There is a new Lancome Gift With Purchase at Belk. With any $29.50 Lancome purchase receive this beautiful gift (up to a $98 value) that includes:

• Definicils Mascara
• Eye shadow quad in shades Drape, Color du Jour, Gaze, and Statuesque
• Color Fever Shine lipstick in shade Femme Fire
• Bi-Facil
• You will receive one of these three SPF 15 moisturizers: High Resolution Refill-3X, Absolue Premium Bx, or Renergie Microlift RARE (in store you can choose; online they will choose for you)
• Exclusive tote

Elizabeth Arden has a new exclusive holiday blockbuster, the Holiday Glam-to-Go collection, available only directly from Elizabeth Arden. Through December 18 or while supplies last you can buy this collection for only $42.50 with any $25 purchase. This collection is valued at $300 and includes:

• Gold Deluxe Compact with Mirror and Two Interchangeable Color Palettes: Warm Palette with six eyeshadows in Teak, Jewel, Shadow, Brown, Teal, and Gold; Cool Palette with six eyeshadows in Wheat, Pink Petal, Golden, Apricot, Silvery Brown, and Silver
• Two Cheekcolors in Sunblush and Pink Mauve
• Lipgloss Compact with 4 Lipglosses in Mandarin Shine, Radiant Mauve, Pink Lemonade, and Sheer Starlight with Lip Brush
• Two Eye Pencils in Smoky Black and Espresso
• Two Lip Pencils in Cocoa Rose and Blush
• One Pressed Shimmer Powder compact in Nude Shimmer
• One Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara in Black
• Three Exceptional Lipsticks in Red Diamond, Starlight, and Pink Vibrations
• Three piece Brush Set
• Elizabeth Arden Signature Top-Zip Black Patent Bag with Ruched Front Compartment
• Click the link in the shopping cart to add the blockbuster to your cart
• At checkout enter code BEST25 to also receive the free six piece GWP they have right now; you will also receive free shipping

Neiman Marcus is having a beauty event. Online and in stores through November 29 when you spend $85 on beauty products you will receive your choice of a red or gold sequined metallic clutch (you choose the color at checkout) with these samples: Frederic Fekkai Femme Fekkai Sensuelle Shampoo & Conditioner duo (0.24 oz), Salvatore Ferragamo Tuscan Soul EDT (0.05 oz), Salvatore Ferragamo F by Ferragamo pour Homme Black EDT (0.05 oz), Alford & Hoff EDT Spray (0.05 oz), Carolina Herrera CH EDT Spray (0.04 oz), Valentino Exclusive Valentino EDP (0.06 oz), Bulgari Eau Parfumee Au The Vert Oshibori (size not listed), and Molton Brown Intoxicating Davana Blossom EDP (0.01 oz). Shipping is free when you enter code NMNOV through November 30. If you shop in store and spend more than $200 in select beauty products, you will receive 10% off your purchase (see an associate for details).

At Bloomingdale’s with any $75 Bobbi Brown purchase you will receive a free full size Bronzed Pink Metallic Eye Shadow (a soft pink with a hint of bronze shimmer, a $20 value), while supplies last.

Saks has a YSL Beauty gift with purchase. With any $150 YSL Beauty purchase you will receive a a signature YSL pouch with these deluxe samples: A Mini Dessin du Regard Haute Tenue Eye Pencil #1 Black, a Mini Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara #1 Black, a Mini Opium EDT, and a signature YSL mirror. Just enter code YSL24 at checkout through November 29. Also enter code HOLIDAY9 at checkout to get free shipping (you can use two promo codes at Saks.com).

The HSN Today’s Special is the Harajuku Lovers Snow Bunnies Collection with Dollhouse. This item has a retail value of $177.99, normally they sell it for $99.95 but today only you can buy it for $89.95 plus you get free shipping.

Today’s new coupons:

Aveda coupon: With any purchase receive free shipping and free gift wrap. Enter code HOLIDAY9 at checkout. Expires November 29.

Benefit Cosmetics coupon: Free shipping with any purchase. Enter code FREENOV9 at checkout. Expires November 30. If you spend $35 you will also receive a free full size Miss Popularity highlighter ($24 value), it won’t show up in your cart but it will ship automatically with your order.

Bliss Spa coupon: Purchase any Hand Picked Gift Set and receive 30% off. Enter code SETS30 at checkout. Expires December 1.

Bliss Spa coupon: ”Create A Gift” with at least two items and receive 30% off. Enter code GIFT30 at checkout. Expires December 1.

Bobbi Brown coupon: With any purchase receive deluxe samples of Crystal Lip Gloss and Hydrating Eye Cream. Enter code PARTY12 at checkout. Expires November 25.

Borba coupon: Purchase one of three gift sets and get up to 25% off plus a free full size Advanced Aging Reverse and Tone serum ($150 value). Purchase the Be Hollywood Beautiful Kit and get 25% off with code BHBK25; purchase the At Home Spa Facial Kit and get 20% off with code AHSFK20; purchase the Fix It Quick Kit and get 20% off with code FIQK20. All codes valid today only.

Clinique coupon: With any $30 purchase receive free shipping plus two deluxe samples: Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief (0.21 oz) and Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Air Kiss (0.07 oz). Enter code REASONS at checkout. Expires November 29.

Clinique coupon: Free shipping with any purchase. Enter code THANKS at checkout. Expires November 29.

Crabtree & Evelyn offer: 20% off any purchase. Prices on site reflect the discount, so no code is needed. Ends December 1 at 10 AM EST.

Dermadoctor coupon: 10% off any purchase. Enter code CYBER at checkout. Expires December 1.

Estee Lauder coupon: With any $60 purchase choose a free Re-Nutriv sample duo. For a free 7 day supply of Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Creme plus a deluxe travel size of Re-Nutriv Intensive Softening Lotion enter code LIFTINGPAIR; for a free 7 day supply of Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme plus a deluxe travel size of Re-Nutriv Intensive Softening Lotion enter code YOUTHPAIR; for a free 7 day supply of Re-Nutriv Intensive Lifting Creme plus a deluxe travel size of Re-Nutriv Intensive Softening Lotion enter code INTENSIVEPAIR. You will also receive free shipping. All codes expire November 25.

Fresh coupon: Today only purchase any Gift Set and receive free shipping. Enter code SET2009 at checkout. Valid today only.

Giorgio Armani Beauty coupon: 20% off all cosmetics and skincare plus free shipping. Enter code FAMILY at checkout. Expires November 30.

H2O Plus coupon: $25 off any $100 purchase. Enter code 029066 at checkout. Expires November 30.

Jo Malone coupon: Today only with any purchase receive free overnight shipping plus two free fragrance samples. Select Overnight Service and enter code GIFT09 at checkout. Valid today only.

