We spent a leisurely Sunday afternoon in SoHo, browsing and people-watching. As we strolled down Broadway I ducked into Pearl River Mart for a quick pick-up from my to-buy list. I didn’t realize TBG had never been to Pearl River, so we spent a good chunk of time there.

Pearl River is a cavernous 3-story mini-Chinatown. Although Chinatown is just a few blocks further East, this is one-stop shopping for everything Asian including:

• chopsticks, tea sets and rice cookers

• crystallized ginger, jasmine tea, spices and herbs, and Hello Kitty candies

• 9 foot paper dragons,  bamboo lights, paper fans and lanterns

• brass Buddhas, Tibetan altars and rattan pillows

• jade bracelets and silk wallets and notebooks

• Mandarin dresses, silk kimonos and Mao jackets

I tend to visit several times a year to stock up and see what’s new. Last year I purchased goddaughter R’s Halloween costume:

So what was on Moi shopping list? I wanted a couple little silk coin purses to stylishly hold my iPhone earbuds in my purse: they’re usually a tangled mess.

And TBG? He ended up with a traditional Mao shirt, with the stand-up collar and frog buttons. Cool and stylish for a Spring weekend!

Moi tip: Don’t live in NYC? No worries, Pearl River has a fantastic online store. And the word is out: when we got home Sunday night, we settled in to watch the season premiere of Design Star. Guess where the contestants were shopping for their first assignment? You guessed: Pearl River Mart in NYC! Who was your favorite designer?

the details:

Fathers Day is less than 2 weeks away: June 20. These gifts have been personally field-tested by TBG and have earned the very hard to come by TBG smile of approval. One of these is bound to please a father on your list!

For the sports fan:

Cufflinks made by Tokens & Icons from authentic souvenirs of his favorite sports team or stadium: I bought TBG authentic football cufflinks from Roslyn,  276 Columbus in NYC; Spare Parts, 2947 Broadway in Chicago carries similar styles (attn Cubs fans!) But online shoppers can also find them at Uncommon Goods or Cufflinks.com. Expect to pay $130 to $150+. I’ve seen styles made from Notre Dame stadium seats, Cubs game balls, Tokens & Icons also carries pens made from Yankee stadium seats, Dodgers seat bottle openers, Boston Garden floor bottle openers, hockey arena pens and cufflinks (sorry, no Blackhawks: yet!) and lots more.

For the sharp dresser:

Living in rainy or snowy climates is not easy for the guy who always likes to look sharp. Check out Swims:  These classic, classy shoe rubbers easily pull-on over shoes and protect them from the weather. Traditional black is available, but why not step it up a notch with orange or yellow? He’ll love looking good and being practical at the same time. These stylish rubbers are made in Norway of a unique stretchy rubber (similar to diver’s suits) and slip on easily over shoes. We bought TBG’s at Allen Edmonds on Michigan Ave in Chicago, but you can also buy them at Bloomies or Nieman Marcus, or at amazon.com. Around $95 – $125.

For the camera or electronics buff:

These handy camera accessories are practical, inexpensive, and useful: a sure homerun. TBG is a huge camera buff, and has bags and cabinets of high-priced accessories. But accessories are usually heavy and bulky, so not always practical to carry on a long walk, a bike ride, or an outing to the park or zoo. Check these gadgets out. I bought TBG’s online at delight.com

Bottle cap tripod: this tiny tripod screws easily onto a pop or water bottle (better filled so it doesn’t tip over) to provide some distance and stability for your subject: no more stretching your arm as far as possible to try include yourself and that great spot in your shot! About $9.50

Powercup On-the-Go Power Supply Cup: Cameras don’t work well when the battery is dead. Same for mobile phones. Traveling buy car requires multiple adapters and accessories to charge the iPhone, Blackberry, camera, and baby bottle heater. What’s a guy to do? This clever latte-cup shaped adapter plugs into the car’s cigarette lighter and rests in the cup holder. Brilliant: it charges both 120 volt and USB ports. Around $32.50.

For the gourmand:

Wine or chocolates: decisions decisions. Why not combine both with these decadent chocolate covered wine grapes: grapes infused with wine and coated in dark rich chocolate from chocolateur Bissingers? Indulge him! $16 plus shipping.

And what is TBG getting the Fathers’ Day? Shhhh, I’ll never tell. But I will share a shopping tip: I’ve been shopping Mantiques from Treasures by the Antiques Diva!

Need to glam up your boudoir on a tight deadline and a tight budget? Add a little pizzaz to the bathroom? Spice up your kitchen? Cover up a surprise crack on the office wall?

Moi has your solution: wall stickers by Nouvelles Images.

This nifty French company offers hundreds of stickers to decorate every corner of your home.

Have I mentioned lately that we move alot? The longest we’ve ever lived in one city is Paris for 7 years, but in 3 different apartments. We’ve been back in the US for almost 5 years, and have lived in 5 cities. In 8 different homes: 2 houses, 6 apartments. 4 we owned, 4 we rented.

