American Apparel Discounts

There's something so appealing about a store loaded with basics in every color of the rainbow.

Not so appealing is paying $60 for a hoodie. It's a PLAIN HOODIE. Unless you wear it inside-out no one knows it's not from K-Mart.

AA products are usually well-made, so I do buy them - just not from AA, but rather from these way-cheaper sellers:
HarringtonOutlets (currently an eBay store only)
CheapesTees.com

You can't find the whole American Apparel line in these online shops, but in terms of tees, tanks and hoodies, you're set.

AA also occasionally has some good deals on random sizes and colors of specific items:
AA Special Deals

MAC Make-Up Art Fall 2009

[Images via MACCosmetics.com]

In addition to a new collection of purple nail colors, a forthcoming burst of electric eyeshadows, a collection of screen-ready falsies and a collection rooted in the absence of color, the color wizards behind MAC Cosmetics recently handed the reins over to three contemporary artists who each created 2-3 looks using a mix of new and old favorite MAC shades.

There were a few peacock-y eyeshadow looks I wasn't feeling, and a couple of "been there, done that" compositions, but I thought these two were outstanding. What a great way to take this summer's vivid palette into the colder months - by marrying them with a smoky eye. For those fearful of the flamboyant, this is a way to pop your bright eyeshadow cherry without feeling clownish.

Get the list of products and how-to tips (in printable PDFs to tape to your bathroom vanity) for both of these looks at the official MAC site.

This Week's Private Sale Boutiques (Editor's Picks)

Mon
Earnest Sewn - Gilt Fuse
Ella Moss, American Vintage - Billion Dollar Babes
Andrew Clark creations (jewelry) - Editor's Closet

Tue
Faryl Robin - Gilt Fuse
Missoni - Hautelook

Wed
Black Halo - Gilt Fuse
Philosophy (beauty) - Rue La La
Hobo (handbags), Splendid - Billion Dollar Babes

Fri
Plenty by Tracy Reese and Mara Hoffman - Gilt Fuse
Burning Torch, Frankie B. - Hautelook

Need an invite to any of these sale sites? Hit us up at HeartsLikeStars@gmail.com

Trend Alert: Metallic Snakes

Clockwise from top right: Pave snake earrings, $30, emitations.com; Vintage Snake Belt, $9.99, eBay.com; Coiled snake necklace, $12, Torrid.com; Dereon snake bracelet, $68, MaxAndChloe.com; A.B.S. Snake ring, $75, MaxAndChloe.com; Blu Bijoux snake bracelet, $48, MaxAndChloe.com.

If you're unsure whether the snake trend is "you", give it a test run and rent one of these cute Kenneth Jay Lane cuffs in black ($14/week, $30/month) or white ($17/week, $50/month) at Bag Borrow or Steal. Non-member prices are a smidge higher, but not by much, and shipping is free.

Loves It: M.A.C. Brow Pencil

Too waxy and the color clumps. Too thick and your brows look like they're hiding behind the soft-touch lens of those old White Diamonds commercials. Just right: M.A.C. brow pencil.

The twist up pencil is the width of a fine-point Sharpie, allowing you to accurately sketch in the extra bulk your brows are missing without creating a too-dark, heavy deposit of pigment. The design also eliminates the hassle of constantly sharpening for precision.

This product has really revolutionized my brow situation, and at a reasonable $15 I HIGHLY recommend it.

Deal of the Week: Stila Shadow Set

Sephora currently has the 6-shade eyeshadow Stila Pearl palette on sale for $20 - 50% off the original price.

Normally I steer clear of multi-shade palettes - as we all know from experience, there's always one color you use and 3 you never touch. With a white, two neutral pinks, a blue, a green and a soft gold, this set quite neatly covers your bases.

WTF: Swimsuit Vending Machines

This Sunday The Standard hotel chain (L.A., Hollywood, New York, and Miami locations) will debut a swimsuit vending machine offering a bikini in three sizes and a pair of boardshorts for men, each costing about $75. The hotel partnered with Quiksilver to offer this innovation in convenience.

What happens if it gets stuck on the hook like that bag of Cheetos so often does? Pop in another $75? I suppose if you're paying for a room, drinks, etc. at The Standard, that won't be a problem.

Gilt Fuse Opens Wednesday

On August 12 at noon EST, Gilt Groupe will launch their lower-priced sample sale site, Gilt Fuse. It's members-only to start, but those already registered as Gilt members will be allowed access.

If you need the Gilt hookup, email us at HeartsLikeStars@gmail.com and we'll invite you.

Rodarte for Target Launches December 20

It's true! With the fall Anna Sui Target collection just a month away (September 13) it was just announced that amazing American design team Rodarte next on the cheap-chic roster.

The collection will debut on December 20 (just in time to dress you for that holiday party.) Dresses and separates bedecked in sequins, bows, patterns, and faux fur will complete the 55 piece run, and - as always - prices will range from $9.99 to $79.99.

As if I didn't spend enough at Target as it is...

P.S. If you still have not checked it out, New York Magazine has a slideshow of all of the Anna Sui for Target looks.

Know Your Fall/Winter 2009 Color Trends

[Image via Pantone.com]

According to Pantone, creators of the design industry's most popular standardized color matching system, the above were the most commonly used in the Fall/Winter 2009 collections. (For more detail, you can view the Pantone Color Report in detail here. It's actually not boring, and loaded with fashion sketches.)

The least universally flattering among them would have to be the pea soup-esque shade warm olive - people who aren't dark or olive skinned should avoid wearing it near their face, except for maybe in a piece of costume jewelry.