BARGAIN GUIDES

There’s no wardrobe staple that’s as multifaceted as a t-shirt. Whether worn with jeans and flat sandals or a blazer and heels, a t-shirt can transform from day to night and back again with the switch of an accessory and addition or removal of a cardigan. A quality t-shirt, to boot, will not only last longer than your boyfriend’s Hanes undershirt (which, admittedly, may be comfortable to sleep in, but should be left out of the light of day), but is typically made with higher quality fibers that guarantee a fit that’s second to none.

City girls and cowgirls: let The Vogue City take you down the path of effortless comfort with reviews of the best big girl knitwear labels for your buck.

James Perse makes a multitude of jersey knit tops that are soft, pliable and ultra chic – not to mention a color selection that ranges from soft washes of pale color to eye-popping, bold pigment. Prices start at $45 for a supima tank and run upwards of $105 for a long-sleeved off-the-shoulder top.

Michael Stars a favorite amongst college coeds and hipster moms alike, has a penchant for creating the form fitting, flattering pieces that work with every season. We’re especially fond of the Shine line, a cotton/nylon blend that adds a bit of sparkle without being overtly glittery, which ranges from $40 to $60 per piece. A disclaimer of “One Size Fits Most” is sewn into the labels; ladies on the slimmer or fuller figured sides may have trouble finding a perfect fit.

“Michael Stars is the 20-year old T-shirt company many credit with giving birth to the trend for fitted T’s.” -Los Angeles Magazine

C&C California  adds a punchy, West Coast feel to their line of tanks, tees and tunics. Prices, again, range from $40 to $100; bulk purchases are rewarded with discounts of up to 40% off when placed online. 

“C&C California was created by two young women who grew up on the beaches of Southern California during the 1970’s. Their mutual love for the styles, colors and comfort of that decade continued to evoke and inspire them. Inspired from the cultural icons of that era that included Ali McGraw, Raquel Welch, Natalie Wood and Jacqueline Kennedy, the concept was dedicated to making The Perfect Tee Shirt.”

-Karyn Polewaczyk

 I strolled into CVS this evening in search of Kleenex and stopped dead in my tracks en route to paper goods as my eyes caught hold of the hair care aisle. Shelf upon shelf of salon products stood gleaming under the fluorescent lights, premium brands (Bumble & bumble, Goldwell and Pureology, to name a few) luring the customer to bypass the rows of plain Jane brands (Neutrogena, Dove and Clairol, for example) in a battle of grooming beauty. I knew immediately that an expose for The Stylish City readers was in order.

Why not?
While it may seem convenient for drugstores to carry your favorite shampoo or conditioner – after all, who has time for a trek uptown for a conditioning mask when you’re between errands and, perhaps, first dates, downtown – it’s also illegal (to a degree). If you read the fine print on the back of those bottles of Paul Mitchell, it clearly states that they only guarantee the product if purchased in an authorized salon. Some even tell you to flat out avoid purchasing the product if it’s not coming from a verified. I asked my friend, a colorist who works for a well-known salon, about this, and she confirmed that most of those products that appear at drugstores are overstock from beauty supply outlets and are often expired, damaged or discontinued. She also pointed out that the chemical formulations in these products can change over time, and just like every other consumer product, be it aspirin or pomade, it has a shelf life – and an expiration date. You wouldn’t drink milk past its sell by date, would you? Think about it.

But it seems like a bargain! Isn’t it?
Let’s see. You want to buy a potentially expired – and potentially hazardous – shampoo or conditioner because of its brand name, and because it costs maybe a dollar less than the price a salon would charge. Would you also buy cigarettes (ew!) if they were printed with Louis Vuitton logos? I didn’t think so – and if you would, you can stop reading right here and now. Only fashionista wannabes buy for labels. Salons have relationships with representatives and distributors who work for these illustrious high end brands, thus guaranteeing their authenticity. A little bird also told me that some salons will offer product discounts for loyal customers. It never hurts to ask.

