Norma Kamali's "Bill" Swimsuit Giveaway

The Bill swimsuit, with style influenced by classic films of the 1930s and 40s, debuted in 1976 and remains true to its design today—"a classic American movie star style" with a sweetheart halter neckline, feminine skirted silhouette and flattering ruching and seams. Last summer, Norma Kamali introduced a $98 version of the Bill, which is now available in a range of colors exclusively through her flagship store in New York and online.

Throughout the month of July, to celebrate the one year anniversary of the $98 Bill style, Norma Kamali will be giving away four of the iconic swimsuits on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Foursquare:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/normakamali
Twitter: http://twitter.com/normakamali
Tumblr: http://normakamali.tumblr.com/
Foursquare: https://foursquare.com/venue/993472

New Mantra: SHOP DURING THE WEEK!

OK, I can't ever shop during the week either.  But I took advantage of my staycation (sorry for using that overused term...I haven't yet come up with an alternate) and shopped like it was my job. Well, at least the one I get paid for.  The stores are empty!  The salespeople are nice(r)!  And during the summer you get to take advantage of free A/C!

So between gift cards, coupons, and sales, I was able to get almost everything I need.  I'm still looking for that perfect khaki-colored summer pencil skirt, but in the meantime was able to score the following:

-Narrow, stretch, longish black shorts at Anthropologie (see pic). Yes, I buy the only thing that is black in that entire store. And on sale for $40!  I also picked up a sweet smelling candle-in-a-tin.  And this all cost me $3.02 because I had a $50 gift card.

-Carmen MarcValvo swimsuits at Paragon Sports? And 30% off! I have tons of trouble finding bathing suits that fit and don't make me look like a corpse. But this suit fits, is comfortable, makes me look fancy, and is in a color I never thought I would ever buy (but is the perfect anti-corpser, see pic). At $101, this suit is still pricey...but when you find a suit that doesn't make you cry, you buy it.

-Quality tank-tops, 2 for $25 at Madewell...white, grey, black. They snap back into shape!  I can't stand when my tank tops stretch out in the humid summer heat and then suddenly, I'm schlumpy.  I bought two white ones, for layering purposes (see pic).

-Flats, sneakers, socks...isn't this what DSW is really for?  I had a $10 off coupon, and somehow ended up spending $90+.  But I have already worn everything that I bought, so t'was well-worth it.  I spied a pair of black suede stretch Stuart Weitzman boots with very low heel. WOW. THE ultimate find. Unfortunately, these booties, even at DSW, cost two legs, and therefore you can't ever wear them ($450, on sale from $650).  But if you're not mega-rich, just really damn rich, you might think this is well worth it.  And as of Tuesday, there several pairs - including a 9.5 and an 8.5.

-Urban Zen. I have been trying to get into this place for years, but it's closed on Sundays, which seems to be the only day I find myself in the West Village.  So, today, I got inside and learned that it's affiliated with a Donna Karan foundation and anywhere from 10%-100% of the proceeds go to worthy causes, such as to artisans from Haiti. Interesting.  So after they gave me some samples of magical eye and face lotions from Morocco, I felt obliged to buy a heart-shaped rock to benefit Haiti for $15...which actually ended up being $16.33 with sales tax, which struck me as odd, but I have put it next to my bed and decided it will bring me great good fortune.

-Who knew there was a Ted Baker in the Meatpacking district?  Probably lots of people.  But I didn't - I always go to the one in Soho. Anyway, I like the store, though nothing really fits me. But if the brand fits you, run in there because they are having a 50% off sale right now.

-And in closing I finally got to the Alexander McQueen store on 14th St., which reminded me of a museum and also reminded me of the stores of yore in Soho. I'm pretty sure the salespeople in there hated me in my over sized army pants and canvas Nikes, but it kind of makes it all the more fun, frankly. 

Those are the highlights as I rode the urban retail heatwave...burning in my heart.

OYE Bathing Suits

I just realized that in the 3+ years I have been writing this blog, I rarely write about the most feared apparel item known to womankind: the BATHING SUIT. AHHHHHhhhhh!

But I am brave. I went to view new suits from OYE (Open Your Eyes), the Turkish-based collection of hand-crafted swimsuits designed by twin sisters Ayca and Zeynep Sadikoglu.

OK, so good news or bad news first? Let's get the bad news out of the way:

• Currently, they are only available at Breeze in Brooklyn (I think we're talking Avenue U, like heading toward Coney Island).
  
• They cost between $300-400 each.
  
• They come in sizes XS-L. Except it was explained that a Large is approximately size 6 or 8. Not exactly "large" in most parts of the ol' US of A.

So now let's focus on the good news:

• They are truly unique and come in a wide range of styles.


• They come in beautiful colors and no unflattering prints. They do, however, create interesting patterns by overlapping contrasting colors in their designs.
  
• A few suits can be worn in more than one way - like getting 2 or more suits for the price of one.


• They are pretty "girly," but in a sophisticated way. Some of them are adorned with jewels and come with earrings to match! But again, nice, not trashy.

I suspect that they will soon expand their retail reach beyond Avenue U. I can't imagine that there wouldn't be some strong interest in this line.

I picked the photos above based on styles that I would consider to be more wearable for most women. Granted, you still have to be pretty g.d. hot, but you might be able to pull them off even with a few extra ounces sitting on your bones.

You will also be able to peruse and buy OYE suits (starting in January 2010) at couturecandy.com, famousfashionsfound.com, verypoolish.com and peepingt.co.uk.

Nov 8-11: La Perla Sample Sale

La Perla Sample Sale
Up to 75% off retail

Lingerie, sleepwear, swimwear, and men's lounge wear

Sunday, Nov. 8, 1-5 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 9 - Wednesday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

4 W 58th St., 4th Floor
Between 5th & 6th Avenues

All sales are final
Cash & major credit cards accepted.

H&H Bagels/Sale: Diane Von Furstenberg

I think I had the best bagel ever, or at least in 8 years, when I visited the H&H bagel shop on the Upper East Side this weekend. I think it's in the 80s on 2nd or 3rd Ave. I'll have to revisit and give you the specifics so that you too can enjoy it as much as I did. I have been to the one way over on the West Side Highway and that place is really like a wholesale factory, without the wholesale prices. But this...THIS was a real bagel store and they toasted my bagel and applied light plain cream cheese and everything. It changed my life.

I also noticed that there is a Pinkberry up there as well - again, somewhere in the area of the 80s and 2nd Avenue. I just made a special trip to the one in the 30s, not having any idea there was more than one. There is always a line out the door, so I have yet to return to the frozen crack that it is. I guess this means I am truly not addicted. Yet...

...in other news...
From New York Magazine's Best Bets
STARTING TOMORROW
Diane Von Furstenberg's signature wrap dresses will be on sale (from $150), as will trenches (starting at $350, down from $570), swimsuits (from $64), and caftans perfect for summer cocktails (starting at $90).
When: 6/6 (9–6); 6/7 and 6/8 (10–7); 6/9 (9–3).
Where: 260 Fifth Ave., nr. 28th St. (212-725-5400).