Great Buy: The Biker Sweatshirt

Two years ago, if you told me I'd be shopping for clothes from Walmart, I would have called you crazy. But I suppose a lot can change within two years. Walmart has stepped it up design wise by hiring the likes of Norma Kamali and Max Azria to create diffusion lines for the masses. As for this find, I my friend Nicole to thank for. One day I saw that she had a super cute biker sweatshirt on and when I asked her where she got it, To the Max for Walmart was the surprising answer.

Anyways I think it's great because it's the kind of piece that you can feel totally comfortable in without looking like you're totally bummed out. Maybe you can even get away with wearing it to the office :) I ordered one in charcoal but it also comes in black. The material is fairly soft and my friend has advised that it's held up well after several washings. At just $20 can you really say no?

Now Wearing...

Black puffy coat - Calvin Klein
Cream knit hat - vintage
Cream scarf - Kenneth Cole
Acid wash jeans - Criminal Damage UK
Metallic mini crossbody bag - Madewell
Brown boots - Sporto
Not the most fashionable outfit, but I was going for practical and warm! Over the weekend I did a weekend trip to Vermont to celebrate the birthdays of two lovely ladies, Adette and Erica. We rented a two-story house for sixteen people, and it was awesome!

Vermont, as one would expected, was very cold! I layered up like there as no tomorrow, and I was still lost feeling in my limbs. It wasn't so bad when the sun was out, but once it got dark, I had to run for shelter.


These glittens, fingerless gloves/mittens, are the handiest things ever. They're perfect for texting and staying warm. They're a no name pair I bought for $5 at a random shop in Brooklyn.

I originally found these little boots while shopping for waterproof shoes on Piperlime. They were out of my size, so I headed over to Zappos.com where there was exactly one pair left and it was in my size! I just checked Zappos again, and it looks like they now have a 8.5 pair left if anyone needs.

I love that these boots are WATERPROOF SUEDE. What? Yes, it's true. I've worn them on a few rainy days, and they've held up. I think nothing beats wellies for floods, but for days with light rain or snow, these aren't a bad choice. My only complaint is that they aren't very warm, surprising considering the faux-fur trim.

Vermont was the perfect little getaway before Fashion Week. I shall leave you with a couple pictures - the trees and one of the most intense sunsets I've ever seen.

Sales This Week NYC: Feb 8-15, 2010

Who: Barneys Warehouse Sale
What: 50-75% off on designer clothing shoes & accessories for men & women.
Where:255 West 17th Street(b/n 7th & 8th Ave)
When: February 11-28, 2010. Feb 11-12, 8am-9pm. Feb 13-27, Weekdays 10am-9pm, Weekends 10am-7pm. Feb 28, 10am-7pm.

Who: Tourneau Sample Sale
What: 50-70% off retail for both men and women, from the world's largest watch store
Where: Soiffer Haskin 317 West 33rd St(B/n 8th & 9th Ave)718-747-1656
When: February 6-11, 2010. Sat-Thurs 9am-6:30pm

Who: Showroom Seven
What: Wholesale and below, up to 90% off retail!
Where: 263 Eleventh Avenue, 3rd Floor
When: February 8-19, 2010. Mon-Fri 10am-7pm

Who: Odin and Pas de Deux sample sale
What: 55-90% off apparel, footwear, jewelry, accessories and more
Where: 199 Lafayette St (nr Broome St) 212-966-0026
When: February 5-13, 2010. Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun noon-7pm

Who: Jaded Jewels Sample Sale
What: 50-70% off jewelry
Where: 1046 Madison Avenue
When: February 9-11, 2010. Tues-Thurs 10:30am-6pm

Who: Clothingline Sample Sale
What: Discounts on various brands. Gentle Souls shoes and boots from $50-$99. Walter separates, jackets and more. Interlud - tops, blouses, skirts, dresses, jumpers & more from $35-$45. Design History jersey, knits, dresses and sweaters from $20-$40. Lewis Cho separates, dresses and more. Smitten and Michael Simon, one of a kinds at way below wholesale prices.
Where: 261 West 36th Street(b/n 7th & 8th Ave). 2nd Floor
When: February 9-11, 2010. Tues & Thurs 11am-7pm. Wed 11am-6pm

Who:Hayden-Harnett
What: Spring cleaning warehouse and studio sale including Samples, one-of-a-kind items, and vintage oddities at up to 80% off at .
Where: 211 Franklin St., at Freeman St., Greenpoint, Brooklyn (718-349-2247) or
253 Elizabeth St., nr. Houston St. (212-334-2247)
When: EXTENDED through February 14, 2010. Noon-8pm Daily!

