Sample Sale Season

Can you believe it is already the end of October?  And with Thanksgiving quickly approaching we are also coming to the end of full price selling on fall merchandise.  I still haven't come to terms with the idea of buying fall merchandise during the summer, I can't get past buying wool when it's 100+ degrees outside.  So when sample sales start, you will find me scouring the jam packed racks for the last good finds of the season.  

Luckily I don't have to wait every six months to snag a great designer deal.  In 2007 a new website and idea launched called The Gilt Groupe.  The website provides access, by invitation only, to Men's, Women's, and Children's coveted fashion and luxury brands at prices up to 70% off retail.  Each sale lasts 36 hours and features hand selected styles from a single designer.  The concept is in a way Ebay meets NYC sample sale craze on the Internet superhighway.  When you place something in your cart, you have two minutes to check out.  After two minutes of inactivity, the merchandise is removed from your cart and available to be poached by another eager shopper.  The website has hosted sales for designers like Marc by Marc Jacobs, Philip Lim, Diesel, D&G, Michael Kors, and Chloe.  I will warn you that prices are not always reasonable for a sample sale, but if you can justify the price difference from retail you can often find some great deal.

Beginning October 30th, the website is hosting their last chance to save BIG on Ready to Wear with up to 90% off.  If you're interested in becoming a member, let me know and I'll send you an invite.

What: Dolce & Gabbana

Why: Two Floors' worth of fall and winter items

When: Oct 27-31

Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W 18th Street, 4 & 5 flrs

What: Miss Sixty

Why: Purple Down Jacket $95 (reg. $449), Long Sleeved V-Neck Dress $45 (reg. $179), Black Satin Shoes $95 (reg. $193)

When: Oct 27-Nov 1

Where: 260 Fifth Ave 212.725.5400

What: Kooba

Why: Handbags, vests, and leather jackets at 50-80 perfect off

When: Oct 28-30

Where: 141 W 36th Street; b/t Broadway and Seventh Ave.

What: Vivienne Tam

Why: Save up to 75 percent

When: Nov. 5-7

Where: 260 W. 39th Street; b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves; 3rd flr (212.840.6470)

What: Lela Rose

Why: Her feminine dresses are perfect for Holiday parties

When: Nov. 13 & 14

Where: 224 W 30th Street b/t Seventh and Eighth Ave; 13 flr

The "A" Team

Working in the fashion I have had the opportunity to meet and work with some of the best hair stylist and make up artists in the industry.  In the last two years I have really started to pay attention to trends in beauty and apply them to my daily routine.  I don't ever want to be a slave to beauty so I've tried to take tips and hints from the best and make them appropriate to my life.  Two of my favorites in the beauty industry are Tina Turnbow and Ted Gibson.  I've gotten to work closely with both of them and have found that they have fun with their craft and skill and are always looking to try something new while making it appropriate and relatable for the everyday woman.

  I met Tina in the Fall of 2007, and since I've worked with her at a handful of fashion shows and photo shoots.  She's worked with flawless faces like Anne Hathaway, Mary Louise Parker, Amanda Peet, and Natalie Portman.  Tina got her start at the late age of 24 working under "face painting legends" Kay Montano and Pat McGrath.  Whenever I get the chance to spend time with her, I'm always picking her brain for expert tips and secrets. I'm always trying to get the insider's how-to on obtaining an identical look that I saw a celebrity with the night before and it never comes out the same.  "No two faces are precisely alike and each-- whether belonging to an actor, socialite, model, editor, or bride--possesses a set of unique features that are meant to be illuminated, rather than wiped away."  Tina's always reminding me of this and how appropriate it is.  My skin tone is not the same, my features are not the same, so how can I expect the colors, style, or look to be replicated?  Instead I'm presented with new techniques and ideas that work for ME.  Tina's style combines her Midwest roots with her love of film, fashion, and life experiences in NYC.  Her looks come across as bold, distinct, and luminous.

  

  Ted Gibson... Easily one of my favorite people that I've met since moving to New York.  Not only is he one of the warmest people that you will ever meet, he's also one of the most talented in the business.  His style has influences from his travels growing up in Japan, Hawaii, and Germany.  Ted's appreciation for universal beauty and innovative style has helped his acquire celebrity clients like Anne Hathaway and Angelina Jolie.  Ted stumbled into hair styling, he had a friend that was in the industry that drove a nice car and had a fabulous apartment... and Ted wanted the same for himself.  He nurtured his interest in styling by training at Aveda and later moved up to Creative Director at the salon before opening his own salon in the Flatiron District.  Ted has a knack for getting things just right.  He is always ahead of the rest of the industry and brings creativity to every lock of hair!  Not only has he perfected his skill with styling tools, he's found a niche in beauty products.  His shampoos, conditioners, and lotions has the most incredible scent.  I've been testing blow dryers and flat irons for almost as long as I can remember, but nothing has worked quite as well as Ted's products.  The blow dryer infuses my hair with the most incredible aromas and doesn't leave the ends dry or brittle.  And the flat iron is a dream; hot enough to do it's job without drying or breaking the ends.  Ted's style is creative, it has intricate details and techniques that are never overdone and can always be translated for everyday wear.

