What I Love About Being a Woman- Sex and the City

After watching this movie again with a friend since I saw it in the theater, I have to pay homage for it here. I mean, it's just too good not to. I started watching "Sex and the City" as soon as I was hooked up to HBO, which actually happened to be right before the last season. I had been filled in about the plot line by a friend, so I really didn't feel too far behind as soon as the season opened (which is miraculous considering the fact that so many things happened in the last season premiere). And a word to all of you out there who have only watched "Sex" on cable networks- you have only watched a watered-down version of the show. I highly suggest that you go out and rent or buy the other seasons on DVD, so you can get a feel of what the show really is like. (When I heard that "Sex" was going into syndication I thought, "what, are they going to eliminate the character Samantha completely?" because she was rated R in every way I could think. Thank goodness she still made the cut :) ).

Before the movie came out into theaters I was psyched. I honestly could not wait for the continuation of the plot because I had fallen in love with the plot line, characters, and everything that came with the show (including the wardrobe, which is to die for). Even the tag line "Get Carried Away" didn't bother me (I HATE the fact that my name, also Kari [of course spelled differently] is a verb as well as a noun. Ick.).

Sitting down in the theater, I was not disappointed. More like beyond excited. Yes, I did cry A LOT (mainly because my core group of friends is also a four-some and two of them have moved away, leaving me lonely as all heck), but overall I loved the movie. I LOVE the movie. I highly recommend it to any girl who is looking for a good laugh/cry/smile movie, regardless of whether or not you followed the show at all. Just go to wikipedia and search for Sex and the City. All you need to know is right there. Then, go straight to your nearest video store and rent the movie. It's that easy! :)

So in a re-cap, I enjoy being a woman today because I am able to gush uncontrollably about a fabulous "chick flick." Thank goodness for that :)!

Words of Wisdom: Coco Chanel

“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”

Tod's Took Multitashce Media - Look for Less

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet always seems both understated and ultra chic to me at the same time. I love her style. I also love her Took Tracolla Media bag from Tod she is carrying in this photo. Kate's bag retails for $1750. It has similar elements to Tod's Took Multitashce Media Bag which I also love.

Tod's Took Multitashce Media - $1550

You can get the look for less at Distinction with the Multi-Pocket Hobo from Melie Bianco for only $49.99. I love the unique texture of the bag but with all the elements of the Tod that I like. The bag is right on trend with the structure but also right on target with function. The multiple external pockets are both stylish and functional for your cell phone, keys or other items you need to get to quickly.

Melie Bianco "Mandy" Bag - $49.99

Kooba Nelli Handbag: Real vs Steal

Kooba Nelli Handbag - $445

I adore the Kooba Nelli Handbag. I love the unique shape and look of this bag. Something that sets you apart from the crowd. Kooba is great for this with their unconventional designs and details. I found the bag on sale now for $445 at Neiman Marcus .

But as this post's title implies, I'm happy to have found the look for less and have a bag to carry at Distinction that allows us to have a bag reminiscent of the crescent shape and details but at a fraction of the price. We have the Paris Bag available in 3 colors (including the uber hot color of fall, purple) for only $62.99.

Paris Handbag - $62.99

I really will miss you, sandals

Now that it is officially fall, I don’t think that I am ready for it to get cold out. Being from good 'ol Duluth MN, changing seasons really do make a difference when it comes to wardrobe choices. My ideal weather? Not too hot, not too cold. Don't feel like slapping me, but I REALLY love sweatshirt/sandal weather (makes for comfortable room temps. I know I am weird; my favorite season is spring). Currently, Duluth still fits under sweatshirt/sandal weather. But not for long! And I am NOT ready to put away my cute sandals and dresses (my summer wardrobe staples)! It is feasible that in a little more than a month's time that I could be sitting here in MN under a blanket of snow (as demonstrated by our 1991 Thunder blizzard on October 31st when we got a bazillion inches of snow. Okay, it wasn't that much but it was A LOT of snow, enough to halt trick-or-treaters all over the northland).
At any rate, wherever you live, the weather changes as fall comes and most of the time the weather change is to the negative. In the warmer areas, it becomes storm season and it doesn’t really matter what your wardrobe looks like if it gets tossed away in a tornado or hurricane. So is it fair to say that I would just really love it for the fall and winter season to just pass by us completely? Because I am just NOT ready to store away my sandals in lieu of inches upon inches of snow. I am sure that you all understand.(R.I.P. sandals…at least until next year…)

Ken's Pick of the Week: Melie Bianco "Sandhya" Purple Handbag

Melie Bianco "Sandhya" Handbag in Purple $69.99

This is one chic bag! The simple, clean design paired with distressed patent leather and decorative top stitching is the perfect combination with just the right amount of detail. You can carry this stunner by its double handles or over your shoulder with the adjustable, detachable shoulder strap.

