Look Like A Million For A Fraction Of The Cost!

This segment aired on Houston's Channel 11 News at 5 on December 17, 2008 (watch it).

Resale is the new retail! Resale shops are clean, organized, have unique fashionable pieces, and give you lots of bang for your buck. The merchandise is in good condition (sometimes it's even brand new) and is current and fashionable. They are great places for unique and inexpensive holiday gifts (no one needs to know how much you spent or where you got it). Think of the staff as resale stylists - they can help pick the right piece for that special someone and have creative ideas for mixing resale pieces with your existing clothing.

Sarah Shah took Channel 11 News viewers on a field trip to some of Houston's hottest resale shops. Here is a list of the stores we visited, the items pictured on TV, plus some extra gift ideas and tips to make your resale shopping spree a positive experience.

Taxi Taxi
1657 Westheimer Rd (east of Dunlavy), Houston - (713) 528-5500

Taxi Taxi specializes in contemporary young clothing and accessories. This is a great place for the trendy young men and women on your gift list. Look for Vintage Members Only jackets (yes, right out of the 80's) for $25, graphic t-shirts starting at $7, skinny jeans for $25 (women) $35 (men), and "bang on" t shirts (you pring the picture, they "bang it on" the shirt for you) $30, "fly kicks" (the coolest sneakers) $40. Bring cash, credit, or your own clothes to trade. Here are pics of the outfits that were on TV.





Leopard Lounge
1657 Westheimer Rd (inside Taxi Taxi), (713) 528-5500

Leopard Lounge specializes in fashionable vintage clothing and accessories. Manager Brandon West has impeccable taste and hand selects every piece in the store. This is a great place to buy for fashionable young women and men on your gift list. Look for vintage western shirts from the 1930-40's ($80+), contemporary western shirts ($10+), vests ($17+), dresses ($10+), and western boots ($50). Here are pics of the outfits that didn't make it on TV.





More Than You Can Imagine
2817 Westheimer Rd (at Kirby), (713) 668-8811

More Than You Can Imagine is a resale Boutique. There is nothing resale about it except for the prices. They specialize in Designer pieces (think Gucci, Prada, Channel, Zac Posen, Monolo, Jimmy Choo, Hermes) at Department Store prices. This is not the place to come with $5, but if you come with $200, you're leaving with something FABULOUS for a party!!! They also have brand new gifts and accessories starting at $20. Look for designer handbags, shoes, party dresses, tops, etc. Clothing sizes from 0 to 16 and shoe sizes from 6 to 11. And swing by the last chance sale rack....saw a pair of size 6-1/2 red satin Gucci shoes for $105!! I almost cut my toes off to fit into these shoes. On second thought, they'd be beautiful displayed on a bookshelf in my office!

Shopping Tips (thanks Dardan, resale shopper extraordinaire)

Bring cash or credit cards (many stores don't take checks). Check the pricing schedule (it's usually posted), the item you want might be ready for another mark down. Check the return policy so you know whether items can be returned for the same value. Bring along any items you want to match so you can tell right away if they work together. Size labels may not be accurate - items may have shrunk, stretched, been mislabeled, or the brand can run small/large. Hold it up to you, try it on, use a tape measure or ask the staff for assistance. Buy the item because you love it rather than because it’s a great deal. Then you'll enjoy it and actually wear it.

Other Favorite Resale Shops

Marry-Go-Round 719 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019(713) 874-0688 (http://www.marrygoroundinc.com/) Wedding gowns sizes 0 to 24, viels, and new accessories. Get a fab dress for your wedding or sell the fab dress you already wore.

The Guild Shop 2009 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006(713) 528-5095 (http://www.theguildshop.org/)
A Fantastic variety of jewelry (real, costume, vintage) and home accessories.

What's Sarah Wearing?
Donna Ricco red cross-over top (Macy's http://www.macys.com/), Isabel denim flat-front trousers (Dillards, http://www.dillards.com/), gold potmetal pendant (Harwin St.), black stiletto leather knee boots (http://www.ninewest.com/).


Here's the link to the segment: http://www.khou.com/video/index.html?nvid=314277
Thanks for watching!

Stay Connected At For The Holidays Using Video Chatting

This segment aired Dec 11, 2008 on Channel 10 News at 4 on WLCY in Tampa. A link to watch is at the bottom of this post.

Lots of us aren't traveling for the holidays to see the people we love...but still want a way to stay connected. Video chatting Skype, Oovoo, and iChat video conferencing make that possible. Families can sit around their computers and have face to face conversations and open gifts together. You could even set the equipment up at the end of each of your dinner tables and actually have a family dinner together even though you're miles apart.

