I had an epiphany at a sample sale! There I was, trying on this cute pastel plaid shrunken Chanel style jacket, at a whopping ten bucks, when I looked in the mirror and went, “Oh!” The jacket fit, looked cute, and is soo in for fall, but y’know I felt uncomfortable. I realized that even at that great price, I’d never wear it. I almost fell into the “But it’s on sale” trap. We all do it. We’re wandering around in a shop somewhere, having that must buy urge, and we see something really cute on sale. We try it on, it fits, we’re not that crazy about it and yet it’s ON SALE. It whimpers softly in the dark, because you haven’t paid any attention to it. You look at the item sadly, and think to yourself, “one day, some day, soon I will wear it.”

In the end you’ve wasted closet space, money, time and are now stuck with an item you’ll never use. Stop and think before you buy a sale item. If you find yourself staring at the mirror feeling slightly uncomfortable, walk away. It’s better to say no to something you really don’t love than buy something that will sob quietly in the corner of your closet at night, knowing it’s unloved and unwanted.
Here’s a quick update about Hannah Nordgen - seamstress and designer extraordinaire. She now has a website that’s chock full of information, pictures and other goodies that you can use. Check it out at www.hnordgrenatelier.com

If you’ve hit the stores or picked up a magazine, or even read my column last month, you’ll notice that the vintage look is hot. Not near a vintage shop? One is only a mouse click away Fashion Dig, www.fashiondig.com has everything from flapper frocks to 70’s Gunne Saxe dresses. There’s a local shop finder, online member shops, community and a vintage clothing expert who can answer any question you might throw at her.

Speaking of shopping on the ‘Net; you may want to check out www.PetEdge.com. There you’ll find kitty townhouses for $22.99, dog sweaters from $2.99, Bella pet carriers starting at $14.99.There’s tons of grooming and health items, and a variety of toys for your fur child.

School’s here, and you know that means new back to school stuff for the wee ones. If you’re looking for a fun and cool lunch box, check out these sites; www.wickedcoolstuff.com, www.themacbethcollection.com, www.getzooked.com, and www.pokkadots.com.

You’ll find unique, retro and amusing lunchboxes for big and little kids.
Lulah (www.lulah.com) has hand knit and cashmere sweaters for your future fashionista. Don’t forget that Halloween is just around the corner and it’s never too late to start planning your child’s costume. You can find Raggedy Ann and Andy, Wednesday Addams and other characters at www.halloweenstreet.com. Other neat costume sites are www.charliecrow.com and www.starcostumes.com.

Once the weather gets colder, you may want to spruce up your interiors. After all when it’s cold it’s nice to nest in a comfy, luxurious space.

What’s nicer than a duvet cover or bedspread that has charming floral appliqués is in a bright array of colors and is only $65 for Queen? A lot of chocolate! Or you could buy the matching curtains for $40 for one panel, or two panels for $75.00. Seriously, you may have walked by Dress-Shoppe a thousand times I the East Village and noticed the beautifully hand made clothing from India, but all along the walls and the back of the shop are the most lavish curtains, accent pillows and bedspreads this side of Pratesi. Silk embroidered curtains (think silver on white) are $100 each or two for $50.00. Accent pillow coverings start at $5.00 and if you don’t have a pillow to toss in, $10 and up get you the duo. Now’s the time to make your boudoir exciting, sexy and glorious so you can snuggle when it gets colder outside.
If you’re looking for after five, check the back wall. There I spied an exquisite floor length lavender silk skirt with embroidery you don’t see everyday. And the price…soo affordable darling.

Dress Shoppe
83 2nd Avenue (between E4th & E5th Streets)
212-228-1463 or 212-260-4963
Mon-Sat 12PM-10:30PM
Sunday 12PM–8:30PM

When it’s colder we need to take better care of our skin. The cold elements are just as damaging as the sun in summer. If you’ve been thinking about microdermabrasion, fotofacails, or laser hair removal head on over to the American Laser Center on 80 5th Avenue, suite 1607 between 14th and 15th Streets. The office is part of a national chain www.americanlasercenters.com. Every procedure is overseen by a doctor. Their permanent hair removal by lasers and skin rejuvenation (microdermabrasion) works just as well for darker skin tones as it does for fair skin tomes. You can use microdermabrasion to get rid of rosacea, age spots, telangasia, lesions and fine wrinkles. Their hair removal treatments have a two year written guarantee. If any hair grows in after the final treatment, they’ll remove it for free. Each body part (binki, back, chin, lip, underarms, lower legs) takes six treatments to get rid of unsightly hair. So, it would make sense to pay for six treatments, right? If it turns out that you need more than six treatments, you don’t pay for any additional treatments. Now that’s rare in the medical field. Call 1-888-645-3312 for a free consultation.

