FatWallet.com

FatWallet is one of countless sites that offers a huge selection of coupons, deals and cash back rewards, but what makes them stand out is their easy navigation, organization and clean look and feel. Member favorites tend to be tech deals that include laptops and PS3’s whether it’s for MacMall.com or NewEgg.com.

RetailMeNot.com

If you’re looking to find deals from popular retailers, this is it. RetailMeNot.com has over 130,000 stores like Juicy Couture, Famous Footwear, DSW, Hollister, Sperry Topsiders, etc. to choose from.

CouponCabin.com

CouponCabin has over 100,000 coupon codes and you can always expect to find deals from major stores like Kohls, Sears, Overstock.com, Kmart as well as many other selections. Kate Gosselin has recently joined to be a contributing blogger for the site as a coupon-clipping mom of eight kids.

ShopAtHome.com

Launched in 1986, ShopAtHome is another popular destination for deals and coupons. Besides the normal deals, they also offer printable coupons, grocery coupons, and have a ShopAtHome’s Wild, where a deeply discounted deal is offered everyday from top merchants that can be as high as 90% off retail prices.

DropDownDeals

Without having to type and search for deals by going to different sites, DropDownDeals offers a toolbar app that syncs with the site’s coupon database. A pop-up display appears with the available deals from the retailer. It’s a helpful little aid that saves you both time and money when shopping from site to site.

Other Mentionables for the Fashion/Social Savvy:

LivingSocial.com

Daily deal site for various cities that offer up to 90% off restaurants, bars, spas, comedy clubs, sporting events, theaters, classes, and retail shops.

GiltGroupe.com

Members-only access to top designer labels at up to 60% off retail. First come, first served with advance preview.

RueLaLa.com

By invitation only, Rue La La is a private sale of the most sought-after fashion brands in fashion, accessories, footwear, home, travel, wine, gourmet food, and local services. Opens daily, but stays open for only a short time.

Ideeli.com

Exclusive offers from design brands up to 80% off

Hautelook.com

A members-only site, Haute Look is free to join and offers 50-75% off discounts for today’s best designer brands. New sales events occur every day at 8am.

Lila Jang Sofa

Taking a curvy ride inside her imagination, talented designer Lila Jang creates this statement sofa chair that was featured in a Paris exhibition called Parcours Saint-Germain. Visit CribCandy.com to see more “bookmarkable stuff for your home.”

Half Bookends

Add life to your otherwise boring book shelf and go for these  fun and quirky multifunctional book ends. Perfect for goldfish, flowers, candy or your own origami creations.

Compact Living Solutions

You won’t ever find a compact solution as sleek and clever as this Doc Sofa Bunk Unit that converts from normal couch to a bunk for two.

Livingstones Pebble Pillows

Smarin, a French design company, has created the perfect home decorator that grownups can lounge on and kids can enjoy. For more ways on how to put the  rock pillows into use, visit FurnitureFashion.com

Float Vase

Express a bit of your creative side with this float vase. With the illusion of being half stuck inside a hard surface, this unique vase will amuse guests and act as a light and fun conversational piece.

Socks might be the least of your sartorial worries, but the right ones can properly pull your outfit together—especially when you’re sitting down and your pants ride up, or if you’re wearing shorter bottoms and your sweaty feet can’t go commando. (Each foot can produce more than a pint of sweat in one day!)

This fall, designers including Moschino and Marc Jacobs embrace socks on the runway. Moschino takes a sporty approach on men’s fashion with double striped socks worn over trousers. Long, colored socks are used as accent points and darker shades are matched with trousers or shoes. If you’re a guy and don’t know a thing or two about fashion, just keep in mind that socks should be close to the color of your shoes or pants. If it’s a pattern, there should be one color point of similarity. And depending on the occasion, the material should blend in with your outfit—this means no white tube socks with suits, s’il vous plaît.

