Shopping and complimentary cocktails can be a tricky combination.  But it’s a winning combination for Shecky’s Girls Night Out shopping parties.  I’ve been to several over the years and the event is always a good time.  General Admission tickets are sold out for the upcoming NYC event — which runs Oct. 19-23 from 5 – 10 pm — however, Hot Mama Daily readers are an exclusive, lucky bunch!  Click here for free General Admission.
 
 
As an added bonus, if you would like one of Shecky’s Famous Goodie Bags stocked full of beauty freebies, click here and receive $10 off your Goodie Bag …read more

My good fortune finding bargains over the weekend inspired this post.  The weather in New York City was beautiful, so I was out soaking up the last days of summer sun. One of the things I love about living in downtown Brooklyn is you don’t have to venture far to find a deal.
Here’s the thrifty shopping I did in and around my hood this weekend:
Salvation Army (436 Atlantic Avenue): There was a time when I frequented this Sally Army branch every weekend, but I hadn’t visited in several months. Thrift shopping isn’t for everyone. But for me, it’s like a …read more

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is September 10-17 and I’ll be blogging from the Bryant Park Tents about all the hot Spring 2010 fashion shows and related events I attend.  Although Fashion Week is typically an exclusive affair for invited guests, members of the press, and retail buyers, thanks to the Vogue-sponsored Fashion’s Night Out, this season every fashionista in New York City can get in on the swag action.
 
The September 10 event is an effort to boost sagging retail sales, during which over 700 retailers throughout New York City (and in 13 other fashion capitals including Brazil, Japan and Italy) will stay …read more

I’m a clothing swap fashionista.  Thankfully in New York City I have plenty of opportunities to get my swap on.  I’ve written about how clothing swaps work here on Hot Mama Daily, so hopefully you’ve had a chance to experience this recession busting way to shop.  
This weekend I went to a clothing swap in Brooklyn at an outdoor art and event space called the Brooklyn Yard.  The swap was well-organized with garments hanging on clothes pins; a DJ spinning funky new wave and hip-hop beats; and vendors selling Mexican food, beer, and fruit.  
I brought a bag of unwanted …read more

Attention fashionistas!  The Brit superstore Top Shop opens its  doors tomorrow in New York City’s SoHo district on the corner of Broadway and Broome Street at 11 am. 
It’s unlike me to miss a big store opening, but alas, I’ll be at work (trust me, I’d rather be shopping).  Perhaps I’ll join the throng of  crazed shoppers eager to part with their recession dollars at the four-level store over the weekend.

In case you plan to brave the madness on opening day, click on this link to read some helpful and hilarious tips from the London newspaper The Guardian. 
Good luck and happy shopping!  After your visit, …read more

In this economy, fashionistas have become recessionistas who must devise innovative ways to earn expendable income.  Here’s an idea. Most of us have a closet full of clothes and don’t wear half of them, so why not turn your unwanted clothing and accessories into cash?

(Me at Buffalo Exchange)
Consignment shops offer a percentage in cash or store credit/trade.  You’ll fill your wallet and recycle your wardrobe.  Here are a few of my favorite consignment shops in New York City (a web search will locate similar shops in your area).
Beacon’s Closet has two locations in Brooklyn (92 5th Avenue @ Warren Street …read more