Pierre Balmain

Balmain announced it will be launching a diffusion line: Pierre Balmain. The line will yield a more casual and relaxed urban vibe than the main line and won't come with as hefty a price tag (albeit it's still not cheap). Prices will range from $172 for Ts, up to $1,200 for eveningwear.

The collection will include womenswear and menswear pieces ranging from knitwear to denim. The line is aiming to launch this December globally with a Spring collection and will be available in the US, Asia and Europe.

All images courtesy of WWD

Personally I like diffusion lines - but it helps to understand where and why they arise. While they reach a further target market and increase accessibility for consumers, at the end of the day - fashion is business and 99.99% of diffusion lines arise to generate money. In particular - with lux labels, while items may cost an arm and a leg - if you only sell a few of those items, at the end of the day it doesn't work (seriously - how many people can afford a $1,500 T-shirt). Diffusion lines bank off of the goodwill existing Brands hold, but are intended to generate cash through higher sell through rates and quantity - plain and simple.

Lani Loves Prints, Especially Mixed

I had no idea who Nicola Roberts was until a couple months ago; She's well-known in the UK for being in pop group Girls Aloud. She won me over with this song and music video. It's no secret I'm obsessed with prints and mixing them.

If you haven't done it before, wearing two or more prints might seem intimidating, but it's actually quite easy and super fun. I've put together a video with a few "how to" tips.

I actually recorded this video last summer, but my computer died shortly after so the files disappeared into the digital abyss. I only recently recovered the movie files to put together this video.

Now that you've got the know how, here are some pieces for inspiration and mixin'.



Boxing Kitten "Sue Cutout Dress", 249.00This black and white number would look great with a colorful belt or patterned scarf worn as a belt.


Nicole Miller x Indego Africa "fabric wrap bracelets", $25.00


Nicole Miller x Indego Africa "wrap skirt", $65.00
I'm loving Nicole Miller's collaboration with Indego Africa, which supports artisan co-ops of Rwandan women. The colors are bright and playful, just asking to be mixed and matched.


Suno "buttondown shirt", $177.50 sale ($355.00 retail)
Suno is one of my favorite lines right now. They are the masters of prints. This top would look great tucked into a tan or pastel floral skirt.


MinkPink "Call of the Wild Maxi Skirt", $98.00
I love leopard and stripes, individually and worn together. This leopard print skirt would look great with a navy & white striped top.

Express x Lucky Magazine Cocktail Party

Last week in the midst of insane city heat wave I was a little afraid of what a rooftop party would be like. Was I ready face the suns rays beating relentlessly in 100 degree weather? Not really.  Fortunately my fears were alleviated once the doors to the elevator opened and I set foot into the gorgeous glass penthouse/roof at The Cooper Square Hotel.  The large glass windows/walls looked out unto the city and there was even a glass shower that had floor to wall windows.  Kind of ridiculously luxe and definitely kind of baller.  The penthouse was surrounded by a large balcony with glass railings for a completely non obstructed view of the city. So while in the full comfort of AC you can still view the city without having to go outside. It was a lovely location for the EXPRESS party with Lucky Magazine.

I was soon playing dress-up with some of the latest accessories from EXPRESS including straw floppy hats, snake print scarves, giant stone rings, candy bracelets and dripping chain necklaces.  I tied a scarf to my head, threw on some glasses, dripping chain necklace, cocktail ring and a few pearl bracelets as well as grabbed a leopard clutch.  Since my outfit was a bit busy with the floral culottes, I probably wouldn’t have chosen these accessories for this outfit although I thought they were all individually fabulous.  I think I ended up looking like not quite myself and as Lani put best – very Harajuku.

 

After snapping a quick picture we all joined the CMO of EXPRESS,  Lisa G for some cocktails and socializing.  Lisa G shared how she’s been Tweeting before Twitter even and about how she is embracing social media.  Her genuine down-to-earth nature is charming the room as she shares how excited she is to be working with us all.  Her excitement about the fashion show was definitely catching.