Moschino Fall 2011 | Style.com

Marc Jacobs pulls the look together for women utilizing socks slightly above ankle length and styles them as an accessory that contrasts the shoe color and coordinates with a point on an outfit, whether from a graphic motif or a solid-colored hat. Put this look into action by taking ankle booties and pairing them with contrasting wool socks that match your top or bottom color.

Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 | Style.com

Though the runway is the best resource for getting seasonal inspirations, gut-instinct still rules and is the answer to making your style solely your own. When shopping for socks this season, rather than resorting to the cheapest pair on the market, find one that is worth the value. This will save you money in the long run. Well then, where to shop? We love Happy Socks for all your sock-ing needs whether you love quirky prints, fun patterns, or plain styles. Happy Socks began in 2008. Their designs are created in Sweden and manufactured in Turkey at a family-driven factory that has been in the business for more than 30 years. Their factories make it a point to maintain respectful working conditions—another reason to shop here.

Long lines: check. Security screening: check. Flight delays: check. You finally board, reach into your carry-on for your eye mask, book, or iPod and realize it’s not there: check. The process of leaving for that summer vacation is full of excitement and stress, so much so that packing everything you need, or may want to bring, during your flight can take the back seat. Remember that your carry-on is your life line when traveling because it should hold your most valuable and entertaining items. Also, if your check-in luggage becomes lost during layovers, at least (hopefully) you packed an extra set of clothes.

Collaj will be taking off to Tokyo soon, and we thought we’d share the 3 E’s that should go into every  carry-on: Essentials, Entertainment, and Extras.

*And before you jet off to that tropical island or Italian vineyard, be sure to read up on the TSA carry-on guidelines.

The Essentials:

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

$5.99  (available at most drugstores)
During longer flights, your body becomes dehydrated, and thus your skin becomes drier. Aquaphor is known to battle dry skin, so slather this treatment on your face and hands.

Eye mask

$7.19
Your flight duration is the optimal time to get some of that R&R you’ve been waiting for. The best way to relax your eyes and fall asleep (aside from a mid-flight cocktail) is to wear a comfortable eye mask that blocks out all light. Available in more colors.

Travel Pillow with Memory Foam

$18.99
Whether your flight is an hour or 14 hours, this neck pillow will save your head and neck from discomfort and pain. The pillow will also allow you to fall asleep without embarrassing yourself as the sleeping head bobber.

TUMI Electric Adaptor with Ballistic Case

$50

Entertainment:

Any Apple product, but preferably the iPad

$499
The iPad offers the best of everything in one multi-media tool. Not only is this a space saver, but it will save your mind from the boredom of a long flight and from that annoying neighbor who attempts to go on and on about his life story.

NOOK Color

$249
This NOOK is great for those who simply want to read books, Collaj Magazine, or newspapers, but it also serves as a multi-media device that allows you to surf the web, play Angry Birds, and listen to music. This NOOK version is also a touch-screen and is slimmer than the iPad.

Bose IE2 Headphones

$89.95
These headphones have superior sound quality, which means they will drown out the humming of the turbine engines, the crying baby, coughing/sneezing of people who caught the airplane cold, etc. Also, the new design allows for comfort yet stability when moving around.

Extras:

American Apparel Medium Leather Carry-All

$50
It’s easier to keep all travel documents, currency, passport, and wallet all together, especially during international travel. Available in more colors.

Old Navy Jersey Lounge Suit

$16-25
Changing into lounge-wear during long flights is the preferable thing to do—makes  sitting in those small economy class seats a bit more bearable. Available for both men and women.

TOMS Blue Leopard Women’s Vegan & Men’s Grey Stripe Rope Sole

$54
Not only do TOMS come in every color and print, but they are easy on your feet. The built-in padded insoles are perfect for running through the airport, or to wear during the the flight.

