I'm at an age where I have a routine for my go-to stores for certain situations. Work clothes? Banana Republic, J.Crew, Gap, Loehmanns. Shoes? Nordstrom, Macy's, TJMaxx. And I have a whole slew of other stores for "other" occasions that I like to hop into and check out the latest merchandise.
Stores that you will rarely find me at: Talbots, Ann Taylor Loft, Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers.
My work environment tends to be business casual. I am probably one of the more nicely dressed people in the work place (when you're competing with jeans and flip flops, it's not hard). So I don't feel the need to overspend at Talbots and Brooks Brothers. Plus I feel their target audience is older than me. I rarely find anything at Ann Taylor Loft - even though it's targeted towards people my age, I find that it doesn't really suit my taste. As for Aeropostale, I just threw it in there - I've outgrown them....plus I know how their insides work (my first job out of college was in corporate Aero).
One of my friends had a list of wedding items she needed to purchase for her winter wedding - one of them being a cover up or faux fur shell for her dress because her wedding was in November (London) and her dress was gorgeous and sleeveless silk. We had looked everywhere for a wrap - Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Nordstroms, Jessica McClintock. We even went to Macy's Kids because Amie is TINY - we almost settled for a marked down faux fur white winter coat from Macy's Kids...but while walking through the mall, I took a chance on a store called 'Forever 21.'
I always thought this store was more for teens and college kids so I never had a reason to go in. So imagine my surprise, when on my maiden voyage into Forever 21 I found the PERFECT faux fur coat for Amie, that wasn't for kids between the ages of 6-9, and for a GREAT price! I ripped the coat off the mannequin, threw it on Amie and we both started jumping up and down like two giddy schoolgirls that just met their #1 crush (Hello, Gerard Butler...). This was by far the purchase of the year - this is what great shopping is about....finding that one item that seems to be so elusive.
Since that awesome moment in Forever 21, I haven't stepped foot in the store. That is until last weekend. My husband and I had dinner at one of the restaurants in the mall and afterwards, he gave me the ok to stroll around and Forever 21 was my target. I wanted to give it a chance....and I'm glad I did. I managed to find two spring blouses perfect for work. My time in there was limited and their return policy is a little shady (exchanges only) - but I was happy with my purchases. This is a great place to get the latest fashions for a very reasonable price. As for quality? That remains to be seen - and I'm not holding out much hope. Their corporate motto has something to do with the latest fashion (yes) at a great price (yes) - and all true - because who knows if these styles will be in next year - if yes, then great; if no, then it's okay - I only spent $20 on that shirt.
I'm hoping to get some more quality time in the Forever 21 store this weekend. By the looks of it, I was definitely the oldest one in the store (including the employees, excluding the foreigners) - but I don't care - I still get carded....75% of the time!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Happy Chinese New Year - Year of the Rat
Happy Chinese New Year!!!!This is the year of the rat...if you were born in the following times, you are a rat:
- 5 February 1924 - 24 January 1925: Wood Rat
- 24 January 1936 - 10 February 1937: Fire Rat
- 10 February 1948 - 28 January 1949: Earth Rat
- 28 January 1960 - 14 February 1961: Metal Rat
- 16 February 1972 - 2 February 1973: Water Rat
- 2 February 1984 - 19 February 1985: Wood Rat
- 19 February 1996 - 7 February 1997: Fire Rat
- 7 February 2008 - 25 January 2009: Earth Rat
If you are a rat, you have the following characteristics:
Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiacs, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are the most highly organized, meticulous, and systematic of the twelve signs. Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.
Behind the smiles and charm, rats can be terribly obstinate and controlling, insisting on having things their way no matter what the cost. These people tend to have immense control of their emotions, which they may use as a tool to manipulate and exploit others, both emotionally and mentally. Rats are masters of mind games and can be very dangerous, calculative and downright cruel if the need arises. Quick-tempered and aggressive, they will not think twice about exacting revenge on those that hurt them in any way. Rats need to learn to relax sometimes, as they can be quite obsessed with detail, intolerant and strict, demanding order, obedience, and perfection.
