WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog/media/feedlogo.gif WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Sarah Palin's stylist speaks outhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/19/sarah-palins-stylist-speaks-out/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/19/sarah-palins-stylist-speaks-out/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/19/sarah-palins-stylist-speaks-out/#commentsFiled under: ,

In case you've been living under an enormous, soundproof rock this week: Sarah Palin is back. And she's everywhere you turn, promoting her tell-all biography, "Going Rogue," and addressing the hot-button subjects of Levi Johnston, Katie Couric and the infamous hundred-thousand-dollar wardrobe.

Concerning that last subject, the New York Times turns to a voice that we actually haven't heard before: the fashion stylist who engineered Palin's campaign trail wardrobe. In a fascinating sitdown, Lisa Kline explains away some of the bills.

Continue reading Sarah Palin's stylist speaks out

Sarah Palin's stylist speaks out originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>going rogueGoingRoguepalinpalin 2012Palin2012Sarah Palinsarah palin 2012sarah palin oprah interviewSarahPalinSarahPalin2012SarahPalinOprahInterviewMegan AngeloThu, 19 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST30% off holiday flair at Fred Flare todayhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/17/30-off-holiday-flair-at-fred-flare-today/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/17/30-off-holiday-flair-at-fred-flare-today/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/17/30-off-holiday-flair-at-fred-flare-today/#commentsFiled under: ,

When financial experts are recommending canceling vacations, cutting cable and staying far away from restaurants to save money in the recession, it's easy to guess what they'd think of frivolous expenses like, say, holiday trinkets and decor.

But before you let a budget-minded humbug talk you out of decking your halls this holiday season, you might want to check out fredflare.com. The site peddles inexpensive, quirky holiday tchotchkes and treats guaranteed to charm hipsters and homemakers alike.


Continue reading 30% off holiday flair at Fred Flare today

30% off holiday flair at Fred Flare today originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Christmasfred flareFredFlareshoppingMegan AngeloTue, 17 Nov 2009 15:30:00 ESTChoo touches down at H&Mhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/13/choo-touches-down-at-handm/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/13/choo-touches-down-at-handm/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/13/choo-touches-down-at-handm/#commentsFiled under: ,

After months of anticipation, Jimmy Choo will touch down at H&M on Saturday, and the store's expecting that the masses will start amassing while it's still dark.

According to the shopping guide on the company's Web site, lines of people are expected at all participating stores, and shoppers will be let in 160 at a time for limited shopping periods.

Sounds complicated, right? Well, you only have to worry about it if you live near H&M's outposts in Manhattan, Los Angeles, San Francisco, West Hollywood or Costa Mesa, CA. Those are the only stores carrying the line of tailored frocks, hardware-bedecked bags and, of course, reptilian stilettos.

The Jimmy Choo for H&M designs cost up to $300 at H&M, compared with $400 to more than $1,000 for regular Choos at other retailers.

So what to do if you live in one of the other 48 states and you're dying to get your hands on the goods? Here are a few out-of-the-shoebox options.

Continue reading Choo touches down at H&M

Choo touches down at H&M originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>HMjimmy chooJimmyChooshoesMegan AngeloFri, 13 Nov 2009 13:15:00 ESTHow to rent the runway -- when you can't get into Rent the Runwayhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/10/how-to-rent-the-runway-when-you-cant-get-into-rent-the-runwa/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/10/how-to-rent-the-runway-when-you-cant-get-into-rent-the-runwa/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/10/how-to-rent-the-runway-when-you-cant-get-into-rent-the-runwa/#commentsFiled under: ,

rent the runwayIf you're a fan of the purse-leasing site Bag, Borrow or Steal (now called Avelle), you'll be thrilled to hear that two Harvard business school grads have just launched a company that extends high-end renting to your wardrobe, according to the New York Times. The service, called Rent the Runway, offers red-carpet brands like Catherine Malandrino and Lela Rose -- for fees that are as low as 1/10 of the retail price.

If the idea sounds fabulous to you, don't get too excited yet. The best you can do right now is join RTR's membership waiting list. Until you're accepted, you can't even browse the inventory -- and membership is far from guaranteed. RTR is working with a limited inventory and probably won't be able to accommodate, say, 10,000 members right off the bat -- especially hundreds of them are likely to clamor over the same latest Alexander Wang frock or Peter Som cardigan.