Haviannas Brazil Sandal

$22 (available in more colors for both men and women)

Everyone in LA knows flip flops are a must—they’re comfy and allows for foot wiggle room on the cramped plane. The rubber soles are well made and nicely cushioned for maximum comfort.

For her: Loosen up your look by having a sack of jewelry handy, along with a bold-colored purse or clutch to liven it up. Ditch the work tote and blazer and change your pumps to open toe shoes, sandals or strappy heels.

1. Emporio Armani Structured Jacket; 2. J.Crew Cotton-Blend Racer-Back Tank; 3. Vintage 66 Sun-Kissed Judy Cocktail Ring; 4. ASOS Statement Spikes Bib Necklace; 5. Michael Kors Hamilton Leather Cross-Body Bag; 6. G by Guess Lattie Heel; 7. Catherine Malandrino Leather and Jersey Mini Skirt; 8. Sergio Rossi Pointed Suede Pumps; 9. Ibiza Flight Tote, Olive Wax

For Him: To transition from work to play, ditch the outer layers of jacket, button-up shirt and tie and keep on a solid color silky soft shirt. Change your shoes and slip into something more casual and comfy like the Sanuk slip-ons below.

1. Prada Strap Detail Blazer; 2. Banana Republic Shirt & Tie; 3. Y-3 Shirt; 4. Men’s Dockers Premium Litchfield Black Shoes; 5. Elie Tahari Men’s Khaki Pants; 6. Men’s Torgoen T27 Square Watch; 7. Sanuk Men’s Standard Upgrade Slip-On

{The Monastery monument: Petra, Jordan}

Summer’s almost here, which means one thing: travel season. If you’re planning to fly out, it’s best to get your tickets now before prices skyrocket. The optimal time to look for fares is usually after the New Year and before mid-May (not including spring break and holidays) or between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. According to Travel & Leisure, this is when airfares are historically at their lowest.

If you don’t already have your summer bucket list ready—or your life bucket list for that matter—now’s the perfect time to create one. And it doesn’t have to involve going out of the state or country. Whatever list you come up with, make it something that’s overall daring, caring and eye-opening. Whether you want to replicate what four friends did on MTV’s reality show The Buried Life, or put another do-good twist to your list, the options are endless.

For starters, here are a few items to add to your bucket list or to use for inspiration:

1.) Learn to cook a sophisticated recipe and know it by memory.

2.) Volunteer at one of the developing countries.

3.) Visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World, which includes Chichen Itza, Mexico; Christ Redeemer, Brazil; Colosseum, Italy; Taj Mahall, India; Great Wall of China; and Petra, Jordan. (To vote for the official New 7 Wonders list, visit New7Wonders.com.)

4.) Learn another language.

5.) Visit all the capitals of Europe.

6.) Go on a summer adventure with an adrenaline-rushing sport: bungee jumping, flying the trapeze, sky diving, white-water rafting, water skiing, etc.

7.) Start an online business.

8.) Learn to surf or play the ukulele.

9.) Attend one of the Summer Olympic Games.

10.) Go on a road trip across the country.

11.) Train for and participate in a marathon or triathlon.

—

For an easy way to make quick lists and keep them from getting lost, use Ta-Da List, which is a fast, free and simple online tool that lets you create and share your to-do lists.

I love my TOMS (olive green and glitter gold). You may have seen them on the feet of many Angelinos—and for good reason. They’re comfy, versatile and make an understated-cool fashion statement. But that’s not all. TOMS shoes change the lives of impoverished children all over the world.

When founder Blake Mycoskie took a trip to Argentina and saw the local children without shoes, an idea was born. Blake created TOMS Shoes, with the motto “One for One.” For every pair of TOMS you buy, the company donates a new pair of shoes to a child in need through the non-profit organization Giving Partners. The simple act of wearing shoes prevents disease, injury and infection. Unfortunately, there are many children all over the world who do not have the luxury of wearing shoes to protect their feet.

