Sunday, August 30, 2009

Celebrate the First Night of Fashion Week with Fashion’s Night Out

Over 700 retailers and designers across all five boroughs of New York are participating in Fashion’s Night Out on September 10th, from flagships, boutiques, mass department stores and chains. In the spirit of celebrating fashion, shopping and promoting retail, retailers will remain open from 6-11pm with special in-store festivities. No tickets, invitations or rsvps required. Checkout the list of retailers and events, offering special appearances, refreshments, hors d’ouvres, gift with purchases, raffles, musical performances, photo ops, shopping incentives and more. Be sure to check out the new fall/winter 2009 collections as you journey from store to store.

A special Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt commissioned for New York City will be available at participating retailers. 40 percent of retail proceeds from the sale of the Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt will be donated by the retailers to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center. Retailers are responsible for donating 40 percent of the T-shirt’s retail sales to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Fashion’s Night Out is supported by the City of New York, NYC & Company, Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America.


Friday, August 28, 2009

Temperley London Sample Sale! Up to 80% Off!


Temperley London Sample
Sale
Up to 80% Off

NEW YORK
453 Broome Street, 2nd floor (At Mercer St)
T: 212.219.2929
Guest Appearance by Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Cart
Cone is on us for purchases over $1000
Thurs, 8/27-Sat, 8/29: 11AM-7PM

EAST HAMPTON
53 The Circle
T: 631.329.6505
Enjoy our block party with CRUMBS cupcakes
Fri, 8/28-Sat, 8/29: 11AM-7PM

Intermix Warehouse Sale - Up to 80% Off!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Designer Showcase - D. Caruso, Kaija NY, Laruicci & More!

A friend had recently invited me to a showroom gathering at The Berit Group, which I was happy to attend – I always welcome the thought of making new contacts and learning about new designers/collections that I may not be familiar with.

Lauren Ruicci, associate creative director, walked me through all the lines, with a first look at custom designed and hand-made vintage headbands, hair clips and bobby pins by D.Caruso. The headbands, encrusted with stones and crystals, will make you feel like a princess at any age. I can just picture these on the heads of brides, debutantes, prom-goers, glam trendsetters and Blair Waldorfs of the world.

I don’t think I can pull off wearing the headbands since I’d look like a little girl playing dress up, but I absolutely love the vintage bobby pins, including watch faces, roses, crystals and cameos. I may just have to start collecting these! D. Caruso is available at Kleinfeld, New York.















Check out the woven handbags by Filipino designer Khrisna Justo at www.kaijany.com. The bags are handcrafted from natural and eco-friendly materials. I especially like the Safari Collection, made with organic Buntal fiber woven with animal patterns and mixed with bright metallic leather to give it a cool sheen for a bold, adventurous look.

At left: Rjeen woven clutch








Leather Bib Necklaces by Bobae

In 2008, Numa Perrier created the label Miss. Numa, a line of couture gloves. Lace gloves add another element of sexy femininity to one’s look. The gloves are available in a variety of colors, including black, pink, red and a golden yellow. Miss. Numa is available at La Petit Coquette, New York.



As Lauren continued to lead me through different collections, I was amazed to learn that our next stop was her very own jewelry line called Laruicci, comprising of bold necklaces, bracelets and rings with an artistic edge. The chunky necklaces are dramatic but not overly done, dressing up the simplest of looks. No matter what you are wearing, I think if you have a Laruicci necklace on it would absolutely steal the show. With my petite frame, I have to be careful to not wear jewelry that is too chunky or large but Laruicci offers so many pieces that are wearable for my frame.

Luce Necklace - Rock crystal, Clear/Copper Crystal,
Metal and Chain Necklace

Megawatt Necklace - Clear Lucite, Metal,
Silver Rock Crystal, Metal and Chain Necklace

After viewing the collections I was able to enjoy a manicure with nail polish by Priti, an organic and non-toxic skin care line specializing in hands and feet. The Priti polish collection offers a wide variety of fashionable colors from pinks, reds, blues and everything else in between. Priti is available online and at Georgia, New York.

At left: Here's a look at Priti's Holiday colors.

- Kim Weling

Jimmy Choo Summer Sample Sale!


Monday, August 24, 2009

SAMPLE SALES GALORE!

Barney’s NY Warehouse Sale – Gustto – Anbar Shoes
This week seems to be a busy week for sample sales!
Check out some of the sales I found out about through Top Button:


Barney’s NY Warehouse Sale
Shop the Barneys New York warehouse sale and save 50-75% off regular prices on their selection of the finest designer clothing, shoes, and accessories for men and women, as well as gifts for the home. Visit their website at Barneys.com.