Next Week:
Who: Jodi Arnold
What: Sample Sale & Art Event. Shop merch marked up to 80% off retail. Embellished Dresses $125. Plain Dresses $99. Sweaters $65. Tops $75. Bottoms $50. Leather Jackets for just $150. Leather Skirts $75. Also experience Shared Discover—the idea of sharing art, music, literature, and culture that inspire each season’s designs. Enjoy local art, live music and and open call for young artists.
Where: 2 Great Jones Street near Broadway
When: February 17-21, 2010.

Who: Misorena’s semi-annual $29.99 Blowout Sale!!!
What: The space will be filled with shoes, jeans, tops, pants, skirts, dresses, button down shirts, sweaters, t-shirts, and accessories for men and women. Multiple brands, including Energie, Miss Sixty, Reporter, Kenneth Cole, Claiborne by John Bartlett, and more. Everything $29.99.
Where: 260 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10001(between 28th and 29th Streets) 212.725.5400
When: February 15-21, 2010. Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat & Sun 11am-7pm.

Who: J.Crew's Weddings & Parties
What: Bridal Gowns and Bridesmaid Dresses now up to 60% off retail prices
Where: Flatotel Hotel, 135 West 52nd Street (b/n 6th & 7th Ave)
When: February 18-21, 2010. Thurs 4pm-8pm (RSVP required at www.Skylarelliott.com). Fri-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm

Now Wearing...

It's Superbowl Sunday! I know nothing of football but I love the food and the excuse to hang out with friends watch halftime and be amused by the shiny pants the player wear! Well today I decided that since football inspired fashion has been trending (ala Alexander Wang & Alexandre Herchcovitch) I would do the best that I could using clothes that I had in my closet to create a football inspired look including braided hair.

Striped Sweater - Theory
Plastic & Wood Necklace - No name
Sweat Pants - Norma Kamali for Everlast
Over the Knee Socks - Urban Outfitters (folded down)
Ankle Boots - Nine West
Football Purse - Muxart

Sale Report: Phi Closing Sale

Luxe label PHI is shutting it's doors forever. It's sad as this economy has seen the demise of so many labels, the grave stones are too many. The only plus side? If you are a PHI fan, now is the time to pick up some pieces at some unbelievable prices.

The prices are Sample Sweaters $75+, Sample Tank Tops $25+, Sample Blouses $50+. All production items are 90% of Retail. Pre Spring and Fall'09 stock 70% off Retail.

Leather Jackets $350+, Plain Jackets $150+, Leather Coats $500+, Plain Coats $350+.

Belts $29-100. Shoes $50+, Boots $100+, Current Season Sample Boots $250.

The sale was not very crowded with only a handful of shoppers. Change rooms were not available that I could see, and women were milling around a very large mirror on the sales floor and trying on merch there. Clothing tended to run mostly from size 2-6.

The confusing part of the sale for me was, although there was signage indicating prices, there were no clearly distinct areas that were marked samples, production, pre-spring or fall so it was very difficult to determine what the actual price of each garment was. Some merch was labeled, but many pieces had lost their tags and it was a mystery to most shoppers. You could ask the sales girls each price, but who wants to do that at a sale? It's a little tiresome after a piece or 2.

There were plenty of shoes and boots. Mostly these amazing Mesh ankle boots that zipped and had 2 buckles which were in a variety of sizes from 36-41. The colorful ankle boots that I admired only seemed to be in larger sizes like 40-41. This style also came in a pump version that was similarly larger sized 39-41.

There were also boxes of various strappy sandals and a couple very large boxes filled with miscellaneous shoes that had amazing metal heels and toes. They were in sizes 38-41 and some were scuffed on the bottom deliberately leading me to believe that these are in fact runway shoes that have been used once and tossed in a box. The hard part with looking at these shoes is finding the other side.

