Sunday, June 29, 2008

Housing Works July 12&19 Warehouse Sales

OK, so Housing Works is a great operation on many levels. But the problem is that they are even more savvy than the savviest NYC fashionista, so they know what the good shit is, and therefore you will rarely get a major steal on something great. However! You might get lucky if you get involved in their newest idea:

You give them $20. They give you a shopping bag to fill with as much of our overstock clothing as you can; overstock shoes are $5 a pair.

Here's what's new: You give them $30, and they'll give you a shopping bag filled entirely with men's and women's pre-sorted designer items. Items they've already put in overstock bins or $30 pre-sorted bags include:

BCBG gold strap sandals
Coach sandals
Juicy Couture zip jacket
Sonia Rykiel little black slip
Anna Sui polka dot blouse
Marc Jacobs skirt
Cynthia Steffe zebra-pattern shirt
Perfect-for-summer Carlisle suit

HOURS: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
DATE: Saturday, July 12, and Saturday, July 19, 2008
LOCATION: 48-49 35th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101(Take the 7 train to 33rd Street)718-786-6160
Maps and subway directions available at housingworks.org/thrifts/
PRICE POINTS: $20 per "all you can stuff" medium shopping bag (provided by Housing Works)$30 per medium-size "grab bag" filled with designer items All shoes $5 a pair
PAYMENT: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Cash

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Steve & Barry's: When Cheesy Goes Bankrupt

I have always considered writing about what a cheesy P.O.S. store Steve & Barry's is, but decided not to waste the space...until now. And so happy to see that my alma mater has pulled the plug on them as well.

Steve & Barry's Hits Trouble --- Hyped Clothing Retailer Hires Turnaround Help
By Jeffrey McCracken and Peter Lattman
26 June 2008
The Wall Street Journal