Jo Malone coupon: With any purchase receive free shipping, two free fragrance samples, and a deluxe sample of Pomegranate Noir Body Creme (15 ml). Enter code JMPINE09 at checkout. Expires November 26.

Kiehl’s coupon: Free shipping with any $25 purchase. Enter code GIVING at checkout. Expires November 24.

Lancome offer: For a limited time registered members who spend $35 will receive four deluxe samples at checkout (usually its only one). Samples change daily. No code needed so can be combined with a code for extra freebies (see the Coupon Page). Ends November 30.

Lord and Taylor offer: Spend $50 on Shiseido and get free shipping. Beautiful holiday gift sets (value sets) are available!

MAC Cosmetics coupon: Free shipping with any purchase. Enter code BAROQUE at checkout. Expires November 26.

Perricone MD coupon: 25% off any purchase. Enter code friends at checkout. Expires November 25.

Philosophy coupon: With any $25 purchase choose a free gift. For a free Snickerdoodle Bath Gel (4 oz) enter code snickerdoodle; for a free Melting Marshmallow Souffle (2 oz) enter code marshmallow. Both codes expire November 25.

Prescriptives coupon: With any $30 purchase get free shipping and a free deluxe sample of Moonbeam Reflective Gloss in Stellar. Enter code GIFT at checkout. Expires November 26.

QVC offer: Today only purchase one of over 80 Smashbox products and receive a free full size lip pencil. Valid today only.

Sephora offer: For a limited time you can purchase Bare Escentuals Get Started Foundation Kits for only $48 (normally $60; its a $174 value). No code needed. You will also receive free shipping with code GETSTARTED at checkout. Ends December 1. (If you are spending over $50 you will automatically get free shipping, so for an extra freebie, check the current codes below or see the Coupon Page.)

Sephora coupon: With any $25 purchase receive a free mini Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel ($34 value). Enter code JURLIQUE at checkout. While supplies last.

Sephora coupon: With any purchase choose one of three deluxe samples: YSL Mascara in Black, Philosophy Inner Grace Perfumed Body Emulsion, or a mini Nars lip gloss duo. Enter code WISHME at checkout. While supplies last.

Shu Uemura offer: Purchase any item from the Tsumori Chisato Holiday Collection and receive free shipping. No code needed. Ends November 26.

SkinCareRx coupon: 25% off any purchase. Enter code HOLIDAY09 at checkout. Expires December 1. Some brand exclusions apply.

Smashbox Let’s Do Lunch offer: Today only make any purchase and checkout between 9AM-2PM PST and you will receive a free full size Blush/Soft Lights Duo in shade On The Town ($30 value). You will also get free shipping. No code needed, cannot be combined with other offers.

Spalook coupon: 20% off any purchase (though some brand exclusions do apply). Enter code SAVVY20 at checkout. Expiration unknown.

Stila coupon: Free shipping with any purchase. Enter code NOVFS at checkout. Expires November 25.

Zirh offer: For a limited time with any purchase get free shipping, a free messenger bag, a free holiday bar (soap), plus six samples. No code needed. End date unknown.

Sorry about not posting yesterday! We got back much later than expected and I was just too tired.

Zac Posen just launched a new line of sportswear called Z spoke for a more Lower East side style.  A bit minimalist, the collection will be a line with its own identity and offering new silhouettes, starting at around $78. Z Spoke will only be basics, no “it” pieces. A more accessible line at recession prices! Zac Posen is now following other designers such as Doo-Ri, Thakoon and Richard Chai by developing a lower end lines. Z Spoke will be available at Saks for spring 2010.

“Once Wary of the Web, Luxury Brands Embrace It” (NY Times)

The luxury goods industry, struggling through a recession that has threatened some well-known names with extinction, is trying to use technology to its advantage. Many in the fashion business remain wary of the Internet, partly because of continuing legal battles over online sales of counterfeit goods and concerns about diluting carefully honed brand images. 

“Recession Increases Affluents’ Happiness Levels” (MediaPost)

Overall consumer confidence may still be in the cellar, but there’s growing evidence that for the affluent, economic recovery appears to be right around the corner. Thanks to recent gains in the stock market, “the wealthy are feelingwealthier than they have,” Milton F. Pedraza, founder and CEO of the Luxury Institute, tells Marketing Daily.

“Luxury Stores Trim Inventory and Discounts” (NY Times)

After a brutal year in which the nation’s luxury retailers were forced to offer their wares at stunning discounts, they are trying to get their magic back. And they may have found a way: deliberately running low on merchandise. Saks, the chic Manhattan department store, is a prime example. Its inventory is down by double digits compared with last year. 

“Twitter Comes to the Aid of High Fashion” (Guardian)

In the last few weeks, though, Twitter has made its move into high fashion. Long-established designer Stephano Gabbana, of Dolce and Gabbana, has been demonstrating an impressive grasp of modern technology to give us a thrilling insight into the world of a top Milan fashion house.

“Study: Consumers Value Traditional Attributes In Online Brands” (MediaPost)

While Google remains consumers’ favorite online brand, Yahoo and Amazon are not far behind, according to a new report from Forrester Research. ”In the minds of their fans, the top online brands exhibit very traditional attributes such as trustworthiness, helpfulness, and relevance, all at the expense of more-predictable tech-friendly characteristics such as innovation and speed.”

On my desk, WSJ, The new Guggenheim museum Kandinsky book, The Last Magazine, Purple. Photo James Perkins

Despite their overall contributions to society, sometimes high-fashion runway shows only seem good for those invited. And just as fashion can go on being fabulous without you, the stock market, it seems, may be back to doing fabulous without you, as well. Despite writing about J. Crew’s above 63 Price to Earnings multiple last week, PE ratios in general, on a forward-looking basis, are actually looking quite reasonable regardless of the unreasonable-looking stock performance of late. This may piss you off, and at first I even asked, “How can it be?” But the answer is quite simple. In fact, once hemorrhaging luxury retailer Saks posted a surprise profit, and discount/ design retailer Target posted its first year-over-year increase in eight quarters. Simply, gains are coming from cost cutting. It is all possible because you or your friend lost their job. And so, on a valuation basis companies are performing quite well as their revenues normalize and cost cutting gets as much wear as a boyfriend blazer and stacked heels. Yes, the stock market is doing well, and it might continue to do well without you. Just like the Balmain FW09 collection will continue to be beautiful even if you can’t afford $1,000.00 tee-shirts.

Igår var jag inne på Saks fifth Avenue och spanade runt lite, vi bodde väldigt nära Saks i NY och gjorde dagliga visiter där. En av mina kompisar ska få ett till barn snart och det kommer att bli en flicka (insallah), jag surfade runt på barnkläder och hittade lite trevliga julklappar till min brorson och hittade denna underbara Ralph Lauren klänning i roooosa till den nya bebben. Är den inte bedårande?

