Monday, July 13, 2009

From Harry Winston to HSN: Rarities and Inman


“Rarities” is not something that you think of in the same sentence as the Home Shopping Network. Personally, I think the last thing I would've found at HSN is anything "rare". Yet, Rarities is a new collection of jewelry that has found it's way to HSN. So just what is this stuff? Rarities is a new line of fine jewelry designed by Carol Brodie. And surprise, Carol used to work at Harry Winston, Inc. When I heard that, my ears immediately perked up. Carol's collection is a unique blend of top quality and affordable pieces. Her influences include stylish red carpet looks worn by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Kate Winslet and Reese Witherspoon. Personally, anything good enough for Kate Winslet is alright by me. I am still loving her Grace Kelly look from this year's Oscars.



Pictured: Rarities Jewelry from, surprise, HSN!

A luxury brand expert with years of experience in the jewelry industry, Brodie has collaborated with HSN to bring the best for less to fashionistas who need a little bling. C'est moi. There is no better way to perk up an outfit you've had in the closet for awhile than to brighten it up with a new, low priced statement ring, eye-catching cuff or bold necklace.
One thing I like about all of HSN stuff is the payment plan for items. Paying in installments does help ease the payment pain. I also like the customer reviews on the HSN site. I like to read what the users think, before I buy. For me, HSN is totally uncharted water. Readers, do any of you shop there? What is your opinion of their items?

One of my best friends recently told me about super model Inman's handbags and jewelry on HSN, and I have to admit, I love the look of her collection. The watches and bags look gorgeous, and some are clearance priced. Check out the selection, it's pretty amazing!

Pictured: Model Inman's (Mrs. David Bowie) collection of HSN bags and jewelry. Amazingly cheap n' chic.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Is HSN a fashion hit, or miss?

Looking for a Thrifty Getaway? Loews’ Hotels Launches “Recessionista Respite” packages


Welcome to the working week readers! It's another beautiful Monday :) I've heard from quite a few of you that you are looking for some summer vacation deals that are "Recessionista Ready." Well, the folks at Loews Hotels know that even in a recession, we still want to have fun and that we need some chillification. To give us a helping hand, Loews Hotels has created a collection of budget-friendly, uniquely local girlfriend getaways. With Loews’ “Recessionista Respite” packages, fashionistas can still indulge while on vacation with luxury accommodations at participating Loews Hotels, shopping passes, credits for spa treatments, fine dining, and cocktails and more. This reminds me of when the Real Housewives of Orange County did their girlfriends getaway. Remember them sipping their champagne and getting their massages? Now you can too. Until September 5, 2009, you can pick a favorite city from among the following fashion-forward packages:

Denver, Colorado: Loews Denver Hotel welcomes those with a shop-til-you drop attitude to the Mile High city with the “Recessionista Package.” It includes luxurious Villa Suite accommodations for one night with access to the hotel’s VIP lounge; two $25 American Express Gift Checks to use at the nearby Cherry Creek Shopping Center with over 400 stores from Macys to Neiman Marcus and everything in between; an exclusive bag concierge for guests to check shopping bags and have them delivered to their room while continuing to shop, and a “Passport to Shopping” with complimentary valet parking for the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Post shopping, guests can relax and enjoy complimentary cocktails for two at the hotel’s T-bar and an in-room movie to end the day. The package also includes a $10 food and beverage credit, complimentary valet parking and in-room high-speed internet access for online shoppers. Pricing starts at $279 per night (based upon double occupancy).

Lake Las Vegas, NV: In the quiet respite of the Lake Las Vegas Resort, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of The Strip, Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort’s “Recessionista Diva Package” offers girlfriends a one-night stay in luxury accommodations, a complimentary poolside cabana complete with flatscreen TV and a poolside amenity, plus a $50 food and beverage credit to be used either at the pool cabana or in room. At Spa Moulay, girlfriends who purchase a Swedish Massage or Holistic Facial receive their choice of a complimentary Moulay Buff, waxing service, manicure, or Blow-Dry Style featuring Aveda products. In addition, they’ll be sipping pretty with a 2-for-1 drink offer valid throughout their entire stay. To satisfy their fashion needs, girlfriends will receive a 10% discount at Loews Lake Las Vegas boutique store Karima. Pricing starts at $189 per night (based on double occupancy).

Nashville, Tennessee: Loews Vanderbilt Hotel invites girlfriends to don a stylish cowboy hat and experience Music City “in the round” while watching rising country music stars perform at the nationally renowned Bluebird Café. The “Recessionista Package” includes premium accommodations for one-night with exclusive access to the club floor lounge, serving complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d’oeurves; two cowboy hats from a local shop; two tickets to the Bluebird Café, and welcome Tennessee Tea cocktails for two. Pricing starts at $199 per night (based upon double occupancy).

