Trend Report: Justin Roper Boots

In previous trends posts, I've mentioned my affinity for rugged boots and fringe. So naturally, I'm excited to see Justin Roper Boots coming into style. They have a similar aesthetic to Dr. Martens, but have a less chunky sole and fun fringe across the toe.

Justin boots have been around a long time and are the shoe of choice for cowboys and cowgirls. A lot of vintage boutiques will sell used pairs as "rare one-of-a-kind vintage lace-up boots", but they're actually quite easy to find. At justinbootstore.com you can buy them direct from the manufacturer for $89 to $113 a pair. The shoes are available in three colors on the website, but if you search on eBay or even Google, you can find a wider array of choices.

LA Sample Sales: Rebecca Minkoff & Rachel Pally

Two great sample sales in LA this week!

Rebecca Minkoff
Confederacy, 4661 Hollywood Blvd at Vermont
Los Angeles, CA
Thurs, Dec 4th - Sat, Dec 6th, noon - 8PM

Rachel Pally 50-80% off retail
New Warehouse, 2301 E. 7th St. Suite C100
Los Angeles, CA 90023
*Just east of Santa Fe Street and Anderson Street, entrance and valet parking on Sunrise Street
Thurs, Dec 4th - Sat, Dec 6th, 9:30AM - 6PM
Sun, Dec 7th, 10:30AM - 5PM
323.780.1249, 818.512.9472, or 818.512.9246

Q & A with Erin & Lani

This is us in our natural state. We play dress up and ramble a bit.

We've received quite a few questions since we've started the blog, so we decided to start doing some Q&A videos. Send us your questions - "How do I wear this skirt?" "What should I wear on my second date?" "Are skinny jeans still in?"

Thank you for reading, watching, and being a part of Sugar Rock Catwalk!

XOXO

Erin & Lani

Gen Art presents Shop NYC

Gen Art, the leading arts and entertainment organization with helps showcase emerging design talent will be holding Shop NYC tomorrow night. Shop NYC will showcase over 60 high-end emerging designers selling their Fall collections at up to 70% off retail!

The lovely Bliss Lau will be showcasing her body jewelry and handbags. You can also shop handbags from Rebecca Minkoff, Hayden Harnett; shoes from Devotte and DRU New York; menswear from Hyden Yoo and S2VS and womenswear from Falls, Bensoni, Richard Ruiz, Qi Cashmere, Porter Grey and dozens of New York's top emerging talents. Enjoy Bailey's cocktails, DJ lounge provided by Crunch, hair touch-ups by ECRU NEW YORK, complimentary massages by the Chopra Spa, and more.

Who: Gen Art Shop NYC
What: Showcase of Emerging Designers at 70% Off Retail with complimentary cocktails
When: December 1st, 5-6pm VIP Preview or 6-10pm Main Sale
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, NYC

All ticket buyers are automatically entered in a raffle to win a bag from Hayden Harnett or a dress from Falls! Tickets

* All tickets advance only, no door sales. Buy online.

VIP Tickets (Includes Gift Bag and access to VIP Preview Reception: 5-6pm):
* Executive & Co-Producer Level Members: 2 complimentary tickets
* Associate Producer, Platinum, & Silver Level Members: $30 / ticket
* Non-Members: $40 / ticket

General Admission Tickets
* Associate Producer, Platinum, & Silver Members: 2 complimentary tickets
* Non-Members: $15 / ticket

* All Guests Must be 21 or Older to Attend *

Now Wearing...

Dress - Yoko Deveraux, a men's XL t-shirt
Belt - a sample/scrap from unknown designer at Vivienne Westwood showroom
Leggings - Xhileration, Target
Boots - Urban Outfitters
Necklace - no name, Nordstrom BP
Clutch - no name, Century 21
Glasses - Alain Milki

Time to Get Carried Away?

Missing Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte? Since the first movie is over and the sequel is still in early development stages, you can get your SATC fix with the DVD collection for the cheapest price that I've ever seen. While the box set is still about $100, you can now buy individual seasons for $8.99 (plus $2.98 shipping) but if you buy more than $25 of merch, you can get free shipping too! So if you do the math it's only $62.93 for all 7 DVD sets plus FREE SHIPPING. The movie is also on sale for $8.99 too, so you could have it all for $71.92...Hurry, I'm not sure how long this deal will last!

Season 1
Season 2
Season 3
Season 4
Season 5
Season 6 part 1, Season 6 part 2
The Movie

DIY: Watch It Fit

A couple weeks ago I went to the Gucci Sample Sale. I woke up extra early on the second day of sales, braved the lines, and in the end I got this little watch for over 80% off retail value. It's actually a men's watch but I liked the chunkier proportions on my wrist.
Dilemna? As it was a men's watch it was a little bit big for my wrist. I wanted to wear my watch right away so I didn't want to bother taking it to a jewler/watch store. I figured it couldn't hurt to try to adjust the strap myself.So I located the arrows on the watch strap.Used a pen/push pin to poke out the spoke from the farthest point to where I wanted to adjust the watch to and pressed against a flat surface. Pushing the pen/pin into the arrow.I removed the 2 thin metal pins to take out the portion I didn't need, while being very careful not to loose the pieces.I matched the metal watch strap up
Then I took the pin and placed it back into the watch the same way that it originally came out. Fat end of the pin away from the arrows.
I used a hard flat surface to push the pin back in. (Actually a hand cream jar). Repeat on the other side.
Voila! A watch that fits!
*Warning* Try only at your own risk.