Designer: Melie Bianco

Zippered Top Closure
Double Handles – 11” with a 6.5” Drop
Champagne Satiny Polka Dot Lining
Interior Zippered Pocket
2 open interior pockets for cell phone or sunglasses or keys etc.
Detachable, adjustable 40" shoulder strap
~ 16” Wide x 11” Tall x 4.5" Deep

Ken's Pick of the Week

Melie Bianco "Corrina" Bag seen on The Today Show

TODAY Style editor Bobbie Thomas showed off some of the hottest handbags for fall fashion this morning on the Today Show. We were excited to see Melie Bianco's "Corrina" Bag as part of her segment! This bag is available at shopdistinction.com of course!

Melie Bianco "Corrina" Bag $79.99

It also comes in a great mustard color.

Melie Bianco "Corrina" Bag $79.99

Lauren Conrad + mark + girls' m.powerment = Good Stuff!

Lauren Conrad has partnered with mark in its first initiative, aimed at ending the cycle of dating abuse and violence. 100% of net proceeds from this great necklace designed by Lauren will be donated to the girls' m.powerment Campaign. So do good while you shop. It's only $22 and would be a great gift for yourself and all your girlfriends!

mark "Have a Heart Necklace" - $22

Back Side

My 2008 Emmy Pick- Best Dressed

So I just realized that I missed the Emmys that were on this past Sunday. Not the end of the world obviously, but I didn’t even see it coming and I am kind of sad that it came and went almost without my knowledge.
Looking through recaps on a MSN article, I noticed this dress. I just about died because it is so stunning and Olivia Wilde (of “O.C.” and “House” fame) wears it so perfectly. When so many dresses look alike, I feel that this dress stands out above the crowd. Of course, that is just my simple opinion! From the color to the modern Grecian styling, I am so much a fan.

Hayden Panettiere Loves Adina Reyter!

I received a quick note from the fabulous folks at Adina Reyter today regarding a few of their pieces donned by the beautiful and talented Ms. Hayden Panettiere. We absolutely love Adina at Distinction and both Kari and I own many of her pieces. Adina’s twist collection is her newest line and it looks like Hayden is a big fan as well. Both the Tiny Disc in Gold and the Tiny Circle Twist seen on Hayden are available at Distinction. We can also special order any Adina piece including the Snake Bangle you see here. Just let us know what you are looking for and we would be happy to help you!

Adina Reyter Tiny Gold Disc

Adina Reyter Tiny Gold Twist

Handbag Amnesty

Celebrities all over the world are doing good with their handbags raising money for charity. Be sure to visit eBay starting October 3rd for your chance to own a celebrity's handbag and join in the fight against cancer. To learn more about this fabulous fundraiser, visit Handbag Amnesty.

Check out the behind the scenes footage of the celebrity handbag photo shoot... and guess which celebrity owns which handbag!

What I Love About Being a Woman- Concealer

I was "fortunate" (in a VERY sarcastic tone) enough to have a small little accident this weekend that caused a few facial cuts that require the need for cover-up while out in public. This little incident reminded me of yet another reason why I love being a woman: being able to freely use concealer to cover facial imperfections without feeling self conscious about using it. Don't get me wrong...I know that there are some men that use concealer, which is okay...I just know that the majority of men don't. When I have an especially stressful month with evidence (read: blemishes) all over my face, I am able to break out my lovely compact and cover them right up. Thank goodness. And since this weekend's occurrences, I am very fortunate to at least be able to cover up some of the evidence (cause I really don't feel like dealing with everyone's "what happened?" when I really don't want to tell them. I am sure all of us have had those little moments in our lives, whether it be from clumsiness, a car accident, or a really nasty pimple. Who wants to talk about that?!?!).
So in short, thank you to the people of the world who dedicate at least part of their life to creating/manufacturing concealer/foundation/etc. Your work is greatly appreciated by many of us on the days when we have to cover what God gave or dealt to us.
(My favorite brand? That's a whole different topic! More on that later...)

