Free Shipping: Steve Madden

For a limited time only, Steve Madden will be offering free shipping with any online purchase, no minimum purchase required. Many people choose not to shop online because of shipping costs, well now you don't have anything to worry about. 

Like everyone else that lives in South Florida, my shoe of choice is a sandal. Dressy or casual, Steve Madden is where I can get my sandal fix for the season. This year, a few sandals have caught my eye and the Barbyy Bright is one of them. Made completely from leather, this shoe is bound to be comfortable. It's priced at $75, but I don't mind paying that because I know leather made shoes will last a long time. (Shown left)

Of course, you can always go dressy with a heeled sandal such as the Trufle Lilac shown right. With a 4.5" heel and a 1.5" platform, this shoe is definitely stylish and definitely high. Priced a little bit higher at $89.95, this shoe will make a statement in a crowded room. 

FREE TORY BURCH IKAT PAREO

Exclusively at Neiman Marcus and neimanmarcus.com, is the Tory Burch Event. Purchase any regular priced by Tory Burch valued at $350 or more and received a free Ikat Pareo. And spending $350 isn't hard to do because all of her items are priced rouhgly between $295 and $450. 

Tory Burch Flats were a huge hit when they first came out. Because they still sell like hot cakes, she has come out with Snake-Embossed Reva Ballerina, priced at $235(shown right). 

Tory Burch clothes are also great for work. Conservative yet fashionable, her dresses appeal to many types of people. One of my favorites, in particular, is the Meryl Dress. Sleeveless, A-line skirt dress is made out of cotton and perfect for Spring and Summer. This dress is priced at $325 and shown left. 

Mother's Day Gifts

PHOTO CREDIT:WWW.1800FLOWERS.COM

With Mother's Day coming up a just around the corner, you should be listening very closely to what your mother is saying. Usually in conversation, my mom drops hints of what she wants. Your mom probably does the same without even knowing it. Paying close attention could lead to a very happy mother on a very special day. 

Most companies are offering free online shipping during Mother's Day such as Neimanmarucs.com. They also have a section of their website dedicated to Mother's Day Gift Ideas, if you really don't know what to get her.  

1800Flowers.com is offering 20% off a bouquet if you order it by April 30. They have special Mother's Day Bouquets starting at $19.99. 

To find more deals, google search Mother's Day and they will pop up. Happy Shopping!

Gilt.com

Recently I found this webiste, Gilt.com, where they offer 24 hour sales of the latest designer outfits for 50% off. Each day there is a new sale that goes up at 12pm noon and ends at midnight. It is free to join and be a member and you get e-mail updates of the latest sales. 

In this economy, it's always good to be fashionable and NEVER pay full price. Click here to see the rest of the April Calendar. If you like getting a good deal, and you don't mind shopping online, be sure to join gilt.com for the latest fashion at a discounted price. 

As always, I am skeptical if online sites deliver the service you would expect. And apparently this site does, I've spoken to many people who are members of gilt.com and they say it's quick shipping and no hassle payments. Definitely something to consider in rough times. 

Christian Louboutin: Pre-Fall Truck Show

Before I blink my eyes, I am already starting to look at Fall Fashion. We just started spring, but the designers are always two seasons ahead. This year for Christian Louboutin's Fall Collection, he presents a variety of pumps, slingbacks, booties, and sandals, which are must-haves. 

My favorite from the collection is the Hidden Platform Bootie(shown right). This

leopard print haircalf was Made in Italy, has a 5 1/2 inch heel and zips at the inner ankle. Of course, it has the Louboutin's signature red bottom. Fun, and so fashionable, there is no way to pass these up, unless your budget isn't cut for the $1,275 booties. 

One of the cheaper items in Louboutin's Fall Collection are the traditional black pumps, but these are called Platform Pumps, which cost $695. You can never go wrong with a pair of black Louboutin's. They are utterly classic and will never go out of style. 

SALE: Ralph Lauren Summer Arrivals

Wow. It's already time for Summer Fashion, and we just entered Spring. Ralph Lauren is having a sale on their Summer Collection. 30% off. All you have to do is enter in PROMO CODE :RLSP2009 when checking out online. You can also shop at Ralph Lauren stores. 