The hype for retailer Steve & Barry's LLC neared a zenith last June. The "Today" show touted the discount department store as actress Sarah Jessica Parker appeared on the program, announcing her new exclusive fashion line at a Manhattan store.
The Rhode Island contractors who helped prepare the store for national TV were beaming with pride. Their mood soon changed. The $4,000 bill for that store, and many others, went unpaid amid unreturned phone calls and promises of payment.
"They've never paid on time and always had some excuse, so when they were on the 'Today' show we felt really proud, but at the same time, it felt like the emperor had no clothes," said Laura Johnson, who owns a small carpentry firm, Ottmans Services.
For those doing business with Steve & Barry's, it has become hard to reconcile the hype with reality. As the chain was inking high-profile licensing deals and attracting national media acclaim, small vendors across the country -- along with overseas apparel manufacturers -- say they were going unpaid, or enduring months of lag time between payments.
For instance, Steve & Barry's is no longer allowed to advertise in the University of Michigan student newspaper, The Michigan Daily. The company was the paper's largest advertiser for the 2006-07 school year.
Newspaper business manager and University of Michigan senior Elaina Bugli said the retailer fell months behind on $36,000 in bills and still owes $20,326 for ads bought more than a year ago.
"It's by far our largest unpaid debt. They owe us more than we set aside for all unpaid debts for the year," Ms. Bugli said. Meanwhile, Steve & Barry's is a prominent licensee of merchandise for the University of Michigan, which ranks fourth in collegiate apparel sales.
Steve & Barry's, with about 275 stores across the country and sales approaching $1 billion, has hired the same turnaround firm as Sharper Image and Linens 'n Things, both of which have since filed for bankruptcy. That restructuring firm, Conway, Del Genio, Gries & Co., and a spokesman for Steve & Barry's didn't return calls seeking comment.
The closely held retailer has also hired a bankruptcy lawyer, and if Goldman Sachs Group Inc. is unable to line up at least $30 million in last-minute rescue financing, the company may have to file for bankruptcy as soon as next week, several people involved in the matter said. Crystal Capital, a retail-focused private-equity fund specializing in rescue financing is among the firms to be contacted by the retailer.
With their deeply discounted prices and celebrity endorsers, childhood friends Steve Shore and Barry Prevor of Long Island, N.Y., became media darlings. The attraction came on several levels. Celebrities such as Ms. Parker, actress Amanda Bynes, tennis star Venus Williams and surfer Laird Hamilton cut exclusive licensing deals with the company. Meanwhile, Steve & Barry's grew and added stores while other retailers closed sites or even filed for bankruptcy. The company has opened eight stores in the last month with 12 more in the works.
Along with the attention came big investments. TA Associates Inc., an old-line Boston-based private-equity firm with $12 billion in assets, paid $320 million for roughly half of the company. About half of that went into the company, with the balance being paid to Messrs. Prevor and Shore.
Steve & Barry's main lender is the commercial-lending unit of General Electric Co. It provided the company with a roughly $200 million credit facility in March, and the company is already in default on that loan, three people familiar with the matter said.
Among landlords, four publicly traded mall REITs have the most exposure to Steve & Barry's, according to a report from Merrill Lynch. They are Westfield Group, CBL & Associates Properties Inc., Glimcher Realty Trust and Feldman Mall Properties Inc. Each has that retailer at roughly one quarter or more of their malls. The malls declined to discuss Steve & Barry's or couldn't be reached for comment.
Despite all the attention and money, the company appears to have been getting far behind on some bills, including with long-time vendors that had been used to open a slew of new stores. Much of the investment that came in was used to open new stores or fund operating losses on low-cost apparel, people familiar with the matter said. Earnings were about $20 million on sales of $1 billion, and the store often lost money on its key merchandise, these people said.
Eight-person firm Ottmans Services put in fixtures, shelves, dressing rooms and other work for about 40 Steve & Barry's stores across the country, including the Manhattan site that hosted the "Today" show. The company was getting so much business with Steve & Barry's that Ms. Johnson said she cut her hourly rates from $65 to $45 as new stores opened from California to Idaho to New York.
But now, owed about $23,000 for a job in December, her firm has ceased work. Two weeks ago she backed out of a job on a new store to open in Danvers, Mass., a Boston suburb. The final straw was when she said the company offered to pay off its debt with a corporate credit card, if she would do the next job.
"There was always some excuse, some new form you had to fill out or a new person who was taking calls," Ms. Johnson said.

Flight 001 Sale & Giveaway

In an effort to make the sting of air travel a tiny bit more tolerable, Flight 001 is having a special sale from June 26th to June 30th in their store locations. It's 10-20% all luggage, bags and travel i.d. As they put it, "Sweet discounts on the most stylish and functional travel products to make up for the extra fees."

Those extra fees are really PISSING ME OFF! Realize, that you cannot check ONE bag for free. At least not on American or United. So, it's nice to see someone acknowledging this ridiculous new airline business practice that surely will not be able to withstand the test of time and air rage.

Anyway, you can also enter the Flight 001 Experience giveaway to Grenada contest from Mr. and Mrs. Smith Hotel Collection (register through Aug. 31).

New York - Brooklyn - Los Angeles - San Francisco - Berkeley - Chicago - Dubai

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Room and Board: Sofas under $900

Sad that a couch for under $900 is considered a great deal, but it is. So check out Room and Board and get on (board)!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Cat IS the Hat


One way to save money on new headwear. Has Bjork been alerted to this style?

Les Nanas: Magic Sweater


I am the luckiest girl in the world. So lucky in fact, that I got this magic sweater at Les Nanas for half price. But unlucky for you, it was the last one. It literally turns any outfit into a stunner. Dresses, pants, skirts, a paper bag - whatever - they are all transformed into a statement of fashion when worn with this loosely-knit, short-sleeved sweater with a tie around the waist. And there's even a touch of a metallic thread running through it, making it stand out in the crowd of black tops - but not too much. How to be hot even if it's cool this summer.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Daniblack: YAY

I got my Daniblack shoes from ebay (http://myworld.ebay.com/shoemetro/) today. They are great. Yay.

