Archive for the ‘Shopping’ Category

modman monday 08 : its that time of year – nyfw.

DVF - FNO Digital Invite modman monday 08 : its that time of year – nyfw.

If you haven’t heard from your friends on Facebook, twitter or blogs, the weather in New York has been amazing. The temperatures have stayed at high-70s/low-80s with cool breezes that linger for just the right amount of time. Labor Day weekend historically marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall, and this weekend has been just that.

The weather has got people buying up fall’s biggest trends, which include coats, full pants and skirts in shades of camel and olive, minimalistic influenced-everything, along with shearling jackets, military-inspired pieces and commanding boot booties. If you haven’t started shopping for fall yet, don’t fret! Fashion’s Night Out is here for you. I reported on the Fashion’s Night Out press conference two weeks ago, along with retailers taking part in FNO in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Since then, countless new events have been posted to the Fashion’s Night Out website. Some noteworthy events in New York City include:

1) For the foodies: The Andaz 5th Avenue joins forces with Vogue Food Critis Jeffrey Steingarten and celebrity chef David Chang to host an evening of tastings. Cook with artisanal whiskeys and specialties from the amazing Momofuku! (Andaz 5th Avenue 485 Fifth Avenue, 6pm – 9pm). How amazing does that sound?

2) For the teens: The Teen Vogue Block Party (West Village Street Block, New York NY 10014), sponsored by ASOS, will include a full fashion show and live performance by VV Brown. The party will be hosted by Shenae Grimes (of 90210).

3) For the active: The adidas store (610 Broadway NY NY 10012) will host a yoga class with adidas yoga ambassador Elena Brower. Make sure to be on top of your game, as the first 40 people signed up get to take part and receive a free yoga mat. Shoppers also get a chance to win a free night at The Fairmont Hotel or a private yoga session with Brower.

4) For the Barbie/Ken obsessed: Ken (as in Barbie’s ex) is making a big comeback. Ken will travel around town in a mobile truck (Mobile Truck on Fifth avenue New York NY 10014). You can track the location of the Ken vehicle via Facebook, Twitter and foursquare. The hunt for Ken will end in the Meatpacking District, where you can take pictures with real Kens. (RSVP and get more info here).

5) For those who love tight-knit communities: The area around Bergen Street, Brooklyn is in for a lot party with 10 neighboring businesses pitching in – food and drink by Bark Hot Dogs, Melt and Sun In Bloom, Charity Raffle for Brooklyn’s Center for Anti-Violence, Photo Booth, DJ, and participation from retailers Eponymy, Babeland, Lululemon, Bump, Bergen Street Comics, Ride Brooklyn, and Private Stock. The in-store event (466 Bergen Street Brooklyn NY 11217) features an ice sculptor, old-fashioned drinks by Weatherup bar, and much more.

6) For the stylists: Kai-aakmann (28 Bond Street New York NY 10012) will host “Style Intersection” in which guests can personally style a male and a female model, illustrating the versatility of the unisex component that’s central to the brand. Guests will have five minutes to select Kai-aakmann samples and then create one look on each of the models. Each guests looks will be photographed and posted on the official Kai-aakmann facebook page. Kai-aakmann is utilizing Facebook to garner likes from fans and the person who gets the most likes will win a $500 gift card from Kai-aakmann. How great is this? The perfect opportunity to showcase your skills!

7) For the French: Opening Ceremony will ring in Fashion’s Night Out with a French flea market staged in the lobby of the Ace Hotel. Inspired by the famous Les Puces de Saint-Ouen market in Paris, the French flea market concept coincides with the launch of France as O.C.’s country of focus for 2010-11. Brands will have their own flea market booths with exclusive items and designers will be present to meet fans and enjoy the festivities. Participating brands include agnès b., Alexander Wang, Band of Outsiders, Collette, Deyrolle, Joseph Altuzarra, Keds, Ladurée, Patrik Ervell, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, and more.

8 ) For the high-tech: Diane von Furstenberg takes Fashion’s Night Out to the digital universe with The DVF and HP Experience Lounge, a multimedia event that will transform the DVF boutique and gallery into an interactive fashion playground. Hosted by Refinery29.com, the evening will feature cutting-edge fashion installations, complete with a ‘Fall Favorites’ photo booth featuring DVF items curated by Refinery29.com editors on display for shoppers to utilize when browsing their most-desired DVF looks. Photos can be printed, posted to Facebook or streamed live into the lounge on social feed monitors, allowing guests to engage with the fashion community and interact with DVF. Computer terminals and touch screens will feature up-to-the-minute news about FNO from around the city, and the world!


9) For the kids, or the inner kid in you:
Dylan’s Candy Bar (1011 3rd Avenue Manhattan NY 10065) & Savannah College of Art and Design present the most mouth watering of all Fashion Night Out parties! Get a sugar high with sweet tunes spun by DJ MSG, play fashion police and shoot fashion victims with flying marshmallows from the signature Dylan’s Candy Bar Marshmallow Gun, and sip on candy cocktails, compliments of Ed Hardy Vodka.

