Showing posts with label Shopping Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shopping Tips. Show all posts

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Style: DVF Vintage Snakeskin Wrap Dress - The Look for Less

This year Diane von Furstenberg recently re-released one of her vintage wrap dress designs from her Spring 1974 collection in honor of the "IMPACT: 50 years of the CFDA" exhibition. The dress is absolutely gorgeous and I highly recommend it as a timeless fashion staple for your closet.  Animal prints are very in right now so you'll definitely have lots of opportunity to wear it this season. However, if you're on a budget I've found a great alternative for you today at RueLaLa that would definitely make you the most chic lady in the office.

The Look...
Limited Edition New Jeanne Two by Diane von Furstenberg
DVF.com, $345
Buy it HERE.
For Less...
Animal Print Faux Wrap Belted Dress by Single in Black
RueLaLa, $79.99 (Orig. $216)
Buy it HERE.
Sale ends in 1 day!

Style: Herve Leger - The Look for as Low as $40!

The Look...
Herve Leger on Saks Fifth Avenue, $1250-1590
For Less...
Herve Leger on Rent the Runway, $100-150 to Rent

Bandage Dresses by French Connection $150-$205

For CHEAP...
Bandage Dresses by Wow Couture on Beyond the Rack, all $39.99 (orig. $80)
Originals at WowCouture.com
Today's Featured Designers & Shops on Twitter: @HerveLegerbyMA, @Saks, @RenttheRunway, @FC_Woman

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Style: Shop Erwin Pearl on Ideeli

A few pieces of Erwin Pearl jewelry are being sold on Ideeli today. You should definitely have a look at this sale in particular.  Having worked with them previously, I know a lot about their work.  The jewelry is of a very high quality and the pieces are intended to be long-lasting classic investment pieces not cheap trendy stuff. They are especially great with chains so I highly recommend the gold chain necklaces and charm bracelets that are up on Ideeli right now. Erwin Pearl owns its own chain factory in Rhode Island that produces quality work for a number of high-end designers. The sale will be going on for only 1 more day - so hurry & grab some great bargains! You can find the sale HERE.

Necklace: $49.99 (reg. $150 ), Bracelet: $39.99 (reg. $95)
Today's Featured Designer & Shop on Twitter: @ErwinPearl, @Ideeli

Events: Reports on the Roberta Freymann & Elizabeth McKay Sample Sales

Roberta Freymann: My fave prints in XS - none of them in S or M!

Roberta Freymann:
Cute Beaded Clutch for $50
I went to both sample sales this afternoon/evening. I have to say that the Roberta Freymann was a bit disappointing. Many of the sales people were very rude, some signs indicated clothes were cheaper than they actually were at check-out, and clothes' actual sizes often did not match their size tags (which is probably why they were in the sale). On top of all that, Roberta Freymann ran the sale differently than any others I've been to at 260 Fifth. They had NO dressing room and they covered up all the mirrors. A few ladies tried to uncover the mirrors to see what size top they'd wear over their clothes and a salesman ran over and screamed at them and re-covered the mirror! In the end I had some luck, grabbed 2 kurtas/tunics, 1 printed and 1 embroidered chambray for $30 each (reg. $80), a button-down shirt for $25 (reg. $75), a scarf/beach wrap for $25 (reg. $50), and a ditty bag for $15 (reg. $40). It wasn't exactly the 80% off that some advertising had boasted but decent. For their classic kurtas, unless you are a size XS or XL, it didn't look like there'd be much left for you tomorrow. The M rack was practically empty. There will still be plenty of sweaters (~$70) and evening dresses ($100). You really had to dig through massive piles of stuff to find things that you would like. Anything that was not on a rack was very disorganized. For the craftier crowd I'd highly recommend checking out the home section on the back left and snatching up some napkins, bed sheets, pillowcases, etc that you can turn into something else. The fabrics back there were some of the nicest. The jewelry is really the worst they have so not worth much of a look. I've seen nicer beaded collar necklaces in Koreatown for dirt cheap. The children's clothes were definitely worth taking a look and some of the beaded clutches ($50-75) were quite nice. Overall, I was not overly impressed with the selection.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth McKay: Lots of polos, turtlenecks, tunics, & silk tops!