Clinique Insider's Club

Clinique is starting up a program called the Clinique Insider’s Club. Clinique will be selecting 20 women from the submitted applications to be “Clinique Insiders.” As “Insiders” you get an exclusive sneak peek at the latest Clinique skincare, and makeup products and will have the opportunity to give product reviews and opinions that will be seen, heard and read on Clinique.com. Insiders will also have access to special upcoming events and will receive a special welcome kit which includes full-size Clinique products and a Flip Video digital camcorder. All interested candidates should apply here: https://www.clinique.com/templates/user/sweeps.tmpl?OFFER_CODE=InsidersClub08

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Mermaid Fashions











A montage of mermaids from today's parade in Coney Island. And two dirty bunnies.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

June 20: Exene Cervenka solo show opens

From Paper magazine

FRIDAY, JUN. 20
LA-based artist and punk rock veteran Exene Cervenka (founding member of the band X) heads east for her second New York solo show. Her collages take obscure American memorabilia, in this case, antique photos and stenciled signs, creating disjointed snapshots of American history.
DCKT Contemporary, 195 Bowery, (212) 741-9955.
Opening from 6-8 p.m. Through July 18.

Origins: Sort of Free Sample

Sorry guys, I am so busy with my day job that I am just tossing you a few bones this week. Hope you enjoy them!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Calypso Furniture Sale: 40% off, June 18-20

STARTING JUNE 18th
Take 40% off selected furniture from Caravane, Oly, Roost and more.

Visit these participating store locations:
NEW YORK CITY: 815 Madison Avenue, 212 941 6512; 199 Lafayette Street, 212 925 6200 EAST HAMPTON: 17 Newtown Lane, 631 324 8146
BAL HARBOUR: Bal Harbour Shops 9700 Collins Avenue #211305, 866 8202
SANTA MONICA: Brentwood Country Mart 225 26th Street #30, 310 587 0703
www.calypso-celle.com

As a Preferred Customer take an ADDITIONAL 10% OFF
3 Days Only
Wednesday, June 18th – Friday, June 20th

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Jimmy Choo on Sale

From New York magazine's Best Bets Daily:

Today's Sales Picks
NEW TODAY
Vampy stilettos and chic flats are 30 percent off at both Jimmy Choo stores.

When: Through 7/20; Mon.–Sat. (10–6); Thurs. (10–7); Sun. (12–5). Where: 716 Madison Ave., nr. 63rd St. (212-759-7078), and 645 Fifth Ave., nr. 51st St. (212-593-0800).

Monday, June 16, 2008

FUDGIE THE WHALE

Did anybody go to Carvel and get their Whale of a Dad a Fudgie-the-Whale yesterday? OH FUDGIE!!!

MEN: The Tailor from Bluefly

I keep forgetting to post this info, which I have now done, totally unedited:
Bluefly's bringing the boys a new way to shop with today's launch of The Tailor.
The Tailor 'suits' the man who has a strong sense of personal style and wants the polished look of a custom suit maker – without the stuffiness, expense and time commitment.
Carrying all the same sophisticated shirts, suits, shoes and accessories as a traditional haberdasher, The Tailor brings old school elegance down and digital!
Check it out at Bluefly!

Lord & Taylor: They're Practically Giving it all Away!

Lord & Taylor's storewide SPRING & summer sale & clearance plus save an extra 20% on clearance merchandise with your savings pass.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

eBay Score: Daniblack Shoes for $19.99

OK so here they are. The Daniblack shoes I scored on eBay for at total of $29.98 ($19.99 for shoes, $9.99 shipping). Only slightly used, it turns out that if they are hideous in person or don't fit, I can return them. Yes, I know they're kind of a loud color, but I'm trying to find something to go with the kind of loud skirt I posted the other day (the pink with turquoise sequins) and I decided the price was right, Bob Barker. And although I had never heard of this brand before, I did some checking around and it seems like there may be some hidden potential. I will report back once I actually have them in hand and on foot.

