First introductions between bloggers, Ogilvy Public Relations and TJX were made in the lobby of Boston’s palatial Fairmont Copley Plaza, where we stayed for the duration of the event. We met fashion bloggers from The Budget Babe, The Budget Fashionista, Nitro:licious, Shoe Smitten, Stiletto Jungle, Broke and Beautiful, Second City Style, 55 Secret Street, My Fashion Life, Mom Central and Style Hive as we walked over to Skipjacks for a casual evening of getting to know who’s who. People were dressed to impress (loads of black and cream, fabulous boots, statement coats and designer bags). After all, this was a fashion occasion and your style quotient had to be top notch.

Early the next morning a bus took us off to TJX headquarters in Framingham, MA, where we enjoyed a full day of education and hospitality. The agenda included interactive sessions with corporate marketing teams, a preview of holiday lines, a Q&A with the President (Michael MacMillan), a fashion show, “guess the price of this item” competitions, merchandise tours and store visits. The event was fun, informative and superbly run.

The “splurge and steal” fashion show (above) was a great way to see how ensembles from T.J Maxx and Marshalls could stand their ground against much more expensive options from full price department stores. Click the picture to see a larger version of the ensembles on the right and let us know in the comments which you think is which.

We learned a lot about TJX in the process. For example, one of their biggest challenges is the perception that budget store + low prices = low quality. Although their more than 1600 T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores cut costs to the bone, many of the items are high end, sometimes even couture brands. More than 85% of the merchandise is from the current season, and less than 5% is irregular. TJX buyers work hard all year round to find great deals, and the result is a rapidly changing range that varies from store to store. Although the stores can be hard to navigate, there are fantastic bargains hidden on the rails.

Bloggers enjoy a sneak peek at some of the upcoming TJX Winter merchandise.

No matter what your budget, everyone loves a bargain which means that T.J. Maxx and Marshalls should thrive in our tough economic climate. Their Fall marketing campaign “this season, smart shopping is the new black” tickled my toes. If you’re an expert merchandise scanner and can see past an untidy and less than glamorous shopping experience, you’ll score treasures at half the price for sure. You might even enjoy the treasure hunt.

Thank you for the entries to Friday’s TJX competition. We are evaluating your thoughtful suggestions on the T.J. Maxx and Marshalls shopping experience and will announce the winner after Thanksgiving.

HE most talked-about twosome in Hollywood are talking with a couples counselor to resolve their escalating problems, an insider told Page Six.

Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson “are fighting like cats and dogs,” according to our source. “They fight every day, screaming, crying and yelling at each other.

“Sam and Lindsay are still very much together and very much in love, but drama just seems to follow Lindsay, and Sam hates it. She deals with Lindsay every day. And every day for Sam means questioning, ‘Is this worth it?’ ”

Page Six spies saw Lohan and Ronson get into a spat outside of Citrine on West 21st Street recently, and the London Sun published details of a explosive argument this week outside Boujis in London, where Ronson was deejaying. The paper reported “all hell broke loose” and the the screaming match ended with Lohan “in tears.”

On Nov. 4, a video posted online showed Lohan, 22, snapping at Ronson, 31, to “pull the car up, Sam” in front of a slew of fotogs. “Lindsay is high-maintenance and a lot to deal with,” another insider divulged. “And Sam has always dealt with her. But it isn’t easy.”

Lohan - who insists she is not a lesbian despite her relationship with Ronson - “will go straight back to guys” if she and Ronson do split, said one source. Rumors of her flirting with Chase Crawford and her ex-boyfriend Calum Best add fuel to the combustible situation.

“The things they argue about have to do with their age difference,” said our insider. “But no matter what happens, at the end of the day, they are always fine.”

A rep for Lohan said only that she’s unaware of any therapy sessions.

(source)

HE most talked-about twosome in Hollywood are talking with a couples counselor to resolve their escalating problems, an insider told Page Six.

Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson “are fighting like cats and dogs,” according to our source. “They fight every day, screaming, crying and yelling at each other.

“Sam and Lindsay are still very much together and very much in love, but drama just seems to follow Lindsay, and Sam hates it. She deals with Lindsay every day. And every day for Sam means questioning, ‘Is this worth it?’ ”

Page Six spies saw Lohan and Ronson get into a spat outside of Citrine on West 21st Street recently, and the London Sun published details of a explosive argument this week outside Boujis in London, where Ronson was deejaying. The paper reported “all hell broke loose” and the the screaming match ended with Lohan “in tears.”

