In the final words of Lady "O": "To God be the glory!"

Wow, can I tell you that watching the finale of the Oprah Winfrey Show today brought me to TEARS! I never imagined I would react that way.... but after 25 years of her inspiration, my heart was a bit heavy at the thought of 'losing'  her .  Nonetheless, she's not dead and more importantly, we now have her personal email address (oprah@oprah.com ) so we've lost a TV show but we've gained a new email buddy! ;-)

Now, down to business....

Jimmy Choo has a new owner.   Labelux, owner of luxury fashion brands Derek Lam, Bally, and Solange Azagury-Patridge, bought the luxury shoe retailer for around $850 million.   Choo's Tamara Mellon (Chief Creative Officer) and CEO Josh Schulman will remain with the company.  I was kinda hoping that the original Jimmy Choo who co-founded the line with Mellon would re-enter (with his backers) as owner once the shoe line was put up for sale last year but apparently Labelux won out.  It would have been poetic justice if the 'real' Jimmy Choo was able to wrestle control over his namesake line once and for all!

In other news, Topshop has announced that the Oxford Circus and NY Soho stores will now feature 'Secret Stores' dedicated to featuring premium designer collaboration pieces from  designers such as Pamela Love, Meadham Kirchhoff, Emma Cook, Ann-Sofie Back, Tom Scott, etc.   These limited edition 'Secret Stores' will be offered for two weeks only starting on May 26th. 

In what has proven to be the best news of the week for me, French fashion house Balmain has answered my prayers by announcing that they are preparing to launch a more affordable collection to premiere this September.  I am uber excited at the fact that I no longer have to rely upon Outnet cast offs (which, in my opinion are still too expensive) in order to get my Balmain 'fix'!

In my one 'collabo' piece of the day, our girl Rachel Roy has gone to the beach!   Roy 's "Rachel Rachel Roy" collection just released a shoe collaboration with pro surfer Katrina Petroni consisting of a wedge heel, espadrille, and high-top sneaker.  The wedge, the less 'sporty' of the bunch, is priced at $139 and is a a colorful, easy shoe to slip on for those easy summer days ahead.
Check it out:

Now, as you all know, Memorial Day Weekend is a couple of days away and that means SALES everywhere!  Here is a quick listing of where to shop in the coming days:

-Saks has already started their 40% (clothing)/30% (shoes/accessories) sale.    The offerings are pretty sweet! Also, while purusing the site, sign up for the "FashionFix" daily discount (Thanks Mz TT) where you can enjoy 50% off of some of your favorite designers via timed 'flash sales'.
-In NYC, the TIBI sample sale started yesterday and will run through tomorrow from 10am-7pm at 348 W. 36th St.
- Chloe is also offering 40% off of ready-to-wear, shoes, and some bags. 
-Lanvin has begun their 30% markdown off of their spring and summer offerings.
-Although the Prada sale starts right after Memorial Day, you can still enjoy 30% off during the presale that began this week. 

As for POST Memorial Day Sales, Chanel (discounting 40% off clothing/shoes/accessories),  Marni (40% off the main collection and 30% off of the Addition Collection and Resort), and DVF (NYC Sample Sale with 40%-70% off of retail running June 7-June 10 at 260 5th Avenue @28th St) are 'must visits'. 


Now that I've encouraged you to spend all of our money at these sales, I must redeem myself by showing you guys a few of the 'hi/lo' comps I've discovered this week!

Looks like Long Tasseled Earrings are all the rage these days..... I love the way these brightly hued 'shoulder dusters' look with a short cut or pulled-back hair.  Isn't ironic, however, that one of these pairs is $250 @ shopbop while the other is $27 @ Asos? Take a guess.....

 

Also, looks like this spring brings love for the nude crochet sweater! Pair it up with shorts, slacks, or a maxi-skirt and you've got yourself a winning combo! Just one problem, do you chose the $394 ALC sweater (@ Shopbop) or the J Crew Sweater currently on sale @ Jcrew.com for $89? What's a girl to do? ;-)

As always, I want to leave you with some great pieces to think on.... check out some of my fav finds from my 'haute hunting' expedition this week:

Asos has done it with this ASOS Revive Halter Dress for 172. The gold metal collar & back are all that!

Although I'm not usually a Sam Edelman Fan, these "Lucia" sandals at shopbop are a steal for $140!

LOVE this Topshop beaded harem jumpsuit for $90

This flowy Vero Moda 70s Dress from Asos is a must have for $51!

This $194  ShopBop exclusive by TBags is a wonderful maxi to dress up or down. 