Friday, June 13, 2008

ebay shoes

Shhhh...I'm busy bidding on shoes on ebay. I've never done this before, because if the shoes don't fit...then what do you do? Anyway, if I win this particular pair I will only be out $20, so I'm willing to take the chance in the name of professional blogging research. Stay tuned for the outcome...

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Les Nanas: The End of an Era

I am literally unsure how I am going to survive, fashion-wise, after this summer is over. My favorite store in all the (is)land is closing shop in September. I've been holding on to this news, hoping it was a bad dream. But alas, it is real life...Yes, Les Nanas, the store I write about all the time will be no more. The owner, Nathalie, has decided to leave dodge...and thus end a 20-year era of providing fabulous Paris-based fashion to the ladies of Gramercy Park.


As such, everything in the basement is on sale: 50% off! Spy the photo of the skirt I scored, as an example. I believe I paid about $80. And, they have just gotten a bunch of great new stuff in upstairs (not on sale), so it is worth going in to check out as a last -- or even for your first - hurrah.


If by next year there is a palpable negative difference in the level of style in the Gramercy Park area, you now know why.


However, if any of you are wealthy or motivated enough to BUY Les Nanas (and keep it operating the same exact way), I believe she is open for offers and bids. Contact me!

:( GSNYC

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Father's Day Sale: Cole Haan

Sales and Events Galore

SHELLY & RENEE
Enjoy the unique opportunity to shop the world's finest Italian linens
MONDAY - THURSDAY, JUNE 16th-19th.... 10am- 6pm
70% OFF Fine Italian Linens and Frette to Wear
4 WEST 58TH STREET, 4th FLOOR

June 11-15

Wednesday, June 18
Studio 10 - Industria Superstudio
356 W. 12th Street
Tickets start at $150
(see image above for more details)

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Virgin Megastore on Death Row

From my least-favorite news source (i.e. Fox):

The Virgin Megastore in Times Square is said to be preparing to shut its doors next February. Also, the Virgin Megastore in Union Square is being marketed by real estate agents, now that the "record biz has died." Some 80 record stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn have closed since 2003.

Monday, June 09, 2008

Be an Angel, Purchase for Parkinson's Event, June 10-12


Sample Angels* Presents: "Be an Angel! Purchase for Parkinson's!"

Special Sample Sale event: 20% of proceeds benefit Parkinson's disease research through Team Fox, The Michael J. Fox Foundation's community fundraising program.

Hosted by: Celebrity Stylist & Team Fox Member, Lauren Rae Levy
At Savvy NYC, 145 West 18th Street (Between 6th & 7th Ave.)

Special Angels/VIP Event is Tuesday, June 10, 10 AM - noon
Open to the public: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, June 10, 11, 12
Hours: 12 noon - 8pm daily

*Sample Angel is a women’s based sample sale clothing company. We, along with our angelic vendors donate a total of 20% to a hand picked charity per sale in various cities throughout the country.

Saturday, June 07, 2008

Sex and the City: My Movie Review

So I finally saw Sex and the City on the big screen last night with a gaggle of broads. First, we dined at Lunetta (where the Mayrose used to be), drank ate and drank, and then headed over to the theatre near Union Square on Broadway.

The place was packed with 99% women and 1% "other." I have possibly not ever been in a theater with such a raucous crowd!

Anyway, my assessment of the film is this: it is not as smart or funny as the TV show was on HBO. Why is this? There were way too many hit-you-over-the-head explanations and so-called jokes. It was entertaining enough, but simply just not as good as the show was.

However, if asked to give an award to the best character, I'd have to nominate Kristin Davis who plays Charlotte York Goldenblatt. She's almost a modern day Lucille Ball. It's as if she was the only one who really understood the level of camp that this movie was achieving.

Also, one of the main reasons any of us went to this flick was to see Chris Noth be Mr. Big. And what happens? She (Carrie) refuses to speak to him throughout most of the movie! I don't think that I got my Mr. Big fix. And while he looked good, possibly better than he did during the entire final season of the show, it seems as though he needs to work on his on-screen kissing. Or maybe he just really didn't want to make out with Sarah Jessica Parker. Fear of Matthew Broderick?

