According to the Ted Gibson pr machine, Ms. Hathaway "keeps a supply of hair sheets with her whenever she travels."
Now you know.
How Anne Hathaway avoids washing her hair
A flirty fashion find is just the antidote to this insanely freezing weather. Like these darling slip dresses from Ruby Pearl made of vintage handkerchiefs. Great for a date, or better yet, a flight to Miami. Priced at $108, you'll find them at the charming new A. Michele boutique at Selby and Snelling in St. Paul. Read more about it at AliShops.com. And click here to read the A. Michele blog.
Are you kidding me, Kevin James?
Have to. Ha. Shopping with celebrities is one of my favorite columns to write for the St. Paul Pioneer Press (here I am with Valerie Harper shopping on Grand Avenue in 2006), which is the only reason I put up with all the aggravation that goes along with setting up each and every interview. There was Nick Lachey, who couldn't be distracted from rehearsals when he was in town to perform (guess it wasn't enough); Kathy Griffin, who had no time for local media, despite her D-list roots, when she was here for four nights (and four long, open days) of shows; Ashley Tisdale, who didn't dare leave the green room when she visited the Mall of America, for fear of being mobbed by fans…and the list goes on. I've been rejected by the best – and worst – of 'em. Perez just "didn't have an extra moment" in his schedule when he rolled through town over the weekend. And "King of Queens" star Kevin James, who is in town today to promote a movie I will not name declined to hit even one store with me while he's at the MOA, which is especially insulting considering the film he's here to hype is about a mall cop!
I don't blame you, Kevin, I don't. I know that if the publicity game was such that I could simply call you directly and say: Hey, aren't you tired of answering the same five reporter questions over and over? Couldn't you come up with some funny bits as we strolled the mall? Wouldn't it be nice to be able to pick up a shirt at the Gap and get your publicity at the same time? – I know you're the kind of guy who'd do it. But, you've got that team of pr agents surrounding you and they have to make themselves feel useful and they think it makes you seem more important if they tell local reporters like me that you are very, very, very, very busy…even though I've been around enough celebs and publicity tours to know you'll end up sitting in a back room for an hour while waiting to do your three minute spiel.
But I've got broad shoulders and the dumb drive to keep at it. Some celebs are savvy enough (or desperate enough – no difference to me) to recognize an opportunity when it presents itself. You guys need fans between the coasts – we go to movies too. And we watch you on Letterman and the "Today" show and "The View" and we get tired of hearing the same bits and seeing the same clips over and over. We'd be much more interested in a story that told us something new, even if just your favorite brand of socks. Besides, I could have shown you where they're on sale and saved you the sales tax.
Your loss.
Sunny 50th and France retailer Melly is packing up its Lilly Pulitzers and heading down France Ave. to the Galleria. The mother and daughter run shop will take the former Uber Baby space at the Galleria space in March. They had looked at Galleria before opening the store three years ago, but there weren't openings at the mall at the time. Watch Sales/Specials for details on Melly's moving sale Feb. 5 to 8.
RetailMeNot, yes do!
I'm two for two this month on RetailMeNot.com, a website that provides online coupon codes. There are lots of these sites out there, but this one seems more legit and up-to-date. Before you purchase anything online, give it a click – you won't believe how many discount offers are floating around cyberspace, just waiting for you to find them!
Obama tees for tots
If you ever wonder where that fashion forward 4-year-old got her rockin' t-shirt here are a couple of cool sites I've been shopping this week in my quest to find a stand-out Barack Obama t-shirt for my toddler who has Inaugural fever, as well as all sorts of opinions on his wardrobe lately: ShopToughCookies.com and Kitsel.com. Both sell Obama tees for tots that are more fun and stylish than the average "Kids for Obama" shirt you'll find on political sites – like the one pictured here from ShopToughCookies.com, which sells for $28.
New Minneapolis designer consignment boutique June really is a lovely space – you'd never know the merch has been worn. But I was surprised to learn from the owner that people are buying, but they're not selling. You'd think it would be the reverse in this economy. I finally got my act together and brought some maternity apparel in to Nine – what fun to receive checks in the mail, $35 here; $45 there. Check your closet. You're sure to find lovely things you just never wear and rather than waiting for the day that will never come, make some money. June is looking for gently worn better or designer garments, shoes and accessories from the last couple of years. To find more Twin Cities consignment shops, click here.
And when the checks start rolling in, try to avoid blowing your earnings on yet another ill-fitting dress.
Twin Cities boutiques are feeling understandably cautious, but as always, spring will bring new fashions and new reasons to shop. Be sure to read my Savvy Shopper column on Sunday, Jan. 11 to find out how small stores are coping with the downturn (tease: more shopping events and rewards programs to come!). Until then, here's a look at what local retailers tell me they're getting excited about:
Stephanie's: Loose, thin layering tops in pastels and neutrals paired with skinny jeans for a laid-back, untailored effect. Also, nicely-priced knit line, Smitten.
La Rue Marche: Updated '80s looks – less hippie, more pretty. Lots of yellow and teal. Continued interest in statement necklaces.
Eco-tique: Daytime dresses in bold colors and modern prints.
Goodthings: Late '60s revival with long halter dresses, skirts that graze the ground, peasant tops with lace, crocheted and embroidery detail, plus more gladiator sandals and scarves.
Elodie: Disco Big T jeans from True Religion, Sevens Crop Dojos and Dojo shorts, Hudson flares.
Sorrayah Studios: Prints, ruffled sexy tops and dresses, eco-friendly fabrics and lots of accessories.
Arafina: Vibrant colors in
everything from tees to gowns, fabulous prints and
patterns.
Elan: New "green" lines, Know and EcoCentric, which plants a tree for every top, dress or jacket sold.
Kill the coupons
I know: complaining about Macy's is so 2008. But they just don't seem to learn. I went to the store today clutching two shiny red coupons, one for $25 off a $100 purchase and another for 20 percent off anything (except, if you read the fine print, pretty much everything). I actually made two significant purchases, but was unable to use my coupons on either. Both were on sale, and virtually every sale item was an extra 15 to 30 percent off when you paid with a Macy's card. I was excited to get my extra discounts on top of that, but was told at the register that offers can't be combined. So why bother distributing the coupons? Without them, I would have been pleased to save an extra 15 percent for using my Macy's card. But because I had these coupons I couldn't use, I walked away feeling like I'd lost out on savings. Dumb marketing. I actually felt for the sales associate who had to turn me down, and the customer in front of me, and the one after me. "The register won't let me do it," she explained helplessly. My favorite, though was when she said, "You'd have to talk to a manager about trying to override it, but that would require being able to find a manager."
No, I don't want to add up how many cookies I've eaten in the last week, nor do I care to discuss artichoke dip intake, in all its creamy splendor. I refuse to feel guilty about enjoying the holidays. Honestly, my main motivation for hitting the gym this past weekend: cool new kicks.
The new Nike Store at Mall of America deserves more attention than it has received. No, it's not got anything on the Michigan Avenue store in Chicago. But it has that same gallery-like quality, and a whole lot of cool athletic shoes in amazing colors (customize your own, in store) that you won't find at other stores. Right now, women's Pegasus running shoes in funky, retro colors – like the blue and chartreuse combo I bought – are marked down to $59.99. Now, go sweat.
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