Android users, you’ve spoken. And the powers that be here at Rue heard you. We’ve rolled out our brand new, fully-loaded app – just in time to shop from your beach towel.

Here’s why we think you’ll really like it:

1. We streamlined navigation, so you can jump between categories easier and faster. Ideal for when you’re grabbing something for yourself, your significant other, and your digs all at once.
2. We linked up with Google Wallet to make checking out as painless as possible. With all of your credit card info safely stored (where no one will find it), you’re out of there in fewer clicks than ever before.
3. See items you’re lusting after up close and personal with our beautiful high-res images.
4. It’s also easier to select your size. (Thanks for letting us know that this one needed a little fixing.)
5. Overall, the performance just runs smoother. We addressed all the bugs you so graciously called out. Something tells us you won’t miss them one bit.

 
Our new app is compatible with devices running on Android 2.2 (Froyo) or newer.

Simply stop by Google Play to download or upgrade.

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As for this girl, aside from a putt-putt course or two in the early 2000s, I have yet to swing a 9-iron – but, see, we’re learning things already. So, fellow beginners, I am here to walk you through the basics, from club terminology to golf-bag essentials. Let us begin.

Golf Clubs, A Cheat Sheet

Driver: This is the one you use to tee off with.

Irons: These clubs range from 2 to 9, and are used to hit the ball toward the green from 120 to 190 yards away. Low-numbered irons are for longer shots, while high-numbered irons are for shorter shots.

Gap Wedges: For hitting short, angled shots near the green or out of a sand bunker.

Putter (thank you, putt-putt – we know this one!): Just tap it in.

Hybrid: Also called a “utility club,” this one is the most versatile of all. It combines elements from irons and drivers that help get shots airborne from long distances.

The Golf Bag Essentials
(in addition to those clubs)

• 6 – 8 golf balls
• 2 – 3  tees
• Extra pair of gloves
• Raincoat
• Pitch-mark repair tool
• Coins to mark your ball on the green
• Pencils
• Sunscreen
• A spare towel or two

Now, hightail it to the greens (we have faith!). Our Fore! Women’s Golf Style and Fore! Men’s Golf Style Boutiques opens Wednesday, April 10, at 11AM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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We all know the power of a Birkin, but no one knows it better than Michael Tonello, author of Bringing Home the Birkin. He’s beloved in the luxuries market – particularly for his work with the iconic Hermès bag. Here, some highlights from our chat with him. Read the full interview here.

What’s the craziest thing you had to do in order to deliver a Birkin to a client?
I once sold a Birkin to a client, but the sale was predicated upon me being able to “deliver it by tomorrow at 11AM” in Nice, France. She was about to board a private yacht for a three-week cruise. I was in Barcelona at the time, so I rented a nice car and drove like the wind.

Say you’ve found a pre-loved Hermès bag. What are three tricks to determine it’s real?
The single most important factor is the stitching. The bag should be saddle stitch with linen thread that has been coated with beeswax. Fakes are typically made with polyester thread and entirely machine stitched. The Hermès logo and font are also tough to replicate exactly. Finally, the interior stitching and craftsmanship of the bag should be as nice and clean as the exterior.

By Anna Kuchinsky, Staff Writer

Enter our Bag a Birkin Giveaway today through March 30, 2013, for the chance to win your dream bag.

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While I love what a good piece of statement jewelry can do for an outfit, I usually stick to a few classic items for everyday wear. Diamond studs, my grandmother’s engagement ring (now set into a necklace), and a sapphire ring are my go-to adornments.

These heirloom pieces – passed down from generation to generation – have both sentimental value and price tags I’m in no position to replace should disaster strike. While a semiannual trip to a professional cleaner is in order, here are a few ways you can care for cherished jewelry at home:

Make your own cleaner. Whip up this recipe by combining things you already have in your cupboards, then soak the jewelry for 5 – 10 minutes.

