Girls Day & Night Out: Sex and The City Tour + Sex and The City 2 Movie

The Number 2. It represents Sex and the City part 2. It's also 2 people in love - every one of our leading ladies found their other halves in this sequel (with the exception of Samantha of course...1 is never enough for her . 2 - Me & my friend Amy went on the Sex and the City Tour in NYC together...compliments of generous people at Screentours. 2 is also the number of times I watched the SATC2 movie. Most importantly, 2 is the number of SATC characters that exist inside of me - Carrie & Charlotte. Are you a Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte or Samantha?

The tour was very fun & well worth it if you are a Sex and the City fan! The itinerary was great...but the best part was that I got to meet and take a photo with one of the cast of Sex and the City - Steve!!! Yes, you heard it right! Miranda's husband Steve (played by David Eigenberg). Pure coincidence or Deliberate publicity stunt? Who cares. I got to meet a celebrity anyway. Wanna see proof? Scroll down...

Miranda & Steve Sex and the City

Me & Steve outside Buddakan NYC (Why does he have to close his eyes when the camera clicked???)

Me & Amy chilling out @ Buddakan bar

So what did I think of the SATC2 movie after I met one of the cast? It was absolutely entertaining...whether you are a fan like me or not...and you don't have to watch it twice like I did.

My Photo Shoot for the Ann Taylor "The New Ann" Campaign

Ann Taylor, a brand I knew since I was a teen. My Mom and Aunts were patrons of this businessy women's clothing brand. Did you know that the brand Ann Taylor was derived because "Ann" represented a very New England name, and "Taylor" evoked the image of tailored clothing. When I graduated from college, I got myself three suits for interviewing. One of them was from Ann Taylor that I paid $300 for it. I must say it was worth every cent because it was well-tailored and survived many of my business travels. To me, Ann Taylor was where I shopped when I needed a good suit or a nice pair of slacks.

Not until recently during New York Fashion Week, I was approached by an Ann Taylor personnel to do a photo shoot makeover for their new image campaign "The New Ann". The location for the shoot was Union Square where hundreds of passer-bys watched as I posed for the camera.

Picking out outfits for Me

I was quick taken aback when I saw the pieces that Ann Taylor Style Director Kristin Rawson was picking out for me to model. Many of the pieces didn't look like they were from the Ann Taylor that I once knew. Quite honestly, I think some pieces can pass off as Elie Tahari (which I did mention during my interview at the photo shoot).

Ann Taylor Style Director Kristin & Me

After a pleasant surprise from Ann Taylor, I decided to check out their Fall/Winter 2009 Collection, and my oh my, what did I find? Fabulous luxe pieces for under $50! These are just two of my favorites, but they should give you a good idea of The New Ann.

Anna Sui for Target Pop-Up Store

I have always been very on the ball when it comes to Target's Go International or Design Collaborations, but this time I didn't get the chance to check it out till Saturday September 19th...almost 6 days after the collection hit all Target stores. My reviews on this collection is coming in the next couple of days, please be patient because I want to do a good review like the previous one I did for Tracy Feith for Target, which Target loved and retweeted my tweet on Twitter!

I was planning to stop by the Anna Sui for Target Pop-Up Store (which was a private SoHo townhouse) on Crosby Street on Fashion Night Out, but never made it to SoHo from Fifth Avenue. I didn't make it there myself, but that doesn't mean I can't blog about the bohemian-chicness and ultra-coolness of this purple and black color themed pop-up store. Check this out!

Custom wallpaper, ornate chandeliers, antique mirrors

This is so Mod!

Newspaper wallpaper - cheap & chic!

Did you know that our favorite Gossip Girl cast members were also at the Anna Sui for Target Pop-Up Store to check out the collection that was inspired by their own Gossip Girl characters?

NYFW: Style360's Pink Dress Collection Runway Show (Clarisonic, Susan G Komen For the Cure of Breast Cancer)

My favorite Sexy Mama - Brooke Burke

The Style360 Pink Dress Collection Runway Show may not be the most celebrity-studded NYFW event, but it was the one that I had the most one-on-one contact with celebrities and models. Just look above here. Know who this is? She is none other than the gorgeous Celebrity Mom of 4 kids Brooke Burke! The Pink Dress Show was also a meaningful event that benefits the Susan G. Komen For the Cure. Celebrities, press (like myself), socialites and breast cancer survivors all congregated for this pink runway extravaganza! Sponsor Clarisonic also had a limited edition Pink brush for sale where 50% of the proceeds went to Susan Komen For the Cure.

