The best deal ever on a Mackage jacket

I just uncovered the best deal EVER on a Mackage jacket. Bloomingdales is having their extra 50% for 5 day sale and there's also a 15% extra e-coupon (ESALE).

All this combines means that the super stylish Mackage Ava Glam Jacket below is now only $163, originally $550.

WOW! BARGAIN! Move over eBay! Hurry up! I'm sure it will run out by tomorrow morning at Bloomingdales.com.

Hayden Harnett Blowout Sale

I've never owned a Hayden Harnett bag but everytime I browse their site, I'm amazed at how many designs they have each season. I also think they have great designs that with just enough detail without going over board. They are also very reasonably priced relative to their competition.

They're currently having a big winter sale with items nearly 70% off. There's a great selection and it's really hard to resist!

My favorite is this Staci Crossbody bag. I've been using oversized headbags for the last 8 years. It's time for a change! I love especially the lipstick color and the $98 price tag!

If you need a new wallet, I think you'll find the claire clutch to be very fab!

The best deal seems to be the Jinhee tote for $142. It's 70% off. The resin chain reminds me of this season's Marc Jacobs Suvi Dream Tote. I really like the blueberry color. It's sharp and unique.

And if you're into fringe bags, the Wyeth bag is 60% off at $190. What a steal for one of the most popular looks this season!

Are these Zac Posen bags really ugly?

I can't make up my mind as to whether the Zac Posen Trillium bag and Aster Tote are cute or ugly. You can argue that there's just too much going on with the bow, the pleats and the circle chain handles. On the other hand, the details are intricate and would light up a simple outfit.

Regardless, they are a steal on eLuxury. The Trillium tote (which comes in black and eggplant) was originally $1450 and now it's 1/3 the price at $579. The Aster Tote was $1750 and now is only $699. If you like it, I would totally go for it!

Leave some comments and let me know what you think!

Sweaters by Pixie

Happy New Year! It's one of my new year's resolution to blog more this year.

The retail world has really changed since my last blog post. With the economy in the dumpster, there's just so many deals going on. My inbox is flooded everyday with special promotions (like 40% off the ENTIRE store). Another interesting thing is that the british pound has seriously devalued in recent weeks. I guess our friends in the UK are suffering from bad economy as well. One nice side effect is that the merchandise at ASOS is suddenly 50% cheaper. Coupled with the end of season sale, there's tons of deals to be found.

I recently discovered Pixie, a Laden showroom brand featuring soft angora/wool/cashmere mix sweaters. Pixie sweaters have funky and fun details like pretty bows and over the top ruffle sleeves. I'm totally loving them and ordered the pink bow sweater below! What a great way to make a fashion statement in 2009 for $100 or less! Hurry up, they're running out fast!

Fall must have: A Black School Girl Blazer

Recently, I've been checking out some Japanese magazines with their point of view on Fall 08 trends. The black school girl blazer was featured prominently as a must have item. I'm so glad the blazer is back since it was pushed aside to the back of the closet last season.

A true school blazer would also feature a emblem/badge so my top selections all have this pertinent detail.

If you're immune from the bad economy and still willing to splurge, I'd go for this beautiful jacket from Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, available at Net-a-Porter for $680.


If you hate the emblem detail and prefer something more simple, this simple Phillip Lim jacket is super elegant.

For something very timeless, get this Rag & Bone jacket from Ron Herman for $518.

Most of us feel the urge to cut back on spending. I think this Acqa jacket from Bloomingdale's is quite awesome for $128.

For the ultimate cheap thrill, get this legacy blazer from Urban Outfitter for $64.99 on sale!

Now you may not be a Blair Waldorf but more of a Serena Vanderwoodsen on Gossip Girl. This means you prefer something more funky. This LaRok jacket looks awesome and it's only $200!

I always save my fav for last. I love this Elizabeth & James jacket. It combines the black blazer with another fall must have trend which is plaid.Or go for something more reasonably priced from Anthropologie and just throw on a plaid scarf.

Kooba Tracy Bag - how bad is the economy?

I'm normally not a huge fan of Kooba but I find their designs this season smashing! I especially love the Kooba Tracy bag. The leather has a real vintage feel and it's also very light weight so it won't break your back. Needless to say, I've been on hold. I don't feel like paying $600 for a handbag.

So when I saw the Tracy bag for 30% of at Shopbop, I was really surprised. I guess the economy has really gone bad for this bag to go on sale. Hurry up and snatch it up!

Or if you have the money to splurge, the brand new studded version looks awesome as well!

Soia & Kyo - I want them all!

The Canadians really know how to brighten up their winter with stylish coats. I first started noticing Soia & Kyo jackets last season. I though they were ok, definitely not as stylish as Mackage.

