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from May 2008.
Shady Disposition: Essentials for the Beach and Beyond
News & Views · May 30, 2008
It’s almost summer in the city and I’m proud to say that I’m pasty white for the first time ever. Sure I’d look better with a subtle J. Lo glow (dark under-eye circles and spider veins always disappear with a tan), but after years of basking on the beach with a reflector and baby oil (I kid you not), tanorexia has gradually taken its toll. Premature chest wrinkles, crow’s feet and displastic moles sliced off my back keep me in a constant state of panic. At the ripe old age of 36, my dermatologist’s number is already programmed on speed dial… not exactly normal. While you can’t turn back the clock, it’s never too late to shield yourself from the damaging effects of the sun. Do yourself a favor and consider stocking-up on these derm-approved skin saviors.
It may have been cool to look like the Coppertone girl when we were eighteen, but now we know better than to bask in the sun George Hamilton-style. Be sun smart by slathering yourself with a super-charged sunblock like Anthelios. It’s packed with Mexoryl SX – the first organic filter to offer high-level protection against short UVA rays… the number one cause of aging. Anthelios SX Sunscreen • anthelios.com • $29 • 1-800-560-1803
To really make a splash at the beach this summer, try a sizzling spandex cutout suit. These styles reveal a hint of skin on the front and sides of the waist, which means you’ll have a far less chance of getting fried. I’m a fan of La Blanca’s trendy black and white tribal cutout, which is priced at $103 at everythingbutwater.com.
Never mind stormy weather. Parasols have suddenly become the accessory du jour during sunny skies. Perfect for protecting your face and décolleté from damaging rays (trust me on this one!), this chic SunBlok number even features built-in UV protection, keeping you up to 10 degrees cooler in the strongest sunlight. GustBuster SunBlok Parasol • amazon.com • $32.49 • 1-888-487-8287
Keep suntans at bay with an haute, wide-brimmed straw hat. I’m obsessed with the neutral-colored Panama toppers from Anne Depasquale – a talented New York-based designer who will whip-up a bespoke style in 6 weeks or less. Anne Depasquale • annedepasquale.com • prices upon request • 646-263-5458
Over-sized shades will protect your peepers from “blinde-ing” light and unwanted lines. Blinde, a cutting-edge company that created the signature style for the lead cast of The Matrix, makes such cool cat-eye shapes, you’ll even want to wear ‘em at night! Blinde Talk To Me Sunglasses • visit blinde.com for retail locations and prices • 800-647-2345
Don’t even think about diving into a pool ‘til you’ve spritzed your strands with Kerastase Voile Protecteur, a magical mist with UV filters to prevent your hair from being singed in the sun. Spray it all over your head before heading-out-the-door to keep your locks shiny and silky all summer long. Kerastaste – Voile Protecteur • kerastase-usa.com • $34 • 877-254-9949
If you’re dying for that back-from-the-beach-vacation bronzage, play it safe by going faux. Fake ‘n bake on the fly with Benefit Cosmetics’ Jiffy Tan - a lightweight, tinted body lotion that glides on evenly, won’t streak and stays put for instant tanification.
Benefit Cosmetics Jiffy Tan •
Look Out for Luxury “Flash Sale” Sites!
News & Views · Trends · May 28, 2008
Without a doubt, the biggest new craze in online shopping is the plethora of Web-only luxury sample sale sites (a.k.a. flash sales). A trend that originated in France thanks to a site called Vente-Privee.com, flash sale prototypes in North America have proven to be just as popular and successful.
Sites like Gilt.com, RueLaLa.com, RegentsSecret.com, HauteLook.com, EditorsCloset.com are among the latest crop of members-only Web sites that sell deeply discounted luxury goods, typically up to 70% off retail for a limited-period of time. Once you become a member (you need to be invited by a member), you’ll receive a text message or email informing you when the next VIP sale begins.
Why the sudden wave of these so-called flash sites? With today’s shaky economy, unsold luxury goods are piling up in retailers’ stockrooms like never before. And since major department stores and independent boutiques are so desperate to sell stock before the arrival of next season’s shipments, flash sales have proven to be a great way to move inventory.
Due to the time-sensitive nature of flash sales (36 hours or less), die-hard serial shoppers, myself included, feel a sense of urgency and inevitably get pressured into buying the merch. For example, I just logged on to Gilt.com and noticed that they’re holding a Rebecca Minkoff handbag sale this Thursday, May 29th from 12pm–midnight. That means I’ll have to act fast if I want to score the dove grey leather hobo I’ve been dreaming about.
Flash site Ideeli.com, the savviest of these social networking newcomers, posts a digital time clock informing you exactly when a particular sale is over. Which reminds me: I only have 9 minutes and 5 seconds left to score those Valentino aviator shades I’ve been eyeing…
Buyers beware: as with any e-tailer, make sure to check return policies and shipping fees before you buy. Happy shopping!
FashionJunkie.com Live on ABC NewsRadio!
Interviews · Podcasts · May 21, 2008
When it rains, it pours! Not only was FashionJunkie.com just featured in The Wall Street Journal, but FJ also provided tips for a live Komo 1000 NewsRadio broadcast in Seattle (ABC affiliate) about finding bargains in the depressed economy.
Hey, Matt Lauer… should you happen to be reading this, I’m ready for my Today Show debut! Hint, hint…
Tune into FashionJunkie.com’s live Komo 1000 NewsRadio broadcast right here!
Happy shopping!
FashionJunkie in The Wall Street Journal!
May 19, 2008
In the shameless act of self-promotion, I thought I’d share the latest FashionJunkie.com press mention with everyone. In case you forgot to read Sunday’s Wall Street Journal, FashionJunkie.com was featured in an article about bargain shopping in the depressed economy.
Sadly, even I’ve experienced the ugliness of the recession first-hand. Case in point: my brand new Sidi spin shoes were just stolen at the gym! If you happen to find a pair of size 6 black and red Sidi’s (each shoe has a pink breast cancer tag) at Equinox on Broadway & 19th Street, they’re mine and I want them back! But I digress…
Here’s an excerpt from the Wall Street Journal article, which is entitled “Where to Find a Break on Prices” and was written by Ruth Mantell.
Appealing for apparel discounts. Dara Fleischer, founder of FashionJunkie.com, an online style source, says clothing shoppers can ask stores to cut prices.
“You can bargain,” Ms. Fleischer says. “Negotiate with a salesperson about a particular item, and they’ll likely shave off a few dollars. The retailers are so desperate to sell stock, you really just have to ask.”
Stores want to keep you not just as a customer, but as a returning customer, she says.
“Especially with independent boutiques, if you are a good shopper, if you mean business, they will definitely shave off a few dollars,” Ms. Fleischer adds.
For the shave-off strategy to work, it’s important to do some comparison- shopping first - try other stores and the Internet - and be nice, she says. You can also ask for a discount of 10% to 15% off a price tag on merchandise with a little mark or a loose thread.
Click here to read the entire article.
By the way, how have you changed your shopping habits during these tight economic times? Don’t be shy… share your thoughts with the rest of the FashionJunkie community!
Haute Retail Happenings… In Harlem?!
Events · Store Openings · May 16, 2008
As 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
Moxie Design Studios