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    Urban Zen in a Concrete Jungle

    Donna Karan may have closed her doors on Madison Avenue but she will always remain one of the most respected women in fashion. It is absolutely an end of a Donna Karan era.

    Even though Donna Karan won’t be continuing her namesake collection, it doesn’t mean she will be forsaking fashion. Karan is turning her attention toward her organization, Urban Zen. After all, it’s only natural that one would want to follow up work this urban jungle with a bit of urban zen.

    The boutique (and website) is a lifestyle brand that offers a curated collection of artisanal items. The products range from furniture from Bali to necklaces from Haiti. Some of our favorite Urban Zen products include, the slinky fitted dresses and the braided collar necklace. The light-weight cashmere scarves are just begging for a cuddle.

    A percentage of the proceeds from Urban Zen profit the Urban Zen Foundation, which supports eduction, healthcare and culture in under-served corners of the world. What a nice way to bring some extra meaning to fashion after to a blazing hot career.

    Urban Zen – New York 
    705 Greenwich Street
    212-206-3999

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    J. Crew 90% Off

    There are sales and then there are the practically giveaways. J. Crew is essentially giving it away. Through Monday, you can save an extra 75% off final sale items. The final discounts ring in at about 90% off. Just use the code SUMMERSALE at checkout to activate the additional discounts.

    When the promotion started– before the weekend– there was a lot more merchandise but there are still enough $9 tees. Here is a gold (or blue) metallic bathing suit that comes to $13 from $118, a $12 beaded tee from $65 and $19 white matchstick jeans. The sale also includes lots of bathing suits and shoes but sizing is patchy. Be sure to check out the kid’s and men’s clothing too.

    If you’re not seeing anything you like you can also look at the normal sale merchandise that’s an extra 40% off. The only thing is that everything seems expensive even at 60% off after you look at the prices from the final sale section.

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    Last Chance: Bergdorf Goodman Discounts 80%

    If you’re a fan of Bergdorf Goodman then we suggest you head to 57th Street right away. Through Saturday, the Lavender Lady is offering customers an extra 20% off sale items for a total discount of 80% off.

    Head this way to see a Cushnie et Ochs crepe top with side cutouts that comes to $138 from $695, a Helmut Lang fitted dress is just $84 and Gucci skinny pants are just $138 from almost $700. There is also a flared version of the Gucci pants that are about the same price and look amazing. Unfortunately, shoes are only about 60% off and the selection isn’t great. The handbag selection isn’t stellar either.

    There are literally thousands of items discounted to mere pennies on the dollar. It’s hard not to fill up a full cart of goodies. The best part is that all shipping and returns are free. Even ultra-discounted merchandise can be returned up to 30-days. Now, those are some policies we can get behind.

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    The IT-It: Elena Ghisellini

    All roads leading to quality and couture start in Florence. After all, it is the birthplace of handmade everything and even today remains the gold standard of fashion. It’s really no wonder why the Florence-born designer, Elena Ghisellini, has had such an amazing track record in accessories design.

    You may have never heard her name but Elena Ghisellini is currently the head accessories designer for Pucci and is credited for the incredible success of Givenchy’s and Ferragamo’s leather goods. It’s her own label– which has already been available for a few seasons–that’s really capturing our hearts.

    The Felina collection is inspired by the face of a cat and is both playful but mysterious. The shape is immediately recognizable and the color combinations are enchanting. If you fell subject to Valentino’s rainbow collection, than you will also love the rainbow Fatale clutch. This version with stars and strips is the chicest bit of patriotism we’ve ever seen. The more classic black-and-white Felina Mignon crossbody bag could be more versatile than the more whimsical styles but it’s no less haute.

    The bags range in price from $600 to $1300. Like Celine, we wouldn’t be surprised if prices jumped as popularity gained momentum. We have a feeling that Elena won’t be working under the Pucci label for many more years.

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    Amazon’s $12,000 Dress and More Incredible Finds

    There is a new Queen of Fashion.

    Today we heard news that retail analysts expect that Amazon will exceed Macy’s as the nation’s largest apparel retailer in less than two years.

    Amazon’s gross merchandise value in apparel and accessories are expected to grow from an anticipated $16 billion in 2015 to more than $27 billion in 2017, according to financial analysts Cowen and Company. To compare, Macy’s anticipated sales for 2017 are $24.69 billion in apparel alone.

