Amy Winehouse for Fred Perry: On sale at Zappos and a new collection maybe released

Like many celebrities, the late singer Amy Winehouse had lent her name to a fashion line from Fred Perry of London.  Amy's line didn't have massive exposure here in the US since it was sold primarily in the UK via Fred Perry stores. As you can see from the sketches above, it was very late 1950's /early 1960s inspired featuring period type capri pants, checkered polo tops,bowling tops and even a classic trench.  Now online site Zappos is selling quite a few of the Amy Winehouse Fred Perry pieces at reduced prices.  Click here to see the selection on Zappos.  The trench coat originally priced at around $400.00 + US is about $200.00 US and some change.  That's a good move, because I think it you were to pay $400.00 US for a trench from a British line, it should be a Burberry classic trench for that price!


Last week, Fred Perry revealed that Amy left behind a third unreleased fashion line for the brand.  The question is , should they release it now that she is gone? According the Fred Perry, they are asking her family for permission.  Richard Martin, a marketing manager from Fred Perry, told Harper's Bazaar Amy was a "delight" to work with. He said, "Bright, passionate, and dedicated, with strong ideas of exactly what it was that she wanted from the range. Detailing, fabrics - she was all over it."

Is it bad taste to release her line without her here? That is the question? What do you think readers? Personally, I think Amy was a great musical talent, but, I'm not sure her fashions were a unique part of her legacy. RIP Amy, I miss you.

Amy Winehouse for Fred Perry: On sale at Zappos and a new collection maybe released

Sponsored Post: Savings on Mango at Groupon

Groupon is having a deal on Mango online, which I think is pretty good and so I wanted to pass it along.  If you buy a Groupon, you get $50.00 of clothing at Mango (online only) for $25.00. (US only, and read the restrictions.)  I've always liked Mango, remembering their campaigns featuring Penelope Cruz and her lovely sister.  I just don't like to pay top dollar for their clothes, because I consider them trendy, and so perhaps not the longest lasting.  However, they are wicked cute, and some are very vintage inspired. With BlogHer 11 coming up in San Diego this week, a little Mango for less is really well timed! Mango.com has plenty of great looking summer dresses, tops and accessories on sale and at their regular prices.  If you're interested in this deal, click here to use my Groupon invite to buy.  You have to wait to shop until August 1, so I loaded up my cart on Mango.com with my picks, and I'll press the buy button tomorrow with I can use my Groupon.   If you buy this Groupon, you must use it by August 24th, so beware, it has a short expiration time stamp on it. This is not one you buy and can leave in your Groupon account for 6 mos.

Readers do you like Mango, and do you shop there now?

Note: I'm calling this a sponsored post, because I earn a small referral fee when you join Groupon with my event.  But that is not why I am posting it. I'm posting because I think this is a really good deal!

Sponsored Post: Savings on Mango at Groupon

Enter Norma Kamaili's Social Media Contest to Win a $98 Classic Bill Swimsuit

Amazing (and may I say iconic) designer Norma Kamali is having a Facebook contest featuring her classic 1940s style classic bill swimsuit.  To enter to win, go to her Facebook page by July 31st, and select your favorite look from a variety of models/bloggers who are wearing her swimsuit.  For more chances, you can check in at Norma Kamali New York on Foursquare or send her some Twitter love.  Here are the links to enter on Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare!

Rules: Contest open until July 31, 2011 at 11:59 EST.  One entry per person.  Valid for US residents only.  Winner chosen by random drawing and will be contacted by email or private message on Tumblr.

Enter Norma Kamaili's Social Media Contest to Win a $98 Classic Bill Swimsuit

David Beckham Partners with H&M for Bodywear for Men

This just in! David Beckham will together with H&M make his Bodywear range for men available to millions of fans globally through a long-term partnership. So he'll be taking the modeling of racy underwear images as a marketing strategy from Armani to H&M.  Nice.

Per H&M "The long-term alliance will allow David Beckham to produce and exclusively sell his eagerly awaited new DAVID BECKHAM bodywear line in around 1800 H&M stores in around 40 countries worldwide." It marks the beginning of a significant relationship between H&M and David Beckham, with new Bodywear products being launched seasonally. The initial range will be launched to coincide with Valentine’s Day 2012 from February 2nd.

“Over the past year, I’ve been developing my Bodywear range with my team and I’m extremely positive about what we have designed and produced,” said David Beckham. “The final piece in the jigsaw was a retail partner who has the vision and capability to distribute these products globally. In H&M we have found the perfect partner to collaborate with going forward, I’m excited and looking forward to showcasing the range to H&M customers from February.”

Apparently Becks is  on a "journey from sporting hero to entrepreneur and icon”, notes Simon Fuller, David Beckham’s long time business partner.  That's kind of funny. I think the journey is more about K'ching, but who am I to interfere with genius? :) It's very smart of a professional athlete, overcoming a recent serious injury, to start finding other ways to make money.  And those pictures of him in his undies ain't bad either.

David Beckham Partners with H&M for Bodywear for Men

Costco Syndrome: Have empathy for the shoppers who can't seem to save

A short time ago Costco sent me a $10.00 coupon off running my membership.  Like a moth to the flame, I fell for it, thinking..well, I really save big when I go to Costco on household items, so it's worth being a member.  Now I'm not so sure.  You see dear reader, I suffer from what I call Costco Syndrome.  I go there intending to get my amazing discounts on bulk groceries, my Alleve, and of course their infamous bulk toilet paper package.  But, once I'm in the store it's very hard to stick to my little shopping list.  Why you may ask? Because Costco now carries so many upscale brands, fashion items and high-end cosmetics.  This leads me to impulse shopping at its finest.  Look they have Chanel cream! Over there look, wow, Cartier watches.  Clinique, Estee Lauder, Oil of Olay, Calvin Klein and even Betsey Johnson are now lurking in those Costco aisles.  Check my photos from a recent trip.

Pictured: Costco Temptation 1: Sparkling Betsey Johnson bag.   Maybe not the most beautiful bag, but c'mon, it's Betsey Johnson, and it's at a good price at Costco!!! (photo: M.Hall)

Pictured: Costco Temptation Part Deux: Chanel Cream.  Do I need it, not sure, but it's Chanel and it's at Costco!! (photo: M.Hall)

Pictured: Pièce de résistance Cartier, the jeweler to the French Kings has a few watches at Costco!!! Under 2k.  Suchadeal.

After looking around and seeing all these discounted wonders, I had to step away from the Costco aisles (all these items were right up front in the store of course.) I fled to the back of the store, grabbed my TP, some groceries, some bulk coffee bags, a giant bottle of Alleve, my huge box of Crystal Light and some vitamins.
I leaned on my calculator on my mobile phone to help me calculate the so called "savings." My cart was just totaling $125.00 of stuff, and I knew I was lucky. Last year I went to pick-up a few things and my cart total came to about $300.00.  This is Costco Syndrome and it's not a cheap trip there.  If you don't have a Costco near you, I bet you have one of its evil twins like BJ's Warehouse or Sam's Club.  Have you wandered their aisles picking up items you didn't intend to buy because you are overwhelmed by what is there?