Summer Fashion is all about bright colors. For example, the dress(shown left) is Traci Silk Jersey Ruffle Dress for $998 in color Raspberry. Oranges, pinks, turquoises are the colors making up this years Summer Style. Ralph Lauren has a variety of colors, patterns, and accessories all with this same theme. Known for their preppy style, Ralph Lauren caters to those who prefer polos over tees, or dresses over skirts. 

The are different tiers of Ralph Lauren style. Black label, Collection, Blue Label, etc. My favorite items come from the Black label, although I only have a

budget for the Blue Label brands. The Blue Label is most famous for it's polos. The new Summer polo is shown right, known as the Big Pony Skinny Polo, $98.

So go crazy, shop away with the Promo code above, and get in Summer Fashion for a reasonable price. But keep in mind, the sale ends April 14.

SALE: Juicy Couture Terry Track Suits

Right now, Neiman Marcus is having a sale on Juicy Couture Terry Cloth Track Suits. Everything is 30% off and free shipping if you buy online. Everything from the Capri and Hoodie outfits to Shorts and Hoodie Outfits.

Normally, the Terry Capri Tracksuit(shown above in red) is $92 for the Jacket and $100 for the capris, but with 30% off the Jacket is $65 and the Capris are $70. This is a deal you can't pass up, especially going into Spring Fashion. The Juicy Velour is a key winter item and the Juicy Terry is definitely a key Spring Outfit. The three outfits above are available now at NeimanMarcus.com

Cafe Seville

Tucked away in a strip shopping plaza off East Oakland Park Boulevard, Cafe Seville sits unassumingly, and has for the past 22 years. From the outside, you would never know the experience you were about to have. As you enter the restaurant, you are greeted by the hostess, also known as the owners wife. But, make sure you have a reservation, especially on weekend nights where they are known to be "booked solid."

The atmosphere is comfortable, decorated with Spanish influence. As I perused the menu, everything looked so delicious. Since I am not familiar with Spanish wines, our server helped us choose one that was full-bodied without a tang. He was very helpful and his choice was perfect. Before ordering starters and entrees, a huge chalkboard was brought over to the table with the "Daily Specials." There were about 15 items more to choose from aside from the menu.

To start, we had Gambas as Aiillo and Portabello Mushrooms sauteed in a red wine sauce. For dinner, I enjoyed Gambas Pablo Picasso. The menu is extensive and will delight anyone's taste buds from duck, veal, steak, chicken, chorizo, as well as shrimp, scallops, and a number of other seafood plates. The wine list has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for a number of consecutive years.

Desserts are made in-house, with the exception of the Limoncello sorbet. I enjoyed the tres leches, a traditional Spanish dessert, which was terrific. Also, try the Spanish-style Tiramisu, a bit sweet but delightful.

During dinner, the owner Joey Esposito greeted us and made us feel welcome in his restaurant. Cafe Seville provided a level of exceptional service, delicious and unparalleled food, and an unforgettable experience. 

PHOTO CREDIT: WWW.CAFESEVILLE.COM

Eat Cheap in South Beach

Known for its upscale restaurants, hotels and nightclubs, South Beach is the last place in South Florida you would expect to go for a nice, inexpensive dinner (unless you were planning on grubbing at McDonald's, which is highly unlikely.) If you have ever tried to go to South Beach for dinner, you know what an ordeal it can be...pick a fancy restaurant, call a week ahead of time to make a reservation, and save up, because it'll cost you big.

Well, SunSentinel.com lists restaurants where you can eat for as little at $15 per person. Here are a few to check out.

1. 8 Oz. Burger Bar- Here the most expensive things on the menu cost only $10, which are the 8 oz burger, Cobb Salad & a classic Caesar with chicken. Until the end of March, diners can ask for a free 12-ounce beer with any burger, but servers are NOT allowed to mention it. Check it out at 1080 Alton Road. 305.397.8346

2. Front Porch Cafe- There aren't many places on Ocean Drive where you can get a cheap meal and relax. The Front Porch Cafe has been offering that since 1990. Breakfast is a big meal here. Offering a french toast ($9.45) that is made with challah that's dipped in egg batter and doused with Triple Sec and lemon zest. Another new item on the menu is chicken satay omelet for only $10.95. If you are in the area, be sure to check it out for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 1418 Ocean Drive. 305.531.8300

