Spring Cleaning Sale at Les Nanas de Gramercy

Les Nanas are having a crazy sale - RIGHT NOW!
Skirts, pants and tops for $20 a piece.....spring cleaning don't you know!

And if you don't know, all merchandise is direct from Paris.

Third Ave and 21st St. (aka Gramercy Park).

Sale & New Stuff at Les Nanas de Gramercy

I just got word that Les Nanas (de Gramercy) got a new shipment of winter clothes in from Paris and that all the apparel in the basement is 70% off (if you pay in CA$H!). On Third Ave. near 21st St.

Les Nanas - Update

Les Nanas - One of my favorite stores where everything is direct from Paris IS NOT GOING OUT OF BUSINESS. Apparently the owners have found buyers and are planning to keep it running the way it has been run for the 20+ years it's been there - this is great news. And although I am sad to see the original owners skip town for greener pastures (literally), I am very happy that they are leaving their unique mark behind. So happy I spent some moola in there today - major sale action!

Recession Shopping

So unless you live under a rock, you are painfully aware that the world is trying to endure the worst economic turmoil since the great depression (that's a really long time ago for you yoots). So while large chain stores like the wretched Steve & Barry's, The Gap, etc. continue to close stores or report negative growth, it seems that some of our friendly neighborhood shops are thriving. I have been told by a few of my NYC boutique friends, such as Les Nanas and Anna, that this past summer was their most lucrative ever. Shocking, isn't it? Is it because they are having sales? Better merchandise? Better customer interaction? More European (or at least non-U.S.) capital flowing to specialty shops? What could it be? I still don't have my answer, and probably never will, but I am happy that in some sectors of the economy, those who deserve to be making good money are doing just that.

Oh, and for some so-called recession busting sales, check out the Chloe ruffle blouse on Gilt - on sale for $198 (usually $695, which is completely mental and proves the world is screaming for an "adjustment.")

Les Nanas: Magic Sweater

I am the luckiest girl in the world. So lucky in fact, that I got this magic sweater at Les Nanas for half price. But unlucky for you, it was the last one. It literally turns any outfit into a stunner. Dresses, pants, skirts, a paper bag - whatever - they are all transformed into a statement of fashion when worn with this loosely-knit, short-sleeved sweater with a tie around the waist. And there's even a touch of a metallic thread running through it, making it stand out in the crowd of black tops - but not too much. How to be hot even if it's cool this summer.

Les Nanas: The End of an Era

I am literally unsure how I am going to survive, fashion-wise, after this summer is over. My favorite store in all the (is)land is closing shop in September. I've been holding on to this news, hoping it was a bad dream. But alas, it is real life...Yes, Les Nanas, the store I write about all the time will be no more. The owner, Nathalie, has decided to leave dodge...and thus end a 20-year era of providing fabulous Paris-based fashion to the ladies of Gramercy Park.


As such, everything in the basement is on sale: 50% off! Spy the photo of the skirt I scored, as an example. I believe I paid about $80. And, they have just gotten a bunch of great new stuff in upstairs (not on sale), so it is worth going in to check out as a last -- or even for your first - hurrah.


If by next year there is a palpable negative difference in the level of style in the Gramercy Park area, you now know why.


However, if any of you are wealthy or motivated enough to BUY Les Nanas (and keep it operating the same exact way), I believe she is open for offers and bids. Contact me!

:( GSNYC

Les Nanas: New Year's Eve Dresses

OK, let's make no mistake about it. Black is the new and old black. It makes life much easier because there are so many matchable options in terms of shoes, bags and other accessories. And you can make a wicked dramatic statement if you so choose.

SO! What the heck are you going to wear this New Year's Eve? I have a thought: why don't you try on one of (or all of) the above pictured dresses at Les Nanas de Gramercy? They are all tres cool (to speak French) and will certainly turn heads or at least encourage curious questions from admirers of all genders. Les Nanas also carries a wide variety of jewelry, bags, scarves, belts and so on...so you really may be able to make a whole outfit as a result of one shopping excursion.

I tried on each of the above pictured garments. The black ruffly skirt and its much shorter sister are cause for celebration alone. They are not for the wallflower type, however. Put one of these things on and you better be ready to shake it into 2008.

The other dresses are all uniquely beautiful, using a semi-shiny material that in some ways imitates leather, and then in others, metallic-esque silks. Interesting, and not a trend I have necessarily seen around otherwise. Leave it to Paris (which is where all of the apparel in the store originates).

MC & HNY!

Les Nanas: The Parisian Invasion

This weekend was one of those times that I wished I had some kind of wedding-banquet-charity ball to attend because I found a killer dress that should be on the cover of French Vogue, if not on my body. However, lucky for you gals it's still available at Les Nanas de Gramercy. I found out that there are only four "Balerine" by Nana Baila available - one in each size (1, 2, 3, 4) for about $325+. This slate-coloured dress is made from a polyester/viscose blend and features intricate leather trim. It must be seen and tried on to be thoroughly respected as the work of art that it is.

