*MIZGUIDE* Tying the Knot

Though there really isn't a wrong season when it comes to wearing silk scarves, I find spring to be the most fun. With vivid colors & silky textures, you can add a dash of creativity and flair with them. So, how do you wear your scarf? A French twist? As a bracelet? Or simply as an accent to your classic tote? In case you need some help, I found a Hermès how-to booklet that teaches 21 ways to tie a carré. Brooks Bothers also has a link where you can follow their pictorial step-by-step guide. However you want to stylize your silk, just remember to have fun & be fabulous!

{Image credit: Hermès}

*MIZGUIDES* 20% off Chanel Classics

Every once in a while, Chanel makes the stomach-turning decision to hike up prices on their most coveted classic bags. If you've been following Mizhattan, you know the most recent price increase took place on June 1st. Well, this news is for all you super shopping stylistas who have been tolling away all these years on those hikes. Dare I say, we have reprieve!! Mizhattan is here to guide you through the steps on how you can save BIG on those covetable classics. Bloomingdale's will be offering a 20% discount when you open a line on their credit card between September 8th and September 10th. They usually offer 10%~15% off--depending on event--but next week will be that rare opportunity to score 20%. But before you get too excited, there is a MizAdvice I should mention. Shoppers will not be able to hold items nor be able to order a new shipment. Whatever the department store has in stock on its shelves, is it. So, get up bright and early on the 8th and be first through the doors. If you don't find what you want, don't be dismayed, I'm told many other luxury brands are also included (except LV, of course). Contact Bloomingdale's for designer inclusions. Here's to saving 20% off!!

{Image credit: Haute Kills}

ALERT: Classic Chanels going up in price

Mizhattanites, some unfortunate news to report. I just received solid confirmation from my SA, at the 57th flagship, that prices for all classic Chanel bags will increase on July 1st. This includes the Reissue/2.55. The estimated increase will be around 15% from current retail markings and will be in effect worldwide. For reference, the much sought-after jumbo caviar is currently priced at $2,995. So, we should see a jump of around $400 for this lovely label staple.

It was just this February (not even 6 months ago) when Chanel increased its prices on these popular classics. In this Mizhattanite's perspective, the July increase seems partly due to Chanel compensating for the weak Euro. But, my SA interestingly informed me that compared to its competitors, these quilted beauties have been vastly underpriced.

If you are a discerning patron of Chanel and have an interest in investing in one of these classics--especially the jumbo caviar--the time is now. They are still available at Saks and Bergdorf. The flagship's inventory of 15 (as of two weeks ago) has dwindled down to 2--with one of them already on hold for a lucky shopper.

Updated: Incorrect date. Details of new date for price increase here.

MizPSA

The concrete jungle that is Manhattan is always bustling with tourists looking up at the sights and Manhattanites looking down to avoid crap. Almost everyone is trying to get somewhere while on a call, checking email, or texting. Well, it seems, some crafty evil-minded people have come up with a little scheme to exploit those who are busily walking these crowded streets.

*WEDDING SPECIAL* Bridal hair and makeup inspirations

Today is the final day of Mizhattan's Wedding Special. I hope these inspirations will help you decide which look you want to go for your wedding day. If you do find something you like, show it to your hair stylist and makeup artist. And many many congrats on your very very special day!!

*WEDDING SPECIAL* Jewelry under $150, lingerie under $100

These sparkles don't have to cost you a lot. Wear them on your most important day and dazzle everyone, including him. 

*WEDDING SPECIAL* MizGuide to the Running of the Brides

Similar to Olympians gathering for the Olympics, Filene's Basement calls upon the brides-to-be of the world to assemble and run a proud but exhausting race dubbed the 'Running of the Brides'. The prize: a designer wedding dress for an insanely low price. The hurdle: all the other competitors. Here is Mizhattan's survival guide to this race.

