American Spirit: Red, White & Blue

In the spirit of July 4th, I thought it would be fun to do a post dedicated to red, white and blue!

Jeffrey Campbell "El Carmen" platform, $130
UNIF American Flag shirt, $128
Nasty Gal has quite a handful of American flag print items this season. These two are my favorites of the bunch.


Topshop flag printed hot pants, $70
Na Nin Vintage American flag scarf$24
These items would be fun to wear to a casual BBQ or picnic. And I'd like to point out that the scarf is made in the USA! Perhaps one day all American flag print items will actually made domestically.


Corey Lynn Calter silk crop top, at Gilt $65, retail $141
Corey Lynn Calter pleated skirt, at Gilt $75, retail $158

This blue silk top and red cotton skirt from Corey Lynn Calter are currently on sale at Gilt Groupe. These pieces would be great not just for the holiday, but also the rest of summer! The sale ends tonight, so act fast.

Lovecat Magazine Launch

The other week the lovely folks at LeSportsac invited me to the launch of a Lovecat at The Darby Supper club.

Lovecat is a Fanzine dedicated to models created by Prince Peter Chenoa and Jacob Dekat to fill a space they felt was missing from the world of fashion magazines. They decided to take matters into their own hands by offering "uncensored visual tales...meant to take you back to the supermodel days, when beauty and femininity ruled the world". The debut issue offers over 30 of the hottest models in the industry to love, collect and enjoy. While some of the models like Kate Moss and Chanel Iman are household names, there are plenty of less familiar and new faces. The pages include a quick snapshot of the model's profile and rapid fire q & a's, some photo spreads and plenty of model pictures sprawled, hanging, standing, and draped over. Since the debut issue is titled "The Summer of Sex Issue" expect plenty of risque photos.

As for the party it was sponsored by Izze, Sailor Jerry's and LeSportsac so there were plenty of tasty drinks to be had while the cool kids chatted up a storm and DJ Mess Kid spun tunes. When I first arrived on the scene I noticed that the PR girls slightly ruffled as this party had it's share of crashers but downstairs everyone was chilling out despite the full capacity. Definitely spotted a few model types in leather bits and I managed to snag an issue before they ran out. After making the rounds, hunger called and I headed out into the night before the crowds completely took over.

More Sample Sales This Week!

Who: Eugenia Kim Online Sample Sale
What: If you missed the brick and morter sample sale the other week, fear not! Now is your chance to snag up to 70% off on Spring 11 hats and headpieces for men and women.
When: Sale starts today!
Where: Online Only

Who: Botkier Facebook Friends with Benefits Event

What: Snag 50% off on select styles of handbags and shoes. The Helena Satchel is now $272.50 (was $545), The Audrey Sandal is $112.50 (was $225).

When: Now through June 30, 2011, 11am.

Where: On Facebook, just like Botkier's Facebook page to enter.

Who: Cushnie et Ochs Spring Sample Sale
What: 79-90% off on Spring 2011 ready-to-wear womenswear and runway shoes. Visa, MasterCard and cash only.
When: June 29, 2011. Wed 10am-7pm
Where: 336 West 37th St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave) Suite 1200

Who: Tucker Sample Sale
What: Up to 50% off past season merch and samples
When: June 29-30, 2011. Wed-Thurs 9am-7pm
Where: 413 W 14th Street – Suite 403 (b/n 9th & 10th Ave)

Who: Boutique on 57 Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off womenswear from Etro, Chloe, Valentino, Gucci and Prada
When: June 28-30, 2011. Tues-Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: 12 W 57th St – Suite 807 (b/n 5th & 6th Ave) 212-247-2229

Shop: Aritzia Soho

The Canadian retail chain Aritzia opened it’s doors a couple weeks ago and I finally had a chance to check it out in person.  In case you aren’t familiar, Aritzia started in Vancouver in 1984 and slowly spread  to markets  in Vancouver, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, Portland, Seattle and now New York.  The company thanks to it’s high quality clothing, great fit, trend right pieces at a relatively reasonable price have earned the boutique quite the following.

When I was living in Toronto, I would shop Aritzia often for merch ranging from perfect basics to work ready adorable wool pants and jackets.  Also, come winter, as far as the eye could see Toronto ladies have embraced the ubiquitous winter coat with faux fur lining as the puffer alternative.  I’m actually guilty of once upon a time owning this myself.  The house brands (including TNA, Talulah, T Babaton, Wilfred, Wilfred Free, Le Fou) encompass just about any need that the modern woman might need plus they curate a great selection of must have items from select designers.  Currently however the Soho store still is only carrying the house labels but that will soon change.

