My Favorite Store of All Time

Many of you may think that my favorite store is Saks or Barney's, my inner circle thinks it's Daffy's but, my all time favorite store has to be ........

JACK'S 99 CENTS WORLD

Jack's yes as in Jack's 99 cents World! It is my Mecca and not a week goes by I don't dip in there for household products, glasses, sprinkles or even stationery. Jack's is a great place for beauty products, home furnishing and household candles. I have never ever been unsatisfied with any of my Jacks' purchase which have included shrimp and yes I lived! There are three locations in Manhattan- the 32nd Street location is the largest followed by one on 45th between Fifth and Sixth that has higher priced items and an exclusive 99 cent location on 40th between Fifth and Madison. If you are looking for a body scrub, poster paint and new pot holders- Jack's will definitely have it! Stay tuned for my beauty post on Jack's coming soon!

HHK- This Friday

I love Hip Hop Karaoke and this upcoming Friday plan to see me Biggin up my Borough! I thought I provide you with a few images of my past performances. If you are looking for some free fun and and or would like to test my rap skills, head down to The Knitting Factory this Friday 10/3 at 10 pm!

Bag Porn

I am addicted to anything with sequin. If it has a dollop of bling, I run to it like a mouse with cheese. So it comes to no surprise that this YSL Mombasa has caused for some restless nights. Could this purchase be justified, of course not but this bag is fly as hell!

P.S. Passed by the Hermes Sample Sale, saw a line and headed into Filene's I will try again today and report back to you!

A Party Ain't a Party

Puma and Lucky Magazine threw quiet a shopping party last night. Held at Puma's Union Square store, the drinks were strong, the apps delicious and everyone got 20% off their purchase. DJ Sky Nellor was on the 1 and 2's and if you spent over 200 bucks you went home with an Ipod shuffle- nice! Linda and I looked for a pair of cute sneakers to step my sneaker game up cause it is bad! I didn't find anything but we did manage to take pics!
One of the attendees
Linda and I enjoying the bar
Shopping parties are the best

E-space- Nicole Romano S/S 09 Capsule

Last night I hiked over to Espace on 42nd and 11th to view the Nicole Romano S/S 2009 collection. Five amazing models showed us that one's hemlines go hand and hand with the economy and that accessories do make the wardrobe. While I tried to enjoy the capsule collection, there was a rather hands on gentlemen that attempted to coax the well placed mannequins to do everything except wear the clothes well. Nicole’s looks encompassed- great silk patterns, day to possible evening and collector worthy earrings and necklaces. It was a night well spent in a great space- If only I didn’t have a fifteen minute walk to the train station!

Nicole Romano S/S 09
ESPACE
ESPACE

Boho Magazine Launch Party

Last Wednesday, Abigail and I trekked over to the LES for the BOHO magazine launch party. It was packed at 7:30 which is a good sign. The DJ played my all time favorite joint- "Pass da Dutchie". The bar was three deep but the ever so cute waiters passed out cookies to keep us sane. Boho is a great concept think Real Simple, Everyday Living and Glamour printed on 100% recyclable and reusable paper. The mag features ways to decrease your carbon foot print and also highlights businesses and cosmetic lines that employ natives, and are Eco friendly! Check out the pics from the party!

Abigail taking it easy
Kaight was packed
Great turnout!

shhhhhhhhhhhh- Zhozet is coming

Picture an exclusive by appointment only showroom with soft music in the background, champagne flowing and hard to come by designers to shop from- sounds like paradise right? It is actually called Zhozet and I attended a soiree thrown by then a few weeks ago and I am still raving about it.

Edwina and Jennifer are the two fab sisters behind Zhozet. They came up with the idea to host a sister friendly shopping enclave after one too many horrible shopping experiences. By keeping with the appointment only aspect only the most serious shoppers stop by. Capping it off are soothing and flattering lighting, one one one consultants and bottles of Veueve Clicquot. With designers such as Delirius, Omar Yapoor, Sumie Tachibana, Daniela Tabois and Jonathan Joseph Peters you will never bump into your outfit on the street. Zhozet’s launch party is scheduled this fall and I suggest you set up an appointment now!
Check out my pics from the party and for more info check out a recent article in Clutch magazine and go to Zhozet’s website.

