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    Retail Therapy: Lauren Sherman

    Being able to understand and translate financial reports and a designer’s manifesto is the ultimate combination of style and brains. Lauren Sherman is one of those rare fashion writers who possesses both super-powers.

    Lauren is the editor of Fashionista, where she reports, writes and edits fashion industry news, gossip and analysis. Previously, she was a reporter at Forbes, where she covered luxury goods, fashion and consumerism.

    We love how Lauren can flawlessly explain the intricacies of a fashion company merger and sit front row at the European Couture shows– without any pretense. Oh, did we mention she can shop bargains too? We think Lauren is in need of a super-hero-fashion award. Do you agree?

    What’s your most prized deal?
    I’d say this Celine monogrammed clutch from the 1970s that I just picked up on eBay–$36. And the Proenza Schouler pumps I paid $80 for.

    Biggest regret that you didn’t purchase?
    There is this plaid hunting jacket from Phillip Lim Fall 2007 that I tried on a million times but never got the guts to buy. I still think about it.

    This season you are looking for…
    A camel skirt, a pair of red suede kitten heels, and some leopard loafers.

    What’s your number one shopping tip?
    Buy one good thing instead of ten affordable things. I end up spending less money in the long run because I’m more satisfied with my purchases. Good things at discount are best, of course!

    What’s your biggest weakness?
    Foreign magazines and the store COS in Europe–I can’t leave there without buying several things.

    Is there an item for which a shopper should never mind paying full price?
    A good bag. I paid full price for my Chanel bag, and I’m happy I did, because it was exactly what I wanted. If I would have done second hand, I wouldn’t have been fully satisfied. I wear it every day, so I feel like it’ll eventually pay for itself!

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    DSW’s Gucci Sale Strikes Again

    It appears as if DSW’s Gucci sale is becoming an annual tradition. According to Racked, DSW is slated to receive a healthy shipment of Gucci merchandise starting Thursday.

    If you’re not interested in waiting until Thursday or navigating through Gucci hungry crowds, you might want to click over to DSW.com right now. There is already a nice selection of shoes priced at just $199. And while you are clicking through the Gucci assortment, don’t miss the Sergio Rossi selection. We actually like the Rossi’s better than the Gucci’s and they are less expansive.

    Serious DSW shoppers should be on the look-out for coupons an promotions. Earlier this month, the store offered $50 off purchases of $199. If you’re wavering on a particular purchase, buy it anyway. DSW has a very accommodating return policy and is quite lenient on price adjustments.

    Click here to see past DSW stories.

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    Christie’s Auctions 28-Designer Handbags

    A very wily reader directed our attention to a Christie’s home interiors auction, which contains various home furnishings. Buried between hundreds of tapestries and antique vases is lot #318, “A Group of 28 Assorted Leather Handbags.!

    The purse collection includes, Chanel, Hermes, Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo and various other designer bags. The estimate value is between $1000 and $1500 but we all know that even one Hermes Kelly is worth more than that even if the condition is questionable.

    The handbag loot appears to be from a woman’s estate and she obviously had amazing taste. The following lot, #812 is from the same estate and consists of 43 Judith Lieber bags. It’s a wonder that that this woman’s daughters or daughters-in-law didn’t pounce on this pile.

    The auction, Sale 2335, is scheduled to take place from August 31st to September 1st, in New York. (Just keep in mind that there is a 25% buyer’s premium plus tax.) You can be sure we will be watching the gavel closely!

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    Coming Soon: Vacheron Constantin

    Luxury Swiss watch maker, Vacheron Constantine has signed a deal to take over David Yurman’s old space at 729 Madison Avenue. The store will be approximately 1500-square-feet and will likely include a private viewing room upstairs.This will be the company’s first boutique in the United States.

    Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the world’s oldest manufacturer of fine watches. Prices start at about $8000 and go up to $1.5 million for a Tour de l’Ile, which is considered the world’s most expensive and complicated watch movement. Needless to say, a VC is a serious watch at any price.

