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.

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

Anki

Anki is a free, open source, flashcard program that is the best method I have used for memorization. I originally found it when I was looking for a better way to study for an EMT class. I quickly discovered one of the coolest features of Anki was the database of shared "decks" you can download for free. As it happens, another EMT student had already gone through the trouble of composing a deck that covered all of the material thereby saving me countless hours. The range of topics is astonishing but the most popular subjects appear to be languages (Japanese being the favorite) and vocabulary.

The system that Anki uses to order the cards is called "spaced repetition". It is based on an algorithm that uses how you rank each card to determine when it will show that particular card in order to maximize retention (and save time). The harder you rank the card the sooner the information reappears, and vice versa. This technique was first pioneered in the popular flashcard generatorSuperMemo ($50), and is also used by Mnemosyne (free). Anki also has a slick informatics feature enabling it to produce statistics and graphs detailing how you have been learning over time. Another benefit is that you get to decide the pace of learning by setting the amount of new information introduced every session. I personally chose Anki because of the availability of community-sourced decks and have been thrilled with it so far. However, I am interested in exploring the other options as my studying increases.

Anki currently supports text, LaTeX, images, and sound, and though I haven't created many decks the process is easy and is helped by a clean user interface. It allows you to share your created decks, and offers the option to upload them to the Anki website where you can access the cards anywhere with an internet connection (and sync them across multiple computers). A downloadable version of Anki is supported on all the major operating systems (OSX, Windows, Linux) as well as iPhone, Android and Nintendo DS. In the end, Anki is one of the best pieces of free software I use, and I highly recommend it to anyone in need of a better study tool.

Source: http://www.kk.org/cooltools/index.php

The Best In Tent Camping Series

This is the guide for people who want great camping without hours/days of hiking to the site, or conversely, noisy, overdeveloped, and overcrowded conditions. Most other books I've seen are geared for the more hardcore 15-mile pack-in/pack-out backpacker types, or for the RV crowd. Many of the recommendations prove that being able to drive your car to within reasonable walking distance of the site does not preclude a remote wilderness experience.

Editions for Oregon and Washington state have great reviews of 50 campgrounds per state. Campsites are rated for scenic beauty, security, privacy, quiet, etc. These books take the guesswork out of picking a campground in general, and a specific campsite in particular. There are decent campground/site maps, and recommendations for nearby trails and activities. I've only used them for two years, but they haven't steered me wrong on 4 trips. The book is available for many states and regions. I'll be ordering the Northern California edition soon to explore around Shasta this summer.

-- J. Kell

The Best in Tent Camping: Oregon: A Guide For Car Campers Who Hate RVs, Concrete Slabs, and Loud Portable Stereos
Johnny Molloy
2009, 208 pages
$11

Available from Amazon

Additional titles in the 32-book series are also available from Amazon

Source: http://www.kk.org/cooltools/index.php

Personal Shopper: Canadian Workwear for Kick-Ass Cancer Survivor Larissa

We're in awe of Larissa, who wrote in to say: "Hey there Outblush team! I'm coming to you asking for help. I am a recent cancer survivor at the age of twenty and I want to get back into the workforce. I need to find fun, fresh, and practical pieces and accessories without breaking the bank. I really enjoy the styles of most of New York & Company's collection but they don't ship outside of the US - Did I mention I need shipping to Canada? Although I have a new body, it's still very curvy (read: busty) and I have to admit, finding shirt dresses and button down Oxfords is difficult. Think you're up for the challenge?" Larissa, you are AMAZING. Props to you for kicking cancer's ass! We agree, it sucks that a lot of fab American clothing companies won't ship to Canada. But we did find some good pieces, so we hope you like 'em. Our general strategy for workwear is to buy good basics in a lot of colors, then find fun jewelry & shoes at independent shops. Most prices listed are in Canadian dollars.

Source:http://www.outblush.com/

Google Partners With Sony and Logitech for First Google TV Devices

Google has announced Google TV, a convergence technology which makes it easy to deliver video and photos from the web to your television.

Google TV is a new experience for television that combines the TV that you already know with the freedom and power of the Internet. With Google Chrome built in, you can access all of your favorite websites and easily move between television and the web. This opens up your TV from a few hundred channels to millions of channels of entertainment across TV and the web. Your television is also no longer confined to showing just video. With the entire Internet in your living room, your TV becomes more than a TV - it can be a photo slideshow viewer, a gaming console, a music player and much more.

Google released a video that explains how the Internet is changing what we watch. It also explains how Google TV works. Google calls it an entertainment hub that helps you find Internet video content and deliver it to your television. Google TV will come built-in on some new TVs. It will also be available as a separate box to work with current tv that has an HDMI input. Google has partered with Sony and Logitech for the launch. The first Google TV devices will go on sale this fall, and will be available at Best Buy stores.

Source: http://www.shoppingblog.com/

Matryoshka iPhone App

Hey, hey, hey Outblushers, it's time once again for a word from our resident photo-know-it-all, Meggan Haller. Meggan and her husband Jeff, the owners of Keyhole Photo, serve up gorgeous wedding and documentary photography, and recently won the 2010 Bride's Choice Awards from WeddingWire.com. Want more? Check out their blog, look, for a daily dose of awesome.

