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September 21, 2011
Baccarat Jewelry Sale
Starting Thursday, Baccarat is hosting a jewelry sale where select items will be up to 70% off retail. Unfortunately, crystal housewares and decorative items are not included int he sale but you will be able to find a wide array of bracelets, earrings, pendants, necklaces and rings.
If past season's sales are any indication, some items may even be marked down lower than the advertised 70%. We just caution you about the rings. One wrong swing of the hand and you have shards of broken glass on gold.
Baccarat Jewelry Sale
Thursday, September 22 and Friday, September 23
9am to 5 pm daily
625 Madison Ave., (b/w 58th & 59th Sts), 2nd Floor
All sales final...
September 20, 2011
Madison Avenue Petit Bateau Closing
The Madison Avenue Petit Bateau is closing this Friday. The store is liquidating samples and old merchandise at rock bottom prices. Boxes of merchandise are broken down by size and gender and have been placed in the middle of the store. The company's famous cotton t-shirts are $10 and baby onesies are $5.
Most of the merchandise has been well picked over but there are still plenty of tees in size 12. There is also a box of men's underwear and girls dresses. The best deal though is the fixtures. A display bathtub is $50 and tables are just $20. Someone with a keen eye for decorating would have a blast picking up decor pieces at incredible prices.
This Petit Bateau location is the only store in Manhattan. Once the boutique is closed shoppers will have to head to Beverly Hills, Boston or online to shop for this European iconic brand....
September 19, 2011
Century 21 Upper West Side Opening
By ManhattanMataHari
A trip to the orrigional downtown Century 21 always carries a certain level of dread mixed with the anticipation of finding a good bargain. Century 21's new store, on Broadway and 66th street, is a much more pleasant and fruitful shopping experience. The store doesn't offically open until Thursday, September 22nd but we were able to use our VIP connections to spy the merchandise.
Upon entering the store, shoppers will immediately see the huge difference between the new location and downtown: the spaces, the décor and the accessories. Huge glass encasements contain all the high-end designer goodies. Derek Lam bags were on display. Two gorgeous clutches--in olive leather and black and white pony hair-- were both $229.97. Despite seeing none of their popular embossed totes, some Carlos Falchi python clutches ranged in price from $299.97 to $439.97 and a large hobo was $1100.
There was a good selection of sunglasses ranging from $69.97 to $99.97 with designer labels like Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, Burberry, Oakley and Ray-Ban. Towards the back of the accessories floor there is a massive selection of silk scarves by Versace, Givenchy, Salvatore Ferragamo, Missoni and Pucci ranging from $40 to $120. We spotted Missoni and Fendi wool scarves behind the cash registers going for $79.97 to $99.97. (Who needs Target Missoni with these prices?)
Heading downstairs to the shoe department, we immediately noticed two racks replete with various styles of Manolo Blahniks all around $250. We found Blahnik booties hanging on the wall for between $300 and $400 but the the overall selection of designer boots was not all that impressive. They did have much better shoe brands than downtown, with racks of Givenchy, Casadei, Sergio Rossi, Pucci and Missoni.
In the designer clothing section, on the second floor, we found Halston Heritage, Escada, Sonia Rykiel, Vivienne Westwood, Just Cavalli, Viktor & Rolf, McQ by Alexander McQueen, Emilio Pucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Love Moschino, Cacharel and Marc Jacobs. It's not the Prada, Lanvin and Balman we used to find downtown but that was a very long time ago.
Although the clothing area is more spacious and better organized than expected, waiting 45 minutes in the only seemingly unairconditioned part of the store will be unaccaptable once the store officially opens. To bypass the fitting rooms alltogether, we suggest wearing leggings and a layer tank to do try-ons in front of the numerous mirrors throughout the floor.
Prices were not surprising. Dresses from Pucci and Viktor & Rolf dresses ranged in the $500-area. A McQ tuxedo blazer will set you back $399.97 but a Diane Von Furstenburg’s silky beige boyfriend blazer is a much better deal for $80. The best deals were on Halston cocktail dresses that wereall priced about $149.97.
Our overall experience at the newest Century 21 was quite pleasant --minus the dressing room debicle. We highly recommend the bountiful accessories and shoe department and the geographically desirably location!...
September 16, 2011
Fashion Week: Bill Blass
We thought we would close up fashion week with an American classic, Bill Blass. The collection was shown at the Union League Club, which had the feel of a intimate European fashion show. Designer, Jeffrey Monteiro clearly charted the collection in a nautical direction. Much of the collection was shown in navy blue and white and anchors. The overall look was minimalist natural beauty.