Continue reading How to rent the runway -- when you can't get into Rent the Runway

How to rent the runway -- when you can't get into Rent the Runway originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>fashionhigh fashionHighFashionrunwayRunwayFashionMegan AngeloTue, 10 Nov 2009 16:00:00 ESTYour own personal shopper -- free -- at J. Crewhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/08/your-own-personal-shopper-free-at-j-crew/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/08/your-own-personal-shopper-free-at-j-crew/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/08/your-own-personal-shopper-free-at-j-crew/#commentsFiled under:

The phrase "personal shopper" inherently has a certain air of snobbery about it, calling to mind that wealthy aunt who always bought the best Christmas gifts but whose over-the-top get-ups elicited constant eye-rolls from your mother. No more. J. Crew has quietly rolled out services that bring personal shopping to the masses -- by not charging for it.

For guys, there's "Jack Knows Best." Here, male customers can read basic tips on blazers and bowties from a company stylist -- but they can also email him about specific sartorial conundrums at jack@jcrew.com.

Continue reading Your own personal shopper -- free -- at J. Crew

Your own personal shopper -- free -- at J. Crew originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>J. CrewJ.Crewpersonal shoppersPersonalShoppersshoppingstyleMegan AngeloSun, 08 Nov 2009 16:00:00 ESTReady, set ... Best Buy started Black Friday 2009 prep in Augusthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/03/ready-set-best-buy-started-black-friday-2009-prep-in-august/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/03/ready-set-best-buy-started-black-friday-2009-prep-in-august/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/03/ready-set-best-buy-started-black-friday-2009-prep-in-august/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Think your ever-prepared colleague who's already bought and wrapped all her gifts has an impressive jump on the holidays? Consider this: electronics mega-chain Best Buy started prepping for Black Friday, the official, chaotic start to the holiday shopping season, in August.

That's when the company sends out a Black Friday "Toolkit" to each of its stores, summarizing the company's ticketing and security procedures, according to company spokesperson Scott Morris. The Toolkit is followed by several autumn "rehearsals," which simulate the day's events, he said.

And now, with the big day just weeks away, the company is tanned, rested and ready, and looking forward to what it hopes is a bright spot in a dark retail year

Continue reading Ready, set ... Best Buy started Black Friday 2009 prep in August

Ready, set ... Best Buy started Black Friday 2009 prep in August originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Best BuyBestBuyBlack FridayBlackFridayFeaturedshoppingMegan AngeloTue, 03 Nov 2009 10:00:00 ESTThe new FAO Schwarz needs your Grandma's supporthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/27/the-new-fao-schwarz-needs-your-grandmas-support/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/27/the-new-fao-schwarz-needs-your-grandmas-support/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/27/the-new-fao-schwarz-needs-your-grandmas-support/#commentsFiled under:

Big Apple fixture FAO Schwarz, once besieged by financial troubles, is back -- and starting today, its magic is available to kids all across the U.S., thanks to Toys 'R' Us.

The New York Times reports that the toy megachain, which purchased FAO Schwarz earlier this year, is launching Schwarz-branded boutiques within 600 of its stores. The online boutique launches today.

The selection consists of high-end items in classic categories -- collectibles, stuffed dolls and dress-up are all among the categories. So how can Schwarz's somewhat retro -- and pricey -- wares compete in a market that often revolves around the latest Wii game or miniature iPod?

One word: grandparents.

No, seriously. Grandparents, the official sponsors of rocking horses, model cars and American Girl dolls (the historical ones, mind you!) are the last sales stronghold for timeless toys. They appreciate the Schwarz brand, love helping their grandkids build collections and believe that toddlers don't need their own mp3 players (they're onto something there).

So note to Toys 'R' Us: push FAO Schwarz to the senior crowd. They get the magic, and they have the means -- after all, if there's one type of spending the recession can't puncture, it's the kind grandparents do to spoil their grandchildren.

