Dara Fleischer: March 2008 Archives

Of all the showroom sales I’ve come across, the one that I’m most excited about is next Thursday’s Cynthia Steffe shopping extravaganza. With prices slashed up to 80% off retail, it’s worth taking a sick day!

Head over to Cynthia Steffe’s swanky New York showroom for luxurious leather jackets (reduced from $660 to $100), winter coats (originally $500, but will be slashed to $60), cozy cashmere (reduced from $220 to $50!), flirty ‘n feminine dress like the one shown here (originally $200, but can be your for only $35!), trendy tops (slashed from $200 to $25!), work pants (reduced from $195 to $25) and sexy skirts (were $150 and will be available for $20).

Think this is all an April fools joke? Head over to the Cynthia Steffe showroom and see for yourself!
 
The Retail Details!

Who: Cynthia Steffe
What: Spring 2008 Sample Sale
When: Thursday, April 3rd, 10am-5pm and Friday, April 4th, 10am-3pm
Where: 550 7th Avenue, 10th Floor (Between 39th and 40th)
Phone: 212.403.6200
Payment: Credit cards ONLY

 
Have a fashion emergency or need some shopping advice? Drop us a line any time at stealsanddeals@nbcuni.com!
 

The only thing better than designer clothes are designer clothes at discounted prices, especially in this depressed economy. That’s why “Steals & Deals” is working even harder to bring you the nation’s best fashion and beauty bargains.

On that note, here’s some exciting news for all you frugal fashionstas. Elie Tahari, an upscale clothing, handbag and footwear retailer, is hosting a huge spring sample sale with stock slashed up to 80% off retail!

Stop by their Manhattan showroom next Tuesday, April 1st through Saturday, April 5th for some serious basement bargains. You’ll have access to five fun-filled days of insanely reduced prices. Examples of what you’ll find include:

    * Haute patent leather handbags were $595-$995 and will be reduced
      from $289-$349!
    * Femme fatale heels slashed from$195-$395 to $99-$139!
    * Luxe belted leather jackets were $998 and can be yours for only
      $349!
    * Asymmetrical chiffon dresses with ruching were $598, but will be
      reduced to $159!
    * Men's shirts were $198 and will be slashed to $69!

The Retail Details!
Who: Elie Tahari
What: Spring 2008 Sample Sale
When: Tuesday, April 1st - Friday, April 4th, 8:30am-7:30pm and Saturday, April 5th, 10am-5pm
Where: 510 5th Avenue (Entrance 43rd Street and 5th Ave., ground Floor)
Phone: 212-398-2622
Payment: All major credit cards, cash, NO checks

Have a fashion emergency or need some shopping advice? Drop us a line any time at stealsanddeals@nbcuni.com!

Over the past three months, I’ve posted a plethora of irresistible clothing and cosmetic bargains at “Steals & Deals.” But the beauty bonanza I’m about to blog about is beyond insane. Ladies, get your credit cards ready…

The private label make-up line E.L.F. (Eyes, Lips and Face) was just acquired by Nordstrom and as a result, everything is being re-branded with the department store’s name on it.

Due to Nordstrom’s new marketing strategy, everything you see on the ELF website is practically being given away at the ridiculously low price of $1 dollar per item… that’s right, only $1 measly dollar!

I’m talking luxe lip gloss, sultry eye shadows, punchy nail polish, soothing bath and body care, mascara, make-up brushes and a host of other must-have lotions, potions and beauty essentials.

There is one catch however. You still have to pay for shipping. That said, if you use the coupon code “CAROLINA,” you will get $7.50 off your first $15 purchase. Plus, if you spend $53 before tax, you’ll get FREE shipping when you use the promo code “SHIP45” at checkout.”

Better visit eyeslipsface.com before everything’s sold out! Happy shopping!

If you’re a fan Scoop, my favorite multi-label clothing chain, then you have to tune into “Scoop Style” – the hottest new accessory show on the Home Shopping Network (HSN), which happens to be hosted by Stefani Greenfield, the store’s ultra stylish owner.

Check out “Scoop Style” this Saturday, March 22nd at 11PM to watch Stefani debut dazzling accoutrements including a plush Scoop timepiece ($48), a zig zag clutch ($295) and funky straw fedora ($128), all of which you won’t find anywhere else… not even at Scoop!

Visit hsn.com for more information. Happy shopping!

Since we get our fair share of reader mail at "Steals & Deals," here's something I pulled from the mail bag that I thought you'd find useful:

Reader Question:

Dear Ms. Fleischer:

My name is Lindsey Fernandez and I am an avid reader of your blog on iVillage.com. I don't know whether or not you will be able to answer my questions, but here I go anyway.