   

Never A Bride

OK, let me start by saying, I'm NOT the girl who's had her wedding planned since she was nine.  I don't have a bridezilla binder, I don't cut pictures out of magazines, I don't have my bridesmaids picked out... All of that seems really overwhelming and unnecessary to me.  I watched my sister plan a wedding from start to finish in about 5 hours and realized she was completely stress free.  However, after spending three straight days from 9-6 selling wedding dresses I did find a little part of me that appreciates all a wedding has to offer a girl.

I was doing some research about wedding locations (to name our wedding dresses at work) and stumbled upon this picture.  This wedding took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, Tx.  I love the clear tents.  My first thought was, "I wonder how much it costs to rent this? I really want to have them for my birthday party next year!"  I love that you can see the sun setting and the sky painted in shades of blues, pinks, and lavenders.  

 

I saw this dress at the Amsale runway show and about died!  I think it is so stinking adorable!!!! The bow detail is so feminine, not typically my style but the hem length makes up for it and balances things out. I'm not a fan of veils, but I think in this instance, it adds drama and is the right antidote for the dress.  This could be a perilous decision for the aisle, but totally felicitous, fun, and festive for the reception.  

 

This is a picture of my friend Natalia and Lela Rose's dog Stitch (he'll do anything to get in front of the camera) at the Warwick Hotel during bridal market this weekend.  This dress, The Meadow, is a breath of fresh air amongst racks full of ball gowns and layers of crinoline.  The shape is perfect for any body type, it flatters your petite girls as well as your plus size.  The 3D floral lace is embroidered on the cotton/silk faille in a way that contours the body.  The designer has made the back of the dress just as important as the front.  The sweep has just the right amount of glamour and drama to still give the "bridal look" without being predictable or expected.  

A Ring For Everyday!

In October of '06 I went with 9 of my college girlfriends to Chicago to visit friends that had recently moved to the city.  Most of our time was spent walking around shopping and when I walked into a boutique in Lincoln Park I fell in love with this Alexis Bittar Onyx Carved Skull Ring.  

I stood in front of the display drooling over this ring.  For the rest of the week I would drag my friends to the boutique so that I could try on the ring and fantasize about one day owning it.  I didn't stop talking about the ring forever.  I brought the memories and images of the ring back home with me and reminisced about it frequently.  I was flipping through some old magazine over the weekend and stumbled upon it.  Immediately all the old feelings of love and lust came flooding back.  I would still kill for this ring.  It would have been the perfect accessory for the party that I attended this weekend (Trueblood: Vampires and Goth).  I love that it is edgy in a very feminine way.  The ring is also offered in pearl, but I love that the details are really evident and apparent in the onyx.

  

I can't exactly put my finger on what it is about this that I like so much, but I can picture it on my hand!  I really like the combination of textures and accent colors.  The cranberry stones with the faceted cut.  I just picture wearing this with something uber fancy, chic, and classic.  Such a good cocktail ring!

I think this ring looks like mercury bubbles or a moonstone rock.  Two very different ideas, but appealing none the less.  I just like the juxtaposition of this ring.  It wasn't over designed and I would wear this daily with everything!

I saw this ring and went into a deep depression when I realized my finances could not support a decision to purchase at the moment.  I'm freaking out over this. It's "J'dorable!"  I keep holding my left index finger up to the screen and squinting my eyes so I can see how it will look on.  I think the Bee detail is just obnoxious it's so cute (uhh that's a good thing)!  I'm almost mad at myself for even going to the Alexis Bittar boutique to look at what's new.  I'm trying to make a deal with myself... No new clothes, limit spending on food and drinks, pay more than the minimum on my credit card bill,and I can have it as a Christmas gift to myself!  I know I will try to bend the rules and duck out of the deal, but I must have this!  I think the Bee ring serves the same purpose as the skull ring, but can you blame me for finding a new interest?  Especially when it looks as good as it does!?!?!

Alexis Bittar... Will you marry me!?!?!