I took my seat 2nd row and the show began with my favorite Whitney Houston song "I'm every woman". The models cat-walked their way onto the runway with gorgeous outfits donated by some of my favorite designers like Nanette Lepore, Juicy Couture, Tadashi, Luca Luca, Nicole Miller, and Betsey Johnson. Amongst the Ford models were some familiar faces like celebrity blogger Perez Hilton and of course Brooke Burke. I was as excited to see the gorgeous dresses as I was to see Brooke Burke on the runway. There were a total of 29 outfits, and these were my top 3 favorites.

After the show, I had a chance to hang out in the VIP area with the celebrities and models, and enjoyed the free mojitos at the open mini bar. I also hung out with Michelle Burford who writes for AOL Health and "O" The Oprah Magazine. Michelle told Patty who is from the Ford Models Management that I am a Recessionista, and Patty said to me "Oh, my jacket is vintage Chanel!" We all giggled. Patty, I love your red Chanel tweed jacket!

Ford Models posing for Elle Magazine Photographers

Me, Carmen Dell'Orifice (70 Yr Old Ford model), Michelle

Patty VP of Ford Models, Michelle, Me

Besides all the fabulous people I met inside the Metropolitan Pavilion, I also met soap opera star Chrishell Stause who plays Amanda Dillon in ABC's All My Children. I loved her dress! It was so cute! I was chatting so excitedly with her that I forgot to ask her where she got her dress from. Chrishell, if you are reading this, please tell me where you got that gorgeous dress from, please?

Pardon Pink Smiley Face on ME due to my closed eyes (bummer!)

Finally, I want to thank this sweet-looking lady Kate - the unsung hero of PR / Events who invited me to this event.

Me & Kate with Dr. Robb
(inventor of Clarisonic facial brush)
peeking from the back

Start of New York Fashion Week NYFW: Fashion Night Out

So the fabulous NYFW started with Vogue's Fashion Night Out last Thursday. Since this was Anna Wintour - my fashion idol's idea (plea?), I definitely had to be a part of it. My original plan was to stop by Bergdoff Goodman early to see Victoria Beckham in person then stroll along Fifth Avenue to see what else is up that evening. Well, that evening did not go as planned. I got to Fifth Avenue at 7.30pm and met up with friend Sabina.

By the time we got to Bergdoff, the line to get in was freaking long and so we didn't have the patience to wait 45 minutes to an hour even though we also heard that the Olsen Twins were in there mixing cocktails. Of course, we didn't leave empty handed. For a price of $0, we got a photo of Bergdoff's beautiful store display.

Bergdoff Goodman Store Display

So since the high end is way packed and way out of our budget anyways, we decided to check out Juicy Couture. Juicy Couture never fails to impress. It really felt like I was in a freak show or some circus carnival. The one thing that really stuck was this guy with silver glittery makeup; dressed in a corset and super tall platform heels. Just so you know, he had 5 inch heels in case you think that Sabina and I are midgets.

Moulin Rouge, Mademoiselle?

Yes, that was a guy & he was almost 7 ft with heels

The highlight of the entire Fashion Night Out evening were these beautiful mannequins at Versace. Well, look at them, do you think they are mannequins or real women?

We stood there for about 10 minutes and watched them till they moved. I must say that the gorgeous lady in green didn't move a bit in 10 minutes. The lady in pink moved and blinked after 3 minutes.

So in the end, Sabina and I had lots of fun but we didn't buy anything on Fashion Night Out. I wanted to get the T-Shirt but my size was sold out. At least I tried. The next day I was back on Fifth Avenue again with another group of friends, and this time I did buy a dress from Urban Outfitters. So at the end of the day, I did contribute to the fashion industry.

I Am Recessionista's First New York Fashion Week NYFW

Ironically, my first year at New York Fashion Week is when I have converted from a full-fledged Fashionista to a down-to-earth Recessionista. I have always been the fashion consumer who sees the collections in magazines and fashion blogs and then in stores when the new season arrives. This year I get a glimpse to see some of the "up-and-coming" designers and the "what's going to be hot Spring 2010" first hand. So, I won't complain, though I wish I had much more discretionary income to spend during this time of economic downturn.