Need a hostess gift? How about a wonderful hand painted plate with dancing fishes, classic sun and moon, or a Moorish abstract? Check out Marrakech East-Importer of Fine Moroccan Crafts. Hanging metal chandeliers start at $75, hand painted goatskin lampshades are $100, those hand painted plates start at $35.00. And there are tiny coffee pots, Objet D’arts and lovely hand carved wooden tables as well.

Marrakech East: Importer of Fine Moroccan Crafts
434 East 11th Street, (between Avenue A & First Ave)
212-387-9630
Open Everyday 1PM – 10PM, but sometimes they have insomnia and are open till 1AM.

Willow Stream The Spas At Fairmont is a world-renowned spa with salons at all the Fairmont hotels, including Southampton, Turnberry Isle and Scottsdale. Not only are their spa treatments excellent, they’ve also come out with a wonderful line of products, Willow Stream Energy. Their energy line is perfect for the revved up life we lead in the fall. The scents used are lemongrass, ginger and sandalwood. I tried the lemongrass energy soap and have decided that I’m going to marry it. When I opened the box, I was transported to a lemon grove. The soap contains shea butter, lemongrass, ginger and sandalwood. It gives you luscious suds, washes off quickly and makes you feel refreshed and clean. After a hard day of shopping, I slipped into the tub using their ginger scented Hydrating Sea Salts. Aaah, relief! There’s also an Avocado Wrap; it’s body clay that’s applied to thin or drying skin. Smooth it in and let it go to work.

Just in time for the busy birthday season, Willow Stream has marvelous selection of gifts and gift packages. There are treatments for golfers, skiers, fashionistas, moms and babies and more. Take a look at their website www.willowstream.com for a full list of their complete line of products and treatments. It’s beautiful and informative.

When you climb down a short flight of stairs, you’re in vintage heaven at Centricity, 63 East 4th Street, 212-979-7601. There you’ll find everything from Vintage Pucci to neat tops by a designer who’s only sixteen. This small shop is crowded with (and I mean floor to ceiling) with vintage shoes, bags and clothes.

On the Upper West Side? Check out Columbus Vintage Boutique, 945 Columbus Ave, between 106th and 107th Streets, 212-280-2002. This tiny marvy shop has everything Brady to vintage furs and a wall of bags. After you’re done shopping, take a break at A. This tiny restaurant has all of NY raving with its mix of French and Caribbean cuisine. Be prepared to wait, it has very few tables and a huge crowd that adores the café. If you want vino with your meal, it’s strictly BYOB.
Can’t figure out if you want vintage or new? Head on over to Tahir, 412 E.9th Street, 212-253-2121. The store is an eclectic mix of modern young designers and vintage wear from Givenchy, Gucci and more.

Need a gift for your fav hipster? Check out Loftworks 300 Lafayette Street 212-343-8088 or wander a few stores down to Stackhouse 276 Lafayette Street 212-925-6931. Both shops have edgy clothing and accessories that you won’t see anywhere else.

When you’re getting dressed, the most torturous item to struggle into is pantyhose. You’ll wiggle your leg in, pull up, only to find that you’ve got the toes wrong. Or have you ever successfully put on a pair, only to look down and see the snag from hell? Use Air Stocking instead. Air Stocking Premier Silk are spray on stockings. With just one whoosh, you’ve got a pair of flawless gams. The air stocking comes in various shades, (natural, terra cotta, bronze and coco). It takes just a few minutes to spray on and lasts all day. One 4.23 ounce can has 20-25 days of great looking legs. If you want a sexy look for night, use their Jewel air stocking spray. You can wear it on a bare leg, or over one of their shades for a cool, glitzy glam look. You’ll legs will shimmer with thousands of sparkles.

This fall, fashion is all about glamour. It’s glam for day and extra pizzazz for night, which is wonderful for the diva in all of us. The next time you’re heading out for a party and really want to make an entrance use a PutOnPiece by Hair U Wear. PutOnPieces are the coolest hair accessories. Everything from hair bands to ponytails to falls, and they’re made with synthetic hair so people will think you spent major bucks getting those rhinestones or beads placed just so in your hair. I mean, why should celebs get all the fun? Try the Plush with jewels to a party and feel trés chic. Plush with jewels are short open curls that’s gathered together and attached to your head with a claw clip. The Strategically placed rhinestones along the hair make wonderful twinkles in the light every time you move your head. Check out the entire line and be the diva you knew was lurking inside of you.

