Dreaming of Romance & Rooftops

In the spirit of summer, I put together a mixtape for rooftop parties and dancing into the night. I selected songs that made my heart sing and my feet move. This is my first official mixtape, so I hope you'll take a minute to hit play. You can also download the mp3 to listen later on your iPod, iPhone, etc.

Romance & Rooftops (Summer Mixtape) by djlanilove

For the full track list, just click on the link above to soundcloud.com. I hope you enjoy the mix. Happy three-day weekend, and hello summer!

Dupli-CAUGHT: Etsy vs. Target

Acrylic pendants and charms have been growing in popularity and availability over the past few years. Some of the first pieces I ever saw were from Alex & Chloe almost five years ago.

Since then I've seen a lot of sellers pop up on Etsy, and a few with "diamond" rings. These rings are pretty cute, but keep in mind they are totally 2D so they look like thin bars from the top.


3 Carat Diamond Ring by jujulee, $9.95


Laminated Bling Acrylic Ring by Weaselfactory, $12.50


Diamond Ring by cbtscloset, $8
Target has jumped on acrylic jewelry, selling sets of two rings $20. They're cute, but I prefer the ones from the Etsy sellers above with the cutouts because they look more like diamonds and less like little nubs.

Acrylic Diamond Silhouette, $19.99
While we're on the topic of acrylic rings, another one of my Etsy favorites is the mustache ring.

Mustache Ring by Isette, $9.00

Sip & Shop Shoe Sale

Who: Sip & Shop Shoe Sale
What: Ash, United Nude, Luxury Rebel & Miss Sixty Shoes starting at $40! Sizes 6.5 - 8 ONLY

Fall 2010 Winter Boots, Spring 2010 Sandals, heels, sneakers & Wedges.
When: Sale EXTENDED to Friday May 28, 2010. 9 - 2pm
Where: 260W 39th Street . 6th floor @agentredshowroom. 917 295 2286

BUY 1 PAIR AND GET $ 5,- OFF
BUY 2 PAIRS AND GET $ 10,- OFF
BUY 3 PAIRS OR MORE AND GET $ 20,- OFF

LAST HOUR PRICES WILL BE REDUCED EVEN MORE

Now Wearing...

Drape Sleeve Blouse - Cynthia Steffe
Satin Pants - Walter
Socks - Uniqlo
Tassel Necklace - French Connection
Snakeskin Booties - Rachel Rachel Roy
Textured Metal Cuff - Rachel Rachel Roy
Leather Satchel - Botkier Vixen

Photography by James S. Rand

Rock & Republic Opening & Memorial Day Sale

If you're bored this long weekend and decide to head up to Woodbury Common, you'll be catching the opening of a brand new Rock & Republic store! Anyways they're having a sale to help celebrate and it's 30% off outlet pricing on all Men's, Women's and Accessories!

Say "Led Zeppelin" at checkout, during the grand opening weekend (Friday, May 28th - Monday, May 31st) only at the Rock & Republic Woodbury Common Outlet and receive a gift with purchase (while supplies last.)

Rock & Republic
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Suite 842 Grapevine Court
Central Valley, NY 10917
845-928-3199

Store Hours: 10am- 9pm
Memorial Day Weekend Hours (Friday - Monday): 9am- 9pm

UPDATE: Cynthia Rowley Launches Bridesmaid Collection

Inspired by the Cynthia Rowley runway collection, Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids dresses are designed to be worn at both day and evening weddings as well as long after the reception. Design elements taken directly from Rowley’s eponymous ready-to-wear collection include tulle skirts and drop-waist silhouettes. The line consists of floor and tea length dresses in modern fabrics such as cotton sateen and tulle.

The Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids collection will be available in North America, the United Kingdom and Australia beginning in June and will be priced from $175 to $220. Here's some of my faves from the lookbook. Bridesmaids dresses that aren't hideous and actually quite flattering! Is it an illusion? What do you think of the collection?

NYC brides-to be, make sure you mark your calenders for the launch of a brand new collection for your lovely bridesmaids!