The good news is that as of 2010, TOMS has dropped 1 million shoes in South America, South Africa, the United States, Ethiopia, as well as Rwanda.  Blake also returned to Argentina and donated 10,000 pairs of shoes to the local children.

You can also contribute to the cause by buying a pair of TOMS—not only will you be walking around in comfort and style, but you will be helping out a child in need.

*Available in a variety of colors, prints and fabrics for him, her and kids. Purchase them online at Toms.com or at select stores such as Nordstrom’s and small boutiques throughout L.A.

{Ace Hotel photos by D.L. Thompson; Jon Johnson}

Since I was a child, Palm Springs was a second home to me. Today, it’s one of my favorite places to escape to when the congestion and smog of LA becomes a bit overwhelming. The tranquility and stillness of the Mojave Desert makes it the best place to catch up on some much needed R&R—to take in a breath of fresh air, bargain shop, gamble a little here and there and enjoy the vast landscape and desert oases. Palm Springs is only a few hours east of LA, which means it’s just the right distance for an ideal weekend getaway.

Since the days of old Hollywood, celebrities have made the city an attraction for Californians and international tourists—the spas, resorts, golf courses and ubiquitous art galleries. And should you want to tour the homes of Sonny Bono, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra, or even the Betty Ford Clinic (sometimes home to Lindsay Lohan), you can. Palm Springs also hosts their own International Film Festival, held once a year, which recently honored Natalie Portman for her work in Black Swan.

Aside from the Hollywood influence, Palm Springs is, of course, rich in cultural history. The city and its surrounding towns were founded by the inhabitants of the Agua Caliente Cahuilla tribe. The natives were known for their water reservoirs, artwork, rich culture and peace throughout their nation. Palm Springs eventually transformed into the spa/resort destination it is today, but there are still traces of the Cahuilla tribe in the architecture and artwork of Palm Springs, which you can witness by visiting Cahuilla reservation any time.

—
A Relaxing Weekend in Palm Springs:

Ace Hotel & Swim Club

Best known for its relaxing atmosphere and hipster vibe, this is the place to be if you’re looking for good drinks and great company. The average age of hotel guests is mid-20s to early-30s, and there’s an awesome bar/diner that delivers the goods to your poolside hammock. During the weekends a live dj spins in the large glass recreation room, and old movies play a la Cinespia style.

AceHotel.com/PalmSprings

Hadley’s Orchard

Palm Springs is filled with great steak houses and Mexican restaurants, but the must-have item on the way to or from the city is the famous Hadley Orchard date shake. This shake is made with vanilla ice cream and crushed dates, and is definitely refreshing on a 100 degree day.

HadleyFruitOrchards.com

Downtown Palm Springs, El Paseo, The River at Rancho Mirage, and Cabazon Outlets

There are several shopping districts to choose from: Downtown has a mix of boutiques and souvenir shops, El Paseo is the equivalent of Rodeo Drive, The River has everything in between, such as a Barnes & Noble and movie theater, and Cabazon has the best outlet deals in SoCal. Do be aware of the current temperature and if it is over 100 degrees, only venture out once the sun starts setting.
PalmSprings.com/Shops
CabazonOutlets.com

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest tramcar. As you climb altitude, the car rotates giving you a 360 degree view of the scenic Mojave Desert and its surrounding mountains. Once you reach the top, the air is cooler, or there may be snow depending on the season, and you are free to go hiking or lounge around the mountain top resort.

PSTramWay.com

For more information on Palm Springs, go to VisitPalmSprings.com.

IF ALL YOU’VE BEEN WEARING this past winter has been black, brown, a little red, and then some more black, that means it’s time to alter your game plan for spring. Downplay the neutrals and play up bright colors because this season, it’s all about color. Pantone, the world’s color authority reported the top colors to be barberry/honeysuckle pink, fire orange, beeswax orange, Caribbean blue and lavender, along with five other breezy shades (seen above).

