ING DIRECT Cafe Opening: Free Internet, Lattes & Financial Seminars!

Want to learn more about saving money, investing and managing your wallet in these tough economic times? How about chillin' in a cool, new cafe with a FREE latte (see coupon below) and FREE WiFi? ING DIRECT is highlighting the opening of their NEW 3rd Ave Cafe by hosting Savers Week April 28th through May 2nd with tons of FREE EVENTS including a clothing swap, kiddie carnival (with FREE orange cotton candy) and conversations with top banking executives.

Savers Week Events

April 28^th: Conversation with Arkadi Kuhlmann- from 6:30pm-8pm, the President and Chairman of ING DIRECT will be discussing his take on the current economic climate.

April 29^th: Quiz Quest and SpeedBanking!- Test your knowledge about ING DIRECT during Quiz Quest from 11am to 3pm (with a chance to win prizes!) and find your perfect ING DIRECT product match during Speed Banking from 4pm to 7pm.

April 30^th: Conversation with Dan Greenshields- from 7:30am to 9am, the President of ShareBuilder, ING DIRECT’s online brokerage, will be discussing the innovation in business that is ShareBuilder.

May 1^st: Café Savers Swap- from 3pm to 6pm, the Cafe will host a swap meet where consumers have an outlet to exchange their goods (i.e. electronics, apparel, books, costume jewelry & small home goods) with each other for FREE! All leftover items will be donated to the Salvation Army and Goodwill.

May 2^nd: Kiddy Karnival! from 1pm on Saturday, on the second floor you can let your little tikes run around and play carnival games. There will also be an orange cotton candy machine as well as a popcorn machine and other refreshments for the children’s enjoyment. On the main floor, the Rents can have a break and talk to associates about ING DIRECT products. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

NOTE: All events take place at the Cafe.

ING DIRECT New York City Café

968 Third Avenue (at 58th St)

New York, NY 10022

212-752-8432

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 7AM to 6PM, Saturday 9AM to 7PM, Sunday 10AM to 6PM.

FREE BEVERAGE OF YOUR CHOICE COUPON! Click here

For more information on ING DIRECT visit www.ingdirect.com or call 1-800-ING DIRECT.

9 to 5 for Secretary's Day! This Wednesday!!!

In this day and age working AT ALL is a blessing. However, most people who are at the ol' grindstone are barely makin' a living (it's all takin' and no givin'...I know...I couldn't resist!).

One set of such underpaid, under appreciated working stiffs are our secretaries (well, if we are being politically correct, our "administrative professionals"). Not only do they deserve a shout out (for their sassy phone voices. I know I have one and it's even Southern sometimes, because people are nicer to those with a little Southern drawl! "Ya'll come back now, ya here!'"), but Chelsea Clearview Cinemas thinks they deserve a special screening of...

9 to 5

Dolly, Lily and Jane will all be there (and on the BIG SCREEN!), along with Hedda Lettuce at 7PM all for the low price of $7.50! Plus, Hedda will be partaking in her infamous raffle where you can win tickets to the new 9 to 5 musical on Broadway!

ONE SHOWING ONLY!!!
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
7pm
Chelsea Cinema, West 23rd St
(btwn 7th and 8th Ave)
Manhattan

NOTE: Chances are this show will sell out, so click here to buy your tickets online or stop by Chelsea Cinema to buy your tickets in advance!

Tax Day means FREE Vibes!

The tax man takes alot of my hard earned money every year. These companies want to make sure you at least get to keep some of it.

• FREE VIBRATORS!!!!!

Get your own economic stimulus at Babeland NYC today. They will be giving away FREE Gold Digger Vibrators to the first 100 customers at each of their three locations. They also are picking up the sales tax ONLINE and In-store by offering a 10% discount. "No tax without stimulation!"

Babeland Locations: SoHo - 43 Mercer Street; Lower East Side - 94 Rivington Street & Park Slope 462 Bergen Street

• 8-Cent Mac & Cheese

Today from 12-7pm at Supermac you can get a bowl of Mac & Cheese for ONLY 8 cents through 8coupons.com's OCHO LOCO Deal. Click on this link and the coupon (which you can text or email to yourself) is on the left hand side of the screen.

