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    Louboutin Sale: Please Don’t Come

    As you may have noticed, we have eliminated information about the Cristian Louboutin sample sale. Unfortunately, word has traveled too quickly and spokespeople from Christian Louboutin are asserting that NOBODY beyond the confirmed press list will be admitted to the sale.

    “We don’t want to cause frustration with shoppers wasting their time,” the spokesperson said. This sale has traditionally been press only event but in past seasons some exceptions were made. This will not be the case. “There will be security and unless you have an invitation and a confirmation email you will not be admitted,” she said.

    We must concede that an overcrowded sample sale can can be problematic. We tend to believe that this year’s list will be stricter than ever. As always, we will keep an eye on sales and let you know as soon as we hear of a great Louboutin discount.

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    Nordstrom Rack Comes To Union Square

    Nordstrom is taking their first step on the island of Manhattan by opening their discount store Nordstrom Rack this Tuesday, on Union Square South.

    Today we got to poke through the new store located in the basement of the former Virgin Records. Most of what we found is very similar to the merchandise that would be expected in your local Nordstrom department store.

    The store officially discounts items 30% to 70% off retail. We were surprised to learn that only 25% of the merchandise comes from Nordstrom department stores. The majority of the inventory comes directly from the labels.

    Most of the store’s merchandise is not super-designer but the discounts were quite attractive. We found lots of Dolce & Gabbana and D&G from spring 2009. A gold Dolce top with gems along the neckline was $300 from $1450. (That would be a whooping 80% off according to our calculations) A gold D&G dress was $150 from $635 and a D&G magenta satin blazer was $160 from $700.

    There is also a designer shoe section, which wasn’t incredibly exciting. We spotted shoes from Bruno Magli ($300 from $420), Ferregamo ($179 from $520), Tory Burch ($159 from $425) and Bally ($80 from $395).

    The motto of this Manhattan Nordstrom Rack is quick and easy. The layout is extremely intuitive and there’s even a TV navigated check out line– à la Whole Foods.

    With new shipments arriving five days a week, this will definitely be added to our Union Square shopping routine.
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    Lila Dishes for Sunday Styles

    It’s well known that the first lady has been a great supporter of American designers and specifically young American designers. The question still remains as to Michelle Obama’s real impact on sales and the financial health of these blossoming labels.

    It was a surprise to many when Mrs.Obama’s favorite designer, Maria Pinto, announced that she was closing her business despite all the publicity.

    As with many designers spotlighted by Mrs. Obama, “you can definitely win the PR race, but there’s still a business to manage,” said Lila Delilah, who writes the blog, Madison Avenue Spy.

    Ms. Delilah recently discovered that another iconic Michelle Obama outfit, the red and black Narciso Rodriguez dress Mrs. Obama wore on election night in 2008 — part of a tableau that has been enshrined in history — also showed signs of suffering in the consumer marketplace. It was being offered on the Bergdorf Goodman Web site at $1,540, down from $4,400.

    Click here to see Hilary Stout’s article, Can Michelle Obama Create A Fashion Star? What do you tihnk?

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    Thakoon Sample Sale

    There are few people we trust when talking about worthy sample sales. It takes an experienced shopper and fashion insider to spot the sale and get access. Fashion writer and Twitter luminary, Jim Shi (jimshi809) is one of the few we fully trust.

    Earlier today, he hit the Thakoon sample sale and seemed as excited as a 12-year-old girl buying her first Coach bag. “ALL Manolo Blahniks x Thakoon $50!!!! Sizes 38-41!!!! Dying!!!! Just bought 7 pairs!!!!”, he wrote.

    Jim even captured pictures, which include the mirrored heels Thakoon did for the runway with Giuseppe Zanotti and Manolo suede and snakeskin ankle stilettos. Yes, there’s clothing too! Samples, which are generously cut, are priced up to $100.

