Every Hot Mama should have a side hustle or two.  Mine are freelance writing and operating two stores on Etsy.com.  Technically, Etsy is for handcrafted wares, but they also allow vintage clothing sellers.  My vintage store, Tracy’s Pop & Shop Too, is a companion to my thread/string earring store, Tracy’s Pop & Shop.

 
I love to shop, particularly at consignment shops, flea markets, clothing swaps (if you haven’t gotten in on this free trend yet, ladies, what are you waiting for?), thrift stores, and fashion-forward discount retailers like H&M, Target, and Forever 21.  And I launched my Etsy stores a couple years …read more

I love Michelle Williams’ cheetah print sun dress.  Obviously the former Destiny’s Child cutie adores H&M just as much as I do because her flirty cheetah sun dress, which sells for only $34.95, caught my eye on a recent visit to the affordable retail chain. 
 
 
Admittedly, I haven’t always been Michelle’s biggest fan (I find her singing voice annoying and wrote a scathing review of her 2002, debut gospel album), post DC she’s won me over with her bubbly, down-to-earth personality and dance music diva sonic makeover.
And if I were as tiny as Shelly (Awww, I like her so much now …read more

I cannot stress how much I love H&M.  The tres chic retailer supplies the latest fashions at recessionista prices.  Today I stopped by the H&M on 5th Avenue in Manhattan and scooped up a cute black top with metallic stripes for only $10. 
There were also plenty of trendy hanbags for $5-10; my closet overruneth with totes, purses, clutches, and hobos, so I had to resist the urge. 
I’m not sure when the sale ends, so hurry to an H&M near you.

Image credit: H&M

Lighten up, it’s just fashion.  That’s what I tell myself as I’m waiting in yet another “standing room” line for yet another show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  Notice the enthusiasm shift since I posted on Day 1.  
It’s a good thing the Tents are stocked with free Smart Water to keep you hydrated.  ”We’re like a herd of sheep,” I overhead one woman tell her friend and nodded in agreement.  
This time I was in a disorderly queue for the Terexov presentation, which had a city sophisticate glamour feel to it.  Highlights included an art deco cityscape print silk dress …read more

The recession has been surprisingly good for my wardrobe. Retailers like H&M and Old Navy have been practically giving clothes away since before Thanksgiving.  H&M has been my go-to store for affordable fashion for several years, and I’ve been cleaning up on sweaters, tops, handbags, and hats during the trendy chain’s extended Post-Holiday sale where all sale items are marked Buy-One-Get-One-Free through Wednesday, January 21.  
I certainly don’t need any more winter clothes, but I won’t be able to resist popping into a couple H&M stores in mid-town Manhattan before the sale ends.  After all, it’s a good time to …read more

Attention hot mamas.  In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in a recession. And even though retailers are practically giving merchandise away thanks to deeply discounted sales, I’ve discovered a way to shop without spending a dime. How, you ask? By swapping clothes I no longer need or can’t fit with friends and swap groups.
On average, I go to about one or two clothing swaps a month and have an eclectic wardrobe to show for it (see the above You Tube video I did on a clothing swap in New York City). Through Meetup.com, Freecycle and other social organizations, the clothing swap trend has …read more