Supermac: 348 7th Ave (btwn 29th & 30th)

• FREE Tax Day Bites

Stop by Cinnabon from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 15 for free cinnamon-roll bites. 1 per customer.

• P.F. Chang's

15% OFF your total bill. Click here for locations.

• T.G.I. Friday's

On April 15, diners receive a $5 gift card when they spend $15 to $25. They earn a $10 card for a purchase of more than $25. Click here for locations.

J Crew Sample Sale! 70% OFF!

Want to look tres posh like Michelle Obama,

Cheap Chic style?

Then head to the J. Crew Sample Sale going on this week!

Yes, you did miss going yesterday, but all this week from 10AM-7PM, TODAY through FRIDAY April 17th, you can shop for J.Crew stock & sample clothing & accessories. It's up to 70% OFF Retail Prices! Plus if you have a little one, Crewcuts is hosting their sample sale as well.

This sale is hosted by Clothingline at:

261 W 36th Street

(between 7th & 8th Ave)

2nd Floor

New York, NY 10018

NOTE: Dressing room will be CLOSED for the duration of this sale.

UPDATE: NOT FREE- Museum of the City of New York

This morning the Cheap Chic took Lexisworks (who is visiting from CO and a cheap chic herself) all the way up to East Harlem (on a Sunday morning, at 10am) to the Museum of the City of New York. As I stated in a previous post, on Sundays from 10am-12pm, the Museum has FREE admission. Plus, it's a fabulous museum to share with out-of-town visitors as it has some great exhibitions on NYC and really just in general.

However, when we went to collect our tickets this morning we were informed that...

The Museum of the City of New York

NO LONGER HAS FREE ADMISSION ON SUNDAYS.

When I asked the Admissions employee when this change took affect and he said he just found out THIS MORNING when he came on his shift.

Now I know times are hard, especially for museums in this economy, but not having free admission for (a measly) 2 HOURS a week (on a Sunday, no less) AND not updating this information on their website (especially since I checked the website right before leaving to catch the subway)??

Additionally, ADULT ADMISSION INCREASED to $10 per adult
(also not updated on their website).

NOT COOL. SO NOT COOL.

Shame on the Museum of the City of New York. At least they should have updated their website before making the change. And maybe switching the policy to Pay-What-You-Wish on Sundays??? Just a thought...

Here's a Cheap Chic tip for you. Information on a website or from personal experience is not always accurate. Call ahead of time (especially in this economy).


Also don't forget The Frick Collection is Pay-What-You-Wish from 11AM-1PM on EVERY SUNDAY.

Snuggie Pub Crawl...FREE!

Snuggie in the bar....Snuggie in the park....Snuggie on the subway....

Yes, it's true!
You can now take your Snuggie ANYWHERE!

And best of all, today there is a FREE Snuggie Pub Crawl with other Snuggie Lovers through through Manhattan. Now your Snuggie obsession can be shared with the World!

It kicks off today at the bar called (you guessed it) The Snug @ 1pm.

For more information on the pub crawl, go to Snuggiefest.com.

For more information on "The Snuggie" go to getsnuggie.com.

Bryant Park Audio Walking Tour...FREE!

Bryant Park is one of my favorite parks in the City. Showcasing the Flagship New York Public Library (remember Ghostbusters?) from the East, Le Carrousel from the South, and the Great Lawn from the West, it's a green oasis in the middle of the Midtown.

Besides a myriad of special events that take place here year round (The Pond, Holiday Shops, Movies in the Park, Broadway in the Park, etc...), Bryant is just a great place to bring a book, lay down a blanket and relax while the rat race passes by.

While, I've loved Bryant Park, there is one thing I've always wondered. How did Bryant Park transform into the Midtown oasis of today?