    All in all, Jim ended up spending $550 for three dresses and seven pairs of shoes. We just hope his girlfriends appreciate him because few men are willing to put out like that.

    Thakoon Sample Sale
    Friday, May 7
    8:30am to 6:30pm
    270 Lafayette St., Suite 1005

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    Ralph Lauren Private Sale

    Ralph Lauren is running their first discount of the season, which they call the “Private Sale.” Most spring and summer merchandise is 30% off plus an additional 15%, for a total of almost 40% off.

    The sale is also taking place online and you can use the code MAY0610AF to activate the additional 15% discount. Most of the online merchandise is that same stores’, confided our sales person. “We have some more shoes and accessories but it’s pretty similar,” he said.

    The sale runs until Monday, May 10 and then prices go back to normal. Generally speaking, Ralph Lauren sales are better in the store when end-of-season merchandise is often reduced to 65% to 75% off.

    Contact: Nelson 212-606-2100

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    DYJ Spotlight: Van Cleef Alhambra

    Just in time for Mother’s Day, DivorceYourJewels.com is spotlighting this wonderful authentic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace. This iconic design is part of the Alhambra Vintage collection that was introduced in the 1960s but is even more popular today.



    This particular piece is double long and 18k gold with black onyx clovers, or motif settings, as Van Cleef would describe them. This piece is in perfect condition and comes with the original box and papers. The retail price is $9,800 but it’s being sold for $6,900.

    Click here to purchase the necklace online and browse other jewels or call Missy for more information at 917-846-9999.

    Sponsored Post
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    Retail Therapy: Heather Williams

    It’s always nice speaking to new designers because they have great taste but success hasn’t tainted their value logic. Shoe designer extraordinaire, Heather Williams neatly falls into that category. Her fantastic shoe designs for her brand, H. Williams can be found in Saks but Marc Jacobs isn’t throwing dresses at her… yet!

    Heather started her career designing sneakers at Reebok, where she earned her badges by understanding the architecture and core skeleton of the foot while making intricate molds. Her design prowess was fully realized at Calvin Klein where she was charged with directing shoe designs across the brand, from high to low.

    The H. Williams shoe combines lux materials and fine Italian craftsmanship with a fresh take on the power heel. (Kicking ass is just a day job.) We thought it would be fun to catch up with Heather –who has quickly become one of our favorite new footwear designers– and find out how she fashions her personal style on a new designer budget.

    What’s your most prized deal?
    I love vintage shopping. I will buy anything from a size 26 to a size two and just have it tailored. In Milan, I found a $3,000 sleek and sexy Jil Sander shift dress for €200. I had the size 12 dress totally rebuilt. I took in more than six inches from each side. Mostly everything I own I have tailored.

    Biggest regret that you didn’t purchase?
    I am not into all the whimsy of Moschino but I was shopping in the Madison Avenue store and happend to find a coat that I really loved but it was too big. I was afraid that if the sleeves were taken in, the coat wouldn’t fit right. The sales person was rude and refused to call any other stores to help me find the right size.

    It was a full priced coat, but because she was treating me so poorly, I left. My plan was to buy it in Milan but it was sold out. I really loved that coat but I don’t like being treated poorly.

    This season you are looking for…
    I am trying to control myself. In the Summer you can get away spending a lot less. I like wearing lots of dresses because they show off the shoes.

    What’s your number one shopping tip?
    Don’t get caught up in trends. Know your body and buy things you will wear. If you’re not sure of a look, go to H&M and give it a try. You will find out if you’re going to get use out of it very quickly.

    What’s your biggest weakness?
    It used to be accessories but since I started making my own its become dresses. I love the draping, the cut, the fit. I appreciate it all. Dresses and coats are two items that I’m not afraid to spend money on.

    Is there an item for which a shopper should never mind paying full price?
    Coats. A great coat can last at least five years. You should also always buy high quality leather goods. An educated consumer knows that cheap leather never looks good.

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