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    Bloomingdales Friends & Family and New 5th Floor

    Do you ever recall a time that Bloomingdales wasn’t undergoing some sort of renovations? Bloomies most recent endeavor, dubbed ‘The Heart of Shoe York,’ combines its original contemporary (2nd floor) and designer (4th floor) shoe floors into a nearly 27,000-square-foot department on the fifth floor.

    The total “footprint” of the shoe department is now more than 40,000 square feet and incorporates 100 brands. The shoe salon contains nine shop-in-shop boutiques, which include Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, Fendi, Dior, Gucci M. Gemi, Jimmy Choo and more. (You can click over this way to see pictures of the new 5th floor taken by our friends @nycshopguide.)

    While you are checking out the new fifth floor== and we strongly suggest you do so– you can also begin presaling for the upcoming friends and family sale, which starts Friday. The discount is 25% off an assortment of shoes, bags, clothing and accessories. Beauty shoppers can take $15 off every $150 spent on almost all beauty purchases. To make the friends & Family sale even sweeter, you will receive a $25 reward card for every $100 you spend.

    Bloomingdales can be frustrating to shop (especially with all the construction). We’ve become a big fan of the “In-Store Pickup” service. Shop online and retrieve everything from the customer service department on the 3rd floor. Once you get there, you can try everything on and just take the items you like.

    We love this Frame and Partners jumpsuit ($299), this rose gold sequined dress ($232) and this rainbow sweater is just $42 and that’s before the f&f discount. The promotion can also be applied to sale items. These frayed white jeans come to $140 from $300 and this Stutterheim rubberized raincoat will about $150 from $300.

    The friends and family promotion runs through Sunday, April 15. We suggest that you shop during this markdown. The next sale with similar discounts won’t be until mid-May.

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    Beauty: Getting Your Makeup Professionally Right

    We don’t usually spend a lot of time talking about lipsticks and bronzers but we thought it was critical to share this public service announcement.

    There is no easy way to say this, but more times than not, your makeup artist is creating a problemed look rather than a beautiful one. It’s en epidemic! Every day we see pictures of beautiful young girls who have been fashioned to look like the social media celebrities they see ‘Instagram’ or ‘YouTube.’ It doesn’t translate well in a three-dimentional context.

    For this reason, we enlisted Dustin Lujan and asked him a few key questions to help you properly instruct your makeup artist. Dustin’s editorial work and knowledge have graced assorted glossy magazines and the runways and videos of Versace, Oscar De Le Renta, Akris, Marchesa, Reem Acra, Douglas Hannant, Kim Hicks, Erin Featherston, Misha Nanoo, Victor De Souza and other esteemed fashion houses.

    Below are some tips and pointers that we hope will inspire your next makeup application:

    What are the most important instructions to give your makeup artist?
    The most important instructions to give an artist are to give a specific idea of what you want or may need. Be specific, like how long you need the makeup to last or if you want light coverage foundation. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard women say they want a “natural look” and then they are shocked that they don’t have a smokey eye and red lips. What they meant was ‘go light on the foundation’. Remember, your makeup artist is not a mind reader and the more information about your likes and dislikes result in a better consultation. If you cant verbalize what you like, share pictures of examples of things that you are drawn to.

    What are the most common mistakes makeup artists make?
    One of the biggest missteps of makeup artists are not staying current and relevant to the present day. If you are stuck in the past, and are not willing to stay updated and educated, the entire industry will leave you behind.

    What are the most common misdirection’s clients give?
    One of the biggest client misdirection’s I have seen is poor communication. Specifically, there are three miscommunications I have seen:  #1 Smokey Eye – What is a smokey eye to you? It falls between smudged eyeliner to full on black goth shadow. Find out your smokey eye. #2 Red Lip – What is your red lip? For most clients this can range from a sheer fuchsia gloss to a dark plum matte lip. Know your colors and your comfort level.

    Penciled brows and crazy long lashes? Is too much ever too much?
    I believe everything in moderation and blending can take you a long way. I also would like to let people know that “Instagram Makeup” and “YouTube Makeup” are not realistic in daily life. The extreme looks are meant to show up under extreme lighting and the techniques used a lot of times are to sensationalize the audience as not to loose the viewers’ interest.


    You’re not fully dressed unless you’re using these products…
    You are not fully dressed until you are using your skincare!!! Even the best makeup artist cant correct neglected skin. The must own products are eye cream, moisturizer and SPF. Three simple items will do wonders for the skin. Remember if you do not have a great canvas how can you paint a beautiful picture?

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    SAMPLE SALES ???????????? for April Updated: M. Missoni

    Spring is in the air (or at least it should be) and we couldn’t be more excited to start planning for the warmer weather. New sandals, lightweight dresses and lots of rosé, of course. We aren’t quite ready to start pulling out the bikinis but long weekends will be here before you know it.