Now what?
The choice is yours, bargain babes. I have a high/low system incorporated into my life – there are some things I simply can’t budge on (such as Fekkai’s Glossing Cream conditioner, also known as perfection in a tube) and some that I’m flexible with (one clarifying shampoo is pretty much as good as the next no matter what the price – really). If you’re really tempted to try a high-end product but aren’t sure you’re willing to fork over $30 for shampoo you might only use once, ask for a sample from your salon, or check out places that carry travel-sized versions of these same products, such as Sephora or Ulta.

Piracy: so Napster and 1999. Duh.

-Karyn Polewaczyk

I’m a classics fanatic. I’ll happily don a little black dress, cashmere cardigan and strand of pearls over seasonal trends any day, confident in multi year wearability and infinitely stylish cuts that work time and time again. On the other hand, I’m a fashion provocateur, easily excited by the nouveau and equipped with a taste for fun – and easily bored with complacency. With tugs from both ends of the spectrum – and a budget that won’t allow for both – what’s a fashionista to do?

One needs only to look in one direction – down – to discover the solution to this wardrobe equation: the statement shoe. From Pocahontas-worthy fringed platform booties to stilettos dipped in the most decadent of patent leather, the statement shoe is the item that can help a lady literally step into a new look with no assembly required. Follow The Vogue City, if you please, as we delve into some fancy footwear – but please, wipe your feet at the door.

Zero & Maria Conejo lead the way with their elasticized platform bootie in white, $495 at eLuxury.com:

Wooden heels, leather insoles and a rubberized footpad means you can rock these on the dance floor – with straight leg jeans and strappy tank or an asymmetrical sheath dress– all night long. Just don’t blame us for professing your love to the bartender who made you a few too many dirty martinis – or your hangover.

Z&MC didn’t win any points with the flat version of the same bootie, $395 at eLuxury.com:

If I wanted to wear my grandfather’s gardening shoes out on the town, I’d have asked him.

Vince Camuto weaves his way (no pun intended) with this woven fabric platform sandal, $125 and exclusively at AnnTaylor.com:

Kudos to Ann Taylor in their ongoing attempt to revamp their brand with pieces that are professional yet punchy.

Payless – uh huh, that Payless – is currently hosting Bloomingdale’s favorite, Alice & Olivia, with a line designed exclusively for the big P, with steals that will leave you questioning the sanctity of the Medium Brown Bag.

This leopard print platform wedge, $38 at Payless stores, will quite literally take you for a walk on the wild side. Try pairing with that immortal little black dress to turn a basic into a bombshell.

-Karyn Polewaczyk

Mascara:  the most quintessential item in many women’s makeup collections is the one that tends to be consumed at a pace comparable to an oil change at a NASCAR rally.  Whether you prefer a full, flirty fringe or one that subtly hints at the diva within, mascara can dramatically change your look with a single (or several) swipe.  Keep your lashes – and wallet – full with these Vogue City favorites.

Maybelline Great Lash mascara in Black, $4.99 at Duane Reade A secret weapon of the world’s most renowned makeup artists, the eponymous pink-and-green wonder tube has been prevalent in the beauty industry since its debut in the ‘70s.  Its compact brush is pliable and helpful in reaching ultrafine lashes without clumping.  Steer clear of its waterproof counterpart (and most waterproof mascaras in general), which can cause lashes to dry out and – eek – snap at the base (trust us when we say that regrowth is a painful, tenuous process).  A tube typically lasts between two and three months; for under $5, we’ll gladly take it.

CoverGirl Lash Blast mascara in Black Brown, $8.49 at Walgreen’s CoverGirl boosts its biggest brush with its newest lash contender.  Lash Blast promises a traffic-stopping stare with its patented brush and volume-boosting formula.  The brush, akin to a miniature plastic hair brush, separates, coats and sets lashes into eye batting goodness.  We recommend two coats – three if you’re daring – and extra drying time before causing an ocular commotion.  

Rimmel London Eye Magnifier mascara in Extreme Black, $7.29 at Ulta We give Kate Moss’s genetics credit for her success as an international supermodel, and give Rimmel’s latest lash superhero credit for her preternaturally wide-eyed look.  The Eye Magnifier plastic wand lifts lashes up, up and away, creating a virtual eye lift for even the sleepiest doe-eyed ladies; the rich formula pigments darken lashes to a state of noir, causing irises to pop.  Try a second coat feathered along the tips for a total KO.

-Karyn Polewaczyk