However, I'm really loving Soia & Kyo's Fall 2008 line. What I love most is how reasonably they are priced. Sure they don't have all the fancy leather trim from Mackage coats but they're just as stylish with asymetric cuts, BIG buttons and super cool stand up collars.

Soia & Kyo jackets are available at Nordstroms, Bloomingdales, Revolve Clothing and Tobi. They are also available directly from the Soia & Kyo web site.

Their wool jackets are to die for. The purple jacket below is well priced at $295 and it is available at Tobi for 25% until 9/18/2008 using the coupon FALLATTOBI!

Oh! I really want a white coat!



I love puffy down jackets. You can throw them around and not worry about getting them dirty because they are machine washable. Soia & Kyo down jackets are even better bargains. This one below is called the Lory and it is only $195. Check out the ballon sleeves!

And how about a slick leather jacket for $330?

Oh, how am I going to pick amongst these fantastic choices? Do you guys have any favorites?

MS By Martine Sitbon

Designer handbag prices are OUT OF CONTROL this season! I don't know if it's due to the weakening US dollar or the overly strong sense of entitlement that these designers possess.

Either way, how many of us can pay nearly $2000 for a designer handbag?

So when I saw these very reasonably priced handbags from Martine Sitbon's MS line, I felt like I scored! These bags range from $300ish to $400ish dollar. It's a great price point for such simple and sleak silouhettes from a European designer. They are all available on ShopBop.




For a truly great bargain, check out this silver messenger sac on sale at Vivre for $210!

Rachel Comey Shoes Online Scavenger Hunt

I've been a huge Rachel Comey fan since last summer when I discovered these fabulous studded sandals. Rachel Comey designs are the definition of effortless chic! The designs are simple, architectural and so totally cool. They're also very reasonably priced between $200 to $300.

Her spring/summer 08 collection is dead on gorgeous! I want all of them. For all of the fans out there, here's a compilation of all the stores that carry Rachel Comey shoes.

Shopbop is great start. You can bet the shoes will go on sale in another month or so. Pastel colored suede heels are very hip this season and these stacked heels are perfect in either beige/purple or pink/grey suede ($300).

Steven Alan uniquely carries the Ando sandal in a low heel. A bunch of stores carry this style with a low wedge in black, grey and orange but I personally find the low heel to be very versatile for both day and night occassions. The only issue with these shoes is that they are really hard to put on with the elastic band around.

Gargyle also has a good selection with some very cool designs from past seasons on sale.

Tobi has one of the most extensive collections. These are simple and elegant at $264.

I love these oxfords in white! They are so old school! Available at Creatures of Comfort for $275.

Other stores that carry Rachel Comey include:

Oak NYC - http://www.oaknyc.com/women/shop-by-brand/rachel-comey/

Gimme Shoes - http://www.gimmeshoes.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=42&osCsid=a2b7246ea807fa9cb5c4ae3962802c0f

Anthropologie (no clues on web site, you'll have to identify the styles) -http://www.anthropologie.com/

La Garconne - http://www.lagarconne.com/store/designer.htm?pid=252&sid=367

Happy shopping!

Spring 2008 trend: Flower Power

I'm ecstatic that flower patterns are back in center stage this spring season. It's been so long overdue! Flowers were huge when I was in high school and then it sort of took a back seat for many years. For my spring purchases, everything I've bought has been sprinkled with flowers, especially the tiny flower patterns.

Topshop is one of the best shopping destinations to catch this trend (so is Anthropologie). Inspired by this Monet like look from Stella McCartney, I put together a cheaper alternative at Topshop.

This camisole from Topshop is fantastic. Doesn't the pattern look exactly like the Stella dress? And it's only 25 pounds!

I'd also suggest coupling flowers with ruffles, another hot trend this season, like this cardigan from Topshop.

Of course, cool linen cropped trousers:

Why not go overboard and add this super cute t-strap Mary Jane flats?

Your entire outfit adds up to 100 pounds or $200! Sweet and floral!

Reviving the Khaki

American designers re-invented the denim. These days no one wheres anything else but jeans. Khakis are also part of the all-American closet but unlike jeans, designers haven't really paid close attention to khakis so season after season you see the same old boring designs. Here's 2 styles from the Gap:


But khakis have so much potential! I'm glad that the designers at Topshop decided to take the Khaki for a spin and churned out these great designs. Khakis are a bit formal than jeans but with these totally modern designs with unique touches, they're super spiffy! They're approximately 25 to 35 pounds.

Pretty Pink Handbags for Spring 2008

Recently, I've been totally in the mood for a pink hued handbag, especially the rose and blush shades. May be it's because of Easter, may be it's because I'm already sick and tired of seeing those bright blue and yellow handbags so early in the season. In any case, if you're looking for color, I think these subtle pink shades are so much more lasting than a yellow handbag that will most definitely look hideous by next summer.

