Trend Steal

Linea Pelle Dylan Folding Tote in Black versus Liz Claiborne "Jackie" Leather Flap Satchel in Black.

Down in the Basement

I love a closeout. I love a sale. I love when they are combined. That's why Filene's Basement is my favorite place in the (shopping) world, today. Sadly, only located in large metropolises (including NYC and DC), Filene's is a bargain hunter's dream.

The store is outfitted with racks and racks of designer jeans, dresses, shirts and shoes. Handbags and jewelry also have room. Prices are generally slashed over 30%-50% before being placed on clearance and no it isn't just the ugly discarded merchandise from Neiman's (though, some of that does find it's way).

Filene's is definitely where bargains were born. PS: It also has Bridal Shop.

House and Home

One store I feel never gets the credit it deserves is Big Lots. Shelved with furniture, rugs, counter top appliances (microwaves, blenders), food and more, Big Lots provides deep discounts on some high quality goods. It even has closeout furniture!

Founded in 1967, and operating over 1400 stores in 47 states, Big Lots is the best place to find that pot set you need for over half off department store prices or that salon shampoo that was overstocked at it's previous home. I highly recommend them for miscellaneous electronic devices like remote controls, computer keyboards or stereos.

Find one near you.

Spotlight

Amy Adams is one of my favorite actresses and soon she will be for the world as well. Adams is one of those dynamic, yet underrated, thespians that must slowly build a resume of outstanding pictures before some big wig takes notice. Then, she'll take one film that will bring the bandwagon and "fan"demonium will ensue.

Adams first caught my attention with her role in Junebug followed by a turn as a princess in Enchanted. I absolutely adored her in Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. She currently stars in the Oscar-nominated film Doubt alongside the brilliant and subtle Meryl Streep and formerly underrated Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Not to be mistaken with the witty Isla Fisher, Adams should own a room full of trophies from the phenomenal performances she has undertaken since she first began acting.

Hopefully, the Academy and everyone else will catch on soon.

Music Minute

In keeping with my "Right Now, We're Loving..." posts' general inclination towards music, The Beach Music Sound is the perfect compilation befitting of a lazy day around the house (or a more practical one spent doing laundry or cleaning). The sound is that of old R&B in its prime when it wasn't necessarily about a raunchy birthday present or love knocking you down, though those are both quite nice contemporary chart climbers.

My favorite of the album is Bob & Earl's cha-cha-slide precursor, Harlem Shuffle. Enjoy!

Right Now I'm Loving...

Rope of Silicon. This website never ceases to provide valuable information in the entertainment arena. Brad Brevet, Laremy Legal and crew dish out news on upcoming films and television shows.

I rely on Silicon's movie reviews and enjoy the witty snips in the Box Office Oracle posts. Brevet also posts his awards season predictions and favorite mid-year and year end films. If that's not your speed, they receive stills and teaser/full length trailers for upcoming movies. If you need helpful, unbiased info on your favorite programs and films or even to hear about entertainment events like Comic-Con, give them a look.

Music Minute

Santigold's "L.E.S. Artistes". The single, from the singer's 2008 debut Santogold, is featured on a teaser commercial for Lifetime Movie Network.

Santigold has collaborated on/produced songs for several heavy rotation artists. Rolling Stone gave her eponymous album 4/5 stars and placed the album at #6 on it's top 50 albums of 2008. The magazine also listed "L.E.S. Artistes" as #2 on it's 100 Best Singles of 2008 (only behind Beyonce's screechfest "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)").

Music Minute

The Notorious B.I.G.'s Duets: The Final Chapter. The album combines some of Biggie's original unreleased material with collaborations from some of today's hottest artists. I've always been a fan of Biggie Smalls, most notably his songs "Juicy" and "Big Poppa."

My favorite Duets include the single "Nasty Girl" featuring Jagged Edge, Diddy, Nelly and Avery Storm as well as the album tracks "Ultimate Rush" produced by Scott Storch featuring Missy Elliot and "Just a Memory" featuring Clipse and Diddy. The album definitely leaves a lasting impression just as B.I.G. has.

Music Minute

Citizen Cope's (real name Clarence Greenwood) sophomore album The Clarence Greenwood Recordings as well as his debut Citizen Cope. I've been a fan since 2004, and Greenwood has become better between albums. His songs have also been featured on a plethora of television shows as well as films.

My favorite's from his first LP include: "If There's Love", "Appetite for Lightin' Dynamite", and "Theresa" and the best of Greenwood have to be "Sideways", "Pablo Picasso" and "Bullet and a Target". I also own Greenwood's most recent Every Waking Moment, released in 2006, but have yet to find a favorite so far (though I'm sure I will). I'm hoping someone will soon catch on to his talent.

Music Minute

Angie Stone's Mahogany Soul. Ms. Stone has never had a dramatic commercial success (though she was number 1 on the Billboard Top Heatseakers). Her soul anthems, Wish I Didn't Miss You and Brotha are wonderful and permanently positioned on my iPod.

She's no longer with J records (according to Wikipedia she is now a Stax) so it may be more difficult to find her most recent albums, but there is always greatest hits or iTunes.