Whoever Wants a Honda Civic, Say "I"

As you could probably guess, in the auto market right now, Hondas are selling out left and right. Everyone wants a Honda Civic, or an Accord or a hybrid of one of the two; myself included. And people aren't only trying to buy new, they are definitely browsing used without batting an eyelash, thanks to this economy.

(Honda Civic hybrid above) The 2009 models are going for $23,000 to 26,500, approx. right now.

The cool thing about Hondas is they are such trusty cars; they have great resale value. You can get a used Honda for close to the same price of a new one (if you're trying to sell yours--though I have no idea why you'd want to at this time--but yes, there are actually people who are trying to sell theirs). And even when you buy used, if you sell it again years down the line, you can still find someone who wants to buy because these cars last for a long time before they start going bad.

(2008 Honda Accord coupe) Anywhere from $21,000 to 31,700)

So, yes, I too want a Honda. A Civic Hybrid to be exact. You'd better get on the list right now though. When I was checking them out at the Roush dealership over in Westerville, they told me that Civic Hybrids won't be available until spring of 2009. And with that news I exclaimed I'd settle for either the hybrid or the regular Civic (because anything is better than the gas-guzzler-good-for-nothing-small-SUV I'm currently whippin') and they told me there aren't many of the regulars left either! Of the 600 total Civics Rousch Honda had in their inventory, there were only 4 left! And that was back in July. It's probably -5 by now.

I'd buy new or used, though, for close to the same price, as I said before, I might as well get the new one. I was trying to wait out for the hybrids to get back in stock. The 2009 Civic Hybrid is on the website and it will get up to 40/45 MPG on the highway! Though, as I spoke to a sales person at the dealership, they did explain to me that the Hybrid is better for one thing, and the regular Civic for another. For example, the Civic regular is better on the highway, so if you'll be doing lots of commuting or driving cross-state, traveling etc. then you'd probably want that one. But if you do much more stop-and-go, city/local travel, then the Hybrid is the better choice for your lifestyle. Either way, gas mileage is great on both models, of course, and easy on your pocket.

(2009 Honda Fit...just released! ) It gets 34 MPG on the highway and 28 city. They're selling for under $16,5oo.

The price of a Honda coupe or sedan...which ever...is affordable and as close to a non-depreciable asset as you can get in a car. Obviously cars depreciate, but Hondas do much much less than most cars. Here's a savings calculator right on their site so you can see how much money you'll save overtime by buying one.

But on the subject of hybrids and MPG-savvy cars, let's peruse the other options. Obviously, companies are churning out hybrids more and more, as we move towards a more "green" society and one that is less dependent on oil/gasoline. Pretty soon, just about every model of any car you can think of will come in hybrid form, along with the regular version. Some choices other than the Honda that you should look into are: below, the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid.

I've heard many great things from Nissan owners. A friend of mine had her Maxima until the poor thing would drive no more. They last for a long time, are well made, drive nicely and are affordable, safe and can be seen as slightly luxury at times. This guy is selling for around $26,650, according to Yahoo! Auto.com. My guess is that you could still find a 2008 model and get a steal on this car.

The competition to the Fit: the new Toyota Yaris! Both are compact cars. The Yaris comes in this 3-door and in a sedan, as you will see below. This is soooo affordable at $10,800 or so, to about $15,000 at the most. I am going to test drive the sedan this weekend!

(A 2009 Toyota Prius)

These babies are selling out too. They're running for about $20,000 to $25,500 right now. Priuses are well worth the money, and at that price, it's not too expensive for what you're getting. Hondas prices are up because they have the leverage, being that everyone wants one. So even the non-hybrids are going to be more than this car here. You will have money in the bank once you start driving this car and saving on gas...it gets 45 MPGs highway and 48 city!!!! This is the true commuter's car.

This is the Toyota Yaris sedan. The sedans and the 3-door both get 35 MPGs on the highway (if they are automatic).

And then there's always a Smart Car.

This car is just a front seat and a bitty little trunk. Though, it's very cost-effective. Literally, it's just two-doors...there's a passenger seat, and a driver's seat. That's it. They are so cute. They are like the fleas of the insect world--super small, but they can be formidable if they choose. Pricing is right around $11,500 to $12,000 on these specialty cars. There aren't many dealerships so, we are lucky, as Columbusers to have a dealer in our own city. Germain motors (specifically Germain Mercedes at Easton) has a small section that's been turned into Smart Car. Months ago, the lot was full of Smart Car inventory. Last time I drove by there, about a couple weeks ago...there was only 1 Smart Car left! People are realizing that getting 41 MPG on the highway is a beautiful thing.

