BeChicMag.com

MAKING LIFE A LITTLE EASIER

Although New York was confirmed to be in a recession earlier this week, I couldn’t help but tell you of a shopping Web site that’s intended to keep most of your money where it belongs- in your wallet! During these “tough times” finding sales is imperative and Shop It To Me is the place to go to stay chic and prosperous.

This shopping savvy, free service alerts its members when their favorite designers are having a sale. Shop It To Me sends out e-mails every time an item in your size and in your area is on sale- omitting the hours of walking in and out of stores looking for bargains.

I wasn’t sure how their service worked, so I signed up for it. It asked me which designers I liked and what kind of clothes and accessories I was into. And within minutes, I got an e-mail telling me which brands had a current sale like this pair of Guess pumps that went down to $49.97 from $89.95. Now that’s what I call a sale!

To sign up for “sale emails”, go to ShopItToMe.com. *mercedes sanchez

Whenever I craved Mexican or Cuban Food I usually ordered from Cafe Habana on Elizabeth Street. And then when La Esquina opened a few years ago on Kenmare, I thought, “Finally. A place where I can walk to when I’m hungry for tacos.” Yet, theirs weren’t authentic enough. Then by accident I bumped into Pinche Taqueria on Mott Street when I was walking home one afternoon in late March. I was a little skeptical at first being that places like San Locos and La Esquina claim to serve real Mexican dishes, so I put Pinche to the test. And voila! Now these people were official. After first meeting the folks at Pinche, I called for delivery at least three times a week for the next three weeks.

After working by Rockefeller Center, I knew that the best local and inexpensive place to get juicy tacos, carne azadas and sopes were from Tehuitzingo on 10th Avenue. For only $7, I used to get their Tacos Dorados (deep fried rolled tacos). One order brought four rolled tacos over cotija-covered salad and pico de gallo. My favorite dish from Pinche is also their Rolled Tacos, but one order only brings two and costs $6.75. Yet, they’re worth it!

Besides their diverse menu which includes breakfast entrees and imported beer, the atmosphere at Pinche Taqueria is smooth and relaxed.

Pinche Taqueria is located at 227 Mott Street, between Prince and Elizabeth. 212.625.0090
*mercedes sanchez

WHAT WOMEN WANT

If you’re looking for the perfect summer dress, Iodice will get your attention! Actresses like Garcelle are already wearing the Brazilian label on the red carpet. This yellow sultry summer Alline Dress only runs for $400. But you don’t have to wear this frock to a high-end function. Iodice offers a variety of colors including a navy blue dress that you can just wear around town.

Iodice’s gowns are available at Saks and boutiques nationwide.

To see more of their collection, visit Iodice online.

Bros Who Are Too Close
I recently told a guy friend of mine that he should get over his “bromances” and settle down with a female partner.

He wasn’t sure what the term meant, so I broke it down for him…

There have been recent articles, including Gawker’s “Over Analyzing the Bromance” that speak on this topic. The gossip-based Web site describes Bromance as “close friendships between hetero dudes.” Pretty simple, right?

There’s nothing wrong with guys hanging out. Happy hours or watching sports from a living room is normal behavior and for the most part, acceptable. But apparently today’s men are over-exceeding the time spent together, and many women might think that’s a problem.

No two relationships are the same, but with studies showing that the average marrying age for a man is now 27 as opposed to 23 in 1960, more women are waiting a little longer for these bromances to end. For the men involved in a bromance, I advise that you find the love of your life, get hitched, love your mate and see your boys every other weekend.

I agree that life is short and big decisions should be made carefully…but still I included some fun tips on getting serious:

Three Advantages to Getting
Over The Bromance and Settling Down:
1. Moving In Together: You can split the rent with your lady friend. Let’s face it, most couples (’couples’ can have various definitions) spend a lot of time in each other’s home. Moving in together can mean dividing cable costs, rent, groceries, utilities…The list is endless.
2. Marriage: Think about it as a business proposal. In addition to the aforementioned, you can combine your incomes, claim each other in your tax return and get loads of money back from the government.
3. Love: As corny as it sounds, everyone needs some lovin’ including tough guys who have a problem showing emotions. *mercedes sanchez

One of the toughest parts about relocating is finding a new entourage to help you look good. Back at home, I had two go-to hair stylists. I got my chic haircuts from whom I consider the best hair-cutter ever! And that’s Nelson from Lotus, a swanky but laid back salon on Prince Street. Or when I needed an emergency wash and dry, my cousin Cristal always had my back. Now I’m in a new city and have no one I trust to handle me. There are some women who can do their own hair, nails and eyebrows. Unfortunately, I’m not one of them.

Before leaving for Central New York, I realized I had to stack up in basic beauty products. After all, I was moving to a chic-challenged city. So I asked my crafty cousin to show me where I can get the best supplies for cheap. We walked to a beauty supply store on Clinton Street in the Lower East Side. She showed me a collection of hair driers. I took my time selecting mine, especially since I haven’t straightened my own hair in over four years. She also suggested which velcro rollers will add volume to my hair. Thanks to her I got the Turbo 1500! This baby is so powerful there’s an over-sized disclaimer on the box that reads “Not For the Home. Professional Use Only.” I haven’t caused a blackout so far. Until I find a new talented group of folks to make me look pretty, I’ll stick to my own blow drier and tweezers.

The Turbo 1500 runs for $60 in beauty stores.
Nelson is by appointment only. Haircuts start at $80.
Lotus*. 7 Prince Street. 212.219.3293
You can also check out his Web site @ ChairCut.com.
*And if you want a super-chic hairdo, ask for Kelly! *mercedes sanchez