Virutal Shop Summer Sales 2005

I have so many suggestions and ideas I'm going to have to keep my message brief. Basically, sales are great oppurtunities to a)stock up on basic items, b)indulge in that slightly cheaper pricy item that you have been eyeing for ages. Warning: Do NOT buy anything that looks obviously made for only this season. I know it's tempting to buy that beautiful S/S05 *insert item*, but unless you have a special occasion to wear it to, or that you live in a country where there is a long summer, then don't buy it. It is not worth buying something that you would only wear it once or twice with no special reason. Here some suggestions:

Simple tops like the ones above are great for daily/ casual wear. The red one would be great for this fall and the yellow tie tank can always be worn in summer, no matter what the trend is. (L) Free People longsleeve gathered keyhole $19.99. (R) Lux smocked tie tank, $9.99. Both from Urban Outfitters.

(L) The lookout jacket by Anthropologie,$109.95, would be perfect for the coming fall. Put a belt around the waist to maximise the effect. (R) An office or professional lady's must-buy item. Cropped pants by Calvin Klein,$109.00.

With black being the 'it' color next season, everyone must stock up on black pants. The details on the waist line of these gelateria pants is a great bonus. Brown pants are also very versatile and classical, so why not add a pair to your closet? (L) Gelateria pants by Anthropologie, $49.95. (R) Kalahari trousers by Anthropologie, $49.95.

Almost everyone in The OC has worn a Juicy blazer in Season 2 at some point. Juicy blazers are great as they can be worn as casual or semi-formal. Stripped twill blazer by Juicy Couture at Saks or any Juicy selling department stores, $125.90.

All girls must always have a pair of silver dangly earrings in her jewelry box as they are so versatile and matches so many outfits. Rumour has it that pearls are back again next season, so you may want to prepare while prices are lower. (L) Feather drop dangles from Urban Outfitters, $6.99. (R) Globes of mercury necklace by Anthropologie, $144.95.

This super lovely and fantasic handbag is great for all occasions and will still be considered fashionable for next season. Leather shoulder bag by Miu Miu at Saks or any Miu Miu boutiques, $356.90.

A great sort of classical shoes, and most importantly, they will be good for next season's black and shoe design. Knot heels by Seychelles at Urban Outfitters, $29.99.

Another great classical looking shoe. Doesn't it look sort of regal too? And fashionable for next season. I cannot emphasis how beautiful these shoes are. So if you must buy them, buy them now! Satin beaded bow slides by Prada at Saks or any Prada boutiques, $345.90.

Summer 2005 Sales Officially Begin

The day I have been waiting for ever since the season has started, that's right -the official first day of the Spring/Summer 05 sales is FINALLY here! Yes, that's TODAY! A few desperate shops would have been on sale before today, but this week is when most shops go on sale. Here's the scoop (mostly UK):

Harrods: Today -opens from 9am-9pm. Go crazy UK people! Harrods usually pays a celeb to do a mini open ceremony in the morning. Last season sale in Dec, it was Christina Aguilera. Wonder who it will be this year.

Selfridges: Wed. -oh gosh, no matter how much I dread crowds -and what a scary crowd of crazy shoppers Selfriges would be packed with that day -I still MUST haul myself there. A little tip for you: there's an "Extra 10% coupon" which you can print off from the Selfridges website, and can be used on 23rd(Thur) -26th June. Now the big question is this: Should I wait an extra sale day to get that item I have been eyeing for, for the benefit of an extra 10% but with the danger of it being bought off on Wed? What a brilliant but cruel sales tactic Selfridges employs.

High Street Shops in general: Right, to be honest, I haven't been bothered to find this out. Because shopping high street on a normal day (Oxford Circus) is sort of a bad enough thought as it is with the unbelievable number of people around. Shopping on a sale day is just not thinkable for me. Nothing on high street is worth the possiblity of getting stampeeded. Hm, well on another thought, I might have a look around for the jewelry in Top Shop, only because it is on the top floor and I don't feel too trapped there.

US High end: Don't really know when. Last heard, Bloomies was on private sale. And since the Neiman Marcus site just had its first small wave of sale last week, the wonderful expensive shops should go on sale this week or the next. So hold onto your credit cards for a bit longer!

US High Street: Think most of them have been on sale for a few weeks already (how desperate of them). Such as Urban Outfitters, A&F, American Eagle Outfitters, Gap...... The list is endless so get out there yourself and prepare yourself to look fashionable for this summer.

Shopping sales is not an easy task as there are always lots of confliction and things to consider. Come back tomorrow for advice on what to buy and some recommendations. I'm off now, (for work and shopping, what else?)

Barneys Girl's impression of LA Take 2

So as it turns out, first impressions are not always the correct impression. The next day, after a sumptuous breakfast, we took a little tour of our hotel.

Ah, the Beverly Hilton. Its really a lovely hotel, newly renovated and very spacious and the service of course, was excellent. They even have a free limousine service that u can reserve to take you to any destination. How cool is that? While we were there, we witnessed many an important events held at the International ballroom there, completed with beautiful dresses, gorgeous cars and even the paparazzi! And no wonder really, for this IS where the Golden Globes are held every year. So naturally I couldn't resist, and managed to sneak into the International ballroom in between events, and took a picture! :D Yes, right there in the room where the above picture was taken-well except with less people and all. . . . but anywho, that was really cool.

Another very cool thing included us driving pass the Director's Guild and seeing actors/actresses from Desperate Housewives going into some event. Again there were paparazzi, screaming fans, red carpet just like u see on tv! Incidently, it took me a while to recognize Felicity Huffman. For a while she looked like a passerby, since she was dressed so normally and boringly. Sorry, was passing by too quickly to take a pic!

The other very exciting star spotting was when we drove pass Hollywood and the Honeymooner's premier. It was awesome. Just like the movies. With fans on one side of the road, except i was even closer because we were on the road and they were right next to me literally! I took this pic myself! (although I don't know who the casts were)

I am also very impressed with the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, where Pretty Woman was filmed. I loved the elegant, old England decoration, and the superior service. We had tea there and it was absolutely delicious! The atmosphere was fabulous too, with real live person playing the piano, excellent service and did I mention the decoration? Not to mention that right outside the hotel is. . .

Rodeo Drive! Oh wow, populated with all the brands I can ever imagine, it was just heaven! Everything was most impressively displayed, and oh my, Ralph Lauren had a FORREST of an entrance!! Not that I can afford to shop there, but its definitely an experience!

Sigh. . . I LOVE LA. I must sound soo starstruck to you all who live in LA!! But its my first time there!!!!