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    March 28, 2012

    Ivanka Trump Debuts at Lord & Taylor

    By ManhattanMataHari

    We have always admired Ivanka Trump’s classic and sophisticated sense of style, especially when contrasted against the likes of other heiress-turned entrepreneurs. Our pure sense of curiosity pulled us to Lord & Taylor to check out the debut of her ready-to-wear collection.

    Despite the fact that Lord & Taylor leans to a more mature crowed, we were hoping that this clothing line would breath a bit of sophisticated youth into the 185-year-old department store. Unfortunately, the collection was a bit more matronly than we would have hoped and contained too many prints to be considered a must-have classic.



    Nonetheless there were a several worthy items. Our favorite picks are the pink pleated cotton Audrina skirt ($145), the double-layered Betta dress ($155) and Trump’s structured take on the classic black pencil skirt ($125). Ivanka’s traditional trench coats and colorful safari-style dresses are spring and summer staples.

    Ivanka’s collection is priced quite reasonably and ranges from $50 to $225. With Lord & Taylor’s frequent sales and promotions, this means you can look forward to snagging most items for 20% to 50% less during sales time. Unlike many other celebrity clothing lines, Ivanka’s collection seems to reflect her signature aesthetic. We can easily see pieces fitting into her busy lifestyle and we can likely use a few items too.

    Those who share or curiosity can meet Ivanka in person and receive a signed sketch with any Ivanka Trump purchase at tonight’s L&T launch event. Best of all 10% of the launch’s proceeds will benefit the United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up Campaign.

    Ivanka Trump Clothing Launch
    Wednesday, March 28
    7pm to 8pm
    Lord & Taylor, 5th floor
    212-391-3344...
    March 27, 2012

    KamaliKulture Now Available

    Norma Kamali's much awaited KamaliKulture is officially available. The current lineup features several variations of black dresses and suit styles. Later this spring, the line will expand to swim suits and eye-glasses . The best part of Kamali Kulture is that everything in the collection is under $100!

    Usually we aren't big fans of diffusion lines -- a designer's lower price point collection-- but the clothes here are well worth the value and are quite stylish. Right now most of the online collection is offered in black and red but many more patterns and colors will soon be available.



    While looking through the cloths, we had a long fashion chat with Norma. She says she was inspired to create a collection that had timeless style and could be enjoyed by everywoman. "I wanted to offer a valued purchase that women were not afraid to use. Everything is durable, wearable and affordable," Norma says.

    KamaliKulture hits every mark. Each item is classic and true Kamali style, from the "All in One Dress" to the pencil skirt. Norma explained  age and experience has made her increasingly appreciate maintaining a distinct personal style over following trends. Betraying your personal style illustrates lack of self and lack of personality, the designer says. "Nobody is going to benefit from wearing neon," she adds.

    In the coming weeks, exclusive items from KamaliKulture will be sold on Amazon.com and Zappos.com. We've already started picking the foundation of what will be our summer wardrobe and know that we will be coming back for a lot more. (Shopping Hint: The KamaliKulture sunglasses are basically the same as the collection sunglasses. Get them while they are hot... or before it gets too hot.)...
    March 26, 2012

    Bloomies Friends & Family

    You know markdown season isn't too far away when Bloomingdales starts their friends and family sale. This season, the early spring shopping incentive will begin Wednesday, March 28th and run through Sunday, April 1. The discount is 20% but many luxury brands and cosmetics are excluded.

    Online shoppers can use the BFRIENDS12 or FRIENDS12 at checkout. Presale is already underway in stores.


    All of the high-end shoe and handbag designers are excluded. We suggest sticking to the fourth floor designer women's brands were only Agent Provocateur, Moncler, Chanel, Ralph Lauren Collection and Marc Jacobs Collection are excluded.

    Saks F&F usually towards the end of April and we expect the discount to be 20% off merchandise and 10% off cosmetics. High end shoes and handbags are always excluded at Saks too....
    March 23, 2012

    Blink and You’ll Miss $50 Manolos

    Some people think that it takes hours of shopping to find great deals but we know that the trick is knowing where to go. Linda's Stuff is the largest seller of clothing, shoes and apparel on eBay and well versed shoppers know that the site's "Don't Blink" sales are the holy grail in finding amazing deals.

    Don't Blink sales offer an extra 15% off eBay listed prices and go live on Linda's Stuff website only over the weekend. These 48-hour shopping flash sales are usually centered around an item or theme. Recent themes have included "Fur Indulgence," which contained bargains on fab fur items, "And the Nominees are...," which included red carpet designer names and "Candy Colors" offered shoppers savings on Spring's bright door trend.


    During these Blink sales we found a Loro Piana button down for $59, Chanel slides for $84 and a Tracy Reese dress new with tags for just $33! This weekend, Linda's Stuff is hosting an amazing Don't Blink sale on Manolo Blahniks. This 48 hour sale will start at midnight on Saturday and end 11:59pm on Sunday. Shoes will range in price from $49 to $599. To join in the fun all you need to do is go to the Linda's Stuff website.

