Rebecca Minkoff Prices Pared (report from the Front Coterie)

says the designer (via Nancy Brenner) at Coterie Show at the Jacob Javits Center today.  Minkoff may not be just for starlets and their celestial budgets anymore. The Morning After bag is one in her classic collection you'll see at a lower price point for Fall 2010. Since the core consumer price index fell for the first time since 1982, so did wholesale prices. Numerous designers at Coterie today said they trimmed prices, or held stable, the key word- affordable.  Why the reduction?   "We listened to our customer," says Minkoff.  How can they do it? By making small changes to the collection that won't be visible to the consumer and by committing to larger purchases. A standout in her new Fall collection - the metallic "boyfriend bag" good for both getting a boyfriend and keeping one. Finally, an night-out bag not big enough to carry around an ex around, but can fit a cell, lipstick, Purell and other essentials, was the size I've been trying to hunt down for several seasons.  It was made with a peach black wash to deepen the distressed look over time. Good seller so far for Minkoff was the "Lust" a small cross body messenger suede bag with antique brass studs.  Personally, I coveted the two-texture "Rapture" in electric blue suede and leather and their five zip bag in violet with studs on the handle.  And if you are one of those people already planning gift items for next year, keep an eye out for the two trends in one leather bracelet -  red with gold grommets. Minkoff mania will be bigger than ever this year - stake out your spot on the sample sale line now!

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

http://www.mjtrim.com/

Pacific Trimming

218 West 38th Street

212-279-9310

http://www.pacifictrimming.com/

Steinlauf & Stoller

239 West 39th Street

212-869-0321

http://www.steinlaufandstoller.com/

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

http://www.toptrimming.com/

Sequins, beads, feathers, chains, novelties, stones

A.K. Fabrics

257 West 39th Street

212-944-5963

wool, silk, cotton, velvet