Fashion and the Steal

Musings

I created Fashion Steals to share my love of fashion. I honestly, also thought posting about sales would curb my addiction to shopping ... sort of my own self-prescribed 12-step program. That didn't really work out - I'm still a shopaholic.

For a beautiful, well-made piece of clothing, bag or pair of buttery-soft shoes, I have, on rare occasions, pushed back a scheduled bill payment (I luckily have a habit of paying bills before playing with the budget - which has translated, in mind-blowing moments of fashion temptation, into PBJ sandwiches for lunch until the next check).

I've just had to grow up more ... setting (and adhering to) limits on spending plus having conversations with myself, on being responsible and, more importantly, the beauty of not being a slave to a paycheck.

I decided to expand the focus of Fashion Steals to feature not only the unusual designer sales, but to also celebrate the beauty of well-made craftsmanship from emerging and established designers. I'm just an art lover, with an intense focus on wearable art.

Below, are some of my fantasy purchases (I still share):

Bvlgari #130 - Braided Leather Bag - on sale at Billion Dollar Babes

Giles Cashmere Sweater - at Yoox.com

And my all-time favorite purchases:

Versace Glassware, Rick Owens Jacket & Louis Vuitton Small Vernis Agenda:

Armani Just Keeps Going Strong

There is no grass growing underfoot at the Armani camp. Here's the latest news (and design sketches) from both the Giorgio Armani and the Emporio Armani lines:

Emporio Armani
Emporio Armani just launched summer t-shirts, in partnership with PRODUCT (RED). These special T-shirts, in stretch cotton, will be available in Emporio Armani stores in leading cities around the world. The stores, backing the initiative, will dedicate specially-designed shop windows to it. You can also purchase the tees online at Emporio Armani ...

Vogue France has also decided to back (PRODUCT) RED by dedicating the covers of the May issue available now to Emporio Armani (PRODUCT) RED eyewear and the special T-shirts worn for the occasion by famous actresses including Meryl Streep, Penelope Cruz, Julianne Moore and Kate Winslet.

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani dresses select stars of "Iron Man 2" for it's world premiere, in Los Angeles, California.

Gwyneth Paltrow in a Giorgio Armani shorts suit in a gold metallic silk jacquard fabric with a degradé effect.

Scarlett Johansson selected a Giorgio Armani Privé moon-green triple organza lamé cocktail dress with an interplay of ruffles and trimmed in crinoline.

For Samuel L. Jackson, a Giorgio Armani Nehru style gray linen jacket with Giorgio Armani jeans and cobalt blue shagreen print tennis shoes.

Luxe Hotels by Armani

I had to share the pictures of Armani's first hotel, in Dubai, ... others to follow include Marrakech, Marassi (Egypt), New York, Tokyo, Shanghai and London.

...landmark location inside the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building developed by Emaar, the elegant Armani Hotel Dubai is poised to be the most exclusive hospitality destination in the city and a new benchmark for the industry globally.

Occupying floors concourse to 8 and levels 38 & 39 of Burj Khalifa, the hotel features 160 luxurious guest rooms and suites, eight innovative restaurants, exclusive retail outlets and a serene spa. The hotel offers sweeping views of the city complemented with a harmonious and stylish lifestyle environment. Every aspect of the hotel’s design and service offerings has been designed and planned by Giorgio Armani, from the bespoke furnishings to restaurant menus and in-room amenities.

Designer to Watch: Lorella Signorino - Love Sex Money

With a label titled Love Sex Money, you'd expect in-your-face sexy, rocker styles. This is just not the case with designer Lorella Signorino's Love Sex Money collections. Yes the collections can be a little on the funky side, but they are primarily very stylish, pretty and always very wearable.

The Spring/Summer 2010 Collection has pieces with funky luxe notes that could easily be worn in many settings ... the office, a night out, a fundraiser, etc. The fabrics are rich, with wonderful draping and tailoring details.

The Fall/Winter Collection has a touch richer colors and fabrics (with the addition of fur, wool and tweeds). Both collections are definitely for today's stylish woman who wants to look sophisticated and sexy.

photos from vogue.it

Semi-Annual Sample Sale

Yoox has a nice treat for you - Starting today for eight days only!

Click on the link below to go straight to the sale:

UsTrendy: I'm Loving This Site

I'm sooo happy the guys at UsTrendy contacted me about their little gem. I just had to do a feature about this site as soon as possible.

UsTrendy does three great things:

Posts the indie designer's work,
Let's you, the fan, decide what's hot, and
Produces and promotes the top-rated designs you vote on.

Founder/CEO Sam Sisahkti created UsTrendy to help indie designers pursue their dreams ... he came up with the initial concept for UsTrendy after learning of his
friends' career struggles as aspiring fashion designers.

Designers create online shops and enter into competitions to get fan feedback. The top-rated designers can win money towards production, the opportunity to show their designs in fashion weeks, and great exposure.

“I am so thankful to UsTrendy for giving me the opportunity to showcase my clothing in London's Fashion Week. I got to network with some great designers, models and media from London and around the globe. The show and experience was absolutely amazing. I think I am still in shock.”

Dee Dee – Dilly Daisy

Spring 2010

Fashion Week Competition Winner

Since winning, I’ve been contacted by several companies that want me to design for them. I’ve also been asked to participate in some major fashion design weeks. It’s definitely pushed my career to new levels.”

Cynthia Wells

Spring 2009

Competition 1st Runner-up Winner

You just register as a fan, and then shop one-of-a-kind designs from around the world. Plus, you get a chance to have a say in what is Hot and to win prizes for doing so!

To begin voting, shopping and to learn more, go to UsTrendy

Two Nice Sale Events in London

Buy My Wardrobe

Buy My Wardrobe is a fashion recycling event that first launched in Feb 2008. The initiative - a number of carefully selected uber-fashionistas gathering for one-day events to sell the contents of their fabulous designer wardrobes to discerning members of the public.

Buy My Wardrobe puts glitz and glamour into recycling. A different line of Wardrobe Mistresses are selected to sell their wears (sic) and with indulgent treats, style tips and pampering at each event. Former Wardrobe Mistresses have included ex-publishing director of Elle Magazine Elaine Foran, Gucci Group Executive Mimma Viglezio, What not to Wear stylist Zoe Lem and TV Presenter/writer Giselle Morley.

Their next event is:

Saturday, 8th May 2010
12noon till 4pm
@ Supperclub, 12 Aklam Road
London W10 5QZ
(off the world famous Portobello Road)

DSUK

There will be new, bold, bright prints from Allegra Hicks and Dolce & Gabbana; designer royalty with Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano, plus a whole host of new designers at DSUK's April Event.

PLUS, DSUK is giving away 30 Designer Jamboree bags to the first 30 purchasing customers. Each bag will have wrapped a Designer label present inside. You could own a Designer garment absolutely FREE with your purchase at DSUK.

Offer valid on Thursday, 22nd April 2010 only, to the first 30 purchasing customers.

Preview day
First chance to buy
Thursday 22nd April
12noon - 10pm

Public days
Friday 23rd April
11am - 9pm

Saturday 24th April
11am - 8pm

Sunday 25th April
11am - 5pm

Venue
The Old Truman Brewery, 85 Brick Lane
London E1 6RU

(Doorway the same side and next to Dray Walk off Brick Lane).

Transport
Nearest tubes:
Aldgate East
Liverpool St.