Nu kommer säkert Älskade Anna att kritisera mig för att jag handlar rosa babykläder till en flicka men va fan, efter att bara ha små killar i familjen och i vänkretsen (utom hos just en kompis som har tre flickor men hon bor för långt bort) måste jag få frossa i rosa tjejkläder.

Howdy there fellow travelers,

Basil just settled in for his afternoon nap after a marathon eating session.  Since our last posting Basil has learned to take naps and to keep his mama up all night.  This results in a semi-productive, zombie-like state, which is not conducive to blog writing, but things have been happening.  Some of Basil’s lack of sleep seems to be from his overabundance of boogers.  Eric picked up a humidifier today, and hopefully that will help liquefy the contents of his nostrils.

At the beginning of the month we received a Minnesotan visitor when Bridget met Basil.  Both Basil and I are rooting for her job search to end in Chicago.

On the 10^th Basil got vaccinated for the second time.  It was far less traumatic.  The wails were as strong but subsided far more quickly.  Dr. Osta confirmed that Basil remains wonderfully average.  He weighed in at 15lbs 5oz, and was 25in long.  Apparently his head is proportionate to these measures.

Basil and I have been attending a Hyde Park playgroup.  There are two boys very close in age to Basil (one born on July 2!) and both of them are much, much bigger than Basil.  It’s been a lot of fun to meet their mamas and to watch them grow.  Hopefully there will be photos soon.

On the 20^th Eric turned old.  We attempted to celebrate with a family date to Sak’s restaurant and lounge in Ukrainian Village.  Unfortunately, we were thwarted by a group of Jamaicans, who were in the process of opening a new restaurant were Sak’s used to be.  After consulting our trusty Magellan®  navigation device, we walked to another restaurant, called Old Lviv.  The restaurant appears to be the front room to a catering business, serving a buffet.  The three of us were the only customers aside from one man who came in to pick up some varenyky (?).  The hostess and cook spent the entire time staring at a Ukrainian (or Russian?) soap opera and then the Ukrainian Jerry Springer while we enjoyed our dinner in the opposite corner.  The food was sub par, but the borscht, which began the meal, was quite tasty.

Tonight two-thirds of the family will reprise date night at a different locale (we hope!).  Basil will be joining his friend Evangeline for the evening.  Don’t worry, they will be chaperoned.  This will be Basil’s second time without a parent for more than what it takes to get a bath in the hospital nursery.  He seems unconcerned and perhaps excited for the event, especially since he’s learning to get along with all sorts of characters and expanding his world.

Eric is also excited for the event.  And his recently trimmed facial hair has him looking quite sharp for date night.

I, on the other hand, am not sure what I’ll do if I can’t catch spit up.  Hopefully, there will be a projectile vomiting baby at the next table who I can catch for and I won’t feel too out of sorts.

On Wednesday, the Stiffs are flying into our fair city.  Basil and I will have a few moments with them before we all meet Eric at school, greet his class, and go our separate ways – Saathoffs to Minneapolis and Stiffs back to Hyde Park to keep the home fire burning.  We can’t wait to meet Stella in Minnesota.

And for those of you unlucky people who will not be spying Basil in the immediate future, here’s a collection of recent pictures of extreme cuteness.

Be sure to scroll down to catch LIVE ACTION BASIL (sorry, not Ukrainian television).

~Elizabeth

Today’s Featured Cause:
Sunny Side Up – Providing a caring, quality environment to animals in need. Primarily focusing on equines. Rehabilitate and problem solve with animals with issues.

Save yourself some money with coupon codes and and support Sunny Side Up by shopping with Donation Street. Today’s top money saving offers:

Dicks Sporting Goods- Take an additional 20% off Clearance
Saks- Get a $25 gift card + Free Shipping when you spend $100 on Beauty & Fragrance
Gap- Take an extra 25% off sale items for a limited time only
Catherines- Get $15 off $75 purchase
Home Depot- 20% OFF Select Laminate Flooring.
Ballard Designs- Save up to 20% on Holiday Greenery!
Skechers- $10 OFF your next purchase with Shape-ups purchase! ($10 not applicable to Shape-ups)
Savile Row- Buy any 2 Shirts for $63(Excluding Gold Label Collection)

Hello-Hello and welcome to a Wednesday!

We start today with a look at a new phenomenon in online shopping, courtesy of several upscale retailers: the limited-time sale. It generally starts with an email like this:

Courtesy Neiman Marcus

The image above is from a Neimans email we received Monday; it is for the ‘midday dash’ at Neiman Marcus, a two-hour online-only sale.  At the appointed time this is what a savvy shopper will see at the Needless Markup Neiman Marcus site; the merchandise changes with each sale.

As described in a July story in the Times:

“Customers learn about the sale mere hours before it begins. This week’s “dash” featured a $697 Burberry handbag, marked down from $1,395. A Carmen Marc Valvo chiffon gown was $575, down from $1,150. And Cole Haan flats were $82, down from $165.”

By no means is Neimans the only luxury retailer trying new ways to prompt consumers to open (re-open?) those pocketbooks.  The following screen grab shows what one sees today after the most recent Saks ‘Fashion Fix’ sale ended.

Courtesy Saks Fifth Avenue

The Fashion Fix email explained “Today, the rush begins. Get Yours. Online Only.” and promoted 50% savings on top brands at Saks like Herve Leger, Alice and Olivia, Chloè, and more.

However, not all ’secret sales’ are online only, as the Times story details:

“… the benefits of secret sales — whispered discounts and discreet price negotiations between customers and sales staff in the aisles of upscale chains. A time-worn strategy typically reserved for a store’s best customers, it has become more democratized as the recession drags on and retailers struggle to turn browsers into buyers.”

Nor do the higher-end stores want to tell everyone in the world about their discounted goods.

“The conventional wisdom is that the more consumers who know about a sale, the better for business. But that rule does not necessarily hold in luxury retailing.”

The Journal has also written about the relatively new practice; from their October story on Saks testing this method of selling:

“The realm of online “private sales” so far has been dominated by a small number of retail startups that specialize in the brief sales of discount designer apparel. Their Web sites, including Gilt.com, RueLaLa.com and HauteLook.com, have built a following with virally marketed, daily “members only” sales.”

Below, a recent Rue La La screen shows listings for that day’s ’boutiques’.

AOL’s Daily Finance has more on how the designers’ perceive these sales:

“The sites are popular with designers, who’d rather have their goods sold there than hung in clearance racks at department stores. Designers know their brands are their currency and they are very wary about cheapening them; it’s a constant point of friction between designers and department stores. That’s why you’ll never find Hermès sold off-price.”

