X
X


    Couture Collective Begins Designer Fashion Rentals

    We’ve all become familiar with the idea of fractional plane ownership and condo timeshares. Not so long ago Rent the Runway began offering the ability to borrow a variety of speciality event clothing from a wide range of brands. Now, the borrow option of clothing is becoming a lot more designer and fashionable.

    Couture Collective (or Co.Co. for short) is the brainchild of Sallie Giordano.  The company allows members to buy fractional ownerships of high-end designer clothing. This season, the collection includes about 100 pieces from top designers such as Chanel, Valentino, Christian Dior, Stella McCartney and Elle Saab.

    Further distinguishing itself from Rent the Runway, is the fact that there isn’t a single gown or formal evening dress in the selection. Couture Collection is offers customers a variety of on-trend clothing that can be worn on a variety of occasions. One such item is a cropped Chanel jacket, which could be perfect for lunch at Freds or a board meeting. Other such items for spring is a iconic Dolce floral print dress, a Miu Miu print silk top and a Proenza top. A Roberto Cavalli peasant top is perfect with white jeans at the beach or more structured pants in the city.

    Members of Couture Collective pay $250 for a full year of participation. Once you choose your favorite items from the collection you pay just 20% of the retail price which affords you five reservations with the item and unlimited last-minute-wears. Upon returning the item, renters pay for dry cleaning, which is about $45 for most items. There is no charge for pickup and drop off.

    When the season is over, renters are given the option to purchase the item for an additional 30%. If you only want to wear an item once, you pay just 10% off retail.

    For the next two days, prospective members can scope out and try on Couture Collective’s entire spring collection at their bi-annual trunk show. The clothing will be at the Drawing Room, on the Upper East Side though Thursday.

    Our only problem, as always with fashion, is that we would never want to give it up!

    Couture Collective Trunk Show
    Wednesday, March 4 through Thursday, March 5
    10am to 6pm
    @ The Drawing Room
    40 East 75th Street
    (917) 882-6216 or dressedny@gmail.com

    Leave a comment on Couture Collective Begins Designer Fashion Rentals

    Manolos, Zanotti & Balmain 70% Off at Saks

    Saks Fifth Avenue is blowing out its remanding winter shoe inventory by offering customers an extra 20% off sale shoes. The additional discount brings the total savings on most styles to 70% off (and more).

    Here are Reede Krakoff snake print pumps that are $222 from $695, ornate Manolo ankle boots are now $1176 from $3675 and zebra-print pony hair boots from Balmain are $808 from $2525. We even found a pair of eye-catching Sophia Webster suede booties for $272 from $850. There are even some style shoes that will be perfect for spring like these Prada wedge sandals that are $317 from $990.

    The sale started today and ends Tuesday. Afterwards prices go up again, which will just prolong this winter sale cat-and-mouse game.

    3 Comments on Manolos, Zanotti & Balmain 703 Off at Saks

    Catching Last Year’s Summer at 80% Off

    It’s so much fun to look at the clothing coming in from the new spring and summer collections but  there is often eye-bulging sticker shock once you get a glance at the tags. The best way to satisfy the impulse to buy is to head to discounters.

    TheOutnet has recently started to post their new items for the season. Last year, we had a major crush on this cartoonish print Vionnet silk crape dress. At 78% off, the $5100 dress becomes a lot more affordable. There is a large amount of Balmain, much of which is reduced 70% off. You can save about a grand on these Alaia sandals that are now $640 from $1660. Not exactly summer, but these Christian Louboutin boots are reduced 60% off. Yes, 60%.

    While you’re shopping for summer. Don’t overlook Iris & Ink collection, the Outnet’s in-house brand. Among the best basics for summer are ultra-soft and fine cashmere sweaters for $235. (Yes, we felt them in person and the quality and texture is very nice, especially for the price.) Cropped pants are a must-have for spring and this basic pair for $200 is the perfect way to offset your statement top. If you’re tired of the silly Mansur Gavriel waiting lists and rising prices just opt for this basic black tote bag with a red lining for $295.

    We are told that TheOutnet will continue to add products throughout the month. Be on the lookout. the site also hosts weekly promotions with additional discounts.

    Leave a comment on Catching Last Year’s Summer at 80% Off

    The Runway: How Much is that Dress Exactly?

    Fashion insiders often refer to this time of year as Fashion Month. The international fashion world begins showing collections for the following season in mid-February in New York and continues to London, Milan and culminates in Paris.

    As glamourous as it may seem, circuit is often described as a marathon that requires pacing and endurance. As spectators, it’s hard not to ogle from our Instagram, Twitter and Facebook feeds. Everything seems too fresh and unique when you’re looking into the figure of fashion.

    One element that doesn’t usually come to mind is the price of the items shown on the runway. We all know that fashion can be expensive but just how expensive can be surprising in both directions. Sites like Moda Operandi allow customers to shop designer trunk shows and secure runway fashion months in advance. The site also allows shoppers access to designer pieces that might never become available in traditional retail stores.