Let’s face it; we’ve become hooked on the makeover shows we see on TV. I know I’d like someone to take me in hand and stop me from making fashion mistakes. If you’d like to get the assistance that you’d receive from a fashion, etiquette, speech and bodywork expert, but don’t to be seen on TV, you now have a choice. Yes, you can get all those experts to visit you at home, anytime day or night. How? By picking up UDefineU: Foundations of Grace and Elegance. It’s an instructional video series (DVD or VHS) that teaches you how you to become polished poised and sophisticated. Think of it as a “finishing school in a box.” You’ll learn how to carry yourself (poise and posture), foundations for a never-go-wrong- classic wardrobe, etiquette (so important for business functions), and how to speak correctly. In this competitive economy, it takes more than just a degree to get ahead, think of UDefineU as your secret weapon for any corporate or social event.

An expert in her field teaches each section. Maria Verdeja teaches posture and Poise. She’s a professional ballerina who danced in many lead roles including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Giselle. Ms. Verdeja also owns and operates her own school in Miami, Florida.

Joyce Sarandon teaches voice and Speech. Ms. Sarandon teaches at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theater Institute, as a professional speech, voice and diction, monologue and dialect coach. She has also worked with On and Off Broadway productions and has taught in England and Australia.
Patricia Stephenson teaches etiquette. She is the president and founder of Patricia Stephenson & Associates, Inc.; it’s a professional image and etiquette-training firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. Her client list includes private clients, governmental agencies, large corporations, professional associations and colleges.

Fundamentals of Style are taught by Victoria Lopez-Castro, an haute couture designer with her own salon. Her designs have been featured in Italian Vogue, W, Harpers Bazaar and more. Her clients are celebrities and socialites from Palm Beach, New York and Europe. She trained and worked in Carolina Herrera and Fernando Pena, and Raoul Arango’s fashion houses.

The kit also comes with a handy purse sized mini-binder of style cards and a mini-poster style guide, and a reference guide with tips on posture, speech and etiquette. Now you can carry their advice wherever you go. To sign up for free weekly grace and elegance tips or to find out more about the product, go to www.udefineu.com.

de~luxe is a brand spanking new line of personal care products that are 100% ingredient driven. They won’t compromise on quality; they want to give you the best products that won’t break your budget. They’ve created everything from soaps to hair care to skincare. They have six scents; lavender, lemon verbena, melon, almond, vanilla citrus and rosemary mint. The soaps are triple milled with a vegetable base of palm, coconut, glycerin and shea butter. You can buy either an exfoliating or non-exfoliating soap. The scents are heady and the lather is rich and creamy, yet gentle enough for sensitive skin. There’s also a luxury aloe and glycerin body wash (I tried the melon), a foaming body scrub (I used the vanilla citrus) and a luxury body crème made of soy, milk protein, shea butter, ale and Vitamin E (tried the lavender). I spent so much time in the shower that my poor roomie was banging on the door to get in. But everything smelt so wonderful and the products were so amazing, that I had a hard time leaving!

de~luxe has also created three products that utilize the healing properties of shea butter. Shea butter is made from a fruit that’s grown in Africa. It’s long been known for its curative properties and is an excellent treatment for extremely dry skin. de~luxe has combined shea butter with lavender oil. Lavender oil has curative properties and can be used for everything from burns to insect bites. De-luxe claims that their shea butter products can be used on mild cases of eczema and psoriasis for an intensive moisturizing experience. I know that many people slather shea butter on their face and body to prevent wrinkles, get rid of stretch marks and maintain a healthy complexion. As I write this, I have de~luxe’s shea butter on my face. You know what? It’s not sticky. Go to www.truescents.com find where you can buy de~luxe products in your neighborhood.

If you’re entertaining at home or need a nifty hostess gift, look no further than Archipelago’s AB home Collection soy wax candle collection. There are eight welcoming scents; caramel, chocolate (has a hint of orange), expresso, vanilla (with a touch of apricot), amber (blended amber and sage), clove, juniper (has a touch of lavender) and lemongrass. The candles burn for 90 hours. They’re available nationwide or hit the web www.spashoppe.com.

How’d you like to meet Laura Mercier, Tracey Reese, and Michelle Smith of Milly, Vicky Tiel, Rebecca Taylor or check out trunk shows for Isaac (sigh) Mizrachi, Zac Posen, Michael Kors, Derek Lam and other hot designers? You can almost any day of the week at Bergdorf Goodman. October is overflowing with in store appearances by your favorite designers and the latest looks in fashion, accessories, jewelry and cosmetics. Simply go to www.bergdorfgoodman.com, click on events, walk through the door and enter the party.

Till next month!