My questions are concerning the DVF Benoit Wool Wrap dress (shown here) and whether or not the side pockets will add extra bulk. I absolutely love the stripes on this dress, especially in the back, but I've always heard that pockets on the hips aren't slimming. What do you think?  Any advice you could give would be extremely helpful, and I thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely,

-Lindsey

Dara Fleischer's Expert Fashion Advice:

Dear Lindsey:

Of course, I would be more than happy to help with your clothing calamities… that’s why I’m here!

Before you even think about blowing your budget on a pricey designer dress, make sure the fit is flawless. Since it’s hard to gauge from looking at an online photo (I always zoom-in to see more details), try heading to your local department store to see if they have the same Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress in stock, or even a similar version. That way you’ll be able to see if the fabric hits you in all the right places. If it’s pulling at the hips or bust line, you’d better leave it on the rack!

If you can’t track down the DVF dress, don’t panic. This particular piece is made from a sleek and lightweight wool (winter wools are much heavier, thus the added bulk), which means it won’t add unwanted bulk, no matter what your body type.

Another bonus: the inverted V-shaped stripes along the bodice are much more slimming (and flattering!) than standard horizontal stripes. Plus, angled stripes such as these will automatically draw the eyes above the V-neck area, which is exactly where you want to be noticed. Another key design element is the knee-grazing sash.

When slung along the side of your hips, it will give you an instant slimming effect. Also, make sure to don the wrap dress with a pair of high heels to instantly elongate your legs. Add a chic envelope clutch and you’re good to go!

Should you change your mind after buying the dress, don't fret! Net-A-Porter.com (my favorite e-boutique) has one of the best return policies I've come across. Just don't cut off the tags and make sure to keep your receipt. Happy shopping!

-Dara Fleischer
iVillage Shopping Expert and Founder & Editor, FashionJunkie.com

Have a fashion emergency or need some shopping advice? Drop us a line any time at stealsanddeals@nbcuni.com!

AlexCaseyBaby.com, a chic e-boutique that sells of-the-moment clothing, accessories and organic skincare for pint-sized peeps, is celebrating its 1st birthday by putting all their merch on sale. Starting today through Friday, April 4th, everything is available for 15% off!

Click your way through a stunning assortment of baby essentials ranging from mini bottle coolers, floral print diaper bags, striped stroller blankets and throws, cozy cashmere hoodies with matching blankies (spotted on every Hollywood “It” baby), cotton onesies adorned with animal prints to pretty pink tutus for prima ballerinas. Plus, there’s a plethora of irresistible products for mommies, including fashionable and functional nursing covers.

Conceived by Jill Notkin and named after her baby girl, Alex Casey Baby has become the go-to spot for proud new parents and aunties alike in search of a fun and stress-free shopping experience. A breeze to navigate, thanks to catchy shopping categories like “Dress Me Up!,” “Feed Me!” and “Pack Me Up!,” Alex Casey Baby makes it easy for even a novice to buy baby gifts.

Visit alexcaseybaby.com and enter the promo code “anni” during checkout to save 15% off your order! But don’t dilly-dally… the sale ends Friday, April 4th!

If you hadn’t already guessed by now, I’m here to confess I’m a bit of a handbag whore. Peek inside my closet and you’ll find dozens of nearly identical Lauren Merkin clutches – a coveted bag line that, lucky for me, is frequently discounted at seasonal showroom sample sales.  
Of all the Lauren Merkin arm candy I’ve acquired at previous sample sales (and there have been many!), the style I’m most obsessed with is the signature Eve (shown here) – a chic metallic leather envelope number that’s big enough for stowing all my essentials, including lipstick, keys, BlackBerry, and of course, emergency chocolates.

Now, you too can by privy to the same discounted Lauren Merkin purses, thanks to today's VIP Spring Sample Sale! Stop by the Manhattan showroom Tuesday, March 18th through Thursday, March 20th for a stunning assortment of clutches and messenger bags at up to 70% off retail!

Some styles worth fighting other fashionistas over:

• Eve Silk Plaid Clutch - was $165, now $80!
• Char Silk Lame Clutch - was $200, now $80!
• Lola Diamante Clutch – was $225, now $90!
• Dylan Messenger – was $375, now $150!
• Large Plum Metallic Raffia – was $425, now $175!
• Ruby Woven Metallic Linen – was $495, now $195!

