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    Fashion Week: Costello Tagliapietra

    By: TJ Kennedy

    The look at Costello gave a colorful twist to the classic working girl wardrobe with vibrant prints and classic neutrals. Printed dresses with expert draping and tailored detail made for a simple, sophisticated collection. Who says DVF is the only designer who rocks the wrap dress?

     

    Standout trend: A rich emerald green evening dress with long sleeves and a sliver of exposed back.

    How to get the look: The messy pinned back low bun takes a lot of product and an unbelievable amount of bobby pins, but it’ll last through an entire evening.
    It’s easiest with unwashed hair and extra-hold spray. Loosely pull hair back and start pinning with large bobby pins one piece at a time until it’s all pulled up and spray, spray, spray.
    Copper eyeshadow has been seen all over runways this season and Costello took it to an extreme with matching colored lips and bold bronzed cheeks.
    We say stick to one or the other for a unexpectedly fresh pop of color.

    Who makes it work: The successful career woman who wears her YSL pumps all day and doesn’t have he time to change before drinks and dinner at Le Cirque. 
    Photo Credit WWD:

    Fashion Hunt Items Revealed

    Fashion’s Night Out is just hours away and we know that you’re already plotting your night. There are so many places to go and we have a bounty of prizes waiting to be taken home. Winning participants of our Fashion’s Night Out Madison Avenue Fashion Hunt, sponsored by the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District will be treated to the best of Madison.

    It’s really easy. Just choose three stores from the list below and Tweet picture of the specified item to @madisonavespy or email them to fashionhunt@madisonavenuebid.org. Randomly selected participants who complete their three tasks will be directed to a secret Madison Avenue location where they will meet at 9:00pm to toast their success and receive their gift. (Click here to see a list of the amazing prizes.)

    While you’re making your way up Madison Avenue, be sure to look out for our Spy Guides who will be handing out extra clues and hints. Of course, no purchase is necessary and if you spot me, take a picture, tweet or email it and you’ll earn double points!

    You can click on the above image to view the Fashion Hunt items on your phone or print them out to take them with you. 


    Participating Stores & Locations

    Agnes B 1063 Madison Avenue
    An American Craftsman
    Galleries
    941 Madison Avenue
    Anne Fontaine 677 Madison Avenue
    Bally 628 Madison Avenue
    BCBGMAXAZRIA 770 Madison Avenue
    Betsey Johnson 1060 Madison Avenue
    Bistro Chat Noir 22 East 66th Street
    Caffe Grazie 26 East 84th Street
    David Yurman 712 Madison Avenue
    Diptyque 971 Madison Avenue
    Dolce & Gabbana 825 Madison Avenue
    Eileen Fisher 1039 Madison Avenue
    Eton of Sweden 625 Madison Avenue
    Exhale Mind Body Spa 980 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor
    Gagosian Shop 988 Madison Avenue
    Georg Jensen
    Giuseppi Zanotti Design
    687 Madison Avenue
    806 Madison Avenue
    Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa 22 East 66th Street, 2nd Floor
    Juicy Couture 860 Madison Avenue
    Kandice Pelletier Swimwear 22 East 66th Street, 2nd Floor
    La Perla 803 Madison Avenue
    Milly 900 Madison Avenue
    Monnalisa 1088 Madison Avenue
    Porsche Design 624 Madison Avenue
    Samantha Thavasa 965 Madison Avenue
    Soigne K 717 Madison Avenue
    Steuben 667 Madison Avenue
    Stubbs and Wootton 987 Madison Avenue
    Swarovski 625 Madison Avenue
    Wolford 619 Madison Avenue

    Joie Labor Day Sale

    The opening of Joie on Madison was one of the most popular boutique openings of the year. In a neighborhood that is filled with predominantly preppy stores– Crew Cuts, Brooks Brothers and Jack Rogers– Joie was a breath of fresh air.

    We have the perfect excuse for you to take a trip up to 88th, if you haven’t already done so. Joie is hosting a Labor Day sale where they are taking a second markdown on already reduced merchandise. Items that were 30% are not 50%. New merchandise is being discount to 30% off too.

    The sale runs until September 12 and we have a feeling this may be the perfect shopping haunt to fill in your wardrobe for day five of fashion week.