    Even if you haven’t been to a Macy’s in decades (present company included) you can assume the type of merchandise you would find. Think lots of MICHAEL by Michael Kors, Lauren Ralph Lauren, North Face and Calvin Klein. Even as a ‘Prime’ Amazon shopper we couldn’t even guess the types of brands available on Amazon. So, we did a bit of digging.

    Not surprising, there are a lot of familiar brands like Kate Spade, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Nine West. What was surprising, however, are the more expensive items. We found this Miranda Women’s Sweetheart prom gown for almost $12,000! Sure we can imagine an Oscar de la Renta dress for that price but who has ever heard of Miranda? To add insult to injury, the dress is made of polyester.

    There were more unexpected finds. We wouldn’t even know how to categorize this $3800 getup from Matija Vuica . If you think that’s strange, you haven’t seen this sheer gown from Eleanor Fashion House for $3600 from $5800. (Hat not included.) What’s even funnier is that these pricey dresses can’t even be expedited through ‘Prime’.

    Perhaps, something for everyone is how Amazon is making it’s mark. There is no doubt they are doing something right– even if some of the style options are a bit off.

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    TheOutnet Clearance 80%

    TheOutnet is hosting a huge sale on Tuesday morning where everything will be discounted 80%. In addition to clothing, the sale will include shoes, bags and jewelry.

    We got a sneak peak into what will be in the sale and fell in love with these Alaia studded suede sandals, which will be $332 from $1500 and Maiyet flat sandals will be $130 from almost $600. Among the clothing is a Roland Mouret crepe dress for $707 and a Jil Sander cotton pleated dress for $210. There is a great Phillip Lim biker jacket reduced to just $339 from $1700. There are also lots of jeans for about $40.

    If you don’t see what you like on Tuesday, you can check back on Thursday when we are told even more merchandise will be added. We have a feeling that will have done enough damage by Thursday. Just be warned, all sales are final.

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    Fivestory Sample Sale

    Madison Avenue boutique, Fivestory is hosting their semi-annual sample sale. This year, the sale has a change of venue. It’s moving from the basement of the The Bowery Hotel to the official 151 Wooster Street sample sale storefront. We are happy that the tony boutique has opted for  a less dingy location but are worried that outsourcing the sample sale could result higher prices.

    At the last sale, all of their merchandise was either 60% or 80% off, depending on the age of the collection. Naturally, we like to focus on the merchandise that is more highly reduced. We found a Preen sweater print dress that comes to about $100 from $495, a Veronique Leroy sweater jacket is about $600 from $2180 and a Versace dress is approximately $540 from $2725. Head this way to see all the highlights and lots of pictures from the last sale. We wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of what we photographed made an encore appearance at this sale.

    If you’ve never been to the Fivestory boutique we strongly suggest that you do. The brownstone space feels like the love child between the Mark Hotel and Henri Bendel–in the old days. The decor is luxurious and the fashion is haute. Think Balmain, Cushnie Et Ochs, Mary Katrantzou, Roland Mouret, Jason Wu, Carven and Giambattista Valli. And, of course, there is Rosie Assoulin.

    Fivestory Sample Sale
    Tuesday, July 21st though Sunday, July 26th
    Tues-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm
    151 Wooster Street

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    Manolo Blahnik Second Markdown 50% Off

    The streets are steaming hot. What to do when you need to get out of your over air-conidtioned environment? Head over to Manolo Blahnik boutique’s second markdown. The sale starts Monday and we’ve been told that the inventory is running practically at full stock.

    This most recent markdown follows the 30% discount but proceeds the final and best shopping opportunity of the season. The final markdown is always one of our favorite sales and will likely take place in early August. Prices range from $195 to $350. Most shoes and low boots– even highly ornate styles– are priced at $250.

    Expect to find a full assortment of shoes from the summer collection. Personally, we are waiting make our major purchases in August. After all, everyone is out of the city. You can click here and here to see the reports from past final markdowns.

    Manolo Blahnik
    31 West 54th Street (b/w 5th and 6th)
    Monday to Friday 10:30 to 6pm
    Saturday 10:30 to 5:30
    Sunday 12pm to 5pm
    Store will close from 2pm to 3pm for restocking (lunch)

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