The new FAO Schwarz needs your Grandma's support originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>fao schwartzFAO Schwarzfao scwarzfao shwarzFaoSchwartzFaoSchwarzFaoScwarzFaoShwarztoystoys r usToysRUsMegan AngeloTue, 27 Oct 2009 14:30:00 ESTShopaholics get their fix in cyberspacehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/22/shopaholics-get-their-fix-in-cyberspace/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/22/shopaholics-get-their-fix-in-cyberspace/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/22/shopaholics-get-their-fix-in-cyberspace/#commentsFiled under: , ,

there.com avatarItching to spend? Go shopping online -- and we don't mean on an e-commerce site.

The New York Times reports that consumers formerly known as shopaholics are acting out their old retail lust in cyberspace -- outfitting their Second Life, There or IMVU avatars in the latest Jimmy Choo stilettos and Gucci bags.

Continue reading Shopaholics get their fix in cyberspace

Shopaholics get their fix in cyberspace originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>fashiononlineshoppingtechnologyMegan AngeloThu, 22 Oct 2009 13:30:00 ESTCorner newsstand or cyber newsstand? A budget comparisonhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/20/corner-newsstand-or-cyber-newsstand-a-budget-comparison/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/20/corner-newsstand-or-cyber-newsstand-a-budget-comparison/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/20/corner-newsstand-or-cyber-newsstand-a-budget-comparison/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Target has drawn in consumers by putting spaghetti, shoes and stereos under the same roof. Next up in its quest to marry shopping and convenience: a target.com library of online magazines -- complete with links to the products featured in them.

The "Target Newsstand," which you can browse through, has already launched, although those aforementioned e-commerce links won't materialize until 2010.

So what's in it for Target shoppers -- and magazine readers -- in the meantime? The site's subscriptions to online versions of publications like Elle and Woman's Day seem pretty cheap -- most are less than $10.

But are the discounted, e-reader versions of your favorite magazines actually good values? We chose 10 titles and decided to find out.

Continue reading Corner newsstand or cyber newsstand? A budget comparison

Corner newsstand or cyber newsstand? A budget comparison originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredmagazinemagazine subscriptionsmagazinesMagazineSubscriptionsTargetTarget Corp.TargetCorp.Megan AngeloTue, 20 Oct 2009 17:30:00 ESTCraigslist New York: looking for a Sex and the City Sequel? http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/19/satc-2-can-you-smell-the-marketing-blitz-yet/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/19/satc-2-can-you-smell-the-marketing-blitz-yet/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/19/satc-2-can-you-smell-the-marketing-blitz-yet/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The release of the "Sex and the City" movie sequel may still be seven months away, but brace yourself for the onset of what's sure to be a nauseating barrage of promotional efforts. And at the reins of it is none other than the film's megawatt star, Sarah Jessica Parker.

WWD reports that Parker's third fragrance, SJP NYC, will hit stores in May, timed to the sequel's release. What's more, Coty, the fragrance behemoth behind the scent, is already "working with the film's producers and distributors to leverage the relationship."

As fans of the franchise probably remember, the 2.5-hour, big-screen version of "SATC" gave A-list exposure to a dizzying array of products (see Vanity Fair's roundup). And since the film grossed more than $500 million worldwide, you can bet brands will be elbowing their way into the sequel any way they can.

Here's hoping that any tie-ins between the launch of SJP NYC and "SATC 2" will occur way, way off-screen.

I'm 99% sure the creatives behind the film have too much class to write Parker's fragrance into the script. But if Carrie spritzes herself with the contents of a zebra/paisley/flowered bottle before she skips off to the rumored Stanford-Anthony wedding, I'm walking out of the theater.

Craigslist New York: looking for a Sex and the City Sequel? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>sex and the citySexAndTheCityMegan AngeloMon, 19 Oct 2009 17:00:00 ESTWhy catalogs thrive in a paperless agehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/19/why-catalogs-thrive-in-a-paperless-age/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/19/why-catalogs-thrive-in-a-paperless-age/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/19/why-catalogs-thrive-in-a-paperless-age/#commentsFiled under:

Print media may be suffering a decline, but there's one genre within the industry that's still thriving: catalogs.

As the Wall Street Journal reports today, catalogs -- 17 billion of which were mailed last year -- will likely be around forever, because people appreciate being able to hold and look closely at photos of products they may buy.