Cash/Charge accepted

Date: 8/20 – 9/7

Thu-Aug 20th 8am-9pm
Fri Aug 21st 8am-9pm
Weekdays 10am-9pm
Weekends 10am-7pm

255 W. 17th St.(btwn. 7th & 8th Aves.)
New York, NY 10011
(212) 450-8400

GUSTTO Handbags – 2-Day Sale – Up to 60% off Retail
Shop this end of summer blowout handbag sample sale! Go ahead and indulge in deliciously rich bags with modern edges and classic shapes that are large enough to carry all your goodies yet fabulously chic enough to carry at night. Look for a great selection of handbags and clutches from Gustto's spring 2009 collection, and for the first-time ever, one-of-a-kind samples straight from Gustto's designer, Agathe Planchon's personal stash. Prices starting at $150. I hope to find this Andrea bag there!

Visa/Amex/MC Only – No Cash or Checks
Date: 8/26 – 8/27

182 5th Avenue (between 22nd and 23rd) 2nd Floor,
New York, NY 10010


Anbar Shoes
is going out of business and I’ve never even been to that sale before!

All shoes and boots are drastically reduced. All shoes priced at $17-$150, regularly retailing up to $1,000. All boots are priced at $24-$274, regularly retailing up to $1,000. Find brands such as Zanotti, Taryn Rose, Beverly Feldman, BCBG Girls, Life Stride, Biven, and many others too numerous to mention. There are only a few weeks left. Everything is selling fast so get there before it is too late. This is your last chance for this great opportunity. Sizes 5-12 are available (not all sizes in all styles).

Cash/MC/Visa/Amex/Travelers Check/DIS all accepted.Take subways 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, J, M, Z to Chambers St, 4, 5, 6 to Brooklyn Bridge, R to City Hall.

Date: 8/24 – 9/5

Mon-Fri 9am-6:20pm
Sat 11am-5:45pm
Sun Closed
60 Reade St. (btwn Broadway & Church St.)
New York, NY 10007
(212) 227-0253


Monday, August 17, 2009

DSW Presents Step Up & Step Out - A Designer Shoe Sale For the Mind, Body & Sole

join us as
Presents:

Step Up & Step Out

a designer shoe sale for the mind, body and sole

Saturday, September 26

10:00 a.m. Champagne Brunch & Preview Sale

1:00-4:00 p.m. Shoe Sale

541 Lexington Avenue, New York

RSVP NOW

The day features:

  • A star-studded Champagne Brunch and private preview sale
  • Designer shoes from top brands offered at 50% off retail prices with proceeds supporting Step Up's charitable programs
  • Activity lounges offering interactive experiences and benefits
Host Committee

Christine Beauchamp, president, Ann Taylor Stores
Stacey Bendet, founder & designer, Alice + Olivia
Monica Botkier, creative director, Botkier
Wendy Chang, creator, Pantina Cosmetics, Inc.
Lauren DeCarlo, senior editor, MANHATTAN Magazine
Tinamarie Feil, president, client services, BMC Group, Inc.
Sara Holoubek, consultant & columnist, SaraHoloubek.com
Lida Orzeck, CEO & co-founder, Hanky Panky
Taryn Rose, M.D., founder, Taryn Rose International
Anne Russell, editor-in-chief, VIVmag
Bobbie Thomas, DSW style expert

Presenting Sponsor

Premier Sponsor

Media Partners



Fashion Sponsor


Gold Sponsor

Diller von Furstenberg Family Foundation

Silver Sponsor

Hanky Panky

Featuring Shoes From...

Bally
Botkier
Chinese Laundry
Decadestwo
DSW
Manolo Blahnik
Sergio Rossi
Stella McCartney
Valentino

And Activity Lounges Including...

Strike a pose at Shoe Are You? With DSW
Fall 2009 collection from the new design team at Ann Taylor
Group Fitness Classes by Equinox Fitness Clubs
Revitalizing foot massages with Orna Skincare

Accommodations

Stay in the city as W Hotels' VIP guest. Your experience includes:

  • 2 shoe sale tickets
  • Bliss Softening Sock Salve to keep your feet designer shoe-ready
  • 2 cool cocktails for post-shopping fun
  • And a wonderful room you'll love starting from $269

Book your hotel stay now or call 1.877.822.0000 and reference rate plan STEPUP to make your reservation.

