The Fashion Files - Articles - Zimbio

Lucky Shops... oh yes she does!

Sat, 9 Nov 2008 01:50:00 GMT

posted by Elisa

On Friday, as planned, I met my friend PJ and we made our way to Lucky Shops. Contrary to what you might expect however, I didn't show up really early, bracing myself for several hours of marathon shopping. After being warned by a friend who had attended last year's event that most of the merchandise would be "cheaper than usual, but still pretty expensive" I had decided to follow my organizing-freak instinct and had already planned (almost scheduled) my purchases for the approaching holiday season; so I was going mainly in an investigative capacity, so to speak, and using the fact that I had won the tickets as excuse to have a girl's night out. Of course I am only human, and I'm a girl, so I left ample room for the possibility that I'd find something I simply must have (and could afford), and I took a credit card with me anyway.

We showed up a little before 5 p.m. (closing time was 7 p.m.) and started making our rounds. Here's a summary.

Lines & crowds: Doors opened at 10 a.m., but as I said we didn't show up until a little before 5 p.m., so I can't testify to the lines and crowds before then. But I can tell you that I was VERY impressed with the venue (Metropolitan Pavillion, in Chelsea) - it was airy, well-organized; the bar, the ottomans, everything perfectly placed so as to be easily accessible but not in the way, not to disturb the flow of shoppers. Impressive.

Cocktails/drinks and food: Beer, cocktails - including a delicious one with tangerine juice - bottles of Coke and Diet Coke free for the taking, as well as the newest iced coffee drinks by POM. Miniature Larabar fruit-nut bars, 100-Calorie Packs of Ritz crackers and Cheese Nips.

Gift bags: No giftbags, really - unless you count the miniature shopping tote from Shop Rock & Roll containing a Chevy notebook and a sample of Benefit "That Gal", which you got after taking a survey at the Chevy Maliboutique.
Other freebies:
- full-size Garnier Nutritioniste products (Skin Renew face moisturizer and Nutri-Pure Gel Cleanser), and skin consultation at the Garnier Nutritioniste booth;
- a sample of Benefit You Rebel tinted moisturizer and free shipping on the next purchase at the Benefit online store (use code LUCKYYOU) valid through tomorrow, November 11;
- a 25% online discount from Lizzie Scheck Jewelry using code LSJ25;
- a free silver Nintendo DS pocker mirror, exactly like the pink one I got at Shecky's Girls Night Out;
- free consultation with stylist Danna Weiss.

Merchandise and discounts: lovely clothes, jewellery and shoes, for the most part. Mostly designer. Prices were discounted, some even affordable, but not cheap. Example:
- Foley + Corinna city clutch, $220 (retail price $440)
- Chloe suede wedge boots originally priced at $1,150, 50% off at LuckyShops
- MINT by Jodi Arnold top, $138 (retail price $308)
- And these gorgeous Kate Spade peep-toe pumps, $135 (retail price $328), which I definitely would have bought if it wasn't for the fact that I have 3 brand-new pairs of peep-toe pumps that I am yet to wear, just sitting prettily in my dresser.

A few highlights:
- Shoes, bags and accessories from (as in: worn on) Project Runway.

- Conscious Jewelry by Danna Weiss: gorgeous necklaces. Thick gold-plated chains with perfectly shaped and polished crystals and gems, each related to a specific chakra. Designer Dana Weiss describes her line as "metaphisically designed and eco-conscious" and recommends choosing your pieces carefully, based on what you are drawn to the most, because that is the stone covering the area where you need to restore balance. This may sound ridiculous, but after following the instructions and putting on the chosen stone, I believe there is something to this.

- The Denim Bar was definitely brilliant. Several brands, all priced under $100 (discounted) and a Singer station where you could get your newly purchased denims hemmed for free. Smart thinking, Lucky!

- The Botkier booth was a thing of beauty. Lots of gorgeous bags and shoes in different sizes, models, colors and materials. When even a nylon bag feels and looks so rich and luxurious and you find yourself preferring it to more expensive leather handbags, you know that's a label to go for.

As closing time approached, the deals started popping up. A few we noticed:
- Siegerson Morrison flats for $30
- Rafe New York peep-toe flats for $30
- Gucci sunglasses for $90
- knee-high Dr.Martens patent combat boots for $60

That, of course meant that just as we were trying on shoes, the event ended and we were left to watch the booth attendants add more styles to the shelves for those same low prices, in preparation for Saturday's "Shop-a-thon" (Lucky's words, not mine).

