The Family that Shops Together Stays Together

I keep vowing not to be so dramatic but I really can't help it. It's in my genes. I come from a family of histrionics. We are all vying for the Oscar for most dramatic actor. Over the years I've tried to remove myself from the drama as much as possible hence living on the opposite side of the country from my family. However, I'm beginning to think that maybe I'm the drama or cause of it. After all, I just had to be "different". By different, I mean gay. I always have to be the best dressed person in the room even if it means upstaging the guest of honor at a party. And I always know what's best which means I'm always right. Maybe my family isn't that crazy. Maybe I'm the crazy one.

I'll probably never really know the answer to that question, however I do know this. Growing up in an unstable household, and by unstable I mean, divorced parents/step-family situation, clothes were always my savior. And they still are. Some of my favorite memories of my childhood are of my mom, grandma, sister and I going school clothes shopping at our favorite department store, Hess's. Hess's was a local icon of a store in Allentown, PA. It was a special time that us girls shared together, laughing, talking, and bonding over clothes. All the drama was forgotten as we played fashionistas for a day. Even though my grandma has since passed and Hess's closed in 1994, my mom, sister, and I still shop together. It amazes me that whatever craziness is going on in our lives, we're able to put it on hold to enjoy a few hours picking out clothes, shoes, and accessories with one another. That's why clothes have been and still are such a big part of my life. And now that my sister is about to give birth to her first child, I'm hoping for a girl or maybe a little gay boy so that we can continue with our tradition.

Million Dollar Shopper

Today could be my lucky day. Or it could be like every other day. I'll find out at 8pm tonight when the winner of the CA Mega Million lotto is announced. I'm going to buy a lottery ticket. I never buy lotto tickets but a chance at $92 million is worth my dollar today.

I think the best part about buying a lotto ticket is daydreaming about what you would do with the money. Well, actually the best part would be if you won the money but since the odds of that are like 1 in 175 million, I'll settle for daydreaming. Of course, I would give money to my family. Travel. Buy a house. Then I would shop 'til I dropped for clothes, shoes, and bags. (Don't start getting all judgy, I would give some cash to charities too)

There is the one website that I've been dying to try called Bag, Borrow, or Steal. On this site you can rent designer handbags for a monthly price. This is one of those things that, if I had the money, I would do it. It is like Netflix but instead of movies, it's purses. Even if I had $92 million, I would do this rather than spending a thousand dollars on one bag that I'd use for a month and then want to get rid of for a new one. They carry lots of bags from my two favorite designers, Gucci and Chanel. I found one Gucci bag that I love. The retail price is $1500 but at Bag, Borrow, or Steal, I could rent it for $275/month. Ok, you may be thinking that's still outrageous for a bag. But, that's why I haven't done it yet and am waiting for my millions to indulge.

Stylish Valentine's Day Gifts

It's always a dilemma figuring out what to get your girlfriend for Valentine's Day. My girl and I usually don't exchange gifts because we believe in making every day Valentine's Day. OK, you can say it. PUL-EASE! Yeah that's really cheesy, but that's our motto. We are always doing sweet things for each other like writing notes or cards. Valentine's Day is just one of those commercialized holidays that ends up making those who aren't in relationships feel really bad.

If you are in a relationship and you do the gift thing for V-day or if you just want to get something for someone special, I have some ideas. First I will give you some style items since that's what this posting is supposed to be about. Then I will give you some ideas that won't cost you a dime (probably best in these economic times).

1. Cufflinks. I started getting my partner these as gifts and she loves them. It adds a touch of bling to any outfit. Cufflinks.com has an awesome selection. They even have cufflinks specific to V-day.

2. Ties. I love ties. I think they look hot on women. Skinny ties work best. If your girl is up for tying one on, then check out ties.com. I particularly like their new line from Ed Hardy, tattoo artist. If she has a sense of humor, you might like this one, called "Love Kills Slowly".

3. Jewelry: What woman doesn't like jewelry? Why not get her something really unique like a necklace from Pyrhha? My partner got me one of these necklaces for my 30th birthday and it is one my most favorite things that I own. They are made of wax seals and each seal has it's own symbolic meaning. Check out the love seals for a piece that she'll brag about to her friends.

4. Undies: If you're like me and you hate walking into a Victoria Secret, then check out American Apparel. I love their line of cotton spandex jersey boy briefs. Very sexy. Get your lady friend a pair of these and you'll be sure to enjoy a proper V-day.

Now for the free stuff. OK, it may not be completely free but it will cost you less.

1. Picnic: You're probably thinking, "Are you crazy? It's the middle of winter!" I'm not talking about a picnic outdoors, silly, but one right in your living room. All you need is a blanket, a bottle of wine, cheese, baguette, maybe some olives. Put on some French jazz music and you'll transport your sweetie to a lovely garden in Paris.

2. Scavenger Hunt: No these are not just for kids. It's actually a lot of fun. Write down some clues on small pieces of paper and hide them around your house. Make the clues pertain to her or the two of you, like, "Go to the place where we like to cuddle and watch movies". Have the last clue lead to something special like a card from you or even better, you!

3. Make something: Come on you creative souls out there. I know you have it in you. When you were a kid, didn't you make things at school, bring it home, and give it to your mom? I'm sure she treasured those things much more than when you bought her a gift from a store. Your partner will feel the same way. I love when mine makes me a card. It's from the heart and way better than anything Hallmark could think of.

Those are just a few ideas to get your wheels turning. I'm sure anything you do for that special person in your life will make her happy unless she's a narcissist and nothing makes her happy. Then you should dump her and find someone who appreciates your romantic side. Because, you know you will have found your soul mate when every day does feel like Valentine's Day.