Democratic National Convention Watch Party in Columbus!

So everyone knows that the Democratic National Convention is taking place this week in Denver, Colorado. I, for one, and ready to get this general election show on the road! Sen. Obama has chosen Delaware Sen. Joe Biden to be his Veep candidate. Rumor is, there's already a list you can get on to be one of the firsts to receive an Obama-Biden bumper sticker.

Here's a link to the DNC Schedule for this week.

So, tonight, Michelle will be speaking...I LOVE this lady. She is like a black Jackie O. I really think women look to her for inspiration and assurance. I know many women look to her and feel a sense of normalcy, because Michelle is an all-American mom (who happens to be the wife of a man who's running for president). But she's genuine. That is what a first lady ought to be. And I think women like me around the country see that in her. Plus, she's already inspiring people in the fashion arena. The first time she appeared on the morning TV talk show The View, she was wearing a cute dress from the readily-available retailer White House/Black Market. The next week, the company was selling out of that particular dress, left and right. Or should I say left and left? Ha. I crack myself up. She wasn't wearing some $3,000 Gucci getup from Neimans or anything...she was wearing a dress from a store that most women can afford and relate to. Ok, I'll shut up about her for now.

Then on Tuesday, Hillary will speak. She is going to be speaking in support of Barack and she's going to award all of her delegates to him! I think this is great step in the direction of cohesiveness, which is what Dems are really needing to focus on right now. By Hillary doing this, she is showing that she approves of and back Obama, and hopefully she will urge all of her die-hard supporters (some of who are salty that she won't get the nomination) to go ahead and vote Democratic...meaning even though they may be upset, they need to think about unity in the party and about change in the government.

Wednesday, Bill Clinton will speak on the topic of Homeland Security.

 

Look at that, they have great chemistry already....

And finally, Thursday, Obama is going to accept the Democratic nomination for president. He (and I assume Biden) will be speaking; it will be the main event of the DNC. So, Max Blachman is hosting a Watch Party on that day, August 28, 2008, at 8 pm. It's going to be at The South Oval, off of 12th and College Streets on OSU's campus. Click here for a map. Be there or be square...or I guess, oval.

A picture of the "South Oval" at OSU

They always say life's better at The Square

Well, that, I am not 100% sure is true. But according to this brand-new apartment community, "life is better at the square." The square they're talking about is Kenyon Square.

Being that it's August, either you are going through it now or you can remember back to those days and be thankful you aren't going through it now...but leases for apartments are expiring during this time. I've been apartment hunting. And there is a shortage of apartments because everyone has already snatched all the good ones up. I wasn't sure if I would be living with female roommates, as I've always done, or live with my boyfriend. Don't worry, we've been together for nearly 5 years (yay to December 15th) and we have been engaged before; but I've decided to go ahead and shack-up already. There will be many blogs ahead that chronicle my boyfriend-girlfriend living situation and what conclusions can be made from that, I assure you. So, my bf and I had to find something last minute.

After browsing through a number of those free Apartment Guide booklets that you can find at the grocery store, I came upon this ad for three new apartment properties to be called Kenyon Square, Alexander Square and Mercer Square. And, I'm not going to lie, I was baited and hooked by their teaser line of: "Reserve your apartment now and get a free laptop!"

Who doesn't want a free laptop?!?! I already have one, but I am in the market for a new one or I was thinking, why not sell it on ebay and make some extra cash?

But something that also lured me was the price tag. I was very pleasantly surprised to see that the rents started in the low $600s (for what I assume would be the most basic model of a 1 bedroom). This place seemed to be within our price range.

And what else is super surprising is for that rent quote, you get all of these amenities (not to mention the luxury of it being a new build so you'd be the first to live in it and have all new everything).


The various squares, each in a different part of Columbus and all run by Preferred Living, claim to feature these qualities in all of their apartments:

• Contemporary gourmet kitchens with mahogany stained wood finish cabinetry
• 9-foot ceilings
• Black appliances
• wood-like floors
• balconies with storage rooms attached
• brushed nickel hardware (such as the bathroom sink faucets)
• free wireless internet everywhere
• sound-proof walls
• track lighting
• crown molding
• Berber carpet
• pantry in the kitchen
• spacious closets
• big showers that feature Rain Style Showerheads

Let me just say, my boyfriend and I call these showerheads "Make it Rain" showers.