    We’ve exclusively listed only the sample sales that we would personally consider attending. The post will continue to be updated throughout the month and remain just a click away in the right sidebar. Below is a list of what we believe to be April’s best sample sales. Feel free to leave feedback in the comments section so that everyone can benefit.

    Equinox Sample Sale
    These atheliesure sales have been getting a lot of attention but we never find the discounts that good during the initial days. We suggest hitting these sales during the final days, when the prices are slashed to rock bottom. This would be our game plan too for the upcoming Equinox sale. Expect to find brands ranging from Spiritual Gangster to Anthony Thomas Melillo, Nike and more.
    Tuesday, April 3 through Sunday, April 8
    Tues 9am-8pm, Wed 10am-7pm, Fri to Sat 10am-8pm
    260 Fifth Avenue

    Versace Sample Sale
    Brace yourselves for Versace mania. The Italian fashion brand is hosting it’s first sample sale at 260 Fifth Ave and we can only imagine how wild this sale will become. As logomania heats up so has the gilded Versace print. As a matter of fact Donatella Versace was just at Bergdorf Goodman launching a collection of vintage prints. No word on the markdowns or what will be included in the sale but we will be sure to keep you posted.
    Wednesday, April 11 through Sunday, April 15
    Wed to Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm
    150 Greene Street

    Dennis Basso Sale
    Dennis Basso is hosting a private sale in the upstairs of his atelier. Furs and gowns will be discounted up to 75% off. The designer held a sample sale this winter at Soiffer Haskin. We imagine that these sale items will be from his most recent past winter collection.
    Wednesday, April 11 Through Thursday, April 12
    1pm-5pm daily
    825 Madison Avenue
    RSVP: jenxsamplesale@gmail.com

    Hanro Sample Sale
    Expect to find major discounts on true samples and overstock of loungewear, sleepwear and undergarments for men and women. We are told that discounts will be up to 75% off merchandise mostly from the fall/winter 2017 collections. Pajamas trimmed with lace will be $80 from $228, a plush robe will be $30 from $218 and many bras will be just $30 from over $150. 
    Tuesday, April 17 through Thursday, April 19
    Tues & Wed 8am-6pm, Thurs 8am-2pm
    385 Fifth Avenue, 6th fl @34th Street

    Jill Stuart Sample Sale
    Jill Stuart is inviting shoppers into her showroom to purchase past season samples and overstock for 70% to 80% off retail. The selection will include gowns, dresses, sleepwear, lingerie, shoes, swimwear and vintage items. Also expect to find items from the Morgan Lane label.
    Tuesday, April 17 through Thursday, April 19
    9am-7:30pm daily
    550 Seventh Avenue, 24th Fl

    Marc Jacobs Sample Sale
    What has become of Marc Jacobs? So much talent, yet the label seems to be in hibernation. Nothing in fashion stays the same and it’s only a matter of time until this sleeping bear wakes. For now, you can fancy yourself as a collector and snag huge discounts from the Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs collections.
    Wednesday, April 18 through Sunday, April 22
    Wed to Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 8am-5pm
    260 Fifth Avenue

    David Yurman Sample Sale
    David Yurman will be hosting his semi-annual sample sale starting April 19. Discounts normally range from 30% to 60% off retail and 10% of all proceeds on the first day of the sale will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
    Thursday, April 19 through Sunday, April 22
    Thurs 3pm–8, Fri & Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 11am–5pm
    The Altman Building, 135 West 18th Street

    Jonathan Adler Warehouse
    Jonathan Adler is hosting its bi-annual warehouse sale. Discounts will be up to 70% off retail and include an selection of furniture, lighting, accessories, and more. We are told this sale will have the biggest inventory yet, with almost 5,000 pieces available.
    Thursday, April 19th through Friday, April 20th
    9am to 2pm daily
    885 E. 138th Street (NE corner of 138th and Walnut Avenue) Bronx, NY 10454

    M. Missoni Sample Sale
    The M. Missoni sample sale features a large variety the designer’s famous zig-zag knit patterns. The sale also includes an assortment of Red Valentino and a limited amount of new Rockstuds. Discounts for M. Missoni are 70% off, Red Valentino is 75% off clothing and bags, shoes, and accessories are 70% off.
    Though Thursday, April 26
    9am-6pm daily
    49 West 38th Street

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    Saks Off-Fifth Fine Jewelry 70% Off

    When you’re sorting through designer collection sale sections you often come across lots of jewelry. Most of the time it’s not very attractive and still highly expensive. During our most recent search through the Saks Fifth Avenue Off-Fifth clearance section we were quite surprised by how many great items of fine jewelry were available near 70% off.

    Let’s start out by saying that fine jewelry is technically defined as jewelry constructed from at least 14-karat gold with real gem stones. Vermielle, which is often nice, is not fine jewelry.