Now Wearing...

Erin
Floral Cami - Rebecca Taylor
Floral Empire Cami - Rebecca Taylor
Bleach Splatter Jeans - Killah
Shoes - Nine West Ice Blue
Headband - handcrafted by Erin & Lani

Lani
Dress - Diane Von Furstenberg
Tights - Ann Klein
Shoes - Nina Dolls
Bangle - H&M
Clutch - no name from Century 21

Now Wearing...

Hoodie - L.A.M.B
Tie Die Splatter Tank - TNA (Talulah National Athletic)
Button Fly Wide Leg Jeans - Uniqlo
Lightning Socks - H&M
Leaf Pave Necklace - Rachel Leigh
Sparkle Shoes - Converse One Star
Patent Woven Purse - Gryson for Target

Black Friday Online Sales - UPDATED

It's been an interesting year of shopping. Like someone wrote on Racked.com, Black Friday is going to be kind of weird because almost everything is already on sale. With the US experiencing the big R-word, retailers and designers have been forced to drop their prices - sales, sales, and more sales. While it's always exciting to get a deal, it's also kind of worrisome, no? Ok, before I become Debie Downer, I'm going to link you to a few of my recommended Black Friday online sales.

Catherine Malandrino Buzz Pleat Bodice Dress

$272.25 this weekend ($495 retail)

Chickdowntown.com: 45% off regularly priced merch, plus 20% off everything on sale with user code "BLACKFRIDAY"; exp Monday, December 1

BCBG Crepe Back Satin Dress

$209.00 this weekend (retail $418.00)

BCBG.com: 50% off everything on the site; exp Monday, December 1

Barneys.com: Up to 50% off; ongoing

Bluefly.com: 10% off current sale prices; Monday, December 1 and an extra 15% off handbags today only

SSense.com: 30% off everything on the site including already reduced prices; exp Monday, December 1

Shuuemura-usa.com: Enter SHUFRIENDS code at checkout for 20% off and code WINTER08 for free shipping on any order; exp Monday, December 1

Kiehls.comEnter FAMILY code for 20% off and code KIEHL for free shipping on orders of $75 or more

Now Wearing...

Sweater - Blu Byblos, I found this in the $10 bin at the Vivienne Westwood showroom sample sale. It's 2 sizes larger than what I usually wear, but I actually like it that way. The part with the horseshoe was meant to drape on the shoulder, but since it's big, I'm wearing it as a strap.
Jeans - James
Glasses - Alain Milki
Heels - Nina Dolls, lined with nude Foot Petals

Hollyday Sale

I'm so glad it's Thanksgiving! It's time to relax and be thankful for all the good things that we have. Food on the table, a warm roof over your head and loved ones around you. A time of rest before the Black Friday frenzy erupts tomorrow, personally I may skip out on the mayhem. Well here's one sale you don't have to hit the stores for in the early AM.

Who: Hollywould
What: 50% Off All Online Styles, including for the first time classic ballet flats
When: Right NOW!
Where: Online

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mmm... pumpkin pie!

Happy Thanksgiving! Whether it's with family or friends, we hope you enjoy the holiday and the good eats. We don't know about you, but we're ditching the skinny jeans today.

Get Shoes or Lose!

Who: Marc by Marc Jacobs
What: Ballerina flats, patent-leather loafers, and acrylic-heeled boots are now 70 percent off.
When: Right NOW! Mon–Sat (12–8), Sun (12–7)
Where: 403 Bleecker St, nr 11th St (212)924-0026

Who: Marc Jacobs Collection Accessories
What: 70% Off Furs, Shoes and 1 rack of Ready to wear
When: Right NOW!
Where: 301 West 4th St @ Bank St (212)242-2207

Checked out the Marc by Marc Store today after work and there were tonnes of great shoe options. Sadly, only one lone pair of boots was in size 5, and I didn't love them. If you are a size 5 there is one flat rubber sole ankle boot with rounded toe and bow at the front ankle left. There is one pair of size 5 1/2's left, but other than that they have plenty of stock. My picks are the patent cartoon mouse flats, the previously mentioned sequinned pumps, high heel penny loafers and grey motorcycle boots. Unfortunately there were none of those great multi buckle boots in sight.

Also jumped by Marc Jacobs Collection Accessories and they are 70% off as well, but as they kept stock in the back I couldn't tell how much stuff they had left. My picks are the butterfly oxford and lace up flats.

Now Wearing...

Thanksgiving hasn't come yet, but Christmas is in the air. As I walked by Bloomingdales, the displays, music and bells really are getting me in the mood for the season.
I don't think the proportion of these boots are quite right with this outfit, but it was raining this morning and I wore rain boots, but as the day went on, I just put on these riding boots for comfort because I had them under my desk.

