Eliza B: Perfect for Your Pedicure, Custom Flip Flops from Eliza B!

Do you know Eliza B?

Two years ago on a cold winter day at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge Maryland, we came upon a great pair of flip flops in the resort wear shop. They were Eliza B’s with that cute palm tree logo.

After two years of regular wear, it was time for a new pair, so in March, we began the search. Eventually we found a store in the DC Metro area, and spent a Sunday afternoon in the quest for the perfect pair. Sadly, and with little help from the salesclerk in the mostly empty boutique, we decided to make the purchase online.

At the online store, we found the charming story of Eliza B. and how she formed her company. Then, we discovered all of the great styles, and colors and even better, discovered that we could design a custom pair for the same price. Consider the choices: the color of the sole, the wedge height, the various ribbons for base and accents, the peanut (toe piece)! The ribbon choices are an astounding collection of 200 stripes, dots, flowers, braids, argyles, and paisley, as well as summer icons such as sand dollars, whales, palm trees, and golf tees.

Eliza B. has added to the collection, and custom totes, belts, and skimmers can also be created in the custom shop.

Here’s the best deal – the custom designs are the same price as those in the regular catalog. And outside of the peak sales season, there’s a good chance you’ll find an online coupon. In March we found a $10 off coupon.

Have fun with sandals and other goodies from Eliza B.!

Our friend and guest blogger, Luanne, is a super woman: one time PTA pres and currently an international olive oil tradesman, not to mention witty blogger in her own right. Thanks for the scoop, Luanne! Find more insights on her blog: The Slippery Stitch.

Fairmont Hotels: Raise the Ruff

As well as being beautiful and luxurious, the Fairmont Hotels have added an adorable component to their chain. At select hotels, dogs have been added to the hotel staff. They are available to meet and greet the guests, go for walks, or simply to play. This is great for those who have trouble parting with their furry family members before vacations. Now you can get a dose of your pet without having to return home!

Some of the dogs have been trained by the Guide Dog Foundation, so they are trained to be helpful, well-behaved, and loving. So far the hotels who have taken part in this cute idea are the Fairmont Tremblant, The Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston, The Fairmont Waterfront, The Fairmont Acapulco Princess and The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. As for bringing your luggage to your room, you’ll have to resign to the less furry bellboy.

better late than never, I guess...

WHY IS THIS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO ZUIIKIN' ENGLISH?

I assure you, it will not be the last.

choke on 'em

Sakes alive, I feel so Micki Dahne right now. Yesterday morning I played a little bit of the zombie shoot 'em up Left4Dead while I ate breakfast and it got me thinking about a few things. First, it got me thinking about how many great zombie video games there are...then I started thinking about zombie movies. Are they...well, played out? I was fixin' to post about all this yesterday, but if you go back in time you'll see that I didn't.

Late last night word started to trickle down into my very own ear holes that Left4Dead 2 and Dead Rising 2 had been announced at gaming industry convention E3 (in fact, you can watch the Dead Rising 2 trailer here), and I got all tingly in my video game-loving parts (ie, my brain). The games are loads of fun, and they're shining examples of the merits of the Romero Shuffler style zombie (Dead Rising) as well as the Dawn of the Dead remake-style sprint-o-matic zombie (Left4Dead). They're equally terrifying, really.

See, I was thinking about the games and then later the new games were announced; clearly this indicates that I possess a strong latent psychic ability. This concludes the Micki Dahne portion of our program.

Back to zombie movies. Are they played out? Are you tired of them yet? Every once in a while, something new comes along and breathes a bit of life (or undeadness, or whatever) into the genre, like the recent Nazi zombie flick Dead Snow; at the same time, you can practically hear the collective "Ugh, another zombie flick?" emanating from The Internets on a daily basis.

Like any other genre, the zombie film has its highs, lows, and fetid middles, sure. Just about everyone with a camcorder and $10 has tried his or her hand at telling a tale of the undead. Even George Romero is still plugging away, though I have to admit my faith is waning (Diary of the Dead, man, she hurt me bad!).

Are the kids still calling them "camcorders" these days?

