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!

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!

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!

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…

Stop by their showroom today and tomorrow to save up to 80% off (I repeat, 80% off!) big name designer brands including Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Mint, Mina Stone, Rodebjer, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Filippa K, Alexandre Herchkovitch, Acne and so many others!

Also not-to-be-missed are the deeply discounted shoes, belts, baubles and Castor & Pollux’s famous logo tees and sweats.

With a sale of this magnitude, it’ll be worth playing hookey for. Just don’t tell your boss we told you to do so!

Happy shopping!

The Retail Details!
What: Castor & Pollux Sample Sale
When: Wednesday, June 11th & Thursday, June 12th
Time: 10am to 7pm
Where: 265 West 37th Street, Suite 703, NYC
Phone: 212-268-8774
Website: castorandpolluxstore.com

Can’t stomach the thought of spending that much on shoulder candy? Don’t sweat it… I found the perfect low-cost substitute: this multi-colored leather fringe clutch from Latico (a.k.a. the LeCirque). While it’s not as polished and doesn’t have the intricately curled “eternity knots” along the bottom, Latico’s recession-friendly number is a tad roomier and the wooden handle is an added bonus. Priced at only $97, why not purchase one in solid black and brown too?

Steep: Donna evening clutch, $610, visit Katherinekwei.com for a list of retailers

Cheap: LeCirque multi-colored leather fringe clutch, $97, available at amazon.com (also comes in solid brown and black)

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

Join designers Lara Kazan and Keri Starker, of Kayla Designs, for a night of shopping, schmoozing and sipping cocktails.

Load up on Lara’s luxe, handmade knits (sweaters, capes, vests and ‘80’s-inspired leg wear) and Keri’s head-turning, handmade jewelry (exotic semi-precious stones), all of which are typically sold at Henri Bendels and other high end boutiques for up to 80% off retail! I repeat, 80% off retail!

The Retail Details!
What: Lara Kazan & Kayla Designs: Blowout NYC Sample Sale!
When: Tuesday, June 3rd
Time: 4:30 pm–8:30pm
Where: 555 8th Ave, NYC (btw 37th & 38th), suite 1701
Payment Type: Visa/Mastercard and cold-hard cash

And don’t forget to bring your appetite… there will be wine and cheese!

Happy shopping!

xo
-FashionJunkie

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 • benefitcosmetics.com • $24.00 • 800-781-2336