Use a treated polishing cloth. Just pay attention to what is in your chosen cleaner. Some chemicals may be great for metals, but not for soft or delicate stones like opals or pearls.

Take care while getting ready. Think critically about when you put your jewelry on in the morning. Everyday dirt, oils, and product chemicals can dull down jewelry, so make small changes to your routine to avoid this. Waiting until after you apply hair spray, makeup, or perfume to don your pieces can help maintain the longevity of their shine.

Avoid moist settings. This goes without saying, but when you’re heading to the beach or pool, leave your jewelry at home. Too much can go wrong.

By Lauryn Paiva, Staff Writer

Do you have any tips for caring for heirloom or vintage jewelry? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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Though the weather outside is still frightful, don’t worry. We let Dom, Rue designer and certified personal trainer, walk us through a few moves we can easily pull off at home.

1. Pushups: Self-explanatory. This is a move you can utilize no matter your surroundings.

2. Lunge with Arm Curl: If you have a resistance band lying around (if not, they are available at most sporting good stores), incorporate it into your standard lunge. Pull the band up as you step into your lunge to work glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps.

3. Mountain Climbers: You can try this core workout on a hardwood floor or other smooth surface. All you need? Two sheets of paper towels. Rapidly step each foot forward, one after the other, like you’re climbing a mountain (instead of, you know, sliding on your kitchen floor).

4. Backstrokes: Lie vertically, extend both arms above your head, and lift your legs off the floor. Reach forward and touch both ankles. Hello, abs of steel.

5. Plank Twists: Planking is more than just a worldwide trend. Support your weight with your arms and twist each leg inward to work your core muscles.

6. Crab Toe Touch: Support your weight with one arm while extending your leg forward and reaching out to touch your toes.

7. Squat & Press: While the Rue La La gym comes with no shortage of equipment, I definitely don’t have weights lying around my apartment. Dom says this move – designed to work shoulders, glutes, and hamstrings – can be easily achieved with a heavy can of tomatoes (or vegetable of your choice) or gallons of water. Simply begin in a squat position, holding your weights slightly above shoulder-level. Stand up and lift the weights above your head (then feel the burn).

By Lauryn Paiva, Staff Writer

What workout tips do you rely on during the winter? Share in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala.

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When you find that perfect gift, be sure to check on a few key pieces of information:

“Ships in” Window
When you find the dress for your holiday soiree or a great cashmere sweater for Mom, be sure to check when it’s expected to head out the door. Since we use different shipping methods on different pieces, some do take longer to send out than others. Checking this window will let you know if the dress won’t make it to you until after the party’s over.

Estimated Date of Delivery
After you order, the date that your package is expected to arrive will be in your order history. This is handy if you need to hide a gift from some (overly) curious eyes.

Guaranteed Christmas Delivery
This one’s for those last-minute shoppers. Until 2PM ET on Friday, December 21, every Boutique is guaranteed to be in your hands by Christmas Eve. Starting Wednesday, December 19, expedited shipping charges (2nd Day Air® or Next Day Air®) will apply – and be sure to select Guaranteed Christmas Delivery as your shipping option on the checkout page.

Return Policy
Each item on Rue has its return policy listed as the first bullet in the details. While we have extended returns until January 15, 2013, some pieces (like swimwear and lingerie) are always Final Sale. Anything that can’t be returned will have a yellow dot at the top of the page and will mention “Final Sale” in the details section.

Have any other questions about holiday deliveries? Share them in the comments section or tweet us at @ruelala_help.

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From their edgy ads to their oh-so-flattering fits, HUDSON Jeans are pretty much denim royalty. Check out our breakdown below of just what makes these baby blues so iconic.

Our HUDSON Boutique opens Friday, November 30, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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And don’t forget to enter our “Run the Streets” Sweepstakes. (See rules below.)

Run the Streets Sweepstakes

Official Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

Please read these rules before entering the Sweepstakes. By entering and participating in the Sweepstakes, you agree to be bound by these Official Rules and represent that you satisfy all of the eligibility requirements set forth below.

