Where do Upper East Siders Find Fall Fashion Foliage?

Some New Yorkers plan their staycations around the big bang Barney's warehouse sale, while others line up a day earlier for the Memorial Sloan Kettering Fall opening slated for August 18th (yes, the line runs around the block). The Arthritis Foundation already kicked off their Fall shopping yesterday. The Upper East Side is dotted with a dozen thrifts worth discovering, below are a few to peruse. Call for shopping or donation hours.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Thrift Shop 1440 3rd. Ave., (212) 535-1250
Arthritis Foundation Thrift Shop 121 E. 77th St. 10021, (212) 772-8816 [Hours are from 10-6]
Housing Works Thrift Shop 202 E. 77th St., NYC, 10021 (212) 772-8592
Irving Institute for Medical Research Thrift Shop 1534 2nd Ave., NYC, 10021, (212) 879-4555
Spence-Chapin Thrift Shop 1430 3rd. Ave., (212) 737-8448

~nANCY bRENNER

Outrageous Footwear by...Jessica Simpson?

There's pretty much no way I would ever consider trying on, let alone buying, a pair of Jessica Simpson shoes.  Until I visited my friend and she pulled these monsters out.  They are like two carefully crafted pieces of furniture that you can also wear on your feet.  A carpenter/stripper's shoes, if you will.  But aside from the towering wooden inferno heels and platforms, these shoes are actually top quality - soft black leather that wraps all the way around the front platform.  And they are actually kind of...comfortable?  I'm not really sure what you would wear with these trucks, but I kind of like the idea of black pants that tie on the bottom.  Of course no guy buys these for his girlfriend hoping that she wears them with PANTS, so perhaps a war of the sexes will ensue.

Crains NY: SoHo apparel shop gets boot, files Chap. 11

Huh, check this out:

SoHo apparel shop gets boot, files Chap. 11

Landlord of Greene Street space claims two-year-old Sol de Ibiza has yet to pay a cent of rent; the space is now back on the market via Comquest Advisors.

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20100723/REAL_ESTATE/100729907

Bijoux Box: Preview Wendy Mink Report From the Front

Need a break from mirror hoggers, nudity and prices that can send you back to Ramen noodle fare for lunch? The Wendy Mink sample sale proffers a dizzying array of baubles at this Orchard Street block beknown for bars rather than bargains of high-end necklaces and earrings. One-of-a-kind pieces crafted for production are mixed in with previous collections at prices as low as $5. Pace yourself as your tray of collectibles will quickly fill - smart shoppers should take advantage of this shopportunity to stock up on holiday gifts now.

Where: 72 Orchard between Broom and Grand
When: Starts Thursday 12-7 through Sunday.
 
~Nancy Brenner

Don't Sweat Proenza Sale: Friends and Family

Cleaned up yesterday.  Shoes gone.  Anything iconic gone.  Those cool tie-dye shirts gone.  Some small black bags at $330.  Lots of wannabe shoppers turned on their Jimmy Choos heels when they realized that all the steals were gone.
If you haven't been there already, skip this sample sale.

And the truth is that Bergdorf is runnin' a monster sale of up to 75% off and I could have snagged one of the hottest items - the tie-dye shirt for $93, reduced from nearly $400, had I sat still near my computer!
~nancy brenner

Glitter Me, Shimmer Me...I am a SHINY MAMA

In high school, I used to buy this awesome glittery...sparkley eyeshadow at the back of one of those old school pharmacies (that hadn't changed in 25 years) near where I grew up.  It was made by "Stagelight." (and surprisingly it still exists, but I digress...)

Since I can't seem to tear my heart out of the 80s, I still long for this type of makeup, but with a modern twist.

In steps Shiny Mama.

Brought to you (and me) by make-up artist and creator Yana Chupenko, Shiny Mama has improved upon the make up of yore, regardless of your age and style.  One of the key improvements is the packaging - instead of a pot of loose powder that will doubtless eventually spill all over your sink or makeup bag, Shiny Mama provides you with glitter in a little "shaker" with its own applicator built in.  And what about the pink champagne glitter that comes with the little "spoon" (ahem) charm?  Too cute!

But the best part of it all is how much fun it is to wear - there are countless ways to use the glitter and the sparkling pencil - on your eyes, lips, nails, hair, body...wherever!  Oh and it's totally affordable too - what a great gift idea!

xoxox

Change of Season RED DOT Sale

"RED DOT" 40% off the lowest price CLEARANCE EVENT on summer merchandise! 

Includes WOMEN'S & MEN'S CLOTHING, SUMMER SHOES & ACCESSORIES (does not include jewelry, new arrivals, or caterina gatta pieces)

Clearance items are located on the front rack.