Beware readers.  I think Costco is the darling of the recession. Business is booming, and they are acquiring better and more upscale brands than ever.  And if you hear their siren's call, you may not end up realizing any savings at all.

Costco Syndrome: Have empathy for the shoppers who can't seem to save

Versace Bans the "Killer Jeans" Sandbasting Technique from their Fashion Line

A few weeks ago I took fashion house Versace to task for selling and producing sandblasted jeans. Getting this faded jeans look is very dangerous and even life threatening to the poor people who do this work. Now Versace has responded to activists. The Italian fashion house has committed to ban the dangerous practice of sandblasting jeans. Good!

The news follows a two-month international campaign by the Clean Clothes Campaign on Change.org, the world’s fastest-growing social action platform. More than 1,200 people from all over the world joined the campaign (including me, and I hope some of you dear readers.) Sandblasting is a process by which workers fire sand under high pressure at jeans. It has been known to kill workers in garment producing countries like Turkey and Bangladesh, where jean sandblasting is done manually. The large amounts of silica dust generated during sandblasting can cause silicosis, a potentially lethal pulmonary disease, as workers inhale tiny particles of silica.

Following public pressure and buzz on social media channels,  Versace conducted a review of its clothing suppliers and announced that, effective immediately, suppliers would be banned from using sandblasting.

“Following more recent CCC's comments on Versace's practices, the company decided to study the issue in depth again and concluded, in agreement with CCC, that it is appropriate to take a proactive stance, and stand against the practice of sandblasting,” said Versace's Tomaso Galli in a letter to Change.org. "Versace has specifically asked every supplier (and will ask any new supplier as a condition to work with Versace) to certify that they are not using sandblasting."

I'm glad Versace listened and responded. No high priced jeans are worth the even higher price of human life.

Versace Bans the "Killer Jeans" Sandbasting Technique from their Fashion Line

Celia Birtwell on sale with US shipping too!

The divine designer, Ms. Celia is having a sale now on her website.  Even better, Celia Birtwell offers US shipping now.  Celia is an amazing print maker, and if you haven't seen her designs, check out the online exhibit at the V&A museum.  She has influenced a generation.  I have many of her pieces from Topshop and her collection for The Limited (look for those on eBay now.) Click here to check the sale.  There are fabrics for your home on sale, as well as stationary items.  Enjoy!

Celia Birtwell on sale with US shipping too!

Steals or Deals: 40% Coupon for a Derek Lam eBay Collection Dress + Fashion Vault

If you read here, then you know I've been a fan of the Derek Lam dresses on eBay.  I think they are well made and well designed.  I liked the crowd-sourcing concept and the preview at fashion week. I just didn't care for the price tags of $200 to $300 US on the dresses. That was a barrier to purchase for me.

Now, eBay has diminished my price objections by offering a 40% off discount on the remaining dresses. If you're interested in picking up a cool summer fun dress (the floral chemise) a form fitting little black dress or a work appropriate silk drawstring waist dress in black or hot pink, then look no further.  If you looking for a frock for BlogHer11, this could be it! :) To get the discount, use code CEBAYDEREK  before August 8th. Enter the code in the redemption box, when you go to pay on eBay.  Click here to get the deal.  Remember to use the code (CEBAYDEREK ), as you won't automatically get the deal without it.

My top pick from the collection is the floral chemise dress pictured above. One word of caution on this collection.  Read the sizing measurements before you order, as the sizing is more European sized   The dresses are shown on a super slender model here, and they will look very different on anyone who is size 8 or above. I think this eBay Derek Lam model is perhaps a 0 to 2, and the Lam dresses just hang on her as she slouches.

Pictured: Savings on Calvin Klein and Kenneth Cole today at eBay.

For more savings at eBay today, check out the Fashion Vault today with savings on Kenneth Cole and Calvin Klein. The sale is open until Fri. 7/29, 9pm PT  with savings of 60%.  There are some good looking maxi dresses in this one.

Steals or Deals: 40% Coupon for a Derek Lam eBay Collection Dress + Fashion Vault

Vogue's Steal of the Month: Lagerfeld for Macy's Dress

Pictured: True Blood Actress Deborah Ann Woll in the August 2011 'Vogue.'

Photo: Courtesy of 'Vogue'

So I'm checking out this month's issue of Vogue over a Sunday morning cup of coffee, and of course paging to the "Steal of the Month" feature.  If you haven't seen it, check out the photo above.  It's a picture of a floral print dress from the forthcoming Lagereld for Macy's Impulse collection, priced at $109.00 USD, modeled by True Blood star Deborah Ann Woll.  The dress reminds me vintage dresses by Ossie and Celia, and of course some 1960s Liberty of London looks.  In this month's Vogue, Lagerfeld says,  the collection is ""a coup d'oeil  (translation glimpse of) to the dresses I designed for Chloe and the girlish, more romantic mood of the seventies."

I hope the dress looks as good on the racks as it does in the Vogue pictures. Some of us have to wait until August 31st to find out.

Vogue's Steal of the Month: Lagerfeld for Macy's Dress

Sunday Savvy: Today in LA Los Feliz Fashion Festival

If you're visiting Los Angeles this weekend, or you live here, you may wish to check out the Los Feliz Fashion Fest today which is part of the  Los Feliz Village Street Fair. The event takes place today, July 24th, on Hollywood Blvd. from 11am to 10pm.

My spies tell me that the fair will feature these local clothing, jewelry and accessories designers:

MNKR Clothing, Sri Lalita Clothing, Three Apparel, Della, Nikki Montoya, Geisha de Guadalupe, Lotus B., Evalyn Black, White Sycamore, Artisan LA Jewelry, Marion Romann, Artzgraf Creations, Flea Market Girl, Liza Shtromberg, Fluxus, 50 Dresses, Cowgirl Heaven, Dominique Ansari, A Current Affair (amazing vintage finds) , Bows and Arrows, Ozzie Dots (featuring a Dollar Sale), Mae Mae Jewelry, Heroes and Tails and A Global Friendship.

If you stop by the fair today, you can actually meet  the designers/exhibitors and pick up some special deals. Other features include runway shows, a ‘Make Over’ booth sponsored by POP, a Photo Booth sponsored by Modelwire Network, plus local fashionistas and bloggers from LA's Two Point Oh! fashion coalition. If you love fashion, this is a great way to spend your Sunday in Los Angeles.

If you're not in LA, check out some of the featured designers on the web like Fluxus Brand and their current sale online.

