Events: Rent the Runway Sample Sale

The Rent the Runway Sample Sale started yesterday and goes until Sunday, March 4th. Visit 260 Fifth Avenue and snag some great deals on lightly used designer dresses and jewelry at up to 95% off!  I've been tempted by a lot of their online clearance sales, but this is even better.  Now you can view and try on the items in person.  If the flyer is any indication, you will find amazing deals.  The David Meister dress on the right was at Bloomingdale's last spring for about $500!

Here's the extra information RTR put up today on their blog:

"Attention all New Yorkers! Don’t miss out on our exclusive sample sale where you can get up to 95% off designers like Milly, Tibi, Badgley mischka, Proenza Schouler, Rebecca Taylor, Nicole Miller, and more. Now’s the time to add that special designer piece to your permanent collection.

February 28 – March 4

260 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10001

Tues – Wed, 10am – 8pm

Thurs – Fri, 10am – 7pm

Sat, 11am – 6pm

Sun, 11am – 3pm

Visa/MC/Amex accepted (cash payment not accepted)"

Have YOU visited the Rent the Runway Sample Sale Yet? Let me know how it is and what you found by posting in the comments below or sending a tweet to @hauteonthespot1.

Style: Great Gifts for All the Ladies in Your Life

VERA BRADLEY LEAP DAY SALE

Vera Bradley is having a huge Leap Day SALE today.  They are offering an additional 20% off of all of their sale items at checkout.  It's a great place to find gifts for your relatives, friends, and co-workers.  So, stock up on those birthday, holiday, and congratulatory gifts today! I have also found some even deeper discounts on Vera Bradley merchandise at TJ Maxx (Wall Street & E 59th Street locations) and Century 21.  You should also visit the Vera Bradley Outlet at Woodbury Common.  It has the best prices I have ever seen on VB products! Also, check out Ebay for great deals on all your favorite retired prints. My favorites are "Pink Elephant", "Animal Kingdom", and "Tavern on the Green".

For Your Big Sister or Older Cousin

Left: Chain Handbag in Floral Nightingale, $40.50 ($32.40).

Buy it HERE
Right: Quick Draw in Hello Dahlia, $58.50 ($46.80).
Buy it HERE

For Your Sister in College / 2012 High School Graduate

Left: Laptop Backpack in Simply Violet, $74.99 ($59.99).

Buy it HERE

Right: Printed Flip Flops in English Meadow, $12 ($9.60).

Buy it HERE

For Your Little Sister or Younger Cousin

Left: Beach Towel in Folkloric, $15 ($12).

Buy it HERE

Right: Emma in Loves Me, $26.25 ($21).

Buy it HERE

For Your Mom or Aunt

Left: Deluxe Photo Album in Hello Dahlia, $18 ($14.40).

Buy it HERE

Betsy in Poppy Fields, $49.99 ($39.99).

Buy it HERE

For Your Grandmother

Left: Watch in Mocha Rouge, $48.75 ($39).

Buy it HERE

Right: Ribbon Board in Poppy Fields, $35 ($28).

Buy it HERE

For Your Friend

Top: For Your Preppy Friend

Opera Wallet in Viva la Vera, $33.60 ($26.88).

Buy it HERE

Bottom: For Your Glam or Artistic Friend

Envelope in Deco Daisy, $14.99 ($11.99).

Buy it HERE

For Your Co-Worker

Top: 2012 On Top of Things Desktop Calendar in Safari Sunset, $15 ($12).

Buy it HERE

Bottom: Coin Purse in English Meadow, $10.50 ($8.40).

Buy it HERE

For Your "Thank You" Notes

Left: So Me! in Letter V, $9 ($7.20).

Buy it HERE

Right: Mix and Match Notecards in 2011, $13.50 ($10.80).

Buy it HERE

Today's Featured Designer on Twitter: @VeraBradley

Style: Dress Like a Diva for Under $300

Get this fun and funky take on a classic look for under $300, while adding some versatile fashion staples to your closet.  While $300 certainly isn't the cheapest you can find, the investment will be worth it.  These items can all be paired with lots of other outfits and are from high quality designers and vendors.  This makes the perfect day-to-night out outfit and would also be suitable for work-to-happy hour in many cases too.