The lovely ladies behind Zhozet-Edwina and Jennifer

Model wearing designer Jonathan Joseph Peters

Collective shot of models and owners

These are a few of my favorite things

I am sooooo sorry for my lack of posts but I promise next week, I will hit you off with Guest Blogger Tamara's tips for red lipstick, my pics from the Boho magazine launch party and also a great profile on fashion project Zhozet. You better subscribe to RSS, cuz you know how I pump them out! I haven't hit you off with my favorite beauty products in a while so hopefully this will hold you over until Monday!



1. Stila Illuminating Liquid Foundation-- So many people think foundation and you think poreless and flat, no way with this lightweight dewy product. You don't even have to do your whole face. I dab it on my cheeks and my eyelids and it gives my blush and bronzers something to hold on to and has slight reflective particles that you give a dewy look.



2. D'arcy Probiotic Formula No 15 Anti Stress Moisturizer- I got this in a gift bag and then did my research and it is a wallet slammer but at the same time is a great lightweight facial moisturizer. It leaves no icky residue and you can apply make-up right after.



3. Jordana Retractable Eyeliner- My posse knows about my love for Jordana products. My mom put me on to this line in the gasp- Nineties when I was but a wee teenager learning about makeup. My personal faves are denimblue and seagreen, black eyeliner is alittle harsh for me in the daytime. Unlike many other liners which you have to drag across the fragile lower eyelid, this goes on smooth and the pigment is very strong. It is also amazingly cheap so pick up more than one!



4. Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioning Hair Protein Packet- If you are holding out between touchups, this is the utmost product to give the softest new growth and that fresh sheen. I say leave it on overnight wash out the next day and you will get shine and softness like no other.



5. Essie Nail Polish in Nutcracker Sweet- I love neutrals with a passion. This has a slight brown undertone but never the less a great tweak to a classic manicure.

Fashion Collabo- Tracee Ellis Ross and Samira Nasr

So you guys know about my super girl crush on Tracee Ellis Ross. Anyway she was spotted shopping in NY the other day with stylist Samira Nasr. This is a serious Fashion Collabo- I would love to find out what they are working on!

Fashion Week Downtime- YSL Sample Sale

As I was running from show to presentation to after party during Fashion week please do not think that I stopped shopping. What forced me to slow down was time and space. I had a jam packed schedule, and I hate carrying shopping bags with me to events. However, the YSL Sample Sale sort of fell into my lap and I couldn't resist it and I am so happy I didn't pass on it. The Willow presentation wasn't quite ready upon arriving so we stood on 18th street and took some pics. What stood out to me was this:

I watched people walk out with their secret brown paper bags and all I could think about was Mombasas and Muses being bought at cost. I had so many things on my schedule that there was no way I could even slip in for a few minutes- I was depressed. After we hit up the Custo Barcelona show, Linda and I met up with some friends for drinks. Alli, a die hard stylista pulled me to the side and showed me her bounty- two amazing leather belts from the YSL Sample sale. I couldn't believe it and they where such a steal.

Luckily, the next morning which also happened to be the official last day of Fashion week was a late morning. My first show was at noon. With Godspeed I ran back over to the Metropolitan Pavilion and allotted myself a budget and a wish list.

Budget- $ Only use cash

Wish list- Mombasa or Muse in any color, Wide belts and scarves.

I was focused and hopeful. There where no bags when I arrived but there was a box of belts that were drool worthy and so damn cheap. I picked up three pictured below, a pair of jeans dropped my business card in the box for future updates and was out of there in 20 minutes. I am a disciplined shopper.

The YSL Sale was peaceful, no aggressive ass Security guard, no nasty try on room wenches. Just a light airy loft space with a pleasant young lady at the belt table helping people understand French sizing and another helpful woman in the try on area. I wasn't rushed or bullied at all. If all Sample Sales were like this, I would do them more often. I was still disappointed that I missed out on the bags but I signed up to the Metropolitan Pavilion's event alert and when the next YSL Sample Sale rolls around I will camp out the night before to score a Muse or Mombasa below full price. Click here to sign up for future events at the Metropolitan Pavilion.