To learn more about the Rats, you can check out Wikipedia...they're not all like the sewer rats you expect to find in the dregs of NYC.From my personal experience, growing up in a Chinese family, Chinese New Year meant lots of sweets, the color red and most importantly, the lucky, red envelopes. In the northern part of China, they celebrate the New Year with dumplings - friends gather to laugh and talk...all make and cook dumplings to eat. (I do love dumplings - but when I make it, it's usually a one woman show...I make it from scratch, wrap them up and freeze them for future use...but I digress. ) Back to the lucky, red envelope...when I was younger and on the Parental Scholarship fund, my parents would gift me with a red envelope every year. Some years they would have it ready for me, other years (more specifically as they got older) they might have forgotten to buy the envelopes - but always the prepared one, I would have a red envelope stored away for these types of situations where I could give it to them, have them fill it and they would just hand it back to me like they never forgot to buy the envelopes. If I played my cards right (and this might have happened only two-three times), I could give an envelope to my mother to fill and then later empty it and hand it to my father to fill....these were jackpot situations! They soon caught onto my game and we were back down to one envelope per child soon after.
Oh - did I forget to mention what it was filled with? Well, if you got a generic red envelope from Chinese School or a family friend, it would be filled with a McDonald's coupon for a free sundae, two-month old chocolate, gold coin(s) from the Hanukkah holidays, or a dollar. If you got a red envelope from my parents, it was usually filled with $50-100 (depending on how the economy was that year). I have not received a red envelope from my parents in a couple of years....they have been gifting their two grandsons with red envelopes and now they get to enjoy what I had the pleasure of enjoying for 18+ years.
I just called my parents to wish them a Happy Chinese New Year. My Dad asked if I wanted a red envelope....I said, 'Sure!' I totally wasn't expecting them to ask but I surely wasn't going to turn it down. They tried to pull one over on me a few years ago where they said when the child reaches a certain age, they should be giving the parents red envelopes...pffff....whatever. Don't know if I'll actually see a red envelope this year - maybe I should mail one over to them - see if it sparks any memories.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Matchmaking for Millionaires
The newest show to hit the Bravo airwaves is Millionaire Matchmaker. It is a reality dating show that follows a professional matchmaker that specializes in millionaires. This wasn't a show that I had put on the "must see" list but during some down time on Sunday, I happened to catch an episode and have the following to say about it....
There were two millionaires that were set up on what we 'hundred-aires' and 'thousand-aires' would consider speed dating, catered specifically for them. Basically, a bevy of females had the opportunity to sit and chat with the millionaires and afterwards, the millionaires had a chance to name one female that they would like to take on a date and get to know better.
I could only watch about 20 minutes of the show before I had to turn it off. It was so painful to watch one of the millionaires - he drove a Porsche, didn't show up to an appointment on time (45 minutes late) and he was SO socially awkward. Awkward in a way that when asked a question, he would respond with his own question. Or when he was trying to get to know each of the girls in the 'speed dating' portion, you could tell he was trying so hard to ask them these deep, insightful questions but instead they came out in a jumbled, warble mess of words that made no sense whatsoever. The matchmaker was so concerned over his social skills (and the fact that the girl he selected for his date wasn't all too thrilled at being the 'chosen one') that she set up an emergency appointment with a relationship therapist before his date so that he wouldn't make a complete ass out of himself (this was the late appointment). All through the chat with the therapist, he was very reluctant to let his guard down or listen to her advice - I got the feeling that he didn't think he needed therapy or relationship advice. She offered simple advice like 'don't answer a question with a question' and 'let your date get to know a little bit of you - you don't need to let your whole guard down...just a little.' I think the therapist thought he was a tool...and I'd have to agree.
So I saw the beginnings of his date and could not bear to watch after what came out of his mouth when they were seated for lunch/dinner. But before I tell you what he said, I just have to say that when I get seated for a meal, a menu is handed to me and I will peruse the menu for appetizers/entrees/etc - looking for nothing in particular - I usually know if I want an appetizer right off the bat but drinks always come first and I usually place my order with the waiter regardless of what my dining partner wants (unless it's a group of girls that all want wine - then we might go in on a bottle together). So upon receiving the menu, the millionaire tells his reluctant date , "We should pick out our entrees so we have the right wine to go with it." (paraphrased) Hmmm - the girl just sat down - can she catch her breath? And usually, if you're having a good time or perhaps on a 'good' date, the waiter has to come back two to three times before you even figure out what drink you're ordering. But to me, it just looked like he was going to be in control - of her meal, her drink, and her life if she continued on with him. Like I said, I couldn't watch after listening to this guy....but I did hear her response, 'That sounds perfect! That sounds like a plan.' I have to believe that these lines were uttered sarcastically...seriously. I got the feeling that she just wanted this date to be over and done with...I don't blame her.
The whole answering a question with a question reminded me of 'The 40-Year Old Virgin' which then made me think if that's where he learned his 'smooth' moves and whether or not he, himself, was a virgin. Either way - good luck to him - I hope he finds a woman that can appreciate his warbled questions and his not-so-obvious depth.