Have I mentioned lately that we move alot?

So when I decorate I make decisions based on how long I plan to live there, and do I need to consider resale value. In my case, that often means no time for curtains.

When we rent a freshly painted apartment, I’m hopeful the colors are neutral and they left behind some touch-up paint. I’ve discovered tricks to keep walls looking freshly painted (Mr Clean Magic Eraser and Rubbermaid Paint Buddies are 2 special favorites).

Mr Clean Magic Eraser

Rubbermaid Paint Buddy

And recently I found a trick to easily personalize – and just as quickly depersonalize when we move out – painted walls:

Nouvelles Images Wall, Window and Tile Stickers

These stickers come in assorted styles and colors and themes. Similar products have been available to princess-ize or action hero-ize your kids’ rooms. But these wall stickers are all grown-up.

Easy on. And just as easy off. $12 and up.

Mother’s Day is Sunday…Moi has a few shopping ideas for the special Mom or Grandmom or Fairy GodMom in your life.

Breakfast in bed or on the terrace will be extra sweet with Bonne Maman Strawberry Preserves…just like Grandma used to make.

This heart-shaped Quimper dish will remind her every day of how much you care.  Hand-painted and signed, at $42 it’s a collector’s item she’ll treasure.

Your favorite Yummy Mummy will love these books that poke a bit of humor at the world of motherhood…and have conveniently short chapters for the busy mommy. Moi fave to gift is Sippy Cups Are Not For Chardonay. $10.07 at Amazon, and they guarantee delivery by Sunday!

Louis Vuitton European City Guide 2010 is the chic Mom’s insider guide to 31 European cities. Whether she’s crossing the Atlantic soon, or indulging in some arm-chair travels, she’ll love to discover the over 2000 insiders’ tips to traveling in style. $130 for this boxed set of 9 soft-back books. Available in LV stores or on-line. Moi tip: this set will look tres chic just sitting on her bookshelf!

Trendy Mom will love one of the funky iPhone 3G covers by Kate Spade. She’s fun, she’s practical, and she’ll love how slim this iPhone case is, and how easy to find in the bottom of her bag! At $35 with free shipping, you can’t go wrong!

And for the Mom who’s hard to shop for, gift her a special treat from Treasures Online Brocante by The Antiques Diva. A Chanel bracelet, an 18th Century blue and white Delft tile, a vintage Moët et Chandon champagne bucket: whatever you choose, shopping with The Antiques Diva is sure to please!

Moi son M sent me an email with this title a couple weeks ago (surely you didn’t think it was his mom who could work such crafty magic!) And in honor of Earth Day here’s my going green tip:

Apparently this woman and her son have a recycling fashion business: she takes your old castoff sweaters and reknits them into something fabulous. Who knew? (I think the son’s job is to update the website : ).

At $30 per reknit it seems to be working: Reknit limits to only 30 orders per month, and sold out early in April. After all he only has one mom.

This is a brand-new venture, just getting started in January. In the past few months his mom has reknit new sweaters, hats, scarves and socks. You can even vote on what next months’ reknit will be: baby bib, thong (I don’t want to know), sweatbands and dog sweaters. I can see Mignette wearing one of Moi old reknit Christmas sweaters: how cool is that?

Moi note: don’t you just love mother / son collaborations? Reknit is my new fave, I love the upcoming CookieBar by Dorie Greenspan and son Josh. Do you have any mother / son collaborations to share?

The cupcake frenzy hasn’t diminished, and these cute reversible reusable cupcake wraps won’t be tardy for the party!

These colorful wraps are practical and inexpensive: Party Wraps are 12 for $4.99!

They’re reversible, and come in different patterns. Black and white for an elegant wedding? Blue and gold to celebrate Moi 3 nieces and nephews who were accepted at ND? Pink and blue for a baby shower? Snowmen for a Christmas party? Hearts for Valentine’s Day? Decisions, decisions, decisions…

Moi tip: Buy before April 15: use coupon code GRAND and you can buy 4, get 1 free!

I was flying off to visit Omaha bff J and needed a housegift, preferably something the whole family of 6 could enjoy. What do you get the girl who has everything…and more? J and I have been friends thru many moves, and through her homes in Paris, Chicago, and now Omaha. hmmm…let the shopping begin!

Score:
A set of 6 coasters decoupaged with vintage maps depicting where they have lived since I’ve known them: 2 of Paris, 2 of Chicago, and 2 of their new hometown, Omaha. Brilliant!

At the GreenFlea I discovered On The Fringe, with stacks of vintage map decoupaged, one-of-a-kind, handmade coasters at $6 each, 4 for $20, or 5 for $25. I also bought a set of 4 for the TBG, put them in a ready-made picture frame, and use it on his nightstand as a giant coaster: Paris, Chicago, SoFlo, and NYC!