I kind of look forward to seeing it again on the small screen, because sitting in the second row was a little bit too close for comfort. What other explanation is there for how Smith went from looking 22 to looking 38 in 4 short years?

Friday, June 06, 2008

Yotam Solomon: Vulcan?

OK, sometimes all publicity is not good publicity. This might be one of those times...

I received some information about Yotam Solomon,
a Los Angeles-based designer who graduated from California’s Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in 2008.

They tell me, that as a native of Israel and a former violin prodigy in Austria, the designer was influenced by his family’s European roots.
My perception? (keep in mind I have not seen this stuff in person, however I did look through his Web site) -- Mr. Solomon is actually a native of Vulcan. Just look at the photos and I think you'll agree. There is some Star Trek action going on here.
And what's up with that "YS" logo? Just chuck an "L" on the end of that and suddenly you have...Yves Saint Laurent?? Please.
Good news is that Mr. Solomon (or is it...SPOCK?!!) is young. I implore him to keep on trying to go where no man has gone before.

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Stock and other fashion tidbits

Stock - This store seems more than worth checking out. On E. 13th St., Urban Daddy describes it as something of an ultimate Vintage store.

Also, I pour out a little bit of champagne onto the marble floor for Yves Saint Laurent. I actually did a report in 7th grade claiming I would be a fashion designer, using YSL as my inspiration. Ha! Well that didn't happen, but at least I get the opportunity to write about him.

I still have not seen the Sex and the City movie, but plan to on Friday. I have heard terrible reviews and then great reviews. I think it depends on your point of view - kind of like Las Vegas. I do have to say I'm not a huge fan of the throngs of "Carries" marching intently to the theatre, however.

And by the way, did you know that Chris Noth (Mr. Big) owns the Cutting Room on W. 24th St?

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Diane von Furstenberg Sample Sale: Pause

As many of you may know, the Diane von Furstenberg sample sale starts today and runs through June 7 at 260 Fifth Ave., near 29th Street. And since this was announced in Urban Eye today, you can rest assured that every woman in town will be there. Except me. Why? OK, well two main reasons:

1. I work for a living. I can't really get there, and don't have the urge to fight tooth and nail right now.

2. If you haven't noticed I haven't been buying much in the way of clothing recently. I've bought jewelry, shoes, furniture...but actual clothing? Not so much. Oh and FOOD, I've been buying lots of that. Which has really assisted me in filling out quite nicely just in time for the summer season. So I'm trying to snap back into some reasonable level of shape furst. If you are in the same situation, with cravings along the lines of Haagen-Dasz Caramel Cone - perhaps the greatest ice cream of all time- read this as a bit of a jumpstarter: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/outsmart-your-cravings?ecd=wnl_wlw_053108

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Legacy Cleaners uses REAL detergent

If you're like me, you haven't done your own laundry since the early 90s. Instead, you've entrusted complete strangers to wash your goods, oftentimes your intimates. Woo Woo! Anyway, dropping your laundry off on the way to work and picking up a brick of clean, dry and folded clothes, sheets and towels, is one of the greatest conveniences of modern New York City society. Except for a few minor issues: your clothes don't ever really get clean, your whites quickly turn to grays and everything feels kinda rough and doesn't smell exactly fresh. But what are we to do? Actually do our OWN laundry? No. If you live anywhere near Third Avenue in the 20s, might I suggest you try using Legacy Cleaners, where they perform the standard service in addition to using real detergent a la Wisk, Tide and Downy. They also provide you with your own laundry bag that has a shoulder strap for easier carting about. They have a few stores in Manhattan and the Bronx and have their own facility where only their own customers laundry is done. It might cost a little bit more than your standard laundry service, but you will be reminded of what it used to be like when your clothes were truly clean...and smelled that way!

p.s. It's right next to Pinkberry! Location, location, location...