Ricky's NYC is Online

How did I miss this?! When I lived in NYC's West Village, trannylicious beauty supply store Ricky's was a weekly stop-off for me. They have everything you could possibly need to complete your look, from velcro rollers to glitter to the kind of clip on ponytail that scares you every time you open the bathroom closet. It's enough to give any product junkie a beauty boner (speaking of which - they also sell sex toys.) Not only is it piled high and deep with goodies, but the vibe inside is fun even if the staff is a smidge fresh - it's like a Sephora on rave drugs.

For years I've checked to see when they'd finally get on the whole e-commerce bandwagon because I love the loose shimmer powders they carry by a brand called Matisse, and to my amazement yesterdays Google of "Ricky's NYC" was a fruitful one!

What's better? Currently they have a sale for 20% off a vast array of items with code ANNUAL20 - including Matesse cosmetics. It ends November 30, so get on that shit before your local Beyonce impersonator wipes it out. If you live in NYC, Long Island or Miami, go explore your local Ricky's in person.

Lower Priced Gilt Fuse Launches in August

I have to admit, I love Gilt.com but as yet I have never made a purchase. I can't afford the stuff they sell even when it's 60% off! Fortunately, the ladies behind the site are not idiots. They've heard of girls like me (according to yesterday's New York Times article about it, more than 50% of Gilt members are in their 20's) and next month they're throwing us a bone.

A spinoff site called Gilt Fuse will host sample sales for trendier younger brands with items all priced under $150.

Follow Gilt Fuse on Twitter for updates: giltfuse

The Outnet.com Has Launched!

Check out the new bargain sister site (as in up to 80% off) of Net-a-Porter.com - they just launched this morning and are selling out like crazy. Word via The Outnet's Twitter is many new items are on their way, so not to fear.

P.S. - While you're checking Tweets, feel free to add Hearts Like Stars to your list - we're on Twitter now too.

Around Your Neck

If you love cutting edge design, Etsy shouldn't be the only bookmark on your toolbar. Observe the wares offered by my new favorite discovery, Stars and Infinite Darkness, an online store carrying apparel, jewelry, gifts and housewares, all by small brands who for the most part create their items by hand.

These are a few of my favorite jewelry items:

[Click image to enlarge]

Hint: Join their Facebook group to score special deals and discounts.

Topshop US Opens on Thursday

Finally!!! Anyone up for a MegaBus ride? I only need the slightest bit of encouragement...

For the opening they're offering free manicures, hairstyling and makeovers by Make Up For Ever (one of my fave pricey brands...) as well as live DJs (inlcuding Justine D. of my fave super-R.I.P. party Tiswas) and other giveaways.

In NYC this week, Topshop vans are all over the island giving out free gift cards: find out exactly where.

Two More Designer Mega-Discount Sites

BillionDollarBabes.com is a members only site like Hautelook, etc. They only seem to have one sale at a time - today it's Chaiken at about 75-80% off.

BadJoan.com has a shop full of up-and-coming designer items for 80% off (Jenny Han, Colin Robertson). Enter your email and "Joan" sends you the coupon code to enter to get the sale price. Of all the member's sale sites, the prices here seem to be the lowest ($55 silk dresses!)

More High-End, Low-Priced Action to Come

Net-a-Porter, the premiere online shopping destination for super expensive designer garb, is launching a sister site for those of us lighter in the bank account: theOutnet.com.

Yes, it sounds like a gay dating site. Yes, the tagline is something my mom would have come up with. But the premise sounds pretty sweet: designer labels at 40-60% off, and they'll be selling smaller labels as well as the majors. If you go now, you can sign up yourself and a friend, and you'll get an email when the launch is approaching. All we know so far is that it will be next month.