Some fun pieces I found were this bralet top for $20 (size 6) and these silky cargo shorts for $110. I also saw some silky pleated shorts for $50, wool pinstripe pants for $50, silky harem pants for $130. I spotted a few zip sweaters fro $80-130.

There were a few gowns left but I believe they were still around $1000, Some sporty pastel color block dresses with mesh detailing were $250.

I tried on a wool coat with cropped bubble sleeves and fur collar, but the lady working there only told me it was 80% off retail. Unfortunately retail was not marked so it left me wondering. Not the sale for you if you like knowing how much things are before bringing to the cash register! Personally it sort of stresses me out...but seeing as merch is up to 90% off...I guess that's the trade off.

Who: PHI Closing Sale
What: Expect 70% off pre-spring and fall '09, 90% off past season merch, and samples priced at $25 to $200—with new merch added this week.
Where: PHI, 71 Greene Street, (b/n Spring and Broome St) 212-966-0076.
When: Now through February 7, 2010. Mon-Sat 11am-6:30pm Sun noon-6pm

Now Wearing...

Bone Print Sweater - Matthew Williamson for H&M (actually from the Men's collection)
Denim Pencil Skirt - Proenza Schouler for Target
Multi Strand Pocket watch Necklace - Subversive for Target
Stirrup Leggings - French Connection
Leather Satchel - Botkier Taylor Satchel
Hat - No Name
2 Tone Lace Up Boots - Marc by Marc Jacobs

A Few More Sales This Week

Who: Manolo Blahnik
What: Up to 75% off Shoes and booties. Now $185-250.
Where: 31 West 54th St (nr 6th Ave.) (212-582-3007)
When: Sale end today! So RUN! Fri 10:30am-6pm

Who: Lyell Sample Sale
What: Feminine dresses, tops, and coats will start at just $20.
Where: Tricia's Place, 171 Elizabeth Street, (nr Spring Street) 212-966-8484.
When: February 6, 2010. Sat 11am-7pm

Who: PHI Closing Sale
What: Expect 70% off pre-spring and fall '09, 90% off past season merch, and samples priced at $25 to $200—with new merch added this week.
Where: PHI, 71 Greene Street, (b/n Spring and Broome St) 212-966-0076.
When: Now through February 7, 2010. Mon-Sat 11am-6:30pm Sun noon-6pm

Who:Hayden-Harnett
What: Spring cleaning warehouse and studio sale including Samples, one-of-a-kind items, and vintage oddities at up to 80% off at .
Where: 211 Franklin St., at Freeman St., Greenpoint, Brooklyn (718-349-2247) or
253 Elizabeth St., nr. Houston St. (212-334-2247)
When: February 5-7, 2010. Brooklyn Hours Fri noon-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-8pm. Manhattan noon-8pm daily.

Who: Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show
What: Shop over 80 renowned vintage dealers from across the U.S., including NYC faves Amarcord Vintage, What Goes Around Comes Around, Dulcinee, No.6, and many more. $20 admission. $15 in advance.
Where: 125 West 18th Street, (b/n 6th and 7th Ave) for more info manhattanvintage.com
When: February 5-6, 2010. Fri 1-8pm, Sat 11am-6pm

Who: Opening Ceremony
What: Winter blowout sale up to 70% off Band of Outsiders, Opening Ceremony, Raf Simons, Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, United Bamboo, and more.
Where: 35 Howard Street, (b/n Broadway and Crosby streets); 212-219-2688; and online
When: Ongoing

Who: Cry Wolf Sale
What: Up to 80% off clothing and accessories from Chronicles of Never, Generic Man, Jeffrey Campbell, Sunshine & Shadow, Cheap Monday, Acne, Fremont, Creative Recreation, April77, and many more for men and women!
Where: 111 St. Mark's Place (b/n 1st Ave and Ave A) 212-995-9653

Preview Designs from Fall 2010

Less than 1 week left until Fashion Week and the anticipation is slowly starting to build up from the pit of my stomach. What will this fashion week bring? It's the last time the Tents will be in Bryant Park and as I see them set up for the final time I can't help but feel nostalgic for my very first Fashion Week in NYC.

