Official Mac Owner's Club

Short editor's note: Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've been without a computer since last Wednesday. However, as of today, I'm an official member of the Mac Owner's Club. I really don't know if one exists, but I suddenly feel like a superstar with my sleek white laptop in my lap. Pretty soon, I'm going to start dressing like a Mac. Oh wait, no, that's just really not going to happen.

"Someday We'll Find It, A Rainbow Connection..."

As I cheerfully paid a mere $34.50 for these red jeans at Wet Seal (yeah, that’s right), I immediately had a flashback to my freshman year in high school. With a rainbow collection of jeans – red, orange, yellow, green, blue (duh) and purple – I was certainly unstoppable in my matching plaid button-downs. For another flashback, click here.

“Life is a rose; beware of the thorns”

Victoria Bratgerg's jewelry designs are delicate and demure, just like this scrumptious 18k gold lattice rose ring.

Nautical Dress = It's Still Summer

After the previous post, I must remind myself that it's still summer and this Voom nautical dress from Intuition is an option for the next few weeks (fingers crossed). Besides, we're not in school anymore, which means summer doesn't end until I say so.

Warm and Cozy Jewelry?

I'm so in love with Yarborough's handknit cashmere bangles and leather button rings that I'm willing to admit it's nearly fall...for just one minute.

No More Excuses

For the stragglers holding out getting your Glam tickets this year, I have two fabulous reasons to saddle up!

1. Rumor has it, this is the BEST Glam in over 15 years. Plus, the after party has a mechanical bull and Coyote Ugly dancers! Classy!


2. Chicago Mag’s Sales Check is hosting a contest to win a FREE Glam "look" for the night, perfect for the country/couture theme.

So, visit Chicagomag.com for event and contest details, strut your stuff tonight in your hottest cowboy gear and send your ‘fit submission to macysglamorama@yahoo.com!

Supporting Aviators Since 1937

Depending on who you ask, Ray-Ban's classic Aviators are either a stylish everyday accessory or the perfect "Top Gun" Halloween costume shades. Personally, I support both theories. Speaking of Ray-Ban and Tom Cruise, have you seen their viral video, Catch?

Baby Blues

Cute, huh? These Sam Edelman flats come in a bunch of fresh colors.

Take Note.

If only I lived by the statement on Kate Spade's stationary - "watch less, write more." I'm working on it. Promise.

Making the Most of Forever 21

Each and every time I walk into Forever 21, I gather a handful cheap/chic jewelry, announce the various ways each purchase will enhance my wardrobe and suddenly realize the checkout line is 20-deep. At that point, I walk out the door, promising to come back the next day to “beat the line.” Not this time. This time, I found my faves online and went the ecommerce route. Success at last!

Cutie Patootie Party Dress

Since I would look like a pregnant gift box in this Milly dress, someone needs to appease me and add it to their party dress collection. So cute!

Comfy and Classic Short Sale

With a tucked-in white tank and some hot espadrilles, these discounted Steven Alan shorts would be adorable during the dog days of summer. (You'd think I was on Steven's payroll with all the plugs...)

This one's really for the boys....

...and a special addition for my favorite "anonymous" commenter.

To be, or not to be Skinny? What’s the fate of skinny jeans this fall?

A good friend posed the question...and I must answer emphatically. Not only are skinny jeans hot this fall, in fact, my beloved stirrups are back, skinnier and hotter than ever. The best option I've seen to date comes from 7 for Mankind at Saks.

For the boys

Not gonna lie, I can't imagine ONE guy that wouldn't look hot/hotter in these Steven Alan shades.

Urban Dictionary is the bombdotcom

If you don’t know what “January Joiner,” “no name basis” or “ignoranus”mean, you must check out the user generated slang dictionary – Urban Dictionary. Not kidding, I truly believed I invented the term, “the bombdotcom,” until I discovered it’s not only on UD, but also rated poorly by visitors. "For shame."

Oh, Oscar!

These Oscar de la Renta dresses are the epitome of class and grace. If only I was a millionaire and could rationalize dropping $3k on a dress, as an "investment"...

Narciso and Stella

Like all classy girls I know, I spritzed myself with Narciso Rodriguez's fragrance in the Hugo’s Frog Bar bathroom Friday night. I must admit, it’s fierce and lovely at the same time, and a new "fave."

I also like the musky scent of “Stella” and my friend swears by the convenience and sleekness of her Night And Day Refillable Purse Spray.

Fall Bag Must-Have

The black-and-white zigzag pattern of this Be & D hobo make for my ideal Fall bag.

Friday Night Attire

This Antik Batik tunic top is perfect for a Friday night on the town, preferably at the NoMI Garden, an outdoor sanctuary in the middle of Chicago.

The Good Pandora

If you haven't checked out Pandora.com, you must. It's an online radio service that helps you discover new music through the Music Genome Project. Simply type in your favorite song or band and they will suggest songs with similar “melody, harmony, instrumentation, rhythm, vocals, lyrics.”
No matter if I type in the corniest of 80s bands or a latest release, 9 times out of 10, I have a new playlist I love within seconds. For Facebooker’s, Pandora just launched an application for your personal page.

Preppy Days of Summer

I fully admit I'm a "sucker" for seersucker, but you have to agree - these Ben Silver neckties are a perfect way for our preppy boy friends to hang on to the last days of summer.

Another Reason to Love Timbaland

Lollapalooza Revamped

I had a blast yesterday at Lollapalooza (until it poured down rain) and heard great bands – some long time faves, and some soon-to-be new faves. Among my favorites of the day were Stephen Marley, Regina Spektor and STS9.

I also had the honor of meeting Perry Farrell, Jane's Addiction frontman, one of the original founders of Lolla and responsible for bringing the revamped, "green" show to Chicago – for good.

Save Money: Give Yourself a Manicure

With Yves Saint Laurent Nail Touch, one coat will quickly, easily and cleanly solve your nail "wows," with just enough polish to cover each, and every nail.

Why Rosettes Never Die: A True Story

I finally figured out why I love this silk tank from Jenny Han. I totally designed my 8th grade graduation dress to be draped in similar rosettes, in the exact shade of ivory. Some things never change. Upon request, I'm happy to share humiliating photo proof from '94.

Better than Proactiv?

The snazzy packaging of this face wash completely fooled me. After “testing” it out at a friend’s house, I thought it was something only-to-be-found in a Barneys, etc. Turns out, it's Sonia Kashuk, for Target.

Mirror, mirror upon the wall, who is the fairest fair of all?

There’s something about the whole Disney Couture notion that’s intriguing and naughty to me. I’m sure it has something to do with childhood memories of watching Snow White, Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland on a continuous loop for months on end. Particularly, I love the Mirror, Mirror Pendent.

Weekend Pink

Thomas Pink has launched “Pink Casual” for men and women. A diversion from their stiff collars and double cuffs, these comfy button downs are double washed and don’t need to be ironed. As if!

The Next Great Scent

My dear (and oh so handsome) friend Jeff recently received the latest fragrance from Frederic Malle – Pierre Bourdon Bois d'Orage (aka Thunder Wood). I literally wanted to curl up next to him just so I could inhale the complex, exciting scent. Available in late September for $160 (100 ml.) at Barneys.

Please note: This is coming from the girl who still loves Cool Water and Jean Paul Gaultier, so if that’s not your “thing,” steer clear.