Video Chat programs are free, easy to use and just need a couple of accessories to really make your "calls" go smoothly.

The Programs

Most programs are free. Just go to the website and follow instructions to download to your computers. Some of the many - Skype (http://www.skype.com/ maybe you have seen it used on Oprah), ooVoo (http://www.oovoo.com/ has really cool visual effects), iChat (http://www.ichat.com/ a fav of MAC users), etc. Some even allow you to include people from up to 6 locations for free.

Sounding Good

Most computers are equiped with a microphone and speakers, but these don't work so well with video chatting programs because the person you're talking to will here your voice and their voice at the same time. So, you need is a microphone that can’t “hear” your speakers.
A headset is a great inexpensive option and good for privae conversations (start at $10). The only draw backs: 1) you’re tied to your computer by the wires so you can't step away for a minute, 2) only one person at each computer can be involved in the conversation, 3) it messes up your hair.

Another option is a non-interfearance speakerphone. My fav is the IPEVO version (TR-10i Speakerphone for iChat for MAC users http://us.ipevo.com/products/pro_detail.php?id=50, TR-10 Portable Conference Phone for PC users http://us.ipevo.com/products/pro_detail.php?id=14 $79). I like it because it has echo cancellation (so you can have a natural conversation), you can move around freely (because you’re not attached to your computer), you can switch to handset mode for private conversations, you don’t have to wear it (so your hair stays perfect). This is especially great at the holidays when you're including a whole group in the conversation, opening presents together, eating dinner together, etc.

Looking Good

Some computers come with built-in webcams. These can be weird to use because you never have an eye-to-eye conversation because it’s difficult to look into the camera and watch the other caller on your computer screen at the same time. It’s better to have a stand-alone camera that you can mount at eye-level next to your screen. With this configuration, you can naturally look back and forth between the camera and screen the way you would in natural conversation.

My fav is the IPEVO Pointer Cam because it's independent, so you can mount it where you want. You can also pick it up to show the caller something in another direction, give a close up of details, or even play with unusual camera angles. http://us.ipevo.com/products/pro_detail.php?id=12

Watch the segment http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=95878

Favorite Things For The Holidays

This segment aired on Great Day Houston on December 8, 2008.

As we've scoured the beauty and fashion scene for cool trends and products this season, we've found some things that make great gifts. Lucky audience members got to take some gifts and goodies home. A big thank-you to these generous companies!

Ed Hardy Scarves - Do you love tattoos, but don’t want to make the life time commitment? Here is the perfect solution. Ed Hardy Scarves combine the best of tatto art with fashion-forward design. There are so many ways to wear them - as a dress, wrap, top, headband. ($50 - $150) Lady Elle Boutique in Uptown Park and http://edhardyscarf.com/ Audience members got an Ed Hardy "Love Kills Slowly" bandana. And several lucky audience members got a fashion scarf too!

Jennifer Meyer jewelry has been spotted on Jennifer Aniston, Christina Applegate. The Star Necklace was designed by Jennifer Meyer exclusive for Stand Up To Cancer. All net proceeds will go to cancer research. Choose Silver, Gold, or Diamonds. https://su2c.thegivingbridge.com/necklace.asp
One member of the audience got a pendant made of sterling silver!

Red Envelope is one of my favorite sources for gifts. They do all the work, even wrap it and add a card with a personal message. They have unusual gifts and beautiful jewelry that looks more expensive than it is. Displyed - twin pearl earrings $29, gold and peridot earrings $49, friendship necklace $99. 100% Soy Chalkboard Candle, $24.95. http://www.redenvelope.com/ Audience members each received the candle!

Mommy Tags creates unique, personalized jewelry. Turn your art work or childrens’ doodles into jewelry with doodle tags ($95). This unique jewelry is made from recalimed silver. http://www.mommytags.com/ Use coupon code "Houston" for free shipping and silver polishing cloth when you order online.

The cutest stocking stuffers! Guiltless sugar-free mints plus a mirror for your purse! Each box is personality-personalized. $3, Rice Epicurean & Hot Pink Sugar Boutique. Audience members each got a box of personality mints! www.littlei.com/products/personality/personality_cute/products.html

Here’s another great stocking stuffer from Baxter of California. The unisex lip balm is glossy enough for women and neutral enough for men. Gotta love the Mojito favor! Sloan Hall, $8 Each Audience members got one to take home!

Skinn Wet Lips Super Shine Lipgloss – This lipgloss feels great and is super and it’s made from all natural ingredients. $12.50 available at http://www.skinn.com/ Audience members each took one home!

