By ManhattanMataHari

Usually we head to Chelsea for the best selection of Loehmann’s designer markdowns, but today we scoped out the Upper West Side location and were pleasantly surprised by the selection of great Italian designer merchandise. Their “Back Room” designer area is replete with Italian labels like Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana, Red Valentino, M Missoni and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti.

On the way to the back we got distracted by some good looking contemporary items such as Helmut Lang’s distressed leather jackets are priced at $600 from $1195, Rachel Zoe’s pink silk maxi dresses as and silk Halston Heritage dresses all priced at $250. There is a summery rack of See by Chloe including a fun cotton print sundress for $180. (You can see a full selection in our photo album here.)

Once you hit the Back Room area you will see many impressive racks of Dolce & Gabbana, including a $399 white silky trench coat and black blazers for $299. There are also a couple racks of M Missoni, including a cotton halter maxi for $250 and their charity red print collection for Orphan Aid Africa. Our favorite piece was a trench for $300. Against the wall you will find the dresses and gowns. A Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti lace dresses are priced between $200 and $300. A few knit M Missoni maxi styles are $400 and also Valentino collection gowns are just $1300.

Heading downstairs, small sized ladies should really stop by the jeans rack to scoop up $29 J Brands. Otherwise, there are quite a few Emilio Pucci silk scarves for $160, and then some Judith Leiber purses and jewelry in glass cases marked about 50% off retail. We were more stunned to see the other treasures behind glass, including a Chanel matte black J12 for $5500 from $6500. We also spotted several Valentino Rockstud satchels for $1760 as well as a unique large intreciatto Bottega Veneta hobos for $1700.

Footwear has an equally good selection, including lots of Giuseppe Zanotti sandals and heels from $300 to $500, Sergio Rossi heels for $300, Dolce & Gabbana and Rene Caovilla shoes are $400 and lots of Casadei sandals starting at $200. Missoni wedges and flats are $250 to $400, although their charity red zigzag flats are just $80. Our favorite footwear was the Valentino rose rain boots for $150 and a flower topped thong jelly sandal for just $130.

Remember to get your Loehmann’s insider card so that you can save an extra 20% off all regularly priced merchandise. The additional discount brings those Valentino rain boots down to $120. Can’t imagine a better deal that that.

Prabal Gurung launched his collection for Target just about month ago and it’s already half off in stores. Unfortunately, online prices are not discounted (don’t you hate that) but we bet your local Target is well stocked if our buzzing urban Target is any indication.

During a recent trip to the Target on 116th Street, we found a good selection of Prabal items from which to choose. The bright floral drop waste dress is $17 from $35, the black and white meet the parents skirt is $15 from $30, a dress in the same print is $22 from $45, and an apple red dress with full skirt is $25 from $50.

In recent seasons, we have complained about the horrible make-your-skin-crawl fabrics used in several designer collaborations. We were happy to notice that the high-tech fabric Modal was incorporated and blended with cotton in many of Prabal’s pieces. It may not be as high quality as a 100% brushed cotton but it’s generations better than 100% Polyester.

Designer collaborations might be a bit 2010 but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any buzz worthy partnerships to anticipate. Below are three designer partnerships to help sweep this snow way.

DVF & Roxy
Last year, Diane von Furstenberg made a huge splash creating a line of children’s clothing for Gap. This summer DVF is teaming up with our favorite surfer girl swim brand, Roxy. The line will consist of 35 pieces including swimwear, beach cover-ups, board shorts, rash guards and beach bags. Prices range from $25 to $75. The collection is currently available on Roxy.com, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.

Vans x Kenzo
Kenzo has already designed several collections for Van’s, which is known for their classic slip on sneakers. This season, the Kenzo team executed a collection called Clouded Leopard, which is basically blurry leopard print in psychedelic colors. These fashionable summer kicks will be available at Kenzo.com and Opening Ceremony and are said to start at $125.

Target x Lauren Bush Lauren
No season is complete without a buzzy Target collaboration. For Summer, the brand has set their bullseye on Lauren Bush Lauren’s popular FEED bags. FEED USA x Target will include more than 30 items ranging from bikes to housewares to apparel and accessories and yes, even totes. Prices will range from $3 to $400. Sales will benefit Feeding America, a non-profit with more than 200 food banks across the country. The goal is to generate $10 million for the organization. The collab launches June 30 and we hope it’s a winner but would’t bet on it.