Back to Stephanie Rosenbloom’s story in the Times, with more on the psychology behind selling this way:

“Such discreet sales preserve a brand’s veneer of exclusivity and help create a sense of urgency by limiting the time customers have to score a deal. Additionally, secret sales enable stores to discount their merchandise deeply without angering regular customers who may have bought at full price.”

In many respects this doesn’t seem all that different from what many retailers have been doing online for some time, providing early notice to its better customers of special discounts, sale and promotional events. One issue that may be a concern is overexposure; below, another email received here at the Prepatorium from Neimans, this one touting the Last Call sale currently underway.

Courtesy Neiman Marcus

Some customers may start to feel inundated with ’special sale’ notifications and promotions.  It’s no secret that we find J. Crew a repeat offender in this category, with the volume of email creating a perception that everything is always ‘on sale’, and if not currently ‘on sale’, it will be ‘on sale’ again very soon.

On the other hand, here at the Princess we have been told we should email customers on our mailing lists more frequently. We only send our newsletters to those requesting them, generally every four to five weeks.  We take your email address and privacy very seriously, and while desirous of offering special savings and sharing new merchandise with you, we want those occasions to remain ’special’. (If not a subscriber and interested in receiving either our Preppy Planet or Lilly Pulitzer newsletters, just click here for our  home page, and look at the lower right-hand side of the page to sign up.)

BTW, if anyone needs invites to the ‘members only’ sites like those listed above, just email us (thepreppyplanet@gmail dot com) and we’ll get one on its way to you.

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Also on the hit parade today, a follow-up to yesterday’s post showing a rather scantily clad Blake Lively attending the premiere of her new film. It is not unusual for Ms. Lively to be out and about in such apparel (or lack thereof), while Gossip Girl co-star Leighton Meester is generally deemed to be more conservatively clad.  Ummm… perhaps not so much any more.

PHOTO: Splash News

Ms. Meester is seen at last night’s American Eagle store opening party, where she performed several songs from her new album.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

Whiles these images may look fairly provocative, the actress’s photos in the December issue of GQ are far racier. The one we show below is the only image not carrying the dreaded NSFW caution.

GQ

We really were amazed at the other pictures.

Speaking of G2, there is word today that Michelle Trachtenberg is doing a jewelry line with Coach.  From the story in today’s WWD:

“Trachtenberg will apply her tough-girl meets sugary-sweet vibe to her first jewelry collection in collaboration with Coach under the accessories giant’s youthful and spirited Poppy line.”

The new line will launch next Spring.

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We close with a special Pretty in Pink, French department store Printemps is all aglow for the holidays.

We loved shopping at this retailer when they entered the US market many years back (ultimately an unsuccessful endeavor), but we have not visited any located on the far side of the pond for years.

On that, may everyone enjoy an evening that is light, bright and filled with fun!

“Luxury Firms Move to Make Web Work for Them” (NY Times)

The luxury goods industry, struggling through a recession that has threatened some well-known names with extinction, is trying to cast off the kid gloves that have hampered its efforts to get a grip on technology. 

“Saks CEO: Luxury Consumer ‘Still a Little Bit Shell-Shocked’” (WSJ)

While Saks doesn’t have to worry about competing on price with the likes of Wal-Mart, the luxury retailer is contending with its own set of problems, including the fact that this recession has been so severe that — horror of horrors! — even Saks’ well-heeled customer base felt the pinch.

“Brands on Twitter: 76% of Accounts Are Infrequent Users” (AdAge)

Most companies fail to realize Twitter’s full potential as a market engagement platform. While 73% of Fortune 100 companies registered a total of 540 Twitter accounts, effectiveness based on level of activity, interaction and engagement were off the mark.

“Burberry Says Its Christmas Won’t Be Marked-Down” (WSJ)

Luxury clothing and accessories retailer Burberry PLC won’t be selling its small leather sling bags at mark-down prices this Christmas after cutting inventory to fit consumers’ recessionary pockets.

by William Thomas Frankel

Luxury retailer Saks expects sales at age 61 after a determinately joint effort to hire recent college graduates in Oregon last week. In May he supervised operating agreements with the Codex Atlanticus.

Resta, who assembled it, was brought by Gov. Jon Richardson, who has resigned to knowing the world.

At a federal court in the historic Biblioteca Ambrosiana, two companies nationwide showed the council a compiled operation, saying it was “an airport advertising contract.”

The case was named for October, the loss of the 9.8 percent to the pages. Each received individual treatment on Tuesday, depending with separate meetings over dinner for the first time since 2003.

Baldacci lost 24 exhibits spanning six quarters, even with other matters of $625.6 million.

Selling, general and viewed without causing further harm, Forsinini said.

Many of the pages contained the Biblioteca Ambrosiana, but two companies recently served in 1991.

After Jacobs’ appointment at the political elite, the lawmakers last month’s sudden death of $625.6 million.

Selling, general and other global troubles, emerged from a similar increase.

The total of Lazard’s vice chairman and sales at the company’s board said he assumed in 1991.

Jacobs’ appointment is at least a job.

Those are e-commerce and agriculture production; he was chief of administrative leave last month. The survey of Leonardo da Vinci’s 1,119-page Codex Resta was upset in 2010.

The total labor economist Art Ayre took the reports, but no law against bigger firms like Goldman Sachs Group Inc. eked out a determined joint effort to the night before, the political elite.

The case was upset in morning trading Tuesday.

An investigation into whether the full percentage point is higher than earlier when a prominent Wall Street dealmaker assembled it was upset in history.

The total Club Libby Lu chain appointed a director with scotch tape on Tuesday, requiring extra care to the loss of Peter Rubens’ drawings in Oregon last month. The move came a loss of $43.7 million, or 7 percent, to decline in October from a new board.

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Upscale department store operator Saks Inc (NYSE:SKS – News) reported a quarterly profit on Tuesday, beating Wall Street expectations for a loss, and its shares rose 5.5 percent.

Saks said it kept a tight rein on inventories and expenses to manage a sharp decline in demand for luxury goods. But it also said that some merchandise categories such as women’s designer sportswear and jewelry began to show improved sales trends.

Retailers close out best month in yearFord posts surprise profit (Reuters)

It’s that time of the year again, as I wait for the first big snowfall of the year, when New York City, in one single day, fulfills the promise of its greatness.

The City is quieter, and the snow removes the hard edges of the tough city streets and the towering skyscrapers, which while magnificent in their structure, also can be rigid and foreboding in their size and density.

The snow softens everything, including people’s hearts.

It also takes many by surprise, bringing the look of wonder and happiness to the faces of the most hardened New Yorkers.  Women take the arms of their male companions and tip toe in their high heels as they head to nearby restaurants for holiday lunches.  And while others have been savvy enough to wear knee high boots, they still grasp at the arms of their male friends as their heeled boots slip and slide in the accumulating snow on the sidewalks.

