Re-Tales: confessions of a shopaholic

High Notes

imageWhen it comes to perfume, I must admit, I’ve never been much of a fan. You see, every time I’ve spritzed on a designer fragrance, be it Chanel Number 5 (too floral-y), Issey Miyake (too fruity) or Norell (smells like my grandmother), the following allergic reaction immediately ensues: incessant sneezing, itchy eyes, a scratchy throat and abnormal breathing. Ok, I clearly can’t cope with the artificial ingredients packed in traditional perfumes, so I’ve found the next best alternative, Rich Hippie – a luxe, organic fragrance line made without harmful, convulsion-inducing chemicals.

An intoxicating lineup of 22 synthetic-free scents, Rich Hippie is safe for the environment and your health. Formulated using old-world French perfume manufacturing techniques, Rich Hippie is derived from natural California grapes rather than harmful, man-made petroleum alcohol found in conventional (and cheaper) brands. It’s also completely devoid of nasty pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and growth hormones that are known to cause cancer (yikes!).

Made from the finest exotic ingredients from around the globe, Rich Hippie, when applied to your pulse points, is guaranteed to bring out your inner flower child. Rich Hippie perfume is so fresh and light, it won’t overwhelm anyone within close quarters such as elevators or cramped fitness studios. Choose from a slew of peace-inducing scents including Woodstock (a spiritual blend of sandalwood, Ylang Ylang and frankincense), Rich Hippie (my personal fave), Bohemian Wedding (earthy floral notes of patchouli and citrus), Hoochie Coochie (a sweet ‘n sexy romantic floral), Marrakech (wild and hypnotic balsam, cedarwood and North African rose) and Psychedelic (a mysterious mix of Madagascan ginger root and vanilla bean).

Not a fragrance for vagrants, a sleek ½ oz. vial (the smallest size) of Rich Hippie will set you back $225. Fortunately, just one pill-sized dab of its potent formula goes a long way. Peace out!

  • Rich Hippie Perfume
  • 310-475-7658
  • rich-hippie.com
  • $225 for a ½ oz. vial; $775 for a 2 oz. vial; sample kits run between $15-$35
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Filed: Beauti-Fixation

Double Take

imageBeing a professional shopper (with 35 years of expert training under my belt), it’s not unusual that I often receive compliments on my style and wardrobe. Like math or juggling for some, shopping is just another skill, one which I’ve always excelled at. Just the other day, three people asked me where I purchased the stunning “Mike & Chis” charcoal gray hooded bubble sweatshirt I was sporting. Truth be told, it was a $90 Japanese knockoff, which I bought at my favorite new Flatiron boutique, Yamak.

A deceptively cheap ’n chic, husband-and-wife-owned clothing and handbag shrine, Yamak sells of-the-moment local and international brands that won’t break the bank. A second addition to its Bleecker Street flagship, Yamak is hardly the kind of place you’d expect to encounter at a frenetic intersection filled with fast food chains, shoe cobblers and Home Depot. When I stumbled upon the store last month (it opened in late August), I was awestricken by a buttery, deep burgundy leather tote with glimmery gold buckles (Anna Corinna), a fitted tweed blazer with ruching (Nanette Lepore), a flirty tunic top and a beautiful gold leaf necklace (Krush). And that was before I even ventured inside!

While no larger than the size of a walk-in-closet, Yamak still manages to stock a surprisingly large lineup of in-demand labels for night and day. You’ll flip over the flirty ’n feminine frocks from Amanda Uprichard (a silk cobalt tunic dress with gemstones), Soia & Kyo (an haute Houndstooth coat), Free People (a military blazer with pleats), LaRok (a fancy black capelet), Gold Hawk (sexy party dresses), Yumi Kim (a purple Kimono-inspired top) and Raven Tailored (slenderizing wide-legged trousers). And since us gals can never have too many handbags, Yamak sells a killer selection of mid-priced lines such as Lamb (the leopard print bowling bag is a must), Cynthia Rowley (a cool quilted number), Aaneta (a gray slouch bag), Francisco Biasia and Tano. Mad hatters will love the head-turning collection of pageboy caps and felt fedoras. And for accessories junkies, there’s a mind-blowing assortment of baubles by Alexis Bitar, Kenneth Jay Lane, Lee Angel and Wendy Mink.

In my humble opinion, Yamak’s true gems are the no-name, below-the-radar brands, which Kanako (Yamak’s owner and buyer) culls during her frequent trips to Japan. Stop by often enough and you’re bound to spot a crazy bargain, just like the sweatshirt I found from “Mike & Chris.” Don’t worry… no one but you will know.