Sunday Savvy: Today in LA Los Feliz Fashion Festival

Mrs. Obama Steps Out in a Merona for Target Dress and Chris Benz

Pictured: Michelle Obama in a dress she bought in 2009 at Target (photos courtesy of Target, Photos by Jason Hirschfeld, Gerry Broome / AP Images.)

Proving she is still a recessionista even in the White House, Michelle Obama  was spotted wearing a Merona for Target dress this week while visiting the "Joining Forces" program at Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach.  Michelle first wore this dress in September 2009 for a family trip to Arizona. Three years of shelf life for a Target dress is pretty good.  I can't help but wonder how many times this has been washed :)  I have to say sometimes Merona doesn't stand up well to multiple washings. Stepping out in clothes from stores like Target, H&M and the Gap, Mrs. O has certainly proved that style doesn't have to cost beaucoup bucks.  I like the dress, but unfortunately it's no longer available for sale at Target.  However, Merona has some similar dresses on the sales racks for about $30.00 US that you may wish to check out for cheap and chic summer style.

Pictured: Mrs. O in Chris Benz. (photo credit: Elaine Sanchez)

 Later in the week, Mrs. O stepped out in another cool looking summer frock, albeit one that is a bit pricier.  She wore up and coming designer Chris Benz's Blue/Green Resort Nelda Dress for her appearance on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Thursday, July 21, 2011.The episode, which is set to air in October, focuses on redesigning and expanding a North Carolina community resource center for homeless female veterans. I've been a fan of Chris Benz since I saw Eva Amurri wear one of his dresses at New York Fashion Week.  He is really talented, and I'm glad to see Mrs. O drawing attention to his designs.  Benz once worked for J. Crew, another Mrs. O fashion fav.

Mrs. Obama Steps Out in a Merona for Target Dress and Chris Benz

Sneak Peak: Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's? Yes in Stores Aug. 31st

Pictured: A Karl Lagerfeld dress, very sixties looking to me, from his Macy's collection.

Yes, it's true and the sketches have been released. Lagerfeld is going to Macy's to sell fashions, but not from Chanel As we say in Los Angeles, "He's on his journey." The Lagerfeld journey goes from Diet Coke bottles to Macy's, and that is a  long way from Chanel. Announcing the the Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's Impulse collection, in stores on August 31st at 235 Macy's, as well as online. Priced from $50 to $170, the 45-piece capsule collection will bring the Lagerfeld designs to a wider audience: the non luxury buyer.

In 2004, the Chanel creative director worked with with budget retailer H&M on a limited  a "bridge collection." He later indicated he wasn't exactly happy with the results.  Of course, he was probably unhappy all the way to the bank.  I remember reading in the foreign press that he was upset that H&M didn't stock his collection for more than one day, so that it really was accessible to all.  He was also a bit snobbish about his designs being made available in larger sizes.

"It was great to work with the people at H&M as we all helped each other to make it a success," he told German magazine Stern in 2004. "But the incomprehensible decisions of the management in Stockholm have taken away any desire to do it again. They did not make the clothes in sufficient quantities. I find it embarrassing that H&M let down so many people… I don't think that is very kind, especially for people in small towns and countries in eastern Europe.  It is snobbery created by anti-snobbery."  He also told Stern magazine that he didn't like his designs being made available in mass market sizes (think 12/14 US, 44/46 Euro)  "What I designed was fashion for slender and slim people," said the designer. "That was the original idea." Talk about snobbery.  I own a few of those pieces, thanks to eBay, and they are very elegant.  I still wear the black tie blouse with my Chanel pearls.  I reckon that Macy's will make the Lagerfeld Impulse collection at least go up to size 12.

Pictured: Lagerfeld for Macy's Leather Vest.

KL's Impulse collection "aimed at 24-to 30-year-olds, will include Lagerfeld's signatures including tweed, statement jackets and dresses," WWD reports.  Look for Karl Lagerfeld to be at Macy's Herald Square in early September with an in-person appearance. I'm not sure he ever appeared at H&M in store, so this should be interesting.

Pictured: Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's Peter Pan collar top, priced at $99.00.

I don't know about you readers, but I can't wait to see this collection hit the rack.  What do you think of the sketches.

Sneak Peak: Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's? Yes in Stores Aug. 31st

Get Jennifer Aniston's Look for Less and Enter to Win a $100 Kohl's Gift Card to Go Shopping

Pictured: Jen Aniston's Look for Less with Kohl's Fashions

Last week Jennifer Aniston rocked the Hollywood Red Carpet in a adorable mosaic print chiffon dress from the Prada’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection. The occasion was her dipping her delicate hands into  wet cement at Grauman’s Chinese to leave her mark on Hollywood. If you have to take a cement bath, I do think Prada is a good way to go.  However, Prada can be a little pricey.  So, I've had my eye of a good cheap and chic match for Jen's frock, and I think I found one.  Kohl's has a great looking summer floral ruffle dress in their Lauren Conrad (aka LC) collection. The LC dress is highly rated by customers who bought it and is now on sale for $42.00.  Nab a savings coupon from the Kohl's website, ShopAtHome.com or RetailMeNot and you can further reduce the price.

To complete Jen's look check out the Candie's Peep-Toe Platform High Heels, also on sale now for $34.99.
I can't say I love all the fashion's at Kohl's. No big box retailer gets it right all the time. But they, do a good job and I've found deals their on Simply Vera (Vera Wang) and ELLE. Now it's time for you to tell me about your favorite summer looks at Kohl's and try to win a $100.00 Kohl's gift card for some shopping. If you're going to BlogHer in August, you might want to enter to try to win some cool summer fashions to wear at the show, and of course, the parties! Yes, this is the time we love most on The Recessionista when we give cool stuff back to the readers.  Here's what you need to do to enter. 

Simply leave me a comment or send me a TWEET telling me what your favorite deal is at Kohl's, or if you haven't shopped there, what you might look for there. This contest will end at midnight PST on July 28th. Leave your email address in the comment like this: Jane at yahoo dot com. (this will protect you from spam robots picking up your email and adding you to their Spam bots!
This giveaway is now closed and Mandy83 is the winner! Thanks to all that entered here.

•Follow The Recessionista on Twitter, @Recessionista– 1 Entry (leave a comment to tell me you are a follower.)

•Tweet the Giveaway (Use your own 140 characters or use this here's little sample tweet: #Win a Kohl's Gift Certificate for $100.00 from @Recessionista , learn how at http://bit.ly/nLBpdt pls RT) – 1 Entry per Tweet, Unlimited Tweets (please space them by 2 at least hours though!) (leave a comment to tell me you are got Twitterific.)

•Blog this Giveaway (leave a direct link via the comments) – 5 Entries

•Send me some "Link Luv" by adding me to your Blog Roll – 3 Entries (leave a comment to tell me where you linked into the blog from.)