Now you can find out...FOR FREE! All you need is an MP3 player that you can download to and you can download your own free walking audio tour of Bryant Park. What's even cooler is that it is narrated by Matthew Broderick!! And don't forget your accoutrements so afterwards you can chill-lax on the Great Lawn.

To download the Audio Tour click here.

Tweet! Cheap Chic on Twitter!

All this technology is making me feel like the 1960's were so much easier! (At least I'd have a better chance of having Don Draper as a boss...)

The Cheap Chic is officially appearing on this blog, Facebook and now Twitter. I don't know how to use Twitter (I mean I just figured out how to text whilst walking), but still I joined! So, now you, gentle reader, can follow me there too!

http://twitter.com/cheapchicsguide

Now, I need a tween intern to teach me all this stuff!

PILLOW FIGHT! TODAY!

Need to let out some of that Madoff aggression? Steaming mad at the fat cats getting fatter as your bills, health care and credit card interest rates raise even higher? Angry that you didn't receive a bailout check or a corporate bonus on the taxpayer's dime? Well, why not.......

FIGHT IT OUT!

Not with sticks and stones or even fists and bones, but with

PILLOWS!

That's right folks! Its NYC's 4th annual (the world's 2nd annual)

Pillow Fight Day!

Head down to Wall Street & Broad St. at 3PM TODAY with your soft pillow and be prepare to swing, swang, swung your way to good ol' fashioned stress relief. OVER 12,000 people have responded *YES* on Facebook alone!!! Plus if your adrenaline is still pumping you can head to the Afterparty in Brooklyn (details below).

You can confirm your attendance via FACEBOOK or you can just show up!

Best of all...this community is FREE (well, just bring your pillow...)

*DETAILS BELOW*

Rules: Please follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and fun pillow fight for everybody!
+ Soft pillows only! + Swing lightly, many people will be swinging at once. + Do not swing at people without pillows or with cameras. + Remove glasses beforehand! + Do not abandon your pillow at the location. + Dress in business suits, demand your bailout check.

Cleanup: Please reduce your use of feathers. As the pillow fight grows in size, so does the mess. By participating, you are pledging to clean up twice the mess you made :)

Afterparty: http://tinyurl.com/whack09

Panorama from the 2008 Newmindspace pillow fight: http://tinyurl.com/pillowpanorama

Join the NYC mailing list at http://www.newmindspace.com

For info e-mail love@newmindspace.com

Subway: Take 2,3,4,5 to Wall St.

or J,M,Z to Broad St.

or R,W to Rector St.

WEEKEND GUIDE: 1st Saturdays @ Brooklyn Museum

Looks like this Saturday night there is a chance of April showers, but don't you cower. Head to the Brooklyn Museum for a...FREE Spring Awakening from 5-11PM!

That's right, every first Saturday of month the Brooklyn Museum opens its doors for a

FREE 'Night at the Museum!'

This Month's Theme is Spring Awakening where you can put a 'spring' in your step through FREE swing lessons and swing dancing from the The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn, performances by Nicole Renaud & Cora Dance, and talks about the art, including the new Gustave Caillebotte Impressionist Paintings from Paris to the Sea exhibition.

For more information CLICK HERE.

Location: 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York 11238-6052
Subway: Take the 2/3 to Eastern Parkway. For more detailed directions CLICK HERE.

ER: Series Finale LAST EPISODE EVER!

County General will close its doors TONIGHT...

FOREVER.

I grew up with this show. I learned about living with HIV from Gloria Reuben. I saw George Clooney become a star through my television screen. I fell in love not only with the doctors and nurses of the ER, but also with the desk clerk, Jerry. I was introduced to more blood, more guts and more drama and my Thursday nights were never the same.

Re-live all 15 seasons tonight

with an

ER Special Retrospective at 8PM EST.

Watch the 2-Hour Series FINALE at 9PM EST.

*ONLY ON NBC*

P.S. Don't forget your kleenex!

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).

CALL or EMAIL Your Legislator Re: MTA Fare Hike! Just Say NO!

YES WE CAN!

SAY "NO"

to the

MTA Fare Hike!