On Nov. 4, a video posted online showed Lohan, 22, snapping at Ronson, 31, to “pull the car up, Sam” in front of a slew of fotogs. “Lindsay is high-maintenance and a lot to deal with,” another insider divulged. “And Sam has always dealt with her. But it isn’t easy.”

Lohan - who insists she is not a lesbian despite her relationship with Ronson - “will go straight back to guys” if she and Ronson do split, said one source. Rumors of her flirting with Chase Crawford and her ex-boyfriend Calum Best add fuel to the combustible situation.

“The things they argue about have to do with their age difference,” said our insider. “But no matter what happens, at the end of the day, they are always fine.”

A rep for Lohan said only that she’s unaware of any therapy sessions.

(source)

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years and 500 auditing sessions since the two of you walked down the aisle in Italy. Two years of living on separate floors, while pretending to have the romance of the century has to be difficult. You would think that with your prolonged absences from each other this year that you would want to spend some quality time alone on your anniversary. Maybe Tom would dress you up as his favorite superhero and you would have hot passionate monkey sex all night. But no. Instead you did what any couple celebrating your anniversary would do, you had the kids over and played the Scientology version of Trivial Pursuit. Aaah, good times.

Over the past two years you have seen both of your careers go into the toilet but it has not let you stop pretending otherwise. Sure, Katie has been forced to take the fourth lead in a Broadway play, but Tom has that big Christmas spectacular coming out and with the advance reviews, I’m sure that movie has a chance to at least pay for that autographed first edition of Dianetics.

For people who really don’t have much of a career, you sure do get photographed a lot. I myself am guilty of showing your photos more than I probably should simply because I think your daughter is adorable. I say your daughter, but I’m really not sure about that whole thing. I can’t wait until she is old enough and then have her provide a DNA sample, because I’m just dying to know. I figure at some point she will go through some kind of teenage rebellion phase and that will be the perfect chance.

But, this is not about her, this is about your love for each other. I have never seen a couple pose so much for the cameras together in public. It’s almost like you really want the world to show us you are together. Always wearing matching clothes with your arms around each other. From the looks of things you have never had a fight. Considering you probably only see each other during a photo opportunity, that is probably why you don’t fight. I’ve always been curious about what you would fight over. Do you have a copy of the alleged contract on your refrigerator door and refer to it when you fight. “It says here I only have to pretend to like you three days a week, so I don’t have to do four.”

Katie, it seems like you really don’t get out much. Oh sure you walk the 20 feet from your apartment door to the car and back again each day, but when is the last time you went out with someone other than Tom or one of the bodyguards? We never see you at lunch in New York, just laughing with friends. That can’t be a good thing. The only time you are out with friends, it is always another couple, of an equally appropriate Hollywood stature and you are all smiles. How about just going out and getting hammered one night and letting the pap catch you?

Anyway, it has been two years and I’m sure you are both ecstatic to have made it this long. Congratulations.

(source)

Sometimes the stars of major book-to-movie franchises are humble, gracious, and totally comfortable around their legions of fans, no matter how obsessive — like Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe, a beacon of British politeness in a world of celebrities run amok. And other times they're like Robert Pattinson, Twilight's hilariously reluctant vampire heartthrob. To publicize Friday's release of the first film in Stephenie Meyer's teen-romance saga, Pattinson has been traveling the country signing autographs, shaking hands, and posing for pictures, and, as he's made clear to all reporters covering his promotional appearances, he is completely miserable.

A native of London, Pattinson probably just wanted to enjoy American nightlife, make out with famous actresses, and score some easy publicity for his fledgling emo band, sort of like that guy who plays Chuck Bass. And when he signed up to play Twilight hero Edward Cullen, Meyer's books weren't yet the media-acknowledged super-phenomenon that they are now. Plus, he'd already been in two Harry Potter movies, so how bad could this be, really?

Bad! In the past couple of weeks, Twilight fans have shown a tenacity heretofore unseen in fans of YA fiction, rioting in San Francisco for the chance to meet him and camping out in front of theaters for nearly a full week before his movie's release (don't kids go to school anymore?). At the autograph sessions, he seems baffled and more than a little uncomfortable with the throngs of screaming teenagers lining up for hours just to meet the star of a movie they've not even seen yet. See below!

In yesterday's Times:

"What is with all the screaming?" Mr. Pattinson asked when he came out.