Sweepstakes may only be entered in or from the 50 United States and the District of Columbia and entries originating from any other jurisdiction are not eligible for entry.  This Sweepstakes is governed exclusively by the laws of the United States.  You are not authorized to participate in the Sweepstakes if you are not located within the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.

1. Eligibility. Participation in the Run the Streets Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States & DC who are aged 18 or older. Sweepstakes is void elsewhere and where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. Employees, officers and directors of Retail Convergence.com, LP (“Sponsor”) and Hudson Clothing LLC, and each of their respective parent and related companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, partners, advertising and promotion agencies, and any manufacturers or distributors of Sweepstakes materials (collectively, all of the foregoing, the “Released Parties”), and their immediate family members (parents, children, siblings, spouse) or members of the same household (whether related or not) of such employees/officers/directors are not eligible to enter. You are not authorized to participate in the Sweepstakes if you are not located within the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.  All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.

2. How to Enter.  To enter the Sweepstakes, you must log into the Rue La La website at www.ruelala.com using your account information, read and agree to the Official Rules, and click the “Enter Now” button.

All entrants must have a valid email address. Limit one (1) entry per person/email address during the Sweepstakes Period. No automated entry devices and/or programs permitted.  All entries become the sole and exclusive property of Sponsor and receipt of entries will not be acknowledged or returned. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, illegible, stolen, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, misdirected, technically corrupted or garbled entries, which will be disqualified, or for problems of any kind whether mechanical, human or electronic.  Only fully completed entries are eligible.  Proof of submission will not be deemed to be proof of receipt by Sponsor.

3. Start/End Dates. Sweepstakes begins at 11:00:01 am Eastern Time (“ET”) on November 30, 2012 and ends at 10:59:59 am ET on December 3, 2012 (“Sweepstakes Period”).

4. Random Drawing/Odds. One (1) winner will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries received on or about December 4, 2012.  Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received for the drawing. All random drawings will be conducted by Sponsor. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants fully and unconditionally agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which will be final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes.

5. Prizes:  The winner will receive a $1,000 Hudson promo code (the “Promo Code”). Promo Code is valid for one-time use for purchase of merchandise at hudsonjeans.com.  Promo Code is not valid for purchase of gift cards.  Promo Code cannot be redeemed at any physical store or authorized retailer offering Hudson branded merchandise for sale. Hudson Jeans and Rue La La are not responsible for lost or stolen Promo Cards. May not be combined with any other promotions or offers, or applied to previous purchases or balances. May not be redeemed for cash, unless required by law. Promo Code expires December 31, 2013, unless prohibited by law

ARV of the prize: $1,000.00 USD.    Prizes are non-transferable.  No substitutions or cash redemptions. If in the case of unavailability of any prize, Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.  All taxes and unspecified expenses are the sole responsibility of the winner(s).

Winner(s) acknowledge that the Sponsor, the Released Parties and all other businesses affiliated with this Sweepstakes and their agents do not make, nor are in any manner responsible for any warranty, representations, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the quality, conditions, fitness or merchantability of any aspect of the prize(s) being offered.

AN ENTRANT is not a winner of any prize, even if the sweepstakes SHOULD so indicate, unless and until entrant’s eligibility, and sweepstakes winner have been verified and entrant has been notified that verification is complete.  Sponsor will not accept screen shots or other evidence of winning in lieu of its validation process.

6. Notification. Winner(s) will be notified by email and may be required to sign and return, where legal, an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release within seven (7) days of prize notification.  If winner(s) cannot be contacted within five (5) calendar days of first notification attempt, if any prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, if winner rejects his/her prize, or in the event of noncompliance with these Official Rules, the prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner(s) will be selected, time permitting. Upon prize forfeiture, no compensation will be given.  Limit one prize per person or household.

