J. Crew Adding Concierge Service in Their Stores

Don't see what you want - just walk up to the "just ask desk."  It's a new concierge service  J. Crew  launched last month at its Rockefeller Center store in Manhattan. In these tough economic times smart reatailers are doing whatever it takes to entice customers.

At the desk you can make appointments with personal shoppers, arrange private shopping parties, pre-order items and even look at color swatches for bridesmaid dresses that are sold online.  J. Crew hopes to add this new service in at least 30 of their stores over the next year.  

If you happen to be a tourist who's not familiar with the city, the concierge desk is also available to give you directions, make restaurant reservations and even give recommendations for shows and special events taking place in that particular city.

What's next -  champagne and strawberries? 

Shades - Much More Than A Fashion Statement

Cheap sunglasses may cost you less, but are they just as likely to protect against the effects of harmful UV rays as expensive sunglasses?

There is no government regulations for the classification of sunglasses.  That means a manufacturer can misrepresent how much protection their sunglasses offer; and, unfortunately, consumers sometimes assume all sunglasses have protection if they are darker.

Dr. Stephen Trokel, an ophthalmologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, advises that we buy sunglasses from reputable companies to ensure that they block both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound sunglasses and those with large temples are a good idea for side protection.

Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement; their lenses block harmful UV rays that, in severe cases, can cause permanent damage to the eyes in the form of cataracts, pterygium and possibly retinal degeneration.

Here are two things you should be aware of:

•  If you have blue or green eyes, wear darker shades
•  If you wear contacts use sunglasses to keep them from drying out

So, go enjoy the summer sun but always remember to protect one of your most important assets - your eyes.

Sex And The City New York Premiere - The Four Real Cougars Are A Hit

From this picture taken at the New York premiere last night it looks like Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall have hugged and made up after Kim's early exit at the London premiere.

I can't wait to see it. Critics are saying the four female stars — not to mention Chris Noth as Mr. Big, David Eigenberg as Steve, and Evan Handler as Harry — are the most appealing ensemble of the year.”

Apparently, Kim Cattrall gets the best lines and the funniest predicaments. She’s allowed her — and Samantha’s — true age to be written into the script. Bravo! Kim and Samantha are the hottest 50-year-olds around. 

Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha — are doing fine since the last episode of the series. Charlotte’s married to Harry and they’ve adopted a little Chinese girl; Miranda is married to Steve, the father of her son, and living in Brooklyn; Samantha is bicoastal, managing the burgeoning career of Smith, her hot young lover; and Carrie is living with Mr. Big, who turns out to be named John James Preston.

All four of these women are Real Cougars and I want to thank them for personifying what I have been saying all along.  Real Cougars can be single or they can be married - it's not about the ring on your finger - it's all about attitude.  Being strong, independent, sexy and confident - those are the magic ingredients.

 

Modeling Over 40 - "Telling It Like It Is"

 "Telling It Like It Is" is something that comes naturally to me so, that's the name I chose for my new audio interview series.  "Telling It Like It Is" will feature a variety of top-notch professionals who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise to help women.

Providing this service for all the fabulous women who support what I am doing is something I'm really excited about.  Real Cougar Women are strong, confident, sexy and independent, yet never too busy to hear about wonderful new ways to add richness and joy to their daily lives.

The experts I have chosen for this audio collection are eager to share their wisdom.  They can't wait to give you information that will help optimize your  health, beauty, relationships, finances and spirit.

My first interview is with Judy Goss.  For over 20 years Judy has been at the heart of the high-energy, high-paced world of modeling and fashion.  Currently she is the bookings and casting editor with MORE Magazine and was instrumental in selecting the women for their highly acclaimed model search.

Because Judy was a high-fashion model herself she wanted to help other women avoid the pitfalls. In fact, that was the inspiration for her first book "Break Into Modeling For Under $20". In our interview Judy reveals how women over 40 can get into the modeling business and also gives you the agencies that have opened special divisions just for us.

And, as a bonus, Judy talks about her top three beauty secrets. As you can imagine, she has been asked to try hundreds of beauty and skin care products.  To listen, simply click on the arrow button below:

Steve & Barry's - Too Good To Be True?

When was the last time you saw something really new?  How about this. Steve & Barry’s, a clothing chain where everything costs less than $10. Steve & Barry’s is about stripping away the gloss and giving consumers something real. They say great clothing doesn't really have to cost that much. I say amen to that.

Steve & Barry's currently operate over 264 super-stores in 33 states.  To find one near you click here.  Their shoppers typically pay 50% to 90% less for the same quality clothing found at competing department and specialty stores. How do they do it it?  They strive to find cost saving solutions in every corner of their business, that allow them to charge incredibly low prices.

This year, Steve & Barry's presented  BITTEN™, a collection of high quality, affordable sportswear for women created by actress and fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker. BITTEN reflects Sarah Jessica’s personal sense of style and taste. By August, the collection will comprise nearly 500 apparel and accessory pieces, each priced at $19.98 or less and designed for all ages and sizes. As Sarah Jessica says, "Fashion is not a luxury, it’s a right."

Why not stop into Steve & Barry's on your next shopping trip?  Got nothing to lose and maybe a whole lot of money to save. 

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Victoria Secret Has Become Too Sexy For It's Own Good

Victoria's Secret, the company that brought us the Very Sexy bra, the Fantasy Bra, and the image that "skimpier is better" has become too sexy for its own good.

"We've so much gotten off our heritage ... too sexy, and we use the word sexy a lot and really have forgotten the ultra feminine," said Sharen Turney, Victoria's Secret's chief executive. "Now I feel strongly about us getting back to our heritage and really thinking in terms of ultra feminine." 

In my humble opinion, they got off track when they started chasing after the very young woman. Now they are paying the price.  The more mature patron knows there's a big difference between sexy and sleazy. The company lost a lot of their customers choosing to go down the wrong road.

Mariah Carey: Are You Kidding?

Come on girl, don't you think it's time to start looking in the mirror?  Are you so insecure that you have only surrounded yourself with  people that are terrified to tell you how ridiculous you look?  Well, Mariah in case you are locked in some kind of time warp - it's 2008, you're 38 years old and it's time to put your clothes on.

Finding her clad only in a bra and panties, prancing across my TV screens on New Year's Eve actually had me actually feeling sorry for her.  Mariah,what in the name of blazes are you trying to prove.  In case nobody has told you, falling out of your underwear doesn't make you sexy - only pathetic.

This isn't sour grapes - she just looks so silly.  Ms. Edna said it best in her blog. - - "Mariah Carey Rings in the New York In Whore Couture".  Nothing more to be said.

Bloomingdales Goes Boomer

Everyone is looking to ring the cash register on the Boomer Bonanza. The latest entry is Bloomingdales with the launch of their Quotation departments which are now in 20 of the chain's 39 stores. Rather than look like a coordinated private-label collection, Bloomingdale's wanted Quotation to look more like a boutique. Each department sells up to 30 independent designers like 525 America and Laurie B. Bloomingdale's.

The styles are intended to appeal to mature women as well as 20-year-olds. Straps on tank tops are slightly wider to cover bra straps. A number of the tops from Sweet Pea, a line in nylon mesh-print fabric, feature three-quarter length sleeves in sheer fabric. There are plenty of tunic sweaters as well as a corduroy knee-length jacket embroidered with colorful flowers.

So the next time you're looking for something that's hip, but still  age appropriate, check out Bloomies.