Define to me Swag

The above image is a consolidated view of all of the gift bags I acquired over Fashion Week. Some good, some bad, all great perks. Name an industry where you must have a goodie bag to have a good night? I finally went through each bag and narrowed it down to my five best gift bag items take a look below:

1. Smashbox Cosmetics Bionic Mascara at the Geren Ford Show

I am a product junkie by now you have seen the scary images but this Mascara is amazing. I won't neglect my other products but I honestly love what this product did. I got the longest, meanest lashes ever! My eyes look huge and my lashes look so thick I was batting them like a fool. In addition, it doesn't run, it doesn't clump and you can apply in the morning and it last all day. I am in love!

2. Face Stockholm Lip Gloss in Rose W 29 Showroom Gallery Exhibit

Face Stockholm is a total industry secret and that is why so many love it. This gloss adds a slight tint, it moisturizes and it is not super smacky. I hate to look like I just had Church's chicken when I wear gloss. It is a great addition to my arsenal of products.

3. Completely Bare Gift Certificate- GEN ART Show

Last year's GEN ART Goodie bag was my fave. They had ROC facial pads, and a plethora of amazing beauty products. This year still great but not that many beauty products. The Completely Bare GC for $200 bucks is the bomb without anymore to say. I wasn't thinking about getting any laser hair removal but now I am totally thinking about it.

4. GHD Shining Serum- Willow Presentation

At first, I was hesitant to get excited over this product. Sammy J assured me that she had used it and loved it so I gave it a try. My hair was blinging, it looked like Yaki 2B. Add to the fact all you need is a drop and bam. It is so good, I am rationing this on myself.

5. Aldo grey leather pocket book- Abi Ferrin show

I am a total Bag Snob but to get a leather bag for free- you can't beat that. The bag is sleek and stylish and has a slight metallic touch. I may pull it out but, I think it would be great to pass on to my cousin -hint hint!

There you go, 5 of my swag items I accumulated from Fashion Week. Now don't get me wrong, I was very appreciative of everything it is just somethings peaked my interest more than others. It would be great if you let me know of any amazing swag you received in the past or at fashion week so shoot me an email at shaunya@shaunyahartley.com and I will profile it- Don't forget the pics!

Lend me Your Wears

Hey Readers:
I am looking to feature you the reader on Shop, Eat and Sleep. That is right- you! So shoot me an email at shaunya@shaunyahartley.com with a pics or stories of you in a great steal of an outfit or a great cheap place to eat. I would love to feature you!

Fashion Week First Timer- Linda

NYC Fashion week may be over and done but not in my heart. To help me recollect a stunning eight days of organza, chiffon and lame, Linda provided me with her recollection of the Custo Barcelona show:

My 1st experience at Fashion Week for the Custo Barcelona show was exactly how I envisioned it! It was MADNESS! Even though we had to wait on 1 line to get to the next line, the anticipation was exciting. It seemed that all of Barcelona was there! I couldn't really see anyone but I got a glimpse of Jay Manuel sitting in the front row. Once we got in the show was over in a whim. I was still pretty impressed with the collection. To add drama to the event a girl near me got light headed and was quickly offered a seat.
Even thought we didn’t get a chance to take pics, my memories will always be remembered!

Aaah another soul touched by the world of fashion, I love it! I hope you all loved my guest telling you about their experiences. I know I did!

Fashion Week Slide Show

Fashion Week Survival Guide

Many may not believe it but, Fashion Week is exhausting. If you include the European shows, it is downright nerve racking. Here are a few tricks to surviving the parade of Choo, Chanel and Louboutin .

1. Bring flats
Yes, those Blahniks are fantastic and everyone is secretly hating your calves but, you and I both know that they are killing you. In between shows and while you are running around, throw on those free Havaianas, your Tory Burchs or even better Jack Rogers- your feet will thank you.

