Off for Some R & R

Friends, Mr. Ji and I will be taking off shortly to hole away someplace in the Caribbean. As much as I love you all dearly, I shall not be musing here while on vacay. But rest assured folks, I'll be thinking deep thoughts for future musings while I sip a pina colada in the private plunge pool on our private veranda of our private thatched roof cottage. How fab.u.lous does that sound? I'll tell you all about it when I return. Or maybe not. Mwa!

The Perfect Trifecta in a Shoe

A few weeks ago I was shopping at Marshalls. Yes, Marshalls. I told you I'm a Gemini. I do high-end, I do low-end. What's funny is that when Ji does low-end, Ji really does low-end. I get super frugal. In Prada I'll think, how reasonable, these shoes are on sale for only $420. At Marshalls I suck my teeth when a dress is $29.99.

Shopping at these bargain basement places is never fun. One must pysch herself up to even enter such places. What with the harsh lighting, clothes strewn everywhere and mile long lines, it's a wonder anyone shops at these places. But deep down we are all suckers for a bargain aren't we?

On my recent trip into Marshalls, I hit it big with an amazing pair of shoes. Imagine for a moment three fabulous shoe characteristics wrapped together in one. I found such a pair. I swear it's the perfect trifecta - in a shoe.

My trifecta includes: patent leather, wedge heel and a mary jane effect. Lawd! I first discovered the gems when I nearly tripped over them on the floor. I was about to be annoyed until I looked down to see that a gift had been placed before me. I picked them up and nearly squeeled with delight because lo and behold, they were my size -7. I sat down next to a pile of shoes on a bench to try on the trifecta. Rats! The size 7 was too big! What to do? I contemplated still buying the trifecta, however big. But instead, took another lap around the shoes. And thus, there on the 6.5 rack waiting patiently to be discovered, was another pair of the trifecta. I grabbed, I tried on, I purchased the perfect trifecta.

Some of you more serious shoe shoppers may be wondering who designed such a trifecta. I'm not embarrassed to tell you that Franco Sarto designed the trifecta. I have to say that FS is one of the better low-end designers. Unlike other low-end designers, FS is actually decent quality. We all know, a bargain ain't no bargain if you can't wear it due to discomfort -yes?

The kicker to this entire shoe vignette, of course, was the Marshalls price. Imagine finding the perfect trifecta in a shoe all for the bargain price of just $39.99. Now that's smart shopping friends!

Local Spot Review - Colors Restaurant

As you may already know, Colors is the restaurant that was recently opened by former employees of Windows on the World at the World Trade Center. The restaurant is a co-op, meaning each employee of Colors also has an ownership interest. Mr. Ji and I, not being of the Easter ilk, checked out Colors this past Friday evening.

The memory of Windows on the World holds an extremely dear place in the Ji family household, as it was the location where Mr. Ji and I vowed to be together until the end of time. We wed at Windows just seventeen days prior to the awful day that was 9/11. More than 70 Windows employees were lost on that day, some of whom had worked at our wedding. And so, it was with great sentiment that we went to Colors.

The menu at Colors is based on a collection of family recipes from the restaurants very diverse group of workers. It is eclectic, interesting and it has something for everyone. We started at the smallish but beautiful dark wood bar. The bartender was very friendly and mixed a luscious cocktail. I had the Lychee Martini. Yum-my. Mr. Ji had a perfect Saphire and tonic and the smoked tuna appetizer. Another yum-my.

We moved to a table for dinner. The restaurant is dark and sophisticated. The service is friendly and competent. (When you make a reservation be sure to request one of the booths.) I was disappointed to find that the lobster roll appetizer that I had read good things about, was not on the menu. Apparently the menu changes depending on which local ingredients are available. I followed the waiters suggestion and tried the fried oysters for an appetizer. Having only tried oysters on one other occasion, I was going out on a very long limb. Honestly, the slimy buggers do nothing for me. But I was working on the veritable assumption that all things fried are yummy. I was initially overwhelmed by the strong fish taste but somehow came around to liking the buggers. They were presented nicely atop a mustard (?) green and parmesan concoction. Mr. Ji had the Colors house cured duck breast appetizer. He said it was de-lish and we'll have to believe him since Ji doesn't eat duckies.