This September and every September we devote our pages to Companies and their charitable affiliations. I know you’ve passed these shops on the street many times, but I wanted to give you more information about thrift stores and the work they do to help fellow New Yorkers. 23rd Street is thrift shop row. One thrift store after another - all supporting worthy causes, but only one supports the Arts. City Opera Thrift Store takes donations throughout the week. They do have movers for big pieces and if you’re traveling by cab to donate something they will reimburse you.

The shop has two floors; the first is clothing and accessories. The second has furniture, house wares, Books, CD’s and men’s clothes. A complete Mikasa service $90.00, a loveseat goes for $45, lamps start at $25.00.
City Opera Thrift Store 222 E23rd Street, 212-684-5344 Monday through Saturday 10AM – 6PM, Sunday 10AM – 5PM. Website: subscriptions.nycopera.com

Christabelle’s Closet www.christabellescloset.com is a New York City based online consignment shop that’s beloved by O magazine. It’s featured in the September issue as one of the top 7 websites to shop. Half of the proceeds from the Clearance Closet go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Housing Works Thrift Shops are all over the city. The proceeds from the sales of all items goes to provide shelter, counseling, medical care and more to people living with HIV and AIDS. They accept gently worn clothing, furniture, bric-a-brac, books, CD’s, jewelry, and appliances. To find a location nearest you go to www.housingworks.org and yes, they’re always on the lookout for volunteers.

Cancer Care Thrift Shop not only has amazing deals on Chanel flats, but the proceeds from this shop help provide free assistance to people with cancer and their loved ones. They accept everything from home furnishings to books. They do have movers for estates and heavy pieces. And accept donations weekdays. Cancer Care Thrift Shop 1480 2nd Avenue, (between 83rd & 34th) 212-879-9868.Hours - Mon-Tues 11AM- 6PM, Wed – Thurs 11AM-7PM, Friday 11AM – 6PM, Saturday 11AM-4:30PM, Sunday 11:30AM – 5PM. Website: www.cancercarethriftshop.org

Just down the block is the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Thrift Shop. They accept everything from household furnishings to art to clothing. When I walked in, they had a table of brand new Belgian Shoes for $95.00 All items are in pristine condition. It was like shopping in a mini Saks. Memorial Sloan-Kettering is one of the city’s and the world’s most renown cancer hospital. Proceeds from this shop go to the hospital. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Thrift Shop 1440 2nd Avenue (near 82nd St), 212-535-1250 Hours: Mon-Friday 11-5:30, Saturday 11-5. Donations Mon-Friday 9:30 – 3PM

I’d like to take this time to pass on some dos and don’ts if you are going to donate an item or a thousand to any of the above mentioned shops. Please remember that any and all items must be resalable. In plain English, if it’s worn out, stained, doesn’t work or smells, trash it. There isn’t a thrift shop in the country that can use a broken anything or torn, ripped, missing buttons etc., clothing or linens. They just throw them out. How do I know? I’ve volunteered for years at thrift shops and had to throw out many unsalable items. If you want to help, but don’t want to donate clothing or household items, volunteer or donate money. But please don’t give them items they can’t use.

You spend your money on cosmetics, clothing and stuff. Where does that money go? You’d think it would go back into the company, right? Well, lots of firms take that money and support charitable organizations.
Lancôme is herding girls into a brighter better future with their Girls Inc. Corporate Camp venture. The international beauty firm has teamed up with Girls Incorporated, a national non-profit organization dedicated to teaching young women, many of them underprivileged, that the world is their oyster. Each summer Lancôme hosts the camp, dubbed “She’s Strong, She’s Smart, She’s Bold, She Shines!” program where fifteen girls from ages 14-18 from all over the country converge in New York City and show them the inner workings of the corporate world and their future possibilities. The girls get unprecedented access to Bloomingdale’s, Teen Vogue and other top industry corporations, including Lancôme. Selection is based on a nationwide competition where the young members of Girls Incorporated are asked to develop a new product targeted to women. To find out more about Girls Incorporated go to their website www.girlsinc.org.

e.l.f. eyes.lips.face is working with two charities. They’ve teamed up with WINABC (Win Against Breast Cancer) and created the color therapy program. The program battles the negative psychological effects of breast cancer with their color therapy program. e.l.f and WINABC believe that color therapy (the use of colors to promote a better mental outlook, which in turns aids the healing process) is a very strong tool in promoting wellness. In October, e.l.f. will donate 20% of the proceeds from their Shimmering Facial Whip sales to WINABC and will create and donate special color therapy care packages of their cosmetics that WINABC will in turn disperse to breast cancer patients in inner city hospitals throughout the country. To find out more about WINABC go to their website www.winabc.org

The other charity that e.l.f. is working with is High Five Tickets To The Arts www.highfivetix.org. It’s a non profit organization that wants to make the arts accessible and affordable to teens. Any teen can buy a $5.00 ticket to any museum, film, theater dance, spoken word event in New York City. They have to be between the ages of 13-18 and have a school ID. They can check out anything that’s going on from Off-Broadway to Lincoln Center and everything in between. e.l.f will be donating cosmetics to the organization for goodie bags to the teens.