For first dibs on all the best merch, head over at least one hour before the doors are scheduled to open. Don’t live in Manhattan? No worries… you can still score equally stylish sale stash by shopping online at laurenmerkin.com

The Retail Details!
What: Lauren Merkin Handbags Spring Sample Sale
When: Tuesday, March 18th through Thursday, March 20th
Time: 11am-7pm
Where: 231 West 29th Street, Suite 201, NYC (btw 7th & 8th Aves.)
Phone: 212-239-2459
Payment Type: Cash, Amex, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, NO checks

Happy shopping!

Having just previewed the latest Vix and Lisa Curran swimwear collections, it dawned on me that bikini season isn’t that far away (so much for my New Year’s resolution!). As if I really need another reminder to stop gorging on chocolate and amp-up my workouts at the gym? But I digress….

In celebration of spring, which officially debuts next week, believe it or not, the J Rosen showroom is celebrating by offering a jaw-dropping assortment of designer swimwear, flip flops and jewelry at deeply discounted prices, from Monday, March 17th through Friday, March 21st.  

Stock up on ultra-bright beach cover-ups, citrus-colored tankinis, one-piece styles with ruching (perfect for hiding a bloated tummy), red-hot bandeaus with Lucite buckles (my personal fave) and itsy bitsy bikinis with yellow polka dots, tropical florals and racy leopard prints. Don’t overlook the dazzling semi-precious stones, gold bangles and necklaces, which are also available at seriously reduced prices.

Wanna make a splash this summer? Here’s a sampling of what you’ll save:

•    Vix, Sofia by Vix, Hermanny and Lisa Curran bathing suits previously selling
     for  $125-$250 are now only $65-$125!

•    Cover-ups, reduced from $140-$250 to only $30-$80!

•    Jewelry, which was $85-$150 and will now be reduced to $10-$45!

•    Flip flops, which were$18-$26 are now only $10-$16!

With the same sizzling stock normally sold at Saks, Bloomies, Scoop and Intermix, this insane sample sale is not to be missed There’s also no need to be an exhibitionist… you’ll be able to remove your skivvies in the comfort of a private dressing room!

The Retail Details!
What: VIP J Rosen Showroom Sample Sale
Where: J Rosen Showroom
Address: 250 W. 39th St., Suite 510 (btw 7th & 8th Ave.)
When: Monday, March 17th through Friday, March 21st
Time: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm
Phone: 212-221-2349
Swimwear Sizes: S-XL, 6-12; D and DD.
Payment Type: Cash ONLY!

Happy shopping!

After a decade of living in downtown Manhattan, I’ll soon be making the move to “DUMBO” – the acronym for the up-and-coming artist enclave in Brooklyn located “down under the Manhattan bridge overpass.”


At first, I was panicked about being so far removed from all of my favorite Big Apple clothing boutiques. But that was before I discovered my new abode happens to be conveniently adjoined to Zoë - a shopper’s paradise filled with edgy designer clothes, shoes, bags and baubles. And what better way to say “welcome to the neighborhood” than by receiving an invitation to Zoë’s end-of-season clothing and accessory sale.

That’s right, dear reader. Zoë is currently selling a selection of its Fall/Winter ’07 overstock with prices slashed up to 75% off retail!

Stock up on a stunning selection of mouth-watering merch including 3.1 Phillip Lim (a vintage gold gathered strapless dress was slashed from $550 to $275!) Matthew Williamson (a luxe camel jacket was $975 and is now $487!), Chloé (killer conical heeled-booties were reduced from $620 to $310), Smythe (a cable knit collar jacket was $685 and is now $342) and Juicy Couture (flirty ribbon ballet flats were slashed from $250 to $125).

Not sure how to navigate your way to DUMBO? No worries…you can always access the same great deals at shopzoeonline.com. Happy shopping!

The Retail Details!
Store: Zoë
Website: shopzoeonline.com
Address: 70 Washington Street, (Dumbo) Brooklyn, NY
Phone: 718-237-4002
        
 

As an entrepreneur who works from home, I usually rely on my computer and BlackBerry to tell me the time. It’s not that I don’t appreciate elegant watches, I just haven’t found one that flatters my bony wrist, save for the Hello Kitty Swatch my parents bought for my 13th birthday. That was until I discovered Badgley Mischka timepieces – a new collection of ultra chic watches, which are just as glam and sophisticated as the designer clothing label.

Having just perused the jaw-dropping assortment of timepieces, I narrowed it down to a few faves: a gleaming gold cuff adorned with crystals (perfect for formal affairs), a black grosgrain strap with a striking crystal-encrusted bow, a lambskin leather strap with clusters of crystal charms and faux pearls and a gorgeous grouping of gold bangles (although it's hard to tell the time on the dial).

