Diary of a Style Addict: fashion is expensive and addictive like cocaine

Channeling Samantha Jones

So as you can figure out from my previous post I got the internship in NY! I'm still on a trial basis so I have to show them what I'm made of. For my first day I worked on calling fashion magazine editors to see if they were interested in a client. Over the next couple of weeks I will be sending out samples, following up on emails and calls and seeing the fruits of my labor. This is not your typical internship where you are running for coffee and making copies all day. They actually have me working on projects from start to finish which is the best way to learn. Currently I have 3 and wills start the other ones later this week. The owner of the company is awesome and is just as interested in teaching me the ins and outs of the business as I am in learning them. Maybe I'll go on to become the stiletto stomping, Birkin bag wearing PR powerhouse and publicist ala Samantha Jones of Sex and the City!

I wore all black for my first day as I wasn't sure what the office dress code was and I was right on point. 2 out of the 4 other girls there wore it also. Apparently you can't go wrong with sleek and chic black and it is the unofficial work uniform of New York. I paired my new Target skirt with an H&M button down shirt that I've had forever (and also covers my arm tattoos). Im a busty gal and can never wear button up shirts without looking like I'm busting out of them like the Incredible Hulk so I layered an Express basis tank underneath. These are staples in my wardrobe and I have them in every color including several in black. Threw on some black tights and my Nine West Blin boots and I was good to go!

Living in Atlantic City I have an advantage commuting to New York even though I am 2 hours away. The casinos. I haven't gambled in years but yet they are my best friend. When you purchase a $35 round trip ticket at New York Port Authority bus station you receive cash back when you get to your casino destination in Atlantic City.  The 7PM bus goes to Bally's and they give you $21 cash back making my round trip cost a whopping $14. I also joined Greyhound Road Rewards which gives you coupons periodically and after 8 round trip tickets you get one free. AND I joine Student Advantage which gives you 15% off. I used that discount for my one way to NY and purchased the round trip before I left. All of these promos can't be used together but Ill find the right combination to give me the most bang for my buck. Now tell me I don't know how to work the system.

Kiss It or Diss It: Victoria Beckham's Gravity Defying Boots

Today's post is coming soooo late today because it was the first day of my internship! Everything went great and I'll post about it tomorrow. Now on to the topic at hand...Victoria wore these heelless, 21st century boots to Macy's in Herald Square in New York City. "Having a heel is really just psychological," said designer Antonia Beradi, who created the shoes. Um...yea...ok..for some reason I find that hard to believe..especially when I have found memories of nearly breaking my ankle learning to walk in my first pair of stilettos. Not to mention these thigh high PVC boots seem so out of place with the chic shift dress she is wearing. Do you think shoes without heels will be the next fashion trend? You know just because Vicky's wearing them fashion mavens everywhere will try to copy her look. If worn with the right outfit I think anyone can make these work...if they have the ankle strength to bear it!

Heineken Red Star Soul Concert in Philly

I almost forgot to post pics from the concert on Wednesday. It took place at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia. Musiq Soulchild and Estelle were performing.

Took a quick pic of my outfit before I left. Nine West Vannalee boots, Gasoline denim skirt, H&M butterfly tee, XOXO suede fringe jacket.

On our way in. Travis was there too but I don't know where he was at this moment!

Me and my partner in crime Lauren. She was my date for the night. lol.

Estelle grabbed some guy on stage and started grinding with him. The whole concert me and Lauren just kept thinking where can we get her dress! You can't see it in the photo but the top has crystals on it. Her music is amazing and if you don't have her CD "Shine" I suggest you pick it up.

And here's a pic of Musiq's fine ass!

Accidental Tarjay Mini Haul

My family celebrated my little brother's birthday today with a dinner at Rainforest Cafe. My gift to him was a Target gift card. My intentions were to go in, grab a birthday card and go straight to the register to purchase the gift card but some evil invisible force lured me to the clothes section. Target has really stepped their game up with some really cute staples and trendy pieces. They used to be the "safe" store along with Wal Mart that I could go in and zero in on only essentials like milk, bread and cereal. I managed to only grab 3 skirts on clearance for $6.48 and kept it moving. I made the mistake of walking past the shoe section and I must say I am impressed. And I'm hearing from Waitin Round to be a MIllionaire that they will be debuting yet another fabulous line featuring such drool worther items as studded booties and pumps. Oh Tarjay how I love thee....