Lastly, I have to tell you that I'm loving this new Herve Leger strapless mini dress.  Only problem is the $2,500 pricetag! :-)

Well my dears, like Oprah, I won't say "goodbye", just "until we meet again"....

xoxo

me

Special Summer Report from Fx4 Boutique!

Hello again! See, I'm on a ROLLLLL! Gone for two weeks now back twice in a week! ;-)

So, I know I focus A LOT on the weather but that's because the weather really dictates my mood- unfortunately.   So, in honor of the rain, dark skies, and nasty wetness that I'm currently experiencing in NYC, I decided to dedicate today's posting to the BEACH (more specifically, being SEXY at the BEACH)! 

Who better to give us 'sexy beach' advice other than Mz. PS- the owner/"Fit Therapist" of http://www.fx4boutique.com/ ????

So, in preparation for summer, Priya has the following "Beach Beauty Advice:

Ladies – being HOT this summer doesn’t mean you have to be exposed to the sweltering heat – it just means you have to follow my advice for a fun and ‘haute’ summer with these essentials from fx4boutiuqe.com:

A Luz De Mar bathing suit

                This Argentinean brand is a great buy because the price point is right and the fit is AMAZING!!  I have the bright yellow one and it makes my boobs look PAAYOW!! The tops have built in pads that don’t shift or bulge even after washing and wearing which make for a fabulous ‘push’ in all the right places!!  The bottoms are considered 'latin’ cut meaning, not as small as Brazilian or a thong, but small enough to bake your buns for a sexy tan line!!

A Cover-up

                Cover-ups are slowly gaining ground for walking from your hotel suite to the beach or pool.  Whoa the days when a white T-shirt would do as a cover-up!!  If you consider yourself a sexy, haute, fashionable chick, you definitely need an alluring coverup that turns heads as you walk to your favorite beach or pool destination.  Not only does it pique the curiosity of what’s underneath, it gives you a chic beach look that will garner all the right attention!!  Fx4boutique.com is offering a free cover-up with a purchase of a Luz De Mar bathing suit, so get there quick while supplies last!!!

Color popping jewelry and accessories

                Color can really spice up your look and when done right, can make you look extremely stylish.  Add a pop of color to your wardrobe using jewelry, bags, shoes and even bright colored lipsticks to enhance your look and help bring out the color of your tanned skin!! Check out our collection of Kendra Scott Jewelry that definitely define POP when it comes to fun colors for the season!   

Thanks Priya!  Gonna run now to long onto http://www.fx4boutique.com/ to snag a Luz De Mar bikini with a FREE cover-up! 
xoxo
me

Better Late Than Never....

Happy Tuesday all!  So glad to be able to grab a few moments to chat with you on such a dreary day! I know that some of this information has been floating around the 'net and twitter for a few days/weeks now (I have been meaning to post for at least two weeks! :-() but here it is anyway! ;-)


In the world of hi/lo collabos.... Target has been BUSY, to say the least! At the heels of the moderately successful Calypso St. Barths venture (I wasn't all that impressed but I did secure some nice house wares, accessories, and toddler items), Target announced its biggest collaborative venture yet.... a 400 plus piece collection by MISSONI! Yes, you heard me right!  The Italian design house will introduce this collection on September 13th of this year to run through October 22nd.  This massive collection will include clothing, accessories, linens, house wear, etc. all priced between $2.99 to $599.00 (although most items would be well under $40).    I can't wait (and I know the Missoni-lovin' Mz. MH is equally, if not more excited). Thanks Mz. AM for the "breaking news" of the JV from twitter!


Prior to the Target announcement and their recent collabo with Havaiana, however, Missoni joined with Bugaboo to design an exclusive collection of strollers (each including a knitted Missoni blanket) to be sold only in Neiman Marcus stores beginning this summer for $199 and $269.   According to Missoni co-owner Angela Missoni, "It was a great joy to work on this project. Children are so sensitive to colors and patterns. Working with Bugaboo has given me a unique opportunity to create a dream stroller that I hope will be enjoyed by children and will stimulate their senses."  Tres urban baby chic!

In more collaboration news, Uniqlo's Vena Cava collection launched last week with approximately 12 styles of dresses and tops retailing for about $29.90 each. 

Lastly and just in time for this wet weather, The Jimmy Choo for Hunter wellington has gotten a make-over for Spring (well, really, it's a Pre-Fall offering but Pre-Fall collections launch in the Spring so....).  Check out the $425 wellie's redux with JC's signature biker boot hardware.  Mz. NC, this one is for you! ;-) 

Now, on to SHOPPING!