Call or email your State Senator. Click here to find your Senator by zipcode.

Call New York State Governor David Paterson: 518-474-8390. To email Gov. Paterson click here.

~

As Mayor Bloomberg put it yesterday (not that he ever takes the subway):

"When you see what's going to happen to your commuting costs, you should call your state legislators and say, 'I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore.'"

~

Here's the lowdown on MTA Subway & Bus Service in the 5 Buroughs

On New York City subways and buses, single rides would go from $2 to $2.50. A one-day unlimited MetroCard would go from $7.50 to $9.50. A seven-day unlimited MetroCard would go from $25 to $31. A 14-day unlimited MetroCard would go from $47 to $59. A 30-day unlimited MetroCard would go from $81 to $103.

Also be prepared for eliminated or reduce service on 6 subway lines. 20% more crowded trains (if that was even possible on the 4 &5 Lex Express during the morning rush hour). And 3,000 job layoffs (so even former MTA employees won't be able to afford the subway).

~

Final Note: Budgetary concerns have the MTA scaling back on the Second Ave subway project by removing a plan to add a third track in case of a subway delay, trains could bypass the delay and the trains would move along as scheduled. The rub is that redesigning the 2nd Ave subway project without the 3rd track is going to cost 26 MILLION DOLLARS, even though it will save 90 million, but lead to delays! Ridiculous! Delays and 26 MILLION DOLLARS down.

Weekend Guide: Princeton Art Museum

So, I know it's only Monday, but anyone who doesn't start their week looking forward to the next weekend obviously doesn't find much enjoyment in going to brunch with your favorite lush, getting more than a bit tipsy on unlimited Mimosas and then spending the rest of your collective afternoon watching the Real Housewives of New York marathon on Bravo. I mean, really. Who doesn't live for a weekend like that?

But, I digress....

For all you City weary New Yorkers who want to take a day trip out of the hustle and bustle (and the unlimited mimosa brunch culture) and see some FREE Masterpieces (i.e. actually get some culture), I recommend taking the NJ transit and heading to the Princeton University Art Museum located in Princeton, New Jersey (Yes, yes. I know I just mentioned heading to Jersey, but its not that bad. This isn't the place where Tony buries the bodies. It's too posh for that.).

The campus itself is gorgeous and full of Gothic architecture. Walking around this campus makes one feel quite regal among its grandeur (well until you see the freshmen sauntering around in their jimjams). Then you come across what would be considered a benign building if it didn't have a bunch of headless walking sculptures in front of it, the Princeton University Art Museum. Once inside there is a variety of art, from European to Contemporary to Asian and even some beautiful mosaics. For a University art museum it is quite encompassing. Plus, its art for FREE!

Can't make it to the Museum? View the Princeton University Art Museum eMuseum online here.

Live Theater for ONLY 10 BUCKS! Tartuffe!

Breadline News:

"All over the City, New Yorkers are being swindled by high theater prices. More and more theater seats are left vacant as New Yorkers stand up and say "We're not gonna take it...Anymore!" and head downtown to the Seaport to see
Tartuffe at the Dog Run Rep."

~

Dear Sassalicious, Cheap (but chic) Readers of mine,

Pockets nearly empty? Need a cheap date idea that doesn't include digging up your old, dirty student I.D. and dawning what you think are "hipsterish" clothes so you get a discount at the movies? Well, don't you fret. Dawn that "top hat, white tie and tails" & show a little class by taking your latest guy or doll to some old-fashioned, high-falutin' theater on the cheap!


Use this CODE: TT410 to get 10 BUCK tickets (Reg. $18) on select performances of this comic romp! Then watch ditzy socialites get duped by a Con-Man in Depression-Era New York City, while you lean back knowing you got the hottest deal in town!

I'll be there in my Sunday best....will you?