*WEDDING SPECIAL* Bridal shoes under $300

Following the dresses from yesterday, here are some lovely bridal shoes for your special day.

*WEDDING SPECIAL* Wedding dresses under $500

Wedding season just started to blossom and  Mizhattan is here to help all the brides to be. There will be special posts all this week on how to have a sensational wedding on a budget. 
So let's begin, shall we? This first post is about beautiful and gorgeous wedding gowns under $500. 

*MIZADVICE* Remove that stain off your favorite item

Did your little rascals create messy stains again? Or maybe an ink mark on that Prada silk shirt? Well the people at U of Illinois' Stain Solution have a website for all sorts of stain remedies. There are explanations on how to remove stains from different fabrics, as well as, secondary methods if the first should fail. So don't worry when your favorite cup of coffee inadvertently falls over onto your precious Garden Party bag.

{Photographs by Stephanie Rausser}

*MIZADVICE* Summer sunscreen savings

Mizhattanites should be wearing sunscreen all-year-round to prevent skin aging, or worst, skin cancer. This advice is especially important for the sun-soaking days of summer. But like the rising temperature, the price of a bottle of sunscreen naturally increases as well. So, budget-conscious website Wisebread has come up with a way to spend 50% less on sunscreen. It seems buying "lotion with SPF" is much cheaper than going with sunscreen. Wisebread purchase of a bottle of lotion with sunscreen "was roughly eight bucks for 16 ounces, versus the same prices for 8 ounces of several brands in the sunscreen section".

*MIZADVICE* When to buy??

If you are a devout Mizhattanite, you are always interested in a great bargain. Well, the good people at Lifehacker have come up with a visual timeline of opportune times to buy certain items. Some are obvious, like buy winter wear in the spring and wedding dresses in the winter. But I never knew frozen foods were a deal in March. Head over and be bargain-enlightened.

Mizhattan's Survival Guide to Sample Sales

There are over 8 million people living in the 5 boroughs. 1.6 million of them, live on this small island we call Manhattan. Logically, about half of these 1.6M must be women. And putting it bluntly, the women I know...love and die for a bargain.

*MIZADVICE* Lose pounds and save money

I admit it. I have been giving myself excuses to keep away from joining the gym. "Too much time and too much money", does this sound familiar to you? I found this great article on Goodhousekeeping about how to lose 10 pounds without spending too much. Now, no more excuses!

{Photographs from Vogue China}

*MIZADVICE* Spring cleaning

I know. It's Monday. You probably don't want to hear about more work, but spring is almost here and I wanted to share with you some great tips that will help you make it easier and cheaper. 

*MIZADVICE* Get a promotion in recession

A tough economy is challenging for everyone. It is still possible to scale the corporate ladder in spite of layoffs. Here are some advices from the experts.

*MIZADVICE* Accentuate your wardrobe with scarves {part2}

Silk scarves never go out of style. You can also create many many different looks with just one scarf. They make looking good look very easy and add style to your personality if you know how to wear them.

*MIZADVICE* Accentuate your wardrobe with scarves {part1}

Winter is almost over but there really isn't only one season to wear scarves. They are the most essential accessory you should own. Do you often feel like there is something missing to your wardrobe? Try on scarves in different colors, patterns, and textures. Scarves have the power to make you look so good effortlessly. The best part is, they don't necessarily have to be costly to create that perfect look. Here are some of my frugal picks.

Flavorful budget friendly recipes

I discovered this delectable recipe from Bon Appetit. I tried this recipe at home and it was pretty easy to make. By replacing lobster with shrimp, I was able to lower my budget without losing flavor. Did I mention it was easy to make? Here is more recipe from Bon Appetit that I like.

*MIZADVICE* Invest in classics

Classics never go out of style. Especially during uncertain economic times, invest in one that will last forever. Classic items tend to be simple as they aren't trendy items that will be out of style next season. Instead of buying similar black coats every winter, buy a classic one and keep it forever. In the end, that will save you more money.