Exclusive Deal Just For YOU! Yamak is offering Fashion Junkie subscribers a special 10% discount off any items of your choice at the 23rd street store from Friday, October 26th though Friday, November 2nd, 2007. Present a print out of this email at the cash to receive your discount. Happy shopping!

Special Fashion Junkie Announcement! On the heels of Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the environment, I thought it only fitting that I do my share. That’s why I’ve decided to reduce your email clutter to 2 days a week. Starting next week, your “Fashion Junkie Fix” will now be sent to your inbox on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Don’t panic! Every Fashion Junkie Fix will still be chock full of the same fashion and beauty coverage, so you won’t be missing out.

  • Yamak
  • 6 West 23rd Street (between 5th & 6th)
  • 212-255-7771
  • Mon.-Fri. 11am-8pm, Sat. 11:30am-8pm, Sun. 12-6pm
  • yamakny.com
  • $49-$650
  • store credit or exchange within 7 days of purchase
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Filed: Shop Talk

Play the Taste Test on SheFinds.com


imageReady to prove your fashion IQ? Our friends at SheFinds.com, the sassy online shopping site, created a cool “Taste Test” quiz so you can instantly ascertain your eye for luxury. Click on one of the featured product photos to see if you can spot which fashion-must is a splurge and which is a steal. Is it a Steve Madden or Jimmy Choo black leather bootie? Don’t delay… test your fashion savvy today! 

As seen on Tyra Banks, Fox News and NBC! Visit SheFinds.com to see what the press is raving about!

They find the best bras, stylish laptop bags and special deals exclusively for subscribers of their FREE email newsletter (psst sign-up for their newsletter today and get a free magazine subscription).

Visit blog.shefinds.com for daily finds. Got kids? Check out the goodies at MomFinds.com.

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Filed: Clothes Encounters

FabSugar.com

FashionJunkie.com’s tailor-made, NYC shopping tours were profiled on FabSugar.com! Check out the fab review right here!

“Going to New York, but have no idea where to start shopping? Dara Fleischer, mastermind behind FashionJunkie.com, is here to help. She is well-versed in the urban jungle that is Manhattan, and offers tailor-made “shopping safaris” to help you and your friends navigate through the boutiques, sample sales, and department stores. Be it accessories, lingerie, bargains, vintage, or simply clothes that you’re in the market for, this fashion travel agent has got you covered!”

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Filed: Press

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Bosom Buddy

imageAlthough I didn’t inherit my mother’s voluptuous 34C breasts, I can certainly comprehend the plight of the well endowed. Whether due to long fabric gaps between shirt buttons or simply excessive cleavage, I’m sure its no fun to have your girls bust out inadvertently and be gawked at like a floozie. With low-cut dresses and wrap tops trendier than ever before, fashion faux pas of the flesh-bearing kind are popping-up everywhere. But thanks to the Bosom Button, a glitzy pea-sized pin designed to minimize cleavage on your favorite tops, there’s no longer an excuse for wardrobe malfunctions. Yes, Tara Reid, I’m talking to you.

Perfect for chesty women who favor plunging necklines (have you watched the Food Network hostesses lately?), the Bosom Button can magically transform the trampy to tasteful. So long as you stash a spare in your purse, the Bosom Button will save you from a host of humiliating fashion mishaps, like when your favorite shirt suddenly pops a button on the way to work. Simply pierce the bejeweled bauble through any shirt neckline and bra strap, fasten the clasp and you can proudly strut your stuff without fear of being overexposed. A far more stylish and fun alternative to a tarnished safety pin, the Bosom Button incorporates top quality materials including Swarovski crystals, pearls and colored gemstones. Choose from ten eye-popping hues, ranging from silver, topaz, aqua, amethyst and fuchsia.

Since I’ll continue to be cursed with cherry pits (that is unless I get pregnant), I found a crafty alternative use for the Bosom Button… accessorizing my shawls, shrugs and capelets.

Exclusive Deal Just For YOU! BosomButton.com is giving Fashion Junkie subscribers 20% off any Bosom Button of your choice from Monday, October 22 through Thursday, November 15th. Simply enter the promo code “FJFIX” upon checkout to redeem your discount. Happy shopping!

  • Bosom Button
  • info@bosombutton.com
  • bosombutton.com
  • $12 each or $25 for a pack of 3
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Filed: Clothes Encounters