For the main course I had the scallops with an oxtail accoutrement. Normally, I don't eat oxtail either but I tried some and it was very tasty. Had a nice spice to it. Mr. Ji had the steak and gave it two thumbs up. For dessert we had the donuts with dulce center and raspberry dipping sauce. Good to average. Be careful that the dulce center doesn't dulce down the front of your shirt friends. Next time I'll try a different dessert.

A few nota benes here: wine list extensive but not too extensive and good range of prices; brunch just started recently and there is a coupon, for those of you into that sort of thing, on the website www.colors-nyc.com; located at 417 Lafayette Street, dial 212.777.8443; the restaurant is a bit pricey but what isn't in NYC?

Mr. Ji and I will definitely return to Colors. Perhaps we'll see you at the bar. Order me a Lychee Martini if you get there first. Mwa!

The Truth About Facials

There is nothing that annoys me more (ok, maybe not nothing) than the suggestion that someone should get a facial as a means of relaxation or pampering. The point of a real facial people is not to be pampered, not to be relaxed, not to indulge. The point of a real facial is to clean out your gunk filled pores (aka extractions)! A true cleaning of pores involves serious, oft times excruciating, but necessary pain. (A small price to pay for healthy luminescent skin -yes?) Any serious facial goer knows that one can not be seen in public for the first 24 hours post facial. The problem in this age of a spa on every corner, is that innocent consumers are tricked into believing that a facial is nothing but sheer indulgence. Thus most facials offered today do not focus on the extractions. Instead, the focus is on the mask and the massage. Ji is here to save you from wasting precious time and money on superfluous facials.

More important than any product, regular facials are key to getting that healthy luminescent glow for which we all strive. I learned this about nine years ago, when I first started getting facials. Some important background info on Ji may be helpful here. My whole life I have been tortured with problematic skin. I tried every prescription pill or cream available for many years. Accutane, the supposed "cure" for acne - did it twice. Nothing, let me repeat that... NOTHING worked to change my skin the way that regular facials did. But for a few moments of infidelity here and there, I have been faithful to my aesthetician Ela, owner of Allure Day Spa on 55th between Lexington and Third Ave. in midtown. (Digits: 212.644.5500.)

For the most dramatic improvement in your skin, you should at first go every four weeks, religiously. After you see the improvement, it is not necessary to go as religiously every four weeks. Every six to ten weeks depending on your personal needs, should suffice. I am now at the point where I only go about once every three months. That is, unless an important occasion is upcoming, then I will go every four weeks up to said occasion.

When I first started with Ela, she explained to me why facials are so important. The process of regularly cleaning out your pores prevents build up of gunk (dirt, oils etc.) Build up causes dullness, breakouts and all other anti-luminescent qualities. Additionally, with regular cleaning, your pores actually shrink and function better. That is, the oil will flow freely out of your pores, which is a good thing. It's good because you don't want it getting stuck in your pores, drying up and causing a blemish. Makes sense -yes?

Regarding my dear Ela. Her politics are all wrong but don't make that stop you from loving her. She'll clean out your pores better than anyone else period. When she's done with you, you will at first look like you were beaten up. But have no fear my friends, after nine years of going to her, never a scar. (Which by the way, I can not say about other facialists I have been too.) And after about 24 hours, your skin will be more luminescent than ever before. I have sent many people to Ela and every person who sees her is absolutely delighted with the results. (Nota bene, Allure's waxing and nail services are very good too but skip any of the hair services.)

I have been to other spas throughout the city that are known for facials such as Mario Badescu, Bliss etc. None compare, with the exception of Amore Pacific Spa in Soho. AP is a far behind second to Ela in their extractions. However, the facial experience at AP is so relaxing and the products top notch, that in between seeing Ela, I go to AP for the sheer pampering.

So there you have it friends. The cold hard truth about facials is out now. If I've done my part to help just one of you not be fooled into getting a facial for relaxation purposes, then I have done my part.