I had some Ebay bucks to use and won this scarf which arrived today. Apparently this print is hot right now and if you look on Ebay you can find them in every color. Honestly I've seen guys rocking these scaves for years on the streets. I plan on wearing mine with my black leather jacket.

High of the Day: I'm so Gilty

Yesterday I recieved an invitation to The Gilt Group. What is the Gilt Group you ask? It's an exclusive members only shopping site. It features luxury brands selling at up to 70% off retail price. The goods are available for a few days (or until they are sold out). And it's not just clothing....they have accessories and home goods also. This week one featured brand is Rachel Roy. The prices are so great I almost went into convulsions. Next week they will show Oscar de la Renta, Habitual and Just Cavali. You must be invited by an existing member so if you would like to join simply leave a comment with your email address and I will grace you with an invitation.

Here are some selected dresses from the Rachel Roy boutique.....

Originally $840
Currently on Gilt for $198

Originally $1,817
Currently on Gilt for $498

Originally $1,438
Currently on Gilt for $398

Originally $1,728
Currently on Gilt for $398

Real Life Rehab: Prada Limited Edition Fairy Bag

I came across this beauty and instantly fell in love. Prada introduced it in its Spring 2009 collection and it is limited edition. This bag is so hot you can't touch it with a 10 foot pole. Word on the street is the Prada store has a waiting list months long and they only ship in 5 every 2 weeks. Its selling for $2,300 OR you can rent it from Bag Borrow or Steal for a mere $585 a month!

 
The original price tag of $2,300 is a little too rich for my blood but I think I've found a comparable designer inspired.

This bag from IGotYourBag.com is only $33.99. Better grab one while they're still available!

Today's Look: Tandoor and Spice Style

Today's look is brought to you primarily by H&M! Nine West Piaz boots, Old Navy skinny Diva jeans, H&M butterfly tee and H&M leather tote bag.I plan on wearing the same shirt in black to the Heineken Red Star concert tomorrow.

I ended up eating Indian food for dinner with my friends. We eat at this restaurant so much they might as well come and cook in my kitchen and serve me at home. They usually have Indian music videos or soap operas on while you dine. I have no idea what they are saying but they are way more dramatic then any telemundo Ive ever seen.  If you havn't tried Indian food you don't know what your missing.

Cherie's tandoori chicken looked so good I had to take a pic. I MUST try this next time.

Nastassia the fashion conscience photographer. Today I was the one with the camera!

Cherie who's ready to tong anyone who touches her tandoori chicken and who also works with me as you can see by her Heineken tee!

Travis the dancer and actor chowing down

Kiss It or Diss It: Rih Rih's Paris Shopping Spree

Rarely have I seen Rihanna in a questionable outfit. After all she was named "Best Dressed in 2008" by People magazine. She was spotted in this sweater while shopping in Paris on September 19th and frankly I'm a little frightened by it. If someone brought that thing near me I'd be rocking back and forth in a corner somewhere but somehow she managed to pull it off.  She deserves a pat on the back for even attempting to wear this piece let alone making it look good. Way to go Rih Rih! Now we all have the courage to pull out those tragic pieces from the bottom of the closet.

Finally these boots are made for walking!

It is officially fall and you know what that means......it's boot season! I have been itching to wear my new boots and now I can without looking like my feet are overheating in the 110 degree weather. Below is a question asked by one of my fabulous readers about her fall boots.

"Hey maybe you can answer this. Is there an easy way to get the tall boots off and on that do not have a zipper. I really love the ones I got but they are so hard to put on."

If you're boots are made of stiff leather they will usually have a zipper or goring (stretchy elastic panel). Boots without goring or zippers are usually made of soft leather, fabric or suede and if they are a snug fit you'll have to ease them on like socks or hosiery. Scrunch the shaft down to the bottom of the shoe as far as you can and slip your foot in. Some have tabs that you can use to pull them up with. Just make sure your hands are beauty product free so you can get a good grip. You can use a rubber band to hold down your jeans or pants if you are also trying to tuck them in. But God forbid don't cut off your circulation....we're all willing to lose a limb for fashion but not unnecessarily! 

Solange Knowles' Politically Correct Style

Bey's baby sis Solange is generally a fashion disaster (hello purple feather jacket?) but she is finally on point with this look. And she gets extra points for the Obama tee. Let's hope she keeps up the momentum!

1. Obama Hope Tee Shirt by Skreened $19.99  2. Cropped jacket at Bluefly.com $174.99  3. Tortoise frame sunglasses by Luxury Divas $10.99  4.Express Patent Leather leggings $49.50  5.Steve Madden Singe $49.99