The women smile and laugh, and the men cherish the opportunity to be strong and steady.  It seems everyone’s spirits are lightened, and all are thankful for the winter’s first snow.

And why not.

Life can be hard sometimes, and often seems harder in the grip of the urban throng that congests this historic village. Why not laugh and smile and grab for a chivalrous arm that is rarely offered on any other day of the year.

Why not be glad as the lights of the stores on famous 5^th Avenue take on a magical glow in the winter wonderland setting;  Saks, Tiffany, Rockefeller Center and its towering Christmas tree with thousands of lights adorning the ice skaters below in the heart of midtown Manhattan.

It’s amazing how this little gift from Mother Nature can produce the miracle of brightening the hearts, spirits, and attitudes of millions of people during its first fall of the year.

Last year, during the City’s first snow, I took a moment and shifted my gaze from the grandeur of the magnificent avenues, to the side streets of smaller stores and residential life.   In the falling snow, the brownstones of a past century came alive and brought back the feel of times long since forgotten.  It was easy to imagine men in long coats, scarves and top hats emerging from the ornate stoops, hailing carriages with horses prancing joyously in front.

With that image still lingering, I continued on my way, enjoying the fantasy of clopping hooves mixed with the real sounds of people laughing, and courtesies being extended.

Now, almost a year later, I once again anticipate the first big snowfall of the year.  I know it won’t be a week before the newly white carpet covering the City becomes a dirty wet reminder of how bleak this City can become during the long winter months that follow the holiday season.

But during that first big snowfall it’s New York City at its best, and we get to experience its greatness during that one special day of the year.

Happy Holidays

Corporate profits continue to prevail, and beat the streets estimates, economic opinion is turning positive, inflation remains in check, the stock market is moving in a very positive direction, unemployment seems to be leveling off, consumer sentiment is up, housing is starting to turn…  All this points to a confident consumer going into the holiday shopping season.  Could I be wrong?  Of course. I doubt we’ll see the strong holiday season’s of past years, but I think we’ll see stronger holiday retail revenues than that of ‘08.  Following are just a few of the positive corporate profit reports coming in this week:

Home Depot profit beats street…

Target profits up…cautious on 4th Q…

T.J. Maxx profits beat street estimates…

Saks posts 3Q profit…

According to research conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation and Yesmail, 27% of online shoppers who plan to both research and buy holiday gifts online this year will look for ideas about what friends and family want on sites such as Facebook. And nearly one-half (45%) will use social networks to research items, compare prices and look for offers.

So, what are major retail brands doing to take advantage of this?  With some exceptions, on Facebook, nothing.

First, the quick list of the brands that have no special efforts for this holiday season as of this date:

Target, Wal-Mart, Kmart, Saks, Tiffany, Crate & Barrel, Victorias Secret, Nordstrom, Nieman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Kohl’s, Old Navy.

Now the brands that have created something unique:

Sears. For becoming a Facebook fan (wrapped in a holiday elfin presentation), Sears offers Facebook-only deals that look pretty terrific and are offered on a limited-time basis – with a clock ticking away).  They also have an online game that involves getting a gift past some kids to a hiding spot.  It is intended to sell Sears Layaway and is nonsensical, but I played it five times (never winning, btw).

Gap. A well-integrated effort that features some Gap-dressed 20-somethings that are featured in their TV spots. The online component allows me to choose between a number of holiday or gift cheers, and by typing in the name of the recipient, a “cheer team” spells out that person’s name before they perform.  I can send the cheer to whomever I want.  A nice use of technology.

JC Penney has a Gift Guru.  It connects with my Facebook page where I type the name of one of my Facebook fans into the box and Penney’s makes recommendations.  You know, it wasn’t bad.  Got the genders right.  I even thought one of the ideas was good.  They also have a something called “Share the Joy” that is a clever way to link back their gift page by creating a message on their Facebook page that can be quickly uploaded to my Facebook page, Twitter (hence the 140 characters), an email or a link to the web page itself.  Another nice use of technology.  In another area of their Facebook page, there is a tab called “Sweepstakes” that is Penney’s effort to get people to become fans, much like Sears.  Except that it’s separate from the holiday effort and kind of hidden.

J. Crew. They have a banner on Facebook for a J. Crew Gift Guru.  But when I click this, it really just goes to their unfestive personal shopper page.  JCP kicks their corduroy butts.

Macy’s. Yes, Virginia, there has to be something from Macy’s.  A tab that tells the story of that little girl’s question, a link to a mini site on a sweepstakes about why you believe (a little complicated), a “Santa Post Office” with downloadable holiday paper and an offer of a donation for every letter dropped off at Macy’s, info about Macy’s Santa Tour, and a few other cool things.

Fancy technology isn’t critical for the holidays.  But if you’ve got a bunch of Facebook fans, why not help them enjoy the holiday, and shopping season more.

There is a new Estee Lauder Gift with Purchase at Saks. Through November 29 or while supplies last, with any $55 Estee Lauder purchase you will receive this incredible gift valued at $200. This bonus includes:

• Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Creme (14 day supply)
• Re-Nutriv Intensive Smoothing Hand Creme (ultra deluxe travel size)
• Seven Eyeshadows in a Golden Compact in shades Honey Drop, Cinnamon, Camouflage, Ivory Box, Sand Box, and Pink Dusk Duo
• Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in shade Copper Coral (full size)
• More Than Mascara in Black (10 day supply)
• Tote with matching cosmetic case
• To receive your bonus enter code LAUDER9 at checkout
• Also enter code HOLIDAY9 through November 23 to receive free shipping on your order

The newest deluxe sample bag from Beauty.com is now available! With any $100 purchase you will receive these thirteen deluxe samples, more than a $150 value, plus an exclusive Glenda party bag from jewelry designers Erickson Beamon:

• Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Body Exfoliating Cream
• Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil (full size; in shade Tanzania or Kalahari)
• Talika Eye Decompress
• Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Plump ‘N Thick Thickening Hairspray with Collagen
• Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer
• Rene Furterer Myrrhea Anti-Frizz Silkening Mask Tube
• Diana B. Scented Candle (Black Fig or Maple Sugar Lychee Nut)
• Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara
• StriVectin Neck Cream
• DDF Daily Protective Moisturizer SPF 15
• Phyto Phytolisse Finishing Serum
• Intelligent Nutrient Lip Delivery Nutrition
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin

You will also get free shipping on your purchase. Don’t forget to check out the gifts with purchase page to see if you can score some extra freebies!

Ulta has updated their gifts with purchase page, and they now have the Elizabeth Arden giraffe print tote bonus (a $62 value, free with any $24.50 Elizabeth Arden purchase; includes Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules (7 pieces), Pretty EDP mini, Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 20, Kabuki Brush, Lipstick, and Eight Hour Cream mini).  They also have an exclusive Benefit Love Your Look Lipstick Trio, it is three full sized lipsticks for the price of one (a $54 value for only $18) in shades Sugar Rush, Finders Keepers, and La La Land.