Which is pretty smart when you think about it, because PJ and I were actually tempted to purchase a Saturday ticket and return the day after, to do some actual shopping. But since we were exhausted after only 2 hours and we had taken it pretty easy, we figured we woulnd't enjoy the "last man standing"-like atmosphere that was probably going to characterize the Saturday Shop-a-thon, so we decided to let it go - PJ had scored a lovely pair of leather pumps

A word of caution: if you ever plan on attending any such events and do a day of marathon-shopping, don't stop until you get home. Don't even sit. If you do, you might end up falling asleep, surrounded by your shopping bags, in an inappropriate place where you might be filmed and/or photographed. Don't believe me? Scroll down.

Told you ;-)

P.S. Didn't make it to LuckyShops? Don't be sad. Bluefly is now making the fabulous clothes and accessories from LuckyShops availalble online!

Cool finds of the month: October 2008

Wed, 23 Oct 2008 16:47:00 GMT

posted by Elisa

Here is my monthly contribution to keeping you up-to-date with the coolest things I found lately on the web! I compiled some great stuff for you this month - so without further ado...

Although I don't like what Juicy Couture started when they came up with velour pants with writing on the butt, I actually really like a lot of this brand's clothing and accessories. So I was excited to find that they came out with a brand new line of cosmetic pouches, train cases and various adorable pavé rings and pendant necklaces (with lip gloss inside!). The new, Limited Edition line is available exclusively at Sephora, and you can see it here.

If you are thinking of getting a new, more eco-friendly car, check out EcoStiletto's article where they share the top six eco-friendly cars on the market – and on the road.

If you live in NYC or visited and are a healthy eater or have food intolerances, you have probably visited BabyCakes. I don't know about you, but I was really excited to hear that they were finally working on a cookbook! I'm happy to report that it's now available for pre-order on Amazon.com, you can get it here. BTW, BabyCakes has been awarded the title of "Best Vegan Bakery" for 2008! Congratulations!

The Google Phone is here! T-Mobile's G1 cell phone launched yesterday. It can be yours with a a two-year contract and is priced at $399.99 ($349.99 when purchased online by existing customers), but considering how many of us are Google-addicts, I think not many will fear the commitment! I am really curious to see how it stacks up against the iPhone.

The return of grunge/rock-inspired fashion also brought back "dog tag"-style necklaces. I bet you won't find any prettier than these by Willa M.

NYC fashionistas and make up addicts, here's a great chance for pampering: Bergdorf Goodman is hosting a special event next week! All next week you can enjoy a special makeover with the top YSL make up artists! And Wednesday, October 29, you can meet Val Garland, Artistic Advisor to YSL Make Up, who will be holding a master class (8.30am-11am) and sharing hot tips and tricks in the store (11.30am-7.30pm). Call 212.872.8654 to schedule your appointment, and receive a gift from the YSL Beauté line for scheduling in advance.

Ebates is a website that allows you to not only use the best discounts and coupons when you shop, but also get cash back on all your purchases. For instance, if you are looking for designer handbags, shopping through Ebates you will be able to save 30% on this Foley + Corinna bag, as well as get 3% of the purchase price re-accredited on your account. You have to admit that's pretty cool.

Some "gift with purchase" beauty offers: buy $45 of Eau Thermale Avene and get a Face & Eye anti-aging Kit ($33 value) here; or buy $30 of philosophy and get a powdered sugar cookie body souffle ($15 value) here.

Need to spruce up your hairdo for a special night out? Get up to 50% off Tigi Hair care products 60% off salon hair appliances here.

One more beauty coupon code, courtesy of SELF magazine: shop for all the new fall colors at Smashbox.com and get $25 off any purchase of $100 or more by using the code SELF25.

And of course, when I talk about beauty, how could I leave out our beloved Sephora? Get a free 10-Day sample of Bare Minerals (in your shade of choice among 6) plus a baby buki brush by typing MYSHADE at checkout. OR enter BERARE and get a free bare Escentuals Rare Minerals sample plus an applicator brush.

I came home from Florida in wedge sandals and short sleeves, to find nearly-freezing temperatures in NY. The weather is getting chilly! Time to shop for some lovely new sweaters. Armani Exchange currently has many many sweaters on sale, and through October 26 you can get an additional $25 off already discounted prices. Hurry!

