The Haute Topic

And the winner is...

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:03:02 -0400

Commenter #3 (from the bottom up)! Congrats natalieg on your $50 gift certificate to Covet. Thanks all the entrants.

Win a $50 gift certificate to Covet

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:54:24 -0400

Hey, remember this contest? I sort of do too! Just click the link and comment on that post to win $50 to Covet, a new loungey restaurant in Manhattan. And if it’s not your scene, it’d be a great regift!

Jezebel: DELETE

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:50:02 -0400

When Jezebel.com first launched, I was in love. It was as if my best friends formed a blog. Sex, celebrity, fashion and politics were discussed with equal bits of seriously and levity. There was a clear point of view, but it didn’t smack of pandering or incitement. Unfortunately, as the blog gained steam and hits, the quality seemed to directly dip. My visits have gradually slowed to a check every few days. I even continued to check it out after the whole Daily Show debacle, if for nothing else than to upset myself. Today was the last straw. In a post titled “What I Wear Is None of Your Business” some new guest blogger bemoans what at first glance seems to be a seriously reprehensible event:

Yesterday I was humiliated in a way I’m sure many girls have experienced. It was the first time I blushed so hard I could feel my cheeks burning. It was the first time I’ve ever been shamed for my sexuality.

Oh and what was this shattering humiliation? Being told her shorts may have been too short and upset a customer, at work. Yes, a manager had the gall to tell an employee, a high school senior, that she may want to reconsider her shorts, which the author admits just reached the bottoms of her thumbs. SOUND THE ALARMS. Good god, this is the best example I’ve heard that illustrates how “kids these days” are overly entitled.

The real winner today - Paul the octopus

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 17:20:01 -0400

Seven for seven, the only truly perfect record in the World Cup.

There are many moments where I dearly miss DC, but it is hard to...

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:28:47 -0400

There are many moments where I dearly miss DC, but it is hard to deny that New York is easily one of the greatest cities in the world. Case in point, the ability to score custom crafted summer cocktails at a speakeasy at 10:00 on a Wednesday night. If you live in the city and haven’t tried Death & Co., you’re missing out.

Win a $50 gift certificate to Covet!

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:22:00 -0400

It’s just raining giveaways over here lately! This time, I’m pleased to offer one lucky New Yorker a $50 gift certificate to Covet Restaurant and Lounge. The rules for this one are quite simple: just comment on this post via Disqus and I’ll randomly choose a winner in eight days (July 16, at 2:00).

If you’re not enticed by now, just tell me you can this PR description and not want a chance to take in this scene at a deep discount:

If you are seeking a bevy of young beauties and deep-pocketed bankers, Covet is the perfect after work destination for New Yorkers. The unique and eclectic atmosphere at this Midtown lounge makes it the place to be seen. Its prime location in New York’s business center is one of Covet’s biggest draws as well as the swanky ambiance, world-class DJs, plush couches and exotic drink specials.

Guests’ palettes will be stimulated with a menu of eclectic Asian-Mediterranean cuisine, featuring signature dishes such as Hamachi Duo, Lobster Brulee, and Wild Boar Tenderloin. Famed mixologist Orson Salicetti has created a menu of concoctions at Covet that incorporates sensual ingredients that embody the venue’s sophisticated elegance. Offering excess in a glass, Salicetti is shaking things up with the $160 cocktail: The Icarus - includes Louis XIII cognac, which retails for $1,600 a bottle – exclusively at Covet.

You’re sold now, right? I can vouch for the food and cocktails, as well as the swanky vibe. Do yourself a favor and enter! The gift certificate will be valid for 6 months and requires a reservation.

I began noticing Silly Bands on various people in New York City,...

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:00:55 -0400

I began noticing Silly Bands on various people in New York City, but it wasn’t until I visited my 11 year-old cousin in Virginia Beach that I truly understood the madness these cheap, plastic bracelets cause. This pile represents about a third of her collection. Local schools have banned them due to the disruptions caused by trading sessions and injuries from the bands cutting off circulation when dozens are worn at the same time.

Thanks TSA for taking the time to pull me aside, search my bag for a shoe, then re-scan the shoe. Are we worried about fashionistas and heel bombs now?

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:54:00 -0400

And the winner is...

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:13:18 -0400

Commenter #5 (from the bottom up), also known as NotBuying, chosen by the trusty random number generator:

Thanks to Shopbop and all the commenters! Hopefully I’ll be able to run more of these in the future.

Last chance to win a $100 Shopbop card!

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:30:00 -0400

A winner will be chosen at 4:00 this afternoon, so comment now (via Disqus and not just on Tumblr) for a chance to win!

Times Square may be my least favorite spot in New York - the...

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:00:00 -0400

Times Square may be my least favorite spot in New York - the slow moving hoards of gawking tourists fill me with a quiet rage and the glut of chain restaurants parading as New York eateries break my epicurean heart. Forever 21’s messy sales floors and propensity to attract 15 year olds makes me only brave the store when I’m on a serious “get in, get out” mission.

Color me shocked to find that the new mega Forever 21 in Times Square was not a tourist packed madhouse. Pursuing the store after dinner was, dare I say, pleasant? At least the most pleasant Forever 21 and/or Times Square shopping experience I’ve had to date. Each floor (there are four) has a pretty clearly defined theme and there’s actually space to move about between the racks. I was able to find clothes displayed on mannequins in the same general area in which they were shown - something I never encounter in the Soho or Union Square stores. Employees were posted throughout the store and actually seemed as though they had some general idea of what was going on.