Although the fabrics were luxurious and the cuts elegant, we thought that the nautical theme was a bit too literal and lacked a strong vision for the brand. We hope that Jeffery's vision becomes more distinct as seasons progress. There's nothing that we would like to see more than Bill Blass return to it's perch as a top American trend setting brand.
Stand out trend: Yacht club prep with a splash of neon yellow
How to get the look: The make-up and hair in the show was very natural. Tight and high pony tails and nude cosmetics. The nails were short and round in Deborah Lippmann's classic Parisian red, aptly named, It's Raining Men.
Who makes it work: Your garden variety Nantucket blond
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September 15, 2011
Fashion Week: Norma Kamali
Staying true to her reputation as a fashion and technology trailblazer, Norma Kamali presented her spring 2012 collection in the most high-tech structure imaginable. In place of a traditional catwalk, Norma Kamali's showed her fashions through 3D glasses on a 42-foot screen. Starting tomorrow, this fashion technology will be integrated to a new Norma Kamali website where shoppers can view the film and 3D shopping pages. We know Norma isn't stopping here. Next season we're expecting holograms.
As for the fashion, what can we say? It's Norma Kamali! There are streaks of trendy neon, creative use of fabrics and a breezy use of tassels. Each item is a statement of its own.
Stand out trend: We can only guess what flashy ad campaign will use the orange tassel dress.
How to get the 3D look: Facebook fans of Norma Kamali can receive 3D cat-eye glasses to better appreciate the intricacies of the new site.
Who makes it work: The lighthearted with a vision of the future....
September 14, 2011
Fashion Week: Improvd
By TJ Kennedy
Mastering the contrast between hard and soft, feminine and edgy, is no easy task. With ethereal blue tie dye dresses holstered with textured leather belts, Improvd hit the nail on the head. The collection was sexy, with slits up the skirts and leather detailed wrap dresses, but it looked comfortable and put off an chic bohemian vibe.
Stand out trend: Sky-like print tie dye maxi dresses with thick black leather belts
How to get the look: This messy French braid is easiest to have done by someone else, but with a little hairspray and a lot of Bobby pins, you can pull it off yourself. Uncleaned hair will make this easier. Tease the top and start braiding from the crown of the head all the way to the ends. For the eyes, we are seeing copper eyeshadow almost at every show. It's absoulutly time for a trip to Sephora. Depending on eye shape, apply shadow liberally, use minimal mascara and pair with a natural lip tone.
Who makes it work: The California girl who made the move to the Big Apple look effortless; she kept her Boho style but mixes it up with edgy accessories....
September 14, 2011
Fashion Week: Diesel Black Gold
By TJ Kennedy
The Diesel Black Gold show was set in an industrial warehouse space where the utilitarian, androgynous style of the collection mirrored it's rugged environment. The denim experts branched out into a new direction with rich colors and metallic material that proved to be a unique interpretation of urban wear with "a collection that proposes light and reason." Menswear inspired looks with sparkly details and strappy wedges created the perfect balance between femininity and masculinity.
Standout trend: Deep emerald green metallic moto jacket; paired perfectly with a striped button up and dress shorts.
How to get the look: To achieve the androgynous "I could care less look" don't bother blowdrying your hair. Instead, towel dry it and apply mouse by scrunching with your fingers; remember how to scrunch? Especially apply mouse to the roots where you want to create a little bit of volume and shape. Then, carelessly tie back into a ponytail or loose bun. The trick to this look is applying just the right amount of makeup to look doll faced and fresh, but not overdone. Bronzed cheeks with highlighted cheekbones, with all over eyeliner and light shadow does the trick. A brown based eye palette works best to shade the shape of your eye while mascara and nude lipstick finish off the look.
Who makes it work: The city chic with an "I just rolled out of bed and still look cooler than you" attitude...and yeah, this is your boyfriend's shirt....
September 14, 2011
ABC Home Special Order Sale
The new season is always a source of inspiration when it comes to design. It's always hard to choose whether to concentrate your attention on your home decor or wardrobe. Now ABC Home is giving you a huge incentive to concentrate on the former. Through October 2nd you can save 25% off of original prices on special orders.
You can choose from a huge variety of designer fabrics including, Barbara Barry, Calvin Klein Home and Dwell Studio. We suggest taking advantage of this promotion and reworking an ottoman, your sofa, your bed or chairs. With a promotion this good you might want to even consider upholstering your floors. Now that would be stretching the 25% discount father than you ever imagined. Now that's inspiring!
ABC Carpet Home Special Order
Now to October 2nd
888 Broadway @ 19th Street (Click here to see more locations)
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