Elton's Closet - Elton John's Designer Cast-offs

So yesterday some well informed friends tipped me off on this "Elton's Closet" shin dig that's going on in the Concourse level of Rockefellar Center. Apparently, Elton John and his hubby, David Furnish, have donated tens of thousands of pieces of their combined wardrobes to raise money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. One hundred percent of the profits will go to said foundation. The sale started yesterday and continues through the 15th, that's this Saturday for all of you who are confused on the day. Professor Google says the hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

We all know that Elton's weight has fluctuated (whose hasn't?) so there are many different sizes, except for the shoes -natch. And rumor has it that they'll be replenishing the loot daily. So no need to worry your pretty little heads about going later in the week.

Now, whether you are a fan of either Mr. John or Mr. Furnish, is hugely irrelevant here. (For the record, Ji is a fan of neither.) The only relevant fanaticism here is the massive savings to be had on designer duds. My well-informed friends who were first in line at the sale yesterday, all came out with prizes. This group of friends is a diverse mix, so there is something to be had for all. Each of the friends bought a Versace shirt for fitty bucks! The icing on the cake is that when you purchase, you'll receive a $25 gift card to Saks (one of the sponsors.) Do the math friends, that's a Versace shirt for $25 bucks plus a 3% down payment on a pair of shoes at Saks!

Shopping for charity, discounts on designer, credit at Saks - it's a win win people!

Embracing A Fashion Faux Pas

Recently, Mr. Ji and I found ourselves on the upper west side. Such an occurrence does not happen all too often, so we decided to have brunch at Sarabeth's. As popular as Sarabeth's is, neither one of us had ever dined there. Aside from feeling slightly like we were in a college cafeteria due to the other clientele, the meal was enjoyable. However, what was most enjoyable, if not perhaps slightly painful, was listening in on the first and/or blind date scenario that was going on right next to us. Similar to many restaurants in the city, we were practically sitting on top of them, thus there was no need to strain in order to listen in. (Nota bene to my single friends, in my humble opinion Sarabeth's is not a good first/early date place.)

The blind daters were a couple in their early to mid twenties. She was sort of cute and showed a good attempt at being fashionable. He was sort of (ok, very) dorky and registered a negative on the fashionable scale. From the moment we sat down, it was obvious that she was merely focusing on getting to the end of the subject blind date. Poor girl. I give her credit because at least she was nice. Single Ji would have never stayed in such a boring circumstance.

I'm guessing that a common trait with nervous dorks is that they tend to talk too much. Though merely speculation here, such was fact for the dorky blind dater. (Mr. Ji and I both wanted to turn to dorky blind dater and tell him to shut his pie hole for a minute.) One of the many topics that the blind daters covered was a fashion faux pas, that I admit, I have readily embraced: wearing sneakers to work.

Dorky blind dater was confused by it and asked sort of cute blind dater what she thought. She told him that she would never wear sneakers to work. Now friends, there was once a time that Ji said she would never wear sneakers to work as well. And, honestly, this is a faux pas that took time to grow on me. Furthermore, if Ji was still on the market, I probably would not be seen in sneakers. However, with age and commitment comes a sense of practicality that seeps into ones life. No matter how fabulous one once was.

I remember a couple of years ago when my friend "Dante" came to have lunch with me and I wore my sneakers. (Admittedly, I wouldn't normally wear them to lunch with someone but I had been working 90 hours a week at the time and just. didn't. care. You've all been there, I'm sure.)Dante was aghast that I would be wearing sneakers and running sneakers at that!

I've since gotten some cute Pumas. Everytime I'm wearing my Pumas and I see a woman in her stilletos, I give her a silent nod for being cute but I grin to myself for being comfortable.

What truly sealed the deal for me and embracing the sneaker faux pas was 9/11. (Sorry to bring up such a heavy subject but necessity calls here.) After 9/11, the blackout in '03 and the most recent transit strike, I believe every city girl should have a pair of sneakers with her at all times. This doesn't mean you must wear them everyday but keep them in your gym bag. Because in a city as dynamic as ours, one never knows when a fashion faux pas may become a fashion lifesaver.

