F*ive W's: Big Drop NYC

What: Big Drop New York City

Who: Big Drop founders (and second cousins) David Katzav and Shy Iland says their stores' name reflects it origins as a retailer of men's street and surf wear "big drop" is surfer slang for describing how waves break.

When: Founded in 1990 in the Soho district of New York.


Where: Big Drop has three locations in and around New York and launched an international store in Tel Aviv in 2006. They are working on adding another Manhattan location. And plan to add two new stores each year for the next four years across the United States, most likely locations are Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

1. Soho 174 Spring Street New York, NY 10012 Phone: 212.966.4299 Fax: 212.966.4314 Store Hours: 11am-8pm Mon-Sat 12pm-8pm Sunday
   
2. Upper East Side 1321 Third Avenue New York, NY 10021T: 212.988.3344F: 212.861.7404 Store Hours: 11am-8pm Mon-Sat 12pm-7pm Sunday
   
3. Soho 425 West Broadway New York, NY 10012 Phone: 212.226.9292 Fax: 212.226.6291 Store Hours: 11am-8pm Mon-Sat 12pm-8pm Sunday

Why Their HOT: The items that they select are cool and trendy yet unique and original. and that's why the retailer is so successful. They recently just introduced a few big names at their stores, but they are very methodical about their selections. They made a name for themselves by discovering up and coming designers in apparel and accessories. Distinguishing themselves by selecting pieces that often went under the radar and were more affordable.


How: Each season Big Drop unveils new merchandise each season and about 30 percent of that is from new designers and throughout the rest of the year they continue to introduce key items. The average retail prices for their handbags range between $250-$750. and average prices for jewelry range between $40-$240. The super-hot founders plan to keep up their expansion through their finely honed ability to spot trends before they emerge. The website shows shoppers how to they can wear different styles for different occasions. Big Drop has a blog filled with dressing tips.



**Some images are courtesy of BigDropNYC and their various collections.

Puppy Love

A Beagle? A Poodle? A Yorkshire? Perhaps a Doberman. I love each and everyone of these creatures. We are just a month away from my dog's birth. I'm busy making my home puppy proof, and studying everything I can about the breed (Doberman). And it's going to be a girl! Which got me to thinkin, hhmmm' I wouldn't put any clothes on a Doberman (okay maybe a t-shirt) but I wonder what kind of outfits I can find for little doggies. Due to the fact that it is Election season I would have to get the adorable T-Shirts from SimplyPetsOnline. Democrat and Republican t-shirts that come with matching Democrat or Republican Collars too. Juicy Couture's "Canvas Pocket Leash Set,""Scottie Dog Carrier," and their "Dog Bowl Travel Set" are too cute. Louis Vuitton has a cute little "Monogram Canvas Sac" Chein (Dog Carrier) and a "Monogram Dog Collar." They are available at e-luxury.

I'm guessing I'll go to PoshPawz for my baby. They have some really nice collars and I want one for my puppy already!

"Work at saying exactly what you mean, and learn to mean exactly what you say." --Unknown


Lovin Life, truthis

Wannabe Green?

This isn't what you think it is. St. Patty's Day is Monday March 17th and I bet you don't have a thing to wear, do you? (Guess you're going to get pinched) However, there are a few rules that you can follow to make sure that you look great and are in style for this holiday. Oh and if green isn't a color that you normally wear, don't sweat it, I'll throw something in there for you too because after all you still have to wear something in the green color bracket on the 17th. My basic rule is that if you wouldn't wear something any other day of the year, please don't dust it off for St. Patty's Day, especially those dreadful graphic tee's that say "Kiss Me I'm Irish." (I actually had someone run up to me with one of those on in college) Now, I'm going to show you all how to dress green and still be chic, sexy, stylish and flyy.

Chris Benz Skirt & Shirt $345-$745 @ Neiman Marcus

Tony Burch Dress $395 @ Neiman Marcus

Let Nature Rock Tee $82 @ ShopBop.com

LAMB Tunic $145 @ ShopBop.com

Ella Moss Skirt $155 @ Neiman Marcus

Lacoste Polo $75 @ various retail stores

Marc Ecko Hoodie $74 @ MarcEcko.com

LRG (Lifted Research Group) Hoodie $74 @ Select retailers

LRG (Lifted Research Group) Hoodie $74 @ Select retailers

Ed Hardy Hoodie $165 @ Nordstroms.com

Revisited...

