Dara Fleischer: January 2008 Archives

 

Wanna know what it’s like to be a Fashion Week model? Well, now you can, thanks to Lancôme and their star-studded backstage makeup team.

Join Lancôme this Friday, February 1st for a fun-filled night of schmoozing, shopping and sipping mocktails. Celebrity make-up artist Daniel Martin, Lancôme Spokesmodel Selena Breed and the Lancôme backstage makeup team will also be offering free makeovers and pointers. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Melissa Walker, author of the popular chick-lit novel “Violet by Design.”

As if that weren’t enough, you’ll also be the first to get your hands on limited-edition Juicy Tubes, created by London fashion designer, Christopher Kane. Purchase a tube and a Lancôme Mascara and receive a free copy of “Violet by Design” as well as an official Lancôme Backstage t-shirt. Better stop by early for free swag, cupcakes and a chance to win a very cool prize.

 

When: Friday, February 1st
Time:  5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: Lancôme The Boutique, Short Hills Mall, 1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills, NJ
RSVP: cschramke@lancome-usa.com (include your full name, phone number and that you are RSVPing for the New Jersey event)

Not just a Valentine’s Day staple, the color red has certainly come a long way. From Lipstick Queen’s deep crimson lipstick (the shade du jour), INC’s cranberry baby-doll coat, to Christian Louboutin’s signature fire-engine red soles, nothing feels more empowering than sporting the color rouge. In fact, the power shade has become so big, that February 1st is now officially known as national “Wear Red Day.”

Don your favorite scarlet-colored apparel at any Macy’s department store on Friday, February 1st and you’ll receive a 15% savings pass valid for nearly all their red hot merch. Should you forget to wear red on that day, Macy’s is offering customers a “Go Red For Women” dress pin and a 15% savings pass with any $2 donation to the American Heart Association. You can shop without the guilt knowing that all contributions received will benefit the Go Red For Women Movement.

As for me, well… I’ll be sporting my freshly colored cinnamon hair.

Happy shopping!

Having spent a considerable amount of time in Spain (mmm… Manchego cheese), I’ve developed a bit of an obsession for their food, wine and of course, cheap ‘n chic clothing chains. First I was hooked on Zara, then Massimo Dutti and now, I just can’t get enough of MNG by Mango —the latest rising star to hit the American fast-fashion retail scene.

In case you didn’t know, MNG by Mango is a Barcelona-based powerhouse that produces fashionable, yet affordable clothing that constantly flies off the racks at each of their 800+ locations. And now, you too can add a ton of MNG by Mango to your wardrobe, thanks to their nation-wide clothing and accessory sale. But you’d better act fast… you only have one more day to save up to 70% off on all their drool-worthy Fall/Winter stock.

Visit mngshop.com today to take advantage of insanely accessible prices (nothing tops the $200 range) on all of their red-hot merch including the limited-edition Cruz collection (as in Penelope and Monica). Standouts include a sexy leopard print overcoat (slashed from $219 to $108.99), a billowy one-shoulder tank (went from $69-$33.99), a punchy red patent-leather trench (reduced from $89 to $43.99!), a sexy mens-inspired vest (went from $59 to $28.99) and the foxy fur vest shown here (slashed from $89 to $43.99).

MNG by Mango Factoid: The company name “Mango” was chosen by its’ founders when they visited the Philippines and tasted the fruit for the first time. A mango represented exactly what they were looking for: something fresh and exotic. With an ultimate goal of opening Mango stores all over the world, this became the ideal name due to its’ easy pronunciation and universal translation.

Can you believe those iconic Members Only (MO) bomber jackets from the ‘80s are back? I know… I too was shocked when I heard the news. After a 20-year hiatus, MO has been resurrected with a flashy women’s collection designed by former US Weekly editor, Kelli Delaney.

While the cheese factor still exists, MO’s new silhouettes are surprisingly chic with a rock ‘n roll twist. You’re still getting the same stretchy waistbands, zip-up front and buckle neck closures, but you’re no longer paying for el cheapo nylon and polyester. That’s because MO’s “new and improved” lineup is fabricated from buttery soft Italian lambskin leathers that top the $1,430 price range (ouch!)

All the colors and cuts have been updated too: from Winter white belted trenches, dark navy men’s-inspired vests, black quilted patent biker bombers, capped-sleeve ensembles embellished with gold coin buttons to form-fitting mini knit dresses in strapless and plunging v-necks (ooh la la!). My favorite newcomer: a glitzy metallic gold bomber that Cameron Diaz just bought.