    Obviously, you’re going to have to pay up when purchasing a one-of-a kind or a small run item. How much you ask? We are about to find out. The above pictures represent some of the most photographed and adored items shown at New York Fashion week along with their “trunk show” prices.

    Check out this silk organza Rosie Assoulin halter gown. The almost $12,000 price tag is almost as eye popping as the graphic stripe print and side cutouts. The sky blue Delpozo coat with leather appliques at the front, is a bit more digestible at $6,800. A Cushnie at Ochs pretty pink pantsuit was often used by media as the iconic example of 70s gone 2015, and rings in at $4500 for the coat, sweater and pants ensemble. The cloud print gown that Karlie Kloss wore to close out the Carolina Herrera show is $9000.

    Scroll through the above look book to see more of the most talked about fashion of New York fashion week and their prices. Just remember, fashion is art and sometimes there’s no price too high when it comes to owning an item that fills your heart with pleasure.

    Leave a comment on The Runway: How Much is that Dress Exactly?

    Bogner Sample Sale

    We just found out that Bogner is about to host a huge outlet and sample sale at their showroom. The sale begins Friday morning and runs through the weekend.

    At the last sale we found lots of ski and golf clothing priced at 70% off retail. (Perhaps if we had the right clothing, golf could be our sport?!) The sale also included women’s ready-to-wear, Bogner Sport, Bogner Fire + Ice and Bogner’s children’s skiwear.

    Lets face it, after all this severe cold, we need a new puffer to get us through March. (Or maybe, better yet, a trip to the Caribbean.)


    Bogner Factory Outlet & Sample Sale
    Friday, February 27th through Sunday, March 1
    11am-7pm daily
    151 Wooster Street (btwn Houston & Prince)

    Leave a comment on Bogner Sample Sale

    Dennis Basso Up to 70% Off

    There are things we love about sample sales and aspects we loathe. It’s no doubt that we always prefer the ease of shopping at our local Madison Avenue boutiques over the chaos of a distant and out of the way sample sale. This weeks Dennis Basso sale is the best of everything.

    Right now, the king of fur’s Madison Avenue boutique is hosting a sale were fall fashion and furs are discounted from 40% to 70% off. We are told that the sale contains a lot more classic furs than the designer’s recent sample sale. The best part is that shoppers will find similar prices. Obviously, the ready-to-wear dresses represent the most discounted merchandise.

    The sale runs through the rest of the week. Don’t be surprised to be enticed by the designer himself. His simile alone can you make you feel like a minx. If you want him to sweeten the deal, offer him a piece of cheese cake…

    Dennis Basso
    825 Madison Avenue @ 69th Street
    (212) 794-4500

    Leave a comment on Dennis Basso Up to 70% Off

    Neiman Marcus Online Consolidation Sale

    Just when you thought that sale season was over, Neiman Marcus has posted thousands of some of the most titillating looks from winter 2014 at discounts up to 65% off. It seems as if Neiman Marcus has consolidated their designer merchandise from all over the country and uploaded it to the online store.

    The hot dot and stripe Valentino pattern was a big sellout this year but this leather trench still remains. The original retail price was $16,500 but it’s now reduced to $5775. This Alexander McQueen vest makes quite a statement with the stripped neck and waist. The original price was about $8200 and it’s now $2868. The sale also includes a great selection of merchandise from The Row, which is discounted pretty close to the sample sale markdowns. Our favorite piece is this two-tone canvas and fur coat for $1300 from about $3900.

    Take note that some of these items were reduced up to 75% in stores. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were additional discounts intermittently. Keep in mind however, there isn’t a big inventory of these items and once they are gone…

    Leave a comment on Neiman Marcus Online Consolidation Sale

    Fashion Week: Drapey Pants

    Fashion week is officially over. Now is the best time to take a step back and review everything we’ve seen over the last week. We are serving up all smoking hot trends so that you know what to expect on the street and in the pages of your favorite fashion magazines come next winter.

    Tia Cibani, Bibhu Mohapatra, Donna Karan

    Drapey and slouchy pants have a reputation for being difficult to wear and the rumors are true. Even though getting the right fit and proportions can be difficult, there is a big payoff when you hit it right. Coming this fall, expect to see a lot more flowey pants.

    Make no mistake, these aren’t the drawstring pants we’ve been seeing for the past several seasons. The pants shown on the runway were made of luxe fabrics, like wool, velvet and cashmere. The one aspect that changes is the length of the pants. Donna Karan showed her version cropped while Tia Cibani’s were extra long.

    This style is usually easier to pull off if you’re petite and have narrow legs and hips. If that isn’t the case try layering a jacket or bulky sweater over your midsection is another option.

    Leave a comment on Fashion Week: Drapey Pants