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    Following Fall Markdowns

    Stores are practically fully stocked with fall merchandise, September issues are hitting news stands and there are more than a couple of items that have caught our eye. We’re dying to snatch the perfect pair of high boots, a great fall bag and key wardrobe pieces but all these items are likely to sit in our closet until the weather gets cool. By then, there’s likely to be a markdown… or two.

    So, this is what you are going to do: email us the item you want most this fall and we will follow ten of our favorites and track their prices throughout the season.

    Before you start flooding our email box , please don’t suggest items that are unlikely to be found discounted, like a Louis Vuitton trunk, an Hermes Kelly bag or that Miu Miu dress, which was used on at least four Magazine covers this month.

    Be bold, be chic, be stylish, be trendy, be unique and be in LOVE!

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    Retail Therapy: Alexandra Wilkis Wilson

    Once upon a time you needed to live in the New York area to be able to get great prices one top designer items. But then came the Internet and online discount stores.

    The most famous, of course, is Gilt Groupe. The site offers access to some of the most coveted designer fashion and lifestyle brands at up to 70% off retail. You’ve got to be quick because each sale only lasts 36-hours.

    Today, Gilt founder, Alexandra Wilkis Wilson shares some of her shopping secrets. And you better read carefully because Alexandra is the queen of shopping for online deals. After all, she practically invented them.

    What’s your most prized deal?
    I bought a fabulous black Valentino suede and fur coat with a Swarovski crystal belt on Gilt for $500, original retail $10,000! (Editorial note: How did we miss that?)

    Biggest regret that you didn’t purchase?
    Like Edith Piaf, je ne regrette rien.

    This season you are looking for…
    Platform heels that are elegant, versatile and yet comfortable.

    What’s your number one shopping tip?
    Ask yourself honestly if you will truly wear something before you buy it!

    What’s your biggest weakness?
    Shoes and handbags

    Is there an item for which a shopper should never mind paying full price?
    Lingerie

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    ShopBop 70% Off Sale

    ShopBop.com is hosting an end-of-season sale where many items are 70% off.

    A Rachel Roy cocktail dress was $595 and is now $178, a Thakoon romper is $597 from $1,990, Dannijo earrings are $74 from $282. Mrs. Obama wore a similar Thakoon dress at to a White House event. It’s now $387 from $1290.

    Poke around. It’s fun, even if you don’t find anything. Just keep in mind that there are no backsies– all sales are final.

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    The New IT Bag: The Manbag

    As we look to Fall you can expect to see a new it bag emerge. This year, however, the Givenchy nightingale, the Proenza Schouler PS11 and Gaga personalized Birkins are going to have to share the spotlight with the strongest growing segment of the accessory market: The Manbag.

    According to Euromonitor, men’s luxury bags in the U.S. are projected to grow 23% through 2013. Retailers like Saks and Barneys are said to be adding a full range of competitively priced private-label men’s satchels, purses and messenger bags for spring 2011. A general manager for a local Neiman Marcus said, “We do not call them man bags, however, there is a focus on more messenger and backpack styles as seen on the runway this season.”

    Okay, so your man isn’t going to be carrying a jeweled clutch any time soon, but you can count on him needing to load his iPad and gadgets into something other than a geek bag. Murses are more likely to come in the shape of a messenger bag, duffel or briefcase, according to Pete Lafferty, one of the founders of Libero Ferrero, a line of artisan men’s accessories that will be available in stores starting in Spring 2011 and range in price from $700 to $2,500.

    Men seem to shy away from logos more than a woman in recession-mode, according to Pete. Understated bags from Ferragamo, Zenga, Prada and Gucci are current favorites, but Pete says we should keep an eye on companies like Billy Kirk and London-based Jas M.B.

    Oh, you know, we are just dreaming of the day when we can handoff our keys and wallet so that we can downsize our bags.

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