Monday, September 20, 2010

Happy Birthday Banana!


Ad by Banana Republic

Banana Republic is celebrating its Birthday. Lucky for us!!! We get a birthday treat each day this week!
Today- $98.00 dresses and FREE SHIPPING. 

Photo compliments of BananaRepublic.com

One of my favorite dresses from Banana Republic. Its perfect for all occasions and flattering on all body types!
Wrap dress only $98.00- It also comes in Black, Concord Purple and Silky Coal

Friday, September 17, 2010

J. Crew Factory store hits the Web!

Photo from J.Crew about us

I'm always looking for a great deal on clothes and thanks to my friend Kate, I've found another deal! 

I LOVE J.Crew- and even more I LOVE J.Crew Factory stores. Unfortunately there is no factory store close to me.  The Factory store is perfect for all of you that cringe at spending $50 on a tank top- cringe no more, shop J.Crew Factory stores online all weekend! 



Thursday, September 16, 2010

GOOP- has the SCOOP on NOLA

I got this in my email today- I was so excited that GOOP featured New Orleans and I wanted to share it with all my local Rag Taggers.



New Orleans

This week we bring you a thoroughly researched piece on New Orleans by our very first guest editor, Michael Stipe. Aside from being the frontman in one of the most innovative and brilliant bands of all time, R.E.M., Michael is an obsessed foodie like the rest of us here at GOOP. Michael recently spent a good chunk of time in the Big Easy recording the band's next album, and true to form, discovered his favorite culinary gems, which he has so graciously shared with us. My brother and father both attended Tulane in New Orleans and so the city has always been a special destination for our family. Now that we have Michael’s list I can expand from my usual route of Café du Monde, Mosca's and my mother’s favorite, the old world Galatoires.
The “Michael-in” guide!
Love,
gp

The “Michael-in” Guide to New Orleans


Coop's
1109 Decatur St
(504) 525-9053
http://www.coopsplace.net/
You could walk by this place 60 times and not even break stride, with one glance you've got it; but don't judge a book by its cover - a good rule of thumb in New Orleans. This French Quarter bar, with its placement across the street from Margaritaville and down the street from Café du Monde, is kind of in tourist central, meh; but these guys have the real deal in red beans and rice, gumbo, fried chicken, and super authentic local favorites. Also check out the side salad, with the BEST homemade Green Goddess dressing in town. The servers are sweet and super tattooed, the kitchen is basically in the outdoor courtyard, and next door is the fantastically alt-goth bar...
Pravda
1113 Decatur St
(504) 581-1112
Great for a late night hang with the locals. They know their music, they play it hard, and they are happy to talk about it.

Bar Tonique
820 North Rampart St
(504) 324-6045
www.bartonique.com
Ok this is the real deal; easily my favorite return-to bar in New Orleans. This joint concocts drinks according to the recipe from the year the drink was invented. So you get lots of Pre-Civil War and 1920's authentic recipes, made from rum and gin (I don't drink gin, ever!...but I do here...) It's basic, with little fanfare; no need to shout here, there's enough of that 3 blocks away. This is real, carefully and lovingly prepared, super authentic and reasonable. And, on Sundays, there are a couple of crock pots in the back booth with beans and rice to deaden or carb out the inevitable weekend hangover. It's across the street from...
Armstrong Park
801 N. Rampart St
Named, I believe, after my psychic godfather, Louis Satchmo Armstrong. There are great musical festivals here from time to time.


Satsuma Café
3218 Dauphine St
(504) 304-5962
Last November I searched for a salad for 2 weeks before I finally found Satsuma Cafe. Their Kale Salad, made of all local ingredients, fresh, and organic, features Lacinato kale, Parmesan dressing, and (this is New Orleans after all) a piece of bacon on the side. This is the BEST SALAD in the city, hands down. A few blocks away from Desire Street, (which kind of says it all), and in the stunning Baywater, this is the hippyish place to go for great coffee and espresso, fresh ginger muffins, super great Nutella banana pancakes, fresh BLT's with real tomatoes, hummus, bagels and lox with all the sides, and fresh juices made to order. It's also all organic. Sit at the Squirrel Table and read the New York Times, or a local paper with the locals (and believe me, they're there). It has a totally great vibe and fresh, fresh, fresh organic food. These guys make an effort and it shows.