Shop for these items on my Have to Have page below:

Today's Featured Designers & Shops on Twitter: @BaubleBar, @StellaDot, @Nordstrom, @PiperlimeBrand, @Bloomingdales, @SamEdelmanShoes, @BigBuddhaBags

Events: Yelp Drinks! Starts Today

"Because EVERY hour should be a HAPPY hour!"

Yelp Drinks! Starts today and will go until Sunday, March 4th.  This year there are over 40 bars and restaurants participating in the event, each offering 3 hand-crafted cocktails, wines, or beers at 50% off their usual prices.Of the 40 participants, 15 are located in Manhattan, and the rest are in Brooklyn and Queens. Specials are offered all day, just mention "Yelp Drinks" to your server.  I have listed some of the special below ($RegularPrice / $YelpPrice) & believe you can also access the "menus" via the Yelp Mobile App & Foursquare when you check in at each location.  So, grab a colleague after work and mix things up by trying out a new tiki bar (Lani Kai) or speakeasy (The Vault at Pfaffs)! Read more on the Yelp Website HERE

Hotel Chantelle - http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Drink 1: The Ludlow ($13 / $6)
Drink 2: Writer's Vice ($13 / $6)
Drink 3: Kir Yvette ($13 / $6)

Lani Kai - http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Drink 1: The Bearded Lady ($14 / $7)
Drink 2: Kamehameha Rum Punch ($14 / $7)
Drink 3: Anchor Steam Porter (bottle) ($8 / $4)

The Vault at Pfaffs - http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Drink 1: Ada Clare ($16 / $8)
Drink 2: Leaves of Grass ($16 / $8)
Drink 3: Subway Rumbles ($16 / $8)

David Burke Kitchen - http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Drink 1: Rabbit Hunter ($14 / $7)
Drink 2: Sugar and Spice ($14 / $7)
Drink 3: The Honey Badger ($14 / $7)

Today's Featured Venues on Twitter: @YelpNYC, @HotelChantelle, @LaniKaiNY, @Pfaffs1855, @ChefDavidBurke

Style: My Oscar Style Picks

Which were YOUR favorites?
Post in the comments below or tweet to @hauteonthespot1!

Top: Claire Danes in Valentino and Lily Collins in Marchesa
 Bottom: Leslie Mann, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Penelope Cruz
All images were taken from IMDb.com

Events: American Express Mix-n-Match

The American Express / NYC&Co Mix-n-Match event ends on Wednesday. Check it out this weekend before it's too late. Over 400 restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues are participating in this deal. American Express card holders will receive a $50 credit on their next statement when spending $200 or more at any 2 of the participating locations. 

My picks would be:

- The 21 Club: The perfect lunch in a charming & historic setting
- 92nd Street Y: Join the May Center Gym & take one of their great classes
- Banana Republic: Refresh your work ensemble - loving their Feb. windows!
- Bloomingdale's: Shop 'til you drop w/ my favorite personal shopper, Mary Tierney (visit At Your Service); also Lord & Taylor and Macy's
- The Book of Mormon: See Broadway's most popular musical of the moment
- Brasserie: A fantastic French meal at a reasonable price (for midtown)
- The Cloisters Museum: Enjoy a breath of fresh air in the busy city
- Costco: Stock up on goodies for cold/rainy winter days
- Dave & Buster's: Have an original date night w/ dinner, drinks, & games
- French Roast or L'Express: Enjoy a very reasonably priced French meal - open 24 hours!
- The Frick Collection: View some of the best art on the Upper East Side
- H&M: Gather up all your basics & essentials without breaking the bank
- Jonathan Adler: Find fantastic home accessories for your apartment
- Mount Vernon Hotel Museum: Explore the colonial era in Midtown
- Scully & Scully: Not the cheapest for home decor & furniture but hands down the best
- Tory Burch: Pick up some ballet flats or one of her signature tunics
- Wall & Water: Have a meal at this Financial District favorite in the Andaz
- Zabar's: Find some gourmet goodies at this NYC staple

For a full list and to read more about the deal, visit:
http://www.nycgo.com/mix-n-match

Style: 11 Must-Have Flats For All Occasions

There's a fantastic sale at DSW that ends tonight (see banner below).  I've picked out 11 of my favorite flats that every girl should have, for all occasions.  Whether you're getting prepared for a big night out, work, a rainy day, or lounging around the house, these are the only shoes you'll need in your closet!

