Ikram

Most people were buzzing about the First Lady's inaugural ceremony and ball dresses-- but did you know that the items were purchased through luxe boutique ikram on Chicago's Gold Coast? I had never heard of this store and am glad that the Windy City has a champion for new fashion! Reading the designers carried at the store makes my heart sing! McQueen! Balmain! Christopher Kane! Givenchy! Lanvin! Rick Owens! Viktor & Rolf! Yohji! Along with First Lady favorites, Isabel Toledo and Jason Wu. Next time I'm in Chicago, I'll definitely be stopping by.

Snippets

A new shot of Katie Holmes modeling for Miu Miu Spring 2009 (above) was unveiled today. The campaign was supposedly inspired by Fellini films. She does look unrecognizably hot here, but I'm getting more of an 80s vibe from her look, complete with gold lame, pleats and graffiti splatters. What do you think?

The new economy is changing the rules of retail: J Crew is hosting its first ever sample sale next Tuesday. I'm betting on good deals on cashmere and other winter stock... Although I recently purchased a black flannel dress (somewhat chic and conservative in a Gallic way for work) at an outlet in Atlantic City, New Jersey for the tempting price of $29.99. Who needs sample sales when the outlets can deliver more?

Click Clack!

above: Ashish for Topshop (on sale for gasp- $60!)

I'm not sure why my workplace doesn't give us the day after New Year's day off this year. It's relatively quiet, and I'm pretty sure I'm the only one around today. With all this free time on my hands, I decided to do a little post-Christmas online retail therapy. After sailing around on the Topshop website, I found a sequin oversize black sweater from Ashish for just $60, not unlike the design you see above! I figured I could wear the oversized sweater over tights or leggings, whereas the longer dress length would be a bit harder to work into the wardrobe... Also purchased- a black Emma Cook sweater with poofy, looped knit cap sleeves for just $40! Two practical items in my favorite color for $115 (including shipping)... Not bad for a day's "work"!

Happy 2009!

How did you spend your New Year's Eve? Was it in the company of ecstatic revelers at Times Square, or cuddled at home with loved ones? My husband and I spent a quiet evening hosting dinner and drinks for a handful of our close friends. It was a nice, low-key way to ring in what looks to be a nice, low-key New Year for us.

Every New Year brings the promise of new beginnings. And this year, I'm making the following resolutions:

• Shop to stimulate the economy- but only buy things that I love and will use and/or wear, not just because the item is on sale or well-priced. If this past sales season is any indication-- retail will continue to suffer this year, which means more bargains will be heading our way. This year, I can afford to be choosier about my shopping.
• Expand my horizons; learn a few new skills and explore new hobbies.
• Take more photographs and share them on this blog :) I live in New York City-- one of the richest, most vibrant cities in the world. And I'm fortunate enough to be able to travel with my husband and friends. I am looking forward to sharing more of these trips with you...

Do you make New Year's resolutions? Or do you think they're a waste of time?