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I guess some things never change....

Nothing Lasts Forever

Most women of a certain age (mainly mine) have long since abandoned the uber trendy, popcorn styling’s of Forever 21. Don’t get me wrong, most of us held on as long as we could. After being sold the promise of being Forever 21, it was only natural to think we could actually dress as if we were. As reality (and old age) set in, most stylish thirty-somethings successfully transitioned to more quasi-sophisticated spots like BCBG, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, etc. A plethora of fashionistas looking for more quality threads, promptly pledged their allegiance to swanky department retailers like Nordstrom and Saks. While most recessionistas opted for their equally as fabulous partners in (prevention of fashion) crime - Nordstrom Rack and Off 5TH. Yet in still, Forever 21 offers something even an off-price outlet cannot. The right price. Of course, the old adage you get what you pay for immediately comes to mind. In this economy, you have to make your dollar s t r e t c h. Buying a cheap piece you can squeeze 1-3 wears out of no longer measures up to purchasing a pricier garment that lasts much longer. So the question is, what’s a girl --er woman to do? And in walks the answer. Looking affordably fabulous!

Although I previously dubbed H & M as the grown woman’s Forever 21, the LA fashion retailer has something else in mind for those of us who’ve realized nothing lasts Forever. Enter Twelve by Twelve. The line has been around for years, but if you haven’t seen it, it’s new to you. Chances are, you haven’t stepped foot in the store in…well…forever, but you may want to think again. Although it’s branded as Forever 21’s “womens couture line“, don‘t hold your breath. You won’t find any couture within their walls any time soon, but it is a nice departure from the Forever 21 of your youth. You may be pleasantly surprised. But don’t take my word for it. Take your Forever 21 31 derrière to the store to see for yourself!

Dixie Carter Dies

Actress Dixie Carter has died at age 70.  Although there aren't many details surrounding the cause of death,  Carter's husband and Designing Women co-star, Hal Holbrook issued the following statement, "this has been a terrible blow to our family. We would appreciate everyone understanding that this is a private family tragedy."
 
As a longtime fan of Designing Women (particularly the Sugarbaker sisters played by Dixie & Delta), I had to post one of my all time favorite Julia Sugarbaker scenes. Dixie Carter played this character brilliantly. She always nailed the perfect mix between straight shooter and southern belle!  
 
Rest in Peace Dixie.

April Showers Bring May Fanatics

SATC the movie was literally everything a true fan of the HBO series could hope for. If the devil really lies in the details, he was alive and kicking in this one. It was the little things incorporated from the series that made the movie flow so organically. From Carrie yelling out Big’s real name (John!) to seeing her model the famous tutu, it seemed they thought of everything. Well, almost everything. One big - or shall I say significant - part of Carrie’s life was missing from the film. Aidan Shaw. I realize the movie didn’t really call for an actual glimpse of Aidan, but I was appreciative of the fact that there was mention of him in the first 2 minutes of the film. Still….as much as we love to love Big, every girl has a special place in her heart for the good guy who finished…well, second in Carrie’s.  We saw Steve, Harry, Stanford, Anthony, Magda (heck even Monolo Blahnik got an appearance even though the girls were rocking red bottoms most of the movie)…but no Aidan. Which is why I almost fainted when I laid eyes on the newest trailer from SATC 2. He’s back! And from the looks of things…looking better than ever. Now, you know I abso-fuckin-lutley love Big…but I can’t wait to see what happens when Carrie runs into Aidan.

As a devotee of the series and the box-office extravaganza that was Sex and The City the movie, I wasn’t very happy to hear they were making a sequel. I thought…why chance it? The show was a phenomenon that captivated the hearts of single girls everywhere. And of course, the movie was simply the series on steroids. But a second film? Who needs it? Well, apparently 5 million fans worldwide. Guys don’t expect a date, phone call, or even text from your female friends, girlfriends or wives this May 28th. They are sure to be one place…and one place only. At the theater with 100 of their closest girlfriends…playing catch up with Carrie and hers!
 

A Thin Line Between Loathe & Haute

As you all know, I have been on a not so brief hiatus. But a very serious topic had forced me back into the world o’ blogging. What is this critical matter, you say? Ladies and gentleman I’ve been in turmoil. The greatest conflict is inner…man vs. self, if you will. I’ve been so discombobulated, so perplexed. I have gone over this 100 times in my head. And I am still left unsure of myself. Two words: Nicki Minaj. I mean we loathe her, right? But do we also secretly love her ? What are these mixed emotions I am feeling? On the surface I hate everything about her. You’re nothing like a Barbie, Ms. Minaj. It’s been a while since I actually owned one, but I do remember what she looks like. And I happen to know for a fact, Barbie would never do a crotch shot.  Mainly because she can't bend her legs, but that's not the point!  You are more reminiscent of a Bratz doll, don’t you think? And “Minaj”? *sigh* What are you 12? I am 21 *gulp* and even I was appalled by your stage name. Minaj…as in “a trois“? Girl stop. And where does one purchase pink weave? I wonder what the name of it is. Bubble gum yaky? Cotton Candy Hawaiian silky ? Barbiedoll Indian virgin 18 inch? I hate it. All of her clothes seem one size too small. She is always a fashion don’t. I mean, the girl is a mess. And have you noticed she tries to pull off an accent? I believe it's cockney. You can’t just make up an accent. Who do you think you are, Madonna? And Lil Kim called…she wants her swag, steez, clothes, pose, style of rap, and overall raunchiness back. Every time I see her I roll my eyes.  But *leans in to whisper* something about her intrigues me. I want to see more, know more. What is her real name (heaven forbid it is “Nicki Minaj“)? How old is she? Where does she hail from? She just seemed to drop out of thin air. I had questions.  I needed answers.  So, I did what any serious journalist would do. Consulted Wikipedia.