[…]

"The connection that I am an actor playing this character is sort of skipped," he said, laughing during an interview before the throng was admitted to the Hot Topic store here. "They are in denial. They think I am Edward Cullen." Mr. Pattinson, 22, said he had no idea what to make of his situation, about to meet thousands of teenage girls — and many of their mothers — who were flat-out in love with him.

"It is bizarre," he said. "People come from three states away and walk up to you trembling. I feel that I am at a disadvantage here because I can't provide this mystical thing that they came for in the two seconds we have."

From Collider:

"My brain doesn't really accept it. So it's fine. I can be put anywhere and it just goes completely over my head. I just don't want to get stabbed or something. Literally, my representation asked me, 'Do you have any problems with this? Is it going to be okay?' I said, 'I just don't want to get shot or stabbed. I don't want someone to have a needle and I'll get AIDS afterwards.' That's only my real fears."

In an EW recap of last night's movie premiere:

"This is crazier and louder than I was prepared for," said Pattinson, running his fingers through his trademark floppy locks and looking sharp-dressed goth in his fitted black suit. "With every week, the fervor and anticipation seems to grow. This is my life. People know my name and ambush me in public and try to figure out what hotel I’m staying at and ask me to bite them and want to touch my hair. I have accepted it as real now, but it still feels surreal."

In this weekend's "Sunday Styles":

"I don't know how many girls with braces tried to kiss Rob," [Twilight director Catherine] Hardwicke said.

"They'd ask, and if you said 'no,' they'd kiss you anyway," said Mr. Pattinson, who is probably best known for his role as ill-fated Cedric Diggory in two Harry Potter films.

From a local-news report about a signing in Chicago:

"Oh my God," said Pattinson, laughing nervously at the uproar. "Are they going to blow [the place] up?"

Earlier: ‘Twilight’ Autograph Session Marred by Vampire Riot

Who: Jennifer Choi

What: Senior Garment Technologist

Which means? "I oversee every aspect of all our clothes, including the fit, quality and material, and ensure it's all perfect. On a day-to-day basis I attend fit sessions with our female models, which can be a bit depressing! But it's all part of the job."

Hails from: Sydney, Australia

Length of Service: "Two years - I've had my ups and downs buy I absolutely love working here"

About my outfit: "I wear a lot of basic pieces, hence the white t-shirt and black leggings, although I dress them up with key items. My knitted top is my favourite cardi in the whole world - it's by an Australian design team called Camilla and Mark. My boots are from asos and I absolutely love them - I'm really into the whole over-the-knee trend - and my necklace was a present. It's by David Aubrey whose jewellery I'm a big fan of - it's very antique looking."

My style icons are: "I have two - Marlene Dietrich because she questioned conventional beauty and pushed the idea of femininity, and Chloë Sevigny because she mixes old and new ideas and makes them look amazing."

My 'can't live without' items are: "Mascara - no question. And Bonds underwear. That's such an Aussie thing to say!"

Currently lusting after: "The All Over Sequin Playsuit is definitely on my shopping list for the festive season. I also really want the amazing L.A.M.B Round Toe Heels - they are a perfect fit - and the Paul & Joe Sister Angora Knit Tunic - the buttons are so cute!"

Fashion mantra: "Have fun with your clothes and always be confident"

Brandon Flowers and The Killers performed their Little Noise Sessions show in the U.K. over the weekend, and gave the audience a special rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

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To be honest, I was put off by a comment I received a few weeks ago (that I did not publish) that said this blog should be renamed "complain-town" or "negative-ville." So I was trying to avoid using this forum as a bitch-session. But then I thought how my favorite shows, movies and songs are all forms of bitch sessions about life. Take Office Space and The Office, the typical characters portrayed are essentially a form of bitching about the types of people who annoy us at work. Or John Mayer's lyrics in the song "Stop This Train," are: "so scared of getting older, I'm only good at being young..." and he gets Grammy buzz and sold out shows. So why am I not allowed to poke fun at the things I encounter throughout the day without being called "negative" or pegged as a "complainer"? The only recognition I get is from Amazon.com recommending that I buy the book How To Be An Adult every time I log on to my account.

