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April 18, 2011
Stella Kids Great for Adults Too
By: TJ Kennedy
When it comes to children’s wear, Stella McCartney has got all the spring essentials. The prices on her laid-back chic looks can sometimes be a bit of a shopping deterrent. In past seasons, the famed designer collaborated with Gap to make a children's line that was just as chic as her marquee brand. The best part was that the larger sized kid's clothing could still fit a slender or petite adult.
Stella has since given up her relationship with Gap and has gone solo in the kid's apparel business. As a matter of fact, the center section of her chic Meatpacking boutique is designated to her Kids Stella line. The collection is a rainbow of color amongst the mostly neutral women’s wear.
Pony printed tees and floral tanks for girls up to age 4, all around $38, pair perfectly with the coral colored jeans priced at $82. Mini skirts and denim shorts fit for a pint-sized princess retail for $62. Other spring trends for tots are colored striped dresses and rompers in baby sizes as well as four-year-old sizes. While it’s still a bit chilly out, striped sweaters for boys and girls, from baby sizes to 10 years old, are priced at $88. Blue and red plaid ponchos are $118 and the adorable yellow matching rain boots are only $47.
So how do these budget friendly and stylish items translate to a full grown body? Unfortunately, the dresses and pants will not work. Instead try your luck with the floral tanks, lightweight cardigans and ponchos in size 10. The cardigans were only $63 and came in neutral grey tones while the floral tanks came in red and blue. The Stella kid's collection also has a great military inspired jacket that comes in a size 12, which is just $189. Pair the jacket with jeans and some imaginative accessories and the potential is limitless.
As far as clothes for boys go, the selection is much more limited. Some of the pieces are fit for both genders, but let’s face it, little girl clothes are just more fun! Now if only the big girl clothes at Stella had the same low prices....
April 15, 2011
Consigning: Out With the Old, In With the New
By: ManhattanMataHari
As the city blooms into spring and we begin to retire our down jackets and boots it's hard not to contemplate storage issues with the changing over of the closet. After all, this is New York. Each season we face the dilemma of either paying for storage or parting with clothes that have gone unloved for the past year (or more). Luckily, Manhattan is a hotspot for designer and couture consignment with numerous establishments along Madison Avenue.
Strolling up Madison Avenue in the 80s, there is one of the greatest concentrations of consignment stores in the city. Nearly every store follows a 50/50 split for items, meaning the final sale price will be split equally between the consignor and the store.
Before you load up all your unwanted fashion valuables, it's best to make an appointment with your desired destination. Most stores will not review merchandise unless prior arrangements are made. most require appointments to assess the value of your goods. Currently, most stores are only accepting spring and summer merchandise. So all those unwanted jackets and seaters will not be accepted until the end of summer.
Some stores are known for specializing in certain items and brands – earlier this month Madison Avenue Spy reported on how Fisch For the Hip, in Chelsea, has the best selection of Hermes Birken bags in the city.
Below is a guide of local consignment stores that all have a consistent track records for excellent merchandise and great reputations. In grand Madison Avenue Spy style, we surveyed the stores and are bringing you the highlights. We just ask that you don't blame any temptation on us!
Michael’s The Consignment Shop for Women
1041 Madison Avenue (between 79th and 80)
Michael’s consistently has a great selection of various designer handbags and shoes that may tempt you during your consignment appointment. While there was a lone olive Chanel Reissue flap and no Birkens to speak of, their online sale site has a YSL white leather Muse for $595, and a black patent classic Chanel for $1500. In store, there is a great selection of rare Hermes Collier de Chien belts. Black and Brown crocodile versions are $2500 each and the regular chestnut leather version is $1500 (the black leather version is available online). Since 30% markdowns begin after merchandise has been there for 30 days, savvy shoppers may want to wait until the beginning of May to score any of these gorgeous belts. While shopping, we couldn't resist a brand new pair of Balmain suede studded gladiator sandals for $125 that retailed for over $1000 new.
La Boutique Resale
1045 Madison Avenue (near 80th)
A few steps away from Michaels, La Boutique’s main store boasts lots of racks of designer clothing, with jackets and boots currently marked down 20%. Some items that caught our attention were a lovely Chanel metallic reissue medium flap bag for $2500, a Stella McCartney pastel plum colored Falabella tote for $575, and classic Hermes H belts for $400 to$450. Lots of Jimmy Choos currently dominate their modest shoe section.