I ventured outside to really take in the views and have a chance to hang with some familiar faces and meet so many lovely new friends. Had such a blast with Miss Whoever You Are, Tineey, Donna Daily, The Budget Babe, Court and Hudson, Diary of a Fashion Addict, Sweet Caroline in the City, Pretty Connected, Aspiring Socialite.

Since I had so much fun I decided to let myself get caught in the excitement and braved tourists, Times Square and serious heat for the chance to be a part of something bigger than myself.  I took a part in setting the new World Record for most models to walk down a runway.  With 1243 models, EXPRESS easily smashed the previous record set by Galeries Lafayette in Paris who previously held the record with 521 models.

A Few More Sales This Week

Who: Space.NK Semi Annual Sale
What: Prices have been slashed at up to 75% off—including items from Neil George, Phillip B., MD Skincare, Deborah Lippman, Lipstick Queen, Elemental Herbology, and many more.
When: July 28-30, 2011. Thurs 11am-8pm,Fri-Sat 10am-7pm
Where: 99 Greene Street (b/n Prince and Spring St) 212-941-4200.

Who: Rogan and Loomstate Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off Men's and women's denim and casual wear. Men's Puck slim fit jeans $150 (was $298). Women's Klee summer dresses $175 (was $365).
When: July 27-31, 2011. Wed-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Whre: 330 Bowery (nr Bond St) 646-827-7567

Who: Ahkun Pop Up Shop
What: Ahkun, a New York City nonprofit, will host a pop-up sale event featuring carefully curated clothing and accessories from independent designers, sustainable brands and fair trade organizations. Ten percent of sales will be contributed to artisans abroad through the micro-lending website Kiva. Participants include: Study NY by Tara St. James, winner of the 2011 Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award for Sustainable Design; Indego Africa, a social enterprise that partners with women artisans in Rwanda on products for brands like Nicole Miller and Anthropologie; and Made by Survivors, a nonprofit that provides survivors of sex trafficking with employment and education.
When: July 30-31, 2011. Sat-Sun 11am-6pm
Where: Lower Eastside Girls Club space at 56 East 1st Street

A Little Follow Up:Droid Incredible 2

For the couple months, Erin and I have been using HTC's Droid Incredible 2 on Verizon. As you may remember were reviewed and loved the first Droid Incredible. And as I've mentioned in previous tech reviews, I'm no expert when it comes to tech specs, but I can perspective of someone who uses the smartphone a lot for work and leisure. I just want to know if a device is easy to use, reliable and if it'll fit nicely into my clutch when I go out.

The new Incredible 2 is definitely an improvement over the already great Incredible 1, and there are more apps available in the Android Marketplace compared to last summer. Some of the key updates and highlights of the HTC Incredible 2:

It's so fast! Almost everything felt instant, even browsing through photo albums on Facebook. Sometimes things would load quicker than I could hit the back button. A couple of my friends were so impressed they bought the Incredible 2 instead of iPhone 4 when their AT&T contracts were up.

The universal back and search buttons are handy. A few weeks ago, I saw a presentation at Ignite NYC by Whitney Hess, Design Principles: The Philosophy of UX , and in her presentation, she mentions the importance of making actions reversible. I couldn't agree more! While I love the sleekness of a touchscreen phone, it does lead to a lot of accidental taps, so a universal back button is super useful. And true to Google spirit, search is also a key button on the phone.

The GPS navigation is hard to beat. In neighborhoods like West Village in Manhattan or Queens, I rely heavily on Google Maps to show me the way. Since I walk, I don't usually find myself using GPS, but I travelled twice with the Incredible 2 and both times it was a lifesaver. I used it while driving in LA and Cincinnati, and I found that it was better than the Garmin GPS that came with the rentals.

The camera is ah-mazing! We miss the mini-optical joystick that was on the first Incredible because it made it slightly easier to snap pictures and scroll through them. But more importantly, we've been super impressed and pleased with the quality of the photos and how easy it is to upload and share straight from the phone. Many of the photos snapped at sample sales were taken on Erin's Incredible 2, which says a lot. The lighting at sample sales isn't always the best and she has to move fast in order to shop and be on her way.

Here are some of the photos I've snapped on my Incredible 2.