Cordially,

Elle* a.k.a. The Cheap Chic

212-868-4444

@ Seaport! 210 Front Street South Street Seaport New York, NY 10038 (30 minutes before curtain)

www.SmartTix.com Click Here

Terms and Limitations: This offer is only valid for March 18th at 8:00pm, March 21st at 2:00pm, March 22nd at 7:00pm and March 25th at 8:00pm. This offer is valid for new purchases only and is subject to availability. This offer may be revoked at any time and may not be combined with other offers. Limit 8 tickets per order and normal service charges apply.

WEEKEND GUIDE: 3rd Annual Cask Festival! Beer, Beer and more Beer!

45 rare beers? From a cask? No cover charge? Pay-as-you drink?

Well, I can't think of anything better to do this weekend!

Stop by and stay drinking at Chelsea Brewing Company this weekend (March 20-22nd) from Noon to Midnight for the 3rd Manhattan Cask Ale Festival. 8oz beers range from $5-9 & 16oz beers range from $10-18. A bit steep for the Cheap Chic, but with rarity comes a price! Plus, when was the last time you got yer hands on a real cask ale and not a can of Beast (Ah, those were the poorest of days)?

Plus, on Saturday it's down to the Final Four in the National IPA Championships and the Winner will be announced on Saturday night!

Click here for directions to Chelsea Brewing Company.

Download a Printable Beer Menu here.

REMINDER: Almost 50 Celebration TONIGHT!

For ONE night only....

Place: Chelsea Clearview Cinemas, 260 W 23rd St.
Time: Show starts at 7pm, Meet Elle* a.k.a. the Cheap Chic in the lobby by 6:45pm
What: Learning "How to Marry a Millionaire" with Monroe, Bacall and Grable
Why: Drag Queens, Millionaires, Classic Films, Vixens and of course, Cheap Events, OH MY!
Cost: $7.50



Not only will you leave the cinema knowing how to nab your own Millionaire (Sugar Daddy, Forbes Lover, or (even better) F$!king Billionaire), but as an added bonus, Hedda Lettuce will be hosting the 7pm show!

SEE YOU THERE!

Seamless Lunch

Last Monday, I had a dentist appointment. I loathe the dentist to the point that I have to consciously restrain myself from not biting the hygienist's fingers off by very politely gripping my hands on my lap and mantra-ing "I will not bite the hygienist. I will not bite the hygienist. I will not bite the hygienist even a little bit..."

Well, I ended up not biting the hygienist and with my "goodie" bag of flosses, toothbrushes and a gum stimulator (Kid you not! There is actually a product called a "gum stimulator" on the market.) in hand, I trudged to work.

As I was walking down Lex, I thought about a pick-me-up lunch that would sooth my battered mouth. The problem always is that in the Midtown Manhattan area, lunch averages around $8-10. That, of course, is way too much for the Cheap Chic.

And that's when I had an idea! After seeing adverts all over the City for the website, I went back to my office and logged on to Seamlessweb.com.

Seamlessweb.com is a website where one can order sustenance for delivery or pick-up from a variety of restaurants & delis in 14 metro areas across the US and the UK ONLINE! That's right, folks. I didn't have to leave my desk to order lunch. Also I chose what time I wanted to pick up my lunch, showed up to the restaurant & there was my lunch, waiting just for me. Quick signature (I paid for my lunch online with my Bank card & since I picked it up there was no delivery tip) and I was eating lunch within 5 minutes.

"Seamless, eh?"


BEST OF ALL, after some Cheap Chic internet searching, I found a COUPON CODE that offered me $5 OFF my order on Seamlessweb. Therefore, my original $8.13 lunch (hot, fully cooked & non poisonous lunch, a vast departure from my usual lunch) ended up being only $3.13, which is even cheaper than the food cart!!!!!

"What a deal!!"

Now I want to share this deal with you, gentle reader:

Just sign up for Seamlessweb.com, make an order and in the

Promo Code box at the Checkout type in:
SEAMLESS123456.

Other cheap peeps claim that this COUPON CODE:

SEAMLESS1234

will get you 30% off of your order

all the time, anytime (unless the restaurant already offers a discount). I'm going to try it soon and I'll let ya'll know how it works!