Ticket Sales

  • Step Up Member: Shoe Sale Ticket - $25
  • Step Up Non-Member: Shoe Sale Ticket - $50
  • Step Up Member: Champagne Brunch, Preview Sale & VIP Gift Bag - $325
  • Step Up Non-Member: Champagne Brunch, Preview Sale & VIP Gift Bag - $375

Become a member of Step Up to enjoy all of our member benefits, including these special rates.


RSVP NOW


Ensure your company is involved: For information on corporate exposure opportunities, please contact
Alissa Zito, director of marketing & communications.


Questions? Please contact Step Up at
newyork@suwn.org or 646.833.3021.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

The Purple Event - A Night of Fashion, Food & Wine



On September 10, 2009, join us for an evening of wine, food and designer fashion at the SONY Plaza Atrium in NYC to benefit The Anita Kaufmann Foundation and its groundbreaking 5th grade educational program for epilepsy awareness.

Over 60 designers will showcase pieces from their collections including: Nicole Miller, Nanette Lepore, David Meister, Elie Tahari, MaxMara, Maria Pinto, and Project Runway winner Leanne Marshall. Swarovski is providing the bling. Make-up by MAC Cosmetics. Shoes by Nine West.

The event is being co-chaired by Alan Faneca of the New York Jets and his wife, Julie. Only 500 tickets are available to the public for this high fashion fundraiser.

Hosted by The Bachlorette's Jillian Harris
Special appearances by:

Ana Ortiz and Mark Indelicato of Ugly Betty
Alex McCord of the Real Housewives of NYC
Devin Harris of the New Jersey Nets
Musical performance by Elliott Yamin of American Idol!
Reshma Shetty of Royal Pains
Kelly Falk of America's Next Top Model
Model/activist Summer Rayne Oakes

All proceeds go toward expanding the reach of the 5th grade epilepsy and seizure first aid educational program offered for free to schools across the United States.

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!!!! They are $100 in advance. Go to http://www.akfus.org/purple-event.php.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

The Limited Holiday Preview 2009











Infinity scarf




Dog sweater

Long dark teal gloves





Jeweled belt

Clutch with ruffle zipper detail



Faux leather clutch with metal studs and ruffled rose design

I recently got a preview of The Limited’s holiday collection and found the looks to be modern and versatile for day to night. I absolutely loved the color palette including vibrant red, dark raspberry, dark teal, neon yellow, bright magenta and ballgown blue, easily mixed amongst black and grey, the black and white print dresses and the ruffle and rose details that add a touch of femininity.

A big holiday focus for The Limited is the re-launch of the iconic forenza sweater. These shaker stitch knit sweaters are similar to the 80s original style but updated in a variety of colors and available in the traditional cowl, topper style for a cardigan option and the infinity scarf.

Here are some of the holiday trends that I have added to my must-have list:

- soft-collared pea coat
- cowl-neck sweater – one of my favorite winter silhouettes
- fur
- tweed trouser
- black and white tuxedo separates – especially the white tuxedo jacket
- toggle coat
- asymmetrical or halter style blouses and dresses
- pleated strapless tops and dresses for a sexy evening look
- infinity scarf - adds more volume and warmth in accessorizing your look.
- the obi belt – fits any size waist and can be worn with a dress or longer length top, forenza sweater
- color legwear - livens up that black or grey dress or skirt
- bold jeweled cuffs and multi-layered necklaces
- jeweled belt
- leather clutch with metal studs and ruffled rose design
- clutch with ruffle zipper detail

The Limited carries sizes XS and 0, the perfect fit for petite women, so you bet I’ll be shopping for these must-have items when they pop up in The Limited stores this October.

- Kim Weling

Charlotte Russe Denim After Dark Shopping Event

Charlotte Russe celebrates fall fashion with a denim after dark event. On Thursday, August 13th from 6-8pm, Charlotte Russe will present new looks from the Fall Refuge denim Collection with styling tips from denim fit experts across 300 select Charlotte Russe stores nationwide. Shoppers can buy one pair of jeans and receive the second pair at 50% off. The chic fashion retailer will also showcase the new denim collaborations with Kitson and People’s Liberation. The event will feature music and refreshments while shopping and a free gift with every purchase.

- Kim Weling

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Free Lavishly Sized Aveda Hand Relief Sample - Redeem In-Store



Stop at an Aveda store near you and score a lavishly sized sample* of Aveda Hand Relief. Just redeem and print out the coupon on this link - click here.