We're both fans of the Incredible 2 and would definitely recommend anyone looking for a new smartphone to consider it! Double rainbow!

Now Wearing...

You may remember this Funktional dress and these Botkier wedges from last summer. I've been wearing both of these pieces a lot this season, together and separately. The dress with all of its cutouts has been great for getting through the summer heat, and these wedges are so comfortable and versatile.

It's no secret that I love Botkier bags, but I've become increasingly obsessed with Botkier shoes. They're so well made and designed; I can walk in them all day, even over cobblestone. That's the true test for a pair of heels!
Zip prairie dress - Funktional
Zipper wedge sandals - Botkier
Bangle - Lee Angel


Photos by our friend James S. Rand

Online Shopping Finds–Graphic Statements

Lately all I hear people talk about is color blocking and graphic prints and since it’s that time of year when everything is going on sale, what better time to pick up some pieces that will take you through the rest of the summer into fall in style.  Here are a few great finds I couldn’t help but notice while browsing the web. Happy shopping! 

Vena Cava Pop Tank Was $235, now $71

Vena Cava Industrial Dress Was $395, now $119

Loeffler Randall x Suno Audra Flat Sandal was $475, now $190

Vince Camuto Sandals was $98, now $39.99

Jonathan Saunders was $375, now $150

Colorblock Midi Dress was $94.81,  now $27.58

DIY: Proenza Schouler Rope Necklace

Ever since I first saw this Proenza Schouler Rope necklace with stones I’ve been eyeing it wistfully.  And although it’s currently on sale for 30% off, $315 was still too steep for my budget.  I decided that instead of just wanting the necklace, it was time to get my craft on.  The longer I stared at the necklace I realized that it was consisted mainly of techniques that I used to create friendship bracelets and hair wraps as a teenager – suddenly the project became much less intimidating.

What you’ll need is 3 different colors of accessory cord, 4 colors of embroidery floss, some waxed cord, a darning needle, thread, 3 stone beads, some pin ends and some needle nose pliers.  If you are in NYC you can pick up some accessory cord, embroidery floss and waxed cord at Daytona Trimming.  I picked up my beads and pin ends at New York Bead, but there are plenty of bead shops around 6th Avenue at 39th St.

Sample Sales This Week: July 25-31, 2011

Who: Proenza Schouler Sample Sale
What: Deep discounts on womenswear including samples and overstock (current and past collections). Prices range from $70-$2,088 (originally $235-$6,960).
When: July 27-28, 2011. 9am-6pm
Where: 495 Broadway - 8th floor (b/n Spring & Broome St)

Who: Christian Siriano, Lyn Devon and Karolina Zmarlak's first ever sample sale
What: Deep discounts on womenswear
When: July 29, 2011. 8am-6pm
Where: 463 Broome St (near Mercer St) - Suite 1B

Who: Kara Ackerman Sample Sale
What: 50%-80% off jewelry. Also RSVP to marybeth@karaackerman.com to be entered into a raffle to win a piece valued over $500.
When: July 26-28, 2011. Tues (5pm-9pm), Wed (11am-8pm), Thurs (10am-5pm)
Where: Dream Downtown Hotel - 355 W 16th St (near 9th Ave)

Who: Misorena $29.99 blowout sale
What: Shop shoes, jeans, tops, pants, skirts, dresses, button down shirts, sweaters, t-shirts, and accessories for men and women. Multiple brands, including Energie, Miss Sixty, Pencey, Louis Feraud, DDC Lab and more. Everything $29.99!!!
When: July 25-31, 2011. Mon-Sun 11am-7pm
Where: 260 5th Avenue(b/n 28th & 29th St). 212-725-5400

Who: Camilla Sample Sale
What: Discounts on kaftans.
When: July 26-27, 2011. 9am-6pm
Where: Panthere Communications - 200 Park Ave South - Suite 1608. Entrance on 17th Street

Who: Chance Pop Up Shop
What: 30%-70% off striped T-shirts, tanks, dresses, totes, espadrilles, and more. The Chance tank dress is $50 (was $95), the classic T-shirt is $28 (was $55), and the pool short is $23 (was $45)
When: July 27-28, 2011. 11am-7pm
Where: 204 Elizabeth Street (near Prince St)