Encore Resale
1132 Madison Avenue (between 84/85th)
For a wider selection of clothing, Encore should definitely be on your re-sale shopping list, especially since their claim to fame as the first consignment store in the US. Encore has a good selection of high end couture and designer items, like a fabulous vintage Lanvin pink and black polka dot dress for $200 and a sheer silk Prada geometric dress for $180.
A Second Chance Designer Resale
1109 Lexington Avenue (between 77-78th)
A stone’s throw away from Madison Avenue is one of the best places to find vintage and contemporary Chanel handbags and accessories in the city. A gently used patent black 226 classic flap will set you back $2700, while a lovely chestnut leather Hermes Evelyn bag is $999. They also have a great selection of Louis Vuitton handbags, and even a number of large red Goyard travel pieces (at about $2999). They do not have a lot of retail space for clothing, so if you are looking to unload a significant amount of your closet, other stores may be a better bet.
Ina
208 East 73rd St (between 2nd and 3rd)
A bit further off the beaten path you can find the Upper East Side outpost of Ina. (They have four other stores downtown). While their Prince Street location is renowned for high end couture, the plethora of designer shoes for smaller footed (6-7.5) fashionistas was remarkable. Gently used Blahniks, Choos, and Louboutins don’t break the bank at just around $150....
April 14, 2011
Baccarat Sample Sale
Sipping Dom Perignon on a festive occasion maybe nice but there is only one way to make that yummy bubbly taste a bit better. The flavor enhancer we have in mind isn't in the beverage but in the accessories, of course. There is something about a red Baccarat Vega Flutissimo champagne flute that escalates champagne flavor and the festivities.
At $160 a glass, or almost $2000 for 12, it might make more sense to buy another case of champagne. After all, who has a party with just 12 people? It's always our philosophy to not make budget choices unless it's absolutely necessary and a good sale is always a fantastic workaround.
For two days, Baccarat will be discounting their delectable items up to 80% off. The only catch is that you have to drive to the brand's warehouse in New Jersey. But think of how many glasses you could buy if they ere just $32 a pop! TIn addition to barware, the sale will include vases, jewelry crystal decor and French China. We think discounts like that are reason enough to throw a party!
Baccarat Sample Sale
Friday, April 15 to Saturday, April 16
Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 3pm
36 Mayfield Ave. Edison, NJ 08837
(800-845-1928)...
April 13, 2011
Look for Less: Prada, Gucci and Jil Sander
By: TJ Kennedy
Bright colors, crochet, and fringe spiced up the runways for spring 2011 and it’s time to put these warm weather looks into action. The tailored, sexy suits from Gucci have made a huge splash, gracing the covers of every magazine adorning celebs from Katy Perry to Tina Fey. Lucky for us, the fast fashion companies have really stepped up their game to match the colors and styles of our beloved high-end designers.
While the gorgeous emerald green Gucci blazer for this season runs for $2,150, Zara has a similar version in the same color along with a stunning orange, currently on sale for $99.90. They also have a Gucci look-alike satin mini skirt with tailored front pockets in green and cobalt blue on sale for $39.90. The wide variety of jewel-tone color options of skirts, blazers, and blouses, gives you the freedom to create your own springtime suit in the color pallet of your choice for a fraction of Gucci’s prices.
Other looks from the spring collection feature bright colored jeans, also seen at Jil Sander, Rachel Roy and Max Mara-- a must-have for this season. H&M has a pair of jeggings in the perfect shade of orange that would complement a bright blazer perfectly for only $19.95. They also have a neutral tan blazer for $59.95, $40 less than the Zara version and an adorable blue, cropped Burberry-type trench jacket for just $34.95.
Another hot trend thanks to the spring line from Prada is colorful horizontal stripes. There was no shortage of this trend at H&M and Forever 21, with tanks, tees, and floor length dresses filling up the racks. As expected, Forever 21 had the cheapest selection with striped tanks under $10 and a floor length dress only $19.95. The same dress was at H&M for $34.50 and Zara had a similar version for $59.
As far as crochet goes, Isabel Marant, Ralph Lauren and Gucci set the bar which H&M and Forever 21 happily hopped over. Both stores had several pieces (tops, shorts, and skirts) in a variety of colors, from brown to bright pink, all under $30. Fringed pink ponchos, striped green knit tops, and even neutral woven shorts. Pair one of these tops with the Etro inspired print long skirt that costs $9.90 at H&M and you’ll be the picture of boho-chic without breaking the bank.
