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    April 30, 2012

    Norma Kamali Spring Sale

    Friends have be asking about updating their summer wardrobe and my best advice is to check out Norma Kamali's KamaliKulture line. It's relatively inexpensive and unfussy, which is the perfect combination for summer in and out of the city.



    Those interested in heeding my words, should absolutely go to the Kamali boutique on Tuesday, May 1 between 5:30 and 8:30pm. The designer is hosting a huge sale where all KamaliKulture items will be 25% off when you purchase $100 or more.

    In addition, the boutique's third floor will be stocked with discontinued styles, colors and one of a kind samples of Norma Kamali Collection. Prices will range from $100 to $200. For instance, the Goddess Dress, worn by SJP in SATC II, will be $198 from $550, a Gypsy dress will be $98 from $385 and the wrap and tie swimsuit will be $98 from $195.

    Norma Kamali Spring Sale
    Tuesday, May 1
    5:30pm to 8:30pm
    11 West 56th Street
    RSVP– JaclynM@Normakamali.com...
    April 27, 2012

    The It-it: Elsa Schiaparelli Jewels

    The 2012 Met Ball Costume Institute Gala is only a bit more than a week away and attendees are making their final wardrobe choices. This year, the Costume Institute is honoring Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada: On Fashion.

    While the fashion world understands Prada as well as a Diet Coke, Elisa Schiaparelli is much less known. Schiap, as her friend's called her, is the grandmother of former model and actress Marisa Berenson. Her 1930s fashion rival -- everyone needs one-- was Coco Chanel.



    The Paris-based designer was best known for her love of surrealism and her collaborations with artists such as Salvador Dali. Schiaparelli was particularly fond of magenta-pink and later became associated with a particular shade that was coined, "Schiaparelli pink."

    While her main focus was clothing, we think the best way to independently honor the late designer is through her jewels. Right now, eBay currently has 43 Schiaparelli auctions and prices over the last month seem to be inching up. We expect these prices to continue to rise as the Met Ball nears and the public attends the fashion exhibit.

    Our favorite jewelry items are those that contain the designer's signature pink stones or "watermelon tourmalines," as sellers describe them. This iconic bracelet is $429 on eBay but a similar style can be found on 1stDibs for $350. On Ruby Lane we found the watermelon bracelet along with matching earrings for $500 and here are the earrings alone for just $88....
    April 26, 2012

    Baccarat Annual Sale

    Sipping Dom Perignon on a festive occasion maybe nice but there is only one way to make that yummy bubbly taste a bit better. The flavor enhancer we have in mind isn't in the beverage but in the accessories, of course. There is something about a red Baccarat Vega Flutissimo champagne flute that escalates champagne flavor and the festivities.

    At $160 a glass, or almost $2000 for 12, it might make more sense to buy another case of champagne. After all, who has a party with just 12 people? It's always our philosophy to not make budget choices unless it's absolutely necessary and a good sale is always a fantastic workaround.


    For two days, Baccarat will be discounting their delectable items up to 80% off. The only catch is that you have to drive to the brand's warehouse in New Jersey. But think of how many glasses you could buy if they ere just $32 a pop! In addition to barware, the sale will include vases, decorative pieces and a large selection of Baccarat jewelry. We think discounts like that are reason enough to throw a party!

    Baccarat Sample Sale
    Friday, April 27 to Saturday, April 28
    Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 3pm
    36 Mayfield Ave. Edison, NJ 08837
    (800-845-1928)...
    April 25, 2012

    DKNY 40% Off

    DKNY is hosting a spring sale where select merchandise will be discounted 40% off. The sale  starts Thursday, April 26th and runs through Sunday, April 29th. Online shoppers should use the DKNY.com/VIP web address and use the code VIP40 at checkout.



    We especially love the spaghetti strap stripped sundress that is already on sale from $475 to $332. A sleeveless wrap shirt ($225) is perfect for summer in the city and will also work well with shorts for summer at the beach. A DKNY light-weight cozy is a must for summer for everyone ($145).n Remember, the sale doesn't start until tomorrow but it's never too early to start plotting your strategy....
    April 25, 2012

    Mother’s Day Gift Idea

    Would you believe that May is only a week away? The years fly by so quickly. Before you know it, another one is over. Wouldn't it be nice to freeze time and share the moment with the woman you love most? Who is that? Mom, of course.

    Yes, Mother's day is May 13th and you need to start thinking about how to show your appreciation. We couldn't think of a more wonderful gift than capturing a moment that she will keep forever.


