The LA Times describes a French shopping phenomenon that seems positively archaic: retail stores only have sales twice a year. In the US, land of the perpetual discount, this may seem odd indeed. Even in France, there is opposition; Sarkozy, … Continue reading →
The $400 purse isn’t dead yet, not by a longshot. But in the current economy, fewer people are able to easily afford them. Although I suppose designers have got to eat, too, please excuse me for not being able to … Continue reading →
…underwear. Maybe they should rename it, though. Apparently, underwear isn’t so very “under” any more. It’s come out of the closet, as it were, according to the NY Times, which reports that “showing off your lingerie has become very much … Continue reading →
Everybody knows how fashionable it has become for Western women to starve themselves for beauty. And recently I wrote this post on how many other ways we’ve pummeled and badgered and beaten the body in the quest for greater attractiveness … Continue reading →
Recently I saw an ad on TV for a product designed to fix a problem I previously hadn’t known existed: saggy earlobes. At first I thought it must be a joke of some sort. Saggy earlobes? Of all the available … Continue reading →
Okay, so I watched the Oscars. In addition to observing the usual self-congratulatory self-righteousness from the very rich and very famous, I observed what’s far more important, of course: the fashions. Since I’ve seen none of the movies except “Dreamgirls,” … Continue reading →
I think Hansel and Gretel’s house may have had one of them, along with a thatched roof and a cozy hearth. In my student days, I lived in a rented house that had one in the basement. But these dirt … Continue reading →
Not that I ever shop there–but still, I’m happy to know that Saks has bowed to popular demand from its vertically challenged female shoppers and announced it will revive its petite section. The ripple effect has already been felt. As … Continue reading →
Listen up—you are about to receive some intimate personal information about neo-neocon: I’m five feet, four inches tall. And, what’s more, I tend to do better in petite sizes, despite the fact that 5’4″ is ordinarily the cut-off for petites. … Continue reading →
Today, reading Fausta’s reminiscences about the coming-of-age party for girls in the Hispanic community known as the quinceaé±ero, I was reminded of–well, of lots of things, which I’ll get to in due course. But first, Fausta quoting the NY Times … Continue reading →
Yes, I watched the Oscars last night, at least intermittently, although I probably wouldn’t have if I hadn’t been invited to a party where Oscar-watching was the stated activity. And I just need to say this: what’s up with the … Continue reading →
An article appeared in this Sunday’s NY Times advising us that our relations with our neighbors may need to change if the much-feared bird flu pandemic ever arrives. This is what will be necessary if we want to protect ourselves … Continue reading →