X


    Mother’s Day Gift Idea

    Would you believe that May is only a week away? The years fly by so quickly. Before you know it, another one is over. Wouldn’t it be nice to freeze time and share the moment with the woman you love most? Who is that? Mom, of course.


    Yes, Mother’s day is May 13th and you need to start thinking about how to show your appreciation. We couldn’t think of a more wonderful gift than capturing a moment that she will keep forever.



    PhotoOp, NY’s premier photo studio, is offering customers a free photo shoot when you schedule a session between now and May 18. Think of it, you can gather the kids, the grand-kids and all the cousins for a session for the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Then, to top it all off, you can schedule a second free session with mom, grandma and all the aunts. Expecting a baby? Capture your baby bump now and use your free photo shoot when your baby is born. That’s all for the price of one shoot.

    The second sitting is valid until the end of the year, so there’s no pressure. Now, if we could only figure out a way to freeze time on our face. Oh yeah, that’s Botox.


    PhotoOp
    442 Columbus Ave
    New York
    212 362-1911



    Sponsored Post

    Inside the Jil Sander VIP Preview

    By ManhattanMataHari

    The Jil Sander sample sale doesn’t officially start until tomorrow but we couldn’t wait another day and decided to head straight into the “VIP preview sale”–whatever that means.

    After the mandatory coat and bag check we headed towards the ready-to-wear section, which was all reduced 85% off retail. Our spring fervor made the heavy wools from the fall and winter collection less desirable but we were thrilled by the bright colored clothing from this season’s line. We just wish there was more of it.

    Our top picks included the minimalist tailored wool sheath dresses for an unbeatable $157. On the table in the middle of the room, which was stocked with mostly menswear, we found lovely lightweight silk and cashmere blend sweaters for just $127. If you are looking to stock up on office basics, you will not be disappointed. Crisp white button down blouses are now a mere $51 and there are also lots of black suit separates. Before you leave, be sure to check out the outerwear selection. Quilted down jackets with fur trimmed hoods are now marked down to $270. Bags and accessories are discounted 80%. Shoes are 85% off retail but we weren’t impressed with either selection.

    While the sale is promoted as “invite-only,” even the doorkeeper, with the VIP list acknowledged that he wouldn’t be turning people away. The wait on Tuesday, however, which is the first “public” day of the sale, will be quite hectic. Expect a long wait but the sale is definitely worth the trip downtown. Historically there aren’t too many headaches if you go on the second day of the sale.

    Jil Sander Sample Sale
    Tuesday, April 24th through Saturday April 28th
    10am to 6pm
    8 Crosby (between Howard and Grand), 4th floor

    Madison Avenue Watch Week

    Madison Avenue is loved by shoppers all over the world because of its fine boutiques and unique offerings. Most people, however, don’t realize that Madison Avenue is the largest fine watch marketplace in North America. What better way to celebrate the neighborhood’s haute horology than dedicating an entire week to watches?

    The 2nd annual Madison Avenue Watch Week will take place from April 28 to May 4. Watch enthusiasts can preview the newest and most exceptional timepieces at a variety of events and expert watchmaker discussions.

    This week, we got a preview of some of the dazzling timepieces that will be on display during Watch Week. Our favorites include, the de Grisogono Otturatore, which has a rotating dial featuring four functions. The Buccellati Eratochron is strikingly beautiful and incorporates the brand’s iconic delicate design. With over 16 carats of diamonds the Asprey Daisy WG Pave MOP dazzles even the most jaded customer. The Graff GryoGraff is limited to just ten pieces and includes, a 48mm hand-wound movement with hours, minutes and power reserve indicator as well as a double axis tourbillon and a three-dimensional moon phase. Now, that’s a watch worth watching!

    The festivities kick-off on Saturday, April 28, and everyone is invited to visit the Gallery of Watches tent on Madison at 64th Street. Visitors will have an opportunity to look at a photography show of the newest watches and register for invitations to the boutique receptions.You can view the full calendar of Watch Week events at MadisonAvenueWatchWeek.com. In addition, you can also request invitations to private consultations and viewings by submitting a request here.

    2nd annual Madison Avenue Watch Week
    Kick-Off Event
    Saturday, April 28
    Madison at 64th Street

    Saks Friend’s and Family

    Hurray! Sale season can’t be too far behind now that Saks Fifth Avenue’s friend’s & family promotion is about to begin.  The sale officially starts on Wednesday, April 25th and runs through the weekend.  Presale is already underway and online shoppers can begin shopping using the code: FRIENDS7.

    This year, the friend’s and family discount is 20% off and jewelry is 15% off. Beauty and fragrances are excluded along with an infinite list of designers. Considering how many designers are excluded, we thought we would put together a top five list of items that ARE eligible for the friend’s & family discount.