•Share a link to The Recessionista on a social media blog aggregator site (ie StumbleUpon, Digg, etc.) – 1 Entry per Location (leave a comment to tell me where you buzzed up the blog.)

•Fan The Recessionista on Facebook – 1 Entry (leave a comment to tell me you joined.)

•Get a friend to fan The Recessionista on Facebook (they must leave a comment on my Facebook wall saying “_____ sent me!” – filling in your name, obv.). – 1 Entry per Friend

• Finally, however you enter, please leave an email address in your comment so I can find you.

•Enter by July 28th at midnight PST.

Get Jennifer Aniston's Look for Less and Enter to Win a $100 Kohl's Gift Card to Go Shopping

The Yellow Pages Launches YP.com with Los Angeles Deals

 Heads-up Los Angeles, there are some new savings in town!  Angelinos can sign up to receive daily emails with deals that offer savings of 50% or more on products and services for real life needs in the areas of food, health & beauty, entertainment and home services.

Backed by the  YP brand from AT&T Interactive, Deal of the Day complements thousands of coupons already available on YP.com. To make it easy for savvy shoppers to access the wealth of savings, there is also  a new deals tab on YP.com. The new tab allows you to search, find and redeem deals by city and category.This makes searching for deals fairly easy, as you can do everything from one single screen.

Each deal will be available for five days, and new deals will debut daily Monday through Friday. Click here to use my invite to check out YP.com.  Let me know what you think of the service and if you find a good deal to share.

The Yellow Pages Launches YP.com with Los Angeles Deals

American Express Features Deals on Lord & Taylor and H&M in the Link, Love, Like Launch

Today’s “Link, Like Love” launch from American Express and Facebook, enabling couponless deals features deals from fashionable retailers like Lord & Taylor and H&M.  It's a good time to shop at H&M as their summer clearance is still going on, and the lure of the American Express discount offers  further savings.

In case you haven't heard, the new "Link, Like, Love” allows cardmembers who link their Facebook profiles to their cards to “load” and seamlessly redeem merchant specials nationwide, without the need for coupons or special codes.  You can sign up at http://link.americanexpress.com.

Pictured: Too much savings love for Amex today on Facebook.

 Warning: Traffic on this site has been so high, that the Facebook application is now kaput.  Seems many consumers were more than willing to let American Express and Facebook access their personal information, in exchange for the promise of savings.  Obviously, consumers continue to respond to the lure of savings, without even knowing how deep the discounts might be.  I wonder what Groupon thinks of this move from American Express and the big launch? 

American Express Features Deals on Lord & Taylor and H&M in the Link, Love, Like Launch

American Express Offers Coupon-Less Savings via Facebook App based on Cardmember “Likes” and Interests

If you're an American Express cardmember and a Facebook user, as I am, then you'll be interested in this news. Today, American Express launched a first-of-its-kind application on Facebook -- “Link, Like, Love” -- that delivers cardmember deals, access and experiences based on the likes, interests and social connections of cardmembers and their Facebook friends.  Starting today, on the American Express Facebook page, cardmembers can link their cards to the program and choose their favorite deals; (caution: check your Facebook privacy settings first.) American Express will send statement credits to cardmembers’ accounts as they shop online or in stores, without the need to pre-purchase anything, print out or show a coupon at the point of sale. So this is shopping without coupons from your PC or mobile device.  Clever.  In the coming months, American Express will also deliver Membership Rewards points offers, entertainment access, exclusive content and special events through the application, all based on a cardmember’s Facebook social graph.

Why should you care about this? Well, there may be some good deals on offer.   The national merchants and partners that created special launch deals in addition to the offers and experiences already available in the American Express Network include:  20th Century Fox, Dunkin’ Donuts, Whole Foods Market, Lord & Taylor, Outback Steakhouse, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Virgin America, Bonefish Grill, H&M, Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Celebrity Cruises, Lenovo, Sports Authority, 1-800-FLOWERS, and Travelocity. So clearly, there are a lot of entertainment and dinning out deals for cardmembers here.

So here's how it works based on your Facebook likes. If a cardmember “likes” Whole Foods Market on Facebook or has “checked in” on Facebook Places, she may see a Whole Foods Market deal in her dashboard. If you are a GLEEK and  like the Fox television show “Glee” as one of your interests on Facebook, then you might get a deal for  an exclusive experience for Glee the 3D Concert Movie on her dashboard.  Cardmembers can share deals with friends, choose the deals they want and then use their card as they usually do to claim the offer.



 Let  me know if you check it out.  I plan to give it a test drive to see if there is anything I want that I can save a few pennies on.

American Express Offers Coupon-Less Savings via Facebook App based on Cardmember “Likes” and Interests

Gwen Stefani to Design Children's Line for Target

Gwen Stefani is set to design a Japanese inspired children's line for Target. Seriously. This is actually true and hot off the press, from the fashion bible, Women's Wear Daily (WWD).  Erstwhile punk rocker (No Doubt)  and part time fashion designer, Gwen Stefani is going to partner with Target on a clothing line for children. Seriously. Check out how cool her boy Kingston is on the runway above.  But the question is, will Target shoppers want their kids to look like Kingston?

You'll never guess what this collection will be called.  Wait for it.  It's seriously non-Target like. It will be called Harajuku Mini (after Harajuku Lovers, Gwen's accessories and fragrance collection known for its  Japanese over tones.)  The fabuless Stefani's Target range is planned to  include clothing and accessories for babies, children and tweens, reported Women's Wear Daily.

“Harajuku Mini is a dream come true,” Stefani told WWD. “I’ve always wanted to do a cool children’s fashion line inspired by the super cute and playful kid’s clothing you find in Japan."  All I can say to that is a cynical no doubt. Right. I'm sure this was always a dream of hers.

My spies tell me that prices are supposed to start at $3.99 with nothing over $20.00 in this Target collection.  I really wish Target would step up their game and now contact Liam Gallagher about bringing his "Pretty Green " line to the Bullseye. Now that would be exciting.  Just imagine the commercials! :) Wouldn't you love to see this commercial in a Target version?

Gwen Stefani to Design Children's Line for Target

Calling Shoeaholics: Twitter Contest for a Stuart Weitzman New York City VIP Visit with Stacy London

Pictured: Stacy London and Stuart Weitzman (photo from www.nilmuir.com)

If you are a Twitter user, as am I , then you might want to check out this contest running until July 21st. This is a chance to use your Twitter savvy to try to get some great shoes. The prize is the opportunity to get advice on picking footwear from fashion expert Stacy London.  Top shoe brand Stuart Weitzman is having a Twitter contest for the chance to win an exclusive VIP preview of never-before-seen styles from the new spring Stuart Weitzman 2012 collection with Stacy London.