Every Gal Needs a GB

Every gal should have a gay boyfriend. There are so many positive aspects to having a GB. He'll shop with you, he'll talk products with you and he'll be sure to tell you when you look fat in that outfit. Gay men have a true appreciation of style and beauty. So when you're given a compliment by your GB, pat yourself on the shoulder because you'll know you really look good.

My GB, bless his heart, and I went out this past Friday evening for a few drinkies. Although we normally patronize straight establishments together; the thought occurred to us Friday - why? I mean, I have a Mr. Ji but GB has no GB! Thus, after one drink at a place where the bar crowd was particularly not attractive, we decided to switch up our routine and hang out with GB's team.

Our first stop was a place called XES (how creative.) Although GB does not classify it as such, the place is a bit divey for my taste. But the patrons were fun and we had a grand time. GB was hit on a few times but by no one of any interest. After a couple of margaritas, we headed down a few blocks to Elmo.

Elmo is a mostly gay restaurant (natch in Chelsea) that I really like. It was a beautiful night Friday, so we sat outside. Normally I'm not a proponent of eating on the sidewalk but GB wanted to...anywho. We sat next to an attractive man sitting by himself. He had sort of, now use your imagination here friends, an Anderson Cooper look going...but it worked! I thought for sure that GB was annoying the ef out of the attractive Anderson Cooper man because GB was talking on his cell, rather loudly. Turns out, attractive Anderson Cooper man was very sweet and GB and I both took a liking to him. Me for GB and GB for himself, of course. After attractive man got up and said good-bye, I told GB that I wanted him to marry attractive man. GB responded, "me too." At which time, GB leapt up from the table and chased attractive man down to the corner.

After being gone for a good 5-7 minutes, GB returned looking deflated. I asked him what happened. GB told me that attractive man offered GB his number but also said that he had a boyfriend in L.A. To which GB replied, "Sorry attractive man, but homey don't play that way."

You All Know about Primer -Yes?

Every so often I find myself in a charitable mood and freely provide my services as a personal shopper. Recently, I provided my services to one of my girlfriends. This particular charitable episode is one that will be ongoing. But I am thrilled to let you know that so far we've had great success! The first outing with said girlfriend was for clothes and our second outing was to the Laura Mercier counter at Bendels.

I must disclose that I am highly partial to LM products. The most important part of a flawless face is a flawless canvas on which to work. Thus, the foundational products used are of superior importance (akin to a good cleanser and moisturizer.) LM makes amazing foundational products. I was surprised to discover that my girlfriend for whom I was personal shopping, did not know about Primer. You all know about the magical qualities of a good Primer -yes? I thought everyone knew about Primer?!

The products necessary for a flawless canvas include, but are not limited to, cleanser, moisturizer, Primer, tinted moisturizer and/or foundation, concealer and translucent powder. Friends if you don't know about Primer already, listen up. Primer has long been a secret weapon of the professional make-up artist but only recently came onto the market for us lay people. LM's Primer is like spackle for your face, but in a good way. It'll fill in all your holes, lines and other detrimental qualties to a flawless face. Then, it'll grab onto your make-up and keep it in place all day and into your fabulous night. As if that weren't enough, LM's Primer also promotes that luminescent glow for which we all strive. You only need a small amount to cover your entire beautiful face. Oh and nota bene, a celebrity make-up artist once advised me to wear Primer everyday even when not wearing other make-up because "it'll protect your face" from the dirty elements that surround us in the city.

By the by, LM just came out with an oil-free formula of her Primer. I thought for sure this would become another obsession. Fretfully, I had to return the oil-free formula after trying it out for a few days. Much to my complete surprise, the oil-free formula actually made my face feel supra greasy by the days end. One would think an oil-free formula would do just the opposite -yes? Additionally, the oil-free formula lacks the enhancement of the luminescent glow. And we've already established the ultra-importance of this quality.

As a side note, even as a confirmed product junkie, I do not wear product everyday. Notwithstanding celebrity make-up artists advice (above) to wear Primer everyday. In fact, I firmly believe in the importance of letting your beautiful face breathe unencumbered by product on a regular basis. Thus, I usually only wear Primer for special events and other occasions wherein the possiblity of being photographed is high. That, or on days when I'll be having a fabulous night.