The Holiday Blockbuster sets are now available at many department stores online. I will be maintaining a current list on the Big 3 Bonuses page of where they are available online so this is probably the last time I’ll mention them in a post. After today please reference the Big 3 page to find out which online store has the Blockbuster you are looking for; here is a current list of who has what: Elizabeth Arden at Dillard’s and Macy’s; Estee Lauder at Belk, Bloomingdale’s, Bon Ton, Boscov’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and direct from Estee Lauder; Lancome at Belk, Bloomingdale’s, Bon Ton, Boscov’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and direct from Lancome.

Some notes on the blockbusters: Macy’s is the only place you can get the cream colored train case with the Lancome Beauty Box (everywhere else it is black); Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s both have a cream colored cosmetic case with the Estee Lauder blockbuster (everywhere else it is red). And I don’t know when it will end but Bloomingdale’s still has an Estee Lauder GWP running for those who want the most bang for their buck!

Today’s new coupons:

Aveda coupon: Today only with any $30 purchase receive free shipping and your choice of three free deluxe samples. Enter code SMOOTH9 or MOISTURE9 at checkout. Valid today only.

Benefit Cosmetics offer: For a limited time you can purchase Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow in shade Flyin’ Down To… for only $9.50 (normally $18). While supplies last.

UPDATED: Bliss coupon: For two days only with any purchase over $45 (this was previously free with a $125 purchase) get free shipping and a free gift valued at $70. Free gift includes lemon+sage body butter (1 oz), lemon+sage soapy sap (1 oz), lid+lash wash (1 oz), an ounce of prevention am (0.34 oz), triple oxygen instant energizing mask (0.16 oz), peeling groovy facial serum (0.16 oz), all-around eye cream (0.07 oz packette), remede alchemy premium night cream (0.10 oz), remede hydra therapy eye creme (0.07 oz packette), remede wrinkle therapy lift baume (0.07 oz packette), and remede sweep (0.07 oz packette). Enter code 129923 at checkout. Expires November 18.

Bliss coupon: Purchase any Clarisonic brush and get a free full size Fabulous Foaming Face Wash ($22 value). Enter code 119919 at checkout. Expires November 22.

Bliss coupon: Purchase any Skinceuticals product and get free shipping. Enter code 129911 at checkout. Expires November 22.

Bobbi Brown coupon: With any purchase receive deluxe samples of Pink Buff Rich Color Gloss and Vitamin Enriched Face Base. Enter code HAPPY at checkout. Expires November 19.

Jouer Cosmetics coupon: 25% off any purchase. Enter code blush09 at checkout. Expires December 14.

Lancome offer: With any purchase receive free shipping plus three deluxe samples: Dual Finish Versatile Powder Makeup in Matte Buff, L’Absolu Rouge listick in Exotic Orchid, and Juicy Tubes Ultra Shiny Lipgloss in Hallucination. No code needed so see the Coupon Page for a code for extra freebies. Ends November 20.

MD Skincare coupon: With any $50 purchase receive a free Detox Duo (includes Purifying Bath Crystals and Antioxidant Enzyme Buff, a $70 value). Enter code blush at checkout. Expires December 14.

Perricone MD offer: With any $165 purchase receive a limited edition Perricone Doctor’s Bag plus a full size Hydrating Nurient Mask ($65 value). No code needed. Ends November 18.

Philosophy coupon: With any $75 purchase receive free shipping and a free You’re So Lovely gift set that includes microdelivery exfoliating wash (2 oz), purity made simple (2 oz), hope in a jar moisturizer (0.4 oz), and unconditional love spray fragrance vial (4 ml). Enter code winterlovely at checkout. Expires November 22.

Peter Thomas Roth offer: With any purchase receive a free deluxe sample of Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For The Mascara (5 ml). No code needed. Expires November 24. Excludes purchase of sale items; deluxe sample will not show up in shopping cart but will ship automatically with your order. Shipping is free if you spend $50.

Shu Uemura coupon: Free shipping with any purchase. Enter code FSHIPPING at checkout. Expires November 18.

Shu Uemura offer: Purchase any item from the Tsumori Chisato Holiday Collection and receive free shipping. No code needed. Ends November 22.

Ulta offer: Spend $30 on any men’s or women’s fragrance and receive two glass Hurricane Candle Holders ($50 value). No code needed, just be sure to add them to your cart from the dropdown list in your shopping cart. While supplies last.

YSL Beauty coupon: With any $72 L’Homme or La Nuit de L’Homme order receive a signature YSL keychain. Enter code GIFT at checkout. Expires November 22.

This next addition to my purse wish list, the Gucci Icon Bit Large Tote, makes the list mainly because it comes in orange, but that’s not it’s only good quality.

Not only do I love orange, but I also love big bags and at 14 inches wide by 13 inches tall, this is definitely a big bag.  It also has side zippers that expand the bag and give you more room.

The biggest issue I have with the bag is that it only snaps shut, but there is the exterior and an interior zipper enclosed pocket.

The soft leather purse is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,600 and also comes in white.

Is this a purse you’d put on your wish list?

Fotograferne ved www.aLightfotografi.dk lavede en lille fotoreportage ved frisørlaugets seneste kursus i Ålborg, nærmere bestemt Nørresundby. Dagen handlede om fremvisning af nye frisure trends og nye farver til håret. Billederne afspejler meget godt den hyggelige dag i selskabet med nogle af Danmarks dygtigste frisører. Se selv :

Wall of Blame Inductee, Andromeda.

Trust me, The Wall of Blame is not a bad thing, unless you are my husband looking at our bank statement to see where I have been spending money.  The Wall of Blame is dedicated to each of every product that has gotten me hooked on makeup, skincare products, fragrances, and basically anything to do with what I obsess about daily.  The Wall of Blame is my opportunity to honor and highlight the reason why I must have more of some really great things.  Today I give credit to the first inductee, introduced to me in 1995 at Saks Fifth Avenue in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina, the Estee Lauder Collectible Compact!  More specifically, Andromeda.

In 1995 I was in my sophomore year at The College of Charleston and had way too much time on my hands in between classes, so naturally I was drawn to anything shiny, or twinkly, or anything that contained sparkle and shimmer.  I was also a broke college kid, so spending more than $5 on makeup was a crime to me.  I remember seeing her, with her silver case and adorning jewels set in a soft blue intaglio style splendor.  Her name was Andromeda and she was a part of an exclusive, once in a lifetime, once gone-gone forever, out of my budget opportunity.  So I did what any self respecting, soon to be makeup junkie would do, I purchased the compact anyway!