Check out the new Members Only collection at Henri Bendel in New York. RevolveClothing.com will also be selling the line as of February. Visit membersonlystyle.com for more information.

What’s your take on the new Members Only collection? Would you wear these bombers with stovepipes or leggings?  

Looking to load up on nearly new designer threads without breaking the bank? Then you’d better strap on those stilettos and sprint over to Ina – the coveted New York-based consignment shop.

Known for daily deliveries of unwanted designer duds courtesy of fashion editors, stylists, celebs and models, Ina is holding a hot end of season sale at each of their 5 locations staring today through Sunday, January 27th.

Set aside at least a few hours to sift through the latest mint condition clothes, shoes and bags, which are practically being given away with prices up to 70% off retail!

Expect to duke-it-out with other vintage die-hards over a Marc Jacobs yellow silk dress with beaded trim (reduced from $495 to $149), a purple Marni print T-shirt (reduced from $115 to $35), a green Mayle silk blouse (slashed from $150 to $45), a killer pair of Manolo Blahnik croc pumps (reduced from $445 to $134!) and a pretty Rochas floral print blazer with lace trim (slashed from $325 to $163).

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

Visit inanyc.com for store locations and hours.

I’ve always been a fan of all things Australian, from the wine to the licorice (mmm… Kookaburra), the peeps (so friendly) and even the frocks. But since I can’t bare the thought of being cooped-up on a 21-hour flight from New York to Sydney, I’ve found a less stressful way to get my Aussie fashion fix locally… by shopping at Elizabeth Charles. A chic boutique that stocks dozens of under-the-radar and established designer clothing and accessory labels from Down Under, Elizabeth Charles is the go-to spot for trend-setters like Kate Hudson and Helena Christensen.

In honor of Australia Day (who knew?) this Saturday, Elizabeth Charles is celebrating by unloading their current Fall/Winter inventory at prices so low it will make the Tasmanian Devil’s head spin. Prices will be reduced up to 90% off (stop the insanity!). And don’t forget the $20 clothing rack!

Choose from designer darlings such as Camilla and Marc (the red jacket pictured above was slashed from $699 to $175!), Karen Walker (flirty ‘n feminine skirts and shirts), Zambesi (the metallic gold bubble dress for $234.50 is a must), 18th Amendment (high-waisted stovepipes) and Juliette Hogan (billowy tops). Don’t forget to load up on Nearly Nude lingerie and Lipstick Queen’s sultry Red Sinner gloss ($18).

Stop by the San Fran or New York outposts from Thursday, January 24th through Sunday, January 27th as soon as doors open to take advantage of all the decadent designer stock.

A hot tip: to avoid all the insanity, shop online at Elizabeth-Charles.com

New York: 639 ½ Hudson Street, 212-243-3201
San Francisco: 2056 Fillmore Street, 415-440-2100

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, most people tend to focus on diet and fitness. While I won’t be disregarding either of those (I’ve been gorging on way too much cheese and dark chocolate), my personal goal for ’08 is to stop spending frivolously on clothes, shoes and bags. Gotta save for retirement, right?

But having just been alerted about Shopbop.com’s Winter blowout sale (think savings up to 70% off retail!), it’s apparent that I won't be retiring anytime soon.

In case you didn’t know, Shopbop.com is a designer e-boutique that stocks the latest must-have labels from Ella Moss to Marc Jacobs. Having perused the entire site last night due to a severe case of insomnia (oops… that 4pm espresso was a definite no-no), I inevitably came across a bevy of irresistible bargains.

Break the piggy bank with a pair of army green, patent leather Georgina Goodman booties (slashed from $565 to $282.50!), a charcoal Grecian mini dress by Jenni Kayne (reduced from $390 to $195), a candy-colored bubble hem T-Bags tunic (only $97) and the jaw-dropping Erickson Beamon necklace shown above (slashed from $439 to $219.50!).

Some final words of wisdom: sign-up for ShopBop’s e-newsletter so you don't miss out on all their irresistible sales and deliveries.

Caravan, a hotter-than-thou Manhattan-based clothing, accessory and lifestyle boutique, is having a big blowout sale in-store and online starting today through February 1st! Expect to save up to 70% off all their mouth-watering merch, which is all priced under $200!