One lucky Tweep will  not only gets to see the new collection before it goes public, but they also win the opportunity to choose 3 shoes from it to add to their closet with the help of Stacy’s expertise. Note, no travel expenses are included in this contest, so I recommend this for those close to NYC. This VIP treatment prize is a private one-on-one style consultation appointment for Tuesday, August 9, 2011 with Stacy at the Stuart Weitzman New York City showroom to see, lust and win styles from the new collection before even some of the hottest celebs.

If you are interested, here's what you need to do to get Twitterific:
1) Follow @Stuart_Weitzman and @StacyLondonSays on Twitter.
2) Tweet this :  Follow @Stuart_Weitzman to win VIP appt w/ @StacyLondonSays at our showroom to win 3 pairs of shoes from new spring 2012 collection. #SWVIP

One winner will be chosen at random. Stuart Weitzman will  contact the winner via Twitter.

No payment or purchase is necessary to enter or win. Neither a purchase nor payment will improve your chances of winning. You are not a winner yet. Void where prohibited. Contest begins at 12:01 AM Eastern Time on July 18th, 2011 and all entries must be received by 10:00 AM ET on July 21st, 2011. The Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the U.S. Continental states and District of Columbia (excluding residents of Guam, Puerto Rico and all other U.S. territories) and possessions who are 18 years of age or older or the age of majority in his/her state, province, or territory of residence at the time of entry.

**Note –Winner is responsible for all necessary travel and hotel accommodations **

Calling Shoeaholics: Twitter Contest for a Stuart Weitzman New York City VIP Visit with Stacy London

Last Call: Robbi and Nikki Fashion Dash Today

If you read here, then you know that I love the fashion line Robbi and Nikki. It's beautifully made, and substantially cheaper than founder Robert Rodriquez's higher price boutique line.  It sells at Bloomingdale's and Fred Segal for about $98.00 to $300.00 depending on the piece.  So, for a deal on Robbi and Nikki, check out Neiman Marcus Last Call today.  They are having a fashion dash sale with discounts of up to 60% off on Robbi and Nikki. Check it out and let me know what you find.

Last Call: Robbi and Nikki Fashion Dash Today

eBay Opens the Fashion Vault Today with Special Deals

Our friends at eBay are opening up the Fashion Vault today with some specials on Shoes and Handbags.  As the official, and self-proclaimed, town crier of budget fashion items, I thought I'd give you a peak at what is inside. Lean in close, here's the deal. Featured brands include: B.Makowsky, BCBG, BCBG MAX AZARIA, Betsey Johnson, Charles by Charles David, Grendha, Hype, Junior Drake, Magid, Oscar, Yellow Box and Zigi.  The savings are up to 75% off, so there maybe somethings that fall below the deal category, and into the steal category. My personal picks: the BCBG Quilted Handbags (remind me of Chanel) and the B. Makowsky flats for $39.99

Pictured: This BCBG bag is in the Fashion Vault today for under $45.00.

eBay Opens the Fashion Vault Today with Special Deals

J Lo and Marc Anthony Announce Divorce Plans at the Same Time as Kohl's Launch

Ironically, just as J Lo and Marc Anthony's Kohl's fashion collections are about to launch, the couple has announced their plans to D*I*V*O*R*C*E (Tammy Wynette like capital emphasis here on the Divorce word.)   What does this mean for the upcoming Fall 2011 launch of the exclusive Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony Collections, Kohl’s Department Stores? Who can say? 

Despite the spilt, Kohl's has launched a Facebook contest, offering 15 lucky winners a chance to live it up with their best friend in New York City.   Even though  Jennifer and Marc may no longer love each other, you can show your love them and maybe win in the Kohl's “Best Friends Getaway Contest.”   The contest invites participants to submit a creative video to show why they love Jennifer and / or Marc.  Hint, don't say it's because they are getting divorced and their merchandising empire may be coming to an end before it really starts. Fifteen winners will be selected to win an all-expense paid trip to New York City with their best friend to experience everything that Jennifer and Marc love about their hometown of New York City.

To enter, check out  the Kohl’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/kohls),  where you can also see a complete listing of the contest rules if you enter to win.   I have no idea what the respective collections of this soon to be power couple look like, but, the contest is enticing as I'm sure this power couple did visit some great places in NYC.  What do you think readers? Do you think this fashion line has a prayer?

J Lo and Marc Anthony Announce Divorce Plans at the Same Time as Kohl's Launch

#Carmeggedon: The 405 Closes but Shops stay open with Sales

In case you haven't heard, parts of the Los Angeles Freeway, the 405, are now officially closed for repair. This transportation disaster has been labeled #Carmeggedon on Twitter, and on LA news stations. The traffic overflow is breeding havoc all over the LA area, as quite simply, there just isn't  a good work around.  The closing has made the National news as well as news in states as far away as North Carolina. So what are merchants to do? Well, some enterprising folks are having Carmeggedon sales. Once of my favorites, Michael Stars is offering 25% off all items in LA area stores at The Grove, Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach. Plus, orders placed over the phone at these that mention this promo will also receive free shipping this weekend. And even better, if you can't get into the store to shop, you'll get the discount via a phone order to one of the LA area stores.  This is a great opportunity to get a discount on some great stuff. (I'm looking for the Bethany dress, popularized by Bethany Frankel.)  After all you, don''t have to be a Carmeggedon victim to enjoy the savings, just place the phone call. And despite all the hype, with so many folks staying home in fear, traffic on the Westside is reported to be easier than normal.

If you're interested in a jewelry deal, check out designer Jeffrey Levin this weekend.  The store is offering consumers the chance to "commiserate with LA and get 40.5% off  jewelry in our 3-day sales event. Shop for gifts to give now or even later.  The online store offers jewelry for men and women. To get the deal, enter JLCARMA at checkout through Monday, 7/18.

#Carmeggedon: The 405 Closes but Shops stay open with Sales

July Kiplinger's Magazine Features the Best Bargains of 2011

The month's issue of Kiplinger's Magazine features their Annual Guide to the Best Bargains.  I don't agree with everything the magazine has to say on bargain shopping, but I do like their tips on Mobile shopping to find Bargains and using Social Media to find deals. Before are some of the tips from the magazine I thought you might find useful.

Deal Alerts. Instead of going to deal sites, get alerts via Twitter by subscribing to deal aggregators such as @deals­plus and @CheapTweet. Or subscribe to Deals on Facebook (now available in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, San Diego and San Francisco through your Facebook account) or Google Offers (in Portland, Ore.; Oakland, Cal.; San Francisco; and New York City). You can get also get an instant discount if you note your location with a mobile phone using Facebook, Foursquare and other mobile social networks. But in exchange for the discount, you give up precious privacy because these coupons show in real-time where you’re located.

Mobile Money Saver: Coupon Sherpa. Use Sherpa to get in-store coupons, which you can show on your phone’s screen at checkout. Available on iPhone only.