7. License/Usage. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants fully and unconditionally agree to be bound by these Official Rules, which will be final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes. By entering, entrants agree to the use of their names, addresses (city and state), photograph, picture, portrait, voice, likenesses, biographical information, and/or statements for purposes of advertising, trade, or promotion in any media (now known or hereafter known) throughout the world in perpetuity, without further compensation, notification or permission, unless prohibited by law. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to obligate Sponsor to make use of any of the rights granted herein and winner(s) waives any right to inspect or approve any such use of any and every nature and kind. If any winner is deemed a minor, then such prize will be awarded to winner’s parent or legal guardian.

8. Release. By participating, entrants and winner(s) and any travel guests agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor and the Released Parties from any and all liability, for loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense whatsoever including without limitation, property damage, personal injury and/or death which may occur in connection with, preparation for, travel to, or participation in Sweepstakes, or possession, acceptance and/or use or misuse of prize or participation in any Sweepstakes-related activity and claims based on publicity rights, defamation or invasion of privacy and merchandise delivery. Neither Sponsor nor any Released Parties are responsible for any damages, taxes, or expenses that winner(s) might incur as a result of this Sweepstakes or receipt of prize.  Entrants who do not comply with these Official Rules, or attempt to interfere with this Sweepstakes in any way, may be disqualified.

9. Additional Terms. In case of dispute as to identity of entrant, Entry will be declared made by the authorized account holder of the email address submitted at time of entry. “Authorized Account Holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned an email address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, educational, institution, etc.) responsible for assigning email addresses or the domain associated with the submitted email address. Any attempted form of entry other than as set forth above is prohibited; no automatic, programmed; robotic or similar means of entry are permitted. Neither Sponsor or Released Parties are responsible for technical, hardware, software, telephone or other communications malfunctions, errors or failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections, web site, Internet, or ISP availability, unauthorized human intervention, traffic congestion, incomplete or inaccurate capture of entry information (regardless of cause) or failed, incomplete, garbled, jumbled or delayed computer transmissions which may limit one’s ability to enter the Sweepstakes, including any injury or damage to participant’s or any other person’s computer relating to or resulting from participating in this Sweepstakes or downloading any materials in this Sweepstakes.  Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify, extend or suspend this Sweepstakes should (in its sole discretion) virus, bugs, non-authorized human intervention, fraud or other causes beyond its control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes. In case of termination, Sponsor will select the winner(s) from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds, in its sole discretion, to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or web site.  Sponsor may prohibit an entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines that said entrant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes by cheating, hacking, deception, or other unfair playing practices (including the use of automated quick entry programs) or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrants or Sponsor representatives. There is no purchase or sales presentation required to participate.  A purchase does not increase odds of winning.  Sponsor is not responsible if Sweepstakes cannot take place or if any prize cannot be awarded due to travel cancellations, delays or interruptions due to acts of God, acts of war, natural disasters, weather or acts of terrorism. No more than the stated number of prizes will be awarded.

CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

10.  Limitation of Liability; Disclaimer of Warranties.  IN NO EVENT WILL THE RELEASED PARTIES BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF YOUR ACCESS TO AND USE OF THE SERVICE AND/OR THE SWEEPSTAKES, DOWNLOADING FROM AND/OR PRINTING MATERIAL DOWNLOADED FROM ANY WEBSITES ASSOCIATES WITH THE SWEEPSTAKES. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE RELEASED PARTIES’ TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL DAMAGES, LOSSES, OR CAUSES OF ACTION EXCEED $100. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, THIS SWEEPSTAKES AND ALL PRIZES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS”  WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. SOME JURISDICTIONS MAY NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES SO SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS FOR ANY RESTRICTIONS OR LIMITATIONS REGARDING THESE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS.

11. Disputes; Governing Law.  The parties waive all rights to trial in any action or proceeding instituted in connection with these Official Rules, including, without limitation, the Sweepstakes. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these Official Rules and/or the Sweepstakes shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. Any such controversy or claim shall be arbitrated on an individual basis, and shall not be consolidated in any arbitration with any claim or controversy of any other party. The arbitration shall be conducted in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, City of Boston.