As for the store itself it is large and spacious (10 000 square feet!) with 2 levels of well placed merchandise to shop.  The feel of the store is very zen and airy with it’s textural stone walls, wood fixtures, crystals, touches of greenery and soft lighting.  There are screens displaying merchandise from a fashion show playing on some of the walls. The Manhattan flagship also includes an old bank vault that was discovered during renovations, carefully preserved, then repurposed as a fitting room.

While the main floor was dedicated to sporty, casual and slightly trendier clothes (including some uber cute brocade shorts) the second floor was a world of sophisticated calm neutral pieces that would look great in the office.  Great little silk blouses and dresses, a gorgeous little Battenberg lace tank, great little trench coats and so much more.

There is room to breathe, space to shop and most importantly great merch to check out.  I will definitely be adding the Aritzia to my list of stores that I visit on my Soho Shopping trips.

Aritzia Soho, 524 Broadway (at Spring St) 212-965-2188.

Mon-Sat: 10am-9:30pm, Sun: 11am-8:30pm

Sample Sales This Week: June 27-July 3, 2011

Who: Rodarte Sample Sale
What: Snag some Rodarte shoes and clothes at this secretive Cash Only sale.
When: June 28, 2011. Tues
Where: TBD, RSVP to andy@rodarte.net for exact location

Who: Nili Lotan Sample Sale
What: Snag big discounts on tanks, tunics, cotton dresses and coats. Plus a $30 bargain rack! Cash Only.
When : June 27, 2011. Mon Noon-7pm.
Where: 188 Duane St (b/n Hudson & Greenwich St

Who: Splendid and Ella Moss Sample Sale
What: Amazing deals on chic items for the whole
family from Splendid, Ella Moss, Splendid Mills, Ella Moss Girl,
Splendid Girl, Little Ella and Splendid Littles!
When: June 29, 2011. Wed 8:30am-5pm
Where: 260 West 39th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 12th Floor

Who: Barr + Barr Sample Sale
What: 1/2 price on summer and pre-fall handbags
When: June 29-30, 2011. Wed-Thurs noon-8pm
Where: 60 East 66th St (nr Madison Ave) 2nd floor 212-737-2300

Who: Eva Gentry Summer Sale
What: Up to 90% off at the Brooklyn boutique which includes names like Rick Owens and Ann Demeulemeester.
When: Now through June 30, 2011. 12-7pm
Where: 389 Atlantic Ave - in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (b/n Bond and Hoyt St). 718-260-9033

Who: PONO Sample Sale
What: 80% off necklaces, chokers and cuffs. Horn bangles $325 (was $650), the Sea Saw Choker $190 (was $275), and the Italian resin beaded necklace $110 (was $225)
When: June 22-29, 2011. Wed-Fri 9am-6pm, Mon-Wed 9am-6pm. Closed Sat & Sun
Where: 132 West 36th St (nr Broadway) 8th floor. 212-216-0044

Who: Oscar de la Renta Bridal Sample Sale
When: 70% off bridal gowns.
When: June 23-29, 2011. Thurs-Wed 10am-9pm
Where: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, 498 Red Apple Court, Central Valley 845-928-4000

Who: Edit Summer Sale
What: 40-70% off select merchandise including Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Proenza Schoulder, and Thakoon.
When: June 27-July 6, 2011. Mon–Wed 10:30am–6:30pm

Who: Paula Varsalona 'Moving Sale'
What: Find bridal and special occasion apparel and accessories. No appointment necessary.
When: June 21-30, 2011. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. Sat 10am-3pm. Closed Sundays.
Where: 1375 Broadway, (at 37th St) 5th Floor. 212-221-5600

Who: DCK Sample Sale
What: Jewelry from Topshop, Arden B, Bebe, Charlotte Russe and more. Everything is 3 for $10! CASH ONLY
When: June 29-July 1, 2011
Where: 366 5th Ave - Suite 803. 212-564-0217

Alexander Wang: Menswear Preview

A while ago I mentioned that Alexander Wang was adding a menswear line to his already impressive roster. WWD released images taken at Wang's lookbook photo shoot so here they are:



While his first menswear line T boats a much more casual feel, the progression of this RTW line maintains the same vibe and ease but with more fitted garments and a greater play on textures - so far I definitely like what I'm seeing.



Overall there's definitely some solid pieces in this collection (especially the outerwear) so I can't wait to see the items once they drop.



Along with the RTW collection, Wang is introducing some accessories for men including some slouchy leather bags, wallets, passport holders and change purses. Shoes will follow in pursuit.

All images courtesy of WWD