Soniat House
1133 Chartres St
(504) 522-0570
www.soniathouse.com
If you are here for a longer stay, this is the best hotel to check out in or near the French Quarter. In the week I was there it was John Malkovich, Patti Smith, and I staying. It's not haunted and the super friendly staff will take you on a tour of the hotel and tell you its fascinating history (it has two enormous compound houses across the street from each other.) It smells like jasmine, the wireless internet works and is included in the room rate; some of the rooms have balconies and they serve the BEST BISCUITS in NOLA, delivered in a basket with a hot stone underneath, and a side of strawberry jam. God...is so great...to provide this.

Le Croissant d’Or
617 Ursulines Ave
(504) 524-4663
If it's great coffee you're going for, walk around the corner from the Soniat House to this French gem where the pastries are freshly made on the premises and are classic, old school and old country (even my French bf was impressed. That's NOT EASY.) The tile work inside is beautiful, and you will see locals and lots of Europeans (for some reason...maybe its the pain au chocolat, or the almond croissant, which is disgustingly great. One of these per day and you better hit the treadmill, but man is it good.)

Cake Café and Bakery
2440 Chartres St
(504) 943-0010
www.nolacakes.com
A great brunch joint in the Marigny. It's super local and great for people watching. Basic, fresh, price conscious, brilliant. It's packed with character (and characters.)

The Joan of Arc Statue
Place de France
I must have wandered, driven, walked or (to be fair) stumbled by this a million times in the past 29 years, and it wasn't until Patti Smith pointed it out to me that I stopped long enough to look up and see how very beautiful it is. On the main stretch of the French Quarter, it's worth a pause.

Tipitina’s
501 Napoleon Ave
(504) 895-8477
www.tipitinas.com
This classic New Orleans stop has the best logo of all time. I'm going to silkscreen it onto a shirt for Patti Smith, I saw her there in one of the best performances I've ever seen (and I've seen a few...!)




I came upon these weird matching mansions walking along the water in the 9th Ward.
New Orleans Athletic Club
222 N. Rampart St
(504) 525-2375
www.neworleansathleticclub.com
This is the second oldest sports club in the USA, the first being on Central Park South in NYC (they share members if you need both...). This place is a hard working museum with a tile-walled basketball court, chandeliers in the treadmill room, parquet floors, a giant pool, marble showers with immense skylights above them, and steam and sauna rooms. The walls are covered with photos of boxers and athletic stars from the heydays of the early 20th century, and of course it has a full bar, and I don't mean protein smoothies; this is New Orleans, after all! Have a whiskey with your workout, and conjure Tennessee Williams. Why not?
Buffa’s
1001 Esplanade Ave
(504) 949-0038
www.buffaslounge.com
This joint is open 24 hours, and to look at it, hhhmmmmmmm...it's a corner bar with a great jukebox, full bar, the usual New Orleans vibe...but ask for the menu, and man, the food is spectacular. Beans and rice with sausage, a giant plate of assorted handmade tamales from a local family...it's a gem. It's especially good after a night out or a concert, at 2 a.m., when you just need a late great meal and some good company.

Lilette
3637 Magazine St
(504) 895-1636
www.liletterestaurant.com
Lilette has an excellent, fresh French inspired menu and a great wine list. The service is expert and thoughtful. They have great salads and fresh vegetable items, and they are very accommodating. It's away from the French Quarter and the tourists on Magazine Street. There is the most beautiful and weird bathroom I saw in New Orleans...they have my favorite weird wallpaper there.
Dante’s kitchen
736 Dante St
(504) 861-3121
www.danteskitchen.com
Ok, this place...they have the best vegetables in any New Orleans restaurant, an outdoor patio, and an amazing wine list. They have incredible meat and fish dishes too. This is a great restaurant to get away from downtown, and one of the most inspired menus I’ve seen anywhere. The food and produce is fresh, fresh, fresh, and they accentuate the freshness with the preparation and presentation. The only thing I will say is that the portions are HUGE!!! Bring some friends and plan on having one of the best meals of your life.
Kermit Ruffins at Bullet’s Sports Bar
2441 A.P. Tureaud St
Famed from the HBO series Treme, Kermit is the real thing, Bullet’s is the real thing, the waitress who steps up to the mic with her tray to sing a verse and chorus is the real thing. This is essential New Orleans. Brilliant.