Hahaahahaahaha. And when we read that on the description, we were SOLD!!! These types are in rich people's houses! Also called "spa showerheads," the water comes out on top of your head as though you're standing in the rain. It's quite refreshing.

The showerheads alone, sold us on these places so I called them up right away to ask about how to go about leasing with them and all the details.

Here's a floorplan for one of the less expensive 2 BD/2BA suites. And below, there's a random 1 BD/1 BA that I picked to display on here.


Wait! There's more. There will be a ginormous clubhouse that has it's own set of amazing amenities:

• heated swimming pool with a waterfall
• a movie theater
• 24-hour gym with personal training available
• lounge with fireplace
• tanning
• The Sky Club (with coffee bar)
• a 24-hour business center
• cabanas
• on-site ATM machine
• outdoor fire pit
  

Kenyon Square is going to be located in the Polaris area. And I just checked on the website, where you can see more pictures of all the amazing things each suite contains, plus all of their floorplans (there are a bunch). The website, though, quotes one of the smaller 2 bed, 2 bath suites as starting around mid $700s. The next 2 BD/2BA model jumps up to the $800s and everything goes up from there. So, I am not really sure where that "low $600s" came from that was advertised. But you can fill out an application online.

Now, when I called, the sales rep told me that Alexander and Mercer Squares will be the first of the communities to be finished and that won't be until early October, I think she said, around the 4th. Kenyon will be the last to be built and it will be done in late October. Seeing as though I have to be out of this (horrid) apartment that I'm currently in by August 31st, my bf and I had to pass, however reluctantly, on these apartments for the simple fact of timing.

If things had worked out according to moi, I would be living in this place, no questions asked. However, I would probably choose to live in one of the other "squares" than Kenyon because I was told by their sales rep that Kenyon would be more expensive and more prestigious because it is meant to be like a hotel or resort-like living. The other two are to be more like standard apartment complexes, though they will feature many of the same amenities in their suites.



Here's a map for Alexander Square. It's scheduled to be in Worthington. Mercer Square is supposed to be in the Dublin area between Sawmill Road and I-270.

For residents of these properties, they can pay their rent online--so convenient--as well as put in a maintenance request there. And on apartmentguide.com there's a coupon for Mercer Square right now! It says: reserve an apartment and get an LCD TV for free. This place is set to be a competitor with other various hotel-style apartment and condo communities around Columbus. A top example would be the Lifestyle Communities, which started-off featuring many of these same living features and customized clubhouses complete with a bar. So Preferred Living's newest venture is sure to keep such communities on their toes.

Fall Fashion 2008: Top 10 Trends (according to me)

(In no particular order)

10) Belle Curve

This fall majority of designers wanted to stay within the bell curve. As in, the bell-curve skirt, or Belle skirt. This easy-wear skirt was ubiquitous on the season's runway. Mid-thigh or knee-length, they're equally flattering on all body shapes. They do a great job of concealing a little tummy pooch or thicker thighs. They can also mask wider-set hips and certain brands can really whittle your waist. These skirts are appropriate for work or play--think office meetings then happy hour with colleagues.


Emporio Armani, Cynthia Rowley, Fendi (photos courtesy of style.com)



This skirt is from Bebe. There's one at Easton Town Center. It's $98 and it's polyester/rayon blend. Sizes are XS-L.



Here's a printed Belle skirt from J.Crew for $98. Sizes are 0 through 12. The nearest J.Crew is at Easton. Also: note the ensemble of the model about. The stylist at J.Crew nailed this look. Duplicate this sure-fire look with your own items.

9) Fringe benefits

Without fail, every fall, there are inklings of bohemianisms and hippie culture. This year is no different, though it's not overkill. Fringe can take the form of booties, long-strapped satchel purses, t-strap, flat sandals a la Jeffrey Campbell, or on the edge of a cocktail dress. All you have to do is incorporate small touches to your daily ensemble. I will say, though, that this look tends to add an air of casualness, so it's best to keep it to the weekends or after work.

Anna Sui, Betsey Johnson, John Galliano (photos courtesy of style.com)

This is a cute take on the fringe in the form of a dress. It's very 1920s flapper girl, but with a 1960s vibe. It's from edressme.com and it's $72 in sizes S-L.

'

Moccasins are back again, and I don't mind one bit. This time, it's not about the little flats, it's about the Minnetonka mid-calf boots and tons of fringe. You can buy these at Nordstrom's (located at Easton) and they're $89.95, in black or brown like those above. Some have lace-ups and some are short booties that look like something Peter Pan would wear, but all are a must for fall. Celebs like Nicole Richie, Kate Moss and Lindsey Lohan are already wearing them.