There were two millionaires that were set up on what we 'hundred-aires' and 'thousand-aires' would consider speed dating, catered specifically for them. Basically, a bevy of females had the opportunity to sit and chat with the millionaires and afterwards, the millionaires had a chance to name one female that they would like to take on a date and get to know better.
I could only watch about 20 minutes of the show before I had to turn it off. It was so painful to watch one of the millionaires - he drove a Porsche, didn't show up to an appointment on time (45 minutes late) and he was SO socially awkward. Awkward in a way that when asked a question, he would respond with his own question. Or when he was trying to get to know each of the girls in the 'speed dating' portion, you could tell he was trying so hard to ask them these deep, insightful questions but instead they came out in a jumbled, warble mess of words that made no sense whatsoever. The matchmaker was so concerned over his social skills (and the fact that the girl he selected for his date wasn't all too thrilled at being the 'chosen one') that she set up an emergency appointment with a relationship therapist before his date so that he wouldn't make a complete ass out of himself (this was the late appointment). All through the chat with the therapist, he was very reluctant to let his guard down or listen to her advice - I got the feeling that he didn't think he needed therapy or relationship advice. She offered simple advice like 'don't answer a question with a question' and 'let your date get to know a little bit of you - you don't need to let your whole guard down...just a little.' I think the therapist thought he was a tool...and I'd have to agree.
So I saw the beginnings of his date and could not bear to watch after what came out of his mouth when they were seated for lunch/dinner. But before I tell you what he said, I just have to say that when I get seated for a meal, a menu is handed to me and I will peruse the menu for appetizers/entrees/etc - looking for nothing in particular - I usually know if I want an appetizer right off the bat but drinks always come first and I usually place my order with the waiter regardless of what my dining partner wants (unless it's a group of girls that all want wine - then we might go in on a bottle together). So upon receiving the menu, the millionaire tells his reluctant date , "We should pick out our entrees so we have the right wine to go with it." (paraphrased) Hmmm - the girl just sat down - can she catch her breath? And usually, if you're having a good time or perhaps on a 'good' date, the waiter has to come back two to three times before you even figure out what drink you're ordering. But to me, it just looked like he was going to be in control - of her meal, her drink, and her life if she continued on with him. Like I said, I couldn't watch after listening to this guy....but I did hear her response, 'That sounds perfect! That sounds like a plan.' I have to believe that these lines were uttered sarcastically...seriously. I got the feeling that she just wanted this date to be over and done with...I don't blame her.
The whole answering a question with a question reminded me of 'The 40-Year Old Virgin' which then made me think if that's where he learned his 'smooth' moves and whether or not he, himself, was a virgin. Either way - good luck to him - I hope he finds a woman that can appreciate his warbled questions and his not-so-obvious depth.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Not Completely Sold on the Hybrid
I was fortunate enough to be given the new Lexus RX400h as a loaner car while our car was being worked on. It is a SWEEEEEEEEEEEET vehicle. I always knew the Lexus SUV was really nice and my husband and I were actually just talking about what our next SUV should be - so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to "test drive" the Lexus SUV since the service consultant asked what kind of loaner I wanted.I really wasn't expecting a brand new, fully loaded hybrid SUV - but I'm not complaining. Two years ago, we toyed with the idea of getting a hybrid car - but because of the size, we were not sold (too small). So this was a great time for me to figure out if I could be "green."
The coolest thing about the hybrid is that they provide graphics to let you know when you're using battery/cell power and when you're using gas/engine power. Usually when you're coasting, going down a ramp, snailing through traffic (aka - not using your gas pedal), you're using battery power. Accelerating or keeping your foot on the gas will display a little engine graphic. It's really quite cool. Also quite cool, and a bit unnerving (at first) is when you're at a stop light or stuck in traffic, the car will idle, like all other cars, but then it seems like the car powers down. The radio is still on, the air is still blowing...but you don't feel like the car is "on" - and it's really not - it's conserving energy. But once you need to get going, it's almost like starting a golf cart - a little slow, but once you start moving, it moves.
We started out with a little under a half a tank of gas. I would say in the two days that we've had the vehicle, I drove it 80-ish miles and the gas is almost at 'E.' For a hybrid (even an SUV hybrid), I would think that it would conserve more gas than that....so I'm a little disappointed....not in the car itself - I am about 90% sold on the Lexus SUV - but in the hybrid version....
Maybe I just don't know how to be green.
Monday, February 4, 2008
The "In" Crowd
If you were lucky enough to catch the 2000 movie, 'The In Crowd,' starring no one worth remembering, then you know that it's tough to keep up with what's hot, what's not, and standing in someone's way of being hot could lead to your demise. Well, that's what happened in the movie - but in Hollywood, it seems like you gotta be doing something that the "In" crowd is doing in order to keep everyone's lips flapping.
