Early March (2010): ABC Carpet bronx warehouse sale, 15% coupon!

Olympian Tress Tips

If there was an Olympics of Blogging, Nancy Brenner would be Kim Yu-Na:

Inspired by Miki Ando's figure Cleopatrian skating performance at the Olympics in Vancouver - and her fab jeweled hair accessory?  Upgrade your updo with accessories like Joannie Rochette's glittery gold comb. Or opt for Gold medalist Kim Yu-Na's coiffure which was held with a striking cobalt blue bolt of color. Take home your own gold with accessories from designer Colette Malouf who says her Fall 2010 is a formal dressy collection which uses an electric blue inspired by the blue butterfly of the Amazon. Colette's hair combs with marabou feathers, transparent gold mesh headbands with malleable woven wire flowers, head wraps and hair adornments could earn their own medals.

Style your hair like an Olympian and the commentators in the room (there always are) will give you high marks, even if there isn't an official scorecard.

2/25-2/27: Theory Sample Sale

Very modest prices at the Theory sample sale - clothes for men and women
261 W. 36th [7th/8th]
212.947.8748
today, 11-7; tomorrow, 11-6; Saturday, 11-5.

Lambskin Lovers

...will have their pick of designs for Fall 2010 (ahem, lambskin leather).  Depending on your mission, select the black strapless touch-me dress at Shoshanna or the combat-ready Cynthia Steffe Amber-style frock in chocolate, either of which will set your balance sheet back more than $500. No accessories needed. Think of the money you'll be skipping on pricey statement necklaces.

'cuz Nancy Brenner said so.

Gilt Groupe is the World

Gilt Groupe is the World’s Most Innovative Fashion Company (so says Fast Company magazine)

Posted using ShareThis

Whiplash Inducing Designs at Baraschi

Nancy Brenner is on a roll this week...

'Cuz onlookers will crane their necks for a second sneak peek at sleek colorful creations like a blood orange bustier dress with an optional matching motorcycle jacket. Yoana Baraschi modeled a faux fun fur herself for buyers who shared her bubbly enthusiasm at her busy booth as she shimmied in and out of her slinky designs in seconds at the Coterie show at the Javits Center.  I asked Baraschi which one was her favorite, but she could not choose.

My pick for on-trend velvet seekers, Baraschi's black velvet jacket will upend all others with rhinestone encrusted adornment on the shoulders. A Fall 2010 collection for women who peacock and men who savor the view.

Bag a Botkier Hobo...

...for free by entering the online contest celebrating their new website at http://blog.botkier.com/2010/02/16/enter-to-win-our-harper-hobo.  You could be the lucky winner of the pictured bag!

and while she's at it, Nancy Brenner suggests:

If you don't have the budget of Botkier fans Michelle Trachtenberg or Angelina Jolie, save Botkier bucks by using one of their cosmetic bags as an evening one - I've used a metallic gold one for weddings and no one has ever outed me.  The Maddie cosmetic bag in red snake Italian fabric for under $100 can double as an evening option. If you're craving purple, which is in every collection for Fall, select the Sophia cosmetic as your double duty bag in metallic purple lambskin with antique nickel hardware, also under $100.  Save your sawbucks for their Fall 2010 Prince Crossbody bag which comes in two trend hues:  Army camouflage in lambskin/calfskin or Amazon snake calfskin.  Its larger cousin, the Prince Satchel in black lambskin with antique nickel studs, will be a workday workhorse. 

If Pebbles and Bam Bam designed for Erickson Beamon...

The Flinstones must have been the inspiration for this ga ga Neo Geo collection bracelet with fun brightly hued pink and purple stones overlaid with Swarovski crystals that look like they came straight from Bedrock's quarry. Not the type to throw on a real or faux fur over your dress? Toss a gold mesh caplet that fastened with black lace around your shoulders. Compliments will gravitate to your sphere if you wear an unconventional pair of drop rhinestone earrings with  stars and planets from the Galactica collection. Again, the Fall 2010 collection at the Coterie show at the Javits Center is a stand up and notice me one - for the little Lady Gaga in all of us. Check out their tweet feed for a pic of Lady Gaga in Erickson Beamon headpiece and bodypiece posing for the M.A.C. Viva Glam campaign.

