Sale sale sale ...

The sheer number of sale alerts that I get everyday is indicative of how terrible the economy is doing. I've never encountered so many sales before Black Friday! I am incredibly thankful that my reason for cutting my shopping budget out is a trip to Europe, and not because I am in financial distress. For those people who are fortunate enough to still have a shopping budget in these tough times, here's a roundup of this week's great sales. Don't feel guilty. It's your patriotic duty to keep the retail sector going, I say. Enjoy!

At Saks, designer wares are up to 40% off online. There were some great totes at good discounts, like an Yves Saint Laurent croc-embossed tote selling for $696.50 (take note it's made of PVC, not leather, but it looks pretty cool nonetheless). There's also a jaunty blue tote by Tod's priced at $945.00 (down from $1,350). The Marc Jacobs Carter Rocket Tote is now $976.50 (down from $1395). Some pretty lovely deals if you're in the market for designer bags.

The Dr. Q Fraser Tote by Marc by Marc Jacobs that I've been coveting is down to $390 from $558 at Neiman Marcus! Items from over 150 designer labels are at 40% off until November 8, and shipping is free for any amount when you type in the code NMNOV at checkout. Please don't buy this bag so the price can drop further and then I can buy it. Yeah right.

It's 25% off all items (excluding UGGs, Fryes and the 2008 Fantasy bra) at Victoria's Secret. So if you were, let's say, pondering getting these cute Colin Stuart fringe booties, which are regularly priced at $98, it might make the decision a tad easier that the price can drop to $73.50. Use the code 25ITEM at checkout to apply the discount to your purchase.

The Real Star of Stylista

... should be Kate Lanphear. Check out the nonchalant utter coolness of this chick. I love the seemingly haphazard layering of accessories. I especially love the layering of delicate necklaces. I was trying not to get sucked into that show but I'm 2 episodes in now and it seems I'm in grave danger of getting addicted. Hopefully there's more of Ms. Lanphear somewhere down the line so I can at least get inspired watching this.

Ruff and Ruffled Up

I am in love with this peacoat by Kimchi for Urban Outfitters. I am a sucker for frills and ruffles and all things girly. But I especially love feminine details juxtaposed with tougher, more masculine ones. Incidentally, I was also just thinking today that I really need a short coat. All my coats are longer and really make me look even shorter since I'm constantly in flats.

The price is actually quite reasonable at $138. However. I am supposed to be saving money for our December Europe trip so I will have to quell my love for this coat. If it should go on sale though, it's so mine! Me in this on a gondola in Venice. Oh yeah.

HELL YEAH!!!!!

Welcome to the oval office President Barack Obama!!!!!!!

T-shirt at Urban Outfitters.

Going Public

Ok it's been fashion overload on this blog ... time for a food post! A few weeks ago, Johan and I stopped by Public for a quick dinner and it was goooood. Public is a slick and expansive space deceptively tucked in a quiet stretch of Elizabeth Street between Spring and Prince in Nolita. Mika and I stumbled onto this restaurant but never got the chance to eat there, but I fully intend on dragging him there for another dinner!

The restaurant was packed that night so we ate at the bar, which I would recommend if you're not having a formal night out. The meal somehow still felt intimate even though we were seated at the bar. The restaurant evokes a feeling of being in an old municipal building, with library card catalogues used as dividers and menus resembling old office forms. It looks cool, but there's a total disconnect with the cuisine. That said, I enjoyed Public's Australasian-inflected cuisine. Johan had pan-seared New Zealand snapper on wasabi-boniato mash with poached conch, pickled ginger, and yao choy. The snapper was perfectly flaky and extremely flavorful. One bite of it made me swear I'd be back to order the dish for myself! I picked the roast duck breast with grilled peach chutney, taro root pancake and green mango-jicama salad. I loved how the rich flavor of duck was tempered with the sweetness of the grilled peach chutney and the crisp freshness of the green mango-jicama salad. The taro root pancake, I was not a fan of, but I never really enjoyed taro anyway.

Also worth mentioning is The Monday Room, Public's adjacent wine bar without a bar. Whilst seated in soft tufted leather chairs, a wine steward serves you your choice of libation from a list of 60 wines. There are great cocktails, small plates, and desserts to be had here, too. It is intimate, secluded, and absolutely perfect for a date.

The Monday Room

Where: 210 Elizabeth Street. Tel. 212.343.7011. Reservations are recommended.