Who: Butter by Nadia Sample Sale
What: Discounts on one size, convertible dresses. CASH ONLY for purchases under $250.
When: July 30-31, 2011. Sat (10am-6pm), Sun (11am-5pm)
Where: House of Butter - 405 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn (near Van Dyke St)

Who: JNBY Spring Sale
What 40-60% off designer ready-to-wear wardrobe for the modern, intelligent and forward thinking woman. Snag Skirts, dresses, blouses, pants, footwear and knits for women in addition to children's wear.
When: Now through July 31, 2011.
Where: 75 Greene St (b/n Broome & Grand St) 212-219-2529

Who: Kisan Concept Store Sample Sale
What: 40-60% off summer collections. Plus purchase 5 or more pieces and get an additional 10% off.
Women's fashion: Tsumori Chisato, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Vanessa Bruno, Hache, Ports 1961, Megan Park, Swildens, Majestic, Demylee, Amtipast, Y-3 and many more. Women's accessories and Shoes: Sonia Rykiel, Jerome Dreyfuss, Jamin Puech, Epice, Girl and the Gorilla, Valeur, Polder, Y-3, Antipast, Pedro Garcia, Valentine Shoes, Swildens, Ports 1961, Y-3, and many more. Kidswear: Bonpoint, Bonbon, Anais & I, Finger in the Nose, Muchacha, Simple Kids, Maan, Zef, Valentine, Wafflish Waffle, Antik Batik, and many more.
When: July 25, 2011. Mon 11am-7pm
Where: 125 Greene St (b/n Houston & Prince St) 212-475-2470

Who: Theory & Helmut Lang Sample Sale
What: Theory for Women & Men & Helmut Lang for Women. Deep discounds on slight irregulars - all sizes,
samples - sample sizes, tee's, knits, shirts, shorts, skirts, pants, dresses, blazers, jackets, outerwear and more
When: July 25-28, 2011. Mon 11am-8pm, Tues-Thurs 11am-7pm
Where: Clothingline, 261 West 36th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 2nd Floor

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Sample Sale Report: Buckler

Today’s extreme heat at 106 degrees had me feel like I was literally cooking on the sidewalk and quickly seeking refuge in any space that was air conditioned. I soon found myself at the Buckler Sample Sale -it was relatively quiet, clothing was organized and yes, sweet a/c was pumping.

I don’t often shop menswear sample sales but this one in particular was a goodie and I thought I’d try to snag a few things for my brother. I ended up picking him up a skinny tie for $5 and a cute sweatshirt for $30.

As for the rest of the merch, underwear is $5, ties and accessories are $5 (including skinny ties), vests are $18, shorts are $25, Tees are $15, shoes are $15, sweaters/sweat shirts $30, Jeans/Pants are $35 or 2 for $60, jackets/blazers $70 and prices topped out at $150 for leather/outerwear pieces.

As for the size breakdown things ranged from size S to XL but the majority of stock available was in a size M. For pants sizes ranged from 28 to 36 but the majority was in the 32-34 range. For shoes I think they were previous runway samples as the soles looked scuffed up but the shoes themselves were not too worn in for most part. Sizes ranged from what I could tell in the realm of size 11-13. When I was looking at blazers/vests I spotted a lot of mediums/size 40.

Some the the light knitwear pieces I wished I could wear myself. I was amused by a collection of tees that featured embroidered insects, although I’m not sure I know the man that would wear them. My fave pieces were the glen check utility blazer and the super classic convertible trench that can zip to become shorter and zip off the sleeves too. Tres charming.

Since this was held in the Buckler store expect real change rooms! If you are a fellow in need of a wardrobe overhaul, make your way over for some ultra affordable menswear.

Sale runs through the weekend although staff is anticipating that it may be extended into next week. Hurry for best selection!

Who: Buckler Sample Sale
What: 80-90% off Menswear from the spring/summer 2011 collection
When: July 22-24, 2011. Fri-Sun 11am-7pm
Where: 13 Gansevoort St (nr Hudson St) 212-255-1596