Although I am not as talented as John Mayer or Steve Carrell, I am entitled to b*tch about whatever I want on my own blog. And for those of you who want, I am asking you to join me. Give a piece of your mind to the guy whistling behind you in line at the grocery store, the salesman with the terrible breath, the random people who add you on facebook, or anyone else who you can't b*tch to in person. Believe me, it feels good. Leave a comment on this blog, in letter format, (no profanity please) and if it's not terrible, I will publish it. Happy b*tching.

Everyone wants to travel the world, right? How does a luxury cruise sound? Warm beaches, exotic ports of call, fine dining, 5 star service, hammocks and fruity umbrella drinks. Who could resist?

Course there is one small issue - the outrageous prices that put the dream of a cruise vacation out of reach for 90% of people. But there is hope. I am here to help you find the absolute best cruise travel deals. Wholesale prices, incentive cruises, and even the occasional F.R.E.E voyage are in the bag of tricks. My goal is to show you how to plan, find, book, and enjoy the cruise vacation of a lifetime on a shoestring budget whether it is your first cruise or your tenth.

Be sure to check out this month’s top hints, insider secrets, and tricks the travel industry does not want you to know about how to get a fantastic cruise travel deal.

Here are 5 ideas to get you started on finding the cheapest cruise bargains:

1) Go Off-Season

Everyone and their brother is planning a cruise in the spring or early summer. Think spring break and that’s where you will find the crowds. The cruise industry is not going to offer any good cruise travel deals during their busy season because they simply don’t have to. Expect a 20-30% cheaper fare for off-season cruises.

BONUS: Airfares will also be cheaper during the less-traveled months saving you an additional chunk of money.

2) Consider Repositioning

These cruises are heavily discounted because the cruise line is simply moving the boat from one home port to another. They have to take that trip regardless of how many passengers sign up. You will get a few less ports - but if you are true cruise lover, the extra days at sea will be no great burden. You can expect to save 40-60% on a price per day basis over regular cruises.

3) Skip the Flight

Most cruises in the US originate from Florida and California, but did you know that dozens of other ports of embarkation (where you leave from) are available? Unexpected places like New Orleans, Houston, Seattle, New Jersey, and even Mobile, AL offer a few cruise itineraries a year. If you can hitch a ride from somewhere within easy driving distance, how much will you save? Anticipate travel to and from the embarkation port costs to drop easily $1000 for a family of 4.

BONUS: Also, you will not have to worry about hotel on either side of the cruise in this scenario.

4) Last Minute Savings

Often if your schedule is flexible, good cruise travel deals can be had in the last 2 months leading up to departure. Think about it - the boat is going, overhead is relatively fixed, so empty staterooms cost the cruise lines big bucks that can never be recovered. Sign up for email newsletters (cheapcruises.com, vacationstogo.com, and travelzoo.com are my favorites) so you will get priority notification of cruise travel deals.

5) Speak and Cruise

If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you know there is a an endless array of entertainment and educational opportunities on board. Everything from underwater basket weaving, to painting classes, to seminars on wine tasting. Did you know that each of those presenters AND their family get a complimentary cruise in exchange for a couple of 1 hour work sessions? Would you work for 2 hours to get a free cruise?

Get Your Free Trip Now

Cruise Travel Deals is passionate about helping the average Dick & Jane travel without breaking the budget. Our motto is affordable cruise vacations for everyone. Continue your education at http://www.hotcruisetraveldeals.com and pick up your COMPLIMENTARY 3 day vacation, just for visiting.

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The International Men’s Day falls on 1st of Nov and is historically deeply connected with their often risky & strenuous life that they lead in order to protect their family, elders and children. As an ode to every man, this event has been conceptualized to gift them a day of mane enrichment.

Interested ones can call 044 – 24671222 and register their names and details and fix appointments. On this occasion sisters, girl friends and wives gifted a surprise makeover to their men respectively by registering on their behalf.

The style booths at FitnessOne from Schwarzkopf Professional are all geared to tackle ones everyday hair-menace, thus giving a new lease on life with a brand new look. The male members of the gym got mane-care tips, snips and quick-style-fixes with Schwarzkopf Professional’s premium styling product –OSIS and premium care product-Bonacure coming to their aid.

A complete express makeover was also on the cards for these lucky men apart from the expert advice from the experienced, internationally trained Technical Advisor from Schwarzkopf Professional, Ankita Madan.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Vivekanand, MD, FitnessOne said "We at FitnessOne have always given significance to good health but we all know that the enduring relationship between fitness and style is never-ending. The youth of India are redefining masculinity; this eminent trend is seen in the man today.

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