Frenchman Street
Frenchman Street is the trashy fun part of good music, off and away from Bourbon Street, just this side of Elysian Fields (check out my band's 1982 song 'West of the Fields'...yep!). Here it's mixed tourists with locals, but super genuine. This is where you can wander from a great bar with great bar band, to great cafe, to a great late night Middle Eastern restaurant, to a great bar with great bar band, in like 40 minutes, and not leave a two block radius. It's fantastic on Thursday nights.
Meauxbar
942 North Rampart St
(504) 569-9979
www.meauxbar.com
Meauxbar, on N. Rampart St., has the other best salad in New Orleans; with frisée, and lightly fried oysters, all mixed up with a not-too-creamy cream dressing...It is sublime, superb, and alone worth the visit. Add their entrees, their atmosphere, bar drinks, and desserts, all are brilliant and fresh, fresh, fresh. This is one of the places I went back to over and over again for the quality of the food and service. There is always an interesting crowd there too.

Saenger Theatre
6 South Joachim Street
(251) 208-5600
www.mobilesaenger.com
The Saenger is where my Nana and her errant brother would escape Hattiesburg to see jazz and big bands in the '20s when she was what she called a 'weekend flapper.' It was really when my band R.E.M. played there that she took pause, and said, "Honey, you have arrived." I was so proud. The Saenger reopened this Fall. If those walls could speak it would be a glorious din.
Napoleon House
500 Chartres St
(504) 524-9752
www.napoleonhouse.com
The Napoleon House is the tourist trap that is well worth the hassle to visit. Smack in the heart of the French Quarter, it is the enclave that was built for Napoleon had he ever arrived into New Orleans. He didn’t. The walls, the paintings, the bar, and the bar staff however, breathe history and realness. They have vegan beans and rice for lunch, and it’s worth the wait in line for the sweet tea alone. If you’re going to have a Sazerac in New Orleans, have it here. Have two, and don’t call me.

Hushpuppies at Schiro’s

Schiro’s Café
2483 Royal St.
(504) 944-6666
www.schiroscafe.com
This is where I sat when I texted GOOP to say, "I have to do a New Orleans edition of the MICHAEL-IN GUIDE, sorry for the bad pun, but, there it is." This place, I believe, will do your laundry while you have a beer, some Hushpuppies, and salad while watching TV. It’s on a corner (isn’t everything in New Orleans?), there’s great locals people-watching, and this is way off the beaten track.
John Paul’s Bar
940 Elysian Fields
(504) 948-1888
www.johnpaulsbar.com
My friend Reuben Cox, the amazing photographer, texted me while I was working in New Orleans to say that we had to go to this bar to see the drag show. He had photographed these lovely ladies a few years earlier and they ALL had stories to tell. It was a fun and surreal night watching them introduce the younger girls. A great beer stop and goodtime place.

Cochon
930 Tchoupitoulas Street
(504) 588-2123
www.cochonrestaurant.com
Cochon is Peter Buck's favorite restaurant in New Orleans, and he eats there pretty much every night that he can. The food, service, drinks, and freshness are unparalleled. Cochon was, in my short stay there, the gathering place for Alex Chilton; Ana Matronix from Scissor Sisters; Nicolas Cage, Eddie Vedder, Tim Robbins; Mario Batali, Dermot Mulroney, Parker Posey, various local and international writers, and of course, Peter Buck. This place is in the apex of New Orleans cool.
Michael Stipe is a dear friend and the lead singer of the band R.E.M.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Target gets Tucker'd

I'm back! I finished law school, took the Bar and started a new job! Its been a busy summer.  And now I have some very exciting news!


 provided by Gilt.com

Gilt has teamed up with Target to let its members get the first chance to score some great digs
from Target's new Go International designer collaboration - Tucker by Gaby Basorato, bags by Mulberry and home goods by John Derian. The sale starts this Friday August 20th at 12:00pm ET.

To sign up for Gilt.com click here.

Photo provided by www.dossierjournal.com


Tucker, while not known by many, has gained the love of some of fashion's biggest guru's for years. Celebrities such as Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jessica Simpson, Cameron Diaz, Cindy Crawford, Liv Tyler, Rosario Dawson (and the list continues- need I say more) have donned pieced by Tucker. 
Photo provided by www.shefinds.com


The clothing line is chic and comfy- perfect for any occasion. The designer is know for creating approximately 20 looks per season and making them available is several different prints of deliciously vibrant colors. Tucker is to debut in Target store September 12th. What to expect at Target... Tucker's signature silk blouse, rompers and swimwear. 






Photo provided by www.shefinds.com


Also, at Target and Gilt this Friday- MULBERRY BAGS!!!! This British luxury designer is loved by fashionistas and celebrities all over the world.  These bags are amazing and won't cost $1,000, although price points for the bags have not been released by Target or Mulberry. 
 


photo provided by Shopbop.com's blog


According to Mulberry, the line will consist of about 8 different bags ranging in different fabrics. 
The bags will hit target store October 10, 2010 and remain in stores until Christmas Eve.  