Now, we’re not talking Bergdorfs levels of shopping pleasure, but if you’re in the market for something cheap and specific (I was there looking a denim shirt to complete my Canadian Tuxedo - Happy Canada Day, eh?) and God forbid find yourself in the Times Square area, you could do worse. As the store has just opened, I’m pretty sure it’ll devolve into a complete zoo, so if you must, go soon.

Covet's grand opening

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:18:00 -0400

I was at the grand opening of Covet tonight. An appearance by Ramona Singer of the Real Housewives of NYC was promised, I failed to catch a glimpse. On the up side, Covet has fabulous (strong) drinks and addictively tasty food. I lost count of the number of mozzarella, pesto and tomato skewers I downed. Also, the bite-sized cupcakes are heavenly. They pretty made up for the lack of TURTLE TIME.

Injuries from heels: 0, Injuries from flats: 2

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:32:23 -0400

Prior to this month, the only time I’ve ever been crippled by shoes involved an ill-fated trek to the Hill about five years ago in new flats that left me bleeding and limping for about a week. I wholeheartedly blame the shoes and have refused to wear flats since - save tennis shoes. After a too long break from running and the gym, I decided to join my local YMCA a few weeks ago. Naturally, I motivated myself with new workout tops, bras and shorts. Somehow, I was able to run a few miles per day within about a week (though I certainly won’t show up to the gym looking homeless, I am not of the “put on full makeup, read Cosmo and barely break a sweat” ilk). All seemed to be going well until one night I suddenly couldn’t bear to walk on my left foot, particularly the heel. Turns out that using years old, completely worn out running shoes isn’t the best for someone who overpronates.

After limping around for over a week, I finally gave in last night and shelled out almost $100 for new tennis shoes. Passing all the wedges and heels at DSW was quite painful. Though not as painful as the knife-like, stabbing pain that comes along with a running injury.

Come on, you know you want a free $100 Shopbop gift card

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:09:15 -0400

Just comment for a (very good) chance of winning!

Enter for a Chance to Win a $100 Shopbop Gift Card for Alexander Wang

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:47:00 -0400

The best things in life are free. Particularly free designer things. Thanks to the folks at Shopbop, you could $100 gift card just for taking a moment to comment.

Though Shopbop is filled with swoon-worthy items, their Alexander Wang dresses are some of my favorites. I’d be inclined to put the money toward the Sequin Goddess dress, but I’m easily distracted by shiny things. If you’re more, er, casually inclined, Wang is the master of slouchy, hipper than thou separates. And for the debt ridden, there’s always the Wang sale section!

To enter to win the Shopbop $100 gift card, to use on some Alexander Wang or anything else on the site, just comment on this post. If you’re not registered with Disqus, leave your email in the comment or send it to me via the “Ask” function. As always, the winner will be chosen at random. The contest ends on ~~June 28~~ July 1!

Just in case you’re wondering, I (unfortunately) am not receiving anything from Alexander Wang or Shopbop in exchange for this post. But, anyone from Alexander Wang, if you’re reading this, I’m more than happy to “review” any samples.

So, I guess this means I leave off my measurements as well?

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:57:00 -0400

So, I guess this means I leave off my measurements as well?

American Apparel, how do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:56:23 -0400

Another great scoop from my least favorite brand, courtesy of Gawker:

From: Katherine Johnson
Sent: Sun 3/28/2010 5:29 AM
To: [A long list of AA employees]
Subject: Grooming- Females

Hi everyone,

Please keep in mind that American Apparel is a retailer that celebrates natural beauty. We encourage employees to feel comfortable in their natural skin and natural state. This aesthetic is a part of the company image; as we do not photoshop our advertisements and our models appear in their natural state, it’s important that this image is cohesive in the stores.

a) Makeup is to be kept to a minimal- please take this very seriously. Liquid eyeliner, pencil eyeliner and eyeshadow are advised against; mascara must look very natural (ie. should not be clumpy or a color that does not compliment your skin and haircolor). Blush must not be overdone- should not have glitter or sparkles. Liquid foundation is prohibited (undereye concealer is understandable if it looks natural- ie. not clumpy or caked on, must match your skin tone). Please do not use a shiny gloss on your lips; any lipcolor must be subtle.
b) Eyebrows must not be overplucked. Full eyebrows are very much encouraged. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color.
c) We encourage long, healthy, natural hair, so please be advised of the following:
-Hair must be kept your natural color.
-Blow-drying hair excessively could cause heat damage, so this is advised against.
-“Bangs” or “fringe” are advised against. It is not part of the direction we’re moving in.
d) Jewelry must not be distracting. Please do not wear accessories with another brand’s logo on it- this includes watches. No gauges whatsoever. One earring per ear is encouraged. Earrings, necklaces, watches, bracelets, etc. must be simple and tasteful.

Still looking to pick up a gift for dad? You’re in luck!...

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:58:22 -0400

Still looking to pick up a gift for dad? You’re in luck! Gilt Groupe is offering this limited edition diamond and gold lighter at nearly 70% off. Hurry before it sells out.

Just returned from the DvF sample sale

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:41:24 -0400

Should have gone earlier in the week. Though prices have dropped, the selection is bargain basement. I roamed the space looking for the rest of the 0s for a while, only to realize that the handful of not-so-cute brown and black maxi dresses comprised the entire size 0 section. A glance at the rest of the size racks revealed little better. Supposedly they’re not restocking, so I’d only drop by tomorrow if you’re willing to take anything with a DvF label.

My love of doing dishes does not work with my love of unchipped nails

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:40:00 -0400

Life is so hard.