If any of you missed last week's Manolo sample sale, don't fret....
Christian Louboutin's sale started TODAY!  IF you are so blessed to receive an invite to the sale (yes dears, it is invite only!), you can snag some CLs for $150-$400.   Here are the details:
Tuesday, May 17 to Friday, May 20
Tues & Wed 8am to 6pm (Press)
Thurs. 9am to 5pm, Fri. 9am to 3pm
306 West 38th Street, 3rd Floor


You can probably find some sample priced CLs' at the Nieman Marcus spring/summer sale that started at the end of last week.  Here is how it works:
40% off designer sportswear, selected couture apparel and evening wear, dress collections, and career and contemporary sportswear
33% off women's shoes and intimate apparel
30% off designer jewelry
25% off children's apparel

For all of you Amazon shoppers, you will be happy to note that Amazon just launched their 'MyHabit' flash sale website that is intent on giving Gilt Group a run for their money!  Take a look at the bargain designer offerings and take advantage of the free shipping and return policy! http://www.myhabit.com/

Also combining great online fashion with free shipping is the FX4 Boutique run by  Mz. PS!  Check this out & happy shopping!

In more fashion news, one of our favorite design houses- LANVIN- is launching a 25-piece children's clothing line this fall!   The line  of dresses, t-shirts, coats, and accessories will be focused on girls ages four through 10 and will   " translate the universe of Lanvin ready-to-wear to the world of kids," according to Lanvin's executive vice president Thierry Andretta.

Although Rachel Zoe's baby boy won't be able to enjoy any of the new Lanvin toddler offerings, she did just launch the first resort collection for the Rachel Zoe line which debuted this past January.    The line does have some potential....here are my favorites (ok, is it me or is it freakish that this model looks like a younger/taller version of Zoe?  I guess there's something to be said about selling your 'brand' ;-)). 

Lots of makeup news to discuss!  Nars has recently introduced their limited edition "Laguna: Portrait of Paradise" collection consisting of a $45 body illuminator; a $39 Multiple; and an 'Orgasm/Albatross/Laguna' Blush and Bronzer Trio for $55.  That Trio, pictured below, is the product to grab (as well as the Multiple) because it has all of the great colors and comes in a limited edition portable zippered compact- PERFECT for those quick summer weekend getaways where you don't want to drag around a five pound makeup case! 

Keep a look-out for another great summer makeup collection-this one from Dolce & Gabbana.   Their new "Animalier Collection" features a leopard print limited edition bronzing powder that is soooo sexy (on and off ;-)).   

Salma Hayek is now getting into the beauty biz!  Apparently, Hayek inked an exclusive  deal with CVS whereby her 100-piece, multi-category beauty line 'Nuance' will be sold starting this August.  The line is inspired by her Vichy Lab-trained cosmetologist grandmother and it   incorporates Native American and Mayan ingredients. Salma also told the paper that at 45, she's never had any injections in her enviably youthful face–she relies solely on products. 

Lastly on the makeup front,  we did the 'peel on' nail polish, now it's time for 'peel on' lipstick! Violent Lips DIY temporary lip tattoos are the new 'thang'.  Sold in a pack of three for $15, these lip tattoos come in a variety of colors/patterns/prints (see the fishnet print in the photo below).  

 As always, I love to close out my posts with the 'hi/lo' comps and picks of the day. Hope you enjoy!

Seems as though this summer's favorite 'go to' dress is the brightly-hued ruffled halter maxi with the sexy split up the  middle! Check out these three versions of the same dress from Haute Hippie @Net-a-Porter $475, Milly@ Shopbop $495, and ASOS $116.   Considering the fact that you can't tell the difference between the $500 dress and the $100 dress, I suggest you figure out which one is which and go cop the cheaper version! ;-)   

Another trend I'm seeing is the kimono/angel-wing tunic.    Shopbop has the Indah tunic for $92 and Norma Kamali for Target has her version for $12.  Can you guess which is which? 

 

In another hi/lo comp highlight, I've been seeing MUCH cheaper versions of the metallic, tasseled obi belt from Gucci's Summer 2011 Collection that's all over the runway/magazine covers .  Although you'll most likely be dealing in 'plastics' or 'pleather' rather than genuine leather, you can get the same look for about $1000 less! Check out this one from ASOS for $26. You can barely tell the difference! 

Now that I'm done comparison shopping, let me share some items that have caught my eye over the past few days:

From Topshop:

$60 Metal Chain-Link "Collar"

Midi Dress for $190- very "Kate Middleton"

Orange Suede Hi-Tops $54

From ShopBop:

Rachel Pally Maxi Dress $238

Ellerly Front Knot Dress $505

From Zara:

Snake-print maxi dress

From Forever21:

Eyelet Ruffle Maxi Dress $28

Ruffle Maxi Dress $13.50



Well, folks, I'm out.... talk to you again soon!

xoxo

me