Showing posts with label Vogue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vogue. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Ben-Amun Sample Sale Devotees Get White Glove Treatment: Report from the Front

Beyonce, Leighton Meester and Rhianna have all been spotted sporting the funky line. If you're a regular Ben-Amun devotee, designer Issac Manevitz and his wife Regina are on hand to help you select your baubles, unravel a pearl necklace or even shorten a too long bracelet in a matter of minutes. Manevitz actually pulled out his tool kit in the midst of Ben-Amun addict mayhem - this is a designer always cares about treating his customers like jewels, even if they don't grace the pages of Vogue or In-Style. If you can't make it to the showroom, which you really should to discover one-of-a-kind treasures, bracelets starting in single digits - check out their facebook page where they have an item of the day offer for a green resin ball necklace going for $35, originally $180. Collectible looks range from the popular coins, to military to resin to crystal and everything in between.
  • Coin bracelet $58, reduced from $145
  • Hanging star pin, $24-$60
  • Military hanging pin $30 from $75
  • Yellow and red bracelet $10 from $25
  • Crystal chain necklace $48 from $140
~nancy brenner

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Ben-Amun: The eagles have landed


at Ben-Amun as part of the military look for Fall 2010 seen at the Coterie show at the Javits Center. Pins are big. The spikes that Jennifer Aniston wore in a necklace, now decorate a silver pin. Check out the military spread in the current Vogue. Their tribal collection includes Cleopatra gold spike necklaces and brass cuffs that are big - in impact and weight - several inches wide and long - you can skip part of your daily upper body workout. Tribal looks are part of nearly every accessory collection at the show. Their coin collection is still strong. Edgier looks in the industrial collection include necklace fashioned from brass and leather or gunmetal chains. And brides looking for beautiful bling for their big day without breaking the bank for the real thing, can pick up trendy, yet timeless rhinestones and pearls from their collection. Original updater looks from Ben-Amun last a lifetime.

...or so says Nancy Brenner...

Friday, February 05, 2010

Report from the Front: Showroom Seven

Nancy Brenner Kicks Off the Weekend:

Snatch a shiny scarlet satchel at the Showroom Seven sample sale preview today. It's worth the hike, subway, bus, cab, or combo of transport modes if you want to snag a bag that doesn't look like every other on the 1,9 or 4,5,6 lines. All the single ladies, skip your Vitamin D and and give yourself an early Valentine's Day present at this Spring Sample Sale with sunny costume jewelry pieces from Erickson Beamon - featured in Vogue, etc. and worn by Beyonce, Ciara and Michelle Obama (those brooches). Looks range from tribal to skulls and razor blades necklaces to studded blue bracelet to funky Felix the Cat festooned on necklaces and delicate bracelets. Also, peruse Margaret Loves Peter purple hand-loomed cotton cardi encrusted with a rhinestone neckline for a one of a kind look along with other brands reped at this palace of pizzaz.

Showroom Seven
263 Eleventh Avenue btwn 27th - 28th Sts.
11 am - 7 pm

Friday, September 11, 2009

Report from the Front: Fashion Night Out

Thanks to Nancy Brenner for reporting on the new national holiday (while I was home sick last night!):

Major missed opportunity for men - bevy of fashion forward women who dressed like they were going to sashay down the red carpet at the Emmy's next week. Platform heels, ankle booties, mini dresses and toned thighs abounded - and that wasn't even the celebs. Started at Saks expecting scores of major makeup freebies as widely promoted. Not so much. I went to numerous counters and I'm too much of a lady to name names, but the consensus was sample only with purchase. Estee Lauder did it right - offered nice samples of Private Collection Jasmine White Moss - and you didn't have to go to the counter to beg for it. Blowout from Frederic Fekkai - only one person doing blowouts - until 7 - for thousands of women on the main floor. On the plus side, I got to meet Teri Jon designer Rickie Freeman who was very gracious and thanked me for coming over. I was two steps away from Elie Tahari who was posing for pics with customers. Spotted David Yurman. And met new to Saks, designer Yoana Baraschi who assured me that her stunning black and red knit color block number featured in the catalogue would fit me - and she was right. She even told me the secret to her rockin legs - Pilates. Wish there was a Nielsen's overnight ratings for sales - just curious how many credit card swipes aside from the makeup counters which were jam packed when I left.