The real deal of the season had to be jewel-toned leggings at H&M in purple, teal, and coral, (adorable under a floral ‘70s style tunic) for only $4.50! These are the perfect accent to the hyper color trend that stormed the runways at Gucci, Fendi, Prada, and Dior.
No matter how much of a fashion purist one may be it's impossible to stock up on every trend every season. We suggest saving money by picking and choosing a few of these more trendy looks. Then you can splurge on the true icons of the season (when they go on sale, of course.)...
April 13, 2011
Untitled Post
Mark your calendar. Wednesday afternoon is the lighting round for an iPad 2 on Scoreluxe.com. The last one sold for just $75.65. The only question is what color are you going to choose, black or white?
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April 11, 2011
Lana Marks 50-60% Off
Lana Marks is discounting her very finely made exotic skin bags by 50% to 60% off. The sale started earlier this month and will run until the end of this week. We are told that the discount depends on the color more than the style. Beige, brown, and black colored bags are mostly marked 50% off. More vibrant colors bags like red, blue and gray are 60% off.
Buyer beware, Lana Marks may not be as expensive as an exotic Hermes bag but that doesn't mean the goods wont cause ticker shock. Totes normally range in price from $12,000 to $25,000 and the famous Lana Marks clutch is priced between $6,000 to $9,000.
Just know that the large ticker price does provide high quality. Lana Marks uses AAA quality skins-- the highest quality rating. We are told that it's actually the same quality as Hermes. In contrast, exotic handbag maker Nancy Gonzalez's handbags are much more affordable because her skins may contain flaws. It's like a diamond da'rling.
Lana Marks bags are also sold in Bergdorf Goodman and once in a while, at the end of the season, you can find super reduced leftover. Keep your eyes open because great quality should never be compromised.
Contact: Shawn 212-355-6135...
April 11, 2011
Madison Avenue Watch Week
Every spring, the Madison Avenue BID highlights a certain segment of its retailers. Last year, the theme was blooming jewels -- a collaboration between jewelry stores and well-known floral designers. The year before, film and fashion were highlighted. This spring, the local business improvement district is spotlighting Madison Avenue as the largest fine watch marketplace in North America, and home to the world’s premier timepiece flagship boutiques
The official Madison Avenue Watch Week will run from April 11 to April 16. Dozens of watch boutiques along the Avenue are scheduled to feature artisan demonstrations, new watch previews, discussions with watchmakers, exhibits of antique and historic timepieces and, of course, private VIP sales appointments.
The week is packed with a full calendar of watch events, including J.P. Journe's unveiling of the Octa UTC, Montblac will have a "certified regulator"with which to speak and at Georg Jensen you can exclusively purchase the iconic Henning Koppel designed Watch. You can view the full calendar of watch week events at MadisonAvenueWatchWeek.com. In addition to the long list of public events, you can also request invitations to private consultations and viewings by submitting a request here....
April 8, 2011
Fall in Love: Cartier Diamond Trinity Ring
Few tales are as good as a sweet love story. This dream tale starts with a model. Not just any model but one the type of girl who is sweet, kind, caring and chic. Well, as expected Ms. Magnetic had no problem attracting suitors. Countless men showered her with valuable gifts: diamonds of all sizes, Rolex watches, Cartier jewels. The list goes on and on.
It wasn’t until Ms. Magnetic met Mr. Well-Known Artist that she felt it was time to settle down. There is one catch. Mr. Well-Known Artist requested that his fiancée-to-be put her relationships of the past behind her and shed her past love charms.
Ms. Magnetic is more than happy to oblige and is looking forward to starting a new chapter in her life. Now all those diamonds, watches and jewels can be yours at a fraction of their retail price from DivoriceYourJewels.com. Take this Cartier pave diamond Trinity ring. The retail price for this classic ring, size 6.5, is $18,000 but it can be yours for just $8,100.
Sound good to you? Us too. Check out the DivorceYourJewels.com designer consignment store where you can always find a wide array of designer jewelry, diamonds, gems and watches.
On the flip size, DivorceYourJewels.com will help you move towards the next chapter of your love story by purchasing your gems and jewelry for cash.
DivorceYourJewels.com
Missy Schorr
917-846-9999
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