Continue reading Why catalogs thrive in a paperless age

Why catalogs thrive in a paperless age originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>buying onlinecatalogslands endonline retailersOnlineRetailersMegan AngeloMon, 19 Oct 2009 12:00:00 ESTTurning Disney stores into mini-Disney Worldshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/13/turning-disney-stores-into-mini-disney-worlds/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/13/turning-disney-stores-into-mini-disney-worlds/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/13/turning-disney-stores-into-mini-disney-worlds/#commentsFiled under: ,

Can't afford to take the kids on a Disney World vacation this year? No problem. Soon, you'll be able to give them a Disney experience at the local mall -- for free.

As The New York Times reported today, Disney -- heeding the recommendations of Steve Jobs, whom it consulted -- will completely overhaul its retail stores over the next five years, upgrading them from toy stores to interactive arcades.

The proposed additions include movie theaters and karaoke contests, and the company is considering doing away with the "Disney Store" name and rebranding their retail spaces as "Imagination Parks."

At a time when many retailers are struggling just to keep their heads above water, Disney's refurbishment campaign might seem excessive at best and foolish at worst. But the truth is, the makeover is a long time coming.

Disney launched its retail stores in 1987, at a time when kids' interaction with the brand was limited to visits to Disney World or Disneyland and viewings of each year's blowout animated feature. That was before the days of Pixar blockbusters and Disney Channel megastars.

The plans for "Imagination Park" call for CGI-like Lucite trees and satellite live feeds of Disney Channel characters -- which means the shops will finally be in sync with Disney's modern identity. And that today's kids, whose eyes might have glossed over the towers of plush Mickey dolls in the window, will likely start dragging their parents into the store.

Turning Disney stores into mini-Disney Worlds originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Disneydisney storeDisney StoresdisneylandDisneyStoreDisneyStoresDisneyWorldMegan AngeloTue, 13 Oct 2009 15:30:00 ESTShopping the (newly toned-down) Neiman's Christmas Bookhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/08/shopping-the-newly-toned-down-neimans-christmas-book/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/08/shopping-the-newly-toned-down-neimans-christmas-book/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/08/shopping-the-newly-toned-down-neimans-christmas-book/#commentsFiled under: ,

The philosophy behind the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book has always been simple: if you can (or can't) dream it, they'll find it, price it, and honest-to-God offer to sell it to you, whether it's an exotic safari or a priceless bauble.

Here's how recession respect gets interpreted in something as fanciful as this catalog -- for the first time, the selections do not include any items or experience that cost north of $1 million. The most expensive thing for sale is a jet and pilot training package for two, which costs a mere $250,000.

If you're looking to shop the catalog a bit more frugally, consider one of the book's lower-end offerings: a $3,225 red velvet coat, a $175 iPhone case or or a $3,300 crystal tree.

And go ahead and table those million-and-up gifts until the next holiday season -- after all, it's the thought that counts.

Shopping the (newly toned-down) Neiman's Christmas Book originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>neiman marcusneiman marcus catalogneiman marcus christmas bookneiman marcus expensive giftsNeimanMarcusNeimanMarcusCatalogNeimanMarcusChristmasBookNeimanMarcusExpensiveGiftsMegan AngeloThu, 08 Oct 2009 17:00:00 ESTJC Penney snatches Claiborne from Macy'shttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/08/jc-penney-snatches-claiborne-from-macys/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/08/jc-penney-snatches-claiborne-from-macys/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/08/jc-penney-snatches-claiborne-from-macys/#commentsFiled under:

Liz Claiborne is making some major moves -- and JC Penney is reaping the benefits.

The 33-year-old women's clothing company, known for its classic, tailored looks, announced today that from here on out, JC Penney will be the brand's exclusive retailer.

For JC Penney, the deal is a coup in the Penney's versus Macy's battle that heated up a few months ago with the opening of JC Penney's first Manhattan store, situated directly across the street from Macy's historic flagship.

For Macy's, losing the Claiborne brand to JC Penney is more of a blow to the store's heritage than its sales. Claiborne and Macy's have been synonymous for decades.

When I read this press release, the first thing I thought of was: I can't imagine what the store will use to fill in the gap vacated by Claiborne's neat skirts and trim little jackets, which often occupy high-visibility real estate on the Macy's floor.

