Tory Burch Greeted Revelers at Fashion's Night Out

The MePa district was mobbed with freebie hunting fashionistas following fellow goodie bag holders. Lucky Loubutin boutique fans scored free Frederic Fekkai updos or Lady Gaga like lashes. Tory Burch was game for greeting guests at her boutique. Were budgets blown in the carnival-like atmosphere in the Meat Packing District while the stock market was gyrating?

/nancy brenner

Sample Sale Samurai Tips

With a tsunami of sample sales starting next week, here are Nancy Brenner's 10 tips:

1. Act like a retailer - take total inventory of your closet, then rearrange by color and function (i.e. weddings, work, weekend)

2. Not perfect? - If the dress need more alterations than a patient on "Nip/Tuck," skip it. A missing button or a busted zipper is a simple fix.

3. Where will you wear it? Spotted a dress in a blue hue that was my most flattering shade, but wasn't 100% sure. Luckily, the "sample sale whisperer" Leora at Teri Jon said, said "where will you wear it?" Sage counsel. I put it back on the pile.

4. Does this update my look? Search for statement makers, but not one-hit wonders. I suspect the ubiquitous fur vest will be on deep discount.

5. Donate or consignment items - to clear room in your closet and earn cash for sample sale spending.

6. Don't succumb to herd mentality - it's hard not to get carried away when everyone around you is swiping their credit cards - just remember - you don't know their credit ratings.
7. Know the retail value - Check the designer's website, and peruse retailer's websites to assess if it's a true bargain. Don't let a "sale" entice you.

8. Make a list - just like supermarket shopping, temptation lurks at the aisle or check-out. Focus on completing an unworn outfit - matches for a sweater or skirt hanging with tags still attached in your closet.

9. The "pow" factor - always leave room in your budget for unexpected find - but not fifteen of them.

And finally,
10. Does this make me look like Lady Gaga? - If it does, and you're not Lady Gaga, you should probably put it back on the rack - it's on sale for a reason.

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