New Orleans, Louisiana: Loews New Orleans Hotel invites ladies to partake in the “New ‘Awlins D’Awlins Recessionista Package” to experience the best of Crescent City life. The package includes a two-night stay in a double queen grand guestroom; champagne, boas and beads upon arrival; welcome cocktails in the hotel’s Swizzle Stick Bar; a $100 spa credit per person to Balance Spa; $10 worth of chips for each person to Harrah’s Casino; dinner at the hotel’s Café Adelaide; one $40 gift card to legendary Pat O’Briens’, and beignets at Café du Monde. Pricing starts at $849 (based upon double occupancy). An additional guest in the same room is $245.

New York, NY: Girls can shop the day away while staying at The Loews Regency Hotel in New York City. The “Recessionista Package” offers guests a 15% off "shopping day pass" at Bloomingdale’s complete with a personal shopper, a gift with purchase, and a complimentary beauty make-over. In addition, ladies will receive 20% off all services at the hotel’s Nico Salon, cocktails for two in the hotel’s Library Lounge (2 drinks per person), and complimentary parking or credit for transportation from the airport (La Guardia/JFK/Newark) to the hotel, up to $60. Offer good Thursday through Sunday. Pricing starts at $359 per night (based upon double occupancy).

Quebec City, Canada: Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, Loews Le Concorde Hotel blends old world charm with modern elegance, offering ladies a one-night stay in a junior suite; two $35 (CDN) gift cards with round-trip shuttle service to Place Laurier Shopping Center, which boasts over 375 stores including The Bay, Canada’s most famous department store, Jean-Paul Fortin and H&M, and an eco-friendly shopping bag. After a long day at the mall, shoppers can head up to the hotel’s rotating restaurant and lounge, L’Astral, for 35th anniversary specialty cocktails for two and a 360 degree views of the charming city. Pricing starts at $249 (CDN) per night (based upon double occupancy).

San Diego, CA: At Loews Coronado Bay Resort, ladies enjoy the perfect mix of sun and fun with the “Recessionista Package,” which includes luxury accommodations, a $200 spa credit for a relaxing treatment at the resort’s Sea Spa, and a $100 food and beverage credit to enjoy a variety of seasonal menus, signature cocktails and breath taking views at any of the hotel’s four restaurants and lounges. Pricing starts at $399 (based on double occupancy).

Santa Monica, CA: Perched on the Pacific Ocean with Santa Monica city on one side and the sands of the legendary Muscle Beach on the other, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel tempts ladies to spoil themselves with a relaxing weekend at the hotel’s new eco-conscious spa. The special “Recessionista Package” includes a one-night stay in a superior double guestroom; two-for-one Beachcomber’s massage featuring heated, natural sea shells at Ocean Spa & Fitness; complimentary fitness center and aerobic studio access, and an organic Red Flower lotion and body wash to take home. Spectacular sunsets over the Pacific are always on the house. Pricing starts at $399 (based upon double occupancy).

All of Loews Hotels’ “Recessionista Respite” packages rates listed are exclusive of tax and gratuity, based on double occupancy and are subject to availability. So remember, the key to making these cheap & cheerful is to travel with a group of girlfriends and share the costs.

For more information or to book, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit Loews on the web.


PS-- I have done getaways at both the Santa Monica and San Diego locations above and can personally vouch for their fabulessness if you buy a package with perks.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Sunday Savvy: Online Steals & Deals

Pictured: Vera Wang's Summer Collection for Kohl's is on sale

Today's edition on Sunday Savvy has to start out with a big cheer for Vera Wang's Simply Vera line. I've been a big fan of her Kohl's collection since its initial roll-out. The quality of the pieces and the cut of the garments has been consistently high, especially for a budget line. And as I've noted before, there is no doubt that these are her patterns. Just look at her Lavender Label and compare the pieces to her Kohl's collection, you'll see the essential similarities. If you're a Vera fan, then good news! Her Fall 2009 Kohl's collection is now available on the Kohl's website for preview. Click here to check it out. Meanwhile, her summer collection is on sale now at Kohl's with new reductions and coupons available.

Also, at Kohl's the Elle collection is featuring some super Maxi dresses on sale. I just saw the Mosaic maxi print from the collection, and I'll be using my Kohl's cash toward the purchase of this one. This one looks a lot more expensive than its $34.99 sale price tag.