10) For girls who love to play Hollywood dress up: From 6-9pm, Frederic Fekkai Fifth Avenue Salon at Henri Bendel will present an interactive red carpet experience for FNO. Fashionistas will become the celebrity selecting from five award-winning Marchesa moments.The Fekkai hair and make-up team will re-create these signature styles while your personal dresser waits to outfit and accessorize you in a Marchesa dress, House of Lavande jewelry and Christian Louboutin shoes.The City star Olivia Palermo, will be on the red carpet styling and instructing how to pose. Participants will get a photo sent via email or SMS for Facebook/Twitter. Talk about red carpet treatment!

And one for the lucky: Volkswagen is making it easier for you to travel from show to show, shop to shop. Volkswagen will have a fleet of vehicles, including the 2011 Jetta, to transport people to and from New York City neighborhoods when you present a shopping receipt from FNO participating retailers, of course!

Designated locations include Greene Street New York NY 10012 and 5th Avenue at 51st Street New York NY 10022. And I say “for the lucky” because I imagine there won’t be enough cars to move the MASSIVE amounts of people that will be out for Fashion’s Night Out. Good luck!

One more day of rest and the craziness begins! Fashion week starts this Wednesday and will continue through to mid-next week. I’ll be all over town for NYFW and will try to hit up as many places as I can for FNO. I’ll be off for modman monday next week, but be sure to follow my adventures @mm_modman! Will you be partaking in any Fashion’s Night Out and/or New York Fashion Week events? @ me to connect!

Super excited!
_the modman

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Vena Cava teams up with Aqua

Vena Cava teams up with Aqua

It’s no secret that Bloomingdales is one of my favorite stores….just one look at what I charge on my Bloomies card and you’ll get an idea. The Aqua brand made exclusively for the store is always on-point with the latest trends and pieces at an affordable price. Soon the Aqua brand will debut pieces designed by the quirky pair behind Vena Cava.

On September 1, the collection will be available at Bloomingdales across the country and online – we can’t wait to get our hands on these pieces. The collection includes a good mix of skirts, tops and dresses that are reasonably priced (more expensive than normal Aqua duds, but cheaper than the main Vena Cava line). We can’t wait to get our hands on the accordion pleated skirt and the silk chiffon ruffle dress….both have a perfect blend of fall trends and feminine touches.

Vena Cava for Aqua

Vena Cava for Aqua

Vena Cava for Aqua

Vena Cava for Aqua

*photos courtesy of Bloomingdales

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Nina Garcia’s Look Book doesn’t disapoint

Nina Garcia’s Look Book doesn’t disapoint

Nina Garcia is a household name when it comes to fashion as style director at Marie Claire and longtime Project Runway judge, and now she has released her fourth book: Nina Garcia’s Look Book, What to Wear for Every Occasion.

Already owning three of Nina’s previous books (and having a high opinion of her advice from The One Hundred and The Style Strategy), I was glad to be able to get an advance copy and I can tell you this book is just as good as the others.

Offering practical advice for every occassion you may find yourself in, from what to wear on a blind date or to a big meeting and what to wear on errands and what to wear when traveling, Ms. Garcia details how to dress for the right audience and also what rules to break.

The book is sprinkled with wise words from other fashion icons and designers and also includes styling tips for your hair and even bits of lifestyle advice.

Unlike the designers that grace her wardrobe, Nina’s book is totally affordable on Amazon at $16.

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modman monday 04 : calling all material girls.

Material Girl 002 - Examiner Front modman monday 04 : calling all material girls.

So everyone must know by now that Madonna launched her ‘Material Girl’ line with Macy’s last week. Before the launch, I saw the ad campaign with Taylor Momsen along with some of the looks and.. I wasn’t a huge fan. Actually, I wasn’t a fan at all.. probably because there was just too much going on.

I dropped by the launch event at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City and found my way to the junior section. As I turned the corner, I could hear, smell and feel the large mass of people “rocking” out to Taylor Momsen (who gave a special performance). I ignored the teenage mob and headed for the racks.

Why am I writing about a juniors collection, you ask? Well, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and aesthetic of the collection compared to the price point (most everything was under $30). Although a lot of the designs are meant for teenage girls, I found several pieces that I could see in a woman’s closet. I’m all about runway and high fashion editorial, but everyone loves to play dress up once in a while without having to wait for Halloween. So here are a few options to add to your weekend wardrobe without breaking the bank:

This lacy LBD is definitely a top contender. You can vamp it up on a night out with the girls or on a date.