Photo provided by www.elementsofstyleblog.com


John Derian's iconic decoupage items hit target stores in 2008 and
have created much hype by people that have always craved his items but could never afford them. They will also be on sale Friday on Gilt.com. 

About the company: The John Derian Company Inc. was established in 1989. John Derian’s designs are handmade in his studio in New York, where he employs a small staff of artists to assist with production. His products are sold by upscale home stores, catalogs, and gift shops worldwide. They are also available at his own retail shop The John Derian Company which carries, antiques, imports, quilts, table linens, and a line of stationery, along side his decoupage. The shop, John’s work and home have been featured in Vogue, Vogue Living, The New York Times Home Magazine, The World of Interiors, Elle Décor, Domino, Lucky, House and Garden, Country Living, House Beautiful, Gourmet, Bon Apetit, Victoria, Garden Design, The New York Observer, Time Out, New York Magazine, GQ, Details and W. (provided by the John Derian Company, Inc).

Monday, April 26, 2010

Hey Pregos- Here ya go!

I have had so many request on where to find stylish maternity clothes... for all you pregos out there Gilt.com has answered your prayers with Belly Dance Maternity 



Gilt says "Belly Dance Maternity is the go-to hub for chic moms-to-be. This Chicago-based store has been bringing stylish maternity clothes to yummy mummys since 2002, offering a selection of fashion-forward brands like Michael Stars, NOM, Serfontaine and Bebe au Lait. Ease your stylish transition over the bump with slimming jeans, clever nursing scarves, colorful totes and breezy tops."


Sale starts April 27 11 am CST- Don't miss it! 

If you need an invitation to Gilt.com click here.

Friday, April 16, 2010

I love....

I know.... I said we were on hiatus for law school exams
BUT
I just could not resist sharing this shirt.... so awesome. I'm in love with it...

Lava Lamp Top by Collective Concepts- $40.00

buy it at Lulus.com

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

on hiatus

Main Entry: hi·a·tus
Pronunciation: \hī-ˈā-təs\
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, from hiare to yawn — more at yawn
Date: 1563
1 a : a break in or as if in a material object : gap b : a gap or passage in an anatomical part or organ
2 a : an interruption in time or continuity : break; especially : a period when something (as a program or activity) is suspended or interrupted b : the occurrence of two vowel sounds without pause or intervening consonantal sound


Rags and Tags will be on hiatus while studying for the last semester of law school exams... see you in May!!!

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Bottoms Up & lookin' good-- definitely worth the read

We are firm believers that if your bottom doesn't look good you are fighting an uphill battle from the get go. The problem: there is nothing more difficult then making your bottom look spectacular or more frustrating then a day of jean shopping... so many styles, colors and trends. Where do you even begin?
To help dress your bottom with the perfect denim, no matter your size or shape, we have consulted our denim expert, Katie Jacob Dallimore, owner of Stella Boutique.  Here is what she has to say...

(Keep in mind that all jeans featured below come in different washes, so if you don't like the wash just choose another one)

for curvier bottoms...

Joe's "honey"
as featured in Lucky Magazine as the jean to minimize your bottom
  
For women that have a smaller waist than hips and thighs and often have a problem of denim gapping at the waist, there two jean styles that Stella has in stock right now that are specific to fitting that niche and those are the Joes “honey” and 7 For All Mankind “kimmie”.  

7 For all Mankind "Kimmie"

They are both offered in a bootcut but the “honey” is also offered in a skinny version. However if there is a jean you love but is a tad large in the waist please remember that a good tailor can be a miracle worker.  All they have to do is remove the back belt loop, nip it in at the waist and reattach the belt loop to hide the seam. For the locals we love the Golden Needle on the corner of Staring and Highland--- they are FANTASTIC!

TIP: to minimize the look of your bottom try jeans with a slanted yoke (the place between the waistband and the pockets) to define curves and larger back pockets to make your bottom look smaller. The Joe's honey is a perfect match!

for petite bottoms...

Joe's Provacteur

Most jeans that are produced now are offered predominately in long inseams. That is because us short girls can have our jeans altered but those long legged ladies can’t add more length. Typically altering is not an issue because just as a good tailor can take in a waistband, she can also reattach an original hem that makes the jeans look like they haven’t been touched.  However if you are are 5’3” or under you will run the risk of losing the width in the leg because so much has to be cut off... so try these two styles for us shorties!