Visit On The Fringe Sundays at the GreenFlea Market in NYC, or online. Each week (weather permitting) Wendy sells  handmade decoupaged

• coasters, tiles, trivets, trays
• tray tables, tissue box covers, magazine racks, waste baskets
• initials, lampshades, lamps
• vinyl record bowls

the details:

Of course this led me to a vintage map fetish, and I was lucky enough to score again at the One of a Kind Show. Jewelry designer Sue Rosengard also uses vintage maps, and I found a necklace with a map of Paris, depicting my old street, rue Raynouard! I removed it from the chain, and the map charm now dangles from Moi key chain…Paris is always nearby! At the same booth I also found a beautiful decoupage necklace for my mother: sheet music! It’s charming, with a little pearl dangling from the round charm to catch the eye.

the details:

Vintage map decor: recycling with style!

I just got a tip from Moi fave pilates studio, Pilates Shop/Yoga Garage, that they’re being featured on Groupon. This is the 2nd time in 24 hours I’ve heard of Groupon: my daughter just told me I have to sign-up in NYC, she’s a member in Chicago. So, I decided to check it out. And am I glad I did!

Groupon describes itself as: collective buying power:

1. Each day we feature something cool to do at an unbeatable price.
2. You only get it if enough people join that day… so invite your friends!
3. Check back the next day for another awesome Groupon!

The results:

• the deal: $49 for 3 group pilates classes, normally $120, minimum 20 buyers, limit 1 per person
• I bought at 7:15 am, 2 had already been sold, 16 hours left
• At 9:12 am, I was notified via email that 20 deals had been sold, and I got 3 pilates classes at Pilates/Shop Yoga Garage for $49: a 59% discount! I received a link to print out my paid coupon, and present to PSYG

Like many other online shopping clubs, Groupon offers a $10 credit to your account  if you refer a friend and they make a purchase, so the more people who end up buying, the more you save!

Moi tip: If you’re traveling, check out Groupon for the city you’ll be visiting. I signed up for the daily newsletters in NYC, Chicago and SoFlo, as those are cities where I hang out, but I’m also checking for other cities I’ll be visiting in the coming months.

Bonus: there’s an app for that: you can download a free iPhone app for Groupon at iTunes, or follow Groupon on twitter . Groupon even offers gift certificates!

Everyone, get your Groupon!

the details:

ps: sorry international readers, so far Groupon is just in US cities: but check it on your way to the US for some great deals!

One of the perks of a snowy slushy freezing day outside is a chance to curl up in front of a fire inside. With a good book? Mais non, with the stack of catalogues that have been accumulating since the holidays! Today, Moi discovered:

Crows Nest Trading Co

Featuring clothes, accessories and furnishings with a definite western/southwestern flare, the catalogue caught my eye even though by the last page I was a little overdosed with turquoise and antlers. Billing itself lodge decor, I have a feeling Omaha bff J would definitely shop here!

I loved this armoire, particularly the turqoise blue wash. In fact, it reminded me of my recent trip to India (except for the silver cross motif), where the wooden doorways and much of the furniture is painted blue and aged (real or faux) and is a popular US export.

But what I really craved was the collection of peasant-style cotton embroidered shirts. White embroidered with turquoise, green studded with mirrors and beads, black stitched with dazzling flowers and lacework: these were exactly the bobo (bourgeois bohemian) look that I like, and have collected on my travels to Greece, Poland, Hungary, and other Eastern European countries.

Hmmm…. Can Moi get away with rocking the cowgirl rain boots?

]]> http://shesshoppingnow.com/sub-urban-cowgirl-chic/feed/ 6 http://shesshoppingnow.com/purex-3-in-1-plus-bonus-back-saver/ http://shesshoppingnow.com/purex-3-in-1-plus-bonus-back-saver/#comments Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:00:07 +0000 Moi http://shesshoppingnow.com/?p=1470

The lastest thing to save my sanity and my back is Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets. I discovered these on the shelf at a Walgreens in Chicago, didn’t buy them, thinking I could find them in NYC. Wrong. Sometimes NYC grocery stores are just too small to carry the latest and greatest, and since there is no Target in Manhattan for 1 stop shopping, I was out of luck. Fortunately a couple weeks later I was back in Chicago, and picked up a box that easily fit into my carry-on.

Laundry detergent in Moi carry-on? How did TSA approve that, you might ask. No liquids!

This laundry sheet contains detergent, fabric softner and anti-static. Its small, and fits on my laundry shelf. Its light-weight, and easy to carry home from the market. About $7 for a box of 20.

Moi Tip: I have a front loading combo washer/dryer by LG. Love it! Fits perfectly in my tiny NYC kitchen. But it does have a smaller interior, so I cut the sheets in half. Works great: clean clothes, and a box lasts twice as long. What’s not to like?