I can't say I've ever specifically wanted to see myself on a Matryoshka doll, but I'm happy to have the option with the Matroyshka iPhone App ($1). Who knows when the need might arise? Perhaps the next time I have an infused-vodka party at a Russian bath I could send it out as an e-vite. As a matter of fact, that's quite a good idea. Heads up: this is only for iPhone owners, and, alas, it doesn't come with any actual, physical Matryoshka dolls -- just the virtual versions. However, with almost limitless variations, it is bound to get you snapping pictures, and that's really the ultimate goal anyway!

Source: http://www.outblush.com

HauteLook: This Week's Sales - Voom by Joy Han, BCBGeneration, & People's Liberation

As you already know, HauteLook is a fashionista's (or fashionisto's!) go-to source for designer clothes at cheap-tacular prices. Of course, you can only access these 50-75% savings on clothing, accessories, beauty products, home décor, and clothes for men & kids by indie and mainstream designers if you're a member, so join ASAP!

As always, all sales will start at 8am PST; check out the schedule below & set a calendar reminder on your phone so you don't miss out on your favorites.

5/12/10 - Voom by Joy Han
5/13/10 - BCBGeneration Apparel & Handbags
5/14/10 - People's Liberation

*In the interest of full disclosure, we have to tell you (if you haven't guessed) that HauteLook is sponsoring this post. But we'd tell y'all about this week's sales anyway, 'cause we're sure you're salivating over 'em as much as we are.

Source:http://www.outblush.com/

Personal Shopper: Organic Everything-Free Skincare for Nicole M

Dedicated OB fan Nicole M. moans that she struggles to find "...organic, paraben-free, mineral oil-free, all those crazy additive-free face skin care products. Recently I was introduced to Arbonne.... but since it is a pyramidal marketing sales scheme, I'm not really into it. Any suggestions?" Well, Nicole, you're in luck, as organic everything-free skin care is huge these days. Here are a few of our favorite lines, but if any readers have their own natural faves to share, let us know in the comments section below!

1 - Suki Skin Care ($10-$53) - This line of all-natural, vegan, cruelty-free products includes everything from masques to toners to cleansers. Made with ingredients like green tea, roses, lemon, sage, and lavender, they smell great and won't hurt the environment - or your skin. Shown: Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser ($30).

2 - Dr. Hauschka Skin Care ($14-$85) - From regenerating serum to lip balm, this German company does it all, using 150 different biodynamic plants to create a holistic line of products. Shown: Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Toner ($35).

3 - Skyn Iceland ($20-$100) - This Icelandic wunderkind company creates products using pristine botanical ingredients and pure glacier water to help combat the effects of the environment on your complexion. No mineral oil or petrolatum products are used, and they're certified vegetarian, allergy tested, and cruelty free. Shown: Skyn Iceland Clean Sweep Kit ($35)

4 - Ole Henriksen Skin Care ($15-$95) - Ingredients like sea kelp, cucumber extract, tea tree oil, vitamin C, and African red tea are just a few of the naturally derived goodies found in this skin care line. Shown: Ole Henriksen Feel the Difference Perfecting Mask with African Red Tea ($35).

5 - Boscia Skincare ($10-$48) - Guaranteed preservative- and chemical-free, this Japanese line has some of the most innovative products out there. Shown: Boscia Balancing Facial Tonic ($18)

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!

Source:http://www.outblush.com

Cougar Town Creator Wants to Change Show's Name

Cougar Town creator Bill Lawrence said an interview with HitFix that he would like to change the name of the show.

I'd like to (change it), and the studio has been talking about it for three reasons: One, partly as a result of common sense and partly from their research, they find too many instances of testing of people saying they would never watch a show called "Cougar Town" - "I don't want to see some show about a 40-year-old woman nailing younger guys" - and then they screen an episode, and people go, "Oh, I would watch this show." Second point is simply what you already said, which is you would be hard-pressed to watch the last three episodes of the show and asked anyone for titles - I doubt anyone would say "Cougar Town." Third, in a world where ABC and Steve are looking to promote "Modern Family" and capitalize on it to promote all their new shows next fall, anything you can do to create some kind of dialogue about your existing show is smart and savvy.

It didn't really seem like the greatest name to begin with, but the show, starring Courteney Cox, has been a hit. EW reports that an ABC rep told them there are "no immediate plans to change the name." It looks like they are stuck with Cougar Town.
Source:http://www.shoppingblog.com

Apple Runs New iPad Commercial

A man in the new iPad commercial asks, "What is iPad?" Not what is the iPad, but what is iPad, as if he asking, "What is life?" The man goes on to say "iPad is thin" and "iPad goes anywhere and lasts all day." At this point the commercial shows a person awkwardly carrying an iPad on the back of a moped, looking like they might drop it at any moment. The man also says "it's crazy powerful" and "magical." Apple won't quit with its magical claim. The man also says, "You are already know how to use it." President Obama might object to the statement. Source:http://www.shoppingblog.com