Don’t go and pair this up with some distressed jean skirt and some Uggs. These tights aren’t for everyone, but for the girls who have the confidence to sport these, pair it up with a long tank, a chunky necklace and sneakers or flats for a Sunday picnic. Because the tights are so bright and patterned, keep everything else on the neutral side.

Chambray and denim-on-denim have been quite popular this summer and I don’t see it going away for fall. The lace panels on the front of this chambray shirt caught my eye. As I picked it up, I saw that the backside was all lace as well. I’m not sure how I feel about teenage girls running around in lace-backed shirts (and I’m sure schools wont be happy with these either) but if worn in the right way, its a fun, flirty piece.

The final piece didn’t catch my eye at first but Virginia of thelovely20′s pointed it out to me as one of her favorites. The zipper detail along the neckline and down the front was very subtle and I can see why she picked it up.

There were also a pair of cargo pants (similar to the Current/Elliott pair that all the celebrities are wearing), although I wasn’t crazy about the shade of green. There was also a pair of motorcycle denim leggings but I wasn’t a complete fan of the stitch details.

What do you think? Do you see yourself wearing any of these pieces? Most women at Macy’s probably just passed right on by without even glancing at the potential pieces they could have picked up. I just thought I’d bring it to your attention! You can check out the full collection online at Macy’s.

Happy Monday!

_the modman

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Covet vs. Catch: One Shouldered LBDs

Covet vs. Catch: One Shouldered LBDs

The trend has now been around for a while, but I’m still obsessed with one shouldered dresses. I have a Theory one that I still try and find excuses to wear because it’s just that great. Thankfully, it’s plain black, making it versatile enough to mix up my look with shoes and accessories and not have it be overly memorable that it can’t come out of my closet to play very often.

In the spirit of one shouldered LBDs, here’s another round of Covet vs. Catch:

Covet vs. Catch: One-shouldered LBDs

Dark & Stormy

Dark & Stormy

 
 

BCBG dress, Silence + Noise blazer (also seen here and here), J.Crew skinny metallic belt (similar one available here), Toy Watch, DKNY tights (seriously, the best tights ever), Ray Ban aviators, and Charles David booties

Yep, it’s August and I’m in tights. I’m used to not having summer weather in summer months living in San Francisco, but this is just getting ridiculous. Apparently it’s the coldest summer in San Francisco in 40 years. So while I’ve complained my fair amount, I’m going to grin and bear it now and as Tim Gunn would say, “make it work,” by digging out tights (and wearing sunglasses when not entirely necessary).

And, side note, Andrea and I have argued about the color of this dress for over a year now. I’m convinced that it’s pale blue and she says it is gray. Who is right?!

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modman monday 03 : THE warehouse sale.

modman monday 03 : THE warehouse sale.

THE Barneys Warehouse Sale is upon us! (Well, at least for the w&w readers in San Francisco). If you love shopping, I’m sure you’re well acquainted with the sale. If you’re new to the fashion/shopping world, then listen up!

The w&w team made a quick announcement last week about the upcoming Barneys Warehouse Sale in San Francisco. I’ve been to two Warehouse sales in New York so I can attest to the low prices (between 50-75% off) and the great offerings (most of the time). I hope you w&w readers will come across some great pieces! There are a few things to keep in mind for those of you who are planning to go, or go back.

1. Get rest. And have water with you. Anything it takes to keep you full, hydrated, attentive, whatever. And you may have to change in public, so wear appropriate undergarments. All of these tips seem like common sense, but some people forget them. Everyone drops their pants to try on their clothes but some people dont cover up. At all. Enough said.

2. If you want the good stuff, go early! If any SF readers havent made their way over to the Fort Lason Center Herbst Pavilion, I suggest you take a longer lunch break today. Coveted shoes and bags go first, so if those are your choice pieces then go early/the starting day.

3. After the first few days, popular styles in popular sizes (smalls & mediums) are hard to come by. You really have to 1) be patient, 2) have enough energy to dig (emphasis on the rest part/#1). And 3) you have to have a good eye.

4. Prices drop as the sale gets close to the end date. If you’re not out to find a particular item but want to get a few pieces at its cheapest, then head over in the last few days and you’ll find deeper discounts.

5. Before you walk through the doors, be sure to take a minute and set a limit for yourself. Its so easy to get caught up in the discounts and how much you’re saving.. but in the end, if you dont end up wearing your purchases, the amount of money you spend could be a considerable loss. If you see something you like but dont love it, put it down. If you know a certain style doesnt fit your body type, then pass on it. But if you have the money, go for it!

For SF gals, the sale will go until August 8 at the Fort Mason Center Herbst Pavilion. For LA readers, the sale will run from August 5 through August 15 at the LA Convention Center South Hall K. The sale hits NY on August 19-September 6 at 255 West 17th Street (back entrance of the Chelsea Barneys Co-op).

If you’ve been to the SF sale, share your experience with others! And be sure to leave tips and suggestions for other readers too.

I got your back,
_themodman

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