It’s so painfully sugary, yet brilliantly marketably clever … the new term “recessionista”. It’s fine to call oneself a recessionista if a girl goes on a total “bag ban”, but promoting “less expensive” products to us is cruelly manipulative. True recessonistas will not continue buying clothing unless it become necessity (like my weight loss means I have no wedges or sandals that fit [ALL I don for outdoor footwear]) - yes shoes no longer fit - and what is still only minimally loose are suede sandals; obviously not appropriate for “hurricane”/rainy season in FL. But I will still make due for a time.

Flitting away money at the moment is mostly tasteless and self-indulgent IMHO, even if it’s “just” a new outfit from Forever 21 to ring in Autumn. It’s akin to buying “pleather” to “help” the environment and ignoring the food industry. Do the vegan lifestylers want us to toss the skin from the flesh the rest of us eat or do they truly think the entirety of mankind should go veggie? Sorry, but I’m not; specific diets will never be 100% healthy for all people, especially removing dairy and even meat, due to allergies, or any other reason that are frankly no one’s business.

The PETA-brainwashed like to stick to ignorance of pollution caused in the manufacturing of plastics, and they’re far worse and a part of a different problem from the blog’s topic, but it’s still related.

If a girl can pay her rent, tuck some away into savings, eat 3 square meals a day or more, and pay off debt—more than minimums, then she absolutely deserves to indulge within her means. No, my problem is with the corporations and marketers attempting to take advantage of those us girls with a weakness for treating ourselves to pretty things.

Also I want to send huge kudos to all of us who are resisting these campaigns, at least somewhat - or at the very least, shopping elsewhere or not inspired by pressure of media. This especially goes to the women in the fashion blogosphere to any extent, I know it’s difficult to keep up with IT bags when I’m equally trying to remove myself, and it must be something to continue reading purely for fun, as well! Thanks–xx.

If you don’t already have a system to organize your handbags, especially if you switch them out often, you might need the miracle of the Purse Brite. To many of you I ask, why haven’t you tried one already?

This purse organizer has several pockets to keep your junk neat in your bags, but it also comes with a little light, which can be turned on to give a little boost to those with tall bags or if you constantly lose belongings and fight to find them in your cave-like purse.

Unfortunately, the regular Purse Brite is too large for small and even some medium-sized handbags.

And please, ignore the hideous bags on the website. Ugh!

For you Jewish fabulistas, after you switch on your electric menorahs and eat your candy “present”, you’ll probably be left craving more. Why don’t you treat yourself?!

So… “On the 1st Night of Hanukkuh, I Gift to Myself…”

Hanukkah gifts are known for being small, but that doesn’t mean they have to be piddly!

The first small, yet totally fab gift for the first night of Hanukkah (although a little late in the evening), should be from COACH - and what’s small from Coach? Key Fobs, of course! The company even produces two ring styles that are totally Festival of Lights Friendly.

First, we have a blue snowflake key ring. Perfect! Next, we have the long-lasting, fashion equivalent of chocolate coins. I make no statements and follow no beliefs on why chocolate coins are a part of Jewish tradition, but I still say, why get a gift you eat away, when a girl can receive a brass and leather goodie for her purse!

Coach Snowflake Keyfob - $28. Chainlink Coins Keyfob (which represents the brand’s symbols, not currency) - $98.

Those may not be your personal faves, so here are more key rings from www.coach.com.

I’ve recently rediscovered how announcing a sidebar poll in an entry helps get votes from feed readers (from being a feed reader who then voted; it was on one of my favorite blogs, yet I have nary the time to visit much aside from clicking on the headlines that jump out at me). So even though this poll started days ago, I’m announcing it now. And yes, you can simple vote just below, if on the single page for this post.

If on a blog or archive page, the poll is toward the top of the left sidebar, or you may click to view the full post.

And if this year is any different from your usual, please post a comment! Entry continued, read more »

I thought after my view on the last post featuring an eco-message tee, I’d feature one I’d actually promote. This is the message a humorous tee about the environment should have, complete with graphic, and it’s also how teen rap should be (smart and not pointless). No, don’t “say nothin’”.

Yes, designs like a sweaty, sad Earth (read: good message for the times = current) mixed with pop culture is what makes Busted Tees so hot, itself.

The “This is Why I’m Hot” shirt comes in women’s (sizes S - L), men’s and sweatshirts and is made with American Apparel. The tees sell for only $16.99; very reasonable!

One minus point, the listing doesn’t read that the material of the shirt is organic. Big bummer.

I know it’s annoying to see Christmas come so soon seemingly everywhere, especially this year when Thanksgiving comes early, but since that brings Black Friday sooner too, we need to think about gift shopping. I know many of us like to wait at least a week after the weekend of doom (while hopefully not waiting close to the big Eve), but there are some reasons to shop now, especially in some stores / on some online shops.

Why shop now? First of all, if it’s online and a store that’s small in any way, and has a possibility of being overloaded with requests, you need to worry about shipping delays. Think eBay as #1 for that.

Secondly, especially if online, sometimes you need to worry about stock running out (and even in brick and mortar stores!). And when items are one of a kind, or unique in any way to that store (like a regular person [read: non-store, for example] reselling a personally-used bag on eBay), there’s always a chance of missing out on that item if you wait, but during the holidays, other people are more likely to bid or buy. For auctions, expect more and higher bids, and do not rely on relisting.

So that brings me to the main reasons to shop some places early, and what are the popular shops that concern me? Here’s the list: Entry continued, read more »

The African Well Fund, a small non-profit raising money to build wells in Africa (you’ll never know all the needs around the world, huh?) has an auction going for celebrity-type shwag. They’re offering on eBay an audience gift bag from Stacy London’s new show, Fashionably Late.

The auction text gives the best rundown of the goodie contents:

Gift bag and assorted items from taping of the first episode of Stacy London’s new show - Fashionably Late with Stacy London The show was taped Oct. 15th in NYC and it will air on Nov. 23 on TLC All audience members received the gift bag after the taping. All items with the gift bag are new and unopened. Items: Gal Pal - Garment Deodorant Remover, Hollywood Fashion tape - the stars’ secret apparel and body tape, Strap Tamers - bra strap concealers, YogaToes - flexible treat for fabulous feet, Ice Rocks - Spring Water Ice Cubes, Alexis Bittar - 18k Gold-plated moonstone ring (retail value $80), Alexis Bittar - 18k Gold-plated amethyst ring (retail value $80), Shubi 1 piece fully-lined drawstring shoe bag 100% of proceeds benefiting clean water and sanitation projects in Africa!

100% of the proceeds will go to the charity, and I’ve not added an affiliate link to this post.

Again, Fashionably Late, Stacy London’s new talk show (which was only previously previewed [oy the alliteration], and not canceled after one episode as was considered by fans, will air (BLACK) Friday November 23rd at 10 p.m. on TLC.

What a great holiday gift idea for a best gal pal or relative; these are great products and your gift will keep on giving to others in her name! Not only are these products some of the best and most necessary for modern woman and fabulistas, but it goes to a charitable cause for those who need so much less than hiding bra straps and removing deodorant marks from tops! The auction ends on Nov. 18th. Oh and you’re bidding against moi, so good luck to all!