2. Stay hydrated
Those first few days were a scorcher, thankfully there was bottled water at every show. Evian actually is one of the sponsors in the tents so there was a plethora of mini bottles for consumption.

3. Fashion Soup and ‘wichcraft keeps you from fainting
Back to back shows leave very little room for Fashionista lunches. Add to the fact that most fashion people don’t eat and you will see it becomes your last priority to ingest solids. I lost at least 4 pounds due to running around, consuming soup and the occasional croissant for lunch. On top of that I had mostly champagne for dinner and you’ve got what I like to call the Midtown diet!

4. The dress code is Comfortable Chic
You can totally tell someone new to fashion week because they have on what I like to call, ahem- regalia. Note to the newbies/crashers: Poll the front row for their outfits and see how it is really done. I saw enough prom and Marquee outfits I could fill a mall.

5. The Daily
One of the greatest forms of print media, The Daily keeps you from dying of boredom waiting for a show to start. It also makes your train rides easier.

6. Sponsor Open bar
Office Max served champagne and Svedka had their own bar. Relax in between shows with a super cute cocktail. It also numbs the pain on your feet.

7. Metrocard-
Anna Wintour has car service. For the rest of the world we hit the Iron horse to get to offsite shows. My unlimited metrocard is a great investment.

8. H&M, Forever 21, American Eagle, Zara and Club Monaco-
They fill your Fashion Week uniform out. The clothes being shown and the salaries of those watching, have a major gap. For the S/S shows invest in a great bag- I had my Sabrina and my Boston, which I have nicknamed the carry-on for their size. For shoes- I stocked up at the Barney’s Warehouse Sale and Loehmann’s just days before. The rest of your wardrobe should consist of great pieces that are not a fortune, which is why I listed the places above. My fashion week wardrobe consisted of Hootie Couture vintage, H&M, Club Monaco, Forever 21, The Gap, Old Navy and Loehmann’s. I accessorized with Gucci, Prada, Mui Mui, Gunmetal, Report Signature, Jessica Simpson and Marc Jacobs. They key was comfy chic, unidentifiable and inexpensive.

9. Swag beauty-
No lipstick or hair serum for a touch up, go thru your swag and I guarantee there will be a last minute beauty product. At the Abi Ferrin show, I received a Cargo lip color palette that saved me for evening touchups .

10. Follow your seat assignment-
Hey you the 5’1” dude in a caftan- you are not Andre Leon Talley- sorry. There is nothing worse than being removed right before the show starts because you sat in a seat not assigned to you. It is the utmost worse thing to happen outside of falling on the runway. Have some pride and wait until the ushers tell you to move down.

It's not over- Fashion Week

Thank You- Jesus! Those were the words that flew out of my mouth after the Baby Phat show. Ten full days of fashion can exhaust the most die hard fashionista. Never the less, I was super excited that my last day had some of the best of shows.
After rushing from the YSL Sample Sales, I took in the Tadashi Shoji show. With stunning effortless gowns and classic yet youthful suiting, Shoji let you know why he is a major seller at Neiman Marcus. I spotted Dania Ramirez in the front row, probably looking for Emmy dresses. Dania made her rounds during fashion week, I also spotted her at Custo Barcelona and Baby Phat.

Tadashi Shoji S/S 09

Tadashi Shoji S/S 09

Tadashi Shoji S/S 09

Tadashi Shoji S/S 09

Omnialuo may be new to your ears but in China, designer Zheng Luo has 200 stores and does $25 billion in sales. With great prices - eveningwear start at $245 and goes to about $400 no wonder it was a packed house. Inspired by cherry blossoms, her opening sequence included an anime. Models sauntered down the runway in dramatic yet envy worthy daywear, cocktail dresses and gowns. Each piece reminded me of a very chic mermaid. I am so looking forward to her stateside debut.