Mobile Money Saver: ShopSavvy. You can scan an item’s bar code with your phone’s camera or enter product codes manually, then compare prices at other retailers. Available on Android and iPhone.

Mobile Money Saver: ShopKick. Download this app to find deals at stores, and earn points for gift cards and other rewards just by walking into a store and scanning (or purchasing) products. Available on Android and iPhone.

Mobile Money Saver: Scoutmob. Get discounts at restaurants, coffee shops and stores in your city with this Groupon competitor; if you use the deal, you get incentives for return visits. Available on Android and iPhone.

Mobile Money Saver: HotelPal. Book a hotel room at the last minute or on the go. The app uses GPS to locate the best hotel deals in your area, or you can type in a zip code. Available on Android and iPhone.

I'm going to be giving all these mobile apps a looksy. Do you use any of these? What do you think of them if you do?

July Kiplinger's Magazine Features the Best Bargains of 2011

Starbucks Summer Treats Receipt Program: Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Get ready for a massive caffeine jolt says I! Yes, the Starbucks Treat Receipt program is back.  For those of us who need a morning plus, an afternoon pick me up this is good news.  Starbucks is once again offering customers a refreshing afternoon break with their favorite Starbucks cold beverage. From July 18 through September 5, 2011, customers who make a purchase in the morning can bring in their receipt after 2 p.m. and enjoy any Grande cold beverage (16 fl. oz) for just $2 (plus tax) at participating Starbucks stores* in the U.S. and Canada.  But wait, there's more savings.  Starting today and running through Sunday July 17, when customers buy any pack of Starbucks VIA® Iced Coffee, including the new Starbucks VIA® Caramel Flavored Iced Coffee, they’ll receive a free Tall (12 fl. oz.) beverage.


I've been enjoying the Starbucks Carmel Coffee Infused blend and I highly recommend it!

Starbucks Summer Treats Receipt Program: Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Hot Summer Style Deals Today!

As luck would have it some of my favorite designers are on sale today via the discount shopping clubs.  Robert Rodriquez will be on sale at Gilt Groupe today.  I am a fine of his feminine, light designs with lovely embellishments. Click here to join Gilt as my guest to shop.

The other sale I have on my radar is Halston Heritage on HauteLook.  By now, most of us know that actress Sarah Jessica Parker is the style icon over at Halston Heritage and popularized their dresses in the last Sex and the City movie. Click here to use my invite to shop Halston Heritage at HauteLook. Let me know what you find. I expect both sales to sell out quick.

My final tip is for Chanel lovers.  A group called take Pilgrim in New York City with a store on 70 Orchard street is offering an extra 10 percent off today for their Facebook fans.  The sale includes Vintage mint Chanel bags and jewelry!

Hot Summer Style Deals Today!

eBay's Designer "You Can't Fake Fashion Bags" Sell Out, Only Plain Totes Remain

Pictured: You Can't Fake Fashion eBay Bags Sell Out.

Last week, our chums over at the eBay Fashion Vault announced that they had partnered with the CFDA and haute hot designers like Calvin Klein, Tory Burch, Milly by Michelle Smith, Diane von Furstenberg, Rodarte, Kenneth Cole, Coach and Peter Som to make a collection of uniquely styled canvas bags to fight counterfeiting.  Truly a worthy goal. I mean I wouldn't want all those faux Louis Vuittons and Birkins to keep running around NY and Santee Alley in Downtown LA.  Let's put an end to this needless struggle to keep up with the Jones and maintain the exclusivity of that 10k + Birkin bag.  But seriously, ok counterfeiting is bad because it funds drugs, etc.  Years ago, I mentioned that to an LA socialite who was upset that she couldn't get the White LV Murakami bag in the Alma style, so she was looking for a good fake.  When I told her the fakes funded illegal activities like drug rings and terrorism, she responded, "Frankly, I could care less. I just want my Murakami Alma bag for a special event."

So what's the answer when you have these women who not just want, but are convinced they truly need the latest bag trend? :) Well, eBay thought the answer would be to raise money via selling some cool looking canvas bags, made by famous designers that had a cheeky "You Can't Fake Fashion Bags"  tagline.   Or did they? Well, in the blink of an eye the bags have sold out, and there is not even a wait list to get another :)! Most ironically, one of my favorite reads, Styleite reports that because there were only 50 made of each of the  designer-edition totes, priced at  $150 US "the collaboration has netted a whopping $7,500 for the CFDA’s fight against counterfeiting."  That's not exactly enough to stop the multi-billion dollar faux bag industry.  Ironically, it has only created another kind fashion snobbery, the exclusive "You Can't Fake Fashion" Canvas Bags limited edition bag. I wonder how long before the designer bags will be resold on eBay by individual sellers for well over $150.00 US. I'm sure that is already happening.

If you still feel like fighting fakes by buying from eBay, there are a some of the $35.00 non -designer designed plain canvas totes still available. If several thousand of those could be sold, that might actually help make some kind of contribution to stopping counterfeits.

eBay's Designer "You Can't Fake Fashion Bags" Sell Out, Only Plain Totes Remain

Lord and Taylor Announces Royal Wedding Collection

With Middleton fever sweeping North America as Princess Katherine styles her way through California, it's a good time for Lord and Taylor to announce their collection of wedding dresses "inspired" by the dresses worn by Kate and Pippa Middleton. A.B. S. by  Allen Schwartz has replicated the looks that Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen designed for the both sisters and is selling them online and in-store and prices far below the originals.  Kate's bridal gown replica is $1,100 USD and Pippa's bridesmaid replica dress is priced at $390.00.  I wonder how the House of McQueen feels about ABS replicating their designs? After all, Kate's wedding dress was based on Helen Rose's original 1950 wedding dress for Grace Kelly.  Is imitation really the sincerest form of flattering of a violation of copyright? I'm waiting to see.   What do you think ? If you have a wedding coming up are you interested in channeling the Middleton sisters looks?

The Lord and Taylor collection also includes jewelry replicas including Kate's famous diamond acorn drop earrings and Princess Diana's sapphire engagement ring.

Lord and Taylor Announces Royal Wedding Collection

Great Kate: The Duchess of Cambridge Arrives in Los Angeles

William and Catherine photographed by Danny Moloshok/Landov, courtsey of People Magazine.

A great deal of fashion just blew into our fair city. The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton just arrived in Los Angeles, in Beverly Hills to appear at Variety's New Media Conference.  I'm disappointed that neither William or Kate got to speak on the panel! I would've loved to have heard what Prince William thinks of social media, and technology trend.  Kate looks amazing in a lavender  Roksanda Illinic dress.  Roksanda is a Serbia fashion designer who is based in London now.  Her designs are pricey, retailing for hundreds of dollars. She is known for her stunning cocktail dresses, and you can even find a few of them on sale over at the OutNet.  The designer's clothes are literally made by hand, hand-sewn by a seamstress in her native Belgrade. According to NY Magazine, " Ilincic’s dresses in shiny fabrics (silk and satin) with Empire cuts and retro embellishments (poufs, trains, fur) have also done well commercially in the U.K. at big-league retailers like Harvey Nichols." Get ready for those designs to do well everywhere commercially now.