Striped Sweater - Theory
Jumper - Erin Fetherson for Target
Opaque Tights - H&M
Patent Purse - Gryson for Target
Cameo Necklace - Dominique Cohen for Target
Boots - Recycled Nine West
Trench Coat - Club Monaco, I love this trench it's several years old and the lining is shredding, but the cut and color are versatile perfection.

Now Wearing...

Turquoise with gold shimmer blazer - Betsy Johnson
Black scoop neck - Mossimo, Target
Black acid washed jeans - Criminal Damage UK
Short multi-chain necklace - Subversive for Target
Long multi-chain necklace - vintage

Now Wearing...

Plaid Dress - Forever 21, A friend of mine gave it to me last year because she thought it would fit me better
Leggings - Xhilaration, Target
Patent Elastic Belt - No Name
Plaid Scarf - Newman
Patent Pounch - Gryson for Target
Boots - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Bliss Lau Trunk Show

Lani Says:
Last week, Erin and I stopped by the Bliss Lau trunk show at Suite Orchard. If you've never been to Suite Orchard, it's a sweet little boutique in Lower East Side with great merchandise from designers like Loeffler Randall, Alexander Wang, and of course, Bliss Lau.

We've already written about Bliss a few times in three months we've been around, so you can imagine our excitement when we had a chance to meet the designer herself. She was so warm and welcoming, encouraging us to try on her pieces.

An avid visitor of blisslau.com, it was really nice to see all the pieces in person. Bliss appreciates clothes that can be worn in different ways, and from looking at her collection, it's evident that she tries to incorporate versatility into her designs.

After chatting with Bliss and seeing her collection, we both agreed that we have a serious girl crush on her. She's absolutely beautiful and has this ethereal glow about her. Bliss is incredibly humble and she gladly shares the credit with her hardworking staff, making sure both interns and assistants are introduced. Sweet and personable, you can't help but fall in love with her. Like Erin has said before, when you wear something from a nice designer, you wear it with such pride and joy.

At the trunk show, we got a preview of the stingray pieces that will be launching Spring 2009. Stingray is an incredibly durable textured leather that was traditionally used for Japanese sword handles. I was absolutely fascinated with the material, so I am going to hold out until spring. Interesting to note, stingray is exotic but also plentiful, so it won't have a negative impact on the environment. Oh, Bliss. We're in love.

Getting ready to try on Bliss Lau!

Bliss in "Hug Me Tight", Lani in "Diamond Top"and Suite Orchard Co-Owner Sofia

Erin Says:
One of the best parts of meeting with Bliss was hearing the story of how she began. She worked with Vivienne Westwood Showroom and they told her to just go forth and make things as creative as she would like without worrying about selling them. For a designer to be given that sort of direction is a dream come true. With no hindrances with creativity, it's no wonder so many of her designs are pure Bliss.

As Lani mentioned, many pieces can be worn in multiple ways. One of the most versatile is the Hug Me Tight which can be worn in at least 4 different ways. Bliss took the time to personally show me different ways that you can wear it. Suite Orchard's co-owner, Cindy, even came up with a way that she wears it that was even new to Bliss, the possibilities are endless.

When talking about imitators Bliss agrees with my sentiment that people can copy the designs that she has made, but no one can take away from her the designs that she will make. And I can't wait to see what will be next for this talented, young designer who radiates kindness.

Erin in "Hug Me Tight"

Upcoming Sample Sales

Who: Rafe New York
What: Sale on leather purses, shoes & accesories
When: Dec 3-5, Wed 1pm-7pm, Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-5pm
Where: Rafe New York Showroom, 85 Fifth Avenue, 12th Floor

Who: DDC LAB
What: 80-90% Off Simple, Classic, but in High Tech Fabrics
When: Nov 26-Dec 2, 2008. M-S 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm
Where: 75 9th Ave (b/n 15th & 16th St)

Who: La Rok and Elizabeth & James
What: Up to 70% off retail
When: Dec 4-6, 2008. Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm
Where: 145 W 18th street (between 6th & 7th avenues)

Still Ongoing
What: Rogan and Loomstate
Why: Past-season overstock, rare samples, and one-offs are up to 75 percent off.
When: Nov. 29-Dec. 7. Mon.-Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 91 Franklin St., b/t Broadway & Church St., behind the Rogan shop (646-827-7554).

Inspiration Gone Wrong

In the world of celebrity style, many play it safe and go with tested and tried looks or rely heavily on a stylists guidance. But others love to experiment and see how far they can push it. Sometimes risks pay off, and sometimes they lead to the unfortunate looks below. Proof that money can buy a lot of things, but money can't buy style. The looks are memorable? Yes, but maybe they should be wishing we'd forget.

Car Wash vrs. Beyonce filming her music video for Diva

Oscar the Grouch vrs. Madonna in Louis Vuitton at the Gucci UNICEF party

Anime Space Pirate vrs. Rihanna at the 2008 AMA's

Which look do you think is the least ridiculous?