    Joie
    1196 Madison Ave @ 88th Street
    212-837-2220

    FNO Madison Avenue Spy Fashion Hunt Prizes

    The unofficial end of summer is behind us, which means unofficial start of Fashion Week is just ahead. Yes, that is the fabulous Fashion’s Night Out. This year, we are staking out the world’s most fashionable avenue–Madison Avenue.

    On Thursday, September 8, we are hosting an incredible Twitter “Fashion Hunt” on Madison Avenue that is sponsored by the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District. Shoppers can collect dozens of amazing prizes, like a wallet from Bally, not-yet-released lipsticks from Dolce & Gabbana, an Agnes b. tote and a La Perla baby doll.

    All you need to do is select three participating retailers and tweet a photo of the designated item to @MadisonAveSpy. (Fashion Hunt items will be posted later this week.) Randomly selected participants who complete their three tasks will be directed to a secret Madison Avenue location where they will meet at 9:00pm to toast their success and receive their prize. If you don’t have a Twitter account don’t worry. You can also email your Fashion Hunt pictures to fashionhunt@madisonavenuebid.org

    Remember to check back and follow along on Twitter @MadisonAveSpy and #MadisonAvenueFNO for additional helpful clues and information. In addition, Spy Guides will be stationed along Madison Avenue to help you through the Fashion’s Night Out evening. Of course, no purchase is necessary and if you spot me, take a picture, tweet/email it in and you’ll earn double points.


    Good Luck!!!

    FNO Madison Avenue Fashion Hunt Stores and Prizes:
    Agnes B– Voyage leather shoulder tote-bag highlighted by contrast over stitching. Handles set into appliqué with mother-of-pearl circles. Lined, with press studs, and interior pockets.
    An American Craftsman Galleries– Heart Key Box made by Richard Rothbard
    Anne Fontaine– A signature home fragrance set and a vintage tee-shirt
    Bally-“Hensa” ladies fold-over wallet in black patent leather with Swiss goat charm
    BCBGMAXAZRIA -The new BCBGMAXAZRIA signature scent
    Betsey Johnson -“Heavy Metal Cheetah Laptop Case”Metallic, cheetah-print laptop case with removable, adjustable strap and zipper closure
    Bistro Chat Noir -$50 gift card
    Caffe Grazie– Lunch or dinner for two
    David Yurman– TBD
    Diptyque Paris– Baies Noire Candle
    Dolce & Gabbana– Dolce & Gabbana Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipstick
    Eileen Fisher– The Infinity Wrap
    Eton of Sweden– Win a $400 Eton shopping spree at the Eton store on Madison Avenue
    Exhale Mind Body Spa– Exhale summer tees
    Gagosian Shop– Shopping bag filled with four catalogues – Jeff Koons, Pablo Picasso, Ed Ruscha, Richard Prince ($320 retail value)
    Georg Jensen– 18K red, white and yellow gold Fusion bracelet w. brown leather cord
    Giuseppe Zanotti– Tee-shirt signed by Giuseppe Zanotti himself
    Kandice Pelletier Swimwear – A cover-up
    Kandice Pelletier Swimwear at Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa– The Somme Boost Mask and the 5 Step Vitamin Infusion Homecare Regime
    Juicy Couture– Viva la Juicy fragrance
    La Perla – “Masquerade Babydoll” from Spring/Summer collection 2011. Babydoll in satin and silk chiffon at bust with a flower motif cotton tulle overlay. Adjustable straps and side slits.
    Milly– Milly scarf
    Monnalisa– Grey wool purse with bow and draw string closer
    Porsche Design– P’8487 Porsche Design Sunglasses
    Samantha Thavasa– Perforated North/South leather tote with three front pockets, snap closure and two internal pockets
    Soigne K– Metal, wooden and glass beads work their magic together in this beautifully handcrafted necklace with a artfully combined pendant
    Steuben– Nimbus Champagne Flutes
    Stubbs and Wootton– Gift certificate for one pair of slippers
    Swarovski – Planet Necklace: This hypnotic rhodium-plated pendant presents a sparkling Amethyst crystal as its jewel-like centerpiece. With a mesmerizing silhouette inspired by ballerina twirls, it adds feminine elegance to any outfit. The pendant comes on a chain.
    Wolford– TBD

    Barneys Warehouse Sale

    The legendary Barney’s warehouse sale is well under way and veteran warehouse shoppers know this is the best time to plan your shopping trip. The sale started with the original Barney’s markdown plus a modest additional 25% off. This discount increases incrementally until the last day. In addition, the sale continues to receive new merchandise from Barneys locations all over the country like LA and Dallas.

