Spotify = the love child of Pandora and a legal streaming Napster

Spotify is an App/ website that has FREE MUSIC. 15 million songs and counting!
Search for your favorite artists/ songs/ albums.
Then play them streaming for free (if you pay, you can listen to the songs without internet access).

Save your faves and organize a library of playlists.  Share your lists with your Facebook buds.
ITS ALL FREE.
I DONT KNOW HOW THEY DO IT,
BUT YOU MUST CHECK THIS OUT!

Shampoo Avenue B: Get your Hair Done!

I went to Shampoo Avenue B hair salon last night to get a brazilian blowout.  This a keratin treatment that straightens your hair while adding shine and strength.  It last for 3-4 months and actually makes your hair look healthier instead of burning it to a crisp.

 I found a deal for this treatment on Lifebooker.com.  Usually, Shampoo charges $300 bucks, but the deal was for $150ish.  I had to wait a month for an appointment since tons of girls bought the deal as well. Let me tell ya, it was worth the wait!

The staff was organized, professional and efficient.  The hairdressers are young individuals with their own personal style and charisma.  While they washed my hair, I got to check out their awesome mural.  The product they used did not reek of chemicals, I did not get burned, and I was offered fashion magazines and a beverage of my choice to pass the time.  The whole appointment only took an hour and a half.

This self-proclaimed hidden gem is quite the hot spot!  Last night, MTV was filming a haircut for a new reality show called "The Break," a show about giving homeless people a chance/ fresh start. I was in the background of some of the shots, so I had to sign a waiver. Hey, if I'm gonna be on tv (come January), at least my hair will look fabulous.  I highly recommend this salon for a stress-free experience with frizz-free results!  I will definitely be going back!

I pledge of allegiance to Urban Outfitters

For the girl that loves the labels on Net A Porter, Saks, Bloomies, Neimans and Scoop, who wants to stay current and hip, and who has a budget, your citizenship has arrived. Repeat after me:

Urban Outfitters:
I pledge of allegiance to your brands
and united prints of florals
And to the blouses which fit so well
Flatter the figure
Fit the budget
Under 1 "roof"
With suggestions and trends for all!

FREE TV ON DEMAND

This doesn't exactly fall under the umbrella of shopping, but as an advocate of sharing information, I feel I need to spread the knowledge.

If you have a DVR box, you probably have FREE TV ON DEMAND. This means never having to miss your favorite show!  You don't have to set your box to tape anything.  All of the major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, etc.) post the most recent episodes of their shows for free.  No commercials. Available to watch anytime.

Check out your DVR menu options and see if you have it.  I now watch 2 x as much tv as ever before.  Is this a good thing? I don't know but I'm enjoying it!

Defy Bags: Defying Expectations by Repurposing with Purpose!

Repurposing is the chic way of rolling with the punches in this rough and tumble economy.  When the going gets tough, the tough get resourceful!  A friend in Chicago works for an awesome company called "Defy Bags." that does just that.  (THANKS FOR THE GREAT TIP, DANA!)

Defy Bags uses unexpected found materials such as truck flaps, bicycle tires, seat belts, vintage military wool blankets and canvas tents to create chic, understated bags with an authentic and rich feel.  Styles range from messenger bags to purses, and are great for an urban sophisticate, a bicyclist on the go, or even a small-town regular-joe.  

The company has a history rooted in American Heritage.  All of the products are handmade in the good ole U S of A on vintage sewing machines.  The products are authentic, well-made and most importantly, support the American economy.  To learn more about Defy Bags and to order products online, click here! 

Swirl by Daily Candy- how did I miss this? SaMpLe SaLeS!

So I have been subscribing to Daily Candy for years: a fabulous blog/ newsletter about what's hot to trot!  Well have they ever updated! First off, they are offered in many cities around the country, such as San Francisco, Philly, Chicago and Dallas, just to name a few.

 Not only do they now have a "Daily Candy Deals" section, but they also have their own sample sales through "Swirl" a sister site.  Daily Candy Deals has Groupon-like specials to events happening near you.  The events are quirky, unique, and often exclusive offers to Daily Candy fans.  Cool cool

But what really caught my eye is "Swirl".  Different designer deals/ deep discounted items offered DAILY!!!!???? All items chosen personally by the stylish and always on-trend Daily Candy staff? Looks like I've got a new home page!

Hadaya- One of a Kind Israeli Jewelry

Hadaya is an Israeli jewelry company with a unique, one-of-a kind feel.  They make women's jewelry in silver and gold out of hammered metals.  Friends of mine wear Hadaya necklaces, bracelets and/or rings.  Hadaya does custom engravings and also engraves the Jerusalem skyline on items.

A few months ago, I purchased a bracelet from them.  It was handmade in Israel from recycled silver and hand-engraved with a quote of my choosing, and it was sent to me in a timely fashion.  This bracelet inspires me to be strong, firstly because it is made by Israeli's, the toughest people alive, an secondly, because of the quote I chose: "Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it."

Check out their website and find something that inspires you!

The Incredible INedible Egg- best lip balm ever!

I've been spotting women in my neighborhood using an egg-shaped lip balm.  Not only is it adorable, but it works really well!  EOS (evolution of smooth) makes these balms.  I found mine at Duane Reade.   The dome of lip balm encased in the egg provides more contour and comfort so you can apply that balm with ease!  Its natural ingredients are soothing to chapped lips, and it smells great! I got the honeydew honeysuckle flavor, but there are 5 other options to choose from.

Heat Rises: a "fake" book that you can really read/ aka Castle E-book instant gratification

If you've never seen ABC's Castle, well you are among many people.  This is the kind of show that will hook you slowly.  On the surface, it seems like a jovial cop show with typical romantic conflicts and tensions.  However, the stories range from comical to serious to keep things interesting, and the will-they-won't-they suspense between the main characters keeps people tuning in week after week.

