LA Fashion Fiends Walk This Way-This Thursday!

If you're in the Los Angeles area and love to get your fashion fix, make sure you're in Downtown LA tomorrow for Downtown Fashion Walk. In the same spirit of Downtown's popular Art Walk, Fashion Walk is a collection of stores around the Historical district that open up from 12 noon to 10PM with plenty of fun like live DJs to lure you in. If you can't make it tomorrow, the good news is it happens every third Thursday of the month. Check for updates here.





photo: Betsey Johnson Spring 2010 RTW courtesy of Style.com

Lucky You: Designer Shopping Meets Your TV

Mark your calendars for some good TV. Lucky Magazine and HSN have joined together with seven designers for two days of shopping. Okay, I know HSN and designer clothing don't really mix. Whenever I flip past HSN I usually think "Wow, this is where women find those hideous Santa Claus sweaters." But this event looks like it should be safe since designers like Tracy Reese, Kooba, and Rebecca Taylor are involved. Tune in Friday, October 16 @ 8PM ET and Saturday October 17 at 8AM ET (check out hsn.com/luckyshops for more info). Don't hesitate to report right back to me immediately if you see anything remotely close to a Jingle Bells themed
sweater.
Photo right: Corsage by Tracy Reese $89.90, HSN

Minkette by Rebecca Minkoff $350, HSN

Event Price $250

Bring It On: L.A./ NYC Sale Special

Mama didn't raise no fool and if you know what's good for you, you'll mark your calendar for the Barneys New York Warehouse Sale. It starts tomorrow and goes through August 23 at a new location this year, the L.A. Convention Center. So get in while the getting's good (or however the saying goes-You think Christian Louboutins are just going to wait around in your size until you take your sweet time to get there?). Now this sale is only for those who like to save up to 75% off designer clothing, shoes, and accessories. If not, please ignore this message and continue to pay full price somewhere else :).

August 13-August 23

L.A. Convention Center -South Hall

1201 S. Figueroa St.

Los Angeles

*Thursday & Friday (August 13-14 only) 8AM-9PM

*Saturday (August 15 only) 9AM-7PM

weekdays 10AM-8PM

weekends 10AM-7PM

Coming to New York August 20-September 7 check out all the details here!

Do You Know What Today Is?

...It's their anniversary! Today marks the first day of Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale (Nordstrom's pioneered the pre-season sale-no past season clearance sale over here). So break out your glass and let's toast to getting fall hottest new looks now and on sale (until everything goes back to full price on August 3).

right photo: Hinge Leather Motorbike Jacket $198.90 ($298 after sale)

Disclaimer-This is NOT an advertisement. I go to this sale every year. It's a great time to pick up a new Fall handbag (brand new but on sale) or pick up the one of the make-up/beauty specials available only at Nordstrom during this sale (MAC usually has a great one-good time to get a set of make-up brushes and a case for half the price). Are we clear?

Steven by Steve Madden "Bevan" Pump $119.90 ($168.95 after sale).

Michael by Michael Kors "Dessert" Shoulder Tote $298.90 (448.00 after sale)

MAC Look In A Box in "Seductress" $59.50 (Nordstrom Exclusive)

Cheap Thrills

Coke vs. Pepsi, McDonald's vs. Burger King, Prince vs. Michael Jackson...the battles rage on. So when it's time to find cute stuff on the cheap which store wins when it's Forever 21 vs. H & M? Both offer a wide array of trendy finds. But which store is really worth your time? Don't worry, I'll settle this.

• Largest Selection - Forever 21 (This store offers a wide selection of just about every trend imaginable)


• Best Quality- H & M (For the price, H&M offers durable materials that hold up through washing and wearing-no more wondering how the dress the size of a 4 year old got in your laundry basket)


• Cheapest Prices - Forever 21 (Both are reasonable but you can actually buy a $3 t-shirt here)
  
• Best Fit- H & M (H&M usually has well cut styles that fit the way they look like they should. I find that Forever 21 is cut too small or not well proportioned)
  
• Most Cutting Edge Fashion- H & M (You can often find trends straight off the runway looks that rivals high priced designers pieces. H&M also collaborates with designers like Roberto Cavalli and Matthew Williamson to create in-store collections for a limited time)