Emmy Night's Best Dressed

Ah....I missed the Emmy's including the much coveted "Live on the Red Carpet" pre-show. It was well worth it though as I was driving home from a girl's weekend with my sister Page. It was full of new handbags, chick-flicks including the newly released "The Women" and lots of food! Thanks for everything Page!! I had a great time! :)

Having missed the fashion of the Emmy's I turned to Us Magazine to check out their slide show. Here's a link if you missed it as well or would love a re-cap!

Us Magazine's Emmy Night's Best Dressed

Here are a few of my favorites.

Lauren Conrad in Lauren Conrad of course!

Brooke Shields in Badgley Mischka

Kristin Chenoweth in Armani

Tiffany & Co. - Legendary Flair

Take a peek at Tiffany & Co.'s Legendary looks available now. Just click on the image above. My favorite of the collection is this 9.00 carat, emerald cut amethyst cocktail ring. Simply fabulous!

Tiffany Cocktail Ring - $800

Splurge vs Steal - Girly Flash Drives

Platinum & Diamond Flash Drive

You know how I list a “Look for Less” or “Splurge or Steal” for handbags? Well tonight I’m giving the same consideration to one of my beloved gadgets, a flash drive. I’m a gadget girl and I absolutely love all of my gadgets including my iPod, my Sidekick (Yes I know it is so yesterday but I get all my data for only $20 a month!), my 3 IBM Thinkpads, my Cannon digital camera, my iRobot vacuum cleaner and my Macbook. One who can truly appreciate my gadge-aholic behavior is my good friend James. We always seem to get our gadgets together usually led by one of us and followed by the other. Well it took me entirely too long to abandon my DVD Burner in favor of a flash drive but he has finally got me converted.

Platinum & Diamond Flash Drive

Well check this out….while looking for a girly (yep I’m gadgety but still girly) flash drive I stumbled upon this Platinum and Diamond drive from Miistor. I kid you not this thing is priced at 15,500 GBP. That’s $28,753!! Crazy! If you have that much disposal income, why on earth would you not try to cure cancer, feed the hungry or do something noble with that money? Who buys these? I suspect the same people that drop $1000 on an ice cream sundae topped with edible gold. Sigh…

$1000 Sundae

Are you a bit more practical or monetarily challenged like the rest of us? Well here is a pink, girly flash drive for only $25. I bought mine at Office Max but I’m sure you can find them elsewhere. While mine is only a 2GB, you can find one with a lot more storage to fit your needs. As usual though, the cuter it is, the more it will cost you! Happy Storing!

Verbatim Pink Flash Drive

Ken's Pick of the Week: Melie Bianco Waxflower Handbag

Melie Bianco "Waxflower" Handbag in Brown - $64.99

• Zippered Top Closure
• Detachable Chain Shoulder Strap
• Faux Leather
• Goldtone Hardware
• Champagne Sanity Polka Dot Lining
• Interior Zippered Pocket
• 2 open interior pockets for cell phone or sunglasses or keys etc.

Ken's Pick of the Week

New Store for Distinction Now Open!

I'm very excited to announce our new location is now open!! Please stop by and see us at 303 East Central Entrance in Duluth. We are next to Enterprise Car Rental and across the street from Blockbuster Video.

We are in a cute, little brick storefront that is shared with Studio 4 Hair Salon. Raquel and her team Kelly, Katy, and Jen offer Mani/Pedis, cuts, color, waxing and an array of beauty and tanning services to get you looking fab in no time. Many thanks to them for putting up with our mess for a week and greeting us with big smiles every morning. I certainly needed most of their services after a week of sanding concrete, painting etc.