If you love Michael Kors as much as I do, you'll be excited about these MK items going on sale at the Nordstrom online store:
- Peninsula patent crock clutch at $149 (originally $228)
- Peninsula patent croc shoulder bag at $299 (originally $448)
- Austin large leather satchel at $265 (originally $398)
- Austin - large leather shoulder bag at $232 (originally $348) and the nylon version at $198!

Endless.com is running a special on boots: buy two pairs and get 20% off your entire order! There are so many cute pairs that would be great for fall, that it won't be hard to pick two :-)

More shoes: through October 26, get free shipping on your entire order at Steve Madden online store.

If you were excited when TopShop opened in the US, how much are you going to love me when I tell you about the TopShop online sale? The silk puffball dresses from the Kate Moss line are 50% off!

I like to start shopping for Christmas in October and November, to get a better selection and avoid late shipping, crowds and last-minute panic. If you like to do that too, one place to check out is Amazon's Toy Saving's Event, where you can get really good offers on Toys and Games of many different kinds, for different ages. Also check the Amazon Toy Outlet for Toys and Games up to 70% off.

An offer code from InStyle: 20% off your purchase from Sacred Charms using INSTYLE08 at checkout. My favorite picks: the Birthstone Necklace, the Mauve Shell Pendant and the Autumn Splendor necklace. Check out the InStyle November Deals and Steals for more discounts and giveaways!

A great scoop from Stylehive! To celebrate its new website, Allaboutcute.com is offering new customers an amazing deal! Save $100 off your purchase of any item by entering the code STYLEHIVE at checkout. In addition, until the end of November 2008 you can get 30% off any item(s) when you use the code BEE CUTE at checkout.

Happy shopping everyone!

Rihanna Hearts D&G and Gets Political

Sat, 24 Jun 2007 15:25:00 GMT

posted by LauraJane

Rihanna sent a message to the world with her funky "Make Love Not War" slogan t-shirt whilst shopping in Soho yesterday and also gave us a sneak peak of of her I Heart D&G underwear which were peaking out over her low slung, turn up jeans. She wore the jeans with clean white trainers (sneakers for you Americans :)) and a flashy gold bag.
She also had her camera out. Maybe she wanted to turn the table on the paps??
Her hair still looks amazing, this is one of my favourite celebrity haircuts at the moment, so daring and cool! All in all this is a very street look with a little added glamour. Tres cool.
For more story and pics click here: http://concreteloop.com/2007/06/rihanna-says-eff-the-haters-plus-new-candids

Recreating My Outfit of the Day - Rihanna

Sat, 24 Jun 2007 23:04:00 GMT

posted by LauraJane
I decided to recreate Rihanna's outfit today because it's just so........cooooool lol. So here it is:

This t-shirt is identical to Rihanna's with the colours reversed. It's by Lollipop and is sold by ASOS (http://www.asos.com/) for £20:
These slouchy boyfriend fit jeans are also from ASOS and fall low enough to get Rihanna's look. Turn them up to really copy Rihanna. They cost £25:

I've found Rihanna's D&G; briefs for $45 (around £23) at Fresh Pair (http://www.freshpair.com/): Let them sit slightly above the waist of your jeans so the band shows.

Rihanna has a quirky gun shaped pendant. I found this girly diamante one from Retro Rebels (http://www.retrorebels.co.uk/) for £7.50:Converse trainers are so popular and this pair will not only emulate Rihanna's style, but the pink detail will match the t-shirt. They come from ASOS for £35
Finish off your outfit with this metallic bronze bag from Dorothy Perkins (http://www.dorothyperkins.com/) for £12. It's very similar to Rihanna's and gives the outfit a slightly girlier edge as overall it's quite tomboyish.
Total outfit cost £122.50!

Hair Trends - Bobs and Pobs

Sat, 15 Jul 2007 02:50:54 GMT

posted by fashionpassion
Not long ago, we wrote about how hair styles have been changing over time, with Jennifer Anistons hairstyle being left behind.

Now Rihanna has come out with a blunt concave bob cut, which I think looks great. It is a very drastic change, but it is edgy and grabbing compared to her softer lock look. The blonde tips looked too washed out and have thankfully been replaced with midnight black which enhances her tanned skin.

Another celebrity that has been credited for the bob is, of course, Posh Spice. Hers has been coined the "Pob", or the Posh Bob, and she's been sporting the look with blonde tips while in LA.

So while Rihanna and Victoria are going for the new bob look, I still haven't seen it replicated in the streets. So we want to know, have you got a bob? If so, send us a pic of yourself with this style as we would love to see it!

Tags: rihanna victoria+beckham posh+spice hair beauty hairstyles pob fashion