The Aveda Stimulus Coupon includes:
  • Free Aroma Sensory
  • Free Cup of Comforting Tea
  • Free Stress-Relieving Hand Ritual
  • Free 5-minute Stress-Relieving Neck and Shoulder Massage
  • Free Makeup Finishing Touch

- Kim Weling

Monday, August 3, 2009

Sephora Times Square Opening with Lauren Luke



Lauren Luke (left) during an interview

Sephora bag given to attendees on
July 30th and shoppers on July 31st
with any Sephora purchase

With the opening of a new Sephora location in Times Square (42nd at 7th Ave) on July 31st, Lauren Luke hosted a Pre-Party the night before to showcase her first make-up collection: By Lauren Luke.

When I arrived, the usual mirrors that line Sephora shops were covered with empowering words from Luke. The new Sephora followed suit with a friendly, helpful staff that smiled and complimented visitors. Lauren Luke’s goal that her make-up line would help women feel beautiful every day meshed well with the vibe of the new location. Luke’s line is composed of several palettes (violets, blues, greens, vintage glams, and smokey classics) that include shadow primers, eye shadows, lip colors, eyeliner and a blush. The palettes are wonderful because they take the guesswork out of creating looks women love to wear by supplying the perfect colors. Lauren even posted tutorials using the palettes on her site so you can feel (if possible) more confident about applying one of her looks.

During the party, there was a drawing to award two friends $500 shopping sprees each to Sephora and then another drawing was held to choose the 14 contestants for the Lauren Luke Challenge the next day, eligible to win a full set of Lauren Luke kits, a new Sony VAIO lap top and dinner with Luke and her team members.

Lauren Luke made a name for herself by posting make-up tutorials on YouTube™. So how did a make-up addict like myself find out about the British beauty-blogger? Well, I used to abuse Google images to find photos of my favorite actresses and singers from various angles so I could re-create their looks for a night out with my girlfriends. I know, it might sound a little bit crazy (& tedious) but for me, applying make-up is an enjoyment –almost as feel-good as shoe shopping, and absolutely as energizing in the morning as my two cups of coffee. One day I decided that I wanted to learn how to re-create Taylor Swift’s gorgeous eye make-up in the video for her song Teardrops On My Guitar. Google images was not cutting it this time, so I searched for the music video on YouTube™. This is when I stumbled on Lauren Luke’s video “TAYLOR SWIFT ~TEARDROPS ON MY GUITAR inspired make up look”. The video was perfect for me because I could pause while I caught up, skip over simple stuff, and see the look from various angles. I tried toned down versions of the look a few times before following Lauren’s exact tips before going out one night. I was so excited when I got so many compliments! The sweet Brit’s tips were easy to follow and she (and her many fans) made me feel more confident to experiment with my make-up looks and to wear them day or night.

Next time I’m in Times Square I will definitely pick up one of Lauren Luke’s palettes… I’m thinking “My Sultry Blues”.

Don't forget the other Times Square Sephora location at Broadway between 43rd and 44th Streets.

- Alyssa D'Alessandro

Neunique Jewelry Launch


Neunique founder/designer Sophie Blake



Isabella Cuff (left) and Athena Silver and Copper Cuff (right)








On August 3, 2009, I attended the Neunique jewelry launch held at Savore restaurant in Soho, located at 200 Spring Street.

Jewelry designer Sophie Blake founded Neunique in 2008, offering limited edition, one-of-a-kind hand-crafted earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings in 14 carat gold and sterling silver. Blake’s favorite stones to work with are lapis and smoky quartz, creating pieces in earthy tones of browns, blacks and greens. She quotes, "My style is organic and classic in one." Neunique is currently available in select boutiques in New York and Miami.

Neunique held a clothing drive in partnership with Bottomless Closet NYC, an organization that helps disadvantage women dress and prepare for job interviews. Neunique will continue partnering with different charities to increase awareness of women’s causes, from fighting social injustice to women’s health issues.

Attendees were given a raffle ticket for each clothing or accessory business attire item donated. Prizes included packages from CeleBritAy NY, Lipstick Queen and a cuff from Neunique.

CelebritAy NY, a Brooklyn-based environmentally friendly collection of natural health and beauty products, was on hand to showcase lotions, soaps and scrubs. I really liked the unique scent of the Organic Olive body cream and
the pumpkin pie soap is perfect for fall.

The hors d’oeuvres were tasty and appetizing, including fried eggplant, potato puffs, prosciutto with melon, prosciutto with goat cheese and thin crust pizza with mushrooms. I was getting quite full very easily, from the all the different hors d’oeuvres being served. I will definitely have to come back to Savore for dinner.

I was really impressed with the drink sponsor at the launch, figenza, a new Mediterranean fig flavored Vodka. I really enjoyed the refreshing fig and tonic and also tried the figtini. Figenza is not available in the U.S yet but look out for very soon!

- Kim Weling