FASHION/CULTURE: IT'S TIME

FEBRUARY 1, 2008 IS THE START OF FASHION WEEK. THE TENTS ARE GOING UP AS I SPEAK! TO STAY IN THE KNOW VISIT: http://www.mbfashionweek.com/newyork/ YOU CAN FIND OUT ALL KINDS OF INFORMATION ON YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS FALL 2008 COLLECTIONS. ACCORDING TO FASHION EXPERT, ROBERT VERDI, YOU CAN GO INSIDE THE TENTS THIS SEASON & VIEW THE SHOWS (IN REAL TIME) BY VISITING AMERICANEXPRESS.COM/STYLE. ENJOY

TOMORROW IS ALSO THE BEGINNING OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH...BE SURE TO CHECK OUT: http://www.pbs.org/aboutpbs/news/20080110_blackhistory.html FOR INFORMATION ON THIS YEAR'S EXTENSIVE LINE-UP ON PBS. ENJOY!

TRAVEL: THE WINDY CITY

ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT THIS SKYLINE IS, IT'S BREATHTAKING! WHEN YOU FLY INTO CHICAGO ON A CLEAR DAY JUST LOOK OUT YOUR WINDOW & TAKE IN THE VIEW. THE TALL BUILDINGS & THE WATER SEEM TO GO ON FOREVER! I'VE ONLY BEEN IN THE CITY ONCE, BUT I'VE HAD QUITE A FEW LAY-OVERS. I VISITED CHICAGO IN 2000, SPENT ABOUT 3 HOURS IN THE CITY. I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WALK THE MAGNIFICENT MILE (NOT THE ENTIRE STREET) THERE ARE SO MANY STORES (FLAGSHIP STORES), ATE CHICAGO-STYLE PIZZA, OBSERVED THE LONG LINE OUTSIDE GARRETT'S POPCORN SHOP, TOOK A FEW PICTURES AT NAVY PIER, & EXPERIENCED THE BRUTAL WINTER WEATHER (i went in december). USATODAY HAS TEN TIPS FOR CHICAGO TOURISTS so IF YOU'RE PLANNING A TRIP TO THE WINDY CITY SEE WHAT ADVICE THEY HAVE FOR YOU! CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/cityguides/chicago/2008-01-29-10-tourist-tips_N.htm

FASHION: CHIE MIHARA

chie mihara studied fashion and accessories design in japan and new york. chie mihara shoes are feminine & naive, fashionable but comfortable. mihara debuted in 2002. chie mihara shoes can be found at anthropologie.com, shopbop.com, barefoottess.com, citysoles.com, bergdorf goodman, etc. discover chie mihara!

FASHION: STYLE GUIDE

CHECK OUT PATRICK ROBINSON'S VIDEO STYLE GUIDE TO SPRING 2008 @ GAP.COM! AS YOU MAY KNOW PATRICK ROBINSON IS THE LEAD DESIGNER FOR GAP! PATRICK GIVES AN OVERVIEW OF THE SPRING 2008 GAP COLLECTION. HE ALSO SHOWS YOU THE KEY LOOKS/OUTFITS FOR SPRING & GIVES YOU QUICK TIPS! TAKE A LOOK BY CLICKING ON THE LINK: http://www.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=39020

OBAMA WINS SOUTH CAROLINA

THIS IS HISTORY IN THE MAKING. PLEASE GO OUT & VOTE IF PRIMARIES ARE BEING HELD IN YOUR HOME STATE. TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF HISTORY! LOOK AT THE CALENDAR BELOW FOR PRIMARY DATES. SUPER TUESDAY IS FEB 5TH!

MARK YOUR POLITICAL CALENDAR

IF YOU LIVE IN ANY OF THE STATES HOLDING PRIMARIES, PLEASE GO OUT & VOTE!

JAN 26TH- South Carolina Democratic primary

JAN 29TH - Florida primary

JAN 30TH - Republican debate, Reagan Library, Simi Valley, California

JAN 31ST - Democratic debate, Los Angeles, CA

FEB 1ST -3RD - Maine GOP caucus

FEB 5TH - SUPER TUESDAYPrimaries: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CT, DE, GA, ID (Dem), IL, KS (Dem), MO, MA, NJ, NY, OK,TN AK, CO, MN, MT (GOP), NM (Dem), ND, WV (GOP 2/3 selected)

FEB 9TH - Louisiana primary, Kansas Republican primary, Nebraska Democratic caucuses
Washington caucuses

FEB 10TH- Maine Democratic caucus

FEB 12TH - Maryland, Virginia and D.C. primaries

FEB 19TH - Hawaii Democratic caucus, Washington primary, Wisconsin primary

FASHION: EURO BASICS

gap brought back their european collection for spring 2008. the colors are soft & muted. the cargo pocket jumper is sooooo cute $68, the basic striped boatneck $19.50 is classic, the cropped leather jacket $358 is such a hot trend right now, and the pleated tunic top $39.50 would go perfectly with skinny cargo or khaki pants!

TECHNOLOGY: THIN IS IN?

