Guilt-Free Shopping

My friend and I were chatting over a Coca-Cola in New York City about fashion. We were on the seventh floor at Bergdorf Goodman discussing how clothing shops around the world are too big with the same products — it’s identical inventory with a different label. In fact, I get a bit freaked out in shops with too much product – it’s overwhelming. Nothing has character anymore, unless of course its couture, and that costs a fortune.

Since I didn’t make it to the couture fashion shows in Paris this week, I made a bet with my friend that I could get a couture look very similar to what’s on the runway for under $200.00. My friend said there was no way I could go out shopping in New York City and find a chic, couture look for under $200.00.

So, I decided to shake off the couture label for a couple of days and prove her wrong. I took her up on the challenge and found that bargain shopping is fun when you’re in the mood. You can get a great look when you dismiss labels, keep it simple, neat, and clean.

I succeeded in finding a jacket on sale for $75.99 (was originally $249.99) at a small Indian shop in Soho. I like to look for really eclectic places. When I walk in, I either get a strong feeling that this is a great place, or the complete opposite, and get creeped out. The jacket was made in India, very simple, made of silk, all black with hot pink trimmed cuffs. This shop also sold mini sterling silver skulls. I bought eight and threaded them on a piece of black ribbon to wear as a bracelet ($25.00).

I paired this with a dress from some overwhelming shop that was $30.00. Very simple, clean lines and short. The key is to find the most basic pieces in huge shops like H&M, Forever 21, and TopShop. I needed to find really tall shoes for a low price, so I went to a random adult shop in NYC on the way back uptown to find silver platforms (closed-toe shoes). Believe it or not, sex shops sell really great platform shoes that aren’t that difficult to walk in for $29.00 (was originally 59.99). Then I bought a pair of black opaque Spanks ($38.00) and I had a chic outfit for a night out in NYC.

I won the bet! You can look great with a budget.

Total Price: $197.99

Top 5 Pieces of Advice:
1. Don’t go overboard to look good
2. Find clean and neat lined clothing
3. Bargain shop/Look for sales
4. Accessorize by stacking bracelets or creating a look with ribbon
5. Find pieces that will look good to throw over black pants and a white shirt

-Daphne

Yves St-Laurent: Fall/Winter 08

I love it when Designers embrace New Media. Here’s the YSL Fall/Winter 08 collection in the form of a creative film short featuring the actor Simon Woods — introduced in Paris last week.
J

Vogue’s Most Wanted

Three “Shout-outs”

The smart ladies at Style.com (Vogue’s website) mentioned some designers we work with on their cool column called Most Wanted.

You should go to the link below as the rest of their Most Wanted items are a tastefully curated selection of goodies. It’s a weekly molotov cocktail of information announced every Thursday, so check it out….
J

Style.com’s Most Wanted column

Longchamp for DJ’s

Longchamp and Michael Gaubert have created a special series of bags for DJ’s. Its called the MG by Longchamp collection. It was launched exclusively at Paris’ Colette in December, but at the end of January 2008, it is available in Longchamp boutiques.

Longchamp is a super classic bag company founded in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain who geared it towards leather-coverings for pipes. By 1950 he made additional smoker items, and by 1955 he starting making small leather goods. Today it’s a global handbag empire, yet still remains a family-run business with the founder’s son, Philippe Cassegrain, serving as President.
J

LONGCHAMP website (Locations, Bags, Online Store, History)

Lauren Davis marries

Congratulations are due to Mr. and Mrs. Santo Domingo!

(Poolside at a Friend’s House)

Last weekend, I boarded a flight (packed full of New Yorkers) to Columbia and headed to the wedding of Vogue Editor Lauren Davis and Andres Santo Domingo.

(Me, rooftop at a friend’s house. At right, the view from my perch)

The two tied the knot with a gorgeous ceremony in Cartagena, Colombia, where Andres’ family is from. The three day affair included dinners, beach excursions and loads of salsa dancing! Lauren wore a beautiful Nina Ricci gown for the ceremony, made especially for her. These are a few fun pics from the weekend.

(View of the square. Wedding Afterparty Space)

(Street Performer in the Old City of Cartagena)

For more pics, including shots from the ceremony and all of the dinners/parties, pick up a copy of the March 08 issue of Vogue!
-Lyle