Some of the must-have pieces I came across: a cropped herringbone coat by Trovata ($100), a fitted tank with foiling by Young, Fabulous & Broke ($39), a beaded, cobalt blue shift dress by Castlestarr (a steal at $135), a Hayden Harnett tote made from wheat ($108), a punk-inspired Vena Cava necklace ($50) and a show-stopping Rozae Nichols bubble hem dress for $200 (pictured above).

If you happen to be in the New York metro area, you can catch a similar selection of wares on wheels, literally, inside Caravan Mobile - the familiar silver van that holds court around some of the city’s hottest zip codes. 

Caravan Sample Sale Details:
Address: 2 Great Jones Street (between Broadway & Lafayette)
Website: shop online at shopcaravan.com
Phone: 212.260.8189
Store Hours: Mon.-Sat. 12-8pm; Sun. 12-7pm

Big Drop, my favorite Manhattan-based clothing and accessory outpost, is having their semi-annual warehouse sale this Friday, January 18th through Sunday, January 20th from 10am to 8pm.

Expect to find big savings on Fall/Winter overstock from big name brands such as Seven Jeans ($205 butt-firming blues are now $49!), Citizens For Humanity, Paige Denim, Mara Hoffman, Tracy Reese, Rebecca Taylor ($548 wool coats are now $159!)), Edun (striped blazers were slashed to $99!), Young Fabulous and Broke, YA-YA, Development (stunning dresses for only $99) and much more!

As if that’s not incentive enough to shop, Big Drop’s staff will be adding new arrivals and even more markdowns daily and hourly during this three-day shopping extravaganza. Better head there early or you might miss out all the best merch!

Where: Open House Gallery, 201 Mulberry Street (between Kenmare & Spring Streets).

Payments: Cash and all major credit cards. Happy shopping!

New York’s hipster Lower East Side shoe boutique, Pear, and its equally impressive sister clothing shop, Plum, are having their first-ever “Buy-One-Item, Get-Another-One-50%-Off Event!”

With Plum & Pear’s low-key vibe and well-edited mix of merch, this is one sale you won’t wanna miss! Pear stocks the coolest assortment of under-the-radar kicks from international brands such as Chie Mihara (I recently snagged a pair of patent-leather, knee-high boots) and Tashkent (I’m obsessed with her wedge-heel booties). Its next door neighbor, Plum, offers fashion-forward frocks from designers like Castle Starr (ruched bubble dresses), Rachel Comey (sleek puffer jackets) and Nicholas K (chunky sweater coats).

If you don’t live near the Metro New York area, don’t fret. This special offer applies to items featured on their website, plumstyle.com as well! As if that’s not incentive enough to shop, each purchase also includes FREE ground shipping until February 1st, 2008. Happy shopping!

Calling all Intermix fans! This hipper-than-thou clothing, footwear and accessory chain is having a blowout in-store and online sale that’s not-to-be-missed.

Load up on deeply discounted (think up to 50% off!) designer Fall ’07 and resort ’08 merch including Matthew Williamson’s billowy dresses, Norma Kamaili’s wide-legged pants, Splendid’s colorful, long-sleeved striped T’s (perfect for lounging around the house), Robert Rodriguez’s cropped jackets and Kenneth Jay Lane’s funky leopard-print bangles.

Thanks to Intermix’s stellar selection of stock, my wardrobe has just been transformed from so-so to “HELLO!” Check out intermixonline.com for your discount designer fix. Happy shopping!  

Since this is my first Steals & Deals blog post, I thought it only fitting that I begin by introducing myself. My name is Dara Fleischer, and I’m a self-confessed shopaholic. Shopping isn’t just my passion, it’s my business. I’m a personal shopper and Founder and Editor of FashionJunkie.com. Now, as iVillage’s Shopping Expert, my mission is simple: to clue you in on what to buy and where to buy it…before it’s passé.

I’m constantly combing the streets and surfing the Web in search of the hottest boutiques, designer deals and steals to keep you in-the-know. A serial shopper with a sixth sense for all things fashionable, I have a knack for sniffing out the hippest designer hideaways, best vintage frocks and cheap ’n chic places that won’t drain your bank account. Whether you’re fashion challenged or simply too busy to shop, I’m always on call to give you the tips and tricks for tackling the toughest clothing calamities. So be sure to check back on the Steals & Deals blog regularly to see my latest finds!

In the meantime, have a fashion emergency or need some retail therapy?  Email me at stealsanddeals@nbcuni.com or leave your comment here!