8) Blow the bag pipe for red Scottish tartan

This red plaid was everywhere on the catwalk for fall. Well, obviously, plaids in general are very fitting for the autumn and winter months, and they tend to be done in heavier fabrics like wool, so they work well for keeping people warm. But for some reason, it was this eye-catching red tartan that designers across the board, and world for that matter, couldn't get enough of. You can make an entire outfit of it, if you dare, like we saw on the D&G runway, or you can use it as the sole statement piece the way Balmain did.

D&G, Balmain, Dsquared (photos courtesy of style.com)


Alloy's Plaid Skinny pants for only $34.50 at alloy.com. They come in juniors sizes and are 32'' inseam. They're stretch cotton.



Here's a sexy 3/4 sleeve blouse from Bebe for $79. You can find Bebe at Easton.

7) Minimally Fashionable

Simplicity is refreshing to me for this time of year. Typically, you see lots of fabric layers, outerwear, accessories, and yes, those are all well and good for the colder months, and such things are usually necessary--but by keeping things simple, you appear chic, mysterious and well put-together. With minimalism you can be in fashion, while being comfortable, warm, sophisticated and give off a rich vibe. And by rich I don't necessarily mean monetarily. With minimalism, you don't have to try so hard, and when you keep things streamlined by wearing all one color, for example, the focus of your outfit becomes more about the details, cut and architecture of the garments. Less is definitely more in this case, and I plan on embracing this look often come fall. Heck, I may just start now!

Prada, Lanvin, Narciso Rodriguez (photos courtesy of style.com)



Head to Saks 5th Ave at Polaris Fashion Place for this black sheath dress by Nanette Lepore (one of my favorite designers!) for $350. This is the right way to do minimalism.

6) Talley-Ho: English Countryside

This is a typical fall ensemble. Lots of layers, European-inspired, print-on-print equestrian outfits that scream old money and old-fashioned. But designers re-invent this look every fall/winter with touches that aren't so old-fashioned but are very now. Notice the feathered Fedora hat like Carolina Herrera did, or the country-western/American shirt that D&G utilized. A knit beanie surely throws the Englishman look for a loop. As I said before, just mix in odd-ball items to make sure you don't look like you just stepped off of a British movie set. Make it your own. Also, DON'T BE AFRAID to put plaid on plaid or prints together, just make sure they're in the same color scheme. It's not a good idea to do the same plaids on top of each other.


Dolce & Gabbana, Carolina Herrera, Ralph Lauren (photos courtesy of style.com)

Here's a much more modern and practical version of this look. Notice the layers, thin belt and color scheme. Just add jeans. You can take it a step further and add a scarf or ascot, a "cabbie" hat or leather driving gloves. This ensemble you can find at J.Crew. The jacket is $198. Not sure about the rest of the items. The jacket is Donegal tweed and comes in three other fabulous colors. Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors are other designers who specialize in the English-country, equestrian, spot-of-tea theme clothing.

5) French Made

The proverbial "French maid" outfit (think scandalous Halloween costumes) was all over the runway this season. While some designers like Zac Posen and Behnaz Sarafpour took the theme literally, others did so in a much more figurative way, like Balenciaga. Either way, ensembles of white on top, black on the bottom in the form of dresses or skirt/blouse combos were prevalent. This look can be very very feminine, dare I say prudish at times, so to soften the look or to keep the idea from becoming too dowdy or demure, add some accessories to off-set the femininity. For example, in my opinion, it would be best to pair the outfit with shoes that are something other than Mary-Janes (even though some of the designers put the models in such shoes). You need something unexpected or harsh even; think patent leather rocker-style booties or something along those lines. You want to contrast the ultra-femme. And remember where you are going to where this. You don't want to look like the typical overly-sexualized maid when you are at the office or going to church.

Chanel, Balenciaga, Behnaz Sarafpour (photos courtesy of style.com)



This is a great interpretation of the French-maid look and you can find this Tibi "Kensington" knit dress for $350 at Saks Fifth Ave. The Saks is at Polaris Fashion Place. It's equal parts modern, demure, edgy and work-place appropriate.



And Forever 21 (at Easton Town Center, Polaris Fashion Place or Tuttle Mall) has a bunch of options that are terribly affordable. The first two above are $22.80 and the third is $27.80. They come in sizes XS-L.