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE FROM USATODAY ON APPLE'S LATEST CREATION: MACBOOK AIR - THE WORLD'S THINNEST LAPTOP! WOULD YOU BUY IT?
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/edwardbaig/2008-01-23-macbook-air-review_N.htm

FASHION: TIED UP

if you haven't been to gap lately, plan a trip soon! they have these amazing scarves available in various solid colors or in a dip-dye color variation. they are super soft, lightweight, with an organic feel. the colors are so bold & bright, they would make any ensemble pop. not only are they cute, but they are affordable $16.50 for the solid & $19.50 for the dip-dye.

FASHION: THE SHIRTDRESS

the shirtdress is a timeless piece every woman should have! each year they are re-invented. it's simple & chic. the first shirtdress made it's appearance in the 1930's. as with everything the shirtdress has evolved with time, & they now come in various colors, prints, fabrics, pleated, with or without pockets & belts, you name it. this season pick up one, i'm sure you will be able to find one at your favorite chain store or boutique & at all price points. (left to right: forever21 taffeta shirtdress, $34.80, gap pleated shirt dress $69.50, oldnavy sleeveless shirtdress $29.50)

CELEBRATE

If you have the day off don't sit around doing mindless things go out & learn something new today. take a look @ http://www.newsweek.com/id/94686?GT1=10755 for some ideas! get motivated, be inspired, love life, be free!

LIFESTYLE: OVERLY SATURATED

according to the chicago tribune active endeavors is closing all three brick and mortar stores in illnois to focus on their online business. is the thrill of going out on saturday to shop gone? are people tired of dealing with the crowds or salespeople? is the market over saturated with boutiques? i'm not sure what the deal is, but i prefer visiting the actual stores. i love walking around in various boutiques listening to the great music, looking at & feeling the merchandise, trying on the cute clothes. however, having an online boutique like active endeavors companies are able to reach a broader range of consumers & the overhead costs are a lot less! i'm sure activeendeavors.com will continue to excel & for all the lucky people near the stores that are closing have fun scooping up all the fabulous deals! to read this article click on the link: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-wed_active-endeavors-closing_0116jan16,0,872985.story?track=rss

FASHION: HOT STEPPER

here's a sample of spring 2008 key footwear trends. the loeffler randall vachetta d-ring sandal is the perfect accessory to pair with this season's tribal look. the miu miu specchio gladiator flats go great with cropped slim pants/jeans or a dress. the bold yellow patent platform pumps by bruno frisoni fall perfectly under the day-glo spring 08 trend! last but not least the loeffler randall vachetta gray flat boot will not only keep your legs warm on those chilly spring days, but they are the perfect new neutral.

TRAVEL: VACATION FOR LESS

shake off your winter blues by taking a trip to puerto rico! according to usatoday.com you can travel to puerto rico for less than $500....click on the link below to find amazing deals to this tropical oasis!
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/deals/inside/2008-01-17-cheapest-tropical-getaway_N.htm

FASHION: BELTWAY

belts are here to stay, don't get rid of any during your spring cleaning! there are so many ways to wear belts and so many styles. the skinny belt (marc by marc jacobs) looks great worn over a cardigan with a dress or full skirt. add definition to your wasit with this mim ruffle belt (loeffler randall). want some glam to go along with your basic black dress then try this kitty sequin belt (felix ray).

FASHION: COMPARISION

can you figure out which one is an orla kiely wallet ($74) or a wallet from forever 21 ($10.80)...can you tell the difference? they are both super cute & can be carried solo! *hint orla kiely is known for their signature ______ print accessories & handbags*

SALES ALERT!!!

SHOPBOP.COM IS HAVING A HUGE SALE & THEY ARE OFFERING AN EXTRA 20% OFF MERCHANDISE IN THEIR DESIGNER BOUTIQUE! HURRY BEFORE ALL THE GOOD STUFF IS GONE!!!

FASHION: ALTERNATIVE

here's a cute little color block clutch from forever 21 for $15.80. it will add color to any outfit. i spotted a similar colorblock clutch by prada in the feb 2008 issue of marie claire (p.22) for $995. grab this one up...it's a STEAL & it's cute!

FASHION: SPRING TRENDS 2008

• TRIBAL - OSCAR DE LA RENTA IKAT STRAPLESS BUBBLE DRESS $2750
• NEUTRALS- MICHAEL KORS SAFARI JACKET $1595, PANTS $795
• ARTSY- RACHEL ROY BRUSHSTROKE PRINT DRESS $1475
• FADED PASTELS - DOO.RI COLOR BLOCK HALTER DRESS $1195
• FLORALS - LELA ROSE LACE SHEATH $1495
• ASYMMETRICAL - PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND OFF THE SHOULDER DRESS $875

FASHION: IN TRANSITION

gap has great transitional pieces for your wardrobe (winter to spring). the pieces are basic & classic so you will not feel bad by purchasing them. the first look has a great chambray top and wide leg khakis, the second look has the ever famous nautical style top and pinstripe pants, and the last look has a great gray cardigan with the basic oxford and white denim pants. prices range from $19.50 (dip-dye scarf 1st look) - $59.50 (shawl collar cardigan 2nd look). visit http://www.gap.com for more information or to purchase.

HISTORICAL VIEWS

I went home for the holidays & i snapped some photos of a few of my favorite houses around town. they are beautiful...you can't find new construction like this. some of them are mansions, some are bed & breakfast, & there's so much history that comes along with each house! take a look.