WARNING: The use of a concrete sander creating airborne concrete, glue and dust fibers is hazardous to your hair! Oh my what a mess we created that day. The floors look great though! :) And yes to all my fellow safety geeks; as a safety engineer for 12 years; I properly protected myself with my handy, dandy 3M Respirator. I can't say the same for my hair, skin and nails....hopefully they will recover with time. :)

So anyway, we are excited to see you at the new store. We are still open 5 days a week; Tuesday - Saturday from 10am - 6pm. We hope to see you soon!

Bridal Fashion- Views as a Bridesmaid

I just want to say something really quickly- thank GOD that bridesmaid fashion is not as horrendous as it used to be! And all of you who remember the 80's and 90's- don't fool yourself! The dresses were UGLY!
I am going to be in my friend's wedding this upcoming May so I went with her to go look at bridesmaid’s dresses the other day. We walked in to David's Bridal and started straight for the section for bridesmaid’s dresses. Now, all of my friends are a little laid back about getting married, so this is the first wedding that I will be in since I was like five and was in my aunt's wedding as her flower girl. So honestly I didn't know what to expect upon arriving at the Bridal shop.And I wasn't as depressed as I thought that I was going to be! I am sure that everyone has heard the old quip that brides purposely dress their bridesmaids up in terrible garb to make the bride look all the more spectacular on her wedding day. Now I knew that my friend wouldn't do that to me, but I was a little worried about the quality of the bridal fashion out there, especially with a large chain such as David's Bridal. But like I said before, I wasn't disappointed! Not only were the styles nice but the colors were wonderful. Not to say that I was any more excited to be there for my friend on her wedding day but now I will know that I will look good being excited for her too!
(And as a side note, I told my friend whose wedding I am going to be in that I was writing this as my next blog entry. And she informed me that obviously she was being too nice to me and that she would easily be able to switch my grateful outlook right around. Too funny).
Anyways, I have included my favorite choice in one of the WONDERFUL (and very NEUTRAL) color choices that my friend has narrowed her choices down to. I am so proud to be friends with someone with such excellent taste! And oh, what a relief!

Satin strapless rhinestone belted tea-length dress

What I Love About Being A Woman- PureOlogy

I was always a person who would spend bunches and BUNCHES of money on getting her hair done and bunches and BUNCHES of money on hair products (leave-in conditioners, styling cream, etc.), but would always use shampoo bought at Target for under $4.00 (Herbal Essenes was my favorite because it smells SOOO GREAT). When I would complain about the crapiness of my hair to my hair stylist she would simply say, "change your shampoo." Hesitant to do so at first because I felt as if I would be literally washing my money down the drain, I finally caved and bought the shampoo that she suggested for me to buy. Now this was not a couple dollars more a bottle than I was used to, this was BIG BUCKS more than what I was used to. During the next week of showers, I watched my hair transform from drab to fab(ulous). PureOlogy is definately worth the money spent, regardless of how much was spent. Even the amount of money feels small considering the fact that the products are more concentrated, meaning there is less of a need for the product every time you shower. My large dollup of conditioner that I used to eject from my conditioner bottle has been diminished to about 25% of what I used to use.
Now, I am not a hair stylist and I have no agenda behind raving about PureOlogy other than the fact that the product is wonderful and has given me more "good hair days" than I think I have ever had. I personally use the Hydrate system because I dye my hair once a month and really need it. The shampoo and conditioner both are formulated for color-treated hair so I don't have to worry about my hair color fading everytime I wash it (which is a relief, considering the fact that I spend a lot of money on my hair and again, I don't want to be washing anything down the drain). I love, love, LOVE this product and PureOlogy has found a believer in me.

Now, if you want to know a little more about PureOlogy I urge you to go to their website. You won't be displeased that you did.

(The website is wonderful too... it even has a "location finder" for you to be able to find a loction near you to puchase PureOlogy if you are so inclined. Yay!)

My Spring 2009 Fashion Week Highlights

Just the thought of fashion week alludes to thoughts of elegantly dressed critics, uber thin models, incredibly long catwalks, and nervous designers. Or maybe that's just what I think of when "fashion week" crosses my mind ;).
Anyways, I was taking a look at some pictures from this week (and absolutely fell IN LOVE) and I thought that I would share with you a few of my favorites (and thankfully for you, I narrowed myself down to one pick from each of my favorite collections):

Metallic stripe weskit from Marc Jacobs Spring 2009 collection at Fashion Week.

