One look at my closet and I realized that I’ve held off much too long in re-stocking on clothes hangers. I’ve got way too many of those cheap metal hangers you get from the cleaners. Tssk Tsssk Jenni… after preaching this and that to others about the importance of keeping an orderly closet. Is it just me or do hangers seem to disappear like socks evaporate into thin air? Well before anyone comes snooping into my closet I’ve got to do something about my metal mess and wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions or recommendations. I keep hearing about those velvet hangers that help prevent your clothes from slipping off. Ingenious or gimmick? Who has them? Anyone have anything bad to say about then?

I read a review online for one brand called Joy Mangano Huggable Hangers in which one customer said they bleed color onto clothes, while others said they loved them. They are selling on HSN.com so that’s gotta mean they are pretty well vouched for.. right??

I also see this brand everywhere called Karen Rhodes Velvet Hangers (pictured above), which seem to have the most color options and widest distribution which makes me think she might be the orginal velvet hanger. Hers are also the most expensive, at $39.99 for 24 being the best price I could find at Overtock.com.

A cheaper alternative I found were these “flocked hangers” from a no name brand at Overstock.com. $99 for 120 of them!! The reviews on the site said they are comparable in quality to the more expensive brands. I don’t know whether I trust those reviews completely… I’m also wondering whether I need 120… but too scared to start counting my closet inventory.

Lastly, I’m also considering staying with the natural wood hangers I’ve already got, and instead using these non-slip rubbery stickers you can apply to the hanger to prevent slippage. In actuality you only need non-slip for about 20%-30% of your clothes if even that. I’m kinda turned off by the thought of having mixed hangers in my closet so if I go velvet I gotta go all the way!

Looking for thoughts! If anyone has any feedback on their experience with velvet hangers please do me a favor and share!

Another reason to hate the depressing economic times we’re in… I have no where to wear a fancy schmancy dress like this Handkerchief Gown from Jenni Kayne. Nor should I even pretend I could afford it btw… The cut is flattering with just the right touch of flirtiness to offset the gun metal greys of this floor length dress. The daintiness of the chiffon also strikes an interesting and unexpected balance to the dramatically gaunt colors. Perhaps I love this dress even more because it reminds me of an old dress I once had.. a beautiful rich pink chiffon dress (if I remember correctly it was from Laundry). But this Kayne dress has an interesting, more updated detailing to the waist. Damn this economy!

Available at Shopbop.com.

What I think makes sites like Haute Look work so well (not to mention incredibly addictive) is the fact that it preys on your fears of losing the object of your desires so perfectly. All sales are on a limited time basis. Make a decision quick or cry later when someone else snatches your size right in front of your eyes (supply is limited), and no dilly dallying because each batch of clothes only stays up there for about 24 hours. They know the chances of you coming back later are slim (like the goddamn timeshare sales tactics!).

Shop Now.

BTW, you’ll have to sign up for a membership but it’s free and anyone qualifies.

This little aromatic experience inspired me to write a Factoid on Finding the right perfume scent for you, and getting a great deal. Factoids are bite sized nuggets of info or knowledge… my brother has created a platform for anyone to write factoidz on. I encourage all of you to try it out! There’s a style and beauty section and a relationship and dating section which I plan to write on often (spit some game knowledge!). If you’re good at writing up factoidz or responding to factoid requests you can make money! Learn more.

Available at shopbop.com.

Available for $545 at eluxury.com.

I hope Fendi wakes up one day and starts making these beautiful bags with faux whatever so I can floss one these bad girls (and possibly afford it!).

Available for $2210.00 at eluxury.com

Katherine Kwei Donna Knotted Lambskin Tote

I’m in awe a million times over. I can’t get over how crazy good this bag looks. Ok so I have yet to see and touch the bag in person but this photo is enough. I’ll hang it on my bedroom walls tonight and drift off to handbag heaven.

Available for $1150 at Neimanmarcus.com.

Bulga Tasia Bag

The color. The shape. I’d wear it with stuff that didn’t match just to show it off!

Available for $763 at Revolveclothing.com.

