Designer Gift Shopping! Alice & Olivia, Botkier and Tory Burch Sample Sales

It's the holidays and who doesn't love a little luxury indulgence?  Some of the most coveted fashion designers, Tory Burch, Alice + Olivia and Botkier handbags are having their well-timed sample sales for your elite gift giving (even if it is to yourself).

Alice + Olivia:
The fun ready to wear line is consistently restocking current season frocks in all sizes right in time for all of your holiday parties.  Prices are up to 70% off.
When: Starts Tuesday frm 9am—8pm, Wednesday 9am—7pm, Thursday 10am—8pm, Friday 9am—7pm, Saturday 10am—7pm through Sunday, December 15, 10am—3pm
Where: 260 Fifth Ave between 28th and 29th Streeet, New York NY (212-725-5400)

Tory Burch: 
The socialite known for making goldtone hardware and upscale global chic has a comprehensive sale this week.  Her classic tunics, prints, handbags and shoes are up for grabs at about 60-75% off retail.
When: This week through Saturday, December 14th, 2013. Hours are 11am to 7pm weekdays and 11am to 5pm Saturday
Where: 261 West 36th Street, (between 7th and 8th avenue) 2nd floor.

Botkier:
Do you love handbags as much as I do?  Monica Botkier's edgy, elegant purses can be had at 75% off of retail prices.  This one is great for last-minute shopping too.
When: December 19th to December 22nd.  10 AM to 7 PM.
Where: 225 5th Avenue, (between 26th and 27th street) New York NY

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Sales Alert: Byron Lars, Helmut Lang, Theory, Tory Burch Sample Sales

This is a good (or bad for my wallet) week for shopping as two of my favorite labels are having a big sample sale.  Are they yours too? 

Byron Lars Beauty Mark:

Not for wallflowers, this collection will make a bombshell out of anyone.  Byron Lar's clothing is designed to flatter the sexiest parts of anyone with the best tailoring tricks, smoke, mirrors and intricate details.  Michelle Obama, Kim Kardashian, Dakota Fanning and scores of other celebrities are already in the know about this label.  Try the clothes on just once and you'll be hooked like I was.  Prices will be below wholesale.

When: Tuesday, June 4, 2013, 10 AM to 6 PM

Where: 241 West 37th street, suite 401, New York NY 10018

Helmut Lang Sample Sale:

This edgy, sleek label takes up the other part of my closet after Byron Lars.  Their artful draping, super-light knits and asymmetrical lines make me feel downtown cool and not the dork that I often am.    I won't be missing this sale either...

When: Now until Wednesday, June 5, 2013, 11 AM - 7 PM

Where: 261West 36th Street, 2nd floor, New York NY 10018

Theory Men's Sample Sale:  

My male fashionista fans complain that my sales listings don't cater enough to them, so this one is for YOU.  Clean, fashion forward label Theory is hosting their men's only sample sale  so all of you will never have an excuse again to show up to a chic event without making us drool.

When: Wednesday, June 5 - Saturday, June 8, 10 AM - 7 PM, Sunday, June 9, 2013, 10 AM - 5 PM
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue, New York NY

Tory Burch Sample Sale:
Heading out to the Hamptons? Don't forget the unofficial uniform of blondie Tory Burch tunics, double T flats and over-sized bag.  The sale will have current spring merchandise including clothes, shoes and bags.

When: Tuesday, June 11 - Saturday, June 15, 2013, 11 AM - 7 PM

Where: 261West 36th Street, 2nd floor, New York NY 10018

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Your Most Stylish NYC Summer Ever

Has winter finally left? As we inch towards Memorial Day weekend, I am lining up my plans for the months to come.  I had a crappy winter, so my resolution is to enjoy summer in my city in style.

I am looking forward to bunch of nights out with my girls.  The first one is courtesy of Smirnoff Sorbet next week.  I can’t imagine a better way to expose my toes in summer appropriate footwear than a pedicure and massage.  New York City has become an expert at offering up combo spa/lounge/nightlife destinations for the woman who wants the full package and has no time… TenOverTen is the one I’ll be checking out next week.  I’ll let you know how it measures up!  

I plan on chic weekends by the beach.  I have a few dates already set to head east to the end of Long Island. I start by shopping for pretty things along Main Street in East Hampton.  Catherine Malandrino, Tory Burch and Calypso are my go-to shops for colorful style.  My go-to lunch stops are Levain bakery and the Seafood shop in Wainscott.  I end the day curling up with Hubby and a bottle of wine on a quite beach in Amagansett to watch the sunset.

 In between weekends, there are of course the warm days in between.  Luckily, New York keeps the staycation vibe going with tons of free concerts, movies and cultural events.  Bryant Park is host to much of the fashion crowd with their film series on Monday nights.  It has become one big gourmet picnic for my colleagues and me over the years.