3. Pizza Rustica- With locations from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale, PIzza Rustica is a franchise which started in South Beach in 1996. Pizza adorned like pastries in a bakery, the selection is endless. From Classic Tomato Basil ($4.95/slice) to Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza($4.95/slice), you can't go wrong. Still hungry after lunch, try their Chocolate Pizza filled with a thin layer of Nutella(only available in a full pie for $14. 1447 Washington Ave., 863 Washington Ave., and 667 Lincoln Road. 305.674.82441447 

4. Rice House of Kabob- A Persian grill known for its Middle Eastern menu, this Miami eatery prides itself on "a delectable selection of fresh ingredients, warming atmosphere, and a well-trained staff." Start off with some Hummus for $3.95. There are Combo dishes started at $11.45, or you can satisfy your palette with the Veggie Delight for $5.95. 1318 Alton Road. 305.531.0332

PHOTO CREDIT: WWW.SUNSENTINEL.COM

It's Britney, Bitch!

PHOTO CREDIT: WWW.VIBE.COM

Comeback concert it was. The pop star, Britney Spears made her comeback debut in her home state of Louisiana on March 3. Her third apperance was on March 7, in my hometown Miami, Florida at the American Airlines Arena. And let me tell you, her concert was amazing. From the pyrotechnics to the choreography, everything went smoothly and was well-played out. 

Obvi, Britney lip-synced most of the show, but who would expect anything less if you've seen her before. She kept the crowd screaming for the whole 1hr 30 min she was on. Perez Hilton opened the show with a video played on the circle screen. The concert was themed "Circus" after her latest album. 

Britneyspears.com released the set list for the show, check it out below:

CIRCUS

Perez/Parade Intro

Circus(Funky Remix)

Piece of Me

Thunderstorm Segue

Radar

House of Fun (Anything Goes)

Martial Arts Segue

Ooh Ooh Baby/Hot as Ice

Boys

If U seek Amy

Me Against the Music (Bollywood)

FREAKSHOW/PEEPSHOW

Everybody's Lookin for Something Segue

Freakshow

Get Naked

Britney's Hotline

Breathe on Me/Touch of my Hand

Electric Circ

Break the Ice Segue

Do Something

Slave

Dancer Solo Segue/Heartbeat Segue

Toxic

Baby One More Time(Remix)

ENCORE

Womanizer(Extended Remix)

Circus Reprise: The Bow

EVENTS: Saks Fifth Avenue @ Boca Raton

The Chanel National Make Up Event will take place at Saks Fifth Avenue in Boca Raton on February 25 and 26. For more information, or to book your appointment with a certified Chanel make-up artist call 561.620.1397.

The La Mer National Make Up Event will take place February 26 at Sak's Fifth Avenue in Boca Raton. For more information, or to get your make-up done by a La Mer artist, call 561.620.1397.

Wouldn't it be great to be "Forever 21"

PHOTO CREDIT: www.forever21.com

So, I don't know if I've mentioned this before in my blog, but I AM a college student. And while I LOVE shopping as Saks, Bloomies, Neimans, etc., a college budget doesn't allow for that every shopping trip. Instead of not going shopping at all('cause how depressing would that be), I've turned to Forever 21 for my shopping fixes. I wasn't ALWAYS a fan of Forever, but recently, I've found some pretty cute outfits and some amazing deals. No matter what style you prefer(trendy, hippie, casual...), I'm betting you can find something at Forever with prices you can't beat anywhere. Tops, dresses, shoes, pants, accessories, you name it, they carry it. 

Forever 21 just came out with their 2009 Spring Swim Collection, starting at $12.80. On their website, they feature Daily Specials which, obviously, change every day.

Find any of the above styles on their website, with a whole bunch more. If you like them, each outfit is broken down and you can purchase all of the items to get the look yourself. 

Check out more and find a store near you at: www.forever21.com

Lacoste Short Sleeve Classic Polo-SALE

PHOTO CREDIT: WWW.FRESHNESSMAG.COM

Everyone loves sporting polos, especially name brand ones like Lacoste. Whether they are going to work or out for a nice dinner, the polo seems to fit every situation. Well, Lacoste Short Sleeve polos are my favorite, especially the 5 button ones. AND they are on sale. It's like buying them on Canal Street. 

One shirt, which is regularly priced at $79.50 is on sale for $38.99. It's almost as close as a BOGO. 