Richard Castle plays a writer who writes books about Kate Becket, a detective.  He began by merely shadowing her, but has evolved into her partner at work (although he would like to be more).  The books are often plot points on the show, and are a vehicle for Castle to express his feelings for Kate under the guise of fiction.

Interestingly, these books are REAL.  Yes, real books published by "Richard Castle" who does not actually exist, since he is a television character played by Nathan Fillion.  Castle premiered tonight, I found out about the third book, Heat Rises,  ten minutes ago, and after a quick E-book download, I'm reading it right now!   I'm shopping at the speed of light!  Gotta love modern technology!

If you are interested in getting into the show, I recommend starting from Season 1 & Book 1.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Posting about Posters

Methane Studios creates the posters for the DMB concerts.  This graphic design studio has a simple but unique style.  Check out some of their work.  It is so fresh!

Project Runway- 9 years strong

Finally caught up on my DVR since I partied a little too hard last night and couldn't do much else today.  I watched about 6 episodes in a row of Project Runway.  As I look across the room at my boxed up sewing machine and disheveled mannequin, I have a renewed sense of motivation.

Watching people pour their heart into their designs and face some of the toughest judges in the industry for the whole world to see is both frightening and exciting.

Sometimes, I think, wow, that person has no idea what they are doing.  Sometimes, I think the judges are hating something just to hate it.  And sometimes, I see a dress or jacket that makes me fall in love and want to create something beautiful of my own.

My favorite designers this season are Laura, Oliver and Anya.  Who do you think should win?

Whether you are a designer or just someone who likes to shop, Project Runway gives you an inside look into the ugly world of beautiful designs.

And I will never tire of the fabulous Heidi Klum (Klum of Doom!)

K-mart delivers fashion retribution: MONEY CAN'T BUY STYLE

Saw this amazing new ad campaign tonight by K-MART!

The ad is a video with people dancing to a hot new rap song with catchy rhyming lyrics.  I loves me some rhymes so it caught my attention.  You see the people having a great time and busting a move while dressed in their own personal style.  Cut to: "Money Can't Buy Style".  K-mart: showuswhatyougot.com

Better yet, KMart's got a "Lookbook" instead of a "catalog."  They have stepped it up in the styling department and it shows!

Style is not about wearing the most expensive label.  It's about expressing yourself within your budget and working with what you've got.  Don't conform to fashion: make it work for you!  

Happy Birttle Daytle Toodle Youdle

Silly little song my mom used to sing.  (My family had creative ways of singing happy birthday.)  Today, I am a year older.  I may not be wiser, thinner or more successful, but damn am I a better shopper.

Here's why:  Taking advise from wise shopping sages, I am buying classic pieces that will last.  Instead of splurging on many trendy "here today, gone tomorrow" looks, I am investing in the basics (mine happen to be black).

1. I used my Ralph Lauren gift card that I received from the US Open to purchase this fabulous skirt and save $50.00 at Ralph Lauren Rugby.  I love the design of this skirt because the sweater knit provides comfort and creates a silhouette that curves in all the right places.

2.  I have discovered adjustable boots that are appropriate for work. I win! Go Piperlime or go home. Can you feel it?  The pure excitement! A zipper and a discreet lace-up back.  Sleek minimalist look with flat heel for maximum walkability.  Great for fall or indoor heating.  I hope these will be a suitable replacement to all my failed boot attempts of too tight zippers and busted side seams. 

3. Also a hot Piperlime find: these two-toned flats.  Shiny toe with matte body makes for an understated professional look.  Rachel Zoe Picked 'em! Me likey!

4. Last but not least, a purse with a zipper closure. Magnetic closures are fun... until they deactivate your credit cards and metro card. I've been burned twice before and now I'm not taking any chances.  I hope this Hobo will be my Hero.  Cole Haan created this slouchy number without a lot of heavy bells and whistles to weigh my shoulder down.  It is dressy enough to go from day to night, so if a last-minute happy hour springs up, I'm good to go!  I took advantage of Bloomingdale's Hot Savings, happening now through Sept 18th. 

And now: perhaps I should demagnetize my credit cards till next year :)

Hard Rock and Heavy Metal

Amp up the accessories.  A stylish friend wore bangles galore to a birthday dinner and I LOVED it. Reminded me of Man Repeller wearing Dannijo, her fave brand.

Inspired by AC/DC, here's my pics for accessories that will blow out your speakers.

DANNIJO Sabelle Cuff

Stretch beaded Cuff at Topshop:

Hell's yeah

Bringing Back Packs Back

Did they ever really leave?  Not sure. But I do know they've come a heck of a long way since my LL Bean monogramed "eggplant" number from 6th grade.

I'm obsessed with canvas backpacks, especially my new super chic simple one from Roxy.  Backpacks are FAR superior to shoulder bags because they distribute weight evenly on both shoulders.  Plus, with all of the new exciting options out there, it will be hard to find a pack you don't like.

Here's another great canvas option from Urban Outfitters:

You can personalize your own Jansport backpack.  This number comes with tons of artistic accessories to get your creative juices flowing:

If you want to go more upscale, there's always the Prada backpack... an oldie but a goodie.  

And come on, how fun is this?! None other than Juicy Couture. A girly puffer pack!

And of course, where there's a trend, there's usually Marc Jacobs:

Going Ape for Capes!

Cape: cocoon like garment providing volume, mystery, flowy comfort and most importantly SUPERPOWERS!

Inspired by Megamind's "Black Mamba" I bring you a look at this season's hottest commodity, the cape!