 If you need to chill, there are fashion related exhibits in the air conditioned buildings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (check out Punk: Chaos to Couture) and the Museum at FIT (RetroSpective opens next Wednesday).   Don’t forget museum parties… The MOMA opens late on Thursdays with live music starting July, The Met has a martini bar on their rooftop garden and the Rubin Museum turns into the K2 lounge with tapas, culture and cocktails on Friday nights.

Ready to heat things up? What are YOUR favorite plans in the city?

The deliciously light taste of sorbet now comes in a bottle.  Introducing Smirnoff Sorbet Light. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.  Made With Smirnoff Vodka Infused With Natural Flavors. 30% Alc/Vol. ©2013 The Smirnoff" Co., Norwalk, CT.  Per 1.5oz serving: Calories 78, Carbohydrates 1.3g, Fat 0g, Protein 0g.
* 25% FEWER CALORIES THAN THE LEADING DESSERT-INSPIRED VODKA.


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Smirnoff via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Smirnoff.

Bryant park photo by Eddy

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Closet Detox and $3000 Giveaway

I am a handbag freak.  Love them, I do.  However, I live in Manhattan, in a NYC-size apartment.  I can only fit so many pieces into my over-stuffed closet.  I have had to (tearfully) edit some out.  I have a Judith Leiber jeweled, satin clutch that I love, but unfortunately do not have an appropriate red carpet-worthy gown to wear with it.   I have a cool patent leather Kooba purse up for grabs too.

In the shoe department, you guys are really lucky... I have Burberry heels AND Prada Mary Janes that I have never worn.  Why?  Because I made the supreme mistake of buying them online on sale, and then procrastinating about trying them on until it was too late to return them.  Shame on me, goody for you.

Clothing-wise, I have everything from Tory Burch to Marc Jacobs, so please open some space in my closet so I can be allowed to go shopping again!

Now it’s YOUR turn! Detox your own closet and Hello La Mode will reward one closet with $3000 towards a new wardrobe.  We’re choosing one member on Hello La Mode who lists at least one new item for sale between now and January 30, 2012 to win $3000 in credit to shop the site for designer fashion.  500 other new listings will be rewarded $50 to shop the site.  It’s a win-win!

Shop and sell today!  

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Sales Alert: CFDA/Tory Burch for Sandy Relief, Rebecca Minkoff, Theory

Fashion for Sandy Relief:
The Tory Burch foundation, along with the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue are holding a huge sale where the net proceeds will go towards those in need of help following Hurricane Sandy.  So much of the Northeast was devastated and is still suffering.  Here are fashion stars doing what they can to help.

Besides Tory Burch, look for almost every other designer you could want, from Alexander McQueen, Chloe, Diane Von Furstenburg, Coach, Versace (to name only a few) at 50% off retail.

When: TODAY, Friday, November 16, 2012, 10 AM - 8 PM
Where: Metropolitan Pavillion, 123 West 18th street

Theory Sample Sale:
If you are a fan of the sleek, cosmopolitan sportswear that is Theory, you're in luck.  Both The Prive and ClothingLine have sample sales for this label
For Men's and women's clothing at Prive:
When: Today, through November 18, 10 AM - 7 PM
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue (between 15th and 16th street)
Women's Only at ClothingLine:
When: Today through November 18, 10 AM - 5 PM
Where: 261 West 36th street, between 7th and 8th avenue

Rebecca Minkoff:
The Rebecca Minkoff Mini-Mac has a huge cult fan base.  The sample sales are one big party (treats, cocktails, giveaways).  This collection is always a good time.  Look for 75% off retail

When: Today, 10 AM - 8PM, Saturday, November 17, 10 AM - 3 PM
Where: 260 5th Avenue, (between 28th and 29th street)

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NY Fashion Week: Tory Burch Spring 2010

Tory Burch, whose flats bearing the signature double ‘T’ logo made her brand one of the most coveted (comfortable) shoes of recent years, presented her first showing at NY Fashion Week Wednesday. Opting for a more intimate ‘party’ setting, she helmed the front of the stage, greeting guests. Models stood and posed together along the length of the runway. Her previous Bryant Park showing was as part of the Barbie 50th anniversary show.

The clothing was a mix of preppy and tribal prints. Some ladylike rock n’ roll was also evident. The style was comfortable, chic and upscale casual (think party next door in the Hamptons). I always think this is a great way to present a collection, especially in a smaller venue. Rather than a 20 second runway strut, each guest has a chance to get up close to the clothing to appreciate each detail. Models can respond, turn for better views and offer the amateur photographer the opportunity to take great photos. The designer has a chance to discuss and explain her inspiration, the work she put into the collection and answer questions.

Some of the handbags were leopard, to carry on the tribal theme. Details included chain handles, tie-dyed patterns, braided trim and studs. A couple of larger clutches were represented. Pouch bags with extra long skinny chain straps and oversized business bags were also on display. The big gold double ‘T’ logo was more discreet in this collection, allowing the pieces to speak for themselves.

Front Row (mingling): Toni Braxton, Anna Wintour, Tory Burch

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