Too much TV? Nah....

Fashionistas! Fall has brought so much fun that I have not even had time to write to you lovelies. The change of seasons marks many occasions, including the completion of my summer book club (see below for a two more delicious reads), more reading, as I catch up on all the fall fashion magazines and then go find the fabulous trends in real life, and perhaps more importantly – the return of fall television – THANK GOD.

First things first – true fashionistas are tuned into Project Runway, now on Lifetime, which is already about halfway through the season. Now comes the good stuff. The crazies have been filtered out, and we are left with a group of, though self-proclaimed, “true” designers who really have “talent.” Hmmmmm… questionable? Absolutely. But that’s where the fun is! The husband, who has watched the show in years past but was suddenly too good for it this year, even tuned back in when he saw the insanity coming down the runway in episode 2. If you’ve missed it so far; it’s not too late. There have been 7 episodes, and at about 42 minutes each, you only need…. Well, like 300 minutes. Which is… 5 hours-ish? Totally worth it. Why? Because Logan from Seattle is still on, and yes, his designs are decent, but he himself is worth looking at twice! Watch full episodes for free here.

Next, I am THRILLED that Brothers and Sisters is back on with that darling Calista Flockhart. Her character, Kitty, is often spotted in designer duds, and guessing “who” she’s wearing often keeps me busy on commercial breaks throughout the show! For more double duty as an audience member/trendspotter, watch Desperate Housewives the hour before. Those ladies are always decked out in everything from Dolce and Gabbana to Michael Kors.

My friend Addison (Kate Walsh) on Private Practice is also a fellow fashionista. Last season, Addison loved her Gucci. This season… I’ve only seen her in scrubs. But there’s only been one episode! So I’m not worried. Both her and Naomi, her BFF on the show, always have the best designer shoes and handbags too. I appreciate this, because as doctors, I feel like they can afford it, and should be dressing to the nines. Little details like this really affect the authenticity of television!

Finally, my goal (in all my spare time – as you can see my evenings are really booked up with this tv schedule!) is to really get into Gossip Girl, because it is a fashionista’s HEAVEN. The most recent US Weekly featured a small spread on the show’s wardrobe closet, and this thing was basically a WAREHOUSE of the most beautiful, expensive, fabulous pieces. The show has really become a walking runway, and is nearly a must-see for people in the industry. Oh darn. I’m forced to watch another show….

I hope this gives all of you a good guide to follow fashion from the most comfortable place… your couch. Please let me know if I’m missing anything!

*yes, I finished my (individual) summer book club! Here are my final must reads:

“Bringing home the Birkin” by Michael Tonello – a TRUE story about a funny, funny boy fashionista who travels the world to buy and sell the coveted Hermes Birkin handbags. Michael’s writing is fun, fresh and the tales of his adventures make me not only want a bag, but I also want to be his friend!

“Little Earthquakes” by Jennifer Weiner – so hysterical, I started following Jennifer on Twitter and she is funny on there too! In this novel, her humor extends beyond single girl life and into motherhood.

It’s Here. No, not Memorial Day! SALE SEASON.

That’s right, people. Read it and weep. This week marks the start of not just summer, but the real reason for the season: SALES. I’m proud to report that markdowns are juicy, the sizes are still aplenty, and yes, it is only the beginning, my fellow shopaholics!

For those who have never experienced summer as it relates to sales, welcome to my world. You don’t plan your vacations for the 4th of July or concert appearances. Nope, you plan everything around when Chanel is going 40% off (which is not yet – don’t worry, I’ll let you know). Why on earth would you go camping – that so-called form of fun involving tents that blow over, food that is burnt, and scratchy sleeping bags – when you could find the piece from Spring runway you have been eying since the fashion show more than six months ago? And, it’s at a discount and in your size? Camping, schmamping! Summer is all about fabulous bargains and the highlights that come along with finding them.

Now, let’s talk lineup. We really need to hit the ground running here. Just because there are lots of sales throughout the summer, that does not – BY ANY MEANS – suggest you wait until the last ones to shop. That would be an absolute amateur move. Don’t be disappointed in yourself if that was your plan though; that’s why I’m here to help. There is serious strategy to sale season. In all honesty, teaching you could be detrimental to my own shopping, because before I know it, you’re going to be snatching up all my favorite things. But, since the eeeeevil husband says I can’t buy anything this sale, that means I am more than willing to share the wealth with you.

That’s another thing – I thought everything was fine after the Chanel handbag PURCHASE OF A LIFETIME, but that was definitely just an act. Mr.-I-buy-$20-piece-of-crap-shoes-at-Big-5 has recently decided he would like to live in the lap of luxury and buy himself something nice. “Alright,” I think, “Good for him. He could use a nice new pair of shoes.” Oh no, by upping the ante in his pathetic excuse for spending, he means he plans to PURCHASE A GUN. The postage-stamp size closet in the slightly larger-than-a-postage-stamp apartment is now supposed to house the redneck-rifle-king’s gun collection and the princess’ prized possessions (my clothes – duh!) That closet was supposed to be for ME and it’s bad enough I already had to loan him a little space. Now what – my beautiful pieces have to be, God forbid, SQUISHED to accommodate a gun cabinet?

But back to sale strategy - first things first – get yourself to the Nordstrom Women’s and Children’s Half Yearly Sale – going on NOW. Every women’s department (including shoes) is offering something for this event, so it’s a sure go. For the kiddies, there is plenty too. This all includes primarily early spring arrival markdowns – pieces that are totally buy-now, wear-now. At least 1/3 of each department has been marked down to 30-40% off, so if you hurry, there will be lots to choose from.

In Designer land, the big call out is that Dolce and Gabbana was marked, plus some Marni, Stella McCartney, Zac Posen, Armani, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, RM, and more. And, it keeps getting better. Come May 27th, more markdowns will hit on selected Designer shoes, handbags, and apparel as well at Nordstrom.

So, on your mark, get set, go! But wait! Don’t spend the whole wad at once, girls. We still have the rest of the season, which includes the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, Designer Finale, and other savings opportunities. Oh, sweet sweet summer. How happy am I to welcome you back!