THESE OFFICIAL RULES AND THE INTERPRETATION OF ITS TERMS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICTS OF LAWS RULES. For any matters which are not subject to arbitration as set forth in these Official Rules and/or in connection with the entering of any judgment on an arbitration award in connection with these Official Rules and/or the Sweepstakes, the parties irrevocably submit and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in or closest to the County of Suffolk in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The parties agree not to raise the defense of forum non conveniens.

12.  Use of Data.  Sponsor will be collecting personal data about entrants online, in accordance with its privacy policy.  Please review the Sponsor’s privacy policy at http://www.ruelala.com/common/privacy.  By participating in the Sweepstakes, entrants hereby agree to Sponsor’s collection and usage of their personal information and acknowledge that they have read and accepted Sponsor’s privacy policy.

13. List of Winners. To obtain a list of winner(s), send a self-addressed, stamped envelope by February 28, 2013 to: Retail Convergence.com, LP, 20 Channel Center, Boston, MA 02210, Attn: Marketing Department: Winner Confirmation Request – Run the Streets Sweepstakes.

14. Sponsor. Retail Convergence.com, LP, 20 Channel Center, Boston, MA 02210

We’re three days into the #RueSprint, and it’s only going to get better. Today’s can’t-miss pick? A La Mer women’s “Carpe Diem” watch to keep you on time for all those holiday parties.

But it’s only available through this link, for a mere 24 hours. Time to get a move on.

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As if there wasn’t enough reason to keep your laptops and cell phones close by (those Instagram-worthy moments always happen on the fly), there’s now even more incentive to keep Facebook and Twitter up – at least when the boss isn’t looking.

Starting tomorrow, we’re debuting The Rue Sprint, an exclusive Boutique open to our social media fans only. Once a day over the course of the month, we’ll feature a so-good-you’ll-have-to-do-a-double-take product that will leave your friends green with envy – and your closet a whole lot happier.

Just keep your eyes peeled on our Twitter account, Facebook page, and here on the blog. Each day, The Rue Sprint link will be posted on one of those channels, meaning it’s the only way you’ll have access to these can’t-miss Boutiques (and you never know where it will show up next).

What are you hoping you’ll find in The Rue Sprint? Tell us in the comments, or tweet us with #RueSprint at @ruelala.

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There, in the 3rd row, is the dress that you can wear for your night out, your holiday party, and with a low-key blazer and boots. You freeze, careful not to scare it off. Is it in your size? It’s totally in your size. But there are only two left! Now what? You need to be the fastest to the draw!

Watching the piece you can wear 19 different ways get poached right in front of you only has to happen once. The burn and the anger and the outrage will stay with you all through your shopping career.

So it’s about time you put a stop to it all and discovered a way to snap that piece up – fast. I’m talking our steal-saving button: Quick! Buy It.  Those black over-the-knee boots? Quick! Buy It. The dress for your impending high school reunion? Quick! Buy It. Not Quick! Buying yet? Here’s how you get started:

Update your account. Fill in your billing address, shipping address, and payment method under the My Account tab. Concierge tip – if you send a gift to a different address, it will save as your new shipping default. Always give your preferred shipping a second glance – we’d hate for your order to be detoured!

Click three times. 1) When you find one of those pieces you’ve been wanting while shopping a Boutique, click on it. 2) Then click the pink Quick! Buy It. button. 3) Finally, click the Place Order button on the pop up, and that find is yours. With Rue 30, you only pay $9.95 for standard shipping once, so all your other purchases ship for free. Shop, click, repeat as necessary.

As a QBI master, you can stop worrying and start watching the “Success! Your Order is Confirmed” notices pile up.

By Amy Bootier, Customer Concierge Guru

Have a question? Tweet Amy @ruelala_help or let us know your shopping tips @ruelala.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.