4) Shoulder Pads and Tapered Pants? Oh, geez

I hate to say it, but this idea of late 80s, early 90s fashioning is back already. I am mourning this fact. I refuse to wear clothes like these, and you should too. There are some fashions that belong on the runway, and no where else. My mom wore all kinds of clothes just like these, when I was little. She even did the huge, fringed, floral scarf slung over her power suit like the picture below demonstrates. Honestly, I don't even know if I can find any items in the stores right now that resemble clothes like this. Typically, people who still have such items keep them stuffed in the backs of their closets or have long since donated them to Goodwill. Well, going to a thrift store or raiding your aunts closet may be the only way to get your hands on some of these items--unless of course you go directly to the source: a Marc Jacobs boutique. But be ready to shell out thousands of dollars for garments that aren't even figure flattering. Who ever said super-sized shoulders, baggy, tapered pants, overly-long suit jackets and belted winter coats were attractive?

3.1 Phillip Lim, Marc Jacobs, Bill Blass (photos courtesy of style.com)

3) Be a Walking Disco Ball: Sequins

Razzle-dazzle and all that jazz. Tons of the designers this season incorporated sequins in their lines, especially black ones. Though many designers, like Robert Cavalli and Derek Lam made sequins into something more sophisticated this season. So we're not really talking reds, purples and turquoises, we're talking blacks, silvers, grays and golds. Keep everything else simple. Allow the sequins to stand out all by themselves; you can even use sparkle to separate a solid outfit, for example black on black with a black sequined garment in between. Sequins then become like a pop of color.

Derek Lam, Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein (photos courtesy of style.com)

This sequined racerback tunic-dress for $108 can be found at Arden B (at Easton Town Center). This is sure to get you some looks.



This cute bloussant sequin top is from Old Navy and it's only $24.50.

2) Punk to the Next Level

Punk has become a mainstay of the 21st Century as far as fashion is concerned. You can find touches of punk and rock styling just about everywhere. When places like the Gap and J Crew are adding elements of punk to their lines, then you know this trend has permeated the entire fashion industry. Some designers simply add touches of leather and zippers to their lines, while others, like the designers below, center their entire line around this theme. The inspiration for this trend came from Vivienne Westwood and her debut line from decades ago wherein she brought the idea of British punk to the world. Victor and Rolf did something amazing when they made garments with seams that are actually stapled together using industrial staples (as you can see). Those items are price upon request, meaning, they cost A LOT of money, because of all the work that went into making them.

Viktor & Rolf, Betsey Johnson, Vivienne Westwood Red Label (photos courtesy of style.com)

Hot Topic is the best place to go and get items that are punk, and as always, you can mix in ultra-street looks with some of the more sophisticated items you may have in your closet to get the perfect mix i.e. a sleek, black ribbed turtleneck Bonus points if you add some 80s-punk styling to your ensemble.

These purple zebra pants from Hot Topic are only $39 and they have solids as wells as other animal prints in other colors. Pants like this were a staple of Balmain's runway collection. They come in 31" inseam and juniors sizing. There's a Hot Topic at Easton Town Center.

1) Lamé Looking

Lamé, which was a disco-era staple, is back--and in many forms. Again, the same rules apply to the sequin one. When the material goes multicolor, you begin to cheapen the look. Stay within the gold-silver-bronze-pewter-black colors. Lamé has a very distinctive shine and drape. It's perfect for dresses like the one below. Marc Jacobs may be solely responsible for bringing this fabric back into fashion.

Diane Von Furstenburg, Versace, Monique Lhuillier (photos courtesy of style.com)



Here's a great Vera Wang champagne-colored lamé peplum jacket with black flower detail for $210 at bluefly.com. Super chic for work or play. Sizes 0-12.

This is a hot pair of lamé leggings that you can get at American Apparel in just about any color your heart desires. They're $42 and they come in sizes XS-L. But be aware, AA's clothes run really really small. There's an American Apparel in the Short North on the corner of 5th and High Street.

Accessories:

Headbands, Architecture-inspired pieces, capes and caplets, super-tall platforms and wedges (we're talking 5'' and higher) and finally school-marm purses.

Here's an example from Anna Sui's runway of a great headband. Also pictured is a headband from Marc Jacob's collection.



Here's a cape from Alberta Ferretti's collection. And this one from Jean Paul Gautier's line.


A platform for Jil Sander, a super-high wedge from Louis Vuitton and another wedge from Stella McCartney's line.


A ring by Marc Jacobs and an architechtural bracelet by Louis Vuitton.

And finally, the legendary, quintessential school marm classic Birkin bag by Hermes