Tees and casual wear never go out of style. Wildlife Works makes tees and things with a mission. Each time you buy a shirt or anything else by them, and Celebs like Rachel Leigh Cook, Anna Paquin, Britney Spears, Robert Downey Jr., David Allen Grier and more have bought them, the money goes to wildlife preservation. Their first location was in Kenya, where they created an 80,000 acre Rukinga Wildlife Sanctuary. Elephants, cheetahs and 46 other large mammals roam freely. They also created and operate an Eco-Factory near the sanctuary where they employ local community members to create some of their products. The sportswear is made from cotton, hemp and other environmentally friendly fabrics. They’ve even gotten kudos from Dr. Richard Leakey. To find out where you can buy Wildlife Works clothing or to find out more about the organization, go to their website www.wildlifeworks.com

DDF Doctor’s Dermatologic Formula is inviting men and women to fight against breast cancer in October and November, when they will donate a percentage of their profits of Cellular Cleansing Complex to the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization. Their minimum donation will be $5000.00
Cellular Cleansing Complex is a creamy cleanser, formulated with enzymatic exfoliants that dissolve impurities while nourishing the skin.

Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization provides information and support to those who are battling breast cancer. To find out more about the organization go to their website www.y-me.org. To buy the Cellular Cleansing Complex or to find out more about DDF go to their website www.skincare.com

Christo Fifth Avenue and Christo contribute to many charities in New York and around the world. Christo and the salon have worked with Fashion For A Cause, where all proceeds are donated to the children of India. Christo Fifth Avenue and Christo has donated products and services to City Of Hope, Children’s Blood Foundation, The Rainforest Foundation, Discover The Smile Foundation and New York City’s Public schools. They often provide services including color, cuts and treatments for silent auctions where the proceeds go to charity.

Christo Fifth Avenue 574 fifth Avenue, 5th Floor, New York City 212-997-8800

Charity Vance, the owner of Luscious Cosmetics donates to many local charities in California. Among the charities that she works with is the local chapter of the Assessment and Treatment Center (ASTC). It’s a non-profit that provides family counseling and therapy free to area troubled children and teens and their families. She also is involved with the Friends of San Clemente Animals, the volunteer arm of the non-profit San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter and has worker with the United States Equestrian Foundation. Charity is a dressage rider and recently donated her time to the 2004 US Olympic Dressage Selection Trials in San Juan Capistrano, California. Check out Luscious Cosmetics at www.lusciouscosmetics.com

NaturallyCurly.com supports Girlstart. It’s a non-profit organization created in Austin, Texas in 1997 that empowers girls to excel in math, science and technology. Check out www.girlstart.org and www.naturallycurly.com

There’s a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. In New York City, there are two very determined Grandmothers who are trying to raise a city full of children. Ms. Maxine Joyner and Ms. Sylvia Burns are using their community center in Harlem to create an after school haven for students They run the Arts Program for children on Tuesdays. I’m going to quote Ms. Joyner right now, because she can tell her story better than I can. “….and we will distribute school supplies to the children a few days before school starts. We are not funded by anyone, we are not incorporated. We are just two Grandmothers who are doing what needs to be done in this community…to help people. The economy is bad, and everyone is stressed out, yes, even the kids!

On Tuesdays, we go into the community room and put on some jazz or “oldies” (nothing to offend parents) and lay out checkers, chess, UNO, Old Maid cards, watercolors and paintbrushes, markers, crayons and drawing papers, scissors and ribbons and strings. We let creativity take its course. We also plan special holiday projects. For Easter, we dyed and decorated eggs, and on Mother’s and Father’s Day we made special gifts.

Sometimes the kids stop by my apartment, asking for a particular book or an internet search to help them in their school projects.
We intend this year, to stock graphing paper and other odd school supplies like poster boards year-round so when that special project comes around, kids don’t have to journey and search and pay high prices for a few sheets of “special paper”.

Kids also come by to let us know that there may be a problem with them or another child, we try to help in the best way we know how. If we were to ever get incorporated as a non-profit, we would probably call ourselves: “Two Grandmothers, Incorporated”! But that’s expensive and very far down the line.”

