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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Designer Handbag Sample Sales! Botkier, Be & D, Rebecca Minkoff and L.A.M.B....

Disappointed in Black Friday or Cyber Monday?  Redeem your shopping cred with seriously stylish handbags:

In NYC:

Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain have produced luxury bags with European craftmanship since 2004.  They  have been a favorite of every 'It' girl of the past few years (Katy Perry, Eva Longoria, etc.)  Ready to grab some starlet style?  Get thee to the Be & D sample sale right now...

When: Tuesday 11/30 - Friday 12/3, 9 AM - 7 PM, 9 AM - 5 PM
Where: 35 West 36th Street (between 5th and 6th ave)  10th floor

The Botkier sample sale is reputed to draw long lines in cold weather, so plan your shopping carefully.  If you make it in, you will be rewarded with sexy, edgy bags to carry you through winter.  If you're a great friend (of mine) you can shop here for holiday gifts too!

When: Friday, 12/3 - Sunday, 12/5, 11 AM - 8 PM, 12PM - 7 PM, 12 PM - 6 PM
Where: 421 West Broadway (between Broome Street and Prince Street)

The L.A.M.B. sample sale and Harajuku Lovers by Gwen Stefani embody the pop star's fun style.  Kawaii, Ska, Fashionista or all of the above? I'm sure you have girlfriends who can't wait to unwrap these this season...

When: December 8 - 10, 8 AM - 8 PM, 10 AM - 8 PM, 8 AM - 6 PM
Where: 144 Fifth Avenue (between 19th and 20th street) 2nd Floor

In Los Angeles and San Francisco:

Rebecca Minkoff has been travelling around to different cities for trunk shows, offering fabulous sales in NY, online now on the West Coast.  You could say she's the handbag version of Santa (ok, maybe not).  Either way, grab your favorite 'Mac' or famous Morning After Bag.

When in LA: Friday, 12/3 - Sunday 12/5
Where in LA: 8211 West 3rd Street

When in SF: Saturday, 12/4
Where in SF: 111 Minna Street (by the Montgomery Bart Station)

ONLINE:

Not on either coast?

Check out Kate Spade and Matt & Nat on Wesdnesday 12/1 on GILT.com
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Monday, November 29, 2010

Klaxon Howl Blue Collar Chic


What do real men want to wear?  Klaxon Howl is a unique shop in Toronto's Queen West neighborhood known for military-inspired styling and classic workmanship techniques.  Founder Matt Robinson often pulls from vintage design.  The label offers modern workwear made with local fabrics and local Canadian labor.  

Mr. Robinson's Spring 2011 presentation had an updated 1950's vibe.  The male models had a tough, slick look that reminded me of West Side Story.  There were some preppy looks with some attitude thrown in.  The silhouettes seem simple, but the seaming and stitching are quite detailed.  A few sexy women's looks were thrown in...Klaxon Howl's version of the 'boyfriend' shirt.  

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Sunday, November 28, 2010

Blogger Shout-out: Giving Thanks

Giving a shout-out to my fellow fashion bloggers.  Top 20 posts chosen by "divine" blogger Holier Than Now:

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Saturday, November 27, 2010

Design A Handbag, Go to Fashion Week!

Are you the next hot handbag designer?  Are you the one to design the next "It Bag" coveted by every celebrity?  If so, you can win your trip to NY Fashion Week, courtesy of Polyvore and Rebecca Minkoff.

You have until November 29th to submit your design, then judge and be judged on Rebecca Minkoff's Facebook Fan Page.  It's easy...All the details, elements, trims, leathers that you could want are the Polyvore database.  You just need to style, pick and choose to make the ultimate clutch purse.

More info, rules and goodies here.
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Friday, November 26, 2010

Emily Miranda's Anthropology Chic

For those design aficionados who do not yearn for classic jewelry, we have  a gorgeous new choice in Emily Miranda's alternative stunners.


The One of A Kind Show yielded some deliciously macabre design discoveries.  Ms. Miranda already has a mini cult following for her  fantastical wedding cakes but she recently decided to transfer her skillful design to handmade jewellery.



What I found in her line was amusing.  There was a  mink cuff bracelet with barnacles and seashells.  Another black mink cuff was topped with a golden snapping dragon.  Legendary Medusa and her snake coif must have inspired the multiple rubber (yes, rubber) snakes
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Thursday, November 25, 2010

Black Friday: Norma Kamali, TopShop, Fashion Group International's Canadian Designers

NYC:
TopShop
Prices are already great, but on Friday, an English breakfast, gift-wrapping workshops and a free headband if you spend over $100.
When: Starts Friday, November 26, at 8 a.m.
Where: Topshop, 478 Broadway (between Broome and Grand streets); 212-966-9555 

Norma Kamali
The designer's iconic sleeping bag coat and other fashionable wardrobe staples are dropped up to 90% off.
When: Friday, November 26th 
 Where: 11 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019 (bet. 5th & 6th Avenues) 

Kisan's
Ports 1961, Sonia Rykiel, Vanessa Bruno and others are discounted up to 70% off
When: Friday, 11/26 - Sunday 11/28
Where: 125 Greene Street (near Prince Street) 212-475-2470

