Filed under: Shop Talk

Haute Retail Happenings… In Harlem?!

imageAs a New York-based shopping editor, I’ve seen many cool retail concepts in my time. But the one I’m about to tell you about totally blew my mind. Frugal fashionistas, better get your flats and MetroCards ready!

Rather than head to the Lower East Side for my usual Saturday shopping sojourn, tomorrow I’ll be trekking north, thanks to the launch of Harlem’s Uptown Emerging Designers Market (UEDM). A hot new retail destination for cutting-edge wardrobe essentials, the UEDM is a bi-monthly market that will feature 50 of the country’s top emerging designers’ wares, including apparel, handbags, jewelry and décor.

Held at Harlem’s Hip Hop Culture Center, a massive gallery space, the UEDM will be previewing a plethora of mouth-watering merch at prices that won’t break the bank. Some designs I can’t wait to check out: Jamhuri Wear (funky African-inspired street wear), Mifflin Jewelry (a luxe bauble line with beautiful vintage details), Harriet’s Alter Ego (one-of-a-kind frocks for forward-thinking peeps), Denise Beckford (stylish safari blouses) and so many others.

If that wasn’t enticing enough, this high-energy buying extravaganza will also feature live DJ beats, complementary cocktails, swag bags and a Hip Hop History Exhibit, all of which will be held under one roof! Judging from the buzz surrounding the UEDM’s debut, you’d better show up at least 30 minutes before doors are scheduled to open. See you there!

  • The Retail Details!

  • What: Uptown Emerging Designers Market Launch!
  • When: Saturday, May 17th & Sunday, May 18th
  • Time: 11am-7pm
  • Where: Hip Hop Culture Center, Magic Johnson Theatre, 2nd Floor, 2309 Frederick Douglas Blvd., NYC
  • Website: uptownedm.com
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Sample Sale Lowdown

Given the depressed economy, I thought it only fitting that I share the wealth on the latest on-land and on-line clothing and accessory sales. In these belt-tightening times, even yours truly has put the breaks on spending frivolously (ok, I’ve cut my designer shoe allowance down from 10 pairs to 5). But I digress. Read on for ways to work your spring wardrobe… even on a shoestring budget.

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  • Who: Kooba
  • What: Deeply discounted handbags, clutches and clothing! Plus, overstock from Calypso Christiane Celle and Free People, all at insanely reduced prices.
  • When: Thursday, April 10th from 10-7pm and Friday, April 11th from 10-6pm
  • Where: 261 West 36 Street, 2nd Fl. (btw 7 -8 Aves.)
  • Phone: 212.947.8748
  • Website: kooba.com

 

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  • Who: Dolce Vita Showroom Sample Sale
  • What: Sample and overstock shoes, clothing and accessories (stunning clutch wallets) will be slashed up to 80% off the retail price (nothing will top $80!)!
  • When: Thursday, April 24th & Friday April 25th 1-7pm, Saturday April 26th 12-4pm
  • Where: 126 Ludlow Street, 4th Floor (btw Stanton & Rivington)
  • Phone: 212-529-2373
  • Website:shopdolcevita.com

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  • Who: winknyc.com
  • What: Up to 15% off all spring shoes (flirty metallic flats) and handbags (cutting-edge Anna Corinna totes). Make sure to use the promo code “SHHD8” at checkout. Don’t overlook the special sale section on the site.
  • When: Now through Tuesday, April 15th
  • Where: Online exclusive
  • Phone: 212 941-7078
  • Website:winknyc.com

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  • Who: MNG by Mango
  • What: Blowout online and offline sale! Save up to 50% off on haute trench coats, flirty halter tops, cropped pants, printed dresses and much more.
  • When: Now through April 15th
  • Where: Visit mngshop.com for brick-and-mortar locations near you
  • Phone: 866.666.4664
  • Website:mngshop.com

 

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  • Who: Billion Dollar Babes
  • What: Over 40 jaw-dropping designer clothing and accessory items sold under one roof at up to 80% off retail. Stock up on Dolce & Gabbana, Rebecca Taylor, Tibi and tons more!
  • When: VIP sale Friday, April 25th from 12-9, general admission Saturday, April 26th from 9-5pm
  • Where: The Altman Building, 135 West 18th Street (@ 6th Avenue)
  • Website:billiondollarbabes.com
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Filed: Shop Talk

M.A.C. Attack Part Deux

imageI was recently invited to preview the swanky new M.A.C. Pro Flatiron space in New York along with a sneak peek of Heatherette’s limited-edition make-up line, which hit stores March 27th. Having never met Richie Rich and Traver Rains, the down-to-earth design duo behind the wild ‘n wacky clothing label, I was very excited to see what all the hype was about.

But before I get into the make-up (you can read more about that here), I’d like to tell you a bit about the M.A.C. Pro store – one of the most innovative beauty concepts I’ve ever come across. In a nutshell, the stunning 6,000 square-foot space was built as a hands-on resource for professional makeup artists. Picture an open and airy design laboratory so that artists can literally create and build their own makeup kit. The hidden bonus: it’s also open to regular M.A.C. fans alike (who knew?).