1. Jon Josef $69.95 - work or casual

Click HERE to Buy

2. Jon Josef $69.95- work

Click HERE to Buy

3. Mercanti Fiorentini $129.95 - work or casual

Click HERE to Buy

4. Sesto Meucci $99.95 - work or casual

Click HERE to Buy

5. Ted Baker $89.95 - night out

Click HERE to Buy

6. Joie $119.95 - a night out

Click HERE to Buy

5. Footzyfolds Luxe $29.95 - after a night out

Click HERE to Buy

8. Rock & Candy $29.95 - casual or athletic

Click HERE to Buy

9. Rock & Candy $29.95 - casual or athletic

Click HERE to Buy

10. Minnetonka $19.94 - sleepy time

Click HERE to Buy

11. Nomad $29.94 - rainy day

Click HERE to Buy

Today's Featured Designers on Twitter: @DSWShoeLovers, @JonJosefSpeak, @Ted_BakerUSA, @Joie_Clothing, @MinnetonkaMocc

Events: Two Great Charity Events Under $40

Charity events are always some of the best parties to attend - great crowds, good causes, exciting venues, and nice auction items & giveaways.  However, too many of them can be a bit painful on your wallet.  It seems like most tickets for young professionals will put you out $100-$250 at least. 

Keeping that in mind, I'll be posting regularly on my blog any great charity events I hear of that are under $100 (and in this case under $40!).  Be sure to get in touch in the comments or via Twitter (@hauteonthespot1) if you work with a charity that's putting on an event like these. I'd be delighted to help you promote them.  Today I've highlighted two events that are taking place next week, one for $12-15 and the other for $35.

Event: The R20s Group Leap Day Mixer

Where: SideBAR (118 E. 15th Street) in the Private Lounge

When: Wednesday, February 29th, 7-10pm

What: A networking mixer for alumni of over 70 universities ages 21-29 to support the Fraunces Tavern Museum with drink specials 7-8pm and giveaways. For a list of drink specials, click the "Event Tickets" tab at the top of the page.

Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door

Website: www.TheR20sGroup.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/180714468695497/

Click below to purchase tickets via PayPal:

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Event: WGirls NYC presents The 3rd Annual Ties & Tiaras

Where: Inc Lounge (224 West 29th Street)

When: Thursday, March 1st, 7-11pm

What: A cocktail party with open bar (7-8:30), DJ, & silent auction to raise money for Project G.L.a.M!

Cost: $35 for 1 ticket, $120 for 4 tickets

Website: http://wgirls.org/

Click below to purchase tickets via Charity Happenings:
http://wgirls3rdannualtiesandtiaras.charityhappenings.org/

Events: Celebrate Mardi Gras in NYC

Charity Event

If you're in Chelsea tonight, check out this charity networking event benefiting Children's Rights at The Ainsworth. There is a suggested donation of $20 & extended happy hour specials. The Ainsworth is located at 122 West 26th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues. Check out their website HERE.

Mardi Gras Party

If you're on the Upper East Side, celebrate an authentic Fat Tuesday at Southern Hospitality, one of the city's best Southern bar/restaurants!  They are offering prizes, drink specials including the traditional NOLA Hurricanes, and of course lots of beads. Admission is FREE. Southern Hospitality is located on 2nd Avenue between East 76th & 77th Streets. Check out their website HERE.

Style: Riding Boots

I absolutely love the look of a traditional low-heel riding boot. For a while I've admired a few of the Tory Burch ones, but always found them to be a bit too pricey (usually $400-500). I was very excited when I saw this excellent alternative at Anne Klein...and all the better that they are an additional 25% off today! Not only were the styles similar, but the AK boot looks a bit more feminine/less clunky.  Anne Klein also has several other colors & styles in their sale. I especially liked this style in Brown. Grab them while you can!  The sale ends tomorrow at 11:59pm.

