Dear New York Mass Retailers,

When I tell people that I live in Manhattan, I say it’s the greatest place on earth.

What’s not to love?

The theaters, galleries, men, restaurants, all make this city, what Barnum & Bailey coin: “the greatest show place on earth“.

After giving this answer, it’s at this point, when my hometown Denver folk, usually say: “UM… AND THE SHOPPING!?”

Me: “NO.”

New York is one of the major fashion capitals of the world, so any twenty-something woman must love it, right?

NO, not me.

Here’s my gripe: The Big Apple has thousand of stores, catering to all fancies, but if you’re like me, and over a size 16 (or 12 for that matter), you are shit out of luck.

I’m a plus sized woman (size 20/22) and not ashamed of it. I am; however, working on dropping some of the weight (for health reasons) but reality is I will always be a plus-sized woman.

That means in New York City, I have two, yes, two stores that I can afford to shop at Lane Bryant and Ashley Stewart. Oh, and how can I forget wash n’ wear brand: Forever21. Forever came out with Faith21; but, first off, who can find Faith in any of the Manhattan locations? And secondly, Faith21?

What the hell?

Yes, I’m sure some of the “4 B’s” (Bendels, Bergdorfs, Barneys & Bloomies) sell plus size, but then again not all of us (ahem) can afford a $1500 ensemble.

So, here I am forced to shop either online or at a store that is still quite pricey, while my friends get to go to sample sales and what not.

At times I feel like Anna Wintour is laughing her ass off at girls like us (because rumor has it, they record what you eat inside Conde’s cafeteria).

The fashion industry as a whole looks down on girls who are bigger. (Well, kudos to V for coming out with their plus-sized issue. But the featured girls are more voluptuous beauties rather than zaftig real-women.)

NY Fashion Week starts in 7 days, and even though this will fall on deaf ears, I think the Fashion world needs to be more open to designing for the “everyday” woman. I have some shows to attend, and I’m so sick of wearing lack-luster Lane Bryant twin sets.

If you’re a plus-sized woman, please take a stand.

I’m getting exhausted from being pushed to back (just like in gym class).

You ignore us and force us to don generic “boot-cut jeans” & “ribbed cardigans” and other foul garments that induce nausea.

I’m asking for this: just a few, affordable, cool stores that sell plus-sized clothing for me & the like; or of course, expanding the inventory at places already-existing retailers.

Proud Plus Size NYC Fashionista.

PS: I’m not saying being “plus-size or overweight” is healthy, I’m just being fed up & being real.

P.P.S – Yes that is me, Misti Schindele

From GlamourCow.com

Ahh, The Holidays…

That special time a year where you find yourself running around party-hopping, last minute shopping, and making sure you are properly primped while take over the world.

And lets face it girls (and guys) nothing ruins a look more than horrid looking nails.

You know what I’m talking about: You spend 20-35 mins gets your nails to the glossy best, only to see them chipped and cracked a few days later.

Well, I was very surprised when that DIDN’T happen to me, using Milani’s Nail Laquer.
(Yes, Milani, as in the cheapee drugstore find.)

Last week, I was getting ready to make the 3 hour treck to Washington D.C. for Thanksgiving & one of the must-do’s was a mani.

Instead of picking a color at the local salon I brought my own, “Ms. Milani“, a very pretty metallic sliver, perfect for the Holiday season.

After successfully making it through the first of the family get-togethers, I noticed that after 4 (almost 5) days later, there was not a chip in site. My Nails still looked pretty damn awesome.

Even better, after DC, I made a pit-stop over in my hometown Billings, M.T. (that’s Montana for all of you born & raised N.Y.ers) While visiting the homestead a few of my cousins and sisters where raving about my nail color & we ended up busting out both the “Ms. Milani” and “Garnet Gems” and doing a little mani session in my Grandparents kitchen!

It’s crazy cheap @ $4.50, which is half the price (and just as good as) Essie.

From GlamourCow.com

There are lots of different skin care brands on the markets. Some are worth the massive amounts of money they charge (Clinique, Dermalogica). However, if your like most people, you don’t want to spend half your paycheck on skin care. Well, I’m here to tell you that despite some claims, you can get decent skin care at your local drug store.

Now, don’t be fooled, there are some craptastic brands out there that you should stay away from (ahem..Clean n Clear), however, St. Ives is NOT one of them.

I recently tried the new Fresh Skin olive oil skin care line from St. Ives, and it was pretty damn good. (Think their signature Apricot scrub, but way, way better.)

Olive Cleanser: It’s a nice gentle cleanser, which is good if you’re like me & have sensitive skin. (Trust me, the last thing you need is a harsh facial cleanser that give you alligator face. <red, dry, and peeling>.) All natural anti-oxidants, 100% natural extracts, Paraben & Phthalate-free & no animal ingredients.

Moisturizing Olive Scrub: The face scrub is also awesome, it uses Jojoba Esters to gently exfoliate dry and dead skin cells without using rough abrasion. This product is also, 100% natural extracts, Paraben & Phthalate-free & no animal ingredients.

Both the cleanser and scrub use Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters to deliver emolliency and enrich by moisturizing your skin, as well as Olive Leaf Extracts that provide a natural source of anti-oxidants, like Vitamins A & E.

The best part?

Both retail for $4.99, yep you read that right, under 5 bucks (!).

Winner winner chicken dinner.

Finding the right salon is like finding the perfect shoe, once you have it, you really don’t want to let it go.

I have lived in NYC for over 2 yrs now and have kept flitting from one salon to another, none them being the ‘right’ fit. They were either way out of my price range, didn’t have enough knowledge, or eff’ed up my hair.

I decided to give it another whirl (I mean, what was I going to do, I was desperate for a cut), I chose Salon Ziba.

When I walked in, the salon had a very tranquil vibe; which is way appreciated after the hustle & bustle of some of the other salon’s I’ve visited over the past 2 yrs.

I was quickly greeted by Nim, who worked the front desk.

He walked me over to the coat check where they took my coat and gave me my robe; Nim then took me upstairs to the Color Station and I was introduced to my colorist, Margarita.

We looked through the color book and after some discussing she whipped up a mix of Chocolate & Dark brown colors that will bring out both the red and golden undertones in my hair.