Maison Kitsuné Anniversary Party

I stopped by the Maison Kitsuné anniversary party last week celebrating the store's one year mark in New York City. The 1000 square foot store is located at the NoMad Hotel on Broadway and 28th Street and has brought it's signature chic and preppy heritage of the French and American cultures that inspire the brand. The store itself was envisioned as an engaging experience in fashion, music, design and lifestyle. It is modelled after a Parisian apartment and has a inviting, clean feel.

As for the party itself, it coincided with the brands release of the Kitsuné AMERICA 2 compilation. Party goers were treated to some of the tunes from the CD that you can listen to below:

Denim Habit NYC Opening

Denim Habit the beloved Philadelphia based boutique is spreading it’s wings a little further and making it’s way to New York City’s Meatpacking District. Last night the store held it’s grand opening party with a celeb studded guest list including Emma Roberts, Kelly Rutherford & Kaylee DeFer (Gossip Girl), Constantine Maroulis, Richie
Rich and more. Since I was a bit late arriving on the scene I think I missed out on the major red carpet action but that didn’t stop me from enjoying myself.
While listening to DJ Structure spin some upbeat takes on pop songs, the crowd was sipping Pom Cocktails or Milkshakes and snacking on cupcakes while perusing the merchandise.

The store specializes in high-end denim and include prestigious brands like AG, DL1961, Henry & Belle, Hudson, J.Brand, Seven for All Mankind, DL 1961, Hudson, Citizens of Humanity, Paige Premium Denim, True Religion, Joe's, Theory, For Joseph, Splendid, SoLow, Hardtail, and Ella Moss.  The store also offers high-end fashion from the likes of Halston Heritage, Dylan Alexa, Patterson J. Kincaid, Joie and Feel the Pieces in the mix.  With it’s wide selection of denim and well educated staff Denim Habit offers women a very specialized and customer oriented shopping experience.
The space itself is long and narrow and features row upon row of perfectly organized denim in a rainbow of colors and finishes. The décor is minimal and the store has a clean open feel that focuses on making product easy to see.  Nothing is overcrowded and the lighting is bright and cheerful so that the differences in washes and tones are obvious.  If you are a fan of shops like Scoop and Intermix I am sure that Denim Habit will have a place in your rotation.

Denim Habit 346 W 14th St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave) Sun-wed 11am-8pm, thurs 11am-9pm, fri-sat 11am-10pm. 646-430-8600

In Store: Go Collective - Atlantic Center, Brooklyn

Since I didn’t have a chance to run by Target on Sunday I stopped by last night to examine the scene.  Some dresses were clearly gone instantaneously while others still hung on racks pretty plentifully.  I didn’t spot a single Rodarte Dress or Thakoon Dress.  Tracey Feith’s White Zip Front was wittled down to only 2 dresses as was Zac Posen’s polka dot number.  Only spotted one style of the Tucker by Gabby Basora Dress (Signature Floral Dress), but they were moving quickly.

Other dresses were fortunately plentiful.  The Libertine Crepe LBD with the embroidered neck, the Richard Chai Tuxedo Dress, the Luella Plaid Bubble Dress, the Proenza Bra Cup Dress, Rogan’s leopard silk t-shirt dress, both Jovovich-Hawk dresses, the Tara Jarmon color block, the Paul & Joe jersey number, Erin Fetherson’s Ruffle and Rabbit Print dresses and plenty more.

After scouring the racks, that are still pretty organized (for Brooklyn Target) I found what I was looking for in dresses I never had the chance to snag previously due to the style immediately selling out, or my lack of access to at Target.

The Tara Jarmon Color Block was the typical Go Collection fit (not much bust room) in a thin cotton lawn material.  The color combo is still cute 5 years later, but I guess since it was reminiscent of the Proenza Bra Cup Dress, which I already owned I passed.

The Zac Posen Polka Dot Dress felt a little bit elongated through the bodice so I wasn’t sure if it was fitting me correctly.  It was cute but I felt a little awkward in it.

The Behnaz Lace Dress if you remove the flower it’s actually quite darling and the dress looks a lot more expensive than it is.  The horizontal lace strips can make you look a bit wider but it’s a straighter fit through the body for an easier fit on various body types.

The Plaid Luella Dress - 5 years later and I still want it.  On the down side there is no zipper and the back bubbles a bit, but it’s super cute so it comes home with me.

The Zac Posen Ruffle Dress –The Sleeves, The Neck, The Godets make this signature Zac Posen for a fraction of the price.  I’m not sure how it will look when it’s less wrinkly, but this one came home with me too.

Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2010 at Henri Bendel

I got the chance to stop by Henri Bendel last week where Rebecca Minkoff was there in person for the launch of her Spring 2010 handbags to mini cupcakes and complimentary champagne.

Some old favorites in new fabrications and colors for Spring. Salmon, cocoa, cream, camel and python were definitely important.

Pops of brights like fuscia, yellow and blue were my personal faves. Check out the beloved Morning After Bag (MAB) in perforated leather.

This tie-dye effect on the leather is quite amazing. It's actually hand dyed by artisans in Ethiopia. The leather is vibrant but still buttery soft and supple. The black tie dye MAB Mini is my next handbag want item! I'm so weak when it comes to tie dye.

Here are a couple of Rebecca Minkoff's amazing new shapes for Spring 2010. The first is actually from the designer's desire for a elongated hobo shape but the detailing is inspired by Motorcycle Jackets. Peep the pyramid studs and rivets on the Easy Rider. The second bag called the Heartbeat and is based on a Fortune cookie for the shape! Inspiration comes from the most unexpected places! The crossbody style with the chain straps is as adorable as it is unique.

The Heartthrob clutch got a brand new chain hardware for the Spring season.

Ms Minkoff was super friendly and putting fellow shoppers at ease with her relaxed manner. In the above picture she was actually drawing a winning ticket for a giveaway that night! Too bad I didn't win, I could use some more Minkoff in my life.