LuxBuzz

Miss last week’s episode of Heroes? Want to read the plot of next week’s Gossip Girl? You needn’t need to fish YouTube or search channel websites anymore.

YahooTV is a free service run by (of course) Yahoo. Search for TV listings, videos, photos, news and gossip, or full episodes.

Almost like TiVo, YahooTV allows the viewer to choose a time that is personally convenient, and of course, pausing is always an option.

Ads and commercials are kept to a minimum, and the website is free and simple. Check your email, grab last week’s episode of the Office, check your horoscope, stocks, celebrity gossip….Yahoo has it all!

www.yahootv.com

Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!

It’s in nearly every mall, and every suburban soccer mom totes one. You know what I’m talking about — Coach, the brand that’s inspired numerous counterfeits, and numerous fashion don’ts.

In an effort to revamp their image, Coach’s current ad campaign displays the company’s new perfume, and updated styles, along with other accessories such as shoes and sunglasses.

These new styles include items from the “Legacy Collection”. Bags like the Legacy Leather Satchel offer less logo branding while being stylish yet understated. Sounds like a deal, right? Not so fast. The pricing on such bags is steep — at times upwards of $700.

Gone are the days of “c” printed bucket hats and totes, and for what? A classier (albiet a little boring) bag that everyone and their mother will have eventually? A good alternative to couture houses Hermès, Chloe and Chanel, whose coveted handbags go for at least $1500?

What’s your take?

The UN World Food Programme’s (WFP) website FreeRice.com gives 20 grains of rice every time you get a vocabulary question correct. You gain a better vocabulary, while donating food to the hungry. Advertisements that change at the bottom of the screen for each question fund the program. Even if your computer freezes or your connection is lost, the site is still able to track the rice you’ve earned. You can also donate $8.25 to fund a full 25 kilo bag of rice (here). The game is also great practice for standardized tests that have vocab sections. The WFP also gives foods other than rice to the hungry.

Hey Guys!

Hopefully everyone had a great Thanksgiving and an even greater Black Friday. I know I did! You all know what that means though? Winter is here!

So fast, I know! It just seems like yesterday I was writing my post about searching for the perfect fall coat! Now, it’s time to get warm! So, with that, here are my selections for the perfect WINTER coats:

Banana Republic Red Peacoat - $218

Remember when I said the fall season had a very melancholy color pallet? This winter is sure to be different! Many designers are tired of the drab black, gray, and navy outerwear that is routinely lasting throughout the winter season. For this season however, color is always important, especially shown above with the classic red peacoat. Add a cute houndstooth scarf to really show style.

J-Crew Alpine Gramercy Coat - $350

A little expensive, but definitely worth the splurge for this fabulous addition of color to your winter wardrobe. If you’re not digging the red, then definitely check out this great bright alpine green peacoat. Dress it up with pumps or down with flats for a quirky yet stylish look. This wool coat is sure to keep even the coldest of hearts warm this Christmas.

Hopefully you all will take note this season and bundle up, have gloves handy, and stay warm! Nobody likes a cold and a heap of schoolwork to make up after the missed days. If you’re really not digging these prices on the coats, Forever 21 has stylish coats for under 100 dollars. Just remember though, the coats listed above are most likely guaranteed to last a lifetime. Happy Winter Everyone!

-Russ

With many of us traveling this month and next due to upcoming holidays, it’s good to keep these in mind regarding travel safety, tourism tips and of course, how to stow those must-have far-off purchases in your bag on the way back.

At the airport, train station and on the streets:

• Keep your bag within view at all times! Especially important for passports and money.
• Label both the inside and outside of your luggage.
• Pack your jewelry and valuables in your carry-on or purse, and again, keep a close watch.
• Pay attention to airport security. It will decrease your — and everyone else’s — hassle levels and wait times immensely.
• If worst comes to worse, contact the local police or your country of residence’s embassy for help.

Tourism:

• Investigate the so-called tourist attractions. In New York, visit the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and Central Park. These places are well-known for a reason, that being, they’re usually worth checking out!
• Ask the locals. They’ll know the best pizza places, the coolest clubs and more.
• Wander. Don’t feel limited in your travels. It’s great to go with what’s popular (see above), but the best finds are often found off the beaten track.
• Enrich your brain. Take advantage of museums, especially in cities known for their culture, like Paris. Not into the masters? Look into modern or performance art venues.
• Take advantage of student or traveler discounts.
• Above all, respect the residents. If you don’t speak their language, at least make an effort. Respecting their culture will earn you respect in return.

At the shops and the hotel:

• Take advantage of a lower exchange rate.
• Look into vintage and high street shops specific to the area, but skip designer goods you can easily get at home.
• Invest in a garment bag to avoid wrinkles.
• Make sure any appliances you bring (blow-dryers, curling irons) have compatible outlets. If not, buy a converter.
• Keep your luggage in good repair.