Lovely silk dresses at bargain prices!
Elizabeth McKay: 
On the way to the Elizabeth McKay sample sale I walked by the Roberta Freymann / Roberta Roller Rabbit retail store and gawked at all of the nice things in the window...so much better than what they had at the sample sale!  The Elizabeth McKay sample sale was another story. Although there was no dressing room there either, they had a large mirror and all of the girls were trying on the clothes in the showroom.  The saleslady made sure to not allow men into the area for exactly that purpose. The designer was even walking around and other ladies were asking her questions about how to wear the pieces! You did not have to dig or search for anything really at all; it was all laid out nicely on the racks and folded neatly in bins. There was a great selection of silk tops in all sizes (0-14) for $40.  Dresses and coats were $80. There was also a nice selection of polos, turtlenecks, skirts, and shorts for $20.  These are fantastic prices for the quality you are getting! I got a wonderful silk dress for $40 (reg. $265) because of an imperfection I couldn't even find and two polos for $20 each (reg. $150).  I also got a silk top for $40 (reg. $215) and an embroidered tunic for $40 (at least reg. $215 compared to similar items online). It looked like there was still a great selection when I left today, so I highly recommend checking them out! They have really cute designs. I would recommend for some items to try a variety of different sizes. I found that the dresses & tops ran a bit big. The ones I purchased are one or two sizes smaller than what I usually wear. The polos & turtlenecks run a bit small. I'd usually wear a M and I got an XL. They had plenty of things that were suitable for all seasons and all purposes, from a night out to professional attire. The sale is located on the second floor, just above Bar & Books. The location is so peaceful and people were definitely not as frantic as they were at the Roberta Freymann sale. I highly recommend stopping by!

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Events: A Report on the Rent the Runway Sample Sale

I went to the Rent the Runway Sample Sale with a friend on the morning of the second to last day of the sale (Saturday).  I was very pleasantly surprised to see that there were still a lot of nice dresses left on the racks for all sizes.  I found some especially good finds by See by Chloe, Christian Siriano, Missoni, M MissoniHerve Leger, Tibi, Badgley Mischka, Alice by Temperley, and Temperley.  There also seemed to be unlimited amounts of dresses from Nicole Miller, Milly, Haute Hippie, Moschino Chic and Cheap, Rebecca Taylor, and Catherine Malandrino.  I even saw a David Meister dress I bought last winter for probably 1/5 of the price I had paid!  While I tried on mainly short cocktail dresses, my friend tried on several full-length gowns.  The best she looked at were from Badgley Mischka ($50 each) and Yigal Azrouel.

Here's what I especially liked:

Find #1:  Calla Lily Cap Sleeve Dress by Tibi
Rent it on Rent the Runway HERE
Retail $378, RTR Rental $50, Sample Sale: $37
Note: Slight flaw - About 3 inches of the seam of one of the cap sleeves had been separated away from the body of the dress but nothing that five minutes of quick sewing couldn't fix.  It was right along the seam so it wasn't torn or anything like that and extremely easy to fix - anyone could do it. Trust me, I'm not an expert seamstress and just used an old travel repair kit with some white thread and a needle.
Find #2: Heartbreaker Dress by Herve Leger
Rent it on Rent the Runway HERE
Retail $1050, RTR Rental $100, Sample Sale: $167
Note: The dress was a Size S but I assume that I would normally wear a bigger size because I tried on another Leger dress in a M that fit just quite snug.  The dress was probably in the sale because it had been stretched out a bit while being rented.