London Sole, maker of adorable ballet flats, reports that their web server crashed with orders for their shoes after Princess Katherine was photographed wearing a pair.

One of the next stops on Will and Kate's tour will be LA's Skid Row downtown to see a small arts center.  How proud Princess Diana would be.

Great Kate: The Duchess of Cambridge Arrives in Los Angeles

Gilt Man and GQ Partner to launch an eCommerce Site for Men's Fashion

If you're a man shopping for the best of fashion, then I've got some good news for you.  PARK+ BOND (www.parkandbond.com )has been announced.  So what is that you ask? It is an upcoming full-price men’s retail site from Gilt Groupe, Inc., and GQ.  Here's the 411. PARK & BOND will host a GQ online store that will feature a selection of products handpicked from the pages of the magazine by the editors of GQ. Beginning with the September issue of GQ, the picks will be designated in-book as well as compiled on GQ.com, driving readers directly to the GQ online store on PARK & BOND to purchase instantly. 

“This is a natural partnership for us, and a great way for us to get our feet wet in the world of e-commerce, but in the end what matters is that it serves our readers,” said GQ Editor-in-Chief Jim Nelson. “Our readers have always shopped from our pages. We’re just making it easier for them.”

“PARK & BOND will be the ultimate resource for men’s retail, and who better to join forces with than GQ, the indisputable authority on men’s style for the past 50 years,” said John Auerbach, President of PARK & BOND.  “We’re absolutely thrilled about working together and feel that it’s a huge vote of confidence that GQ has decided to take their first step into the e-commerce space with us.”

 PARK & BOND will launch in late summer with a highly curated selection of approximately 80 brands and will outfit the luxury customer with a mix of fashion and wardrobe staples.  Launch brands include Alexander McQueen, Isaia, Etro, Paul Smith, N. Hoolywood, A.P.C., Neil Barrett, Thomas Pink, Todd Snyder, Vince, Theory, Common Projects, Brooks Brothers, and Florsheim by Duckie Brown, among others. Meanwhile, you can shop Gilt Man for men's fashions for less.  Today they are featuring STANDARD ISSUE on sale.  Click here to shop Gilt as my guest.

Gilt Man and GQ Partner to launch an eCommerce Site for Men's Fashion

Los Angeles : Special Sale to Benefit Children with Autism

Last Chance is a boutique that carries a mixture of women’s, high end and contemporary designer clothes.  Some of you may recall my review of the boutique and great finds there. The small outlet store/ boutique has been in business for 10 years now and continuously supports local brands (Cynthia Vincent, Eva Franco) and loves to give back to the community.  Researchers estimate that 1 in 38 children now has autism, but diagnosing the condition is fraught with difficulty. With such a high rate of autistic children, the store wants to give back and help support schools, medical offices and other programs to help the kids.  It's a good time to get your shop on for summer frocks and help a worthy cause. I've been to Last Chance in Culver City and they have great stuff.  So mark your calendars for this Friday, July 8th and Saturday, July 9th to shop there. To visit their website, click here.

Los Angeles : Special Sale to Benefit Children with Autism

New Meaning to the Word Killer Jeans: Versace's Sandblasting Techniques for Jeans

Did you know that people in poor countries may have actually died giving jeans made by fashion house Versace a faded look?  Evidently it's a technique called sandblasting.  I was shocked to learn today that Versace used the process of sandblasting and that it can be lethal  So what is sandblasting? It's a  process where workers fire sand under high pressure at jeans.  This process has been known to kill workers in garment producing countries like Turkey and Bangladesh, where jean sandblasting is done manually. The large amounts of silica dust generated during sandblasting can cause silicosis, a potentially lethal pulmonary disease, as workers inhale tiny particles of silica.  And I have to wonder, what does the dust landing on those jeans due to the wearer of the jeans.  The whole thing sounds unhealthy.  You can go to your local Thrift store and get faded jeans, and pay a lot these than Versace changed if you really want that worn look.  Levi's, H+M, C+A and Gucci have all stopped doing sandblasting on their jeans. But not Versace.

And today that caused a social media protest on Versace's Facebook group.  The brand responded by closing wall posts to their Facebook group. That stops their 500,000 Fans from posting to their page.   When someone controls the page, there's no right to free speech. Especially on a Facebook page owned by a corporate brand.  What can you expect? Facebook pages are owned by corporations for the most part. After reading their Facebook wall where activists had posted dozens of messages demanding that the company ban sandblasting, Gianni Versace S.p.A. simply turned off the wall post capability on their wall.

That is their prerogative of course, but there is no way that the flood of social media messages bloggers, Tweeps and individuals are continuing to send the Versace brand. What has happened here is remarkable,” said Meredith Slater, an organizer with Change.org, the world’s fastest growing platform for social change. “Versace customers call on the company to simply follow the lead of other major clothing brands and stop seriously endangering its workers. Instead of responding to the content of that demand, the company decides to try and silence any criticism.”  Well at least on Facebook, where they can turn off their wall. BFD. That won't silence consumers or activists.

I hope Versace gets the message.  Human life is precious, jeans are not. Click here to sign the petition.

New Meaning to the Word Killer Jeans: Versace's Sandblasting Techniques for Jeans

Oxymoron: Victoria Beckham and Budget Fashion

Pictured: A Victoria Beckham Spring 2011 design courtesy of ELLE.com

An Oxymoron is the use of two words, coupled together that really don't belong together. Like when William Blake used the words "marriage hearse" in one of his poems.  Or when Victoria Beckham says she is working on a budget friendly fashion line.  Yes, seriously, last week Women's Wear Daily  (WWD) reported that Mrs. Becks was moving to a mass-market fashion strategy for a new fashion endeavor.  The new line will bear the distinctly original label, wait for it, because you'll never guess it:  Victoria by Victoria Beckham.  This allegedly affordable collection will offer retail prices from £350 to £600.  In US dollars, that is a price range of $562.00 to $964.00.  For those prices, I'd rather go over to Neiman Marcus, or better yet, Neiman Marcus Last Call and invest in some RM by Roland Mouret.  That's because I think Ms. Beckham's fashion are say we say, a "homage" to Mr. Mouret. I do think Ms. Beckham's existing line has some great dresses in it for 2011, I just prefer Roland Mouret for the money.