Most of all, have fun!

– Halie

Now, I have to say that as a senior in high school, I never read the Harry Potter books. I may have made a silly attempt in the second grade to obtain those precious AR points, but I never made it past the first chapter.

However, after going to the movies at midnight with my crazed friends, I was impressed. And books are always better than film adaptations, so over my Thanksgiving break I decided to read “Harry Potter and the Sorcerers’ Stone”. The great part about reading the book at an older age is how fast it goes. It only took me a few hours to finish off.

The book was entertaining, suspenseful, and I kept wondering just how J.K. Rowling crafted the story the way she did. I was skeptical at first, but I think I am now a full-fledged Hogwarts fan and will be reading the entire series and having a movie marathon in these upcoming weeks!

So, whether you are skeptical or a huge fan, read the books! Read the series for the first time, or go back and re-read for some entertainment.

Happy Sunday!

Well, it’s that time of year again! It seems like only yesterday that the shops were all decorated and had Christmas songs playing. Time to face the annual dilemma of buying people presents. Will Aunt Margaret like that scarf? Will Nick like that man-bag? There are so many types of people out there, thats why I compiled a guide you can use to help choose presents for friends (and family) this holiday season.

1. The person that has everything
It may seem like nothing that you can buy would be good enough for their high-end taste, but often these people do appreciate little things and can be understanding. Get them something unusual and unique or go one step further and make their present from scratch (e.g. Jewelry). This marshmallow shooter ($30 from Urban Outfitters) is creative!

2. The arty types
Baking, painting, pottery or photography, these people really appreciate “different” gifts. They are also really easy to choose for because of their wide range of hobbies. Recipe books are wonderful for the people that love cooking or baking and a voucher to an art shop would be an instant hit - as would this brownie pan ($40 from Fred Flare) or this set of 4 plates ($34 from Urban Outfitters).

3. The rebels
You know the type - listen to death metal, usually play a loud instrument, wear a lot of black… These people are one of the hardest to buy for, but with a little imagination you can choose something that they will really enjoy! You can attempt to buy them something cutesy and often they will really appreciate it - even the toughest of people have a soft side! This locked diary would be ironic but sweet ($12 from Fred Flare) and this tea set would be perfect ($20 from Urban Outfitters).

Keep your eyes peeled for part 2 of this gift guide!
Rock on!!
xx
-Steph

Whether you were out at three this morning or are just about to go out, be sure you are ready for the madness that awaits at pretty much every shopping center today.

Personally, I have yet to see something that caught my eye enough to stand in freezing weather outside a retailer until they open.

However, if you are risking going out, here are a few things to keep in mind:

-Keep your cell on you at all times. Some pretty crazy things can happen, and you must always be prepared!

-Bring a jacket, gloves, hat, etc. to stay warm outside in the lines (Unless of course, you are lucky enough to live somewhere that is isn’t 28 degrees)!

-Wear something plain underneath your outerwear, like a white tee or tank so if dressing rooms are booked you can strip down to your decent tee or tank and try things on right out in the store.

-Get the best deal possible! Be sure you did your research, cut out those coupons and are saving enough money for the madness to pay off!

Happy Black Friday, LuxBuzz readers. The best luck to you in your shopping endeavors!

Hey Guys!

People among the teen fashion community have been buzzing about what to wear on Thanksgiving. Nothing special I hope! You don’t want to get mom’s amazing dressing on your own amazing dress, do you? I know for me I’ll be sporting a casual, brown Lacoste polo and khakis for my own special feast. Besides, upstaging your elder grandparents at the dinner table is a definite no-no. Nobody likes a Trendy Tracy at the table.

For girls I recommend a subtle top and a casual bottom. You still want to show respect, so wear a button up or a polo and nice pants. Add a cardigan to downsize that dressy blouse or top. But most of all just be comfortable! Being close with your family and being thankful for what you have is the most important part of Thanksgiving. Just try not to get food on your outfit, okay?

-Russ

As much as I admire Amanda Bynes and think that she has managed to stay a good role model for young girls (no drunk photos, no naked photos and no sex tapes) it is slightly too conformative of her to decide to design a collection - just like every other celebrity in the world! And just like every other collaboration, there isn’t anything very special about these pieces - they’re very preppy and definitely suited more towards the pre-teen market.

I had a nice little YouTube video that I’d found but for some reason it wont publish so you’ll just have to visit this link.

So, I guess if it’s your kind of thing then you should head down to Steve & Barry’s or the official Myspace page. Otherwise, be like me and stick it out until a decent celebrity collection comes out!

Rock on!
xx
-Steph