The second I set foot inside the M.A.C. Pro store, I felt like a kid in a candy store. Aside from the insane variety of make-up (the Pro store carries lines you won’t find at traditional M.A.C. retail locations), I was awe-stricken by the ultra-bright color wall display (pictured above), which features hundreds of mason jars filled with vivid paints and pigments – designed to mimic M.A.C’s commitment to color cosmetics.

The ultra modern, yet raw space is furnished with state-of-the-art mixing tables (where pros can create customized make-up), a spacious research library with cozy lounge chairs and iMac’s, a photo studio and of course, M.A.C. pro products – a luxe line of over 250, performance-tested products developed exclusively for professional make-up artists. Think top-of-the-line formulations, colours and finishes created specifically for fashion shows, photography shoots and TV/film sets.

As you can see, my very first visit to the new M.A.C. Pro store was a mind-blowing experience. Click here to learn all about the limited-edition Heatherette for M.A.C. make-up collaboration. Happy shopping!

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Store Adore

imageCraving an online community where you can talk “shop” 24/7? Look no further than StoreAdore.com – a new web portal designed for shopaholics, including yours truly.

Conceived by Meredith Barnett, a former fashion editor, and Cristina Miller, a management consultant, as a resource to assist avid shoppers and tourists throughout North America, Store Adore profiles new stores as well as long-time favorites in a fun and easy-to-navigate, interactive environment.

Surf the site for exclusive deals from the hottest boutiques in New York, Boston, Los Angeles and Washington, as well as the hippest e-stores. Plus, the site’s free membership feature lets you create Shopper Profiles where you can post pictures of items you’ve bought (or want), email messages to other like-minded shoppers, and receive special notices about your favorite stores. I adore the Notepad blog, which features shopping news, obsessions, expert advice and the latest trends from all your favorite boutiques. In fact, today’s post happens to be about Fashion Junkie! 

Visit Store Adore right now for 20% off designer labels at ravinstyle.com, (an addictive e-boutique), activeendeavors.com (J Brand jeans to Rag & Bone blouses), maliamills.com (sexy swimwear), otteny.com (luxe contemporary labels like 3.1. Phillip Lim) and so many others. But don’t take my word for it. Check out storeadore.com to see for yourself!

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Steals & Deals!

With big name designer brands cleaning house to make room for stunning Spring/Summer ‘08 shipments, now’s your final chance to score some serious end-of-season bargains. While the thought of cramming into a communal changing room with dozens of sweaty (and naked!) serial shoppers may not sound appealing, these sizzling sample sales are worth taking off your skivvies for. Happy shopping!

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  • Who: Denim & Knits Charity Designer Sample Sale
  • What: trendy denim (J Brand to Joe’s), tops (Ella Moss) and dozens of other designer frocks at up to 75% off!
  • When: Thursday, March 6th
  • Time: 4pm-8pm
  • Where: 2 Cortland Street, 2nd Floor (@ Broadway next to Century 21)
  • Contact: 212-571-2600

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  • Who: Nau Eco-Friendly Frocks
  • What: visit this new shop for technical outdoor and urban lifestyle products made from organic materials at up to 75% off! Think organic cotton T’s, wool, cashmere & angora sweaters, jackets, hats, scarves, pants, dresses and other sustainable stock. Plus, 5 percent of every purchase will go to Kiva, the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending website.
  • When: Thursday, March 6th – Sunday, March 9th
  • Time: Thursday 11pm-7pm; Friday & Saturday, 12pm-8pm; Sunday 12pm-6pm
  • Where: 201 Mulberry Street (btw Spring-Kenmare)
  • Contact: 877-454-5628

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  • Who: Rachel Roy Sample Sale
  • What: an assortment of flirty ‘n feminine blouses (slashed from $695 to $200!), trousers (were $525, now $150!), beaded dresses (originally $1,645, now $500!), shorts and jackets can be yours thanks to discounts of up to 70% off of the retail price!
  • When: Wednesday, March 5th – Friday, March 7th
  • Time: 12pm – 7pm
  • Where: 148 West 37th Street, 2nd Floor (btw 7th Ave. & Broadway)
  • Contact: 212.629.7170

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  • Who: Shecky’s Girls Night Out
  • What: shop hundreds of emerging clothing and accessory brands at up to 75 % off the retail price! Plus, the hottest in makeup, hair and body services, an open bar and a swag bag filled with beauty booty.
  • When: Thurs., March 6th – Fri., March 7th
  • Time: 5pm-10pm
  • Where: The Puck Building, 293 Lafayette Street (@Houston St.)
  • Cost: $20 for general admission at the door
  • Contact: 212.242.2566 or visit sheckys.com for more information

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  • Who: Wink Warehouse Sale
  • What: save up to 80% off cutting-edge clothing and accessories from Seychelles (killer kicks), Alice and Olivia (beaded frocks) and dozens of other designers.
  • When: Thursday, March 6th -Saturday, March 8th
  • Time: 11am-7pm
  • Where: 188 Columbus Avenue (btw 68th & 69th St.)
  • Contact: 212.877.7727

Special Announcement: Fashion Junkie is taking a spring “shopping” break and will be back on Tuesday, March 25th.

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Filed: Shop Talk