Toronto, Canada:
Our neighbors to the North have a huge sample sale of the best Canadian designers.  Beauty and accessories collections will also be represented.  See the list below of participating brands:


FASHION DESIGNERS:
DAVID DIXON :: WAYNE CLARK :: INES DI SANTO :: NADA PAT MCDONAGH :: PHILIP SPARKS :: LUNDSTRÖM :: CAMBIA FARLEY CHATTO :: ANDREW MAJTENYI :: SODALISCIOUS BAIA :: PARKHURST KNITWEAR :: AIME BY MONICA MEI


JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES:
JESSICA JENSEN :: JENNY BIRD :: GREEN BEAUTY MYKA DESIGNS :: KAREN MCFARLANE M.A.R.K. CHARTER BY MOINA KITNEY :: KRYSIA PANGEA COLLECTION :: SAXON CHOCOLATES JABBERDUST BY LEAH BARRETT :: YUKI


Thursday November 25th | 11:00am - 8:00pm
Friday November 26th | 11:00am - 8:00pm


Location:
579 Richmond St W, Suite 200 (Richmond & Bathurst)
Online:
Don't care to fight the crowds? Check out these cyber deals:
Yoox.com's European designer bargains are dropped 30% with free shipping until November 28th.
Donna Karan is discounted by 30% until the 28th.  
Rebecca Minkoff's Online Black Friday sale has tons of bags that are highly discounted with free shipping over $100.
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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Secrets of Guinot Longue Vie

What goes into a specialty skin care line?  What elevates a facial from your neighborhood spa to something  extraordinary?  There are so many options at different price points in the industry that I often wonder how one brand stands from the other.

The friendly folks at Guinot Institut in New York sought to answer those questions with an illuminating session at their education headquarters.  Elizabeth Murchinson was on hand to explain the benefits of their top products and demonstrate what sets their signature Hydradermie facial apart from the rest.

I asked the Guinot staff what product was their personal favorite out of the huge line of items displayed in the showroom.  Without hesitation, every staff member claimed the Longue Vie Cellulaire products as their go-to for personal skin care.  This particular collection contains 56 supplemental ingredients, herbs, etc.  I wasn't informed what those secret ingredients were of course.  However, this formula was developed during their work with burn victims at hospitals with top dermatologists.  

Ms. Murchinson demonstrated the Hydradermie facial on a fellow blogger.  Instead of uncomfortable steam, this specialized facial depended on baking soda for deep cleaning.  The facial then involved concentrated gels working with ionized rollers to help get the product into the skin.  The facial was finished off with a Tesla-like electric current for anti-bacterial purposes.  When it was used on me, I could barely feel it.  It was a lot of fun to watch on someone else though.

I can't be objective when it comes to myself, but can say the beauty blogger/guinea pig looked completely refreshed and glowing following her treatment.  

I have since tried the Longue Vie moisturizer for about a month and can honestly say I feel a noticeable difference in my skin.  It does stay moist throughout the day and I have observed a marked improvement over my last product.

Elizabeth trains spa owners on performing the specialized techniques of Guinot treatments.  She gets involved in product development and travels to France to keep up to date.  She is a long time fan and employee of the company.  I asked her what the major difference between American beauty consumers and European ones.  She explained that Americans always want the most intense, most concentrated or powerful products... Americans generally like to see instant results.

Instant gratification eh?  God bless America.
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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Petite Bateau Anniversary Launch

We were invited to an evening of all things Parisian last week for a party hosted by venerable French brand, Petite Bateau.   Fetted with Earl Grey macarons from Macaron Parlour and lovely Nicolas Feuillatte champagne, Ms. FAB Mariana and I shopped at the event for our adorable little nephews. The event was perfectly timed for the upcoming holiday season and was  partnered with the cool site, Refinery 29

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Monday, November 22, 2010

One of a Kind Show and Sale: Sharon Rosenthal Jewelry

The One of a Kind Show & Sale this past weekend pulled together a fantastic collection of independent artists and designers.  The basic requirement of those who sold there was that every piece had to be handmade by the artist.  This guaranteed that if you purchased a piece of clothing, fashion or accessory, it would be a unique, crafted piece you could be proud of.  The midtown location right before the holidays didn't hurt either.

One of my first discoveries of the show was Sharon Rosenthal. Her background was as a multi-media artist.  Her work eventually transitioned into wearable sculpture/jewelry.  The highly dimensional pieces on display at the show were fashioned from semi-precious stones, antique toys, found objects of nature like snake vertabrae, nut shells from the Phillipines or weathered horn. 
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Sunday, November 21, 2010

Blogger Shout-out: Lessons Learned from Fashion

I'm giving a shout-out to fellow fashion bloggers via Independent Fashion Blogger's Link Love list...This week The Curvy Fashionista chose stories of bloggers who learned from their experiences in the wild world of fashion...