Pictured: The Elle for Kohl's Mosaic Maxi Dress


Another great Maxi I have my eye on is at Shop Intuition.com. Above is their Blue Maxi dress, on sale for 50% off. Shop Intuition is Los Angeles' celebrity boutique to the stars. I've been in the shop on Pico Boulevard and you'd never know it was such a celebrity favorite. It's tucked away in West LA, near the Westside Pavilion's mall. The store is worth a look, but the bigger selection is on their website. Today is the launch of their discounted collection for Target, but they are also having a great sale on their website on their higher-end collection. If you visit their website, don't forget to sign up for the e-mail list to receive insider savings.

Pictured: Los Angeles' Trendy Web Boutique, Shop Intuition.com

If you're shopping in the UK, the Debenhams Final Clearance sale is on. There are savings of up to 70% off offered on many clothing, housewares and kids' items.

My final tip of the day is Gilt Groupe's Designer Accessory sale. The sale features handbags, shoes and more from over 50 fashion designers and luxury brands at prices up to 90% off retail. 90% off is worth a look--especially when Felix Ray, Cynthia Rowley, Bally and Marc Jacobs are featured.

Friday, July 10, 2009

The H&M Summer Sale Has Begun


The H&M Summer Sale has begun. There are some great savings here on summer styles, including dresses and swim cover-ups. Our H&M spies have sighted $5.00 bras and $5.00 swimwear hitting the sales racks. With prices like that, this clearance is definitely worth a look. The tunic top pictured above is a great find, especially if you weren't able to snag any of the Matthew Williamson items in May. This colorful top can be worn as tunic with summer white pants, or as a chic beach cover-up. Check HM.com and click on the store locator link to find the savings in your area.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

The Wall Street Journal: Great Summer Style Books

Pictured: The WSJ's Summer Reading List

Today's Wall Street Journal has some great recommended summer style reads. If you haven't seen the article, click here to check it out. Summer time is often the time I catch up on my reading list. It's a great time to just settle into a comfy chair and enjoy a good story.

Some of my personal favorites made the list. They are : Michelle Style and Bringing Home the Birkin. The WSJ has good taste! Some of you may recall that we interviewed the author of Bringing Home the Birkin a few months ago on the blog. We also gave a copy of the book away to our readers. Lucky The Recessionista reader Susan was our winner! I loved the humor of the book, and how its author Mr. Tonello was able to crack the "Birkin" wait lists to pick up bags for his clients. The book is going to paperback this week, and is for sale on Amazon, so you might want to give it a look!

I haven't read or heard of the book “Why She Buys, The New Strategy for Reaching the World’s Most Powerful Consumers” (Crown Business, $26 ), but I am putting that one on my summer reading list.

As for Michelle Style, what can I say? I am always interested to see what the divine Mrs. Obama is wearing. I'm still lusting after her Tracy Feith Hawaiian Luau Dress. The search is on for me to find this for less that the list price of $1,500.00 !!! Stay tuned.


Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Something for Everyone: The Ruelala Sale


Pictured: Today's sales at Shopping Club Ruelala

Fabuless shopping club Ruelala is having the most interesting assortment of great items on sale today from 3 very distinct high-end, quality brands. Today's sale includes BCBG clothing, LACoste Bedding & Bath and Calphalon cookware. So whether you are the "cook of the house", or a fashionista, there is truly something for everyone here at great discounts. Click here to join Ruelala as my guest and check it out.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Michael Jackson Tribute: 5 FREE $50 Gift Certificates from Travertine Spa


Five Free $50 Gift Certificates


Travertine Spa has a nice offer for The Recessionista Blog's reader to lift everyone's spirits after watching today's service for Michael Jackson. Here's the deal. They are giving away 5 FREE $50 Gift Certificates if you tell them your favorite MJ song. I don't know about you, but I'm humming "Man in the Mirror.""

Good luck readers!




We loved Michael.
We loved his spirit.
We loved his determination.
We loved his generosity.

In honor of such generosity we are giving away 5 free $50 gift certificates to the first 5 people who write in to us.
Click here to enter.

That's it.

If you like, tell us your favorite MJ song. But you don't have to.
If you win we will email you a coupon code. Today.
Choose a product you like on us.


In addition to the giveaway , Travertine in having a Friends and Family
SALEMen's and Women's Resort Apparel is now 60% Off
July 7-11, 2009
Shop at TravertineSpa.com

No cash value. Valid in contiguous United States. Coupon must be
used by July 25, 2009
Provided by Travertine Spa, Botanical Body Care and Resort Apparel. Travertinespa.com