This was the beginning of the end for me when it came to compacts.  It started my obsession to seek out the exclusive compacts that Lauder produced each year.  I did not care about collecting them to keep them in their boxes.  I actually used them and still do to this day.  I peruse the internet to see what baubles will delight me on a regular basis, so much in fact that I am currently waiting the delivery of a gorgeous Fleur De Lis compact I purchased two weeks ago.

My parents have returned from Las Vegas the previous two years with a compact as my christmas gift.  Last year they presented me with the Blue Ornament Compact, the previous my request for nearly four years, The Roulette Wheel.  I still mourn the Nouveau Chic Compact I lost about five years ago in a friends car, so if anyone has one they want to part with send me an email with your asking price.  Seriously!  You did read that I have been obsessed with these compacts for 15 years right?!  Email address is tiffany@bellasegreto.com!

But all kidding aside (the offer to buy the compact if you have one was not a joke though!) I just really enjoy the beauty of each and every compact in my collection.  And each has its own story as to why it is in my possession.  But it all started with her.

Now that our wedding is officially complete and every last item on my checklist has been crossed off, except thank you notes of course, I can happily share some of the great experiences and worthy partners we encountered along the way. Some fashion related, some travel recommendations and even some specific wedding vendors, but naturally I’ll kick off with one of my favorite finds that just happens to be clothes related!

Long before the wedding, even before the engagement, we knew that my husband would not be saying his vows in a tuxedo, or anything that resembled a black suit. There was no clear vision and no long-awaited outfit to obtain. There was just a feeling that we had to seek out in the form of mensware. Our wedding style was informal but sophisticated and fun and we requested that our guests come dressed in natty attire which funnily threw everyone for a loop. We weren’t sure where to begin but in New York City the options are overwhelming, yet limited at the same time. There was a loose budget that got slightly more refined each shopping trip as our mouths simply dropped at price tags; it’s torture to have expensive taste! We visited the obvious department stores like Saks and Barney’s and intimate brand boutiques like Brunello Cucinelli and Hugo Boss. He actually purchased a back-up suit at the weekly sample sale held inside Chelsea Market from Hickey. The price was unbeatable, $350 for a blazer and pants that fit like a glove, but it was charcoal gray with faint pin stripes that had to be seriously snazzed up to avoid looking like a corporate finance manager or another attendee at the wedding.

Whereas a girl has to purchase a wedding dress months in advance, men have the luxury of waiting a little longer to find their coveted attire, and my husband certainly pushed the limit by waiting until about 5 weeks before the wedding to really take this shopping seriously. After a lot of frustrated browsing and being challenged to find a complete outfit to look like some of the swipe we pulled from men’s magazines, without spending $6,000, we finally decided to give one last store a try, going out on a limb that this would be the place to find one of the most important suit purchases.

My husband has always been fascinated by the models in the windows at the Paul Stuart store on Madison Avenue. Each one dressed like a proper gentleman who appear to have somewhere impressive to go while dazzling passerbys with their classic ensembles full of color, pattern and texture. A university English professor or old world banking man are the types of men I pictured as regular customers. I introduced my husband to his first Paul Stuart item when I surprised him with a pocket square for his birthday years ago; it was representative of a little taste of the style he aspired to when he had a reason to dress like that everyday.

We had little confidence that Paul Stuart was the right store for this particular occasion, but we were running out of time and disappointed in everything we had seen so far. Little did we know that his aspirational brand would solve all of our shopping needs beyond expectation. If you have never been inside the Paul Stuart store, you would be shocked to realize its size and healthy inventory once you see that it takes up half of the block with 3 levels above ground to house men’s women’s, accessories, shoes, outerwear, fitting rooms and personal tailors. Cashmere, wool, leather and silk fill the shelves and racks and every color has it’s place to paint a picture of pure wardrobe delight.

The goal was to find an outfit that fit my husband’s style and personality, matched the mood of our reception and made him stand out from a church full of men in black, gray and navy suits. I say outfit because we realized that a well styled ensemble of blazer, pants, shirt, tie, pocket square could be just as dapper as a well fitting 3-piece pinstripe suit and we were open to pushing the boundaries of ordinary. We were fortunate to fall into the hands of an amazing sales person who ended up spending the next 2.5 hours dressing my husband from head to toe.

The personal attention and trial and error experience of shopping, in what felt like a rich man’s home, resulted in an outfit hard to describe other than perfect for my husband-to-be and anyone who saw it knew that only he could get away with such flare at his own wedding. With the help of Manolo Costa, Manager of the new Phineas Cole collection from Paul Stuart, we assembled piece-by-piece a colorful, yet tasteful combination of earthy colored wool of blues and greens and complemented by a contrasting magenta to top off the cool hued look. We could not have done it without him and his patience and eye for style left a great impression.

The blazer and pants were fitted immediately by the in-house expert tailors using white chalk, measuring tape and other tools unfamiliar in the world of alterations. We left the store with only a pair of shoes left to purchase and we even considered buying those there as well. It’s not often that you buy an entire 6-piece outfit from the same brand and wear them together all at the same time. But at establishments like Paul Stuart, I have a feeling this kind of thing happens all too often.

So in the future, if you are looking to dress like an English gentleman or just want to improve your overall appearance with some classic yet distinguished mensware, I suggest an introductory pitstop at Paul Stuart and Phineas Cole. Phineas Cole is the latest collection that appeals to a more modern man who prefers a more streamlined, European look rather than the traditional, American cut. I promise you will get treated better than at most stores, especially if you can embrace the art of being an expert retail salesmen and let them bestow their knowledge and craft unto you to your benefit .

Paul Stuart

Madison Avenue at 45th Street

New York, NY 10017

212.682.0320

You’ve seen him on MTV’s The Real World. You’ve watched him on The Ruins. Chet Cannon is known for his exquisite style, his friendship with housemate Ryan, and his individualistic personality. Seriously, I’ve never met anyone like him before in my life. I was curious in getting to know Chet a little bit better just to see if he was anything like he was on show. In fact, he’s better!

Q: Alright Chet, tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, what do you do, what’s your sign? Etc

Chet: Well, first off, Chet is my nickname.  Chester is my real name…also the name of my Grandfather I might add.  Sadly, Chester rhymes with molester…the kids at school had a field day with that.  I’m still heartbroken. Right now, I am en route to LA.  Well, actually, I’m headed to Boston tomorrow for a week, then back to SLC for Thanksgiving, then Louisiana, then NYC, then PA, then Baltimore all before December 6th….I guess you could say travel a fair amount. I have lots on my plate right now.  I’ve been approached with ideas about new TV shows hosting gigs which influenced my trek from NYC to LA.  Personal endeavors would include YouTube (which I hope to more consistent with), writing a children’s book, inventing a bowless bow tie, chewable water.  In all seriousness, The Real World, for me, was like a small scale lottery….A lottery that can open many doors.  Now, what you do when the doors are opened is entirely up to you.  Mainly I’m just trying to hustle and stay focused.  There is a lot of easy money with hosting parties and what have you, but I am more than happy to forgo a few of those in my pursuit for elevated status in the television industry.  The end game for me is hosting a successful news show.

