Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Personal Shopper: A Green Dress for Rhea

You may follow our sister site, Outblush, for news on the latest couture & hipster fashion, beauty products, and more, but what if your budget is more Payless than Prada? Let us find you a few fakeouts! What if you waited too long to pounce on those perfect shoes or that just-right-for-your-sofa throw pillow, and it’s sold out? Let us help! Welcome to Personal Shopper, Bargainist style!


Mad Men fanatic Rhea T. wrote to say, "I was looking at photos from the Mad Men season 4 premiere and saw Elisabeth Moss in this amazing emerald green Oscar de la Renta dress. I have similar coloring, so I think that color would look good on me, but I'm guessing the dress costs hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Help me find a cheaper substitute!"


Rhea, you have great taste - that is one stunning dress! Luckily, emerald green is a huge color right now, and there are some great frocks out there that will give you a similar look for a lot less cash. Enjoy!


1 - Max & Cleo Poplin Ruffle Trim Belted Dress ($66.60 on sale)

2 - Maggy London Stretch Satin Sheath Dress ($87.90)

3 - Grecian Green Dress ($89.99)

4 - Merona Women's Cap Sleeve Dress ($24.99)

5 - Donna Morgan Strapless Silk Chiffon Cocktail Dress ($69.99 on sale)

6 - Marc New York Belted Draped Dress ($88.80 on sale)


P.S. Need some shopping help finding your dream (fill in the blank) for less? Email us, and we might feature your request in a future Personal Shopper feature!

Personal Shopper: A Prep School Wardrobe for Laura K's Senior Year

Laura K. writes, "Okay so I'm a big fan of Outblush and have been since I was like twelve (which is a line that I know you've gotten about sixty times but it's true!), and I'm a tad apprehensive about sending in a personal request but I'm absolutely desperate now. I'm moving to a different school for my senior year and found out about the dress code yesterday, which while it may be cute doesn't really fit with my wardrobe like at all. The dress code for girls is skirts, shirts with a collar (either button down or not), and khakis. Basically I'm looking for prep school clothes that are a tad formal but still say teenager and make people actually want to talk to the new girl. And seeing as how I'm on a very low budget preferably no one article of clothing over $50. By the way you guys are really amazing and your site is bookmarked on every computer that I've ever used (just in case I can convert some people to the cult of Outblush 'cause I'm just that faithful ;)) Thanks a ton, Laura"

Laura, Janetor here: I love, love, love your idea of bookmarking Outblush on every computer you visit - readers, take note! Spread the cult of Outblush!

Anyhoo, I picked out a selection of basic, solid-color shirts and tops that are all under $50 and that you can mix & match for a bunch of looks. Add in fun accessories (if your dress code allows) and shoes to change things up. Good luck at your new school! We're rootin' for ya!

1 - Tommy Hilfiger Solid Camp Shirt ($25 on sale, in 4 colors)

2 - New York & Co. The Madison Shirt ($20 on sale, in 6 colors)

3 - New York & Co. Twist Neck Shirt ($20 on sale, in 6 colors)

4 - Express Striped Elite Stretch Crinkle-Collar Shirt ($30 on sale)

5 - Old Navy Cap-Sleeve Button Front Shirt ($23, in 6 colors)

6 - Gap Classic Khaki Pants ($44 on sale, in 4 colors)

7 - Old Navy Cotton Twill Wide-Leg Trousers ($32, in 4 colors)

8 - The Limited Exact Stretch Classic Flare Pant ($30-60 on sale, in 2 colors)

9 - Spiegel Luxe Corduroy Pencil Skirt ($49)

10 - Gap Classic Pencil Skirt ($50)

Frustrated in your search for that perfect leather handbag, red stiletto pump, or whatever makes your heart go thump in the night? Send us a request and we might do the shopping work for you in a future Personal Shopper feature!

Pop-Tarts World Opens in New York City


Pop-Tarts World, the first retail store and cafe for Pop-Tarts, has opened in New York City. Pop-Tarts World features interactive displays, entertainment and merchandise. It also features a cafe menu inspired by Pop-Tarts toaster pastries.

Pop-Tarts World opened its doors with a grand opening celebration. The event was hosted by Caroline Rhea. Rhea is the voice of Linda Flynn-Fletcher, mother of Phineas and Ferb on the Disney Channel. She is also known for her past work on shows including The Caroline Rhea Show and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

At the store you can build your own Pop-Tart variety pack from a sixteen foot vending machine. The store even offers Pop-Tart S'mores and Pop-Tart Sushi. Take a look:

Edwin Watts Announces Golf Store Acquisitions, Sears Deal

Edwin Watts Golf Shops has signed a multi-year agreement with Sears to establish ta "store-within-a-store" retail model for the golf industry. Edwin Watts plays ato add 12 "store-within-a-store" retail locations inside Sears stores nationwide.

Edwin Watts has also acquired Double Eagle Golf in Cordova, Tennessee. The 11,800 square foot store will be converted into a Edwin Watts Golf Shop. This acquisition follows the acquisition of 5 retail stores through Southern Golf Partners in July.

John Watson, CEO Edwin Watts Golf Shops, says, "At a time when the golf retail industry is consolidating, Edwin Watts Golf continues to build its portfolio of brick and mortar locations though an aggressive acquisition strategy, designed to foster growth of our retail brand on a national basis."

Sam's Club Stores to Get Wi-Fi by November

Sam's Club has announced plans to upgrade all of its U.S. locations with Wi-Fi by November. AT&T will provide Wi-Fi to Sam's Club, which will allow its members greater use of their Wi-Fi enabled smart phones while shopping. Sam's Club associates will also be able to demo new IPTV's (internet TV's) as well as other internet connected devices in real time.

Brian Cornell, president and CEO, Sam's Club, said, "Our members are early adopters of technology and electronics, and we’re excited to deliver an improved experience in our clubs. This investment in connectivity allows us to showcase the high quality brands we offer in a new engaging way, provide an enhanced level of service and brings to life our promise to our members of Savings Made Simple."

Tod's Launching iPad Cases in November


Tod's is another luxury fashion label launching iPad cases. The four cases will go on sale in Tod's boutiques in November. The cases come in brown, blue and tan. There is also an alligator, which will cost $4,900. This is the priciest iPad case released yet.

Other fashion houses that have launched iPad cases include Salvatore Ferragamo, Dooney & Burke, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

Friday, May 21, 2010

IDAPT Universal Desktop Charger

So, it probably goes without saying that everyone here at Popgadget can safely be classified as a geek (though I think there may be a nerd or two among us, but a deliberation on the differences between the two is for another time). Anyway, as geeks go, there is a tendency to have significant charging needs to keep all of our gadgets up and running.

I've personally been a fan of the universal adapter for a long time. One in the house, one in the car, and only to buy a new tip on occasion to fit the latest mobile device. Only problem is the unsightliness of the cords. IDAPT provides an elegant, desktop solution to this dilemma. Easy-in device tips allow you to simultaneously charge up to three devices without all the clutter. Perfect for your nightstand, kitchen counter, desk, or wherever you charge.

The IDAPT comes with the six most common tips, including iPhone / iPod, Samsung, Nokia, and USB mini and micro. Additional tips can be purchased online. Available starting in May, the IDAPT has an MSRP of $59.99 and will come in black and white models.

Let it be your single cord solution.

Source: http://www.popgadget.net/2010/03/idapt_universal.php