I don't really know where I'm going with this. Actually, I sort of do: what are your thoughts on zombie movies? Have there been too many in recent years? Would you rather puke in your pants than watch another one? Is there a place in our zany, hectic, multitasking world for the simple Romero Shufflers? What about all the gimmicky zombie flicks (Zombie musicals! I married a zombie! Zombie pets!) See, I thought I was over them, too- but then I pop in Left4Dead and I watch the opening sequence and...geezie weezie, it gets me all pumped up for zombie action because it's a great fucking 5-minute zombie movie and I don't care whether or not it's made out of computer.



Earlier I alluded to the fact that most- if not all- backyard filmmakers have a zombie movie in 'em just dying to get out. I'm a backyard filmmaker. I have a camcorder. Alright, so I don't have $10...but someday I hope to, and at that time I may not be able to help myself: I might have to add my own crappy zombie movie to the already oversaturated market.

Now you know. In two years, when said crappy zombie movie is done, you can dazzle your friends with your very own Micki Dahne-like prowess: "I totally knew she was gonna make one!"

Poolside Spa Treatments

One of the perks of jetting off to Vegas is obviously the glowing tan we get from that desert sun! However, it takes a lot of work and sweat - literally sweat, to get that golden glow. The Palms Hotel now offers us amazing spa treatments while we bask in the hot sun. How does the “Stone Cold Cocktail” (cold stones applied to the face in order to melt away tension and stress) sound? Perhaps you might want to try the “Lemon Ice” (gentle face massage with lemon balm and frosty ice cubes) treatment. These range from $45-$95 for either 20 or 25 minutes, depending on the treatment.

For those of you who choose to stay out of the sun, you can indulge in either sunless tanning or tanning beds in order to return home bronzed and beautiful. The Drift Spa is offering 2 for 1 tanning deals, so now you don’t have to worry about sleeping in and missing the sun: You can party with your girls late into the night, roll out of bed at 3, and still look as though you baked by the pool.

Sample Sales New York City

It's that time of year again! We don't usually post on New York City sample sales because there are so many, and, well frankly, there are other sites that do it better than we can. But when two of our favorite designers host sample sales, we can't help but dish the deets.

Diane Von Furstenberg was one of the first sample sales we've ever hit--and spoiled us for everything else. The selection is amazing, the prices are fab (if memory serves, dresses are $150) and we did once meet DVF while she was shopping her own sale! The prices usually drop on Friday, but your first choice dress or skirt may be sold out by then. Here's hoping the frothy creation above will be one of the picks.

Diane Von Furstenberg Sample Sale: 260 5th Avenue between 28th and 29th Streets. Tues: 9-6:30; W 10-8; Thurs 10-7 and Fri 9-3



We're also partial to L.A.M.B's handbags that start at $150 at the L.A.M.B. sample sale, including the Cambridge Satchel ($150, above) and the Moneague tote ($195, below). The L.A.M.B. Sample sale is at 145 W. 18th Street between 6th and 7th Aves. from 10-8.



Happy Shopping!

Shopping Concierge - Cynthia Rowley Charleston

One of our long time favorite travel secrets is to call the local Prada store for advice on the hottest restaurants and clubs. We're updating that--at least for the next time we're in Charleston--and changing it to the Cynthia Rowley store.

The store has a Charelston Style Hotline. The style hotline, according to Emalie Adcock, the PR person for the Charleston Cynthia Rowley store, "caters to those looking for styling advice, garment care questions, new items in the store, happenings around town (i.e. restaurant openings, art exhibits, etc.). We consult the New York office for lots of our inquiries and sometimes, Cynthia will even answer an email herself."

Some of they common questions the store has received include:

"I'm going on a first date tonight. What do I wear to look sophisticated yet fun?"

"I'm from the south and have a 5:00 wedding in Boston. I've never been to New England for a wedding. What is the norm wedding attire up North? Can you make some suggestions?"

"Do I have to wear a suit to a job interview? Can you make some suggestions for alternatives. I hate suits -- especially in the summer!"


To contact the hotline, call: 843-577-8013, email: Charlestonstylehotline@cynthiarowley.com or join the Cynthia Rowley Charleston Facebook Group and post questions to the wall. Emalie says they are regularly on the email and facebook page during work hours so they're pretty quick to post answers to questions, new looks and happenings around town.