• Most Age Appropriate- H & M (Those under 18 this doesn't apply to you. But, if you wore fluorescent suspenders and legwarmers in the 80s [Forever 21 is well stocked with these items] maybe you should sit this one out)

Based on extensive research, my vote's for H & M (although I have a good friend who will fight me to the death on this one). But if you can't decide you don't have to pick one over the other. I completely understand-I've yet to choose when it comes to Purple Rain vs. Thriller.

above photo: outfit from Forever 21

Weekend Update: Uniquely LA

I stumbled upon the greatest event at the last minute this weekend in LA and had to share. Unique Los Angeles is a two day shopping event that showcases over 275 local independent designers all under the same roof at the famed California Market Center (as in my beloved spot for monthly sample sales). There will be more events to come and I promise to keep you posted. I barely squeezed in on the last day with only an hour to spare. But mama works quick, so I made my rounds in a flash. There were a lot of cool items to be had but my favorite spot overall would have to have to go to Nicacelly. Each one of a kind piece from Nicacelly was eclectic, comfortable and sexy (just hot!). How else could one describe a low cut, fitted dress with an old school image of Big Daddy Kane getting a fade?









Love it!
























Nicacelly's designer, Nicole Markoff, holding one of her designs (which was the cutest jumpsuit ever that I refused to let myself buy due to the fact that I now own FIVE jumpsuits).



SUPPORT INDEPENDENT DESIGNERS!

The Secret's Out

I'm usually great at keeping secrets but we're talking 30-80% off designer clothing here. The very high class (and high priced) straight off the runway website, net-a-porter.com, has spun off an outlet site, theoutnet.com. Expect to find a variety of hip designers from 3.1 Phillip Lim to Roberto Cavalli. What's unexpected is limited time pop up sales and going going gone sales where you pick the sales price you want to pay before it's sold out (sort of like Priceline.com meets Las Vegas for fashion). Can't say I never tell you anything.

photo top right: Els Sultan on Flickr

Angel Sleeved Dress $198, MINT by Jodi Arnold (60% off, regular price $495)

Weekend Shopping Coast to Coast

Happy Friday ladies! It's been a long week and I could not be happier to see the beginning of the weekend. I stumbed across some cool shopping events for you ladies in the Bay area and NYC. If you're in the San Franciso area this weekend check out the Vintage Fashion Expo. New York City girls check out the A Second Chance Resale event. Both these events hit on two things close to my heart, vintage clothing and consignment shopping (everything should this blissful). Who says a true fashionista can't go green (remember recycling fashion helps the environment too)? Happy shopping! photo top right: Golden Gate Bridge by PanDiSal on Flickr

photo: Time Square by Ozan on Flickr

Where Do I Find...?: The Mall Survival Cheat Sheet

You've got a mission to find [INSERT ITEM HERE- i.e. a hot date outfit, interview suit] problem is you've got one hour. You certainly don't have time to idly drop by every store looking for the item. Don't worry, smart girls have a plan and you're smart (at least that's what your mother told you).

Where Do I Find...?

TRENDY STUFF

Urban Outfitters -Look no further for on the edge urban looks. You can find the hottest casual dresses, jumpsuits, hats and affordable costume jewelry here. (photo right: Kimchi onesie $68)

H&M -Find hot off the runway looks with prices for the real world. They house anything from a date night dress to the coolest tops.

Zara -Stop here for of the moment designs and designer replicas. The price point is a little higher here than ($60-$80 for a average dress) H & M but I think they offer casual as well as high style dressier items (and interesting shoes).

CLASSIC STYLES

J. Crew -A safe haven for sweater sets, sheath dresses, and statement jewelry fit for a first lady.

Banana Republic-You can always find a great pair of slacks, a classic dress or merino wool sweater.

BASICS

The GAP -You can't go wrong for t-shirts, sweats, and basic denim.

Old Navy-Go here for the same (but cheaper) t-shirts, sweats, and basic denim (I do prefer GAP when I comes to the favorites like the denim jacket).