Why go bright? It’s an instant mood booster, symbolizes optimism and allows you to show off a playful side. But this doesn’t mean you need to look like you came out of a Skittles bag. If you’re a bit color shy, use bright colors as accents and you’ll get the same benefits.

Accent Points
Her: jewelry, belts, shoes, bags, hair accessories, eye shadow, nail polish
Him: watches, shoes, socks, ties, dress shirts, T-shirts

For Her

Green Silk Dress, FarFetch.com; Engraved Peacock Disc Earrings, TopShop.com; Curved Gold Cuff, Misselfridge.com

Pink Patent Platform Pumps, BergdorfGoodman.com; Large Black Quilted Suede Satchel Bag,Forzieri.com; White Blazer, Barneys.com

Bongo Blue Plaid Tunic, Kmart.com; The Dusty Roads Messenger Bag, Madewell.com; Elise Lace-up Ankle booties in gray, ShopRuche.com

For Him

Orange Darracott Polo, Aubinandwills.com; Off White Lace up Shoes, Coggles.com; Ray-Ban Men’s Polarized Sunglasses, Ray-ban.com

Nike Delta Force High AC Shoe, FinishLine.com; Madison Check Button-Down Shirt, Jcrew.com; No. 33 Kolor Watch,ShopAkira.com

Green Nixon Time Teller, NixonNow.com; Textile Motorcycle Jacket, Orvis.com; Adidas OT Campus 80s, EndClothing.co.uk

With last year’s game averaging over 100 million viewers, Super Bowl Sunday has become a cultural phenomenon and one of the most watched sporting events in the world. Americans have turned game day into a de facto holiday, giving us a good excuse to take a day out and party like there’s no tomorrow.

So get ready to plop down on the couch, slather those fingers and lips with some pizza and chicken grease and have some fun.

5 Must-Have Food Snacks for Super Bowl Sunday

1.) Homeboy Industries Salsa & Chips

They taste good and do good. There’s no better way to enjoy a bag of chips and salsa than to know that you’re supporting the LA-based nonprofit that provides rehabilitation services and job training to ex-gang members. The chips and salsa are now available at over 256 Ralphs locations. Salsa flavors: Morita, Mango (Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s personal favorite), Salsa Verde, Pico de Gallo, and Mole.

“Thanks to our good neighbor Ralphs, our prayers have been answered….Thanks to them, and so many other talented folks, we’re able to continue our mission of saving lives by creating ‘Jobs Not Jails’.” – Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries

2.) Tomato Pie Pizza

If chips and chicken wings just won’t cut it, hop into your car and pick up a box of New York style pizza from Tomato Pie, which has locations in Silver Lake and Melrose. They’ve been touted as one of the “25 best pizzas you’ll ever eat” on MSNBC and GQ magazine. They’ve also got hot wings, pasta and a slew of other appetizing dishes. (Delivery options available.) TomatoPiePizzaJoint.com

3.) Parmesan Pastry Pups

To add more variety to the food options, try serving these delish mini beef franks that are wrapped in a flaky puffed pastry and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. Available at your local Trader Joe’s in the frozen section.

4.) Hummus and veggie mix platter

If all that grease doesn’t jibe with some of your guests, buy a platter of veggies and a tub of hummus for a healthy dipping option.

5.) Halftime Sweets

Balance that savory taste in your mouth with something sweet like these delectable Ice Cream Bon Bons. Available in chocolate or vanilla, this frozen treat has a chocolaty cookie crust layer below the ice cream, giving it that extra coating of scrumptiousness. If your guests are in a mintier mood, satisfy their sweet tooth with the Mini Mint Ice Cream Mouthfuls—imagine a scoop of mint chip ice cream sandwiched between two soft Oreo cookies, minus the cream.

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Game: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers

When: Sunday, February 6 | 3:25pm, PST

Where: Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas

National anthem: Christina Aguilera

Halftime show: Black Eyed Peas