Ominiaulo S/S 09

Omniaulo S/S 09

Omniaulo S/S 09

My final show of the week was Baby Phat at the Roseland Ballroom. Never one to be undone, Kimora crammed a pretty star worthy front row. U.S. Open winner Serena Williams, Julissa of BET Fame, Coco and Ice- T, Carmello Anthony and Lala, and Case and Maxwell even came out of retirement. After 40 minutes of being told to sit down the show started with a retrospective of Baby Phat's past ten years. Can you believe a company once only a tee shirt line with a curvy cat has now become an urban staple? Kimora gave you hippie glamour with models who had -gasp booty. Add to the fact the always amazing soundtrack and Baby Phat was a hit. Kimora keep it coming!

Baby Phat S/S 09

Baby Phat S/S 09

Baby Phat S/S 09

I am Fashioned out, well not for to long. Stay tuned for my review of the best shows, spring trends and best gift bags later on!

Blk Grl Blog Gives Shout Out to Shop, Eat and Sleep

My Uptown Homegirl- Tanya of Blk Grl Blog did an amazing write up of Shop Eat and Sleep. Click Here to check it out !

Fashion Week Downtime

A little peek as in to what to do between shows. Stay tuned for the post next week!

Fashion Week Firstimer- Caroline

I took my Aussie friend Caroline to see Aussie designer Kit Willow present her line. It was Caroline's first Fashion presentation and she sent me over a review of her Fashion Week experience check it out:

When I decided to leave Australia to live in New York 3 years ago, I arrived with a long list of experiences that I wanted to have before I left the island! Obviously some of these are easier to come by than others. Well today I can say I am one experience richer. I attend my first New York fashion week presentation and it was a fellow Aussies at that, Willow. I have adored Willow’s clothing since she launched her collection all those years ago in Australia and today was no exception. The event wasn’t a fancy, rah-rah, kisses on two cheeks, alcohol flowing sort of thing…instead it was just a relaxed, casual event in a big empty space with photographers and fashion industry types coming to see the Aussie Girls latest collection.

There was no catwalk, instead there was an empty room with a large 3 tiered structure in the middle of it, on which the models stood, and stood, and stood. The girls with their long slightly messed up hair, natural make-up, dead-pan faces, were all draped in a single collection that could be sub-divided into three different “palettes”… black, orange and neutral. Yet, mixed within the ranges were some fantastic pieces created out of some fantastic patterns…yes Shaunya I too can imagine you strutting your stuff in that floor length leopard inspired print dress. Now finally, the shoes…well now these were something else – slightly futuristic, slightly gladiatorish, slightly modish…but very, very cool. Would I wear them…no…but would I look at someone else wearing them and say “they are fantastic”…absolutely. The clothing, shoe combination of Willows collection is what I love about fashion, it’s that ability of a designer to put unexpected pieces together and end up with a look that just works…Willows collection was no exception. It was a wonderful break to my day.

Thanks Caroline for your thoughts- hope next season we can do Sass&Bide as well!

And on the Sixth Day

My calves and feet are on fire as we get to the end of Fashion week, but I figure no pain no gain and headed over to the Willow presentation on Thursday. Tres magnefique- is how I would describe the entire collection. Willow, in my book was by far one of the best shows of the season.
The color palette was stunning, the accessories, the models- everything. I wonder if Willow does a line of credit? Inspired by the costumes of the Ballet Ruses, the dresses allowed for freedom of movement but still body conscious. I saw Harem, meets Goddess meets Safari still stellar!

Waiting outside of Willow and I saw these hot ass shoes!

Willow S/S 09

The shoes at Willow were divine!

Caroline and Karmyn outside of Willow

Me Outside of the Willow Presentation

I made my way back to the tents for the Custo Barcelona show later that evening. I honestly believe that half of downtown Barcelona was there. Models sashayed down the run way in a sort of showgirl meets St Tropez meet Valley of the Dolls theme. Glam Chic all day everyday was my overall impression. Linda and I made a mad dash for the side exit and headed over to Havana for a nice quiet dinner. No scene no crowds just great food and drink to wind down!

Custo Barcelona S/S 09

Custo Barcelona S/S 09

Alright, so the last day is here and I will make an early arrival at Baby Phat to give you the rundown of all the famous faces- Stay awake!