Well L.A. Fashion week ends later on today but all of the socialites will be partyin like rockstars throughout the weekend. And remember earlier in the week when I told you all that I would give you the scoop on Lauren Conrad and Nicky Hilton's clothing line debuts, well here it is. Now tell me you love me :)

While I normally enjoy rummaging through photos of the various Fashion Weeks across the globe, I was put into snooze mode when it came Lauren's collection. For the most part I really saw nothing new in her collection. It seems like she just took a ton of clothes from her closet, put them on the models and sent the down the runway. I can honestly say that I see no sustainability as far as high fashion goes. She stayed true to her "California Chic" statement. As you can see the basis for the line was a lot of jersey material. I wished she would have played with different fabrics a little more. Maybe I am being too hard on her, you be the judge:

Lauren had the support of many of her friends in the audience including Hills co-stars, Whitney Port (BTW: Elle Magazine reports, since leaving Teen Vogue has been working for PR firm Peoples Revolution), Audrina Patridge, Lauren "Lo" Bosworth, Franky Delgado, Brody Jenner and an irrelevant Kristin Cavallari.

Port, Patridge and Bosworths flirty party dresses sadly looked like they were taken straight from Conrad's showing (I couldn't find any reports of the designers the girls were wearing, But I think we already know). With that being said, on to Nicky at Nicholai

Nicky's showing of her latest Nicholai collection also was extremely reflective of her personal style (lots of trenches, knit tops, belted frocks and black latex leggings). In the end I believe Nicky's line could eventually evolve into a major line. Provided she buckles down and learns how to combine materials, patterns, techniques, styles, etc.

Now, I don't believe that these collections were bad collections, I just believe that they were more personal style being showcased versus actual major high fashion clothing lines. However, I do have to give it up to L.A. for using one of it's best assets, Celebrities. There is no better way than to show Paris, Milan and New York up by showcasing your celebrity talent.

**We would like to thank Mercedes Benz and Smashbox Studio's for providing some of the above images.

Skir-tastic!!!

Is it just me or is anybody else having a hard time finding really pretty (inexpensive) flirty skirts? Im seriously having a hard time. For once in my life I don't want to have to resort to Neiman Marcus for a really nice skirt. However, I manage to scrounge up some items. I just want you all to know that this list is not complete as I am still shopping and still searching. I can tell you that up and coming clothing boutique Anthroplogie has some very cute and intrisic skirts. I also managed to find one at Victoria Secrets.

Gilded Hive Mini $288 @ Antnthropologie

Peacocks-A-Plenty Skirt $88 @ Anthropologie
Right to Roam Skirt $118 @ Anthropologie
Pencey Pleated Box Skirt $258 @ ShopBop.com
Pleated Skirt $59.50 @ Victoria's Secret

Hopefully this list will be able to help some of you guys out on your search for the perfect skirt. However, I am off to continue my search for the ever elusive cute inexpensive skirt.

The Miracle Cure?

Just think, there will be a day when I don't have to exerise to continue to be slim, ahh I can't wait until that day gets here. But I hear we might be close. Within the last few months I have been hearing alot about a diet called the "Flat Belly Diet," which was featured on Rachel Ray late last month. The diets creators, whom are also editors at Prevention Magazine, Editor in Chief Liz Vaccariello and Nutrition Editor Cynthia Sass have dedicated a online website to help people with this http://www.flatbellydiet.com/


Claim to Fame:


The diets claim to fame is that you can get fit and in shape without having to kill yourself exercising. You can get a flat tummy just by eating a few essential foods, no exercise. According to the diets creators, you have to eat four 400-calorie meals a day that include MUFA's (mono-unsaturated fat) in each meal. The website says that a moderate fat diet is better for losing weight then a low fat diet is. it claims that the weight not only comes off easy but it also stays off better and what make this diet work is the good fats. The Flat Belly diet centers around five foods that have these good fats in them naturally and those five food groups are oils, chocolate, nuts and seeds, olives, and avocados. You simply need to eat one serving from any of these groups at a meal. This diet will give you energy and will melt off the stubborn belly fat.

Now I have not tried this diet out, but if this seems like something that you are interested in, please try it out. If you do so, please contact us at lexieincpublications@yahoo.com and let us know about your story. We will allow your story to be featured on out website with you as the feature.