Carlos Falchi Flat Multicolor Python Clutch

If you eat Saba (sushi) you might get a fishy flavor in your mouth like I did when looking at this bag. It’s a crazy design but I guarantee this one will go with everything, especially those pjs you wore to Blockbuster last night

Available for $815 at Neimanmarcus.com

Nancy Gonzalez Croc Tote

It’s powerful in every way. Perfect for the working ball-crusher at the office.

Available for $3650 at Neimanmarcus.com.

Cole Haan Aerin NS Tote

Here’s one for you simple and natural girls. No frills. Classic. Wear it forever, pass it down to your daughters. At this price you may just be able to fly under the radar!

Available for $425 at Neimanmarcus.com.

Miu Miu Nappa Patch Tote

Texture is the new black this Fall. This bag offers a very unique texture at that. While it may seem trendy it does have a classic appeal to it. It could work for at least a couple years. Hope the flaps don’t fall off..

Available for $1240 at Neimanmarcus.com.

D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Victoria Tote in Grey

Versatile, muted, soft & comfy… A friend for life!

Available for $1324 at RevolveClothing.com.

Juicy Couture Velour Too Cool Smocked Bag

A luxe-for-less textured option.

Available for $250 at eLuxury.com.

Ferragamo Banshee Metallic Tote

This bag reminds me of my Silver YSL Downtown Bag (that I live and die by). Get this if you want an everything everyday bag!

Available for $1550 at Neimanmarcus.com.

Christian Louboutin Braided Clutch

It’s intense and dramatic.. but Louboutin always manages to find balance. This bag screams hotness and intensity but whispers sophistication and luxe-ness.

Available for $1655 at Neimanmarcus.com.

My Recommendations
(If you have other types you live by please do share!!)

#1. #4 from Mac Cosmetics
Warning: These are super long and wispy and should prob. only be worn at night where the lights will be dim They are kind of a rip off but I’ve managed to squeeze up to 5 wears out of one pair once.

Available at Mac.com for $12

#2. Shisem False Lashes (Korean brand)

They are cheap and come in various styles, one in particular I absolutely can’t live without are these very natural looking ones that come in a 4-pk. At first I thought these might be under-eye lashes since they are so small but they work really well for the upper lashes if you want to go undercover with your lashes… not look so vamped up. I couldn’t find any online retailers but I usually get mine in Korea or they might be available at the Korean Markets (if you live near one). My favorite is the Hangook Market in Santa Clara.

Some fun options:
My Divas Closet stocks some outrageously crazy lashes and other eye gems. I tried some of the feather style lashes several years back for Halloween and they didn’t stay on very well, not to mention scared my boyfriend shit-less.

Eyelash Adhesive:
Don’t ever use the clear eyelash adhesive. They suck and it’s all marketing BS about how it applies clear. The regular white glue will dry clear too. I use any and all brands of the white eyelash adhesive.

How I Apply My Lashes
1. I curl my real lashes up first
2. Then I smear a large dollop of glue to the back of my hand
3. I run the false lash line across the glue, then let it dry for anywhere from 30-60 seconds until the glue gets tacky to the touch.
4. Then I line up the lash to my real lash line and press on the outer edges of the lashes, scooting the lash back and forth across my lash line until it gets centered correctly and nudges up to the edge of my eyeline. I keep tapping the lash down into the lash line as it starts to dry and attach to the lid.

Hope to see you out with the long and luscious lashes ladies!

I finally got the Summer Scarf I’ve been looking for… or maybe I should call it my Fall Scarf I got this one at Nordstroms, where there was a satisfyingly large selection of scarves — both square and rectangular. I picked this blue, grey, and white checkered one since it seemed muted but still flattering against my face. The sales lady showed me how to wrap it once around my neck (from front to back) and then tucked the loose ends under the “V” shape. Such a simple tip but helpful, thanks lady!

So here I am on University Ave in Palo Alto. Did I manage to attain the casual, just here to kick-back look? Well either way, I was happy and content with my outfit this day since I was comfy and maintained the perfect body temperature with my scarf pairing. Can’t wait to try it again with something else!