Mens, childrens, and accessories are also online at their website. A men's Classic Pique Short Sleeve Polo which is regularly priced at $79.50 is on sale for $58.99. A great gift for the hardworking man in your life...and he doesn't have to know you got a great deal. 

Baseball caps, socks, scarfs, gloves...you name it, it is on sale NOW. Not sure how long the sale will last though, better hurry up and stack up. 

Gladiator Sandals

Who thought Gladiator Sandals would still be in style months after they came out? Seriously, mid-summer 2008 the Gladiator Sandal debuted. We are in late-February 2009 and designers are still coming out with styles for Spring Fashion 2009.

 

Trendy and comfortable, fashionistas all around the world can be caught wearing Gladiator Sandals, especially with Spring around the corner. Sak's Fifth Avenue just came out with Rush Report: Ground Breaking Shoe Trends Spring 09...featuring the "updated" Gladiator Style. Designers from Chloe and Tory Burch to Bottega Veneta and Dior have all added their personal style to the traditional gladiator design. 

Giuseppe Zanotti, one of my FAVORITE shoe designers, designed the shoe(shown right). These "roman style" sandals are made in Italy with genuine leather and cost $750. 

David Yurman Jewelry

PHOTO CREDIT: WWW.DAVIDYURMAN.COM

With Valentine's Day just a few weeks away, I've been doing some research on some jewelry I would like. I've never been into "name brand" jewelry, until I got my first David Yurman bracelet a few years ago. Instantly I was hooked. Since then, I have collected a few statement pieces.

Recently, Yurman came out with a new Dog Tag necklace for men and woman. At the David Yurman Store in Bal Harbor Shops, on Saturday January 31, they are doing free engraving on these new necklaces. This pavé diamond dog tag with sterling silver logo and "925" inlay. The sterling silver necklace is held in a cable trim design. The diamond measure up to 1.15 total carat weight. This "dog tag" retails for $2,050.

Cold Weather Wear Pt. 2- UGGs

UGG's are another token item for the winter. Tall, short, even slipper styles have taken over the market for boots. Known for their sheepskin insides, UGGs are ultra comfortable and extremely fashionable. Recently, they just came out with metallic silver and gold UGGs and I HAD to have them. I purchased the gold ones that go with most of my clothes, but the silver were spectacular as well.

For the Spring, UGGs are featuring a Classic Crochet Boot(Shown to the left) in a variety of colors. These boots are so universial that you can wear them in the spring and they prevent your feet from sweating. "Sheepskin is naturally thermostatic thus keeping bare feet close to your natural body temperature regardless of the temperature outside," according to the UGG official website. I just might have to purchase a new pair and try that out. These new boots are selling for $140.
PHOTO CREDIT: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/

Cold Weather Wear Pt. 1-Juicy Couture

PHOTO CREDIT: WWW.JUICYCOUTURE.COM

So living in South Flordia, I never thought there'd be a day when I'd actually need to bundle up. Clearly, I was wrong. This past month, we have had our fair share of "cold" weather. While people from the North would think we are crazy, it never fails that at 69 degrees and below South Floridans dress head to toe in Winter Wonderland clothes.

My favorite Winter outfit is a fabulous Juicy Couture Velour Tracksuit and a pair of UGGs. This season Juicy has come out with a variety of bright fun colors. From hot pink to ocean blue, the options are endless. Some come dazzled with writing and others are just plain jane. I prefer the ones with pants pockets and nothing written on them. A Juicy Couture Velour Tracksuit costs about $186, depending on what style you get. On the website now, you can find the token Black Suit on sale for $149 dollars. And, during the season end sales, the suits are usually discounted 30-40%.

Christian Louboutin Mirrored Platform Pump

PHOTO CREDIT: www.neimanmarcus.com

Every girl needs a pair of Christian Louboutin's in their closet. Stylish, comfortable, and oh-so sexy. Known for their "red-bottom," Loubtouin's are classy and fashionable. Of course, that comes with a price. An average pair of Louboutin's are $795.00.

These new "Mirrored Platform Pump's" come in bright pink(shown above) and a dazzling Silver. This is part of their newest Spring shoe collection. Made with high shine calf leather in Italy, this peep toe shoe is a work of art. The heel is 4 7/10" high. All of that comes with a heafty price of $1,295.00. A lot to swing for a pair of shoes. Are they worth it? Possibly, depending your taste and the size of your wallet. Though they rarely go on sale, at the end of a season you can usually pick up a pair at a department store which carries them for about 30% off.