Here’s a stylish way to carry your lipgloss and cell phone. It’s the

perfect evening bag – it’s small, holds everything you need, and so elegant! $70, Paula Fridkin Designs, http://www.cellkeeper.com/

The Lipstick Case of Lipstick Cases by Judith Leiber. This one is the you saw Brooke Sheilds use on Lipstick Jungle. $495, Judithleiber.com A really luck member of the audience got one for herself!

GiiNii Digital Frames are so

easy to use. Just pop your digital card out of your camera and into the back of the frame and voila, you’re viewing your pictures. Selection of frames from 3.5" – 8" Prices range from $39 - $100
Available at http://www.walmart.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.walgreens.com/ and http://www.zbezt.com/.

Viva Terra specializes in stylish & eco friendly gifts -
Handbags made from vintage fabrics, necklaces and home accessories made of recycled glass beads, recycled glass stones with inspiring words, tea light holders from semiprescious crystals, and the list goes on! Check them out at http://www.vivaterra.com/

What's Sarah Wearing?

Inc. magenta sheath dress (http://www.macys.com/), Ed Hardy scarf (http://edhardyscarf.com/), Enzo brown suede platform boots (www.macys.com), Hue brown tights (http://www.dillards.com/)

Gifts Under $50 From Houston's Best-Kept Shopping Secrets

This segment aired on Channel 11 News At 5 on KHOU on Dec 4, 5 and 6, 2008. A link to watch is at the bottom of this post.

Looking for special gifts without a big price-tag? Here are three of my favorite secret sources for unique gifts on a budget.

Spec's Liquor Warehouse, 2410 Smith, Houston, 713-526-8787 www.spcsonline.com

Spec's is known for specialty liquors, wines and foods, but they also have unique gifts starting at $3. Glassware, bar baubles, cookies, cheeses, caviar, cigars...the list goes on and on. You can even select a bunch of goodies and they'll put them all in a gift basket.

If you're shopping for liquor, look for gift sets. Gift sets sell for the same price as the liquor in the set, plus you get some cool accessories like glassware, flasks, and shakers. Spec's has a huge selection of gift sets for almost every liquor. In the segment, we showed Mount Gay Rum paired with a mojito muddler & muddling glass ($15) and Jack Daniels with a logo flask ($32).

Spec's humidor is filled with cigars. In the segment we showed a box of 8 assorted Cubanos for $25 ... and even comes gift-wrapped. There's also a selection of cool lighters, cigar cutters, and humidors to make a gift for any budget.

The specialty food area holds caviars, teas, cookies, cheeses, candies, and sauces from around the world. American sturgeon caviar is about $35 an ounce...add belinis and creme fraiche for a real treat, all for less than $50. Something as simple and deliscious as Swiss and German jams can be a wonderful gift. In the segment we showed peach and appricot jam for $3 - $6. Don't worry, the recipient of these gifts won't know how much you spent because these foods aren't available in local grocery stores.

JS Collections, 9700 Harwin Street (inside the Central Mart) #156. Houston, TX 77036, ( 713) 244-0397

If you've never been to Harwin Street, this is a great place to start. The store is organized, well lit, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It's everything you love about retail shopping with a wholesale price. You'll find necklaces for days, earrings, embellished reading glasses, purse hooks, jeweled ID holders, enamel & crystal frames, and evening bags. Most items are priced between $4 - $20.

Palmer Packaging, 1613 Richmond AveHouston, TX 77006(713) 524-5413 www.palmerpkg.com

Palmer packaging is one of Houston's best-kept secrets. The shop is overflowing with tissue, ribbon, gift boxes in every size and shape, organza drawstring bags, shoppng bags, shred, and more. Great wrapping is the secret to making an inexpensive item look special. Go for luxiourous ribbons and wrapping that adds volume to the item.

Turn a tin of tea into a beautiful hostess gift with some printed cellophane and pretty ribbon. A $6 decorative wine stopper looks like a $20 gift when presented in a gift box overflowing in crinkled shred and a big organza bow. Peach jam for $3 looks like a European treasure nestled in shred inside a big pretty box.

In the segment, we spent $2-$3 in packaging for each gift. In some cases, we even we spent more in packaging than we did on the actual present. This might seem silly, but when we added the cost of gift and packaging, the end result looked like much more.

What's Sarah Wearing?
Grifflen purple cotton ruffle top (Em & Lee http://www.emandlee.com/), Isabel denim flat-front trousers (http://www.dillards.com/), teal glass drop earrings (JS Collections, 9700 Herwin St. suite 156), teal plastic bangle (http://www.charmingcharlie.com/), Vaneli leopard print pony sling-back shoes (http://www.dillards.com/).

Here's the link to the segment
http://www.khou.com/video/index.html?nvid=310505&shu=1
Thanks so much for watching!