There has been lots of talk in my social circle about the recession and how most consumers (with the exception of the rich and famous) won't throw $3000 on a piece of Spring 2010 clothing item, and I have to agree that most consumers (including myself) are much more cautious with spending. In any case, despite the uncertain speculations and concerns in decrease in consumer spending, fashion designers still put on their best smiles and great collections during this semi-annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. And did I mention Vogue's Fashion Night Out last Thursday, in which shops in Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs stayed open late, was an effort to increase sales for the fashion industry. Some frugal beings may view Fashion Night Out as an attempt to induce consumerism and shopaholism.

In the next couple days, I will be posting photos of NYFW events I attended as well as some of the events I didn't attend but some of my lucky friends in the fashion business did. By the way, I was truly entertained by the shows up close and personal in 2nd and 3rd row.

Fashion's Night Out 2009 New York City

So what is Fashion's Night Out you might ask. It's a late-night shopping event that takes place from 6 P.M. until 11 P.M on September 10th where 700 fashion retailers across the five boroughs keep their doors open enticing Fashionistas to come into their stores and spend some serious money with their creative customer experience concepts. Open to public, no tickets required.

Did You Know?

* Fashion is one of the largest industries in New York City

* Fashion industry hires 175,000 people in New York City

* Fashion industry in New York City generates $10 Billion total wages

* Consumer shopping contributes to the wages of these 175,000 people

I am certainly not one of the 175,000 people who receives a paycheck from that $10 Billion amount, but I am definitely one of the people who contributed to the fashion industry in terms of hard-earned dollars.

My spending limit now may be way lesser than last year and the prior years, but that won't stop me from hanging out with cool friends and designers and models and maybe even celebrities at one of the hottest fashion events in the city that doesn't require special passes or provide VIP velvet rope treatment. Window shopping doesn't cost me anything, but if I do see something I really really really (notice that I said it 3 times, because that is how many times I will consider before getting the item) like, then I might get it. I am definitely going to try and get the T-shirt though. I'm kinda late in the game now as many of the places I checked have sold out in my size - XS. So I am now in search of that T-shirt in my size. Check out these retailers who sell this Fashion's Night Out Tee.

Most importantly, if you are like me who has lots of clothing that you don't wear anymore, give it to charity. There is a clothing drive in conjunction with this event. Participating retailers have bins that you can drop off pieces of unworn or gently worn clothing. Click here for more details.

See you there! Maybe I will get to meet some of you for the first time!

New Nordstrom Rack Store at Union Square in Manhattan?

If the reports are accurate, there will be a new Nordstrom Rack store opening soon in one of Manhattan's hippest neighborhoods Union Square. The new Nordstrom Rack store will take the place of where the Virgin Records store used to be. Hey hey hey! Guess who are their friendly neighbors? Who else but Forever 21 and DSW shoes. Shopping in Union Square is going to be a lot crazier (but good crazy) with bargain shopping stores everywhere?

I had mentioned in a previous blog entry that I love shopping at discount stores. Well, Nordstrom Rack is one of them. The other ones I shop at include lower to middle-end discount stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Daffy's, Loehmann's, Century 21 and higher-end discount stores like Off Saks Fifth Avenue, Last Call Neiman Marcus, and of course Barney's Outlet. Okay so now the secret is out, there you go, all the best places to shop to find that $19.90 Polo Ralph Lauren Pique Polo, $99.99 Marc Jacobs Dress, $250 Manolo Blaniks, and $400 Prada Gown.

Nordstrom Rack is my favorite place to go for shoes. It has one of the best selections of shoes and when they have sales (OMG!), discounts can be as good as 30%, 50%, 70% off the outlet price. For my international readers who haven't been to a Nordstrom store, this is their website: www.nordstrom.com and Nordstrom Rack is their outlet where past season merchandise that don't sell at their department store gets transferred there. Definitely visit the discount stores I mentioned, you won't be disappointed.

Matthew Williamson for H&M Summer ‘09 Collection

I know this post might come a little late because Matthew Williamson's Summer collection has already hit about 1600 H&M stores worldwide on May 15th, and are probably sold out in stores by now. Just as my girlies and I expected from Matthew Williamson, his summer collection for H&M is even better than his spring collection that was limited edition. where people were waiting in long lines to get into the store, and then to fight over a piece of garment. See my previous entry to see the video of that catfight. I know! :)

If you didn't get anything from this collection, this is your chance. My girlies and I divided what we managed to get from our MW for H&M shopping haul, and these are some extras we got. All Brand New With Tags. Email me at IAmRecessionista@gmail.com for more information on photos of actual items, prices and sizing measurements. Items will be shipped from the US. One piece each available, don't regret it if you didn't act fast. Most of Matthew Williamson's collection comes with 4-figure price tags. So, this is your chance to get it for much less.

