YOOX: I didn't know, did youx?

OK, so I was justifiably scolded for not knowing about YOOX. Since I just learned about this site, I will let them explain what they are:

Thanks to a direct relationship with designers, manufacturers and authorized dealers, yoox.com is the virtual boutique of multi-brand fashion & design and is positioned among world's leaders. It is an infinite ever-changing source offering rare and innovative styles that are difficult to find in traditional shops. On-going research into new creative possibilities makes yoox.com an innovative online space offering exclusive collections by prestigious designers, a carefully selected range of end-of-season clothing and accessories at accessible prices; from vintage collectibles to capsule collections by cutting-edge designers and a unique assortment of books, design and art objects.

So far from what I can tell they have:

• Many items on sale.
• Free standard shipping on all orders.
• Stuff for kids.
• A vintage section.
• Alexander McQueen Puma.

Dec. 11, 2008: SoHo Holiday Stroll To Benefit the Homeless

Shopping for a Cause: SoHo Holiday Stroll To Benefit the Homeless on Dec. 11
100 Stores, Restaurants and Galleries Expected to Participate

The Association for Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (A.C.E.) and the SoHo Partnership are hosting a shopping event to raise money for homeless men and women.

The SoHo Holiday Stroll will take place throughout SoHo on Thursday, December 11, 6:00 - 11:00 pm. Participating businesses will stay open late and shoppers will have exclusive access to discounts and promotions in each store, gallery or restaurant. Promotions will range from shopping and dining discounts to free samples to complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. The businesses participating in the SoHo Stroll will raise money to support homeless men and women.

At this time, participating venues include: AK Anne Klein, the Apple store, Alex Beard Studio, Balthazar, Barolo, Cardboard Design, Design Within Reach, Design Within Reach: Tools For Living, Esprit, Fragments, Guess, Housing Works Bookstore & Café, Hugo Boss, the Hugo store, ILORI, Kiteya, Lacoste, L'Orange Bleue, Lure, Marciano, Mimi Fertz Gallery, Molton Brown, Nine West, the PUMA store, Solstice Sunglass Boutique, Spring Lounge, Theory, Tretorn Shop and Versani (two locations).

Shoppers can check in to http://www.sohoholidaystroll.com/ closer to the event for a more complete list of stores.

To attend the SoHo Stroll, shoppers will purchase a $20 silicone bracelet, which will qualify them for discounts and promotions. A $150 V.I.P. ticket will also be available; it will grant access to the same discounts and admission to a V.I.P. after-party. Bracelets will be for sale at participating stores. For more information, call (212) 274-0550 x17.

Puma Loakes Clyde: Available ANYWHERE in NYC?

Does anyone know if these bad boys are available anywhere in NYC? I think not, but thought I'd throw it out there...

From "Retro To Go:"

What do you get if you ask a sportswear firm to design footwear alongside a traditional shoe company? The Puma Loakes Clyde.
Part of the bespoke collection available from Oki-Ni, the shoe is based on the classic Clyde trainer from 1972, but re-interpreted by longstanding British footwear firm Loake. Premium grade calf leather is used for the upper, with each piece cut by hand. There's also a brogue-style toe, Clyde sole and a hand-polished finish.
And there's just 100 pairs around. If you want one, they retail for £180

Find out more at the Oki-Ni website

Union Square: Growing Shopping Oasis

Ah yes, Union Square as photographed by me from inside DSW. What used to be a marginal wasteland dotted with a few good restaurants is now feeling comfortable in its new retail skin. Barnes & Noble, Sephora, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's (nearby), Virgin, DSW, Filene's Basement, Diesel, Puma, Shoe Mania...the list goes on. And situated between 5th Avenue and the East Village, you really can't go wrong by taking one of the many trains that empties into the Square for hours of shopping until you are dropping.

Granted, the turning of New York City into a big huge giant-ass mall hasn't really thrilled me during the last several years that I've seen it happening. But if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. What choice do we have if we continue to choose to live in this teflon town where money continues to pour in no matter what happens? It's quite awesome, in the sense that it instills awe.

I will surely be driven out of dodge in the near future as there is no way that a barely middle class lass such as myself can continue to afford the spiraling prices of...everything... That is, unless I find myself a sugar daddy. Perhaps I should start wearing that Banana Republic outfit my mother bought me (see post from a few days ago) after all.