I've also heard only phenomenal things about Smashbox Photo Finish Primer but I've never strayed on LM so I can not attest to the phenomenality.

If I had to choose a top ten list of products, Laura Mercier's Primer would be floating somewhere in the top three. Good, now you all know about Primer. Go out and try it. You can thank me later friends.

Possibly the Best Job in the World - Critical Shopper

Every Thursday I look forward to reading the only truly enjoyable section of the NY Times, the Style section. I am green with envy over Alex Kuczynski. She, quite possibly, has the best job in the world. She shops, writes, gets paid. Why did my parents not tell me this was a career choice? Her column is called "Critical Shopper" and appears every Thursday. Her writing is funny, informative and creative. Having been to most of the stores she reviews, I almost always agree with her assessments and thus I trust her judgement. Miss Kuczynski is either very wealthy or she is given a nice budget from which to purchase. She's always purchasing. Do you think the Times actually gives her money to purchase? Today she splendidly and entertaingly reviews Barneys. Enjoy!

Halle Berry Kicking Arse and Adventures with Bratty Boy

Let me start by saying that I'm no big fan of Halle Berry as an actress. Throughout her career I have been underwhelmed by her acting ability. Don't even get me started on her Oscar win for that ridiculously bad Monster movie! Yes, she's GORGE (GB's term for gorgeous) and her body is sick - these are non-debateable facts. But her acting ability has never been a strong point. That being said, I recently caught Catwoman on HBO (yes, it was a slow night.) I must profess to you that Halle was robbed of critical acclaim for her work as Catwoman. I jest not!

Halle's work in Catwoman displayed more than an iota of acting ability. She nailed the mousy, clumsy, shy girl character perfectly. Yet, she also nailed the assertive, strong, confident Catwoman character. I was highly impressed! I started watching the movie with beyond low expectations but was pleasantly surprised.

My theory on Catwoman's bombing at the box office is this: Hollywood, America, society is not ready to watch a beautiful, strong Black (cat)woman kicking arse! Especially kicking white, mostly male arse. Plain and simple. You can disagree with me but that's my theory and I'm sticking to it.

By the by, as you may know, the very handsome Benjamin Bratt plays Halle's love interest in the movie. A few years ago, designergirl and I went with our respective Misters to Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos for a little R&R. (I truly needed the R&R, designergirl, well that's a whole 'nother post. Her life is basically about shopping and R&R. Yes, I'm jealous, aren't we all?) Anywho, there were a few celebrities also catching some R&R while we were at Parrot Cay. To me, the only celebrity that was worthy of any sort of excitement was, yup you guessed it, Benjamin Bratty Boy.

For those who need to know, the other celebrities included Winona Ryder, fresh off her sticky fingers episode. There were bad jokes flying everywhere about watching your bag when she was around. Poor girl, she really did seem like a tortured soul. She was with an unknown, looked like a rock 'n roller boy. The other celebrity was Matthew Perry, whatever.

Back to Bratty Boy. Ladies and gay friends let me atest, Bratty Boy is perhaps even finer in person. (NB, his wife Talisa Soto is also astoundingly beautiful.) But beyond being beautiful, Bratty Boy and the Mrs. were also friendly and down-to-earth. They showed us pictures of their then 8 month old baby girl and were otherwise very nice. Designergirl and I, of course, were mortified to be seen in our bathing suits in front of such a perfect couple. Later at dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Bratty stopped by our table to say hi etc. Afterward, this woman who was on her honeymoon was practically having a conniption, she was in awe that we "knew" the Brattys. As fun as it would have been to make up stories about our longstanding friendship with the Brattys, we confessed that we had just met them earlier in the day. Ah! And so go the adventures with Bratty Boy.

BO and other Deal Breakers

Today's topic ain't pretty friends...

The other day a friend asked me for some advice. He wanted to know how he could best break it to a female friend that she had BO. He was particularly concerned because this friend of his is a single female who desperately wants to find her soul mate. Clearly, having BO is a deal breaker for many folks, whether male or female.