    Here we go:

    1. Diane von Furstenberg Francesca Dress $425

    2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Flavin Stripe Top $198

    3. Rag & Bone/ Skinny Jean Bright Orange $176

    4. Trina Turk Casablanca Tunic Dress $220

    5. Mara Hoffman V-Wire One-Piece Swimsuit $238

    The It-it: Nasty Gal

    Prom season is just about to get started and we couldn’t help ourselves from wondering where the younger generation is shopping. Sure there are some Upper East Side teens that wear the same designers to the prom as their mothers’ wear to the Met Ball. More more typical teens, however, opt for the trendy Nasty Girl website.

    Despite the porn sounding name, Nasty Gal specializes in new and vintage clothing, shoes and accessories. The site’s fashion forward ecstatic and moderate price point make it an all time favorite with the gals from Trinity, Chapin and Horace Mann. Most items on the site are under $100.

    Nasty Gal’s look is consistently styled to mirror a blogger’s street scene. We are told that prep-school gals are buying into this look by the box-load and pairing the outfits with higher-end accessories. An Hermes clic-clac bracelet or collier de chien cuff are the most popular punctuations to these street tend cloths.

    As for prom, moms are happy that their daughters are as satisfied with a $98 Nasty Gal dress as they are with a more elaborate Oscar gown. It’s the more “nasty gal” crop tanks that worry the parantals.

    Hershleifer’s Discount Deal

    Hershleifer’s, which is a beautiful boutique located in the Americana Manhasset mall on, Long Iiiii-sland, offers some of the finest brands available. The store carries Chanel, Celine, Balenciaga, Alia, Tom Ford and the list goes on and on.

    Lets put it this way, Hershleifer’s is the closest you’re going to get to Bergdorf Goodman when you’re shopping in the tri-state area. The best part about Herschleifer’s is their periodic shopping incentives. For instance, through the weekend the store will give you a percentage off your bill if you spend over a certain amount.

    The breakdown goes like this:
    Spend $500-$999 receive 10% off
    $1000-$2499 receive 15% off
    $2500+ receive 20% off

    Although the discount may not be large, it’s much better than a department store gift card incentive that quickly express or friend’s and family that excludes the most popular brands. The only exclusions that exist here are Chanel, Louboutin and fine jewelry. We can live with that, right?

    Contact: Penney 516-627-3566

    White + Warren Sample Sale

    When you think of cashmere, the coldest days of winter come to mind. Most people don’t realize, however, that cashmere is great for Spring too. Few materials are more ideal for a cool Spring morning.


    Don’t believe us? Well, now you can give Spring cashmere a try at discounted prices. White + Warren is hosting a two-day sample sale where their season appropriate items will be priced way below retail. A best selling cashmere trapeze throw-on will be $85 from $220, sweaters will be $100 from $295 and the company’s famous travel wraps will be $125 from $295.


    White + Warren was founded in 1997 with a simple mission– to bring quality cashmere to fashion-savvy women. The collection has expanded to include top-to-toe fashion items. Don’t miss White + Warren’s online store if you can’t shop the sample sale.


    White + Warren Sample Sale
    Thursday, April 19 and Friday, April 20
    Thurs 8am to 7pm, Fri 8am to 2pm
    80 West 40th Street, 3rd Floor

    Sponsored Post

    DSW Fully Stocked with Gucci

    By ManhattanMataHari

    Gucci fans will be delighted to learn that the DSW in Union Square has received a large shipment of Gucci shoes. DSW is promoting the discount as 40% off but we calculate a much larger bite off the retail price for some styles.

    Take notice, Gucci has updated their signature horse bit hardware and logo on their current style shoes. The DSW selection is nicely discounted but reflect the old styling. We’ll call it retro Gucci. At least DSW is offering a large variety of styles and a full range of sizes.

    Die-hard Gucci fans can snatch a pair of monogram peep-toes for $270 (retail $495, similar style minus monogram). Those looking to play with color can choose from a Crayola assortment of colors, which is the perfect to experiment this season’s color trend.

    Flats and pumps are priced at $299. Current versions retail range from $400 to almost $600. Summer loafers, in a rainbow of colors, are $230 from a retail price of almost $600. These shoes are a great alternative to popular boat shoes, although be sure to skip the socks. Basic colorful leather flip-flops with Gucci hardware detailing are a bit more pricey at $150 from $185.

    Keep in mind that these styles are a bit old but DSW is also known for their quick markdowns. We wouldn’t give it more than six weeks until most of the stock is blown out at $199. Also, be on the look out for coupons and additional promotions. DSW is very generous with their loyal customers. You can browse a sampling of the selection and prices online here.