I was also taken by the red uber-stylish sweater jacket from Maillili you see pictured here, as well as the turquoise-iridescent jacket styled for whomever is up to the task of wearing and pairing them with the right skirt/dress/pants, because that's the kind of respect these pieces demand!

Shirt Dress at Les Nanas

If I hadn't been knocked out of the running to become America's Next Top Model, then perhaps I would be styling this dress for your personally, but you'll have to use your imagination a bit when I tell you that this "better-than-a-shirt-dress" that I picked up at Les Nanas De Gramercy is great for those of us ladies who are a little bit dress-shy.

I don't know if it's just me, but dresses just don't seem to fit or flatter me most of the time. I would like to wear more of them, but I am particularly conscious of my mid-section, which tends to get chubbier faster than the rest of me when I am eating and drinking like a viking. You can hide that area better with separates. However the pictured dress does a good job of being flattering and not fattering at the same time. You can also easily wear it with pants/leggings, which I intend to do as soon as the temperature and humidity wane a bit. I even got a complimented on it by another woman on the subway when I wore it.

But back to America's Next Top Model. You know the part where Tyra calls out the names of the girls who get to move onto the next stage of the competition? She always says, "The next name I am going to call is..." This drives me insane! Why doesn't she just say, "The next name is..." or "The next girl is..."?? I guess this is a pet peeve matter of semantics but I want someone to chainsaw her to bits whenever she does this.

Wow. Keep that Guerilla in a cage!

Wear Green

I finally had opportunity to visit my favorite store, Les Nanas, yesterday...since I am no longer living in the 'hood (at least for the time being), it no longer falls on my regular route.

I bought two new items for spring/summer - one being a green tank top, artistically displayed here. Whenever I see someone wearing this shade of green, I think, "wow, what a great shade of green." But I have never owned anything in such a hue. Well, I am now thoroughly recommending that you run out and buy something kelly green, because somehow my cotton tank top looks royal and regal and as though I could wear it to the Oscars!

I also bought a great tunic/top/dress - bascially however you want to wear it is what it becomes. A great score indeed.

Oh, what's up with the gargoyles? They were watching over me and my friends this weekend at my birthday party in Nyack. Thank you for protecting us from the rain that held off until 10 p.m!

Les Pants

Pants glorious pants. I picked up this pair at my fave palace de clothing: Les Nanas de Gramercy, specializing in clothes directly from gay Paris.

So, no...these were not on sale. And no, they were not cheap. But yes! They are fun and fab and make me feel like Marilyn Monroe or Madonna in the "Open Your Heart" video or something equally as cheesy and American - maybe even Olivia Newton John in the last few scenes of Grease! Funny how I have to go to Paris to feel quintessentially American.

This horrendous picture does them no favor. But trust me on this one. They were worth thousands of pennies I spent on them.

Les Nanas: 30% Off!

Hey everyone! My favorite store, Les Nanas, is having a 30% off sale on various fall/winter items so go check it out! Both of the jackets that I am sporting like America's Next Top Model are part of the offering. The black and red one is particularly flattering and there are only two left - size M and L - so get yourself on over there!

And hooray for me (but too bad for you) that I bought the pictured hat, which my friend described as "part Jamaican Rasta, part English Punk Rocker." A splendid combination indeed. Now if the temperature would only drop below 65 degrees in the shade, maybe I'll actually get to wear this sporty wintertime cap!

Les Nanas Rules! Pt. 2

Les Nanas (my secret favorite store) strikes again. I got both the "Best Sweater Ever," and the "baddest sweater dress" there this season. I haven't worn the Best Sweater Ever yet, because I am considering framing it and hanging it over my couch. It really shouldn't be touched by human hands.

My Secret Favorite Store in NYC: Les Nanas

OK, I am going to share something with you. Something that I have kept a secret from almost everyone I know. Hopefully this shows my new found maturity. My favorite store in New York is...(drum roll)...Les Nanas de Gramercy on Third Ave. near 21st St.

Intimate, unique, fun, friendly, beautiful...these are just some of the words to describe this boutique, the merchandise, and the staff. Everything is straight from Paris, picked out personally by the owner, Natalie. There is something for everyone regardless of age or size. It makes me want to work there or open a Les Nanas west.

I have bought some of the coolest, most interesting sweaters, jewelry, skirts, tops, outfits and more. I typically spend several hours over two days about four or five times a year in here - the first day checking everything out, the second day trying everything on. There is so much great stuff that I have a terrible time picking out what I like best. The salespeople are excellent, knowledgable and attentive. They remember their clientele and cater to each person's needs. They are almost like a modern day hairdressers -- understanding your lifestyle and then trying to help you look better and feel great.

While it is not inexpensive, it is far cheaper than similar kinds of stores in Noho and Soho with much better service. Additionally, everything in the basement is always on sale - usually huge markdowns on last season's apparel.

Oh now I feel so vulnerable. But it shall not stop me from my Mission! Stay tuned...
Love, G.S. NYC