Who: Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids
What: Please join designer Cynthia Rowley for the launch of the new collection. With dress fittings by Lovely Bride

When:Thursday, June 3, 2010. 6-8 PM
Where: 376 Bleecker Street

RSVP
prdept@cynthiarowley.com
212-242-0847

Sample Sale Report: Ali Ro

Stopped by the Ali Ro sale over lunch and it was busy but still a fairly calm shopping experience because the space is quite large and there are so many dresses to choose from. It’s a cash only sale so make sure you stop at an ATM before you head over and also to note there is no change room! There is a large assortment of sizes in both Ali Ro & Donna Morgan with a range going from size 2 to 24W. However the largest selection at the sale was between sizes 4-8. Truthfully there was a lot more Donna Morgan available at the sale with a smaller selection of Ali Ro on about 3 or so racks.

Printed matte jersey and cotton galore in a wide assortment of prints that scream summer has arrived were available!

I heard from a lovely tipster (who I frequently run into at sales) that there was a small line to get in when the sale opened in the morning but things have since calmed down. Unfortunately most of the $25 dresses are now gone.

Price list:
Ali Ro
Jackets $80/100
Dresses, Jumpsuits $80
Rompers, Pants $60
Blouses $40
Shorts $30
Samples (black on tag) $40

Dm Donna Morgan
Dresses - $40
Samples (black on tag) $25

Who: Ali Ro Sample Sale
What: Over 65% off Spring/Summer blouses, dresses, jackets and shorts. Cash only and all sales final.
When: May 26-27, 2010. Wed 8:30am-6:30pm, Thurs 8:30am-6pm
Where: 530 Seventh Avenue (at 39th Street), 14th Floor

Deal of the Day: Erica Anenberg Twosome Rings

If you've been looking for a knuckleduster ring, you should check out the Erica Anenberg sale on HauteLook. There's a huge selection of deeply discounted two-finger rings, most at $40-60 a piece.

The best deal is the classic twosome ring available in silver and gold - only $26 (retail $98). I'm kind of jealous because I bought mine for $50.

The sale will be up for 36 hours, so act fast!

Gold Rush in Marrakesh

Our lovely friend Yinka Ajakaiye snapped these photos for us a few months back and I've been meaning to post them for the longest time but it kept slipping off my radar.

Still incorporating metallic for our Heavy Metal shoot we created a more ethnic inspired story that relied heavily on gold and some draped vintage finds. The gold paired with neutrals and jewel tones is reminiscent of the colors you might find at the Souks (Markets) of Marrakesh!

Dupli-CAUGHT: Charles Anastase vs. Jessica Simpson & Jeffrey Campbell

These ridiculous and amazingly high wooden wedges made their debut in Charles Anastase spring 2009 collection. Since then these shoes have picked up lots of buzz in the blogosphere and been knocked off by a couple times.

The first copy was from Jessica Simpson a few months ago, and the $98 "Dany" heels completely sold out on Amazon, Endless, and Zappos.


The dupli-CAUGHT continues with a newly released pair from Jeffrey Campbell x Nasty Gal, which exactly the same as the original. These "Foxy" platforms sell for $145. If you're ok with knockoffs and are thinking about getting them, do it now. With all of the blogger craze over these heels, they'll be gone fast.

Sample Sale Report: Mackage, Soia & Kyo

So I meant to go to today's Soia & Kyo / Mackage Sample Sale but there was a big line out the building door and after waiting for a 15 min or so I decided I should go back to the office as I only have a 30 min lunch break. Fortunately my good friend Jeff is in town and helped me snap some pics and write a report to share with you all! Hurray!

The Line:

Waited in line for about 15 minutes to get into the sale. There were quite a few people but it was still comfortable to navigate through the space and check out the merchandise. No line when I left!

Mens Report:
There were two racks of mens jackets mostly made up of leathers and packables from the spring line. The leathers were mostly black, brown and creme and sizes were mostly 38 or 40. There were also a couple of black trenches from last spring ($350). Prices on the packables were about $130, leathers were around $430, and the trenches were in the mid $300 range.