~Nancy Brenner

Rebecca Minkoff Prices Pared (report from the Front Coterie)

says the designer (via Nancy Brenner) at Coterie Show at the Jacob Javits Center today.  Minkoff may not be just for starlets and their celestial budgets anymore. The Morning After bag is one in her classic collection you'll see at a lower price point for Fall 2010. Since the core consumer price index fell for the first time since 1982, so did wholesale prices. Numerous designers at Coterie today said they trimmed prices, or held stable, the key word- affordable.  Why the reduction?   "We listened to our customer," says Minkoff.  How can they do it? By making small changes to the collection that won't be visible to the consumer and by committing to larger purchases. A standout in her new Fall collection - the metallic "boyfriend bag" good for both getting a boyfriend and keeping one. Finally, an night-out bag not big enough to carry around an ex around, but can fit a cell, lipstick, Purell and other essentials, was the size I've been trying to hunt down for several seasons.  It was made with a peach black wash to deepen the distressed look over time. Good seller so far for Minkoff was the "Lust" a small cross body messenger suede bag with antique brass studs.  Personally, I coveted the two-texture "Rapture" in electric blue suede and leather and their five zip bag in violet with studs on the handle.  And if you are one of those people already planning gift items for next year, keep an eye out for the two trends in one leather bracelet -  red with gold grommets. Minkoff mania will be bigger than ever this year - stake out your spot on the sample sale line now!

Ben-Amun: The eagles have landed

at Ben-Amun as part of the military look for Fall 2010 seen at the Coterie show at the Javits Center. Pins are big. The spikes that Jennifer Aniston wore in a necklace, now decorate a silver pin. Check out the military spread in the current Vogue. Their tribal collection includes Cleopatra gold spike necklaces and brass cuffs that are big - in impact and weight - several inches wide and long - you can skip part of your daily upper body workout. Tribal looks are part of nearly every accessory collection at the show. Their coin collection is still strong. Edgier looks in the industrial collection include necklace fashioned from brass and leather or gunmetal chains. And brides looking for beautiful bling for their big day without breaking the bank for the real thing, can pick up trendy, yet timeless rhinestones and pearls from their collection. Original updater looks from Ben-Amun last a lifetime.

...or so says Nancy Brenner...

Feb 22 - Mar 14: ROBERT MARC EYEWEAR WINTER SALE

ROBERT MARC EYEWEAR WINTER SALE
Monday February 22nd ~ Sunday March 14th

The Robert Marc Eyewear winter sale offers 50% savings on select optical and sun styles for men and women from designer Robert Marc. Also included in the sale will be designs by Lunor, Blinde and Oakley.

Over the years, Robert's creations have turned up everywhere from the most fashionable metropolitan streets and designer runway shows to major motion pictures and television productions.

Locations:

• 190 Columbus Avenue (between 68 & 69), 212-799-4600
• 400 Madison Avenue (between 47 & 48), 212-319-2900
• 551 Madison Avenue (between 55 & 56), 212-319-2000
• 782 Madison Avenue (between 66 & 67), 212-737-6000
• 1046 Madison Avenue (between 79 & 80), 212-988-9600
• 1300 Madison Avenue (between 92 & 93), 212-722-1600
• 386 Bleecker Street (at Perry), 212-242-6668
• 436 West Broadway (between Spring & Prince), 212-343-8300

Hours: Call store for business hours
Payment Type: American Express, Mastercard, Visa or cash

YOOX: I didn't know, did youx?

OK, so I was justifiably scolded for not knowing about YOOX. Since I just learned about this site, I will let them explain what they are:

Thanks to a direct relationship with designers, manufacturers and authorized dealers, yoox.com is the virtual boutique of multi-brand fashion & design and is positioned among world's leaders. It is an infinite ever-changing source offering rare and innovative styles that are difficult to find in traditional shops. On-going research into new creative possibilities makes yoox.com an innovative online space offering exclusive collections by prestigious designers, a carefully selected range of end-of-season clothing and accessories at accessible prices; from vintage collectibles to capsule collections by cutting-edge designers and a unique assortment of books, design and art objects.

So far from what I can tell they have:

• Many items on sale.
• Free standard shipping on all orders.
• Stuff for kids.
• A vintage section.
• Alexander McQueen Puma.

Fashion Week vs. Fashion Weak

Yes, it's Fashion Week in New York.

I got the inside scoop from one of my favorite flavors that the Matthew Ames show was brilliant, while the Marc Jacobs show was....AMISH??  Ha ha ha.  Sounds like perhaps MJ had better look out...