All In A Day's Work

The end of work yesterday was me running around the office frantically pulling every gown sample and then sprinting to Macy's to buy various bra like contraptions.  Our office got a call at 3:45 from Mariska Hargitay's assistant saying that she was attending the 2008 Princess Grace Awards Gala and had nothing to wear.  I met a co-worker on the corner 34th and 7th with 2 garment bags in tote and a shopping bag full of every bra/non bra option imaginable.  As I closed the cab door I realized I had about 3 yards of black grosgrain ribbon in my purse which I frantically threw into the window as a last minute, "Hail Mary" option if things came down to it.  Was there any doubt that she would look INCREDIBLE... And what do you know, the ribbon came in handy!!!!!!! 

The Girls Are Back In Town

From the start of Bravo's Season 5 of Project Runway I was highly annoyed and unimpressed with the designs and designers that made the top 12.  I thought that personalities and designs were contrived, unoriginal, and under par.  Despite my lack luster enthusiasm for the fifth season, I found myself tuning in every week to see what was making it's way down the runway and who was getting "Auf'd."  

Korto:

I was shocked to love Korto's collection as much as I did.  Throughout the season I thought that she produced decent pieces, but nothing that I really felt blown away by.  When her first look turned the corner, my mouth dropped and my eyes jumped out of my head. The long teal dress blew my mind.  The fit was PERFECT.  The model looked like she had the dress painted on her body, it was so sleek and seamless.  The Kelly green mini dress was adorable!  I wish I could have had that dress this summer to glam around in at rooftop parties and to wear to a destination beach wedding. When the short tonal dress with full sleeves showed up on the runway I was grinning from ear to ear. The almost blank canvas opens up unlimited opportunities to accessorize to the fullest.  Immediately my mind started thumbing through my accessory closet for hats, feathers, necklace, belts... AHHHH I think I was over stimulated at the endless possibilities.  This collection won me over!

!KUDOS KORTO KUDOS!

  

Leanne: 

Congrats! The winner of Project Runway Season 5 and I can see why.  Her craftsmanship is intricate, innovative, and in an "American couture" way.  She's taken a simple detail and infiltrated it into every look she sent down the runway.  While I commend the fruits of her labor, I was a little bored by the collection.  I felt like her collection was one note, a beautiful note, but monotone in tune.  I appreciated that she didn't just send down a collection of dresses.  She showed her range and versatility by offering pants, jackets, shorts...a variety of separates.  I think I would have been wowed if an assortment of colors would have been presented. Leanne made a small wave into the industry and we welcome Leanne into our fashion family.

  

Kenley:

The feisty vintage inspired siren made quite an impression on the judges and mentor Tim Gunn this season.  I wasn't a fan of her defensive attitude, but her aesthetic was one that I could appreciate.  I love the girly touches.  Boisterous feathered hair accessories and patterns were the highlight of the collection.  I'm going to have to agree with the judges on this one, a couple of the looks are eerily similar to looks from Balenciaga's past collections. I can't completely throw the collection overboard.  I loved the wedding dress, yes the knock off wedding dress that also reminds me of Season 4 winner, Christian Siriano's, debut collection.  The black dress with a full tulle skirt and fuchsia color bodice I adore.  I want that dress with a cropped slim cut leather jacket and peep toe booties for my very own Pretty In Pink moment.  

  

I say that I won't watch the new Project Runway when it airs next season in L.A. and on a new network, but only time will tell.  So until then...

Auf Wiedersehen!

Zoe Kravitz

You will quickly realize that I draw a lot of inspiration  from the rocker, edgier, a little punk inspired looks.  I fantasize about slim cut leather jackets and have started a cult like following for rocker chic, both new and old... Iekeliene Stange, Loren Scott, Kat Von D, Agyness Deyn, Debbie Harry, and Steven Tyler.

For the last year or so I have been drawn to Zoe Kravitz.  Born to style and coolness royalty, Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, Zoe has started to find her own identity and role in fashion.  She embodies her father's hard edge, his love for leather, fitted silhouettes, and statement pieces.  Her organic style is cultivated with splashes of color, prints, patterns, and simplicity she inherited from her mother.  It's this combination that formulates the perfect character. Her style is focused and edited in a way that doesn't warrant a lot of accessories, instead she finds ways to finish an outfit with intricate patterns, textures, and colors.  

I don't think a lot of people understand Zoe's eccentric style.  It may be a little homeless, a little temperamental, but it's all together fabulous for me!

  

  

 

  

 

Swokoski Style: Music Never Looked So Good

After a weekend spent out and about, I realized that some of the most stylish people I come into contact with and those that inspire me our my friends. I'm always looking at In Style and Lucky's look of the day, so in an attempt to replicate that I'm spotlighting one of my stylish friends this month!