H & M- This trendmaster also is the place you can always find a basic v-neck sweater, endless t-shirts, accessories and good lingerie.

Abercrombie & Fitch- Not just for teens. There's always a supply of well made tanks, tees, and cargo pants if you can get past the overwhelming smell of the cologne in every store (I personally can't get past the smell without the start of an allergy attack).

WORK ESSENTIALS

Banana Republic - You can't lose shopping for the last minute interview suit. They offer all the essentials: great button down shirts, and endless pant and skirt suit options that add a little more style than your basic suit. (photo right:

Sleek suit: blazer $150, pants: $79, satin blouse $69)

J. Crew - J. Crew is always worth a visit when shopping for work. You can always find great business casual options (button downs, cashmere sweater sets), and a couple of suit options (I always find a better selection of suits offered online).

EVENING/SPECIAL OCCASION WEAR

Macy's- When in a rush for special occasion wear it's best to rely on a better department store. They usually have a section dedicated to solely to dresses. You also have a better chance of catching it on sale (Macy's has it's sale of the year about once a week).

Bloomingdale's- Ditto. (photo right: Cynthia Steffe "Stephanie" Dress $247.50)

AFFORDABLE SWIMWEAR

Victoria's Secret- The secret is out, you can now get swimwear in the stores (they already offer a huge variety of suits online). Short on time? You can run in and get a cute, well made suit for 60 bucks (online deals are even better).

Target- Anyone who knows me know I can't get enough of Target. While they offer a large supply of swimsuits suits, I usually count on them for cute (and cheap) cover ups.

Did I miss anything?

A Toast To New York

I love New York! There are so many things to get into in NYC, but hands down my favorite is shopping. You can shop just about anywhere in New York (boutiques, at the train station, on the street) but so far my favorite place is Edge ny*NOHO. This store features over 60 independent designers in different booths (that operate like separate stores) under the same roof. Shop here for anything from unique clothing to accessories (jewelry, hats, bags). I discovered this place last year when two of my fab designer friends (Kimi Wear/Sistahs Of Harlem) shared a booth. I could spend hours going from booth to booth checking out all the up and coming designers (heaven). You will find that the designers may move in and out of these spaces but you won't find everyone on the street running around wearing what you just bought. Do you have any fave spots in NYC?

Edge ny*NOHO
65 Bleecker St (bet Broadway & LaFayette)
NY, NY 10012
212-358-0255 (call for hours)








Platinum Earrings $40, Kimi Wear (clothing Sistahs of Harlem NY)











Check out Kimi in action!

I Want That Bag (and the coat and I'll take the belt too)!

Ladies, ladies, ladies...If you want to feel shopping bliss close your eyes and imagine yourself surrounded by the most beautiful designer items and imagine them 30-50% off retail. Open your eyes. It's not a dream if you're in a high class consignment shop. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you can't underestimate the power of a good consignment shop. Today a friend of mine urged me to stop by I Want That Bag, an authentic bag resale shop on L.A.'s famous Robertson Blvd. It's filled with lightly used (and occasionally new) designer shoes & handbags. You can find any bag from Chanel, Chloe, to Louis Vuitton (there's tons of bags and hard to find luggage trunks) in this well edited shop. I tried on a hot pair of never worn Christian Dior heels dropped off by a famous (basket) ballers wife. If you are ever in the Los Angeles area do your designer bag research and make sure this shop is a must see. But before you leave make sure you scan the room for wallets and belts in the display case. They also have a small collection of clothing (a coat or a dress here or there). I can't believe I almost walked out the place without noticing this beautiful Dolce & Gabbana navy wool coat for $389 (retails for around $2500). F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S (this picture doesn't do this coat any justice)! Know of any hot spots in your hometown (spill the beans already)?

P.S. Doesn't my girl look glamorous in the photo above (the mink is for sale but hadn't been priced yet)?