Change of Season, a boutique outlet

341 East 9th St.  NYC

www.changeofseasonnyc.com

West Village Memory Lane

I remember when this corner housed Banana Republic, back when they were known for selling "safari clothes!"  Ha, who else remembers that?  OK, that's all for now.

Report From The Front: Vivienne Tam Modeled at Her Own Sample Sale!

Vivienne Tam herself modeled a dress at her own sample sale and mingled with bargain seeking die-hards.  Small sizes and medium finds at $10, $20, $30 and up at the sample rack in the back.  As a Vivienne Tam shopper who has bought retail, Gilt.com and sample sale, this one is a must.  Best sample sale staff ever, making suggesting as new items appeared on the racks, giving honest opinions, and helping make final decisions.  At prices so low, it was hard to decide. One caveat, there were so many men, it seemed like a construction site on a coffee break, so dress appropriately :)

Today through Thursday: 9am—8pm, Fri 10am—6pm
260 West 39th St.  (near 8th Ave.)

~nancy brenner

Apologies for lack of posts...it's just so gross outside!

I haven't bought a thing in weeks!  More soon.  And in the meantime, have a great summer.

Nordstrom Nuggets Anniversary Sale: Spanx-A-Holics, Plus Size Picks

Scouring through the dregs of the 3B's - Bergdorf, Bloomies, Barney's final sales?
Savvy shoppers are staking out their territory for the annual Nordstrom Fall sale starting July 16th.
Spanx-a-holics can score styles that never land in the bargain bin (what body part can't be cajoled into a slimmer size? Spanx for your wrists?).
Serial savers should check out the extra 86 pages of the online catalogue to click, aim, fire. 
Notables to squirrel away include: 
Stuart Weitzman boots reduced from $595 to $349, plus-size Halogen sequined cardigan from $178 to$118, Burberry puffer reduced from $795 to $499. Autumn Cashmere from $435 > $259.  Kate Spade Picasso red shopper from $425 to $279, plus-size Halogen sequined cardigan dropped from $178 to $118. 
www.nordstom.com/anniversary


~brenner, nancy

July 20-25: Jodi Arnold Sample Sale

Retail Sales - Retailers Post Mixed Results as Consumers Hunt Bargains - CNBC

Retail Sales - Retailers Post Mixed Results as Consumers Hunt Bargains - CNBC

Shvitz-O-Meter: when the Big Apple is twice baked...

which retailers offer respite from heat so oppressive even pigeons pooped out in Central Park?

Skip the sample sales (heresy) and sample these alternatives to the official Bloomberg-approved cooling stations, measured in "icicles:" Best Buy on 86th and Lexington (5 icicles) so cold, you may need a cardigan, Metropolitan Museum of Art store (4 icicles) - skip the steps, and enter at base of museum - a Fifth Avenue hot air haven with no admission fee, Barnes & Noble (4 icicles) for air quailty, 1 for limited available seating, restroom and reading materials. Food Emporium @ 1450 Third Ave (82 St) - 3 icicles in store, 5 in freezer section.

Select smaller shops may offer a bigger blast, but you won't be part of the anonymous cool air seeking masses.
 
~nancy brenner, cool as ice.

Solid Visit to Nordstrom Rack in Union Square

Somewhat because it was too hot to continue walking further downtown, I ended up going into the new Nordstrom Rack in Union Square this weekend.  It was fairly empty and orderly, and I am assuming that is because it was the 4th of July (however that didn't stop Trader Joe's from being more crowded than ever, so who knows). 
I scored some black linen/cotton pants that were exactly what I had been looking for, a fancy little sleeveless top to help combat the 100 degree weather, and some hair product...all for about $75.  I am pleased as punch.

THE FASHION CENTER SIDEWALK CATWALK

THE FASHION CENTER SIDEWALK CATWALK PRESENTED BY LF USA is a one-of-a-kind public art exhibit, featuring New York City’s top fashion designers and free to the public all summer long in the heart of New York City’s Fashion District.

Patriotic fashionistas celebrate the 4th of July strutting down Broadway posing next to patriotic designs displayed runway-style on custom built mannequins. 32 designers are participating, including Nanette Lepore, Carlos Falchi, Catherine Malandrino, Elie Tahari, Rebecca Taylor and Diane von Furstenberg,

That being said, the mannequins' flashy leggings, custom armor-like metal patterns, and the fresh flowers festooning Betsy Johnson's very sparse ensemble are guarded - so don't pick the daisies!

And Tommy Hilfiger designed the pictured flag outfit (why is the woman's face totally obscured - are all women faceless?)

For more info http://www.sidewalk-catwalk.com/

~Nancy Brenner reporting, GSNYC editing...