Lace-up sweater and jeans from Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2009 collection at Fashion Week

Belted gingham dress from Michael Kors Spring 2009 at Fashion Week.

Botanical print skirt and jacket from Vera Wang Spring 2009 at Fashion Week.

Reversible handbags... the best of both worlds

As wonderfully lazy as reversible handbags are, they are full of function. Many times I find myself loving a shape of a bag and wishing that I could have the bag in another color. Well that's when reversible handbags are the best! When you tire of one color, just flip it over and presto magic, you have a new bag. They are also wonderful when you want a different bag for night time or need to change to another color to match your outfit. It’s so easy to do, it’s hard almost to not switch it over.
The only time that I have ever really hated a reversible bag was when a pen leaked in the inside of my bag, marking the reversible side unfit for use. Other than that, reversible bags are pretty wonderful. I myself am a fan! I will never forget my first reversible bag- it was so convenient because of the reasons listed above. Also, reversible bags in their nature have to be more simple in design so as to not clutter the interior of the bag. This also makes pieces seem more classic and timeless in appearance because it is not as effected by current style trends as other bags are. Check this bag out, it's available from Distinction for $49.99. A steal if you ask me!

Emily Bag from Melie Bianco

People Who Publish Pics of People/Celebs in Compronising Positions are Devils.

We have all seen the scantily clad young women sprawled across trashy magazines and Internet websites in compromising positions at their worst angles. I am pretty sure I myself have uttered the phrase, "what was she thinking?" when looking at images of women in indecent poses. Immediately I feel bad for the women but I quietly scold them for putting themselves in those kind of situations. I am sure that we all remember when Brittany Spears famously went out on the town without her under drawers (oops!). And even though no one wants to see that picture except for pervs, I am sure many people saw it. It is a lot like looking at a car accident...you know that you really shouldn't look but you want to see what all the fuss is about (and yes, unfortunately I saw a BLURRED version of the Brit pic. And I cried a little just thinking about how she could have been saved by just wearing a small piece of cloth to cover her lady parts).
Why such a rampage now? Well, in every way possible before I was an outsider looking in. Privately scolding girls whom I have never met for not thinking correctly when the possibility of flashbulbs being present is high. But now I have some acquaintances who were photographed in a compromising way and the photo was published on the front page of our local newspaper, the Duluth News Tribune. These two beautiful women were "welcoming" college students in their bikini tops with itty bitty shorts while having a cocktail. A situation that a 21-year old would put themselves in after having a few too many to drink in the occasion of school starting again. So am I angry with the girls in the same way that I would be had the girls been celebs? Not pleased with the situation the girls put themselves in but more ticked off at the paper for putting a picture like that on the front page, actually. Which puts celebs into perspective for me, making them a little more human. It also turns the papers that publish those pictures into villains for me. How dare someone publish a picture of a young starlet caught in the worst possible position, and how dare this local paper publish a picture of these girls doing something that their parents probably wouldn't be proud of.
So in the long and short of it, ladies and gentlemen... next time you see a picture of Lindsey Lohan sprawled on the ground with her eyes drooping as if she had been hooked up to an i.v. of alcohol, try not to be too harsh. We all make mistakes. And it is the people who publish those pictures who have 100% control and knowing about what they do. I almost wish that a celeb would follow a paparazzi around on their day off and while they are out on the town with their friends, snap a few pictures of the paparazzi having a few drinks. Wouldn't that be justice.

Jessica Simpson Juicy Couture Plaid Jacket "Look for Less"

As you know, plaid is big right now and Jessica Simpson is right on trend in her warm and cozy forever favorite from Juicy Couture. The Juicy Couture Plaid Jacket retails for $350.

Get the look for less with Distinction’s Plaid Sherpa Jacket.

This is the perfect jacket for fall and a great deal at only $44.99!

Plaid Sherpa Jacket at shopdistinction.com - $44.99

Identify this shirt worn by Lauren Conrad on The Hills ??

I had a couple people ask me about the bag Lauren Conrad is carrying in this photo from a recent lunch date with Whitney at Lemonade. The bag I know. It's the Motorcycle Bag from Balenciaga. Now the shirt? I have no idea. Anyone know who makes it?