Christian Louboutin's are sold at major retail stores such as Neiman Marcus, Sak's Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman.

Wonders of the World

As I sit here and type this blog from my blackberry...I can't help but think about life before computers! Being without access to one for over a week has stressed me out beyond belief. Sad to say that I realize I am addicted to it, technology that is. Whether it is completing blogs for my Multimedia Journalism class, doing accounting quizzes, checking my e-mail, or doing work related stuff, I am obsessed(and,quite honest, have to be) with my laptop.

Since it went down the drain, I have had to do much research on ways to fix it and/or buy a new one. First, of course, I looked into fixing it. Everyone from the Geek Squad at Best Buy to the tech guy at Office Depot swore they could fix it. A few hundred dollars later and a week of my time without one, I am still computerless. The amount it cost me to have them "fix" it I could have spent on another computer...which I shall be purchasing in the near future.
My computer apparently was hacked and got a virus. What a strange but appropriate word for it. Since in the human body there really is no "cure" for a virus, the same goes with computers. My next purchase will be a Mac. I am done with PCs and the headaches they've caused me in the recent months.

I've learned that patience is a virtue which I have yet to put into practice. I've learned you can't worry about the small stuff...and most importantly, not to sweat the small stuff(even tho at the time it seems to be the BIGGEST!)

Dodge Challenger SRT-8

PHOTO CREDIT: http://autoreview.belproject.com/item/341

There is no mistaking the new Dodge Challenger SRT-8 for any other car on the road. Sleek, fashionable and ultra fast, Chrysler did an excellent job bringing back the "retro" look. Price tag? $47,000. And the first ones that sold, sold WAY, WAY OVER MSRP...one Dodge dealer in Davie, sold their first one fully loaded for $25,000 over sticker.

So, what exactly does this Challenger come with for that price? How about a 6.1 liter Hemi Engine with 425 horsepower at 6200 rpm! The factory Challenger is famed for its 0-60 time in the low 5 seconds, but the car weighs 4180lbs and those lbs could be the difference at the finish line.
The inside of the Challenger features leather seats trimmed with red stitching. The seats have a heating option available.

It is a very large coupe, also called a "big body hot rod." A very roomy back seat that comfortably seats two. Overall, the inside of the Challenger proves to be spacious as well as sporty.

Is the Dodge Challenger SRT-8 worth the price tag? If you are a sports car fanatic, YES. If not, there is always the base Challenger with a sticker of $27,000. You get the look and the feel, with less power. And, you get the drive the hottest car on the street.


2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 at Willow Springs Race

Bova Prime Grand Opening

PHOTO CREDIT: www.bovaprime.com

Bova Prime will host its official "Grand Opening" Tuesday, January 13, 2009. The event will begin at 8:45p.m. and will have live entertainment by The Honey Brothers, featuring Adrian Grenier of HBO's Entourage.

Upscale? You betcha! Pricey? That too. Classy? Of course. Welcome to Bova Prime--the newest addition to the Bova Group--located in the heart of downtown Ft. Lauderdale on Las Olas Boulevard. Manhattan flair meets South Beach chic at this trendy new South Florida hot spot. From a lively bar scene to a 5-star dinner, we'll see if this place has what it takes to be a hit. I mean, is there REALLY room for ANOTHER restaurant on Las Olas? In this exact spot, 3 others have failed. What makes this one any different?

The menu at Bova Prime features steaks, seafood, and of course, Italian favorites. Each item is titled in Italian with a full description in English. The wine list is extensive, featuring a fabulous Masi Amerone Costasera Classico (2005!). I prefer starting off the night with a nice Insalate for $12 and moving on to a personal favorite Filet Mignon and Lobster, which is $55, comparable to most restaurants on the Boulevard. The finishing touch to the meal is their delicious Creme Brulee.

The Bova Restaurant Group began in Boca Raton with Bova Ristorante located off Glades Road and Federal Boulevard. With Bova Ristorante a big hit, the owners decided a new location in Ft. Lauderdale would surely succeed as well. Only time will tell if this is so.

For more information, go to their website or call 954.767.6555

401 East Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale. 33301