Myself 3 1/2 years ago! Younger, Wide-Eyed and a very Hopeful

It was September of 2006 and it was a beautiful week! At that time I had just started my job search in a city that I would call my home and through some random luck and some of the very first friends I made in this city I was able to attend and even crash a couple shows. It woke up something inside of me that screamed, this is the reason you are here! This is New York!!! Fortunately, this season we'll have the chance to attend some shows and it will serve as a reminder why I work in the fashion industry. I have yet to pin down my fashion week schedule but I have high hopes and the promise to keep you all up too date!

For now here are some inspirations and sketches by some of our favorite designers. Hope you enjoy!

Milly
“For my fall collection, the artsy, chic girls of Paris’ Left Bank are my inspiration, in a combination of luxe fabrics, clever techniques and cool attitude.” – Michelle Smith, Designer

Rebecca Taylor
The fall 2010 collection was inspired by a mixture of 70’s Parisian attitude and an urban New York City girl. With a renewed love for classic sportswear, silhouettes have been re-worked with a twist to give subtle edge on signature feminine designs. The palette includes dusty hues and new neutrals contrasted with military olives and hints of old gold. Fabrics are washed to provide a worn, overly-loved appeal and are combined with cashmere wool suits, leopard faux furs and down quilted coats, together giving this collection an affordable luxe quality.

Tracy Reese
“An eclectic mix of urban and rural style makes for a very modern yet infinitely wearable fall 2010 collection. Rustic Prince of Wales checks, distressed faux fur and stretch suede styles are softened by cosmetic toned lingerie and made cozy by soft alpaca sweaters.” –Tracy Reese, Designer

Elie Tahari
"My fall 2010 collection is homage to the great women who traveled the globe in style." – Elie Tahari, Designer

Now Wearing...

Last weekend I DJed a fundraiser at Public Assembly in Brooklyn. The party was to help my good friend, DJ Morsy, replace his stolen equipment. The other weekend some punks at a Bushwick party stole his DJ bag, which had literally everything in it - laptop, Serato, headphones, mixer, camera, wires, everything!

The party was went really well. We raised enough money to help DJ Morsy get back on his feet, and everyone had a great time. The Beatards gave an awesome performance, and there was lots of dancing throughout the night, including my set!
Light blue furry vest - Pikko 1988
Black cage shoulder dress - Funktional
Ripped tights - Calvin Klein/DIY
Black lace-up boots - Justin
Bangle & rings - H&M, nOir and Forever 21

I started out wearing the cage dress with the furry vest for some warmth, but it didn’t take very long for the place to heat up. Since it was a casual Brooklyn party, I dressed down the dress with some ripped tights and flat lace-up boots.
As for makeup, I'm not expert, but I knew I wanted to wear a little lipstick for the occasion. I felt like a red would be too bold, especially since I wanted the focus of my outfit to be my dress, so I went with a slightly more subtle purple shade.

Markdown on Sam Edelman 'Zoe' Boots

If you still want them, the Sam Edelman "Zoe" boots that were once selling for more on eBay than the original Balenciagas that inspired them are now marked down at jildorshoes.com. They were $345+, but now you can get them for $199.

Now Playing: Caribou "Odessa"

Artist: Caribou
Recommended If You Like: Of Montreal, Four Tet, Grizzly Bear

Caribou is one of my favorite indie electronic artists. While Caribou does live shows as a band, it's actually a one man project from Canada. I discovered his music during my days of college radio when he released The Milk Of Human Kindness, and I've been following his music since. A little psychedelic and atmosphere, I often find myself daydreaming when I listen to Caribou.

"Odessa" is the first single off Caribou's upcoming album Swim. I've had this song on loop for days. It's has the space electronic sound I've come to love from Caribou, but unlike songs of the past this one is a little dancey. Get the track for free at caribou.fm by simply entering your email address. Download and enjoy!

Preview: Jean Paul Gaultier for Target

So the images for the Jean Paul Gaultier for Target leaked on the net a couple weeks back via Refinery 29 but I've been really behind on my posting...I appologize for the lag! So in case you haven't seen the looks already here they are...

The Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collection will launch on March 7, 2010 in over 250 stores and via target.com. Prices will range from $17.99 to $199 for the leather jackets.

Definitely has a nod to the nautical but I think it's those eyes and gingham that have me mezmerized! The dragon tatoo print is pretty interesting too!