Sport any of these timeless Badgley Mischka baubles on your wrist and you’ll want to be fashionably early, no matter what the function. Although they won’t officially launch in stores until next month, the Badgley Mischka wristwatch collection is available for pre-order on Nordstrom.com at prices ranging from $200-$800.

Have a fashion emergency or need some shopping advice? Drop us a line any time at stealsanddeals@nbcuni.com!

Calling all eco-fanatics! Portland-based Nau, a one-stop-shop for technical, yet stylish outdoor and urban lifestyle products made entirely from sustainable materials will soon be setting up shop in New York!

In anticipation of the new Big Apple boutique, Nau is selling a selection of its Fall/Winter overstock at NoLita’s Openhouse Gallery today through Sunday with prices slashed up to 75% off retail!

Expect a gorgeous roster of eco-chic clothes ranging from organic cotton t-shirts, wool, cashmere and angora sweaters, cozy cocoon coats, crochet hats, extra long scarves and flared pants, all of which are available in an earthy palette of gray, forest green, sea blue, brown and black. Plus, 5 percent of every Nau purchase will go to Kiva, the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website.

Judging by the swarms of customers already waiting in line, who says its’ not easy being green?

The Retail Details!
What: Nau NYC Warehouse Sale
When: Thursday, March 6th - Sunday, March 9th
Time: Thursday 11pm-7pm; Friday & Saturday, 12pm-8pm; Sunday 12pm-6pm
Where: Openhouse Gallery, 201 Mulberry Street (btw Spring-Kenmare)
Contact: 877-454-5628
Website: nau.com

Is it just me or have expensive designer frocks suddenly become obscenely expensive? During one of my recent shopping sojourns to Saks Fifth Avenue, everything I eyeballed had a price tag approaching four digits. To be fair, I was “accidentally” browsing the store’s 3rd floor, which only displays threads from high-end designers such as Rachel Roy – a coveted California-based label and one of my unfulfilled quests.

Clearly there must be a god, because I just learned that Rachel Roy is holding a massive sample sale at their Manhattan showroom, starting tomorrow! That’s right… an assortment of flirty ‘n feminine blouses, trousers, dresses, shorts and jackets can be yours thanks to discounts of up to 70% off of the retail price! Stop the insanity!!!

Spruce up your spring wardrobe with bubble-hem floral print silhouettes like the one shown here (was $1495, now $500!), a beaded Anza dress (was $1645, now $500!), billowy blouses (originally $595 - $695, now $200 and less!), baggy pants (originally $525, now $150!) and so much more.

Sounds too good to be true? Don’t take my word for it… sprint on over and see for yourself!

The Retail Details!

What: Rachel Roy Sample Sale!
When: Wednesday, March 5th – Friday, March 7th  
Time: 12:00PM – 7:00PM
Where: 148 West 37th Street, 2nd Floor (between 7th Avenue & Broadway)
Acceptable Methods of Payment: Cash, Amex, Visa, MasterCard

*All Sales Are Final*

Have a fashion emergency or need some retail therapy? Drop the iVillage team a line anytime at stealsanddeals@nbcuni.com!

Of all the boutiques on Boston’s chichi Newberry Street, the one that continually blows me away is Queen Bee, a bustling clothing and accessory outpost that carries the hottest contemporary labels like Milly, Diane von Furstenberg, Shoshanna, Tibi, T-bags and Ella Moss.

Well, my cup has runneth over!… Queen Bee is currently throwing a massive on-land and online sale on all their remaining Fall ’07 merch. With prices reduced up to a ridiculous 70% off, you could build an entire wardrobe without breaking the bank!

My personal faves include a gleaming gold Shoshanna jacket (slashed from $429 to $214), the flirty floral Tibi skirt shown here (reduced from $254-$130!), cuffed LaRok shorts (originally $137 and now $69), sunburst-hued Ted Baker heels (originally $150, but yours for only $75) and a cozy Autumn Cashmere shawl collar tunic in chocolate brown (slashed from $253 to $127).

And since everyone loves a good bargain, QueenBeeGirls.com is offering the “Steals & Deals” family (that would be YOU!) an additional 10% discount off any item of your choice for the entire month of March ’08! Simply enter the code “StealsandDeals” upon checkout to redeem your discount.

Visit QueenBeeGirls.com and see what everyone’s been buzzing about!

The Retail Details!
Store: Queen Bee
Shop online at queenbeegirls.com
Address: 85 Newbury Street
                                                                 Phone: 617-859-7999

Have a fashion emergency or need some retail therapy? Drop the iVillage team a line anytime at stealsanddeals@nbcuni.com!