Meet Nathaniel Swokoski

Age: 22

Resides In: Brooklyn, NY

Occupation: Musician

Favorite Starbucks Drink: I really love the iced grande carmel macchiato. It's so tasty! It has a few pumps of vanilla sweets, ice, 2% milk, two shots of espresso love, and then caramel on top. The way it looks is rad too when the shots fall through the ice and milk!

Favorite Article of Clothing: My favorite piece of clothing will change from season to season. For a while my favorite piece of clothing were my midici boots. black Italian leather boots...so b.a. but now I think it maybe be my plumb/maroon corduroy pants.  They fit real snug.

Favorite Store: Though I don't have anything from there my favorite store right now is Ben Shermy.

My favorite Season: Fall, I love layers and it's the best season for a male to be fashionable.

I'm inspired by: Jesus of Nazareth, Ayn Rand, Wayne Swokowski, John Lenhart, Sugar and Bones, Stephanie Meyer, The Quest, Radiohead, Stevie Wonder, all of my Swokowski brothers, and my dear friends in NYC.

I met Nathaniel in July and was thoroughly impressed with his sense of style. Everything is always so laid back, almost in a haphazard way, and it always works. His style finds its roots in musical inspiration like punk, emo, rockabilly, and jazz. It's never "matchy matchy," (Those in the fashion industry know intentional matching is frowned upon!). He doesn't dress by numbers and every ensemble is always perfectly tailored. Nathaniel dresses for his body type, he always seems to highlight and accentuate the best parts of his physique. Nothing is ever over sized...in fact far from it!

His accessories are always spot on. A fedora, tie, scarf, glasses, shoes, even his tattoos adhere to and enhance his style. One of my favorites is his pair of black mid height- leather boots. They have a cropped feel that allows pants to be tucked in or worn out. He wears and styles a cardigan just as casual as a jacket. And can anyone else pull off stove pipe jeans as well as he does?! His slim cut pants come in an array of colors and fabrics and always merchandise so well with a V-neck Tee or button down oxford. Nathaniel mixes textures and prints better than anyone I know. His closet has no limitations and his combinations are endless.

I love that Nathaniel is in tune with fashion and conscious of his personal style.  It's definitely not in a vain way, he has fun with clothes and never over analyzes his look.  He has found a way to incorporate all different aspects of his life and personality into one look.  Whenever I see him he encompasses his passion for music, his appreciation to details, intelligence, sense of humor.  His stylish flare reflects times spent not only living in Wisconsin and Kansas City, but also tales from touring with his former band mates.  He's found a way to strike a chord that harmonizes all of these influences into one perfectly executed stylish statement.  I love that he does HIS style.  It's as though he doesn't know how to do anything other than be exactly who he is!

  

Photo by Eric Anderson

SCADucation: Breeding Young Talent

I've been trying to do some of my own market research and find new designers, labels, and retailers. I continually go back to my reliable favorites but, something new is always refreshing.  I'm challenging myself to take more risks and take advantage of my close proximity and accessibility to new talent... And it can't hurt to add a fresh piece here or there to rejuvenate an old and currently boring wardrobe.

  

I didn't have to go far to find this incredibly talented designer and illustrator.  Rebekah was a design intern June-September '07 at the company I work for.  Immediately after meeting her, we vibed.  I was drawn to her quirky style, balanced sense of humor, and laid back care free manner.  She radiates coolness and oozes creativity.  Rebekah recently graduated from SCAD in Savannah, GA with a degree in fashion design and is currently working in Philly at Anthropologie.  

For her senior show, Rebekah showed up with the most inspiring and innovative collection!  When pictures began to circulate around the office everyone was "oohing" and "awwing" at the color palette, the stove pipe pants, zipper details, and those HATS!  I don't think I've stopped fantasizing about those hand knitted gems.  It was a last minute edit to the collection and how genius it was. (I'm still trying to get my hands on one of those... Or be the first to commission a job for the young designer).  The collection has had a strong influence on my personal style, and the colors have infiltrated into the decor of my apartment.

 

Rebekah's style is impeccable.  I can see her dressing the likes of Katy Perry, Kelly Osborn, Zoe Kravitz, or one of the Deschanel sisters.  Every part of the collection was exquisitely executed, from the sketches, runway images, and photo shoots for her portfolio.  SCAD has an incredible program and will continue to be a competitive design school producing top notch alums in the same vain as Rebekah.  It has been months since the collection went down the catwalk, and we are still talking about it at work!!!

  

Photos by Rebekah Wages and Anna Driver-Bishop

 

Photo by RebekahWages

  

Photos by Anna Driver-Bishop