For those "affordable" prices on Victoria "diffusion line" what can consumers expect? ‘These are the kind of dresses I’ve been searching for,’ Victoria told WWD. ‘The perfect little summer dress, something that was fun, something that was girly, something that was easy to wear, something that would take you from day through to night.’   Seems a bit pricey for that kind of simple dress look, doesn't it?  But wait there's more. The designer formerly known as Posh Spice is going to go after the fastest growing market in fashion today: the Plus size market. As she told WWD, "I’m opening these designs to women and girls of all different shapes and sizes, people who maybe want something less tight and clingy and structured."  That means, the Victoria line will be cut a bit bigger.  I'm still not sure how that justifies the over $500.00 or £350 price tag.

Check out some of the comments from Marie Claire UK readers for more opinions on the price of Victoria Beckham's diffusion line.  In the words of Marie Claire reader Cate Rosewell, "And £350 to £600 price tag is affordable to the ordinary woman in the street? Oh yah - which planet does Victoria Beckham live in? Hasn't she heard there is a recession going on?" Spot on Cate. I think she's on Planet Ka' Ching.

Oxymoron: Victoria Beckham and Budget Fashion

The Changing Face of Shopping : A Look Back at Bullocks Wilshire

Pictured: A view of Bullocks Wilshire from the parking lot. (photo: M. Hall)

What if I told you there was a place were you could buy the very best, made in America, housed in an elegant setting where movie stars would be your shopping companions? Where fur was still sold, and even more shocking those furs were displayed in a special room, where they were  kept chilled. The dressing rooms were large, large enough for you to lay down in, or invite all your girlfriends in for a viewing.  Not, it's not the land of Oz, but shopping as it was back in Los Angeles in the 1930s and event through the 1960s at Bullocks Wilshire Los Angeles.  This one time shopping mecca housed the best of fashion, but there was nothing frugal about Bullocks Wilshire.  Marion Davies was apparently seen shopping there and dragging her fur coat along the floor behind her. Bullocks Wilshire closed in 1993 with the advent of American  shopping malls, discount stores and off-shore cheaply made, lower-priced fashions.  It was inevitable perhaps, but it was the end of a certain type of shopping.  The kind where your mother took you out to look for your 10 key wardrobe stables that you would keep in your closet for years, and mix and match.  Today, we don't shop like that.  We shop for trendy, disposable clothes that won't last until next season.  And then we pick up new ones next season.  Clothes are more disposable and generally not as well made.

Pictured: The inviting changing room at Bullocks Wilshire in Couture (photo: M. Hall)

On July 30th Bullocks Wilshire will reopen its doors for the annual tour sponsored by the Southwestern School of Law.  The former store is now part of the Law School and houses its Moot Court facility and law library. Every summer the school reopens Bullocks Wilshire for a wonderful tour, which also offers attendees the chance to chose to have lunch or high-tea in the legendary Tea Room where stars like John Wayne stopped in, and models in the latest fashions floated between the tables of ladies who lunched. This year, the tour will take place on July 30th. General reservations for the tour will open on July 6th.  If you live in Los Angeles, or are visiting, the tour is a magical experience inside a historic landmark.

Pictured: The design work of Irene Lentz on display at Bullocks. (photo: M. Hall)

 My favorite place at Bullocks is of course the salon of Irene Lentz Gibbons.  The salon is still alive with her fashion presence and some of her sketches are framed and displayed on the walls. Irene's salon was the first of its kind, a boutique within a department store selling the work of a specific designer.

Pictured: One of Irene's sketches on display in her old salon at Bullocks. (photo: M. Hall)

 Her fashion shows were organized at Bullocks Wilshire and models walked among the patrons wearing her classic designs.  Only a few department stores today have live shows in stores, or designer boutiques where the designer actually shows up to work.  Of course, there was a significant expense in maintaining a store like Bullocks Wilshire, and eventually the economic slowdown of the late 1980s and early 1990s put the store out of business.  Today, only the flagship stores for chains like Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue even come close to the standard set by Bullocks Wilshire.  It's worth a look on July 30th to take the tour, and enjoy tea from the original menu.  Click here to learn more.

The Changing Face of Shopping : A Look Back at Bullocks Wilshire

Happy Fourth of July!

Pictured: The view of the fireworks from my home at the beach. (photo: M. Hall)

Happy 4th of July to all The Recessionista's Readers!

Happy Fourth of July Readers! I'm not doing much today except Chillaxin', ie: indulging in naps, swimming and eating. There are sales all over the planet today, but I am only checking them online. Sales include: Bloomingdale's, Loehmann's, Gap, Old Navy, new love Johnny Was, the shopping clubs (see right, under The Recessionista's Top Picks), Macy's and more.

Instead of shopping, I'm cooking. It's all about cheap and cheerful entertaining at home this weekend. I'm so glad I have a BBQ grill!

Enjoy your July 4th Holiday!

Happy Fourth of July!

Royal Reuse: Princess Kate Wears Reiss Again + Reiss 50% off Sale

Pictured: Princess Kate on tour in Canada in her Reiss Nanette Dress (photo courtesy of LOOK UK)

The Duchess of Cambridge, aka Kate Middleton, wore her stunningly simple and elegant Reiss dress again last week during her goodwill tour of Canada. The Reiss Nanette dress has been sold out since Kate was seen wearing it in her engagement photographs.  Like any style savvy fashion plate, Kate updated the dress with some stunning accessories.  She complimented the dress with a charming red maple leaf hat by designer Sylvia Fletcher of Lock & Co Hatters and a stunning diamond maple brooch borrowed from the Queen (who wore it on her first visit to Canada in 1951.)

I love that Kate Middleton is showing the world that is perfectly fine for a wealthy woman, and a distinctly royal one, to wear her clothing out in public more than once! This is, after all, how real women dress. Most of us have some wardrobe staples we like to keep on hand and update with new accessories. It's silly of the press to expect any working woman, even a princess to be photographed in something new on every outing. Who has the time and the expense for that? And remember, the tax payers are paying for all this pomp and circumstance, so I like that Kate Middleton (now Princess Katherine) is sensitive to style economics.  Princess Anne was recently seen at the Ascot races in the same dress and caramel coat that she has worn three times previously.  She first wore the coat in 1980. Nothing wrong with that.  She looked fantastic and her attire was still fashionable.

Pictured: The Reiss Juiletta Dress in Indigo is now on sale for $162.00 reduced from $352.00 US.

If you're interested in Princess Katherine's Reiss style, check out their July 4th sale online.  Some of the fashions are 50% off and my spies tell me you can score a 10% discount on other retail items by entering discount code JULY 4 at checkout.  Unfortunately, the code is only good for Reiss's American fans shopping online.  My pick from the Reiss Sale is the above pictured Juiletta dress.  Indigo has been a favorite of Princess Katherine's and I like the stunning color, simple lines and silk flutter skirt of this dress.  For all we know , this could be the next Reiss dress we see on Kate when she appears here in Los Angeles in 6 days for a polo match near Santa Barbara.

Royal Reuse: Princess Kate Wears Reiss Again + Reiss 50% off Sale