LA SPECIAL: SOLUTIONS The Premier Denim Store

You know I love a great store and if they're having a great sale even better. Once again I'm minding my own business and bump into this store, Solutions . They have a vast selection of denim in their denim bar and are currently having a sale on variety of designer jeans like J Brand and Chip & Pepper for $100 a pop (if you know your designer jeans, you know this is $100 well spent). But don't be fooled by the name, Solutions solves your dilemma on where to find a cute dress (casual and club ready), tops and accessories too. And you won't be turned away by the prices. I found some hot options for around $75 (and all the dresses in the window are under $100). So if you need new jeans or even if you don't, stop by (or check them out online). I'm sure you'll find something to make you smile (or at least make your butt look good given it contains the right amount of spandex).

Solutions

The Premier Denim Store

4677 Hollywood Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90027

323-644-0021

The Countdown: (Really) Last Minute Gift Ideas

5...4...3...2...1 more day of shopping girls! Yes, this is the last possible day to get any holiday shopping accomplished. If your done, ignore this message. If not, you're still a good person (at least that's what I tell myself). To be honest I have no business writing this post because I'm sooo behind (procrastination wins again). But just know that last minute shoppers will still get some very deep discounts due to the economy and retailer's desperation to have you buy something. Check out some of these coupons and take them with you. I do have two last minute shopping ideas for you.

• Magazines: This is an affordable, easy gift to give and it keeps giving all year. It might sound corny but I absolutely love to get a new magazine in the mail. Just fill out the reply card and send it in. You can wrap a copy of this month's magazine and write them a note that they will enjoy a subscription in 4 to 6 weeks.
  

• Pajamas: I remember countless pictures in my pajamas were always taken on Christmas morning as I opened my gifts. We always need to be camera ready so wouldn't it be better to be photographed in brand new pajamas? This gift is perfect for anyone in the family and is always something easy to pick up at the last minute. I would be great to have the recipient open this late night on Christmas Eve and throw on right before bed. Why not create a cute tradition of opening up a new pair of PJs on Christmas Eve.
  

Have a Merry Christmas girls! Gotta go, some of us still have shopping to do. Do you have any good last minute gift ideas? Let me know.

Closet Shopping: Host A Clothing Swap Party

If you've picked up any fashion magazine in the last month the reoccurring theme has been to use what you already have in your closet to create new looks (obviously a direct indicator of the economy-surprise, we're in a recession). I certainly agree, now is the time to assess what you currently own and possibly add in a couple key elements to update the look (i.e. a new pair of boots, statement jewelry). You should by all means shop your closet for new looks but wouldn't it be way more fun to shop the closets of your friends and fashionable family members? And while you're at it, why not make a party out the entire event. Now is as good a time as ever to rummage through your stuff, keep what you like and pull out what you don't (maybe it's not that you don't like the stuff but maybe haven't worn it in 5 years or have to lose 10 lbs to fit into it). Have a select group of friends (around 3-6) do the same and have your own clothing swap party. My friend C.C. has been hosting this kind of party for years (and boy does she know how to party). All the leftover clothing can be donated to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. I love any excuse to get together and have fun (getting together and getting free stuff, even better). So for a instant party recipe bring on the clothes (accessories, whatever), add hors d'oeuvres, a signature drink and simmer.

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year: Black Friday

It's finally here, Black Friday, the official start of the holiday shopping season (despite the fact that holiday decorations have been up since October). If you're anything like me, you won't be out shopping (way to many people=way to much stress for me). Truth be told there are a lot of great deals out there today but unfortunately I will miss out because 1. I'm too much of a procrastinator to be this efficient and start early and 2. I do absolutely no activities that involve the words "4am". But for you girls who enjoy the tradition of getting out there early and braving the crowds: On your mark, get set, go! But, with so many deeply discounted choices you wouldn't want to venture out without a plan.

• Set a budget- Make a list of who you need to buy gifts for (I'll make sure to get you all my sizes) and estimate how much you can spend on each gift. I would add about 20% more to whatever total you come up with. Now you've created your budget, just make sure you stick to it.
  