Stylish Little Boyz

I promised you I'd do a piece for boys and here it is. Not a moment too soon. Who else but Ralph Lauren is going to keep our little men looking good in the time for spring, the "Striped Team Polo." (pictured at left) It's a sporty short-sleeved polo, with their signature cross-mallet-and-crown-crest embroidered at the chest. You can pair it with a nice pair of jeans or Ralph Lauren's "Andrew Chino Pants" or even their "Roundhill Twill Short." They all come in boys 2-7. The next selection is also by Ralph Lauren. It's his "Chino Suit" and boy is it ever cute. It's two pieced, impeccably tailored and it even has a lapel pocket for his hankie. Entirely too cute! I can see a little man walking around in this!





"You become a champion by fighting one more round. When things are tough, you fight one more round."
James Corbett

Lovin Life, truthis

Saving Face

What most people fail to realize is that make-up is just as much of a craze as the very clothing it helps showcase. And women, we love our faces, dont we. It's the one thing that we obsess about everyday of our lives. I have always been told that I have good skin and I want everyone else to have that same thing. So here are my basics for the flawless face with or without makeup, it's based on the Au Naturale trend this season:

THE ESSENTIALS:

• A cloth solely dedicated to your face (yes, some people do double duty, which is gross)
• A good facial cleanser (Neutrogena Rapid Clear Oil Eliminating Foam Cleanser $7-$8)
• Moisturizer that helps fight acne (Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Lotion, $7-$8)
• Water, everyday no matter what

FRESH PALATTE:

• Concealer, I normally don't use full concealer because it clogs your pores and leads to more breakouts. Rather if I spot a pimple I just put a dab of concelear on that area (MAC Studio Finish SPF 15 $24.50, it's really lightwieght so it doesnt cake)
• Blott Powder, this doesnt add any color it just adds a sheer coating and helps prevent shine. If you're clear from breakouts you can just opt for this instead of concealer (MAC Blot Powder $24.50, in your respecitve shade)
• Lip Gloss, dependant upon how I feel I opt for two types of lip gloss, lightweight or thick (MAC Lipglass in Sheer $12 or FUZE Lip Gloss in Two-Faced $18.50)

Kiddie Couture

I think I like to shop for pretty things for someone else as much as I like to shop for myself. I found this adorable little dress at Bloomingdale's. It's the "Ralph Lauren Children's Wear Toddler Girl Abree Cotton Dress." (Try saying that quickly three times) Available in Blue (shown here) and pink. It comes in size 2T, 3T and 4T. Is it ever cute or what? This got me to shopping and I just had to see what Nordstrom had. Where 3 little Angels are wearing "Us Angels Satin Tulle With Rosebuds." Available in White in sizes 2T -14. More than unique and special for your child, nieces, cousins, that special child in your life--whomever makes you want to run right out and buy these! The next two items are by Phillip Lim. OMG! The Trench Coat is too cute! It has a notched collar with bow detail, double-breasted front, button shoulder epaulettes, slanted side pockets, inverted back pleat; button closures to adjust ventilation. It is quite simply a little work of art. The Yellow, Petal Blouse and Black, Pleated Umbrella Skirt just make you go AAAwww!!! Available at http://www.31philliplim.com/ or e-luxury. Before you yell at me, in the interest of equal time, I'll be doing a piece on clothing for little boys but I could not resist these items.

Never allow anyone to rain on your parade and thus cast a pall of gloom and defeat on the entire day. Remember that no talent, no self-denial, no brains, no character, are required to set up in the fault-finding business. Nothing external can have any power over you unless you permit it. Your time is too precious to be sacrificed in wasted days combating the menial forces of hate, jealously, and envy. Guard your fragile life carefully. Only God can shape a flower, but any foolish child can pull it to pieces.

-Og Mandino

Lovin Life, truthis

Perfume of The Moment

A woman's scent can be enchanting, mysterious, light, sensual, most of all, you want it to be memorable. The following scent is all of this and more. "Daisy" which is by Marc Jacobs is in a word extraordinary. It has been described as fruity/floral and I think it's really more like gardenias. The description of the fragrance is "happy and youthful." It's fragrance tells my senses tell that it's light, not overpowering, sophisticated and fresh. I would definitely restrict this to daytime wear. If you haven't had a chance to smell this one yet you're in for a treat. Of course perfume is a matter of personal choice however, this one rarely disappoints. It's available at Macy's, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and of course Marc Jacobs.

"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.--Frank Clark

Lovin Life, truthis