TOPSHOP OPENS TODAY!

Yes, it's true.

Even the Cheap Chic has gotten swept up in the opening of TOPSHOP in the US hullabaloo. No, she will not be one of the hundreds of twentysomething fashionistas lining up this morning (and I guess last night) to be at the 11AM unveiling of 4 Floors and 40000 square feet of UK's version of HM, albeit with clothing "designer" Kate Moss in tow.

However, I, the Cheap Chic decide to look into this culture phenomenon to see if it really is the sheek (but cheap) option for looking stylish on a budget...

Here's what I found:

• Hair Accessories (From $10 to $25. Verdict: My hair ain't worth it.)


• Skinny Jeans (Their flagship product- From $60 to $100. Verdict: More pricey than H&M, but not bad.)


• Sun Dresses ($55 to $80. Verdict: I would have the dress, but no money for sunscreen.)


• T Shirts ($28 to over $100. Verdict: I don't get it. It's a T-Shirt...and what is a slash tee?)


• SALE: Satin Velcro Sandal (Was $135, Now $60. Verdict: Welcome Back, 1982.)

OVERALL VERDICT:

Even on SALE this just ain't the Cheap Chic style for a variety of reasons.

1. I'm a Midwestern gal (e.g. Kate Moss ain't got nothing on these curves.).


2. 28 dollars on a T-Shirt? 55 on a Sun Dress? 10 bucks on a hair accessory? Need I say more?


3. It's Trendy and Hip (e.g. one season wear ONLY and that season was in 1992.).
   


4. Even if I was to go for these prices, I'll go American.

For a tour without the risk of spending check out the video below:

INSIDER LOOK, Business Style:* To get the real lowdown on the risk Topshop is taking opening this mega store during this recession click here.

*So now you know. The Cheap Chic has been know to read Bloomberg.com, Crain's and Business Week (I'm a pseudo business-y geek).

Barbie is 50!

So, I, the Cheap Chic, have a confession. I'm a recovering Barbie addict. When I was a girl (up until...) I was obsessed with Barbie. Of course, coming from two households, 1/2 of my Barbie stuff was new and 1/2 was Garage Sale Retro. Thousands of hours were spent dressing Barbie up, having her make out with 70's, bob-cut hair Ken and making her sass around in her blinding, neon pink limo (with jacuzzi of course, "oolala you, sassalicious Barbie, you").

Lately, Barbie has been getting around..in the news that is.

"Why?" you, my curious reader, may ask.

Well, because the 50th Anniversary of this American icon was this Monday, March 9th (Happy Belated Birthday, Barbie! You can now join AARP!). From Fashion Week to the Malibu Dream House to New Cars, Barbie is getting the celebrity treatment.

One place where Barbie is Queen right now is Bloomingdales at 59th St. Currently, on display (till March 15) for FREE, is 120 vintage Barbie Dolls for your viewing pleasure. Many of these vintage dolls have never been displayed outside of Collectors' homes. Bloomies also has an entire Barbie shop where you can buy Barbie shirts, handbags and accessories to rekindle your childhood spirit and lighten your wallet.

FUN FACT: Barbie's Full name is Miss Barbie Millicent Roberts and she hails from the land of beer, cheese, the Packers and the Cheap Chic youth- WISCONSIN! Willows, Wisconsin to be exact.