Miu Miu totally leads this trend. I've been dreaming about these bags for a few weeks now. Almost all their recent classics come in some shade of pink this season. Here's the Matelasse handbag in a rose pink. All of them are available at Neiman Marcus (either online or in store).

If you don't like the brighter pinks, I love the shade of this blush weave bag. Let's say it's the fashionista's easter basket :) It's $1595 though!

Now on to cheaper alternatives. I would say this Gryson bag from Saks.com looks great but it's not so cheap at $890.

This Kooba shiny metallic pink bag is available at shopbop.com for $645. It's not my taste but if you're looking for 2 trends in one, it's a great choice.

Coach also hits the trend with the popular legacy bag in rose pink! Sweetness!

If you like something closer to nude, try the Botkier Cleo Satchel for $525.

I've been trying to find something more reasonably price. This Juicy bag at $375 is a good bet. If you hide the dog key chain, it doesn't look Juicy at all!

Wow! This Temperley Handbag is NO Target merchandise

I rarely pay any attention to the many shopping flyers that hit my inbox each day because I'm usually so religious about checking out the what's new sections that I tend to find out when good stuff hits before the store shares it with the world.

But I somehow missed this fab bag which came through from the Shopbop newsletter this morning.

I don't think I've had such a stunningly positive reaction to a designer bag in a LONG time. The Temperley Gigi handbag is so understated, the lines are so clean, yet it looks like a showstopper!

I am so in love with it that I have to post it. I've located 3 colors on the internet so far. The black and pewter snake ones are available at shopbop.com. The black snake is available at http://www.shoptwigs.com. They range from $1295-$1395.



I don't think Alice Temperley plans on making a PVC version for Target anytime soon :)

Spring 2008 Vinyl Shoe Mania

Vinyl or jelly shoes have been slowly making headway the past few seasons. It looks like it may actually break through for Spring 08. After all the vinyl look really complements the punchy colors of Spring 08 really well.

First of all, vinyl wouldn't be a trend unless Stella McCartnery uses it. Since Stella doesn't use any leather in her accessories, vinyl is a logical choice. She combines it with the ombre trend here and these shoes look surprisingly lux! It's $785 though. Not sure most of us can afford it.

On the other hand, Salvatore Ferragamo continues to make these super adorable jelly flats this season. To order your pair, call in to any Ferragamo store. It's not stocked anywhere online. It's $115 - a great deal for a pair of Italian made plastic shoes :)

The vinyl trend has even caught the attention of Chanel. Check out these cool Camelia sandals.

Vinyl can work for evening as well. These Pedro Garcia shoes are available at eLuxury.com for $475.

Many more affordable brands are also going vinyl. Check out these MJ vinyl flats for $275.

Many designers are also interlacing leather with vinyl. Check out these fab designs from Loeffler Randall and Goldenbleu from eluxury.com.

And even Kate Spade is taking her very popular jewel flat and turning it vinyl! Available at Bloomingdales for $275.

3 shopping tools I can't live without

I can't believe it's been so many weeks since I posted. Things have been a bit hectic lately so sorry about the hiatus.

As much as most of fashionista's despise all things geeky, technology has really changed our world. Were it not for the Web, I highly doubt that there would have been so many emerging designers in the last few years. Online boutiques and store fronts reduced the barrier to entry and gave everyone a chance to reach out to their potential customers.

When it comes to online shopping, there are 3 tools I cannot live without. If you haven't discovered them yet, now is your chance to take a spin!

1. Tabbed browsing

This feature is available in both Internet Explorer and Firefox and is indispensable for power browsing, especially during sales seasons. The key is to click on the middle mouse key whenever you see a link an item you like. This way you can stay on the main page with all the listings without having to jump back and forth using your browser's back/forward button.

The picture below shows you how I effectively browse through the amazing 70% off sales rack at Shopbop.com.

2. Shopstyle.com

Shopstyle is the fashionista's search engine. If you've ever been bummed out that a store ran out of your size, ShopStyle is the place to go to find alternate stores that carry the same item.

Coincidentally, one of the founding engineers of ShopStyle (now part of Sugar Network) was one of my ex-co-workers. When I found this site over a year ago, I thought it held great promise but it lacked coverage across all the boutiques I like to ship at. We all know that Froogle is total junk when it comes to finding fashion labels a fashionista cares about. So I promptly wrote to him and gave him a list of 50 online boutiques I'd like to see up. Sure enough my feedback was heard and ShopStyle is totally amazing! No wonder it's now part of the Sugar empire.

3. Retail Me Not

When you're ready to seal the deal, be sure to go to retailmenot.com to check for online coupons. It's major $$$ savings you're missing out on if you don't!