The Look...

Corey Mid Calf Flat Boot, $247.50 (Sale), Originally $495.
Tory Burch.

...For Less!

Craslee Boot, $74.25 (Presidents' Day), $99 (Sale), Originally $169.
Anne Klein.

Style: A Presidential Affair, Part II

Happy Presidents' Day! 

In continuation of Friday's topic, here's another post featuring first lady style. 

What look at first ladies would be complete without an analysis of the most famous fashionista of them all, 1960's style icon Jackie Kennedy?

Today's Trends Inspired by Jackie:

Clockwise: Mint Green (as mentioned in my Chanel Spring 2012 post); Tweedy Suit Jackets; Leopard Print; Split-sleeve Cocktail Dresses; Spring-weight Trenches & Over-sized Sunglasses; and Button Earrings & Graphic Sundresses (see Lilly Pulitzer).

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Snag her style...

Clockwise: Jillian Silk Bow Dress, $179. Kate Spade. See it on Gilt HERE; Opera Length Silk Gloves with Faux Pearl Buttons, $120. Carolina Amato. Buy them at Lord & Taylor HERE; Le Jardin Mother-of-Pearl Flower Clasp Double Strand Pearl Necklace, $235. Erwin Pearl. Buy it at Erwin Pearl HERE; Endless Pearl Necklace, $88. Erwin Pearl. Buy it at Erwin Pearl HERE.

Kate Spade has recently come out with a whole line of "Jillian Bow Dresses" in a variety of colors and materials.  This month I was able to pick up a lovely blue & white striped cotton one from TJ Maxx Wall Street for $150.  Keep an eye out on those sale racks!  Her current collection's bow dress (full price: $438!) has very "modish" red, black, white, beige, and periwinkle stripes.  Check it out on KateSpade.com HERE.

White gloves may be a little much for many occasions, but when you do need them they can be very hard to find. Check out the ones I've listed above, made out of quality materials and at a reasonable price.

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Which one of her looks do you like best? Post in the comments below or tweet your favorite pic to @hauteonthespot1.

Today's featured designers on Twitter: @ErwinPearl, @KateSpadeNY, @LillyPulitzer, @Chanel

Events: Celebrate Presidents' Day at the Fraunces Tavern Museum & Restaurant

Let's get Presidential!

President's Day 
February 20th 2012

Follow in George Washington's footsteps this President's Day at The Porterhouse Fraunces Tavern in Manhattan's Financial District. Rediscover the origins of The United States of America at the Fraunces Tavern Museum. The Fraunces Tavern Museum is the oldest building in Manhattan and hosted George Washington's farewell to his officers as well as many other significant historical events. 

Only $1 admission, 12pm - 5pm.

Then relax and dine at the Tavern Bar, as our First President may have, with a tasty brew and some colonial style fare. Drink specials include George Washington's favorite tipple, hot buttered rum! 

For more information visit the sites for Fraunces Tavern Museum & Porterhouse Bar and Restaurant at Fraunces Tavern or their Twitter account (@frauncestavern).

Style: A Presidential Affair, Part I

In honor of it being Presidents' Day Weekend, I thought I'd highlight some of the styles of first ladies of the White House. First, I'm going to start off with the fashionably acclaimed lady of the hour...Michelle Obama!

Which one of her looks do you like best? Post in the comments below or tweet your favorite pic to @hauteonthespot1.

Michelle Obama is FIERCE!  She's not afraid to be heard in bold & neon colors with loud statement necklaces.  She is particularly fond of short, chunky pearls and beads. She usually wears sleeveless dresses which at times are flattering and other times less so, depending on the cut of the dress.  The pink dress (far right) is a particularly great color for her and I love the long-sleeve orange dress with the vintage cut that still retains its youthfulness through its vibrant color.  However, I am not as keen on the purple dress.  It's less tailored and sags on her body.  Although she structures it with the black belt, it only seems to make what could be a very formal tailored dress appear more casual - kind of a mismatch.