    If you're looking for amazing savings beyond Manolo's you won't want to pass up browsing Linda's Stuff eBay store. There you will find a brand new Lanvin tunic for $179, a Louis Vuitton Sprouse Alma for $1300 and a Vera Wang wedding dress for $900.
    Linda's Stuff can also seamlessly help you get rid of your unused and underutilized clothing, shoes and accessories. The company charges no fees and offers free UPS pickup. Click here for details.

    Linda's Stuff
    Phone: 1-866-68-LINDA (54632)
    Phone: 1-215-956-9190
    Fax: 1-215-956-9179
    Email: shop@shoplindasstuff.com
    Consign Email: sell@shoplindasstuff.com


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    March 23, 2012

    The It-it: L’Oreal Elnett Hairspray

    By ManhattanMataHari

    We always wondered how the top hair stylists got those perfect Gisele Bundchen curls and waves. Well, now we have their best-kept beauty secret: L’Oreal Paris’ Elnett Hairspray.  For years beauty editors traveling to Europe, would famously load their suitcases with cans to bring their hoard back stateside. Now it's available in most drugstores in the US and the days of crunchy curls and untouchably styled hair are gone.



    The Elnett hairspray is set apart by its diffused weightless mist that can easily be brushed out, yet it still preserves a strong hold throughout the entire day. It will make your locks look shiny and healthy, and it is also humidity resistant to withstand even the muggiest Manhattan summer day.

    While at $16 a pop it is more expensive than Aquanet but it will make a world of difference to your styling.  Our only complaint is that the powdery, old lady scent that clashed with our perfume. Luckily, Elnett now has an unscented version, as well as a formula for color-treated hair with a UV filter.

    While we are not delusional enough to think we will ever be as hot as a Victoria’s Secret model but at least now we have the ability to get their sexy bombshell hair. Next week we will be covering how to get super-model legs. TBC...

    L’Oreal Paris Elnett Hairspray, $16
    CVS or Duane Reade...
    March 22, 2012

    $2.3 Million Pink Diamond at Costco

    Who said Costco is only good for over sized quantities of food and laundry detergent? Not us! Manhattan Costco shoppers have become accustomed to nicely discounted Chanel bags and the all gold Cartier Ballon Bleu, which is still looking for a good home.

    Despite our high Costco expectations, we were a bit thrown by the $2.3 million pink diamond on sale at Costco.com. This 18.88ct round brilliant is flawless and has a faint pink tone. The estimated value of this gem is $3.3 million. Who knew Costco could save you $1 million?



    Skeptical? So were we. A quick Google search turned up an article in the Jewelry News Network, which appears to speak of the same diamond. The post states that the diamond was up for auction, in Hong Kong, last spring with an estimated value of $3.2 million to $5 million.

    Apparently, this rock was mined from the renowned Golconda mines. Other famous diamonds from this south-central Indian mind include the Darya-e Nur, at 185 carats it's the largest and finest diamond of the crown jewels of Iran. Other well-known rocks believed to come from this mine are the Hope, Wittelsbach and Regent.

    The lucky owner, of course, gets to name their new diamond. Don't you think The Lila Delilah has a nice ring to it?...
    March 21, 2012

    Splendid and Ella Moss Private Sale

    Although we don't speak about it often, comfortable clothing are a Sunday. Spending lots of money for them, however, is a must not. Right now, Ella Moss and Splendid are hosting a private sale online sale where most everything is reduced 50% off.



    Cloths from a variety of seasons are included in the promotion. We are especially fond of the children's collections of both brands. The cloths are soft and functional, which is even perfect for babies.

    While browsing we found a Splendid girl's romper for $24 from $55 and a women's tee for $34 from $72. Over on the Ella Moss side there is a delightful baby's bloomer set for $29 from $64 and women's a simple maxi dress for $99 from $198, which would be perfect for after the beach.

    Just take note, all sales are final and no exchanges are allowed. The good thing is that both brands run true to size....
    March 20, 2012

    Diamond Casting Call

    Calling all wannabe rock stars: rounds, emeralds, marquees, assher, princesses and everything in between. DivorceYourJewels.com is hosting casting calls for diamonds. Yes, your unworn brilliants!

    Think your rock's got what it takes to be the latest, greatest star? We think so too. Why leave that diamond locked away in a vault? Isn't it about time you share your unused sparkler with the new sweethearts looking for a diamond at a great price?


    DivorceYourJewels.com is specifically looking to buy diamonds that are three carats and up. So dig out those ovals, radiants and pears because we're going to put them to good use. After all, it is engagement season.

    So don't miss your chance to be a true rock star and make another blushing bride truly happy by sharing your special jewel. DivorceYourJewels.com is ready to personally assist you and buy your rock for more than you imagined.

    DivorceYourJewels.com
    Missy Schorr
    917-846-9999


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