The second thing I thought of was: hey, wait a minute -- what about Isaac Mizrahi's Claiborne collections? Last spring, the designer took over the brand's creative vision and turned out a highly-hyped (mostly by Macy's) assortment of tartan dresses and bright shoes. His subsequent collections have been less buzzed-about, but just as solid -- and the pieces' prices stretch into the hundreds of dollars. Somehow, I couldn't picture the $399 shrunken leather jacket flying off the racks at JC Penney.

But Claiborne already had an answer for that conundrum -- Mizrahi's higher-end products will jump to QVC. So if you want to get your hands on his designs, put down the car keys and pick up the remote.

JC Penney snatches Claiborne from Macy's originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>claibornejc penneyJcPenneyLiz Claiborneliz clairborneLizClaiborneLizClairbornemacysMegan AngeloThu, 08 Oct 2009 14:00:00 ESTThe pistachio aims to bring sexy backhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/05/the-pistachio-aims-to-bring-sexy-back/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/05/the-pistachio-aims-to-bring-sexy-back/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/05/the-pistachio-aims-to-bring-sexy-back/#commentsFiled under:

The pistachio industry wants to get nut lovers' minds off salmonella and onto sex.

Pistachios took a big publicity hit last year when 2 million pounds of the greenish nut had to be recalled due to salmonella contamination.

Now, as USA Today reports, the industry is striking back with a grabby campaign that casts the pistachio alongside winking innuendos ("Mobsters do it with muscle") and C-list celebrities like Adrienne Curry, Chris Knight and the curiously ubiquitous Levi Johnston. (One slightly creepy short stars the five-year-old Denny quintuplets hopping around on bouncy balls as the voice over proclaims that "Quintuplets do it with balance." See the behind the scenes video at the end of the story)

Continue reading The pistachio aims to bring sexy back

The pistachio aims to bring sexy back originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>adspistachiopistachiosMegan AngeloMon, 05 Oct 2009 16:30:00 ESTLa Lohan: the French are not impressedhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/05/la-lohan-the-french-are-not-impressed/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/05/la-lohan-the-french-are-not-impressed/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/05/la-lohan-the-french-are-not-impressed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Here in the U.S., we've become accustomed to celebrities taking charge of clothing lines. The flimsy pop album was once the go-to vanity project for young actresses and girls-about-town -- now, they'll toss off a batch of scribbled T-shirts or shapeless dresses.

The enablers of these indulgences are usually mass chains like Wet Seal or H&M. One would never expect to see a high-end label turn over their creative direction to a starlet with a blank fashion resume. But that's exactly what one couture house did -- a Paris couture house, no less.

Emanuel Ungaro announced a month ago that it let none other than Lindsay Lohan control its spring 2010 collection, and the looks she designed marched down the runway this weekend.

Shocker: the French were less than thrilled with her bandage dresses and ruched leggings. Front-row guests at the show were even photographed in poses of mock-horror, according to the New York Times.

It's likely that neither Ungaro nor Lohan is too upset about the collection's harsh reception. The collaboration was a pure play for buzz; as they say, all press is good press, and no one knows how to get it like Miss Lohan.

Just witness the campaign for her latest fashion endeavor stateside: Lohan posed against a stripper pole in ads for her 6126 line of leggings. Sacrebleu.

La Lohan: the French are not impressed originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>fashionlindsay lohanLindsayLohanLohanparisMegan AngeloMon, 05 Oct 2009 15:30:00 ESTFor fall, go fauxhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/29/for-fall-go-faux/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/29/for-fall-go-faux/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/29/for-fall-go-faux/#commentsFiled under: ,

Faux leather jacketIt's hard to say goodbye to the summer shopping season. Not only are flip-flops, sundresses and tissue tanks easy to wear, they're also usually the least expensive clothes you'll buy all year.

The onset of fall -- and the start of at least six months of dropping temperatures -- means it's time to put away the flimsy, floaty pieces and rotate in options built to endure wind, rain and constant wear.