    Unlike years past all the women’s ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories and homegoods are on the same floor. In the shoe department you will find loads of cute Lanvin heels between $300 and $449, Givenchy woven heeled booties for $299 and a fair selections of Manolos that cost about $300. Alaia booties are also in the mix, although we spotted no Chanel or Louboutins.

    The contemporary racks are completely disorganized and the designer racks are not much better. Standout leather pieces by The Row included a buttery soft leather skirt and a black suede bustier dress for $559. A Narcisco Rodriguez gray crepe sheath dress with sexy back detailing also rings up at $559. Lots of dresses dominated the racks with frequent Lanvin, Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler and Balenciaga sightings. A Marni linen dress with polka dots is $519 while a Derek Lam silk blouse is $439.

    The accessories department was plentiful, with tons of Alexander Wang square purses in black and white stingray and patent leather, priced from $395 to $450. We also spotted a gray shearling Nina Ricci hobo for $559. If you need to replace your beach bag, now is the time with a variety of straw totes from $39 to $69. The homegoods section is rather disappointing as usual, even though it is discounted at 40% already. If you don’t mind paying for dry cleaning or to have a zipper fixed, the imperfects rack is now 50%.

    With only an additional 25% off it may be wise to wait until the next price cut at 40% to make your purchase. We suggest checking back in after this weekend for the best prices.

    Barneys Warehouse Sale

    Thurs, Sept 1 & Fri, Sept 2: 9am-9pm

    Sat, Sept 3 & Sun, Sept 4: 9am-8pm

    Mon, Sept 5: 9am-7pm

    255 West 17th St. (between 7th & 8th Ave.)

    phone: 212-450-8400

    Via Spiga Boot Addict

    Boots are a crucial part of any fall wardrobe but spending full price on those playful Prada nude and colored leather Mary Jane boots is out of the question. For the meantime you might need an intermediary boot to fill that hole in your wardrobe.

    Today, we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek into the closet at Via Spiga along with celebrity stylist and resident boot expert, Cristina Ehrlich. In the stylists own words, “you can’t beat the prices at Via Spiga for the style and quality that you get; you can walk out with two pairs instead of one!” And we all know, the more boot varieties in your closet, the better.

    Via Spega is offering a wide assortment of suede and leather detailed boots for every occasion starting around $150. An added bonus– the entire previous collection is up to 70% off and shelves are plentiful. Chunky leopard heels, strappy neutral pumps, and neon wedges are included in the sale and run under $100.

    That’s a good reason to grab a pair for for these last few weeks of heat and another for the new season ahead. Of course, you’ll want to get those Prada Mary Jane high boots too… but not at full price!

    Madison Avenue Lululemon

    The Upper East Side’s most popular workout clothing store, Lululemon Athletica, is opening a second uptown location on Madison and 85th Street. This space was formerly occupied by a very large Banana Republic. No date has been announced for the new store but we think it’s safe to make a guesstimate of early-fall.

    Designer athletic clothing has become as popular as high priced gyms in this neighborhood. Over the summer Gap opened their stretchy workout pants emporium, Athleta, on Third Avenue and 85th.

    Both stores are strategically located near gyms. The new Lululemon is downstairs from a luxe David Barton and Athleta is around the block from Equinox.

    Seems as if yoga pants are the new jeans. An American icon in the making? Well, maybe we should hope not.

    Norma Kamali Swim Sale

    Need a little Labor Day bathing suit refresher? We have the perfect promotion to help your beach body look as good as it did Memorial Day. Norma Kamali is hosting an exclusive archival swim sale on her Facebook page. Prices will be 50% off and range from $87.50 to $175 (normally $175 to $350).

    The sale, will only be available to “fans” through a a customized shopping tab on the Kamali Facebook page. The sale will run from Thursday, August 25th at 10 am to Tuesday, August 30th at 10 am.

    Just beware, there are no backsies on these swimsuits, all sales are final. For more information, visit

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