My Closet = Filled By Diane von Furstenberg

(image courtesy of http://blogs.glam.com)

I am a true city girl. From the designer wardrobe to the inner core that loves taxi rides, skyscrapers and nighttime skyline, I scream city life. It's no surprise that my original post-college plan included a move to NYC (not just a city, but the city), working for a media consulting firm and going to sample sales every weekend. But alas, priorities got rearranged, and while I see that everything worked out for my benefit, when I'm in NYC, I take to it like a fish to water. So, my first NYC sample sale excursion was no different.

The twice-a-year Diane von Furstenberg sample sale occurred this week on 5th avenue. Best friend A attended the past two sales, and always found tons of goodies, even on the last day. This summer's was no exception. $250 spent (yes, only about 2/3rds or so of the price of a wrap dress at Saks) and I'm bringing three tops, two dressy tanks, two skirts, two sweaters and an Andy Warhol collection bikini. My favorite buy, hands down, were the $50 spent on a Vezzano sweater in black. All cashmere, it screams Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffanys. I can hardly wait for chilly fall days when I can pair it with a black trouser and heels on Newbury Street.

Inspired to go to the next DVF sample sale in NYC? Here are a few tips.

The next one is in December.

Want wrap dresses? Go there before the last day, as they're the first items to sell out.

Get there early. A and I showed up a hour early, were the second and third people in line, and were able to have a smooth shopping adventure.

As always, wear comfortable shoes. Don't bring a bag, as checking bags is mandatory. No one needs a detour before being able to rummage through.

Dressing rooms are communal, and normally a crazy circus of women tearing on and off dresses and tops. Don't be shy because, yes, you do need to try everything on.

Don't feel as though you must buy something. A weeded through everything in her size, found a dress and a skirt that are perfect, spent under $100 and has not a drop of buyers remorse.

Happy shopping!

-M

Fashion Roundup!

(image courtesy of: http://www.debutanteclothing.com)

I've been a neglectful bad blogger! My regrets. Forgive me and enjoy the rundown of my interweb findings.

Introducing my new obsession. Theoutnet.com. My alliances are fully with Rue La La, don't get me wrong. But don't tell my boss, but everyone knows that a key to bargain shopping is shopping around. Having choices is key, so just like Marshalls and TJMaxx, we have Rue La La and The Outnet. Tomorrow's deal? Christian Louboutins for $300. While it's a bit much for a pair of shoes, the red soles are so worth it. Also worth glancing at on The Outnet? Their DvF collection. In particular, this silk dress that is 80% off. Jump on that size 4 fashionistas.

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In the advertising world. Welcome the summertime Snuggie, the wearable towel. I know what I need to ask for my next gift...

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Lastly, by now everyone knows that traffic is blocked in Times Square in NYC. I'll be able to see this for myself while I go visit bestie A in her Midtown apartment in a few weekends (just in time for the DvF sample sale!), but my current view? Not even the elimination of cars and taxis can make Times Square any less of a tourist seizure. No thank you.

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-M

"Don't You Just Love A Bargain?"

(image courtesy of: http://agentsofurbanism.com)

Bargain shopping is not a new activity for me and my group of friends. Although the droopy economy boasts our efforts as now-chic and responsible, we spent the better part of our years in school scouring through racks at our favorite discount designer hotspots. Our closets stand stocked with Juicy Couture sweatsuits, Lacoste polos, Seven for all Mankind jeans, and Theory blazers. Our dirty little secret is that we almost never pay full price. I mean, do I look like I can afford a $455 Theory blazer (seen here, on the left)? It's cute, but not 'I might as well sell my first born' cute. My secret? I paid $30 on clearance at a discount shop on the North Shore of Massachusetts. A recent Wall Street Journal article examined such bargain shopping techniques and what it means for the future of retail and luxury goods. Pop Culture Paradox realizes that bargain hunting is an art - one that we feel that we mastered after years (and lessons from our dear mothers) of practice. Let us share some of our secrets so you too can look like you paid a zillion dollars for your first date outfit, when you really only paid about a hundred.

In the WSJ article, it asks, "...What next then for retail? It looks like the immediate answers might be found in three concepts: designer shopping online, discounted online luxury sample sales and discount designer malls." I will admit, it took a little bit for me to jump onto the members-only, online sample sale bandwagon, but once I did, it hit full force. WSJ showcases Gilt Groupe (where, if you're not a member, join here with me as a reference). Their recent sales include Christian Louboutin (!!!), Tory Burch and J Brand. Gilt Groupe is currently holding a Jack Spade sale (only until noon today) where laptop bags are $68 (normally $225).

I can't resist a bit of shameless self-promotion through this blog post, as even better than Gilt Groupe (there, I said it), is the site that I will be full-time Product Writer at, Rue La La (Join as a member through me here!). What's great about Rue La La? For myself and my own benefit, they're based out of Boston, which always gives a company brownie points. But more importantly, their price point is set lower than other sites, allowing the shopper to feel that they truly are getting a deal. Recent sales include Juicy Couture, Kenneth Jay Lane, Moschino Cheap & Chic. Today's new slew of sales include John Hardy and Gottex (whose perfect-for-the-beach miniskirts are selling for $35 -- regularly $98). Later this week expect to log in just in time to nab a new Balanciaga bag or some Hanky Panky necessities.

The other notable online sample sale boutique worth mentioning, Hautelook (If you need to join, comment to this entry with your email address and I'll send a referral your way!). The great thing about Hautelook? Their dead-on perfect sales for twenty-something appropriate casual wear (past sales include C&C California and Habitual) and their focus away from just clothing. Their GoSmile Whitening system sale gave Sephora's price a killing (normally about $50, Hautelook offered the same products for $30 and under), and their upcoming Gaggia sale gives an opportunity for everyone to give their kitchens a facelift through a new espresso machine. On sale right now? Manolo Blahniks. Yes, you read that right.

Before the land of online sample sales - and still my bi-weekly indulgence - are cheap clothing shopping sprees at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Filene's Basement (which recently filed for Chapter 11, despite my best efforts to personally boost their sales). If you're in the Boston area and looking for a deal, take a short drive down Rt. 495 to the Wrentham Outlets. It almost hurts how great these outlets are, and definitely worth the 45 minute drive from the city. How good you ask? Think Off 5th (Saks Fifth Avenue's own outlet) where I bought a pair of Tahari pants for $14 kind of good. A Barneys New York outlet where I nabbed a Barney's brand black satin evening clutch for under $30. A Theory outlet, where best friend A picked up a a colorblock dress that she had seen in a Greenwich, CT, full-priced Theory store only days prior for 60% less. In this economy, a little retail therapy is needed (and justified) - and these places are all like 90 calorie snack packs. They all allow for you to indulge minus the guilt.

-M