Item 1: Parrot Print Floral Dress

Item 2: Swirl Print Kaftan Tunic

Item 3: Swirl Print Sunglasses

Item 4: Parrot Print Kaftan Top

Mother's Day: Henri Bendel Yummy Cupcakes Anyone?

I was shopping at Henri Bendel Fifth Avenue this past weekend, thinking what to get my Mom for Mother's Day. She lives many many miles away from where I live so I might not get to see her this weekend. Only if she lives where I live, then I can get her these delicious cupcakes topped with rich and fanciful floral buttercream frosting.

4 delicious flavors to choose from for you gals who have a Henri Bendels where you and your Mom live. Devil’s food with chocolate mousse, red velvet with sweetened cream cheese, vanilla with vanilla cream and carrot with sweetened cream cheese. Yummy!

$22 Cupcake Set

Mayhem @ Matthew Williamson for H&M Spring ‘09 in NYC

If you haven't heard, there was mayhem at the H&M's NYC 5th Avenue store last Thursday. I had my eye on the brown leather jacket and long maxi dress ensemble from Matthew Williamson's limited edition collection for H&M, but I wasn't anxious enough wait in line for hours just so I can lay my hands on his collection. My girlies and I decided to wait till May 15th because we believe that a talented designer like Matthew Williamson will be able to churn out some fabulous pieces for his H&M summer collection. By the way, this summer collection includes mens too!

Check out the video below anyways. This was the scene when they opened their doors at 9am on Thursday morning. My friend who works at Saks across the street said the line looks like it was as long as the line outside Topshop early this month. What's hilarious about the video is that you could see women fighting over a piece of clothing unaware that they were caught on camera. The catfight part was about 17 seconds into the video till the end.

Topshop Opens Today in NYC!

It is now past 12.00 Midnight April 2nd - also the official opening day of Topshop in NYC!

The long and anticipated opening of UK retailer Topshop is finally here. Topshop's first US store will finally open its doors in SoHo Manhattan today! The four-floor store is still huge although it is much smaller than the Oxford Circus flagship store in London. Starting from the basement is Top Man then as you ride up the escalators to Topshop heaven, you will see Union Jack flags all around. I figured that Topshop decided to place their mens collections at the basement because unlike gals, most guys like to get in and get out of the store when they shop.

I have been a Topshop customer for almost a decade now and I am so glad that the Brits finally decided to expand to USofA. I have been to Topshop stores in other parts of the world and I am excited that we now have one in NYC - my favorite fashion capital of the world.

In the Kate Moss collection, these two items are my personal favorites. Unfortunately they are currently sold out on their website. Hopefully my friend C will be able to get them for me when the store opens today in NYC. It will be a challenge to get in; not to mention the line at the cashier. It is truly an irony how a foreign brand who has never ever thought of expanding to USofA all these years can decide to do it during this economic crisis; and yet can be coveted by fellow Americans till their items can be sold out on the website before they even hit the stores.

Angel Wing Jacket $250

Vintage Rose Dress $125

I also love this pair of shoes from Topshop's The Boutique Collection. It is so Christian Louboutin like but a fraction of the price. It is also super versatile and can go with a gazillion outfits including these Kate Moss outfits if my friend C manages to get them for me.

Topshop Pyramid High Sandal Boot $190

Christian Louboutin 123 Double Platform Sandal $1,495

Update on April 4th 2009

My friend C got there at around 10am thinking that she might get into the store when it opens at 11am and get out before noon, she was wrong. She finally gave up waiting for what it seemed like over an hour because she had to go for her appointment. She said the line was so long that it wrapped around Broome and Broadway. The first person in line was there since 6am that morning! I am going to try to visit the store myself soon when I am in town.; and when the hype has quietened down some so I don't have to squeeze with a bunch of strangers. I used to visit New York every month and sometimes every other month and wait in line for sample sales. Now, I just don't have the time to go as often due to my work schedule.

These are some photos of the new Topshop store and the still very skinny Kate Moss and Sir Phillip Green, proprietor of Topshop:

Kate! You look so glam but are you sucking on your thumb?

Bright colors adorn the entire store

No funny imaginations please, it's just a kind gesture helping a friend remove a SHOE!