  • Almost Sober Mag: Pull It, Push It and Come Back When You Proved It: Direct experience from a newly established independent publisher: a week as a fashion editor.
  • Beyond Fabric: On the relation between Body Language and Fashion Photography
  • Dedicated Follower: To Write Love on Her Arms – I join the movement and write love on my arms in honor of a lost friend.
  • Exiled from the City: Throughout the past few years, there has been a paradigm shift in consumer variables and the function of fashion.
  • For those about to Shop: Society must take some responsibility for the dangerous obsession to be thin.
  • Freeda Style: “Appropriate Attire” Are ALL the old rules of fashion dead? Or should some survive?
  • Haute World: Grace Kelly Exhibition: How a royal style icon can teach us a lesson in thriftiness.
  • Heathers Design Blog: Musings on fashion now and fashion then, based on the exhibit “Fashioning Fashion” at LACMA.
  • Independent Fashion Bloggers: Self-Promotion 101: It’s not about you
  • LivLux Mag: ComfortZones: Even Fashionistas get insecure when trying new styles.
  • Make the World a Prettier Place: History of Fashion: The New Look (1947)
  • Miss Vinyl Ahoy: I’ve read some negative comments about the 30 for 30 challenge, and wanted to explain more of what it is and why people should care about it, from my POV.
  • Modesty Theory: Welcome to Hijabi Fashion Week- showcasing the style of Muslim women for various occasions.
  • Oh My Massila: Reflections on the crossroads between fashion and feminism.
  • Previously Owned: The tale of the “00s” Vintage and the mockery of the consumer… Are we becoming victims of the mass media?
  • RetroChick: Why Fashion isn’t Frivolous
  • Return to Sender: Sometimes life gets in the way of fashion. How I Survive A Crisis
  • Searching for Style: Fashion 101: Who Owns What. The lowdown on the big fashion conglomerates and the companies they own.
  • Socialite Dreams: Sparkly, glam shoes are a must have for the holidays! Twinkle Toes: The Holiday Shoe Guide
  • Taste and Style: Keep Being YOU.
  • The Curvy Fashionista: How to determine quality in plus size fashion
Read more >>

Friday, November 19, 2010

Dots Styles and Beats Launches with a Fashion Face-off


Downtown style mavens and music celebs like Jordin Sparks converged on the launch of Dots Style & Beats Wednesday night for a fashion face-off.  Stylists, designers like Richie Rich and Anne Bowen were among the party-goers sipping Effen Vodka and nibbling on cupcakes.  Documenting the festivities was Rocco Leo Gaglioti of Fashion News Live.

Guests were handed sparkly 'dots' and directed to browse the racks of the Dots collection to choose their favorite styles.  Dots is a retailer that knocks out tons of trendy, ridiculously affordable clothes.  The turnover is high to keep the looks fresh.  

Independent designers like Cora,  Islaet,  Ivan Helsinki, Steel Pony, Vu, accessories by Cleo & Cat,  Clara Kasavina and Eileen Gural showed off their wares for the holiday at the event.  Stylists from Brow-NY to help glam and pamper guests onsite.  
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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Luxury Sample Sales: Giorgio Armani, Kara Ross, Jay Godfrey,

Need the perfect holiday clutch of python and gemstones?  Kara Ross makes them better than anyone else...

Now thru Thursday, 10 AM - 6 PM
225 West 37th Street  15th floor

Jay Godfrey does elegant and trendsetting with impeccable taste...He dresses all the Gossip Girls, Kim Kardashian, Zoe Saldana, Megan Fox...

WHEN:  Monday, November 22- Tuesday, November 23  10AM- 6PM

                       WHERE:  333 West 39th Street Suite 402
                        Between 8th and 9th Avenue


It's Armani...Do I really need to say more?  Classic and elegant pieces for men and women...Did anyone catch Giorgio Armani's cameo on Saturday Night Live once?  Completely bizarre appearance.  He played an Italian ambassador.  

When: Thursday, November 18 - Saturday, November 20   
Where: 123 WEst 18th Street 4th floor
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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Manish Arora's Fish Fry





Fish Fry?  Are you wondering why it is relevant to this fashion blog?  I am not sure  how the name came about either, but that's the quirky sense of humor of Fish Fry clothing designer, Manish Arora. 


Katy Perry wears his clothes. The renowned fashion writer for the International Herald Tribune, Suzy Menkes, adores him. I, too, am now caught up in Manish Arora's wacky, colorful world.


His brilliant collection caused spine tingling chills as the monitors lit up Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai
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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Chocolate Fashion Show

Rich, sweet fashion...In the literal sense.  This past weekend, the MsFAB team took a group outing to indulge in the pleasures of the Chocolate Show.  Besides an entire floor of gourmet confectionery sampling, there was an elaborate display of cocoa-chic.  Teams of pastry chefs and fashion designers collaborated on the edible style throughout the show.  

The foodie fashions were paraded down a runway Wednesday night in a gala event .  The next four days were an orgy of sugary, chocolatey goodness.  Dessert All-stars like Jacques Torres, Francois Payard and Top Chef Desserts judge Johnny Iuzzini showed off their pastry skills to adoring fans.

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