    Now that we got that out of the way, we can share some of the great finds that we found. Over this way, we found an oversized 18k gold ring from Roberto Coin that’s $1700 from $5300, double drop gold and diamond earrings from Casa Reale are $665 from $1750 and this lariat necklace is perfect for bikini and ab season as it is long enough to reach your belly button and is reduced to $552 from $2400. An Ippolita gold bangle with amethyst and quartz is $1250 from $3300. That’s better than a sample sale.

    We aren’t big department store jewelry shoppers. Our tastes tend to be more classic and less trend driven. When we see prices like these, however, it makes us think, we should forget the shoes and buy the jewelry.

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    Neiman Marcus Last Call 90% Off

    Last month, we noticed that the Neiman Marcus winter collection was sent to the Last Call discount store. The markdown was 80% off but now they are really blowing the doors off as the reductions. Even the fanciest designer clothing has hit 90% off.

    Over this way, we found a Saint Laurent one-shoulder top with an oversized 80s-style bow for $373 from $3000, Valentino ballet flats with ballet ankle wraps are $190 from $950 and Saint Laurent studded sunglasses are $152 from $500. This is a little out of left field, but check  out this Christian Lacroix jigsaw puzzle. It makes a great gift with a bottle of wine and it’s not even $10 from $35.

    This is the discount store’s big Easter sale. We haven’t been out to a Last Call in some time but we wouldn’t be surprised if there were even better finds in the store than online. After all, the stories about finding Chanel at these types of markdowns are even better than the Chanel.

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    The IT-It: Fringed Bags

    There is noting like swaying in the Spring breeze. This season, you can take it literally and let it all hang out with the hottest bag style of the season: Fringe.

    Fringed bags are one of those classic styles that is a mainstay on the merry-go-round of trends. They are a bit bohemian, a touch of 70s glamour and have a hint of country Western flare. Calvin Klein lets it hang low in his fringe version of the bucket bag ($2250), Loewe ($1890) and Balenciaga ($2690) paint their logos over the fringe and even Prada’s Glace Etiquette ($2200) has grown some long sway.

    Some less expensive options include this Alexander Wang ‘Dustbag’ that’s $695,  Diana von Furstenberg offers up a colorful raffia fringe ($598) and here is a studded fringe tote from Gum that’s only $144.

    As for styling tips, we would only suggest pairing your new ‘stings’ with some great oversized 70s style glasses. This way you can hide when your bag whips about as you briskly walk away.

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    Shopbop’s First Big Markdown

    Online retailers don’t quite run sale season the same way traditional store calendars negotiate markdowns. Shopbop for example, just started what we would consider, the first big round of markdowns. Meanwhile, most products are still full price at nearly everywhere you shop.

    Digging in, we went straight for the designer merchandise. There Gucci sunglasses are $231 from $385 a Nina Ricci spring blue sweater is $570 from $980 and high-rise Citizen jeans with a frayed hem are $200 from $288. Check out this deconstructed trench from Milly ($626 from $900) it’s very transitional and versatile. It has detachable arms and the bottom half can be removed to morph into a cropped jacked.

    Of course, there are the more reduced items from seasons past. Some newcomers in the 70% off area are this Veronica Beard shearling jacket that’s $688 from nearly $2300. A Dion Lee mini-dress is $235 from $785. A box pleat Kelly green dress from Edit is $147 from $490.

    If the item you’re watching isn’t included in this markdown it is likely to be added in the next sale drop. Usually the site adds another batch of merchandise to its sale during the first week of April.

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    Raf Simons Calvin Klein at 70% Less

    Raf Simons is clearly steering Calvin Klein in a new direction. The rebranded Calvin Klein collection, which is oddly called CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC, offers customers classic American tropes with Raf’s personal provocation.

    There are so many pieces we love from the main collection that it’s hard to count. One of our favorite-favorites is a classic trench with detonable sleeves ($2700). When the belt is properly synched the bottom turns into a dramatic swing style. (The pictures don’t do it justice.) The spring collection also included lots of pants with side stripes $850 and Western-style tops ($640).

    Those with a keen fashion eye don’t need to wait for markdown season to wear Raf’s newest collections. Shoppers can bypass the ‘Collection’ prices and go straight to Macy’s where lots of lookalikes are a fraction of the price. Jeans with a side stripe are just $128 and this Western-style tops are $118. This denim style is already reduced to just $35.

    Granted, I’m unlikely to find that dramatic trench coat at Macy’s but these other items make it really hard to rationalize the spending 205W39NYC prices. We even found the splatter paint denim at Macy’s and these heels (in red not the black) have Raf’s thumbprints all over them.

    We love the idea of going with the Macy’s version on some of these items. It’s the all-American fashion dream.

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