His question got us to discussing deal breakers in general. We all have our own beliefs as to what constitutes a deal breaker. Some are more common than others. In addition to BO, another top deal breaker that women exhibit, (I have to believe) is having a moustache. (Easy solution ladies, Sally Hansen Cream Hair Remover for the Face.) How is it that women don't recognize these things as the deal breakers that they are? Is there some sort of self-smell protection that shields those with BO from knowing that they're kickin'?

Apparently this female friend of my male friend doesn't utilize any hair removal techniques under her arms either. (He's noticed it at the gym.) We surmised that the under arm hair can only be detrimental to the said BO problem. Further, the under arm hair, in and of itself, could only be, yet another, deal breaker -yes?

Honestly people, we didn't come up with any gentle approach for letting this woman know that she is laden with deal breakers. As embarrassing as it may be though, I told my friend that if it was me, I would want to know. It's like when you've got something in your teeth, wouldn't you rather be told than to have conversations with 5 different people before seeing yourself in the mirror with parsley stuck all up in your grill?

Ode to the Importance of a Good Moisturizer

So last week we discussed the importance of a good cleanser. Today, we'll move on to the importance of a good moisturizer. Everyone needs a good mositurizer, no matter what skin type. And ladies who are lucky enough to still be twenty-somethings, the earlier you start, the better. Healthy, glowing skin can not be accomplished without being hydrated.

Like all other types of products,I have tried hundreds (ok maybe an exaggeration, but then again, maybe not) of different moisturizers. My latest addiction is to the entire line of Amore Pacific (hereinafter to be known as AP). AP has four different moisturizers. I have tried all four and love all four. They've got a refining cream moisturizer (possibly oil-free, sorry I can't recall right now), an oil-free hydra-gel, the moisture bound cream and the latest Time Response. All four assist in attaining that luminescent glow for which we all strive.

For the summer/warmer months I like both the refining cream and the hydra-gel. Both are light, non-greasy formulas that keep your skin hydrated and glowing. Supposedly the refining cream, light pink in hue, exfoliates your skin throughout the day. This is good for those of us with problem skin. The hydra-gel is a light blue, well, gel of sorts. It's refreshing and keeps your skin aglow. This formula is also good for problem skin, as it is oil-free, as mentioned above.

The Moisture Bound Cream, is a thicker formula yet it still manages to not be too heavy and/or greasy. The cream is white, as all creams really should be and comes in beautiful packaging. (As do all of the AP products.) I switched to this formula throughout this past winter and I have to say that I love it. It's a bit more moisturizing, so those with dry skin throughout the year, will probably want to stick to this formula. However, after this jar is done, I'll go back to the Refining Cream and the Hydra-gel for the summer, since my skin tends to get more oily during the warmer months.

The final AP cream is the Time Response. This stuff is toted to be a miracle in a jar. You know what, it sort of is. Sadly, though the price point reflects the miracle status. It'll hit ya 'bout $500 per jar. No, no silly friends, I have never paid that much for a product. Even a confirmed product junkie such as myself has her limits. Here's a little tip. AP is available at the AP boutique/spa in Soho and at Bergdorfs. Go to the counter and ask for a deluxe sample. The deluxe part is key, otherwise they'll just give you a couple of packets. The deluxe sample is big enough to last about two weeks depending on how judicious you are with each use. Be warned though people, you may become addicted and then you'll have to send all your friends to get you a deluxe sample every other week. Hey, a product junkie's gotta do what she's gotta do -yes?

Oh, by the way, the spa in Soho offers wonderfully relaxing treatments. The facials are actually pretty decent. I am an extreme critic of facials. A good one is hard to find. The focus of a good facial should always be the extractions, the point being to clean out those pores! AP will give you more extractions if you specifically request. If you are seeking relaxation, Amore Pacific is a good bet.

I must note that I do not usually stick with the same brand of product for too long because as a junkie, I'm always wanting to try new junk! But Amore Pacific is just that good. Could it be that I've found my one true love in skincare? But alas, only time will tell.