Annie Sez Grand Opening Blogger Event in East Brunswick

On September 14th, I attended the fall blogger preview and grand opening of the new Annie Sez at 597 Route 18 South, in the Summerhill Square Shopping center in East Brunswick, NJ.

I haven't been to an Annie Sez store since I was a teenager and I was amazed at how it's changed! It is NOT an 'old lady' clothing store or filled with cheap, unforgettable labels. Annie Sez carries designer collections at up to 65% off department store prices!

As I toured the store I found collections from several of my favorite designers - BCBG, Calvin Klein, Elie Tahari, Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Tam.

I met Annie Sez Creative Director Fred Forcellati as he filled me in on how Annie Sez carries the hottest trends, including faux fur and animal prints for the fall season.

Here's a look at some of my favorites at Annie Sez. My first stopover of course was the shoe department. Size 5 and 5 1/2 are hard to come by but not during a grand opening! I bought these L.A.M.B. pumps for $149.99 (retails for $275). I actually only paid $74.99 for them since Annie Sez had provided blogger attendees with a $75 gift card.

I was in shoe heaven trying on Vince Camuto, Pour La Victoire and Badgley Mischka shoes!

L.A.M.B. pumps

Lovely People wedge booties

Badgley Mischka shoes

I absolutely love this necklace, which reminds me of the Van Cleef & Arpels clover necklace. I had missed the event with Dina Manzo earlier today, but I definitely came back for the necklace! The 25% off storewide sale is going on for 2 days only - September 17th and 18th and proceeds from the sale benefit Project Ladybug. So be sure to shop on Sunday!

Marc Jacobs

Left: Missoni scarves

Right: Prada handbags

Calvin Klein Underwear

What a great lingerie section! Cobalt blue is one of my favorite colors, and definitely a hot color this fall!

- Kim Weling

Contemporary Accessory Designers at Saks Fifth Avenue

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock
Wallet/Clutch in Blue Violet

Olivia Harris Studded Baby Ball Leather Hobo in Navy

Olivia Harris Embossed-Crocodile Leather Hobo

Foley + Corinna Disco City Bag

Foley + Corinna Cross Body Chain Mail Bag

If you are looking to splurge on yourself (now that holiday gifting has come and gone), no better place to go than Saks Fifth Avenue for the latest accessories, especially handbags. Back in October I had attended a breakfast at Saks, showcasing contemporary accessory collections, including some of my favorites - BCBGMAXAZRIA, Botkier, Foley + Corinna, Kooba, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Olivia Harris and Rebecca Minkoff. I was in handbag heaven. I absolutely loved the assortment of handbags. Whether you are looking for a black leather bag for everyday or a cranberry or blue violet leather bag to add some color to your accessories collection, be sure to go to Saks first.

- Kim Weling