The other two dresses I liked are no longer being rented on the RTR site but had been featured in a few of their blog posts (Missoni1Missoni2La Rok1La Rok2).  Both were in impeccable condition with no additional notes to be made.
Find #3: Emily the Empress Dress by M Missoni 
Retail: $795, Sample Sale: $113
This gorgeous striped brown M Missoni cocktail dress pairs well with all fall/winter neutral accessories and with the tribal & animal prints that are popular right now.
Find #4: Lovely in Lace Dress by La Rok
Retail: $278, Sample Sale: $60
This very casual white frilly dress from LaRok that will be great for the summer, especially when paired with a very long dangling necklace or statement collar necklace - with the perfect sandals of course! 

The second to last day was actually an excellent day to go to the sale.  While I was disappointed that there wasn't anything left from Kate Spade or Lilly Pulitzer (as I read there had been earlier) and that the selection of Herve Leger had significantly depleted, everything was being sold at an additional 40% off.  I heard that on the last day this was increased to 50% off but I imagine not all that much was left after Saturday.  My suggestion would be to visit a sample sale like this twice, once at the beginning to grab up some of the more popular items that are going quickly and again on the morning of the second to last day to get some even better deals.  This was not my first sample sale by any means but it was definitely one of the ones where I found the best deals.  My other favorites have been the regular Diane von Furstenberg and Ralph Lauren ones.

Here are some great sites I'd recommend that make announcements about upcoming sample sales: The Vogue City & Sample Sale Avenue.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Style: The Rainy Day Recessionista

Ever craved a wax Barbour jacket, Burberry umbrella, and Hunter or Burberry rain boots to perform your puddle jumping on a drizzly day? Well, while I LOVE all of those classic staples myself, I know that they can get pretty pricey.  Get the look for less: today, I've found some great alternatives and hot sales on the classics being offered at some very reasonable prices. Strap on these boots, pull on this wax jacket, grab these umbrellas - and be prepared to get showered with compliments!

Do YOU have a favorite rainy day accessory?
Tell me in the comments below or send a tweet to @hauteonthespot1.

Shop for these items and more on my HavetoHave page below:

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

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

For Your Little Sister or Younger Cousin
Left: Beach Towel in Folkloric, $15 ($12).
Right: Emma in Loves Me, $26.25 ($21).
For Your Mom or Aunt
Left: Deluxe Photo Album in Hello Dahlia, $18 ($14.40).
Betsy in Poppy Fields, $49.99 ($39.99).
For Your Grandmother
Left: Watch in Mocha Rouge, $48.75 ($39).
Right: Ribbon Board in Poppy Fields, $35 ($28).

For Your Friend
Top: For Your Preppy Friend
Opera Wallet in Viva la Vera, $33.60 ($26.88).
Bottom: For Your Glam or Artistic Friend
Envelope in Deco Daisy, $14.99 ($11.99).

For Your Co-Worker
Top: 2012 On Top of Things Desktop Calendar in Safari Sunset, $15 ($12).
Bottom: Coin Purse in English Meadow, $10.50 ($8.40).

For Your "Thank You" Notes
Left: So Me! in Letter V, $9 ($7.20).
Right: Mix and Match Notecards in 2011, $13.50 ($10.80).

Today's Featured Designer on Twitter: @VeraBradley

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

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

Friday, February 24, 2012

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

Thursday, February 23, 2012

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
2. Jon Josef $69.95- work
3. Mercanti Fiorentini $129.95 - work or casual

4. Sesto Meucci $99.95 - work or casual

5. Ted Baker $89.95 - night out

6. Joie $119.95 - a night out

5. Footzyfolds Luxe $29.95 - after a night out

8. Rock & Candy $29.95 - casual or athletic
9. Rock & Candy $29.95 - casual or athletic
10. Minnetonka $19.94 - sleepy time
11. Nomad $29.94 - rainy day

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

Monday, February 20, 2012

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.

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