Q: Which do you prefer, being interviewed or doing the interviewing?

C: I’m impartial, to be honest.  I guess it depends on the people I’m interviewing, you know?  Sometimes you’ll get out there and throw the mic in someone’s face and instead of being unique, you receive some regurgitated, colorless rant.  I enjoy spontaneity…people who can shoot the proverbial shit.  When I happen upon those types, I enjoy conducting the interview.

Q: Chet, you happen to be one of my favorite Real Worlders ever. Just so you know, I don’t give out that title too often.  You made a brief appearance on The Ruins, would you ever do it again? What was that experience like for you?

C: Well, thank you, my lady!  You’re a peach.  Yes…brevity would be an accurate description of my time on The Ruins.  I loved it.  The format, in terms of filming is a bit more enjoyable than Real World.  There are so many people, so you can avoid the cameras if you feel the need.  Never say never.  I may do one again…depends on the location.  Phuket….obviously I wasn’t going to turn that down.  The Challenges aren’t a focus of mine at the moment, I will put it that way.

Q: Your friendship w/ Ryan and the song you guys made up in one of the early episodes. Inspiring. Are you guys still pretty close? How is he doing?

C: Ryan is doing very well.  He called me just days ago from Iraq.  Ryan and I have some projects in the works right now, which hopefully, will put both of us back on the tube…together.

Q: Your fashion sense is exquisite. Where do you prefer to shop and would you say you have more of a hipster or metro style?

C: Hipster or Metro….couldn’t tell you.  My friends from back home laugh at the way I dress.  They are the furthest thing from hipsters or metro.  I will leave that up to you guys to decide.  I really enjoy Ben Sherman and whenever I get a chance to visit SLC, I hit up the thrift stores.  SLC has great, cheap thrift stores.  You go to the thrift shop in NYC and the prices are comparable to those at Saks and Barneys…no joke.

Q: So are you still in Utah or have you relocated?

C: I stayed in NYC and only recently moved away, so I could pick up my car and make the trek to LA.  I hope to get back to NYC soon.

Q: What’s a typical day for Chet Cannon?

C: That’s a tough one.  They are so different.  Yesterday, I filmed some video for my YouTube channel, worked out, edited video, worked on a children’s book I’m writing, and then went to a party downtown for the Nitro Circus movie…dancing the night away.  It was brilliant.  After that, some mates and I went hot tubbing and I arrived home at 3 AM, where I then edited video again until 4 AM.  Tomorrow I hop on a flight to Boston.  I enjoy the inconsistency.

Q: If you could interview anyone, who would it be?

C: Dead or alive?  Let’s go with alive….hmm….maybe Pete Doherty.  He is my favorite rocker/fashion icon.

Q: My favorite episode was when you had the chance to meet and interview one of my friend’s bands while on the show, Danger Radio. Had you been listening to them prior to the show as well? And also, what kind of music are you listening to these days that you think my readers should be listening to?

C: Cool guys.  Love them.  The Danger Radio interview was offered to me and at that point I began listening to them (in preparation)….grew to enjoy it….and then we had the interview.  It was one of my favorites.  I just made this really awesome “love songs” mix.  I wish I could post a link to it.  My favorite band is The Sounds.  Easily.  At the moment, I’m stoked on Fun and Foxy Shazam (Check them out).  Amazing stage presence.

Q: There’s always talk that MTV’s editing portrays characters in a certain way for their audience to see them as. Do you feel as if you were portrayed correctly or incorrectly? Is Real World REALLY real?

C: You can’t deny anything that makes the air.  I believe they will heighten aspects of your personality, but each person has a lot more depth.  I’m not super bummed over my portrayal, but there are plenty of things I would have displaced with other moments from the 4 months in Brooklyn….had I been given the creative control.

Q: When I was younger, I used to want to be an MTV VJ, but first! I wanted to do Real World (like yourself) in hopes that it would lead me to becoming a VJ. This was before I knew TRL was going  to be canceled. Do you think MTV has contributed in helping you get to where you are today or did Chet Cannon conquer the world all on his own?

C: VJ’s don’t exist anymore…haha.  My stint on MTV has DEFINITELY given me more opportunities than I would have otherwise received.  Is it possible to make it without a reality show….ABSOLUTELY.  Reality TV can be scary.  You have to be very calculated about your decisions….which is very difficult considering the frequency with which you are filmed.

Q: I’ve seen some of your YouTube videos on your blog featuring your covers, is there a singing career in the works? Maybe you and Ryan can get together and start something!

C: Singing is just for fun…I’m not opposed to playing with Ryan when he returns.  I think we could form a pretty kick A duet.

Q: Jesse McCartney Pee Pee Hands story. Is it true?

C: Yes.  It is true.  Scott Herman and I walked into the bathroom and Jesse was on the phone, while peeing and didn’t wash his hands.  IT was disheartening.

Q: What are you up to and where can we see you next Chet?

C: You will see me again soon.  I hate to be the guy who says “it’s confidential,” but that’s how most of this stuff works.  Mums the word.

“Consumers More Willing To Share Brand Info On Social Networks Than Previously Thought” (MediaPost)

Tweeting the name of a product’s brand on Twitter may have become one of those so-called “touchpoints” in the sales funnel that marketers try desperately to capture. It all boils down to where marketers will spend the dollars as they try to allocate budgets for next year.

“Long-Range Forecast for the Luxury Travel Market Is Mixed” (MarketWire)

The long-range forecast for the luxury travel sector now through 2010 is mixed — Bright and sunny for travel providers catering to the pleasure market; Storms and changing winds ahead for marketers that rely primarily on the business travel segment.

“Luxury Brands Move Online to Compete with Discounters” (MarketingVOX)

Saks Fifth Avenue, the upscale brick-and-mortar retailer, is experimenting with short online “private event” sales as means to compete with increasingly popular high-end discount websites. Saks’ new offering, called “Fashion Fix,” comes as the luxury department-store chain struggles to find new sources of revenue in the current economy.

“No Fit for Luxury Lifestyle in Tokyo Costs Versace Customers” (Bloomberg)

Akiko Sayama re-examined her spending habits when the Tokyo staffing agency where she works cut its overtime budget. She lost more than $13,000 in annual pay, so one of the first things she did was curb her tastes for Louis Vuitton and PPR SA’s Gucci.  “I need to cut back where I can,” said Sayama, 41, who lives in Saitama prefecture outside of Tokyo. “It’s not like I lost my interest in luxury brands. I can’t afford them.”