7 For All Mankind "Lexie"

For these petite figures several denim lines are starting to offer a petite version, specifically the Joe’s Provocateur and the 7 FAM “lexie." The Provocateur comes in boot cut and a skinny. The lexie comes in a variety of fits for each season. Also, 7FAM makes a “flip flop jean”  that taller girls can wear with flats and shorter girls can wear with heels.

TIP: if you are looking for bottom enhancement try jeans with flap pockets to add instant volume. 


for conservative bottoms...

You can get a higher rise jean without having the stereotypical “mom jean.”  Typically these jeans        will sit a little above your hip bones and won’t give you a muffin top that the lower rise jeans can sometimes do.

Joe's "Muse"

If you feel like you can’t sit down without covering your backside with your hand or feel like you are constantly having to pull up your jeans you may want to try some brands like the Joes “muse”, 7FAM high waist boot cut, and Tag + jeans are great too. These are still very fun and stylish but give you a little more coverage.

bottoms looking for the lastest trends...
skinnies & cigarettes 

Skinny jeans: denim designers are now making skinnies that flatter all body types not just runway models.  If you feel like you are a little unbalanced (larger hips and thighs then calves) you may want to opt for a cigarette rather than a skinny.  A cigarette jean is a little looser around the calf That can make you feel a little more balanced while providing the same look as a skinny.  Also a cigarette jean can be a good segway into a skinny if you aren’t ready to try that super tight look.  Joe’s “cigarette”, Rock & Republic “Stella” and 7FAM “Roxanne” or “Straight Leg” would be great styles to try. 
 Joe's "cigarette"

Rock & Republic "Stella"


7 For All Mankind "Roxanne"

7 For All Mankind "Straight leg"

As previously mentioned the Joe’s “honey skinny”  is great for the curve girl that wants a skinny jean. For everyone else we recommend Genetic “Shane”  They are the perfect fitting skinny with amazing washes that flatter almost ever body type. The “Shane” jean are a celebrity favorite! Also the Genetic “James” is a great option if you want a little something extra.  They fit like the Shane but have a 6” zipper at the ankle that looks great with heels or gladiator sandles.

 Genetic Denim "Shane"
on sale now at Rue La La 


Genetic Denim "James"


tips from our expert...

Trying on tips:
1.      
 Go into a jean shopping excursion with time and patience.  
(you may have to try on a lot to find the right jean but don’t get discouraged)

2.       
Please, please ask for help.  
With all the different fits out there the sales associate should be knowledgeable enough to find you that perfect jean if you let them.  Often times you will go into a store with a certain jean or fit that you saw on some model that won’t be the right pair of jeans for you. 
If you are open minded you will end up looking fabulous if you ask for help.

3.     
Come out of the fitting room. 
The associate can’t help you if we don’t know what you like and dislike about the way a specific jean fits. 

Remember... jeans are made mostly from cotton.  Don’t let anyone tell you that they won’t stretch and they won’t shrink because that is just not true.  Some do stretch more than other and some will shrink more than others, but the nature of cotton is to stretch when worn and shrink when washed. 

 How to prevent jeans from shrinking...
If you want to try and prevent your jeans from shrinking wash them on cold water, inside out (to preserve color) and hang them dry.  To get the stiffness out you can tumble them in the dryer on low for about 5 – 10 minutes after they are fully dry.  

How to shrink jeans a little...
If you want your jeans to shrink up wash them on warm, inside out and tumble dry them. 


 How jeans should fit in the store...
Be mindful that jeans can rip if they are purchased too tight so be careful when purchasing.  You want them to be fitted but not too tight that they ripple or you can’t sit because they will rip.

Where to buy and how much to spend???
Being the Rag Taggers that we are- we always look for the best deal around. However, when buying denim we believe a little more money spent can go a long way. So spend some money on your denim... its probably the most worn item in your closet. Be prepared to spend anywhere from about $100-$250 on a great pair of jeans.
But don't get discouraged by spending money on your denim... because once you find the brand and style that fits you the best then you can shop them online and find great deals.
Most of the denim brands above are featured on some of our favorite site that run great sales  like Revolve (enter the promo code tulip for 15% off), Bluefly, Shopbop, Tobi(end the promo code DEMINDAYS for 20% off) and are often featured on Rue La la (Genetic Denim is on sale now), and Gilt.

BUT if its your first time trying a brand we suggest going to a store and trying it on....once you know what fits then you can go online and and buy!

Locals....  

We absolutely positively suggest you go by Stella Boutique to buy your denim. Katie has the widest and best selection of denim in town at competitive prices. She, along with her sales associates, are very knowledgeable on different types of denim for different body types. Let her help you... she can make your bottom look amazing!!!