• Create a signature gift- It would be nice to take the time and get everyone a personal gift, however in the real world we have a million things to tend to and limited time. Of course for your immediate family, gift shopping will have to be a little more time consuming. But think about all the other people on your list (aunts, cousins, a best friend, the hosts of all the Christmas parties you'll soon be invited to). What if you could give a really thoughtful signature gift like a beautiful coffee table book, a framed picture of you and the gift recipient, or a luxurious candle (can you say-very cool and simple). Take your signature gift to the next level by creating a signature look for your gift wrap that screams it's a gift from you. Streamline the way you wrap gifts by picking a color scheme and wrapping all your gifts in the same manner (i.e. solid red paper & gold ribbon).
  
• Shop Online- Why not skip the crowds altogether and shop online. You can get many of the same deals online and many retailers are offering a number of coupon codes (free shipping, extra percentage off, etc). Check out some of the online coupon codes here. You can also check out sites like http://www.blackfriday.com/, http://www.blackfriday.info/ or http://www.blackfridayads.com/ for additional info on in-store and online sales. Online shopping is personal favorite of mine. I mean, where else can you peruse the merchandise of your favorite store in your underwear at 2:00AM and not get arrested?
  
• Avoid gift cards- I have received countless emails about store closings in the new year. It's no secret that retailers are having a hard time this year and some are either going out of business or dramatically downsizing (i.e. Mervyns, Linen & Things, Circuit City). If the store's out of business, so is the gift card. I've been known to hold on to a gift card for over a year waiting for the best opportunity to use it. It's best to err on the safe side and buy a gift (Aww, you shouldn't have).
  

*Oh and don't forget to wear comfortable shoes (see Smart Shopping)

Smart Shopping: Comfortable shoes you can actually shop in

We're quickly approaching the holiday shopping frenzy (the Friday after Thanksgiving is the official start). As much as I love shopping, I can't bear the thought of all the crowds and the (very likely) potential aching feet. Believe me, nothing cuts a shopping trip faster than the constant throbbing of your feet. So if your going to shop, shop smart and wear comfortable shoes. And no, I don't mean any comfortable shoes because being fashionable is just as important as being comfortable. You don't have to sacrifice one for the other. Now that I'm going to provide you with cute, comfortable shoe options, you have no excuse to slack up on your style when shopping (or doing anything else for that matter). Besides, friends don't let friends shop in old, rundown gym shoes.

Naturalizer Jadis $109.50

You by Crocs Complicated Contessa $280

Don't be fooled, a wedge heel can be very comfortable.

Corso Como Selma $179.99

This brand makes well made, very comfy shoes.

Puma Sabadella II $65

A sneaker you can wear as a flat.

Puma Future Cat $90

A respectable sneaker (simple & understated).

Geox Cristal $145

Calvin Klein Miranda $ 59.99

LA Special: Hot New Store Alert - Confederacy

I was minding my own business this afternoon and stumbled across this new store, Confederacy (just 3 weeks old). I'm not sure what I think about the name, but I do think this store has a good mix of high end designers from Alexander Wang and Opening Ceremony (this line had some really unique pieces that weren't priced too out of line) to Zac Posen. Confederacy offers very limited quantities of each item and gets new shipments in daily. Make sure to walk through the back door where it will lead you to a small courtyard to the men's section that also holds all the shoes and handbags (cute, unique styles). Although it's located in a unlikely spot in Hollywood for an upscale store, it's two store fronts away from American Apparel and a really cute (and brand spanking new) gift shop, Happy (opened last Friday), which screams this is a up and coming shopping neighborhood.

Confederacy

4661 Hollywood Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90027

Opening Ceremony Open Back Mini Dress $374 I saw this dress in the store today in Navy (very hot). I personally think the model below should have bought a slightly bigger size for a better fit.

Shopping, In A Recession?

I say, YES! Money may be tight but, just because the economy's dead doesn't mean I am. A girl still needs her sanity. Consider this: a very fabulous friend of mine hipped me to resale or consignment shops. I had to investigate for myself (for research of course). I stopped in at a shop practically walking distance from my house and discovered some serious deals on new or lightly worn designer duds. Hey, it's a great opportunity to shop on the cheap or make extra cash by bringing in the never (or slightly) used stuff occupying your precious closet space. I say it's worth a visit or two. Yesterday I spotted these beautiful, red patent leather Jimmy Choos (worn once) for $149. These are currently $585. Now if I can just squeeze into a 71/2...