Next stop Prada. Grace Coddington striking flaming red hair and all signing stacks of Vogue - standing with September little red riding hood model Sasha - looking teensy, but gorgeous next to her. I asked about the free t-shirts for Fashion Night Out they were supposedly giving out - but again, this was a gift with purchase.

The big B - Bergdorf's was bustling. Headed straight up the escalator determined to meet the Olsen twins at 7 p.m. Escalators were packed and they stopped letting people on to the 7th floor where the Olsens were supposed to be tending bar. Lots of smells mixed in - free chocolate and nut bits, flowing wine and strangely sausages. Seventh floor was packed worse than the A train at rush hour, but Olsens were nowhere in sight at the appointed hour and many of the hoards simply left in search of water. Ground floor packed with paparazzi snapping pics of celebs. Lots of people buying "Fashion's Night Out" tees. Disappointed hot Olsen fans just left. Major line of fashionistas waiting to get into the store. BG - A+ for coolest crowd, food and liquor freebies, empty makeup counters - if you really wanted a makeup makeover, this was your opportunity.

Final stop - Stacy London of "What Not to Wear" fame - pumped up arms, black peep toe ankle boots. Was standing right next to her at Ann Taylor when she picked out a soul in the crowd who needed a little bit of London tough love. Have to admit, it's one thing when you're fashion quarterbacking from your couch, and another when you are just an eyeball away from her as she's deciding who needs a new bra. London's dad was there - I asked him when she started her shopping sprees - he said she as always a big shopper. London offered to help everyone in the dressing room - the ultimate personal shopper.

Fashion Night Out - Where else can you mix with designers, celebs, models and real people? "What's Not to Like" Just paying retail...

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Do it Yourself Fashion, Recession-Style

Nancy Brenner buttons it all up...

When In Style shows how to make your own studded headbands and rhinestone barrettes, when Vogue's September issue features Jason Wu giving sewing lessons, and when The front page of the NYT screams, "Consumer Thrift in U.S. May Last After Recession," you know the DIY trend is coming to you.

So how can a New York lassie get on the bandwagon? Start strong at M&J Trimming, the Sixth Avenue trimming mecca, where you can choose from satin ribbons, shiny patents, satins, ruffles, lace and gemstones piled from ceiling to floor. Lusting after a metallic studded leather cuff? For Do-It-Yourself instructions see blog.mjtrim.com/2009/04/21/diy-embellished-leather-cuff. Looking for embellished leg wear at an affordable price? Go to http://blog.mjtrim.com/2009/08/18/latest-trend-embellished-leg-wear for DIY leggings.

Explore trimming boudoir Pacific Trimming where you can find metallic chains to make your own version of the Jennifer Lopez's Michael Kors chain necklace look featured in this month's In Style magazine. Choose sequins, appliques, resin cords, rhinestone belt buckles, Swarovski crystals, suede fringe, embroidered velvet ribbons, or glittery elastics that could be turned into a belt. Update your handbag handles with chains. Grommets for your gloves or try a touch of eye-popping neon in the mini-rooms that make up this emporium since this store offers options for many moods.

Starting from scratch? Try A.K. Fabrics for fabric to make a retro looking velvet strapless dress. Then head to 62 year old Steinlauf & Stoller, purveyors of grommets, corset supplies, boning, shoulder pads and mod zippers.

Many of these establishments cater to both retail and wholesale. Check individual stores for hours; a few are open on weekends. Not all have websites. Even for those that do, nothing can replace the inspiration acquired in an in-person visit. Tassels anyone?

M&J Trimming
1008 Sixth Avenue
1-800-9-MJTRIM

Pacific Trimming
218 West 38th Street
212-279-9310

Steinlauf & Stoller
239 West 39th Street
212-869-0321

Daytona Braids & Trimming
251 West 39th Street
212-354-1713
Ric-Rac, Metallics, Novelty Cluny Laces, Cordedge, Sequins, Passementries

Vardham Inc.
269 West 39th Street
212-840-6950
Buttons, trimmings, zippers, yarn & knitting supplies

TOP Trimmings
228 W. 39th Street
212-302-2999
Sequins, beads, feathers, chains, novelties, stones

A.K. Fabrics
257 West 39th Street
212-944-5963
wool, silk, cotton, velvet