These women have been posting on www.craigslist.org for a month trying to get donations for their flea market which was held in August. They are planning to hold it again if they can’t sell the items that were donated to them on Wednesday September 1st from 5-8 PM. The location of the Flea Market is 1428 Fifth Ave (nr. 116th Street) in Manhattan in our Community Center from 5-8 p.m. New Yorkers were generous and carloads of donations appeared on their doorsteps.

If you would like to donate school or arts supplies, or games, or even help them get that Non-Profit status, or find out if the sale is on September 1st; please email Ms. Joyner at queensophia2@msn.com . All you need is a pebble to create a far reaching ripple in the pond. A couple of great products are hitting the counters this month, so of course I had to tell you about them…..

Lancôme has just come out with a nifty new moisturizer, Aqua Fusion. It’s never too early to start a good skincare regimen and Aqua Fusion is a moisturizer for women in their twenties. It’s easily absorbed into your skin, no shininess or greasy feel after applying. Works 24-7 and has a patented formula that contains Calcium, Maganese, Zinc, amino acids, organic acids, and water. It’s lightweight, won’t clog pores, has a refreshing scent, and it works for sensitive skin. I like the fact that I had a little glow going on after the first time I tried it. There’s a lotion and a crème. You can pick it up with an SPF 15 or not. Me, I always go for sunscreen. The sun may be your friend, but wrinkles aren’t. We sometimes forget that we live on an island. You know what happens when you’re surrounded by water all the time? Humidity and that means (accidentally) really, really and I do mean really big hair.

The next time you lose the battle with frizzy hair, grab Rene Furterer’s Fioravanti Anti Frizz Silkening conditioner and their Super Shine Straightening Gel. The Silkening Conditioner has Vitamin C and Acerola Acid which helps tame unruly hair. Leave it in for three minutes, and you’ll hear your hair saying, “thank you.” It softens and silkifies your hair. It has a wonderfully light citrus scent; this’ll perk you up immediately. After shampooing, just use a small drop of the Super Shine Straightening Gel. It won’t make your hair stick straight, but it builds on the conditioner, helps battle frizzies and gives your hair a beautiful glossy shine. It also contains Vitamin C, Acerola Acid and is enriched with Guar-gum. Both products made my hair calmer, less frizzy and left a clean, subtle scent behind.

Till next month!

While we’re enjoying the tail end of summer and glorying in the sun, don’t forget that it’s also time to start planning your fall look. So, you’re sitting in the sun, wearing a flirty skirt, but it never hurts to think ahead.

Tweed is going to be hot. No, not in that fusty professorial way, think high heeled tweed boots in great color combos, tweed accessories, and cute shrunken Chanel type blazers that you go well with jeans or office looks. Chiffon is transiting to fall in long sleeves or layer it with other pieces. The 40’s look has been updated for this fall, so look for tailored pieces that are feminine and flowing, with nifty little accents to give the clothing a modern edge.

If you’re lucky enough to own some vintage 40’s pieces, this fall is the time to show them off. If you’ve got a vintage item that needs to be tailored or fixed, if you have an idea for a fabulous ensemble, but can’t sew, or just have a few alterations lying around, you need to meet up with Hannah Nordgren. She can design anything from lingerie to the dress of your dreams. Hannah can make sure you don’t trip over your pants or need a safety pin to keep your skirt up. When she sees fabric, she sees endless possibilities.
Hannah graduated from Pratt in 2000 with a BFA in Fashion Design and a minor in Art History. She then picked up her masters at FIT in Museum Studies, but realized that curating wasn’t wanted she wanted to do. She wanted to play with clothes!

For the past three years Hannah has been freelancing in the field-everything from being an Assistant Designer, production co-ordination and tech design. “After a while though, I began to miss doing the sewing and tailoring work, so I started to take in sewing work and it’s been an incredible rewarding time. There are some really interesting designs that I get to work on and the people are pretty flexible since I usually work full time as well.” Hannah told me recently. She understands the romance of fabric and how designs can speak to a woman.

She’s created some deceptively simple yet elegant outfits. The dotted dress in the picture was created for a customer who wanted a body conscious look but didn’t want princess seaming, so Hannah created the dress with two side panels instead and it looks incredible on. The grey dress was realized from a design student’s sketch and the garter belt was one of Hannah’s own innovations.

Her rates are as follows:

Consulting rates: $30 an hour/weekly rates available
Tailoring rates: $25/hour up to 10 hours, negotiable after that.

Fittings and consultations: Free
Patterns: $25- up, depending on how complex they are

Muslins: $50-up, depending on how complex they are

To make an appointment, you can send her an email at Hannah_nordgren@yahoo.com or call 917-637-0655

Fabulosity is just moments away!