I found out she was born in ‘84.  Bummer. Kind of old for pink hair and a Barbie reference aren‘t we? Turns out Young Money isn’t as 'young' as I thought. She’s from New York, which would have been my second guess after ATL. She is allegedly mixed with a few things. Which is fine. Tragic Mullato?  Too soon to tell.  Oh and get this, when asked who her biggest influences were…she said Lauren Hill. Really? Lil Kim, Trina…perhaps Eve…maybe even that nasty Khia of my neck, my back fame. But not Lauren -best CD ever-Hill. I'm not buying it Nicki.  Where is her influence in anything you do?

But I digress.
*looks left, looks right* I mean maybe I like her lyrics sometimes…and she’s real animated and cartoonish in her movements which captures my attention here and there. I was impressed by the air of confidence she seemed to have about herself to be so young…but now that I know she's 26...not so much. I don’t know guys. Amidst all of my disgust, I'm watching this girl…and wanting to see more. Maybe. I don’t know yet.  And her real name is Onika Maraj by the way. Which is pretty close to her stage name. So maybe intead of annoying...it's....I don't know....creative. No?

Hey, I think one of her videos is on….*logs off*

New Year's Resolutions & Other Tall Tales

Although I fell asleep before the countdown & ball drop, waking up to the aftermath of New Year’s Eve was simply splendid. As I formally introduced myself to 2010, I caught up on the final hours of ‘09 via the drunken texts, tweets and status updates that chronicled overindulgence gone awry. Now that most folks have literally partied the year away, chances are the first few hours of 2010 were spent reflecting on their hangovers, highs, and lows of the last year. Which is often a segue to the birth of the New Year’s Resolution.

If you are anything like me, you make the same tired resolutions every year. Don’t get me wrong, our quality of life would be greatly enhanced if we could actually see our resolutions through. BUT if our resolutions were that easy to incorporate into our lifestyles, we would have already done so. The following resolutions are some of the most entertaining to watch people attempt: stop smoking, binge drinking & bopping, lose weight, leave that no good man alone, go to church every Sunday, clean up that potty mouth, cut down on frivolous spending, etc. During the month of January, we’ll get a few cheap thrills out of watching people pinch pennies, pack gyms, and use words like frick, shoot, and mother trucker. Rest assured, by the end of February most will be up to their old tricks again. And I’m rather looking forward to it.  It’s always fun to walk up on someone with a bottle Grey Goose in their hand and ask how that less drinking in 2010 pledge is going. And it will be sheer delight to catch someone sporting their “thin in ‘10” sweatshirt, hovering over a supersized value meal at Burger World. I’ve been known to throw cigarettes away to help those who have committed to no smoking in the new year. They’ve never appreciated my help and I‘ve never understood why. 


I read somewhere that instead of making a long list of resolutions, we should all resolve to better decision making in the new year. I think that’s a pretty good idea…and I will start doing so TODAY. Right after I polish off all the last of the holiday treats in my fridge.  Happy New Year!

Dudes like sales too…

Upon further review, I think the men’s sales are actually better than the women's! You guys catch all the breaks. But we get to wear make up and pretty dresses, so I guess that makes us even. Guys, here are some links for you...

JoS. A. Bank - Cyber Monday Event + free shipping
http://www.josbank.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SubCategory_11001_10050_1001500

Kenneth Cole - Cyber Sample Sale up to 50% off special selection
http://www.kennethcole.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3923748

Bluefly - Extra 10% off + free shipping (now up to 65% off)
http://www.bluefly.com/Mens-Designer-Clothing/cat60004/department.fly;jsessionid=BIbIpYCC+u2hOVVMa8k0gA**.app_node2

Overstock.com - Cyber Monday an Overstock Shopping Experience
http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Mens-Designer-Clothing/2103/cat.html

Men’s Warehouse - Buy 1, get 1 FREE
http://www.menswearhouse.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/MenswearCategory_-1_10601_10051_40180_10051_10653

Eddie Bauer - Take 25% off entire purchase + free shipping
http://www.eddiebauer.com/

Foot Locker - $10 off $50 purchase, $25 off $100 purchase
http://www.footlocker.com/