Thursday, December 31, 2009

The JC Penney Secret: Cheap Levi's

OK, maybe it isn't such a big secret, but it was a revelation to me since I had never been inside of a JC Penney until a few weeks ago.  And now that the gift hath been given, I can let the cat out of the bag:

JC Penney has tons of men's Levi's - all styles, colors, washes, etc. - for $33 a pair!  And best news yet, they fit my recipient to a "T."

If you haven't been in the relatively new JC Penney in NYC, it's in the Manhattan Mall on 6th Ave. and 33rd St., not far from Macy's.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Whipped by the Wind? Seeking a mink or seal or faux fur?

Instead of fighting Fifth Avenue tourists for picked over selections at retail store sales, check out Vintage Thrift Shop for one-of-a-kind fur finds featuring designs from destinations across the globe. Also, vintage YSL pieces and designer threads at a fraction of their original prices could become your "statement piece" dress for the New Year. Plus, a small group of interesting jewelry, matchbox covers and pins at the counter.

Stop by at 286 Third Avenue between 22nd - 23rd St. or one the many other thrifts in the area including Guerilla fave Housing Works.

~Nancy Brenner

Monday, December 28, 2009

Starting Jan 2: Change of Season "Italy or Bust" Clearance Sale


Starting this Saturday at noon, Change of Season is clearing out what they have to make room for what comes in February (which may include men's apparel.) Now's the time to grab and run with extra discounts through the month of January.

Also, they are shopping for new inventory in February, so let them know what you're looking for & what you love...

341 E. 9th St. between 1st & 2nd St.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Empire State of Mind

From today's Daily Candy, this video on Why New York Rules (yes, I took poetic license) is worth the watch, featuring some of your favorite chefs, designers, musicians and more: Empire State of Mind

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Dec. 26-Jan. 24: ABC Carpet & Home Winter Tag Sale


ABC Carpet & Home Winter Tag Sale

END OF SEASON CLEARANCE EVENT
ALL STORES, ALL FLOORS

December 26- January 24

Save up to 75% off original prices at all store locations. Save on select home accessories, jewelry, lighting, tabletop & decorative accessories, bedding & bath and modern, grounded & antique furniture, upholstery, sofas, chairs and sectionals, handmade oriental rugs, antique & vintage carpets, contemporary rugs and more.

ABC Carpet & Home

888 & 881 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
212 473 3000
Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri 10-7, Sat 10-7:30, Sun: 11-7

Bronx Outlet
1055 Bronx River Avenue
Bronx, NY 10472
718 842 8770
M-S: 10-7 Sun: 11-6

Hackensack
400 Huyler Street
South Hackensack, NJ 07606
201 641 3400
M-Sat: 10-7, Closed Sundays

Delray Beach
777 South Congress Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33445
561.279.7777
M-S: 10-6, Sun: 12-5

Monday, December 21, 2009

Sample Sale Trends for 2010

The ever-anticipated year-end wrap up, care of Nancy Brenner:

- Showrooms vs. retailers - Many sample sales stated up to 80% off retail, when it was really only half off - sales like Botkier, Hype and Autumn Cashmere. Shoppers groaned that they could score better deals at dept stores "friends & family" and flash sales.

- Team hoarding - Highly orchestrated teams of four or more that stripped the shelves - antics that would rival the opening scene of James Bond flick. Even Daniel Craig wouldn't survive these renegade shoppers stocking up for resale on eBay.

- Sugar daddies - no bailout for men squiring their younger "friends," partners, wives to sales to foot the bill - when frocks start at $600 plus level; the "take my credit card honey" days are gone. I've yet to see a sugar mamma footing the bill at a sample sale.

- No inhibitions - women openly stripping in front to their bras and whatnots in front of of males at Proenza Schouler.

- Competition fiercer than femmes vying for Tiger Woods - as die-hard retail shoppers convert to frugalistas.

-Less merch - as designers managed their inventory, like Ben Amun, there was less to choose from at prime sales.

- Designers skipping sample sales - fashion faves like Rebecca Taylor, Cynthia Steffe (where I snagged a $5 patent leather jacket last year), Beth Bowley (where I picked up $25 skirts in seasons past) did not hold public sample sales.

- The waiting game - nearly every sale offered mark downs on the last day as merch didn't move at near retail prices.

- Longer hours - once restricted to "ladies who lunch," time slots, there were a number that stayed open until 8 or 10 p.m.

- Contact sport - Nanette Lepore's sale at progressive prices shoppers in training for the 45th Superbowl at Miami's Dolphin Stadium could show the leagues that sample sales are the ultimate contact sport.

Why does it still pay to go? The one of a kind of items. Instead of Rent-the-Runway, I own the runway. Great costume jewelry designers who will adjust their beautiful bracelets for tiny wrist. Supreme selection of a favorite designer, rather than hop-stopping at Fifth Avenue stores where each brand's space has been shrink-wrapped along with the economy. Garments, hats, leggings in colors, fabrics or shapes that were never mass produced because of the cost. Meeting the designers in person. And the savings, of course. Hurray for sample sale showrooms that still believe in sample sale prices - that means discounts off of wholesale!

What will next year bring? More shoppers competing for fewer sales, fewer choice and higher prices.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Friday, December 18, 2009

Dec. 18-24: Leather Jacket Sale at Klurk


Check it: New hoilday pu leather jacket is 30% off for X'mas, Dec. 18-24

360 Broome Street.
Closed Tuesdays

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Skin Care: Olay Regenerist

Some serious skin care advice from a GSNYC confidant:

I started using the Olay Regenerist line a month or two ago and I have noticed a difference. I had heard so many good things about it from various friends that I decided to try it. I was skeptical at first, as I've tried so many different beauty products over the years (from drugstore stuff to La Mer) and never really noticed much difference between them.

There are a lot of products in the Olay Regenerist line. The ones I use are as follows:
1) Thermal Mini-Peel (daily in the shower)
2) Daily Face Serum and Eye Serum (daily, in a.m.)
3) Deep Hydrating Mousse Cleanser (daily at night to wash face)
4) Night Recovery Cream (daily overnight)
5) Microdermabraision and Peel Kit (used this once when I first started on the Regenerist stuff)

By the way, I just googled reviews on this line, and apparently Consumer Reports voted it the best wrinkle cream in a study done in 2006. (see link below). It beat out lots of the expensive stuff like La Prarie, etc.

http://thebeautybrains.com/2007/05/17/should-you-believe-it-if-consumer-reports-says-expensive-wrinkle-creams-are-not-better/

PS. No, Olay isn't paying me for this endorsement!