    PhotoOp, NY's premier photo studio, is offering customers a free photo shoot when you schedule a session between now and May 18. Think of it, you can gather the kids, the grand-kids and all the cousins for a session for the perfect Mother's Day gift. Then, to top it all off, you can schedule a second free session with mom, grandma and all the aunts. Expecting a baby? Capture your baby bump now and use your free photo shoot when your baby is born. That's all for the price of one shoot.

    The second sitting is valid until the end of the year, so there's no pressure. Now, if we could only figure out a way to freeze time on our face. Oh yeah, that's Botox.


    PhotoOp
    442 Columbus Ave New York
    212 362-1911


    ...
    April 24, 2012

    Inside the Jil Sander VIP Preview

    By ManhattanMataHari

    The Jil Sander sample sale doesn't officially start until tomorrow but we couldn't wait another day and decided to head straight into the "VIP preview sale"--whatever that means.

    After the mandatory coat and bag check we headed towards the ready-to-wear section, which was all reduced 85% off retail. Our spring fervor made the heavy wools from the fall and winter collection less desirable but we were thrilled by the bright colored clothing from this season's line. We just wish there was more of it.



    Our top picks included the minimalist tailored wool sheath dresses for an unbeatable $157. On the table in the middle of the room, which was stocked with mostly menswear, we found lovely lightweight silk and cashmere blend sweaters for just $127. If you are looking to stock up on office basics, you will not be disappointed. Crisp white button down blouses are now a mere $51 and there are also lots of black suit separates. Before you leave, be sure to check out the outerwear selection. Quilted down jackets with fur trimmed hoods are now marked down to $270. Bags and accessories are discounted 80%. Shoes are 85% off retail but we weren't impressed with either selection.

    While the sale is promoted as "invite-only," even the doorkeeper, with the VIP list acknowledged that he wouldn't be turning people away. The wait on Tuesday, however, which is the first “public” day of the sale, will be quite hectic. Expect a long wait but the sale is definitely worth the trip downtown. Historically there aren’t too many headaches if you go on the second day of the sale.

    Jil Sander Sample Sale
    Tuesday, April 24th through Saturday April 28th
    10am to 6pm
    8 Crosby (between Howard and Grand), 4th floor...
    April 23, 2012

    Madison Avenue Watch Week

    Madison Avenue is loved by shoppers all over the world because of its fine boutiques and unique offerings. Most people, however, don't realize that Madison Avenue is the largest fine watch marketplace in North America. What better way to celebrate the neighborhood's haute horology than dedicating an entire week to watches?

    The 2nd annual Madison Avenue Watch Week will take place from April 28 to May 4. Watch enthusiasts can preview the newest and most exceptional timepieces at a variety of events and expert watchmaker discussions.



    This week, we got a preview of some of the dazzling timepieces that will be on display during Watch Week. Our favorites include, the de Grisogono Otturatore, which has a rotating dial featuring four functions. The Buccellati Eratochron is strikingly beautiful and incorporates the brand's iconic delicate design. With over 16 carats of diamonds the Asprey Daisy WG Pave MOP dazzles even the most jaded customer. The Graff GryoGraff is limited to just ten pieces and includes, a 48mm hand-wound movement with hours, minutes and power reserve indicator as well as a double axis tourbillon and a three-dimensional moon phase. Now, that's a watch worth watching!

    The festivities kick-off on Saturday, April 28, and everyone is invited to visit the Gallery of Watches tent on Madison at 64th Street. Visitors will have an opportunity to look at a photography show of the newest watches and register for invitations to the boutique receptions.You can view the full calendar of Watch Week events at MadisonAvenueWatchWeek.com. In addition, you can also request invitations to private consultations and viewings by submitting a request here.

    2nd annual Madison Avenue Watch Week
    Kick-Off Event
    Saturday, April 28 Madison at 64th Street...
    April 23, 2012

    Saks Friend’s and Family

    Hurray! Sale season can't be too far behind now that Saks Fifth Avenue's friend's & family promotion is about to begin.  The sale officially starts on Wednesday, April 25th and runs through the weekend.  Presale is already underway and online shoppers can begin shopping using the code: FRIENDS7.

    This year, the friend's and family discount is 20% off and jewelry is 15% off. Beauty and fragrances are excluded along with an infinite list of designers. Considering how many designers are excluded, we thought we would put together a top five list of items that ARE eligible for the friend's & family discount.

    Here we go:

    1. Diane von Furstenberg Francesca Dress $425













    2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Flavin Stripe Top $198












    3. Rag & Bone/ Skinny Jean Bright Orange $176


    4. Trina Turk Casablanca Tunic Dress $220













    5. Mara Hoffman V-Wire One-Piece Swimsuit $238

    ...