Weisel Worth Winging to West Side

Even if you don't have a red carpet moment in your near future, you'll be paparazzi-prepped in Heidi Weisel confections. Skeptical about an "extended" sample sale with new pieces added westward on 14th Street
near Ninth Avenue, I was surprised by the high-end fabrics (ostrich feathers and chiffon cashmere and fur), and fit of the collection retailing at Neiman Marcus (and up to 90% off retail discount). While there were only a few racks, you didn't have to fend off competition for the mirror or candid feedback from the sales assistant. Sample size (2-6). Cash only. Last sale day is Thursday.

420 W. 14th St
10a-6p
Suite 4SE
 
/nancy brenner

April 5-6: Missoni Home Sample sale

Mark your calendars...the MissoniHome sample sale is just around the corner!

Bedding, cushions, throws, towels, beach towels, decorative pillows, living accessories ... up to 75% off retail!

When: Tues., April 5 & Weds., April 6; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: MissoniHome Showroom, 234 West 39th Street, 2nd Fl., b/t 7th and 8th Ave.
Cash or Visa / MasterCard accepted for purchases over $100.

April 2+3: Fashion Girls for Japan Fundraiser

Just got this fashion tip via the viral wonders of email and wireless technology:

Calling all fashion-lovers, shopaholics & those interested in providing aid for Japan! (I know you guys must fall into one of these categories)

Bowery Terrace at Bowery Hotel
335 Bowery, NYC
Saturday, 4/2: 11 am - 7 pm
Sunday, 4/3: 11 am - 5 pm

My friend who is a buyer at Barney’s has organized a fundraiser for victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan called Fashion Girls for Japan (http://www.fashiongirlsforjapan.com/). The sample sale will be quite an amazing event featuring 60+ designers (including Alexander Wang, Helmut Lang, Rag + Bone, Derek Lam and more!).

Please note – there is no men’s apparel but there is always a reason to shop for a gf, wife, sister, friend, etc. DJ/Entertainment and good networking – it should be a fun way to spend an afternoon and one that will positively impact those suffering in Japan.

There is a $5 min donation for the ticket price for this sample sale- all proceeds will go to the fund for Japan.
More Information: http://www.style.com/stylefile/2011/03/the-fashion-girls-of-japan-organize-a-benefit-for-japan

HELP ME RHONDA: Spring Jackets

Can anyone tell me where one can buy a spring jacket that is not hideous?  This has been a life-long challenge for me, and when I was young I would end up buying boys' baseball jackets because they weren't hideous or lavender.  And now in my maturerer years, everything is a take on a London Fog raincoat, which I just can't get down with.  Or a drab fisherman's jacket that does absolutely nothing for a woman's figure, complexion or outfit. 

Gilt.com vs.Tracy Reese

Does it always pay to shop with the herd?  Gaining entrance to the gilt.com Tracy Reese Frock! sale was harder than hailing a cab in an ice storm.  In under 10 minutes, goods are gone, and the sold out banner appears. The designer's own website offers Frock! dresses and will you see styles like Adison, Thea and Alena that are $10-$20 cheaper than gilt.com and still available.  Lesson learned - it pays to sleuth shopstyle.com for the best price and selection.

/nancy brenner

Apologies, and SXSW

Sorry all, for evaporating the last week or so, but I was at SXSW in Austin, TX with Cobirds Unite, a great band from Seattle, WA featuring a host of that city's finest musicians...and one from Denmark!

See James Franco Dressed Like Adam Ant

Prayers I didn't know I had were answered with this one: See James Franco Dressed Like Adam Ant

International hair accessories designer Colette Malouf Talks Tress Trends

In Japan, they don't like a hair out of place. They love hairpins and hair combs, collecting many of my pieces because they appreciate finely crafted accessories by artisans around the globe.

Korean women are just as discerning about quality and they prefer sexy where Japanese girls like girlish or feminine and sophisticated.

In the Gulf countries, the key is what will flatter while fitting under their head scarves. In the Middle East they still love gold.

Turkish women are extremely sophisticated. They are adventurism in their style and mix high with low in a beautiful way combining local costume jewelry with diamonds.

Headbands rule in China where global trends prevail. They value foreign brands.

In Hong Kong, novelty and Euro styling is the rule. Gold is favored over muted metal tones and the lux customer is very feminine.

And in the USA? Women tend to be more more casual but the Colette customer is very global and therefore adventurous. Novel and artistic pieces are favorites here.

Got the chops to build a global empire like Malouf? On March 25, check out the Open See(R) event at Henri Bendel where your designs can be picked to be the next major accessories brand (where Malouf was "discovered"). Call 212 904-7992 for information or see http://www.henribendel.com/.

/nancy brenner

March 10, 2011: Milly Sale at Clothingline

Burst into Spring with cotton tops in yellow, fuschia, orange and turquoise. Also a few Fall finds like a purple mohair sweater with a retail tag nearing the $300.00-mark still affixed, or if you're feeling a little Kardashian, a black see-through blouse with rock-star embellishment at the neckline and wrists. Considering Milly's price at retailers ($195-$295), the line's rare availability at vintage stores, and the overall cost of inflation... these are hard-to-argue with sample sale prices... unless you have dupes at the back of your closet, or in storage.

Check out the one-a-kind items at Clothingline, Thursday at 11:00 a.m., 261 West 36th Street, 2nd floor.
Photo courtesy of an early-bird fashionista.
 
/nancy brenner

Nordstrom Shoe Sale NOW

Is everyone aware of Nordstom's massive shoe sale going on now?:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/sale-womens-shoes?origin=topnav

Rick Owens Shoes: WHAT WOULD IMELDA DO?

Saturday (March 5): Rick Owens wedges (along with other bits and pieces including Christopher Kane for Versace, Marni, and more) at CHANGE OF SEASON

Also, Saturday CHANGE OF SEASON covers the tax on all clothing (I am told that shoes are excluded but they're such a good deal it won't matter).

And of course there will be drinks!

Change of Season, a boutique outlet
341 East 9th St. NYC
http://www.changeofseasonnyc.com/

Boom Boom Pow! - Francis by Christian Francis Roth

If Kate Middleton didn't have the resources of the British empire, she might peruse the wool teal coat with faux fur festooning the neckline and sleeves of the Francis by Christian Francis Roth impeccably tailored Fall 2011 line selling for $528. Or, she might select the regal Alexandra Seemed tomato red dress cleverly contouring the body in navy trim retailing for $320.

Start saving for Francis ladylike dresses, skirts, coats and jackets in "look at me" pop-art colors and graphics. Store delivery dates are August and July, check http://www.francisnewyork.com/ for details.

/nancy brenner