So, if one day you forget your brown bag, don't fret. Just head to Seamlessweb for a Cheap Chic type of lunch deal. And, of course, share your comments on the blog!

NOTE: Pick-up is only available in Murray Hill, Midtown Manhattan, and the Financial District. Therefore, most ordering on Seamless is for delivery, so make sure you factor in the cost of the delivery tip.

Green Beer in reverse or St. Patty's Day Pubs

Goin' fer a piss up after the parade?

This is THE DAY of Drink Specials and most bars (including the non-Irish ones) will be packed to the gills! If you want to get shlossed in an "authentic" Irish pub, I recommend checking out the MurphGuide.com which has the Ultimate St. Patrick's Day Pub Listings.

And last but certainly not least.....

ST. PATTY'S DAY PICKUP LINE (and true fact!): "Oh, Lass!" "Oh, Bob!" "Did ya know, that while we Americans love to wear green on St. Patrick's day, the color is considered unlucky in Ireland? So, why don't we take off these clothes and get lucky...." *wink, wink. nudge, nudge, say no more, say no more.....*


It wouldn't be St. Patty's Day without the Clancy Brothers...*Hey, whiskey you're the devil, You're leading me astray.*

St. Patty's Day, FREE Style

Happy (almost) St. Patrick's Day

sassaliciously cheap readers!

I hope you are all starting tomorrow morning with Kegs and Eggs or at least some Lucky Charms swimming in Guinness. I know I am! (I know. Such a departure from the ditz flakes I usually have every morning, but one must celebrate!)

And then, why not head to the St. Patrick's Day Parade on 5th Ave and take part in the day where every Blow-in's an Irishman at heart! Best of all...it's FREE!!!

Who: "You, ya Gee-Eyed Git!"
What: Watchin' the World's Largest Parade
The NYC St. Patty's Day Parade
Where: 5th Ave from 44th St to 86th St
When: Tomorrow March 17, 2009
Why: It's FREE and...inevitably leads to Bevvies and much gawkin'
Time: 11AM to 4:30-5:00pm

Worth the note: Bring your flask of whiskey, but make sure yer little Green man's hidden from view. New York's Finest will be out in full force and patrollin' the parade route. Public drinkin' of liquor (even if it is considered the milk of the Irishman) is against the law and thee Paddywagon will be there to haul ye to thee Tombs (minus the Guinness). Also, while cock mangers may be hard to come by, don't drain da snake in the street.

Almost 50! Come CELEBRATE with the Cheap Chic, Millionaires and a Drag Queen!

In honor of the Cheap Chic's upcoming 50th post, she is celebrating in style, along with fives loves of hers: drag queens, millionaires, classic films, vixens and of course, cheap events!

This Thursday March 19th, 2009 at Chelsea Clearview Cinemas, join her for the classic film "How to Marry a Millionaire" starring Monroe, Bacall and Grable for only $7.50.


Not only will you leave the cinema knowing how to nab your own Millionaire (Sugar Daddy, Forbes Lover, or (even better) F$!king Billionaire), but as an added bonus, Hedda Lettuce will be hosting the 7pm show!


Just R.S.V.P. through Cheap Chic Events on Elle Cheap Chic's Facebook Page and let the sass begin!!!

Cheap Chic is on Facebook!

The Cheap Chic has joined the Man!

That's right folks,

The Cheap Chic is now on Facebook!

Just find become friends with

Elle Cheap Chic

(yes, I know, I know... ala French "She Cheap Chic"

or ala Espanol "El (the) Cheap Chic")

and

you'll be the not only the coolest,

but the cheapest peep on your block!

30% OFF at Gap, Banana Republic & Old Navy AND 5% Goes to TEACH FOR AMERICA!

From

Today, March 12, 2009 through Sunday, March 15, 2009

you can get

30% OFF

(Click on lick ABOVE for coupon)

any in-store purchase

at

Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy,

Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Stores.

~

Best of all

5% of your TOTAL purchase

will be DONATED
to

Click here

for more information on Teach for America.

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.