Neiman Marcus Fall ’08 Trend Event

Friday, August 01, 2008

If you happen to be in the market for pre-fall frocks, you might wanna make a pit stop to your local Neiman Marcus. This upscale retailer is hosting a can’t-miss trend event across all of their stores in mid-August and will be luring customers like myself by giving away luxe swag!

What’s in store for Fall ‘08? Expect pops of berry-colored clothing and accessories, silky satin, sky high vamp shoes, lacey lingerie, sleek ‘n structured shapes, romantic blouses and statement jewelry that’s ideal for ultra confident women. For him: the focus will be on shades of gray, peak lapels, peacoats, cardigans, vests and exotics.

Plus, with any $250 Neiman Marcus purchase made between Friday, August 15th through Saturday, August 23rd, you’ll automatically receive this slick berry-hued waterproof PDA cover.

Visit neimanmarcus.com for a store near you. Happy shopping!

Farefell to Fashionista!

News & Views · Trends · Wednesday, June 25, 2008

While the economists might not say it specifically, it’s clear, from where I sit, that we’re currently in the midst of a recession. Gas prices have gone through the roof, the cost of wheat is on the rise, job cuts abound and pricey designer goods such as shoes and handbags aren’t selling as swiftly as they should.

What this means for you? Ladies… it’s finally time to banish the buzzword “fashionista” from your style lexicon (phew!). A term that’s been totally abused for the past several years (at least in my humble opinion), “fashionista,” thanks to today’s tight economic times, is simply no longer cool.

I know, you’re probably thinking: “How on earth could a catchphrase like fashionista possibly be sent to the crypt?” Don’t fret… there is a new universal term that’s far more in-tune with the times: recessionista - slang for serial shoppers, including yours truly, who are now scaling back on big ticket designer clothing and accessory items due to the shaky economy.

So rather than shop at Barney’s for pricey Loefler Randall pumps and the latest status “It” bags, recessionistas are suddenly scouring the mall (gasp!) for cheap, yet just as chic, thrifty finds sold at fast-fashion mega chains like Mango, H&M, Target and soon, Topshop (I can’t wait for the Manhattan flagship to open this fall!). Plus, with so many limited-edition discount designer collaborations (a.k.a. diffusion lines) including Pierre Hardy for Gap, Abaeté for Payless and Rogan for Target, why wouldn’t you shop discount? Even consignment shops like New York’s Ina and ChristabellesCloset.com have suddenly become flooded with, you guessed it: recessionistas!

Even I’ve turned into quite the frugal fashionista… oops! I meant recessionista, of course. What about you? Have you been scaling back on big ticket designer items due to the recession? Don’t be shy… share your thoughts on the subject with the FashionJunkie community!

EditorsCloset.com: Exclusive “Red Carpet” Discount!

Sample Sales · Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Can’t cope with the chaos of brick-and-mortar sample sales? Do yourself a favor and check out EditorsCloset.com – a by-invitation-only sample sale site that offers members FREE access to jaw-dropping designer clothing brands at up 75% off retail, sans the catfights.

Since I’m all about sharing the love, I’ve arranged a FREE membership to EditorsCloset.com exclusively for FashionJunkie members! Once you’ve signed-up, you’ll receive an e-vite to weekly sample sales (from Betsey Johnson to Diesel), even the coveted “red carpet” ones - special bi-monthly sample sales featuring barely-worn designer couture items.

In fact, the very first red carpet sale kicked off today and features haute couture dresses by elite Italian fashion house, Moschino. Plus, when you register, you’ll automatically get $40 off any item of your choice. Expect gorgeous fabrics, earthy colors and stellar detail, making Moschino a must-have in every closet. Just don’t ponder those purchases for too long! The red carpet sample sale only runs ‘til midnight. Happy shopping!

FYI: make sure to use the promo code ”FJMoschino” at checkout to receive your $40 discount!

FashionJunkie.com: As Seen In… US Weekly?

News & Views · Steep vs. Cheap · Trends · Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Has anyone picked up a copy of this week’s US Weekly (the June 23rd issue)? In case you haven’t, it just so happens there’s a draped yellow Sex and The City-inspired dress featured on page 69 that’s attributed to, of all sites, FashionJunkee.com. Note the spelling of “Junkee.”

Ever since the issue went to press, I’ve been inundated with frantic email requests asking me where to purchase the dress on my site (hysterical, I know). For those of you who are visiting FashionJunkie.com for the first time and are wondering why you can’t find this particular dress, I’m sorry to tell you FashionJunkie.com is strictly an online style source for “serial shoppers” and NYC-based personal shopping service – not an e-tailer (at least not yet). If you’d like to purchase the yellow dress, please visit FashionJunkee.com (with the EE) assuming there are any left (apparently they’re on backorder due to the press). So, as you can see, this US Weekly snafu is simply a case of mistaken identity.

And now, more about this in-demand dress! The “Crossover Fauxe Wrap Vintage-Inspired Jersey Dress,” is featured in an US Weekly “Looks For Less” clothing spread with the leading ladies of the film, Sex and The City. In the spread, Samantha is wearing a “Bombshell” Versace dress that’s priced at a steep $1,700. The cheap, yet, just as chic version, is the Fashion Junkee draped dress. Made from a blend of rayon and spandex, this dress has a sexy crossover design that gathers over the bust for a va-va-voom voluptuous look. It also ties at the back of the waist, creating the illusion of a fitted, hourglass shape. While not as slick as the Versace version, with a price of only $36, what’s not to like?

Which version do you prefer… the cheap or steep version? Don’t be shy… share your thoughts with the FashionJunkie community!

Hot or Not… Hosiery at the Office?

News & Views · Trends · Friday, June 13, 2008

With my move to Brooklyn just three weeks away, I finally started the hellish task of cleaning out my crammed closet. Thanks to three years of accumulation (lets face it, purging is a bitch), I completely lost track of what I own, including a clear plastic bin filled with (gasp!)… nude Silks panty-hose!

I don’t know about you, but I can’t remember the last time I was caught sporting a pair of nude panty hose in public, let alone the office (possibly the early ‘90’s). In my humble opinion, wearing nude hose – especially during summer months, is one of the worst fashion crimes you can commit. On occasion, I will don black opaque tights during chillier winter months, but nude panty hose in this day and age…. fuh-ged-a-boudit! 

Coincidentally, The Wall Street Journal published an article about this very same clothing conundrum the other week. In case you missed it, the premise of the article is that women everywhere are peeling off their panty hose year round – even at the office. Lets face it: panty hose are uncomfortable to wear, especially during sweltering summer temps. Not to mention, they’re flat out frumpy!

Apparently, many Gen Y and Gen X-ers have never even purchased panty hose, and baby boomers who grew up having to wear hosiery at work are now opting to go bare. Not surprisingly, this sudden nationwide shift to bare legs at the office has caused a stir. Conservative business managers who work at old-school offices feel that panty hose are more polished, making them mandatory for women who work in the corporate world… even under pants!

What’s your take on the workplace panty hose policy? Wear or go bare? Don’t be shy… share your thoughts with the FashionJunkie community!

In case you’re wondering, I’m about to toss my entire bin of Silks panty hose. Any takers? Yeah, right…