The most important accessory for any season is your skin. No matter what time of year, it’s important to have a glowy healthy complexion. Lacote USA has come out with two incredible products to maintain delicious skin and help repair minor sun damage and work on evil cellulite. Both products have seaweed, natural ingredients and scents that make you feel relaxed and happy.

Their GUAM Seaweed Algascrub imported by Lacote USA is a definite must have item. Some of the ingredients are sea salts, algae and nutritive body oils and pure essential oils. This combo helps stimulate circulation, eliminate toxins and the scent is intoxicating. I tried it and it was so easy to use. I slathered it all over my body, especially on my feet-sandals can cause damage! I felt so wonderful afterwards; I almost skipped out of the bathroom.

Lacote USA also has GUAM Seaweed Mud. This is a treatment for cellulite that is so easy to use at home. Simply apply to the areas where cellulite is showing, wrap some plastic wrap around it, wait and rinse off. The mineral and vegetable content is over 50% of the product. Other ingredients include algae, clay, chestnut phytoextract, and seaweed phytoextract. After a few applications, you’ll notice the difference and oh the scent! Intoxicating.

You can find GUAM skin care products at www.lacoteusa.com or call 888-528-3030.

Check out the G.M Collin Paris dermo corrective skincare line. The line is designed to protect the skin’s assets by using active ingredients that harness free radicals and to reactivate the skin’s physiological mechanisms. The active ingredients are used to fight aging.

The line was co-created by Dr. Eugenia Lapinet and Monique Moreau in France in1957. Dr. Lapinet is a dermatologist and Ms. Moreau is a renowned aesthetician. Together they created a unique skin care line created from botanical, biotechnological and marine ingredients. The products are not tested on animals and yes, the containers are recyclable. The line has everything from cleansing to treatment to protection.

I’ve road tested three products from the line; The Native Collagen Gel, Hydramucine Cream and SPF 30 Total Sun block.

Sun block needs to become second nature to us all; whether you’re at the beach or just wandering down Madison Avenue. G.M. Collin’s sun block is water resistant, strong enough for almost any climate, and it’s very gentle on sun sensitive skin.

I love the Collagen Gel. It’s lightweight, absorbs easily into the skin, is non greasy and after a few days, my skin looks better. It can be used for normal, combination or oily skin. Some of the ingredients are; honey extract, grapefruit essential oil, hydrolyzed actin and DNA and glycogen and arginine and RNA, and a host of other things that rejuvenate the skin.

I’ve been topping that off with their hydramucine cream as a day and night moisturizer. It was created to improve skin’s moisture. Ingredients like milk hydrolysat, soybean sterol, soya lecithin, essential oils of lavendin, lemon, eucalyptus and juniperus and lots of other goodies help remoisturize your skin, giving you a healthful dewy look. The moisturizer works for normal to dry alipidic skin.

Go to www.gmcollin.com to see their entire line of quality skin care or give them a call at 800-341-1531 (US) or 800-361-1263 (Canada) to find out where you can purchase the line in your neighborhood. Your skin will say thank you.

Summertime and the shopping is easy, with sample sales!

Meg 312 E. 9th Street (212)-260-6329 is having the Dirty Sale, where you can pick up goodies 50% off.

Azaleas 223 E 10th Street (212-253-5484 is having a Swim Super Sale 25% - 75% off on suits by TNA, Lisa Curran and more.

SSS Sample Sales - 261 W 36th Street (bet 7th & 8th Ave) 2nd floor, 10 AM to 6 PM. Closed Fridays. Here are some of the brands on sale for the first week of August; Juicy Couture and So Low ($20 - $50), other designers like Smith’s Miss Sixty, Blue Cult, Lacoste, Paper denim and cloth, Hudson and more… prices are as follows… tank nk tee’s - $10- s/s & l/s tee’s - $15 & $20- pants, skirts & blouses - $30- jeans & dresses - $50 There are sneaks, sandals, men’s and children’s wear too. This sale is too hot to miss!

30vandam - 30 Vandam St, between Varick and Avenue of the Americas (212)929-6454 Sales are on over 60 of the city’s hottest designers with deals like T shirts $10 - $17, tops $25 - $50, pants $20 - $65. You’ll also fond one of a kind sample pieces and get to much on Belgian chocolate and sip coffee while you shop. When you’re there, don’t forget to enter to win a makeover from a New York’s designer, valued at $1000.00. Sale ends 8/31

Anbar Shoes - 60 Reade Street between Broadway and Church, one block north of chambers Street (212)227-0253 Sale ends Sunday, August 7th. Fall shoes, regularly $400 are $129 and less. Brands include; Kors, D. Pliner, Prevata, BCBG, Sacha London and more. We’re talking over 10,000 pairs of shoes. You don’t have to worry about salespeople taking forever to grab your shoes or boots, its self service, so dig in!
Judith Leiber - Woodbury Commons Premium Outlet, Grapevine Court, #912, Central Valley, New York (845)928-4318 her bags are always the last word in evening bag elegance.