Anyway, I digress.  If you haven't been introduced yet, let me do so now.  You, meet The TwentyTen.  The TwentyTen, meet everyone. I attended their show last night (see pics), and beyond feeling somewhat sorry for the models who had to stand emotionless for two hours, I was intrigued by the shag coats and skirts.  And just the overall scene, which was nothing less than EDGE.  The TwentyTen hail from Brooklyn, but you can buy their wares at locations such as Blank in Hell's Kitchen.

Jersey Gardens: Lord & Taylor Outlet Store opens

February, 12th was the grand opening of Lord & Taylor's first Outlet Store at Jersey Gardens.

There will be new bargains every week on in-season fashions and accessories, but for the grand opening there was a 4-day coupon that gives 20% off any item. Unfortunately I'm just posting it now, so it's effectively a 1-day coupon (Monday, President's Day 2010) Here's the link: http://bit.ly/ceQ05t

The new outlet is located at the Jersey Gardens Mall (Exit 13A off the Jersey Turnpike).

Have fun shopping, while I'm WORKING (as usual).

GSNYC Extremely Saddened and Bummed about the loss of Alexander McQueen :(

Valentine's Day 2010 at Change of Season, E. Village

Go to Change of Season at 3 p.m. on VALENTINE'S DAY to drink some vino and perhaps find your "true love" amidst all the new finds, including:

Rick Owens: Coats, skirts, dresses, tops & blouses, and a couple pairs of boots! Also, Dries Van Noten, Margiela, Moschino, Balenciaga, Marni clothing and shoes, and more!

And, if anyone cares, there's a "focused selection" of menswear: Rick Owens, Junya for Comme, Miu Miu/Prada, Margiela, and Westwood MAN.  So be one and come buy some stuff!

Change of Season, a boutique outlet
341 East 9th St. NYC

Feb. 11-15: Bloomingdale's Bra Fit Event

Stand up!  Pay Attention! Don't Slouch! Ladies, if you are out of your 20s, you need to reassess your rack.  Check out Bloomingdale's free bra fit event (until you decide to buy something, of course).  I firmly stand behind a well-fitting bra.  It can really make your clothes fit better and give you confidence.  Take it from me, I have my own "bad bra" tales.  Anyway, their experts at Bloomies aim to size you up and suggest some options from Wacoal, Calvin Klein underwear, Chantelle and more...and if you make any regular-price "intimates" purchase of $125 or more,you can take $25 off.  Call to schedule a fitting. (NYC 59th St. Store: 212-705-2973; Soho: 212-729-5176)

Report from the Front: Showroom Seven

Nancy Brenner Kicks Off the Weekend:

Snatch a shiny scarlet satchel at the Showroom Seven sample sale preview today. It's worth the hike, subway, bus, cab, or combo of transport modes if you want to snag a bag that doesn't look like every other on the 1,9 or 4,5,6 lines. All the single ladies, skip your Vitamin D and and give yourself an early Valentine's Day present at this Spring Sample Sale with sunny costume jewelry pieces from Erickson Beamon - featured in Vogue, etc. and worn by Beyonce, Ciara and Michelle Obama (those brooches). Looks range from tribal to skulls and razor blades necklaces to studded blue bracelet to funky Felix the Cat festooned on necklaces and delicate bracelets. Also, peruse Margaret Loves Peter purple hand-loomed cotton cardi encrusted with a rhinestone neckline for a one of a kind look along with other brands reped at this palace of pizzaz.

Showroom Seven
263 Eleventh Avenue btwn 27th - 28th Sts.
11 am - 7 pm

3FLOZ.COM: Interesting Products for Travelers

I just got this in my inbox - looks interesting for those of us who travel a lot and end up turning our hair care products over at the gate or are already so frustrated we have just resigned ourselves to doing without personal grooming items while on the road.  Eye cream?  Who needs it?  Tootpaste?  I'll just chew some gum!  You know who you are.  And if deep down inside you want to be clean and stylish while sitting in conference rooms all over this country's grandest mid-sized cities, this site has an assortment of beauty products from scores of different brands for men and women in flight-friendly sizes. 

V-Day Special from Gilt Groupe - Free Shipping Today Only

If you're not a member of Gilt, you can sign up here: http://www.gilt.com/invite/gsnyc

2/6-2/19: Designer Resale & Gentlemen's Resale Semi-Annual Winter Sale

Our favorite consignment/resale shop on the UES (324 E. 81st St.) is featuring 20-70% off famous designer brands for men and women.  Or if you're feeling frisky, wait til Feb. 20 & 21 for the blowout sale when prices will be reduced up to 80%.