The three most popular things that seem to keep people in the 'In' crowd these days - getting engaged/married, getting pregnant, and going to rehab.
Katharine McPhee, of American Idol fame, was rececntly dropped from her record label (along with a bunch of other Idol alums), but she still managed to have a posh, Beverly Hills wedding to a man that is 19-years older. Congratulations to her. Honestly, I couldn't name any of her songs - I am not an 'Idol' watcher. I know who she is via press but always wonder why she can't keep her mouth shut in pictures.
Jennifer Love Hewitt has seen her ups and downs - she was hugely popular in 'Party of Five' - although in hindsight and looking at her pictures, I wonder why. A few years later, she has a pretty successful show on CBS with the 'Ghost Whisperer.' I've never seen it - but good for her. And as she faded into TV star oblivion, someone had to go and call her fat because of some bikini pics showing some cellulite (we all have it, ladies...not something that really goes away) and to offset the negative press on her cellulite, she got engaged.
I don't know if it's because I'm at an age where a lot of my friends are having babies - but it seems like everyone in Hollywood is procreating...Halle Berry, Gwen Stefani, Jamie Lynn Spears....and Jessica Alba.
Many people that I know don't exactly think Jessica is the most talented actress out there. She is extremely good looking and she has a great body - but acting wise - the jury is still out on that. Even guys I know that think she's hot don't exactly remember her for her acting chops. She's had a slew of recent bombs hit the theatres - but that's okay because...surprise - she's pregnant. That's great for her. I just wonder if all these young, baby-out-of-wedlock happenings is a good image to set for our young people. It's almost sending the message of, 'Sure, it's okay to have sex and get pregnant if you're not married....' which it totally is okay - IF you have the financial resources to raise that baby. Am I right? I think that last message doesn't come across as clearly.
And finally - the rehab crowd just got one more this weekend - Eva Mendes. Also very popular and very pretty - who the heck knew she had a substance abuse problem? She has admitted herself into the same treatment facility as Lindsay Lohan....good for her - getting some help...although, she wouldn't have needed help if she just laid off the stuff in the first place.
Yes - we all have our problems and I have to imagine that these people's managers and PR reps are having a field day with the questions and accusations.
These are just my observations....and I'm not part of the 'In' crowd.
The three most popular things that seem to keep people in the 'In' crowd these days - getting engaged/married, getting pregnant, and going to rehab.
Katharine McPhee, of American Idol fame, was rececntly dropped from her record label (along with a bunch of other Idol alums), but she still managed to have a posh, Beverly Hills wedding to a man that is 19-years older. Congratulations to her. Honestly, I couldn't name any of her songs - I am not an 'Idol' watcher. I know who she is via press but always wonder why she can't keep her mouth shut in pictures.
Jennifer Love Hewitt has seen her ups and downs - she was hugely popular in 'Party of Five' - although in hindsight and looking at her pictures, I wonder why. A few years later, she has a pretty successful show on CBS with the 'Ghost Whisperer.' I've never seen it - but good for her. And as she faded into TV star oblivion, someone had to go and call her fat because of some bikini pics showing some cellulite (we all have it, ladies...not something that really goes away) and to offset the negative press on her cellulite, she got engaged.
I don't know if it's because I'm at an age where a lot of my friends are having babies - but it seems like everyone in Hollywood is procreating...Halle Berry, Gwen Stefani, Jamie Lynn Spears....and Jessica Alba.
Many people that I know don't exactly think Jessica is the most talented actress out there. She is extremely good looking and she has a great body - but acting wise - the jury is still out on that. Even guys I know that think she's hot don't exactly remember her for her acting chops. She's had a slew of recent bombs hit the theatres - but that's okay because...surprise - she's pregnant. That's great for her. I just wonder if all these young, baby-out-of-wedlock happenings is a good image to set for our young people. It's almost sending the message of, 'Sure, it's okay to have sex and get pregnant if you're not married....' which it totally is okay - IF you have the financial resources to raise that baby. Am I right? I think that last message doesn't come across as clearly.
And finally - the rehab crowd just got one more this weekend - Eva Mendes. Also very popular and very pretty - who the heck knew she had a substance abuse problem? She has admitted herself into the same treatment facility as Lindsay Lohan....good for her - getting some help...although, she wouldn't have needed help if she just laid off the stuff in the first place.
Yes - we all have our problems and I have to imagine that these people's managers and PR reps are having a field day with the questions and accusations.
These are just my observations....and I'm not part of the 'In' crowd.
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