My favorite Michelle Obama looks are her textured black dress & classic yet stylish navy and white wrap dress both pictured below. Since she wears minimal jewelry with them, the focus is really on the dresses themselves and how they flatter her shape.  They are both very elegant and practical for a variety of state and family functions!  They also have a very timeless look / aren't TOO trendy - the perfect staples for every woman's closet.

Style: Mad for the Barney's Warehouse Sale or Sheer Madness?

The infamous Barney's Warehouse Sale begins today and goes until February 26th.  So far it has received very mixed reviews. 

What do YOU think? Post in the comments below!  

View the larger version of this schedule HERE.

Pulsd says: "It's that time of year again - thank Goodness! The Barneys Warehouse Sale offers you up to 80% off retail prices on men's and women's clothing & accessories. In the past we've seen Gucci dresses from $300 and Dolce suits from just $250! Throw in a pair of Louboutins (if you get there early they may have your size!) and you're really talking fashion at a price that's right." 

Read more on Pulsd HERE.

RackedNY says: "OK, Barneys Warehouse Sale shoppers, we're not going to sugar-coat it: This sale isn't one of their finest. Prices aren't marked as clearly as last fall's, there's hardly any size selection, wading through all the Co-op stuff leaves you with marginal designer goods, and the decent items are...dirty. Or torn. Or just not very exciting. We were able to find some worthwhile things, of course, but our biggest recommendation would be to wait until the prices have been slashed—as they will be soon if Barney's wants to sell anything. The good news is that the check-out line isn't insanely long!"

Read more on RackedNY & view pictures of sale items HERE.

Today's Featured Shops & Sites on Twitter: @BarneysNY, @pulsdJFK, @RackedNY 

Style: Chanel's Spring 2012 Line

I was recently invited by Mary Tierney, one of the top personal shoppers at Bloomingdale's flagship store on 59th Street, to have an exclusive peek at Chanel's new clothing line (and what was currently being sold in the Chanel boutique).  I was very impressed with Chanel's combination of the traditional styles that everyone loves when they think of the fashion house and the innovative use of new materials and colors that bring youth to the pieces. Highlights of the collection were: several white & pink dresses with leather corset tops and pearl strand straps, a denim skirt embroidered throughout with the signature camellias, and several pieces in Chanel's new periwinkle tone for spring.  The periwinkle shade and camellia embroidered denim have also crossed over into Chanel's handbag collection, creating the perfect accessories for the season.  Chanel's more traditional jacket & dress sets were presented in an array of trendy colors for spring - not only periwinkle but also pastel green and canary yellow.  Below you can see some images of the pieces when they were featured on the runway.

Periwinkle & Pastel Green Tones Starting in the Spring 2012 Collection

New Textures & Materials and More Pastel Green in Spring 2012

In these pieces you can really see how the traditional style blends with a modern look.  The structured long coat [above] and buttoned jacket [right] are presented in a youthful color and cut (tailored but very short) with casual accessories and clothing compliments. The feathers on the dress and tulle on the skirt that accompanies the jacket again breathe youth into otherwise very traditional pieces. The satchel purse accompanying the green jacket [top left] even mimics a carry-all for school books! In the white dress again the designer presents a traditional idea, the sweater dress, and brings it to life with a youthful flowy cut at the arms, short length, and the use of eye-catching texture.

Left: Periwinkle Tone Starting in Cruise 2011/12 Collection, Right: Camellia Embroidery on Denim Starting in Spring 2012

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The Look for Less:  

Here are a few pieces at the ultra-budget stores Forever21 and DSW that are reminiscent of Chanel's new collection and feature its color tones.  The trends have already made their way to fashion at all price points!

Pastel Green paired with whites & pale pinks in a variety of textures at Forever 21's Union Square NYC Store this month.

Periwinkle Blue: (Left) Nail polish collection at Forever 21,  (Right) Purse w/ tassels & "ostrich" trim at DSW Union Sq.

The above handbag, Audrey Brooke Ostrich Cross-Body Bag ($69.95), can be purchased at DSW online HERE.

Featured designers on Twitter: @Chanel, @Forever21, @DSWShoeLovers