Each creation is an instant classic. She’s having her only sample sale for the entire year! You can pick up everything from a Judith Leiber pillbox to one of her minaudieres. Prices range from $99 to $3,000. Sale starts 8/15 and ends 9/7/04.

Zelda - 550 7th Avenue, between 39th and 40th Streets (212) 764-0020 Zelda is a sportswear line that’s inspired by vintage clothing. You may have seen some of their creations on the stars of TV shows like “Friends,” Law and Order,” and “Dateline” among others. Their two day sample sale is at the end of August- 8/26 - 8/27. Start planning now. Sizes are 2 - 16, and there will be vintage pieces, one of a kind and more.

Who says you can’t buy love? You can! You can get slobbering kisses, happy purrs and a thumping tail or two that shows you how much they love you. What am I talking about? I’m talking about acquiring a pet. Trust me; a cat or dog in your life brings you joy, laughter and an occasionally mauled shoe, but it’s worth it. If you are leaning towards having a fur child, seriously think about looking for one from a rescue league.

Mighty Mutts has been around for almost twenty years. It was started by John Contino, who at the time was a line repairman for the phone company. On his rounds he noticed abandoned and stray animals and decided to do something about it. Now Mighty Mutts has a band of devoted volunteers who roam the streets saving abused and abandoned animals. There isn’t a central shelter; instead there is a network of foster homes where dogs live until they are adopted.

Over the years Mighty Mutts has taken in hundreds of cats and dogs as well as an occasional chicken and bunny. The animals range in age from pups to senior citizens and come in all breeds and sizes. When you go to their website, http://members.tripod.com/~MightyMutts/frame.html, you’ll see all the animals that are up for adoption. If you’re not ready to open your home permanently to a pet, but would like to listen to the patter of claws on your hardwood floors, you may want to be a foster parent. If you are thinking that way, please understand that fostering a dog is not for a week or a month, it’s until the pet is adopted. While you will have to pay for food and toys, all medical bills are covered by Mighty Mutts.

Each animal has been altered and are up to date on their shots. If you do want to help Mighty Mutts out, but don’t want a pet or have the space for one, you can become a volunteer.

Every Saturday they show off their charges in Union Square, right by the Gandhi statue. Become a volunteer and sit with a pooch under the sun and answer questions from prospective parents. Or you can work at Ollie’s Place at 203 East 26th Street (right off 3rd Avenue) 212-532-0330. It’s completely owned and operated by Mighty Mutts and has healthy treats, toys and food for your furry one. There’s also an onsite cat adoption center. It is completely staffed by volunteers.
The adoption/fostering process takes a long time. I’m talking phone interviews and home visits, but it’s worth it. You can’t just take a pet home from Mighty Mutts, they want to make sure that you really will care about your charge and that it’s a good fit for the two of you.

One of the nicest things on this planet is being greeted at the end of the day by a wagging tail, a friendly meow or even a hop or two (that’s from the bunny contingent!)

I’ve got the lowdown on some more places where you can get fabulous cut and color at the fraction of the cost.

Arrojo Studio www.arrojostudio.com is on Varick Street, between King and Charlton, (212) 242-7786 is run by Nick Arrojo, who can be seen nationally on TLC’s “What Not To Wear.” The salon has an apprentice program which is taught by master stylists and colorists. Cutting classes are on Monday and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM. Color is done Fridays at 10 AM. Cut (including wash and blow dry) $20, color starts at $30 and it’s cash only. They are looking for male and female participants. While each apprentice is responsible for finding their own model, there is a book at the front desk for people who are looking for an apprentice cut or color. I do have one apprentice’s phone number that I would be happy to share with you. D. J. Kornell, Jr can be reached at 914-668-3783

John Sahag 425 Madison Ave (212) 750-7772. The first five people to call 212-826-3305 at 8:30Am on Mondays will get an appointment for Tuesday at 6:15 PM. Cuts $40, color $30, single process highlights $60

Vidal Sassoon 90 5th Ave (212) 929-9668 or 730 5th Ave (212) 535-9200 Walk in Wednesday night from 6 to 6:30 PM and get a consultation, hair will be done the following week. It’s cash only, cuts $20 - $40, color $30, highlights $60, perms and relaxers are free.

Next month, vintage shops, a few killer cafes and more!