Women's Report:
There were about 10 racks of women's jackets (about 3 of them were from Soia & Kyo). For the mackage jackets, there were lots of leathers (mostly black), some spring jackets in black and creme (including some packables) and a few winter jackets from the winter collection. Prices ranged from the mid $200s for the spring jackets while the leathers started around $350 and up. Lots of XS and some L were also in stock. XXS, S & M were available in limited quantities.

For the Soia & Kyo jackets, again there were quite a few leather pieces, spring jackets and some winter coats. The leathers were around $200 and came in quite a few colors including black, brown, olive and a deep purple. The spring jackets were mostly neutral tones (black, greys, and cremes). Lots of XS and some L were also in stock. XXS, S & M were available in limited quantities.

Who: Soia & Kyo, Mackage and Candela Sample Sale
What: Most likely 50% off on great outerwear and shoes
When: May 24-25, 2010. Mon-Tues noon-7pm
Where: 275 West 39th St, 7th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Now Wearing...

I tried for a slightly Balmain inspire look today as my friend just gave me this T-shirt from Alternative Apparel. Not sure if I should cut some holes in it so it looks more like this! What do you think? To cut or not to cut?

Burnout Tee Shirt - Alternative Apparel
Military Jacket - H&M
Coated Pants - Stella McCartney
Crystal Drip Necklace - French Connection
Nails - OPI Ogre the Top Blue (from the Shrek Collection)
Studded Platform Sandals - Frye
Leather Satchel - Botkier Vixen

Sample Sales This Week NYC: May 24-30, 2010

Who: Soia & Kyo, Mackage and Candela Sample Sale
What: Most likely 50% off on great outerwear and shoes
When: May 24-25, 2010. Mon-Tues noon-7pm
Where: 275 West 39th St, 7th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Kieselstein-Cord Sample Sale
What: Womens and Mens Jewelry & Accessories. Kieselstien-Cord's signature handbags, sterling silver jewelry, belt buckles and straps. Handbags for day and evening in a wide array of colors, fabrications and styles-all with the finest detail. Sterling Silver Jewelry, including bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings will also be at the sale. Prices are up to 70% off and range from $150 to $1,500.
When:May 25-27, 2010. Tues-Thurs 9am-5pm
Where: 119 West 40 Street (b/n 6th Avenue - Broadway) 18th Floor. 212.764.6140

Who: W29 Showroom Sample Sale
What: Designer sale on Ashish, Rodebjer, Dagmar, Margarita Saplala, The Local Firm, Fin, and Alexander Koutny.
When: May 21-24. Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun noon-4pm, Mon 10am-6pm
Where: 208 West 29th Street, Suite 201, (b/n 7th and 8th avenues) 212-563-0163.

Who: Be & D Sample Sale
What: 30-75% off handbags, footwear and small accessories
When: May 25-27, 2010. Tues-Thurs 9am-7pm
Where: 35 West 36th Street, 10 floor (b/n 5th & 6th Ave)

Who: Cynthia Rowley Memorial Day Weekend Sale
What: Enjoy up to 70% off merchandise!
When: May 28-31, 2010. Fri-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm, Mon 10am-8pm.
Where: 376 Bleecker Street (b/n Perry and Charles); 212-242-3803

Who: James Jeans Sample Sale
What: Men's and Women's denim for $15-90! Women's sizes 23-32. Men's sizes 29-40
When: May 25-28, 2010. Tues & Thurs 9am-7:30pm, Wed 10am-5:30pm, Fri 10am-2pm
Where:500 Greenwich St b/n Spring and Canal Sts, Suite#202 (212-221-4603)
5.25 - 5.28. Cash & Credit Cards Accepted

Who: Ali Ro Sample Sale
What: Over 65% off Spring/Summer blouses, dresses, jackets and shorts. Cash only and all sales final.
When: May 26-27, 2010. Wed 8:30am-6:30pm, Thurs 8:30am-6pm
Where: 530 Seventh Avenue (at 39th Street), 14th Floor

Who: Lyell Closing Sale
What: Cult brand Lyell is closing shop. Grab some Spring 2010 and other remaining stock at up to 60% off.
When: Now through stock runs out or May 31, 2010.
Where: 173 Elizabeth Street (at Spring Street) 212-966-8484.