week after week, women talked about Wes and Jake and Reid. And Jillian’s clothes and swimsuits. Here’s an interesting blog from Wallet Pop with information about how to steal Jillian’s looks from the show. Scene-stealers from other televsion shows are also available.
“Project Runway: All-Star Challenge” features former alums and fan favorites
Daniel Vosovic from "Project Runway" season two returns to the catwalk to compete in the two-hour special, "Project Runway: All-Star Challenge"
If you’ve watched “Project Runway” faithfully since the first season or plan to see what all the hoopla is about Aug. 20 when the new season fires up, tune in early for the all-star challenge.
“Project Runway: All-Star Challenge” is a two-hour special airing right before the highly anticipated premiere of the sixth season.
Eight former contestants, including Daniel Vosovic (season two) and Sweet P (season four), will compete for a $100,000 cash prize. Tim Gunn will pass along his words of wisdom, of course, and judges Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia will determine the winner.
Besides Vosovic and Sweet P, the other all-star designers who will be featured will be Santino Rice, Jeffrey Sebelia, Uli Herzner, Mychael Knight, Chris March and Korto Momolu.
“Project Runway: All-Star Challenge” airs at 7 p.m. Aug. 20, followed by “Project Runway: Season Six” at 9 p.m. on Lifetime.
“The September Issue” … see what it’s all about
“The September Issue” lands in theaters Aug. 28, and if you don’t know what I’m talking about, it’s the new documentary about Vogue’s super-size edition and the magazine’s legendary editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
Cameras followed Wintour and her slew of editors for much of 2007 for the largest edition ever of Vogue magazine.
The film opened recently at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and Bryony Gordon of the Daily Telegraph says it’s sizzling. The reporter writes that it makes “The Devil Wears Prada” look like an episode of “The Care Bears.”
Popcorn, please.
Tulsa native and supermodel Amber Valletta to launch clothing line
Supermodel Amber Valletta
Supermodel Amber Valletta, who grew up in Tulsa, will launch her own clothing line in November.
She’s collaborating with Los Angeles contemporary label Monrow. Called Amber Valleta for Monrow, the first collection will include thin layering T-shirts and tanks, day dressses, tailored blazers and a fringed cape in a navy, cream, black, light gray and pale blush palette, Women’s Wear Daily reports.
“I’m not interested in making clothes that are not accessible … I really believe that the more expensive things should be gems that you keep in your closet, not trends,”Valletta told WWD.
Retail prices aren’t available yet; wholesale prices are from $65 to $80.
While Valletta will be adding designer to her resume, she’s staying busy as an actress, too. Her next film, “The Spy Next Door” with Jackie Chan, George Lopez and Billy Ray Cyrus, opens in January 2010.
Isaac Mizrahi lifestyle collection coming to QVC
Designer Isaac Mizrahi (AP PHOTO)
Designer Isaac Mizrahi will create Isaac Mizrahi Live, a lifestyle collection for QVC.
According to Women’s Wear Daily:
The collection will bring Mizrahi’s touch to many categories, from apparel to handags, shoes, jewelry and home decor and kitchen accessories. The designer and the network have reached a long-term deal, which will kick off with a show featuring the designer in December, though a specific date is not confirmed at this point.
Marisa Gardini, president and chief executive officer of Isaac Mizrahi, said the collection will be very signature Isaac. “It will encapsulate Isaac’s design aesthetic, and it’s not going to be too far from what he loves, what he has done in the past and what he intends to do,” she said.
His appearances on QVC should be don’t-miss television. I’ll keep you updated when the dates are set.
Longer lashes? Tell me your secret
Do you use an eyelash enhancing treatment such as Revitalash, Marini Lash ,NeuLash or Latisse, the first, FDA-approved, prescription treatment for growing longer, thicker eyelashes?
I’m working on a story about these products, and would like to know what you think of the results, costs, pros and cons. Send me an e-mail at lmiller@opubco.com and we’ll talk.