Continue reading For fall, go faux

For fall, go faux originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appaapparelbargainsclothesclothingfauxfaux furfaux leatherFauxFurFauxLeatherfurleatherpetashoppingwinterMegan AngeloTue, 29 Sep 2009 15:00:00 ESTOn your entertainment agenda? Lots of corporate scandalhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/26/on-your-entertainment-agenda-lots-of-corporate-scandal/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/26/on-your-entertainment-agenda-lots-of-corporate-scandal/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/26/on-your-entertainment-agenda-lots-of-corporate-scandal/#commentsFiled under: ,

For having such a big impact, the recession is kind of low on drama. It's hard to draw juicy stories from a tangle deregulation, subprime mortgages and credit default swaps.

Which may be why the creative minds behind theater, film and television are taking inspiration from good old-fashioned corporate scandals, rather than our current national mess.

"The Informant," which raked in $10 million in its debut last weekend, stars Matt Damon as the bumbling, deluded FBI mole who helped expose price-fixing at Archer Daniels Midland in 1985 (the movie doesn't sound funny, but it is).

On Oct. 23, USA Network introduces "White Collar," a series that puts a buttoned-up spin on the typical cop drama -- instead of following crime scene investigators tracking down murderers, it revolves around an FBI agent taking down exec-level felons.

And across the pond, a 28-year-old playwright has turned one of America's most famous corporate scandals into the hottest ticket in London. "Enron," which opened last month and is playing to sold-out crowds, gives a fictional Jeffrey Skilling the stage the real, long-winded Skilling probably always dreamed of.

So if you're feeling bored by the downturn, head to the movies, set your DVR or hop a transatlantic flight -- and return to a simpler time, when corporate misbehavior still surprised us and executives were only shrewd and greedy enough to screw their own employees and investors, rather than the country at large.

On your entertainment agenda? Lots of corporate scandal originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>informantmoviesrecessionthe informantTheInformantMegan AngeloSat, 26 Sep 2009 09:00:00 ESTCollege students spending less on clothing, more on electronicshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/24/college-students-spending-less-on-clothing-more-on-electronics/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/24/college-students-spending-less-on-clothing-more-on-electronics/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/24/college-students-spending-less-on-clothing-more-on-electronics/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Electronic gadgetsCollege kids are opting to scale back their wardrobes and save their pennies for new gadgets, according to a study in today's WWD.

Students will have spent a projected $13 billion on electronics by the end of this year -- more than twice what they'll likely have spent on clothing and accessories: $5.77 billion.

Continue reading College students spending less on clothing, more on electronics

College students spending less on clothing, more on electronics originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>collegecollege studentsCollegeStudentselectronicsgadgetsiphoneiphone 3giphone3gipodipod touchIpodTouchmp3mp3playershoppingspendingMegan AngeloThu, 24 Sep 2009 14:00:00 ESTBlack Friday 2009: For retail, nowhere to go but uphttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/24/black-friday-2009-for-retail-nowhere-to-go-but-up/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/24/black-friday-2009-for-retail-nowhere-to-go-but-up/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/24/black-friday-2009-for-retail-nowhere-to-go-but-up/#commentsFiled under:

With the start of the holiday shopping season two months off, retail analysts' predictions for the first post-crash gift-buying extravaganza are trickling in (via yesterday's WWD).

The good news: Analysts think retail profits may rise in the fourth quarter.

The bad news: They still expect it to be one of the worst seasons on record, sales-wise -- any fourth-quarter spike in profits will only look like a boost in comparison to the previous three quarters' dismal numbers.

Okay, there's a little bit more good news: retailers, who saw a collective 4.5% drop in profits last year, have spent this year attempting to stop the bleeding by keeping a strict grip on inventory and doing all they can to keep prices low. If they want to hit analysts' projections, they'll keep up that disciplined approach into the fourth quarter, which spells great holiday deals for shoppers.

And if all goes well, they'll have the distinction of charting the second worst fourth quarter in 42 years. You guessed it: last year's was the worst. So there's nowhere to go but up.

For more Black Friday coverage, check out our Black Friday Deals and other Black Friday 2009 news today.

Black Friday 2009: For retail, nowhere to go but up originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>holiday shoppingholiday shopping seasonHolidayShoppingHolidayShoppingSeasonretailshoppingWomens Wear DailyWomensWearDailyMegan AngeloThu, 24 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST